I speak much of movement, and the capacity of movement to influence the dogs understanding of motive and direction. This beguiles some into thinking that I must advocate a system of spinning and twirling like a dingledodie through the course. But, in fact, I recognize that the main drama of competition is simple meat and potatoes handling. The handler should constantly support his dog, move with a purpose, and give focus to the obstacle the dog is working and the path the dog is to be set upon.

An elder Cherokee man was teaching his grandchildren about life. He said to them, "A fight is going on inside me. It is a terrible fight between two wolves. One wolf represents fear, anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

The other stands for joy, peace, love, hope, sharing, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, friendship, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith."

"This same fight is going on inside you, and inside every other person, too", he added.

The Grandchildren thought about it for a minute and then one child asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The old Cherokee simply replied... "The one I feed."

For many years I’ve held a private notion that “skunking the class” probably means that the riddle itself probably stunk the joint up. I’m fairly positive that most people who’ve ever trained with me could actually do this gamble so I’m just going to assume that the class wasn’t ready for the challenge at this particular trial. So do note that I’m not particularly taking credit for any stinkage.

One of the fun things about DOCNA is the commitment the organization has to different games. I found Snakes n’ Ladders especially interesting. This is a game for the agility strategist. This game combines elements of “Snooker” and “What’s My Line” and has a bit of the flavor of NADAC games like “Weavers” and “Tunnelers” (though is considerably more interesting than either).

Sometimes I look back at a thing that I’ve written and it occurs to me that I’ve told an incomplete story. Indeed you’d think that I focus over-much on error while failing to give a grand slap on the back or two. Continuing with my discussion of handlers at the DOCNA trial in Tucson this past weekend I will say that I was impressed over and over again; and typically by any display of gutsy handling, good dog training science, and, frankly enthusiasm and spirit.

The North American Challenge is the qualifying event for DOCNA’s national tournament. I’ll have to do a little research before I really grasp it completely. I understand that the event is held in two different geographic locations. I don’t know how they actually do that but I’ll check into it. I’ve about decided that this will be a fun venue for my own dogs and so I shall start looking for events in the Ohio valley.

After a weekend judging DOCNA, a very fun new venue, down in Tucson, I’m awed by the growth and advancement in skill of trainers and dog handlers. You must know that I am an Arizona boy, and I began my agility career there. Being an old timer I remember when our skill and knowledge of the game was quite primitive. While I saw only a few faces from the old days the enthusiasts who play agility were very fun and frankly quite gracious hosts. It was my complete pleasure to work with them.