November 2005 Draft Test
(Click on first picture to advance to larger pictures in photo gallery)

Off Leash Obedience	Heeling Pattern	Perfect Halt	Ready for Recall
Nice Front	What Focus	Group Down	The Back Up
Lost on the Course	Sharp U Turn	Getting Ran Over	Out of Sight Down
Pulling a Head of the Pack	Catching Lead Stewards	The Hill	Through Creek
Finish Line	Group Picture

On November 13, 2005 Cyrus and I participated in our second draft test, the Newfoundland Club of Northern California was the host. We had practiced a lot and have come a long way since our spring draft test and I was pretty sure that Cyrus and I had what it took to actually pass this time. The two things Cyrus really needed to practice were the SLOW command and how to back up. Going into the test he was mastering both which gave me great hopes. The obedience part of the test was a breeze for Cyrus; I must admit of all the dogs testing he by far looked the sharpest out there. As we stood to wait for our turn in harnessing and hitching Cyrus’ nose started to twitch I the air, I knew at that point he knew that there was a female in heat on site. I was just hoping that his brains would stay in his head long enough for us to pass the next three steps of the test. Harnessing and hitching went well but we failed on the maneuvering course. When ever we went in the direction on the course of the female in heat Cyrus would pass up the turn and I had a hard time redirecting him but on a positive note he did every one of his back up commands which I was just thrilled about. I also blew it for his when I directed him into the low narrows I didn’t know until after that part of the test that he had one tire in and out of the narrows, which is an automatic fail. The rest of the test he passed and did really well on the three minute out of site and the one-mile freight hall was no problem for him. He was the last entry number on the freight haul but with his speed and enthusiasm he passed everyone and placed himself right in back of the lead stewards. Despite not passing he gave a really great effort and after a giving him time off with no training for a while we’ll pick up in late winter and start practicing again for the spring test.