Juniour handler competition!

So I thought I'd do a quick update about a show we went to today. It was a flyball demo at a fair that I have been going to for the past three years. Last year I took Indi, before he was attacked, and they had the same competition and I came 1st with Ernie's brother Alfie in juniour handler! So, I decided to have another go with my own dog this time!
Of course, we didn't come 1st. Ernie doesn't seem to be able to win anything above a 4th! Yes, we came 4th! The thing was, it was a different judge and they judged different things. The one with Alfie was watching the bond between dog and handler more than the actual handling. This one was more about the handling. Nope, I'm not a very good handler especially when it comes to showing. Ernie is not a show dog, he's not even pedigree so I've never had any need to properly teach him how to be a show dog. He found the whole thing pretty boring actually. He wasn't motivated at all and dragged a bit when we had to run around. Also I didn't hold the lead up like your supposed to when showing. Ernie did stand well though, but that was the only thing he did well. We still came 4th though, and to be honest I'm surprised we got that high up!
I'm not really bothered about it though, it definantly showed me what we need to work on and what to do next time - if there will be a next time! I have a lot of work to do with all my dogs this winter, but as the long dark nights draw in there will be plenty of time for training! The whole show showed me a lot, and gave me a lot of new challenges! Ernie was pretty scared about the loud drums so that will be one thing to work on. He also refused to pick up the ball when we had a go at some flyball.
One thing I really need to work on with him is his confidence around new people. When he's at shows like he today its normal for people to come and pat him and say hi. He is not so happy to say hi to them, so we definantly need to work on that. If it means going around with a clicker and clicking everytime someone strokes him then so be it! It will probably scare a few people, but I really want to beat this problem. So plenty of work to do this winter!
I also have tonnes of work to do with Indi. His whistle training is going astonishingly well. He has grasped the idea so quickly, and when he's looking out the window at next doors dogs, all I have to do is toot the whistle and he turns away and comes to me! I wish I'd used this method earlier because it has worked so well for him.
So there the updates. No new photo's, although I do have some I will add them to my next post! I am also in the middle of making a new video. I still need to find time to film the rest of the new tricks, but I will hopefully soon!
Well no more news. I shall keep posting about Ernie and Indi's progress, mainly for my sake so I can see how they improve and keep track!