Pico had a pretty good time in Wichita, where she competed at the Incredible Dog Challenge. She could’ve done without the 93 degree heat, particularly because she gets so crazed about diving that she works herself into a frenzy, but otherwise I think she gave it two dewclaws up!

Pico had some really good practice jumps, so I wasnt too worried about how we’d do the next day. I hoped to at least make it to finals, which we did. We finished 5th with two jumps of 26′01″.  I was quite happy with those numbers, particularly after I saw that better placement of the toy in the air on my part would’ve gotten her at least a foot or more on one of those jumps.

The very best thing about the weekend was that Pico was used to demonstrate the sport. The reporter, who I’ve seen do the commentary on other IDC programs, was looking for a dog to demonstrate and Pico was picked. Personally, I think they made an excellent choice, as Pico has great stamina and can jump all day. She needed to, as it took many tries to get it right.

Usually the reporter does her speech with the handler near her on the dock, and when she finishes the dog jumps past her. I suggested that she jump Pico herself, which she agreed to do. So, I held an impatient, foot stamping Picoroni while the reporter talked, and then released her when she said “And now here’s Pico to demonstrate!” I have to give the reporter credit, she got the speech right, timed the throw right AND managed to throw the toy in the pool and not the microphone, which I probably would’ve done. We got two really really good jumps from Pico so hopefully it will be televised!