I think my fellow club members are smoking crack, but here it goes

Our original spring trial was supposed to be the 1st weekend in June and I didn't think we'd quite be ready for our 1 so I was passing it up. However, our club TD qualified for the WUSV selection trial so we rescheudled to the end of July. Lots more time.............BUT I'll also have a 5 week old or so! I was sort of thinking showing up and supporting people would be a stretch and trialing wasn't even on the radar. Well, my TD, the club prez, and a couple other people think I should go for it. UM, ACK! I think it's not doable, but what do you guys think?? Obviously a million things would need to align in order to do this, buuuuuuut. Their optimism has me hopeful?

I would think it mostly depends on the actual birth (complications and recovery) but you know that. I've had relatives that have been out doing stuff days after having a baby. One couple I used to babysit for hired me back once their newest baby was 4 weeks old (and they tried to get me the week earlier but I was busy). I love newborns so I liked taking care of him at 4 weeks. If your club is supportive (let you come and go to tend to the baby, leave to nurse, etc), I don't see anything wrong with keeping the option open. I've had times where I've really overbooked myself and it ends up being a blessing because I usually get performance anxiety but with so many things going on at once don't have time to worry! I'm sure a newborn would be like that x100, lol.

Hummmmm........ been years since I had a baby! Being active before baby helps you after baby. You bounce back faster. Pioneer women gave birth adnnkept right on working!

You will be sore and muscles loose so you don't want to strain anythnig. Throwing the dumbbell requires some umph but not too bad. I doubt you would be able to train much in the first few weeks. Can a club member keep Medo's training at peak for you in the first several weeks after baby is born?

I think Lies is right, as long as they give you time to care for baby and help you out, you might be able to do this. Bring hubby too, he can sure help.

I'm a horrible thrower so my dumbbell isn't going to go far no matter what (and darn you, IPO for taking out allowing that step!!!!).

The few weeks after birth is what I"m worried about. I could board him for like a week at my TD's and have her do some training with him daily to keep him on the up and up. We'd have to pay for it, but it might be worth it so I"m not too stressed about training AND getting him enough exercise right after birth. Like keep him home for a week to get used to the baby, then a week at my TD's?

I don't know if anyone remembers, but before I was pregnant I started a thread worried about how my club members would react to a baby since there hasn't been any kids around for a LONG time. Well, the vast majority are totally smitten with the idea of having a kid around again and are already vying for holding time, haha! With the exception of the fabulous gay guy in the club who hates kids (and we had a little talk and he had to concede there are worse things I could come up with to torture him with ) And yes, the hubby would be there too (think he'll get the AD on Elsa).

Well, I"ll keep the option open and see where it goes. It's not like I can't do something last minute if I decide to give it a go. I"m not so much worried about being "active" and getting through the routine, it's more everything that goes into it--packing the baby stuff, prepping myself and the dog, being out there ALL day and not really having anywhere proper to go rest or get away, etc.

With your attitude I think this is a go!!!

I'd almost say pass on this trial and prepare for the next..

And I would definitely air on the side of caution- on your TD having your dog stay with her so she can do some training with him.. That could give up your HOT status..

That's a good point. As silly as it sounds I guess that might cause issues. I guess if he goes there to give me a break he'll just have to do the usual running around with the 4-wheeler.

And yes in reality I'd probably be sitting this one out, but having a goal that I won't necessarily stress myself out over would be nice...becasue you never know the starts might align. I do feel like if I don't consider it I'll just slack off since we likely aren't having a fall trial so I'll keep saying "oh, I have a whole year!!"

Goals are good! And I do hope all works out for you after the baby is here..

Best of luck to the soon to be new addition!!

I don't think a couple of weeks boarding with the TD keeping the dog up on training you have been doing for a few years will compromise your HOT status....I remember recently reading something about the definition that some help is acceptable as long as the the majority of the training is done by the owner...

Letting him stay with someone while you have and acclimate to the baby for a few weeks is not unreasonable.

Lee

Lee,

Someone recently shared a story with me that suggests that people will go out of their way to give you a hard time in that kind of circumstance. I personally think it's abosolutely ridiculous that would screw someone out of their HOT status, but apparently it happens.

We were talking about him being there anyway for about a week or so no matter what depending on how wild he he around the house without getting much exercise and no attention (I'm too cheap for it to be more than that, hahaha!) At least it would just be one dog. Elsa will be a doll I'm sure so we weren't planning on sending her anywhere.

Ah, this thread reminds me I still need to find somewhere easy to stick the dogs the night I'm in labor so DH doesn't have to run home....I don't want to use our normal kennel we use when they don't go to the TD's....they STINK so bad there and need a bath immediately. I need a stink-free location to keep the dogs for 24 hours!!!

I thought I'd give an update on this thread. Still cooking that little bun although I wouldn't be upset if he made an appearance very soon!

Things have been progressing nicely in training. The retreive is the thing I was most worried about and that has been coming together nicely. The biggest thing with Medo is keeping it looooow key. As soon as he gets wound up he starts to chew. I went back to a loer value food reward for it and it has helped clean it up. But even then he has his moments. Tracking I thought wasn't on track (har har) but then I kind of thought about my standards for training and what I do is much more difficult than a basic SchH 1 track. So I should be set there. All the pieces of protection are there.

Sooooooooooooo. I think it really might be a possibility without stressing me out too much. Still TOTALLY a play it by ear thing, but there is nothing so lacking I don't think we can get through it. Granted, things are simply not fine tuned enough for me to think we're going to do something like V, but I don't think we'll bomb anything either.

wish you luck on both trialing and delivering!

Yep, I expect you should be taking the litle bun out of the oven any day now! Hope all goes well for you with baby and trial.