Freestyle Lesson #4 with Critique

Published on by Xena, Lucy and Chia

I sure do go through a lot of different emotions when it’s time for Freestyle. Here they are in the order I experienced them yesterday.

    1. Anticipation: We’re going to Freestyle! Yay!
    2. Fear: I’m riding in the truck *shudder, pant, pant*, I’m riding in the truck *shudder, pant, pant* the whole 40 minute drive there.
    3. Dominance: We pulled into the parking lot and I immediately forgot to be afraid. Instead, I saw the other dogs outside getting ready to go in (code for pottying) and I grrr-ed and postured.
    4. Fear of Humiliation: We got inside and I had just gotten on Mommy’s lap when I realized I forgot to “get ready to go in.” I didn’t want to poop in front of all those other dogs and have them laugh at me or see me as less dominant. I started shaking again.
    5. Excitement: It was suddenly our turn to show everyone our homework and I just knew we were going to ace it.
    6. Exhaustion: I slept most of the way home.

I threw in an extra turn and, after hesitating for only a split second, Mommy made it work with our short little routine. I think I did everything right. Of course, the first comment was, “She’s just so doggone adorable!”

Someone took a video. She didn’t do as good a job at videoing as I did at dancing, but here it is anyway.

That’s me getting my treat at the end. I thought you might be interested in reading the commentary afterward. It was all about things Mommy could do better.

  1. The opening shape: Stand up straight, Keep front leg closer and use her toe to make a better line.
  2. Praise on that yahtzee turn. That’s the one on the left side of your screen where we both turn outwards at the same time.
  3. Although Mommy wore all beige clothing to try to diminish her and highlight me, it didn’t work. They suggested she try all black.
  4. Use smaller hand motions.
  5. At the very end, finish getting her long legs down on the floor before I am completely in my down, he, he.

It seems that Mommy has a lot to work on, so we better go get busy.

I am Xena the Freestyle Schnauzer Warrior Princess

28 thoughts on “Freestyle Lesson #4 with Critique”

  4. Thank you Ruby. We keep trying to get better and practice, practice, practice at home. It’s so much fun, especially cause I get lots more treats when we practice! Xena

    Like

  8. OMD, you guys are PAWSOME!!!!! You gurls have really improved since the last Freestyle!
    I am barkin’ my approval nows!!! Oh, and I was barkin’ my approval all the way through too…..
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

    Liked by 1 person

  19. Xena you and Mom are both doing great for just 4 weeks. I think the waggily tail bow at the end is adorable, and will make the Judges smile. You’re a good team, soon you’ll just be floating around the floor.
    Granny T

    Liked by 1 person

  25. I think you both did a super job… it was fun to watch, I am so sorry you have so much anxiety getting there… applause applause from Big and Momma….

    Liked by 1 person

  26. I’m wiv the soooooo adorable team!!!!
    I LUFFS watching you bounce along Xena, that’s just how I go walkies, too cute fur words AND you scored a TREAT! Pawsome work there
    Loves and licky kisses
    Princess Leah ccc

    Liked by 1 person

  27. Hari OM
    Xena, I can see your improvement and it is wonderfurs. I love to see the doggy dancing at Crufts (which was on here last week) and I remember dancing with Jade-dog. Such fun!!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

    Liked by 1 person

  28. Xena the applause at the end was well deserved and we enjoyed your pawformance, you are a super talented princess! …btw: the mama said she will wear all black too for the future dog events, it fits to our souls and to the result we get at the end BOL

    Liked by 1 person

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