Ultimate Air Dogs Event @ The Berlin Fair

Ultimate Air Dogs had an event at the Berlin Fair and Kastle came along to take advantage of the prime socialization opportunity. He is way too young to actually compete/jump. But, he had loads of people of all ages come up to meet him (who can resist a puppy!?) and a lot of random, uncontrolled dogs that independently introduced themselves as well. He greeted everyone with a smile and a wag and good manners - he even tugged with a couple of strangers. I was very, very proud.

I want him to get the hang of the atmosphere/pool right away so when he is old enough to compete (6 months old), it will be no big deal. I put him in the pool at one end and asked him to swim to the exit ramp and then actually use the exit ramp like a big dog - he was a champ!

Because it was a fair, there were barns full of animals: cows, horses, sheep, goats, chickens, rabbits etc. I took the opportunity to walk (or sometimes carry) Kastle throughout to see the animals. Kristin and Idaia came along as well and Kastle really like having Idaia there for support.

Kastle's favorite animals were the sheep - they were interested in him but very low key so there was no pressure. I was hoping for this reaction because I would like to try him in herding when he gets older.

The cows were fine because they didn't really care about him enough to interact so he could sniff/watch from afar.

 He was good with the pigs when they were indifferent:

The next pig was very, very curious and interested in Kastle and I however, and it snorted right in his face - shooting bits of shavings into his face. He wasn't too thrilled and I spent quite a bit of time being calm and touching the pig until Kastle finally did the same and then we moved on.

"I no like pigs..."

This next one wasn't anywhere near as interested so Kastle liked him a lot better!

 

Next up were the horses - they were really good with Kastle too. I had to pick him up to reach their faces. He was interested but he didn't like it when they inhaled deeply because it almost sucked his little nose right up their nostril!

Socializing is hard work!

After the livestock barns, we took the loop through all the crowds with the rides and everything. Kastle was totally oblivious - he concentrated more on jumping on Idaia LOL

By the time we left this evening, we were all tired!