She also tried a Chute for the first time. All we did at this stage is to hold the fabric up and let hr come through the barrel, then over the bunched fabric to exit. She was a little put off by it at first. We did it several times, took a break, then went back to it and she was more comfortable. Stopped there.
10.09.2011
Table
Since Daz's "down" has come along nicely, we have introduced "table". We did our table at home and she quickly got that "table" is immediately followed by "down". We went to the training building and after introducing her to the table there, then asked for "down". She seems to be getting it... (thank you Lianne for reminding me break down a behavior when moving it to a new location! )
She also tried a Chute for the first time. All we did at this stage is to hold the fabric up and let hr come through the barrel, then over the bunched fabric to exit. She was a little put off by it at first. We did it several times, took a break, then went back to it and she was more comfortable. Stopped there.
She also tried a Chute for the first time. All we did at this stage is to hold the fabric up and let hr come through the barrel, then over the bunched fabric to exit. She was a little put off by it at first. We did it several times, took a break, then went back to it and she was more comfortable. Stopped there.
10.02.2011
Tunnels!
A few weeks ago I had occasion to spend a few hours at the BRAG (agility) building while chiropractic appointments were going on. I just had to be there to open the building and be around while folks were coming and going. So I took Daz to train and keep me company. No, I did NOT train her for hours. It WAS a great opportunity to work her for a few minutes, take a break, then work again 30-40 minutes later.
In addition to the teeter and contact board work we played in the tunnels. She had been through a straight tunnel previously, when she was very young. I had someone hold her at one end while I called through, but she hadn't done one for awhile.
I set up one tunnel, perfectly straight and plopped her little self down, aimed at the opening, using a hand motion to encourage her through. After several attempts where she ran back out to jump on me, bite at the tunnel edge, etc. she finally got it and ran into the tunnel. I raced to the other end and when she came out I clicked/treat and we had a party. We did that several times, from both ends of it. I was very careful to have her chase me well out of the tunnel, to avoid that "tunnel peeper" syndrome where they like to play hide and seek and run back in the tunnel or lurk right at the end.
Next round of tunnel I set up a second one, about 8-10' from the first. I again ran her through the first tunnel; c/t. Then I showed her the second one and encouraged her through. She raced on in; out the other side. C/T and party! We turned around, went into tunnel #2, c/t, then raced on back through tunnel #1; c/t and party!
Then we turned and did BOTH tunnels, one right after the other before the reward and party. Did that several times and boy was she having fun! Well that was pretty cool, but now to make sure she's still paying attention to ME. I send her through one tunnel, then veer off at a 90° angle, calling her name. She was momentarily confused and started towards the second tunnel opening, but then opted to follow me instead. She got a c/t in Recall to Heel position while moving, then another puppy party.
On our final tunnel session that afternoon we alternated running two tunnel with running one and then going away from them. She seemed to "get" that the game was to pay attention to what I was asking. Hope it sticks!
I would like to reiterate, these training sessions are VERY short each time. I always try to quit while she is still engaged and wanting to work, rather than waiting till she is starting to get bored or distracted!
In addition to the teeter and contact board work we played in the tunnels. She had been through a straight tunnel previously, when she was very young. I had someone hold her at one end while I called through, but she hadn't done one for awhile.
I set up one tunnel, perfectly straight and plopped her little self down, aimed at the opening, using a hand motion to encourage her through. After several attempts where she ran back out to jump on me, bite at the tunnel edge, etc. she finally got it and ran into the tunnel. I raced to the other end and when she came out I clicked/treat and we had a party. We did that several times, from both ends of it. I was very careful to have her chase me well out of the tunnel, to avoid that "tunnel peeper" syndrome where they like to play hide and seek and run back in the tunnel or lurk right at the end.
Next round of tunnel I set up a second one, about 8-10' from the first. I again ran her through the first tunnel; c/t. Then I showed her the second one and encouraged her through. She raced on in; out the other side. C/T and party! We turned around, went into tunnel #2, c/t, then raced on back through tunnel #1; c/t and party!
Then we turned and did BOTH tunnels, one right after the other before the reward and party. Did that several times and boy was she having fun! Well that was pretty cool, but now to make sure she's still paying attention to ME. I send her through one tunnel, then veer off at a 90° angle, calling her name. She was momentarily confused and started towards the second tunnel opening, but then opted to follow me instead. She got a c/t in Recall to Heel position while moving, then another puppy party.
On our final tunnel session that afternoon we alternated running two tunnel with running one and then going away from them. She seemed to "get" that the game was to pay attention to what I was asking. Hope it sticks!
I would like to reiterate, these training sessions are VERY short each time. I always try to quit while she is still engaged and wanting to work, rather than waiting till she is starting to get bored or distracted!
9.30.2011
More on Daz's teeter
I was on vacation for a week so Daz had some time off from training. I took her along to my class last night to work before Neat's class started and then again after I taught a class.
I started with her on the teeter with the slight drop we had worked before. After a few time of that with no problem I changed table to increase the drop. Apparently it didn't bother her!
I started with her on the teeter with the slight drop we had worked before. After a few time of that with no problem I changed table to increase the drop. Apparently it didn't bother her!
I do still need to emphasize to her that she works with me no matter what else is gong on. She can get distracted by the other things going on around her, but she is just 7 mos. old. We'll continue to work at home without distractions and in other environments WITH them as well.
9.17.2011
Daz's teeter
I took Daz down to the BRAG building the other night before my classes began to work her. There is a class going on out on the floor while I work with her off to the side. I like that she is learning to work with distractions and action going on near her. Okay, so once she DID decide to race out onto the floor and greet her Auntie Pam, who was teaching a class. She loves her friends. This was the class Lianne and Dexter were working in, so it was good focus practice for both Daz AND Dex.
Daz LOVES the jungle gym teeter play! Even reached up to grab the end about 6" up, slammed it down so she could get on because she got impatient waiting for me while I was getting more cookies. She races back and forth on it now, with good bit of drop going on.
We also worked on a board flat on the ground to practice our RTO behavior. She doesn't do as well with the longer, thicker board as she does at home. When we go down next time (which now won't be till after my Vegas vacation) I need to remember to bring her board from home. Let her learn to do the familiar board in the new place, then introduce the new and different board.
We also worked on walking at my side, not forging ahead and doing some turns as we walk. So far, very pleased with my little girlie in every way. Another conformation show tomorrow (Sunday) with a total of FIVE Podengos entered! Anyone iterated in results can check the Casa Do Sol blog.
Daz LOVES the jungle gym teeter play! Even reached up to grab the end about 6" up, slammed it down so she could get on because she got impatient waiting for me while I was getting more cookies. She races back and forth on it now, with good bit of drop going on.
We also worked on a board flat on the ground to practice our RTO behavior. She doesn't do as well with the longer, thicker board as she does at home. When we go down next time (which now won't be till after my Vegas vacation) I need to remember to bring her board from home. Let her learn to do the familiar board in the new place, then introduce the new and different board.
We also worked on walking at my side, not forging ahead and doing some turns as we walk. So far, very pleased with my little girlie in every way. Another conformation show tomorrow (Sunday) with a total of FIVE Podengos entered! Anyone iterated in results can check the Casa Do Sol blog.
9.13.2011
Baby Daz learning the basics
So it is time for Daz to make her debut on the Podengo Agility blog. For general updates on Daz see the Casa Do Sol blog. Here I will try to keep up with what she is doing towards her hopeful agility career.
Even though she isn't really doing anything that would much resemble agility to most people yet. Being a very small girl, I am already thinking towards teeter. Early on she and Vettel were both put on a variety of surfaces to get used to different things under their feet. Then I gave them a balance disc to play on. I followed that up with putting a board on the balance disc that tipped and wobbled when they walked on it.
After Vettel left, I kept up with Daz moving things. At a suggestion from another small breed owner, I taught her to use a paw to close cabinet doors, so she got to know she could use her feet to move things and control them.
Separate from moving things, we also started working on a contact behavior. While she will eventually not do a stop on the end of contacts most likely, I do want to teach her the process and to respect the bottom, so we began work on Rear Toe style contact behavior, based on Linda Mecklenburg's 1RTO article that appeared in Clean Run many years go. (the photos in the article are my sweet little Neat, btw.)
Two weeks ago we got to where she walks along the plank lengthwise and offers the behavior, then moved on to me propping it off my deck steps to make it a slope for her, since I have no actual contact obstacles in my back yard. Actually, I DO own a very old teeter, but after many years of use and sitting outside the board has disintegrated and needs replaced. I hope to get that done before too much longer.
Last week I took it a step further and had Daz down at the BRAG building to work. I set the teeter with both ends on tables and enough padding so that it didn't move at all. She trotted happily back and forth along it, so we took some pads out one at a time to introduce movement on the board. She got a "click/treat" each time it moved. She had a blast, going back and forth!
I am anxious to move on in her contact training!
Even though she isn't really doing anything that would much resemble agility to most people yet. Being a very small girl, I am already thinking towards teeter. Early on she and Vettel were both put on a variety of surfaces to get used to different things under their feet. Then I gave them a balance disc to play on. I followed that up with putting a board on the balance disc that tipped and wobbled when they walked on it.
After Vettel left, I kept up with Daz moving things. At a suggestion from another small breed owner, I taught her to use a paw to close cabinet doors, so she got to know she could use her feet to move things and control them.
Separate from moving things, we also started working on a contact behavior. While she will eventually not do a stop on the end of contacts most likely, I do want to teach her the process and to respect the bottom, so we began work on Rear Toe style contact behavior, based on Linda Mecklenburg's 1RTO article that appeared in Clean Run many years go. (the photos in the article are my sweet little Neat, btw.)
Two weeks ago we got to where she walks along the plank lengthwise and offers the behavior, then moved on to me propping it off my deck steps to make it a slope for her, since I have no actual contact obstacles in my back yard. Actually, I DO own a very old teeter, but after many years of use and sitting outside the board has disintegrated and needs replaced. I hope to get that done before too much longer.
Last week I took it a step further and had Daz down at the BRAG building to work. I set the teeter with both ends on tables and enough padding so that it didn't move at all. She trotted happily back and forth along it, so we took some pads out one at a time to introduce movement on the board. She got a "click/treat" each time it moved. She had a blast, going back and forth!
I am anxious to move on in her contact training!
5.09.2011
Quick Update - CCDAC
Panic - CRAPPY start line stays... they were so good at our last indoor trial, but I know outdoors is much tougher for her. Will have to start working on that in exciting situations (like ball throwing). She Q'd 3/6 - got a snooker, jumpers, and relay. She was SO close in gamblers. Both standards I think were a total mess! She was hilarious though. Had a blast running 16" and with no startline stay was a good distance away from me in a lot of runs. I must start working on my speed!
Dexter - Andy decided he wanted me to run him, so on Saturday we ran Jumpers. IT WAS AWESOME!!!! He Q'd with a most gorgeous run of 4.75 yps. He is such a great little man. Sunday he ran standard and actually did pretty well, but quit halfway through. Since I was pretty sure we wouldn't even get off the start line (han solo was being himself right outside of the ring as we were setting up, and dexter was not too happy with it), I was honestly thrilled with what we got.
Spry - Got our first standard leg!!! Probably would have gotten another one on Sun but she apparently had to both pee AND poop. So her run involved a lot of excess running past obstacles, and she was overtime. Barely made time on Sat due to fixing the poles about a million and a half times. Her poles used to be awesome so must pull those out again. She also got her 2nd A Snooker Q. Really she had some good runs and I was happy with her 1st outdoor trial of the year!
More detailed post, and videos, later :)
Dexter - Andy decided he wanted me to run him, so on Saturday we ran Jumpers. IT WAS AWESOME!!!! He Q'd with a most gorgeous run of 4.75 yps. He is such a great little man. Sunday he ran standard and actually did pretty well, but quit halfway through. Since I was pretty sure we wouldn't even get off the start line (han solo was being himself right outside of the ring as we were setting up, and dexter was not too happy with it), I was honestly thrilled with what we got.
Spry - Got our first standard leg!!! Probably would have gotten another one on Sun but she apparently had to both pee AND poop. So her run involved a lot of excess running past obstacles, and she was overtime. Barely made time on Sat due to fixing the poles about a million and a half times. Her poles used to be awesome so must pull those out again. She also got her 2nd A Snooker Q. Really she had some good runs and I was happy with her 1st outdoor trial of the year!
More detailed post, and videos, later :)
5.06.2011
Canine Combustion USDAA this weekend!
And all three pups are entered! Yes, I know I have four dogs. Obv I mean the three un-retired ones :)
Spry is running in Steeplechase this weekend. Uh yeah, I am pretty sure we are not gonna Q. If she manages to run clean (and I mean clean as in no running around the jumps too, even though that's not faulted) she should be fast enough. But that probably will not happen :) We'll see. I am also REALLY hoping for a standard leg finally. Also she is in A Snooker both days and *does* already have one snooker leg... how cool would it be to run in Masters at our next trial?
BUT. This is our first outdoor trial of the year. That usually equals lots of suckage. For Panic at least. I think partially bc I can never run as fast outdoors (and the field is probably going to be muddy). And partially because, hey, WOOHOO WE'RE OUTSIDE, and HEY, did you KNOW, it's much FASTER to JUMP off the DW WAY TOO FREAKING EARLY! At least that's what I imagine goes through her head at the first outdoor trial of the year. And that's Panic. I don't know if I can possibly imagine the amount of joy that will be coursing through Spry's veins as she runs agility outside for the first time this year (save for a few short sessions of jumps in the backyard).
Andy is running tha dude man. Standard one day and jumpers the other. I am excited to see that! He loves running with his daddy. This is also the only place he's ever gotten a USDAA standard leg before, so it could go well!
Updates and video once we get back!
Spry is running in Steeplechase this weekend. Uh yeah, I am pretty sure we are not gonna Q. If she manages to run clean (and I mean clean as in no running around the jumps too, even though that's not faulted) she should be fast enough. But that probably will not happen :) We'll see. I am also REALLY hoping for a standard leg finally. Also she is in A Snooker both days and *does* already have one snooker leg... how cool would it be to run in Masters at our next trial?
BUT. This is our first outdoor trial of the year. That usually equals lots of suckage. For Panic at least. I think partially bc I can never run as fast outdoors (and the field is probably going to be muddy). And partially because, hey, WOOHOO WE'RE OUTSIDE, and HEY, did you KNOW, it's much FASTER to JUMP off the DW WAY TOO FREAKING EARLY! At least that's what I imagine goes through her head at the first outdoor trial of the year. And that's Panic. I don't know if I can possibly imagine the amount of joy that will be coursing through Spry's veins as she runs agility outside for the first time this year (save for a few short sessions of jumps in the backyard).
Andy is running tha dude man. Standard one day and jumpers the other. I am excited to see that! He loves running with his daddy. This is also the only place he's ever gotten a USDAA standard leg before, so it could go well!
Updates and video once we get back!
4.25.2011
SO PROUD OF MY DUDE MAN!
Dexter had a big day yesterday, and I am so happy with him :)
First, in the morning mom came over with the puppies. She came in first to say hello to my dogs so they could kind of get their crazies out. Then she brought the pups in while they were in their crate and set it down for our guys to sniff. At first Dex went nuts making all kinds of noises including little growls - although then we realized it seemed like he was growling when he thought Spry was too close, and he kept putting himself between her & them. Then we let the pups out and boy oh boy did he LOVE them! Not even one single time did he look like he wanted to be a jerk to them. He just acted like a big goof, making silly noises and trying his hardest to be adorable and get them to play with him. They weren't sure they were impressed.
Then last night we went over to my in-laws to pick up my Nook which I had forgotten, and brought Dexter to meet Anuka (again). The first time did NOT go so well, it was at the training building and it was so dumb on my part. I let him meet Anuka when they were both hyped up, Dexter was on leash, and he was at "his" building. All of these things set us up for failure. Dex snarked him several times, and really sounded nasty. Spitting mad. Yuck. Last night we went outside at the in-laws, put Anuka on leash and let Dexter off-leash. They said hello, Anuka was kind of up in his business but Dex had the chance to leave if he wanted. Dexter did growl a few times and warning snap a few times when he thought Anuka was too close but it wasn't bad. We let them off leash and one time Dex did nip Anuka's flank when Anuka semi-trampled him, Anuka was STUNNED someone would do that to him, and after that they were pretty much fine. Ran around together and were very close to playing. they both wanted to and would start to initiate it but would then back off. The one thing we still hvae to work on is Dexter not getting nasty when he's getting pet and Anuka comes up. He was pretty possessive of people.
So overall reading that whole paragraph again I realize it doesn't sound that good but really I think in person Dexter's warnings were OK and appropriate (except when getting pet). He is a small dog and Anuka is a 10 month old crazy whippet with limbs that flail everywhere. I think it's OK for Dexter to want the other dog to know boundaries and that trampling is not ok. And after a few minutes they were all happy. We actually even took them all on a walk in the woods (on leash is when Dexter tends to be more of a jerk) and even on leash and hyped they were GREAT together!
First, in the morning mom came over with the puppies. She came in first to say hello to my dogs so they could kind of get their crazies out. Then she brought the pups in while they were in their crate and set it down for our guys to sniff. At first Dex went nuts making all kinds of noises including little growls - although then we realized it seemed like he was growling when he thought Spry was too close, and he kept putting himself between her & them. Then we let the pups out and boy oh boy did he LOVE them! Not even one single time did he look like he wanted to be a jerk to them. He just acted like a big goof, making silly noises and trying his hardest to be adorable and get them to play with him. They weren't sure they were impressed.
Then last night we went over to my in-laws to pick up my Nook which I had forgotten, and brought Dexter to meet Anuka (again). The first time did NOT go so well, it was at the training building and it was so dumb on my part. I let him meet Anuka when they were both hyped up, Dexter was on leash, and he was at "his" building. All of these things set us up for failure. Dex snarked him several times, and really sounded nasty. Spitting mad. Yuck. Last night we went outside at the in-laws, put Anuka on leash and let Dexter off-leash. They said hello, Anuka was kind of up in his business but Dex had the chance to leave if he wanted. Dexter did growl a few times and warning snap a few times when he thought Anuka was too close but it wasn't bad. We let them off leash and one time Dex did nip Anuka's flank when Anuka semi-trampled him, Anuka was STUNNED someone would do that to him, and after that they were pretty much fine. Ran around together and were very close to playing. they both wanted to and would start to initiate it but would then back off. The one thing we still hvae to work on is Dexter not getting nasty when he's getting pet and Anuka comes up. He was pretty possessive of people.
So overall reading that whole paragraph again I realize it doesn't sound that good but really I think in person Dexter's warnings were OK and appropriate (except when getting pet). He is a small dog and Anuka is a 10 month old crazy whippet with limbs that flail everywhere. I think it's OK for Dexter to want the other dog to know boundaries and that trampling is not ok. And after a few minutes they were all happy. We actually even took them all on a walk in the woods (on leash is when Dexter tends to be more of a jerk) and even on leash and hyped they were GREAT together!
4.21.2011
4.20.2011
CPE weekend in review
First of all, check out the new, springy pics on the side :)
Panic ran with my friend Dee. They had a really awesome weekend - 9/10 Qs. Panic is now in L5 for jumpers, L4 for everything else except wildcard which she is still in L3 for. The only NQ was Jackpot, and it was a hard one that I was pretty sure she wouldn't get :) Traditional jackpot, 20 foot distance, with layering. Yeah, no big surprise on the NQ there! They looked good together and I am looking forward to seeing them run together at CPE Nationals in June!
Spry was 8/10 and I was mostly very happy with her weekend. Unfortunately we went back to not reading my LOM as well and having more spinnies. But, since we have not practiced AT ALL since Feb (other than my short practice Weds working the tire and short sequences), I am not surprised. Also, the trial was at our building where she gets higher than usual and then more focused on me.
Some very good things:
1) Contacts were great. She came off the end of 1 DW (stopped 4 on the floor), and one teeter as I FCd but other than that held them. Fast DWs. Teeter could use some more confidence. She slammed one AF, I wish she would take off closer to the bottom of it instead of launching onto it from several feet out! I assume time will help this.
2) Stays were fantastic. I tell myself every trial to try to keep this criteria solid and so far, so good. I think I did better this weekend on release, pause, move as well.
3) I have to review the videos but I don't think she took ANY off courses. At least no tunnel off courses and I don't think any off courses at all. Wow, that is HUGE for her!
4) She responds to deceleration well, and turns pretty tightly if I cue a wrap using it.
Some not as good things:
1) Weave poles - she had a hard time staying in her poles this weekend. I am not sure we had any courses w/12 poles, and she never popped out once she got going, but she had a hard time staying in after making the entrance. Or making the entrance at all. She does slip more on the rubber, and was super high. Will have to work on this at home though.
2) FMFCs... if my motion is going forward still, she is not collecting AT ALL! Must work on this.
3) Spinnies - I tried to run hard and show her where to go, and I think this is probably still my fault mostly. Also all non-wings so that might have made it harder for her.
4) KEEP YOUR EYE ON YOUR DOG! On Sat Std I sent her to a tunnel and turned to run the finishing line of jumps. Glanced back to see her, turned my eyes forward, kept running. really did not tell her at all which side of me to be on, so she chose the wrong side, ran around a jump, and I wasn't sure if she took it or not. BAD MOMMY!
Panic ran with my friend Dee. They had a really awesome weekend - 9/10 Qs. Panic is now in L5 for jumpers, L4 for everything else except wildcard which she is still in L3 for. The only NQ was Jackpot, and it was a hard one that I was pretty sure she wouldn't get :) Traditional jackpot, 20 foot distance, with layering. Yeah, no big surprise on the NQ there! They looked good together and I am looking forward to seeing them run together at CPE Nationals in June!
Spry was 8/10 and I was mostly very happy with her weekend. Unfortunately we went back to not reading my LOM as well and having more spinnies. But, since we have not practiced AT ALL since Feb (other than my short practice Weds working the tire and short sequences), I am not surprised. Also, the trial was at our building where she gets higher than usual and then more focused on me.
Some very good things:
1) Contacts were great. She came off the end of 1 DW (stopped 4 on the floor), and one teeter as I FCd but other than that held them. Fast DWs. Teeter could use some more confidence. She slammed one AF, I wish she would take off closer to the bottom of it instead of launching onto it from several feet out! I assume time will help this.
2) Stays were fantastic. I tell myself every trial to try to keep this criteria solid and so far, so good. I think I did better this weekend on release, pause, move as well.
3) I have to review the videos but I don't think she took ANY off courses. At least no tunnel off courses and I don't think any off courses at all. Wow, that is HUGE for her!
4) She responds to deceleration well, and turns pretty tightly if I cue a wrap using it.
Some not as good things:
1) Weave poles - she had a hard time staying in her poles this weekend. I am not sure we had any courses w/12 poles, and she never popped out once she got going, but she had a hard time staying in after making the entrance. Or making the entrance at all. She does slip more on the rubber, and was super high. Will have to work on this at home though.
2) FMFCs... if my motion is going forward still, she is not collecting AT ALL! Must work on this.
3) Spinnies - I tried to run hard and show her where to go, and I think this is probably still my fault mostly. Also all non-wings so that might have made it harder for her.
4) KEEP YOUR EYE ON YOUR DOG! On Sat Std I sent her to a tunnel and turned to run the finishing line of jumps. Glanced back to see her, turned my eyes forward, kept running. really did not tell her at all which side of me to be on, so she chose the wrong side, ran around a jump, and I wasn't sure if she took it or not. BAD MOMMY!
4.15.2011
Comparison
Peanut's 1st leg of any sort was Juniors 5/1995, I have no idea when we started entering Starters classes, if it was before or afer that leg.
Fancy started showing 9/5/1998 I think. That's when she got her 1st leg at least, and she would have been 18mo 8/27/1998 so it must have been her 1st trial.
Date Dog Title Length of Time Competing
5/24/1997 Peanut AD ?
8/1/1998 Peanut AAD ?
4/21/2001 Peanut SAM ?
4/2/1999 Fancy AD 7mo
9/12/1999 Fancy AAD 1yr
3/11/2001 Fancy RM 1yr 6mo
9/2/2001 Fancy JM 3yr
9/8/2001 Fancy MAD 3yr
6/2/2002 Fancy SM 3yr 9mo
11/16/2002 Fancy SAM 4yr 2mo
6/5/2004 Fancy SCh 5yr 9mo
9/10/2006 Fancy JCh 8yr
Fancy started showing 9/5/1998 I think. That's when she got her 1st leg at least, and she would have been 18mo 8/27/1998 so it must have been her 1st trial.
Date Dog Title Length of Time Competing
5/24/1997 Peanut AD ?
8/1/1998 Peanut AAD ?
4/21/2001 Peanut SAM ?
4/2/1999 Fancy AD 7mo
9/12/1999 Fancy AAD 1yr
3/11/2001 Fancy RM 1yr 6mo
9/2/2001 Fancy JM 3yr
9/8/2001 Fancy MAD 3yr
6/2/2002 Fancy SM 3yr 9mo
11/16/2002 Fancy SAM 4yr 2mo
6/5/2004 Fancy SCh 5yr 9mo
9/10/2006 Fancy JCh 8yr
Interesting stats
I feel like I've been running Dexter for eons... NOT SO! He has been competing in USDAA for 1yr 3.5mo at this point. Panic has only been competing for almost 4 years! It also feels like much longer. So it took Panic 5mo to get her first title (4 trials). Took Dexter 9.5 mo, 9 trials. This is honestly not so bad! Yeah it's a lot of time/trials to get one title but considering the fact that he had to get over buzzer noises, being scared of contacts, and well, just the general dude factor, that's not too bad :) It took Spry only 4.5mo and 3 trials to get her first title, so that's even less than Panic. Panic has 161 Qs in USDAA (counting all Qs from all levels except overall team Qs, I counted individual DAM Qs) which averages out to about 40/yr, I'm pretty pleased with that :)
Date Dog Title Length of Time Competing
9/22/2007 Panic SS 5mo
9/22/2007 Panic SG 5mo
9/22/2007 Panic SJ 5mo
10/28/2007 Panic AJ 6mo
10/28/2007 Panic AS 6mo
2/9/2008 Panic AD 9.5mo
5/25/2008 Panic JM 1 yr 1mo
7/6/2008 Panic SM 1 yr 2.5mo
1/18/2009 Panic AAD 1yr 8.5mo
4/5/2009 Panic SCh 1yr 11.5mo
4/18/2009 Panic JCh 1 yr 11.5mo
6/20/2009 Panic MAD 2yr 1.5mo
7/18/2009 Panic SAM 2yr 2.5mo
8/8/2009 Panic JCh-Br 2yr 3mo
8/9/2009 Panic SCh-Br 2yr 3mo
8/16/2009 Panic RM 2yr 3.5mo
5/8/2010 Panic TM 3yr
6/5/2010 Panic ADCH 3yr 1mo
6/5/2010 Panic GM 3yr 1mo
6/6/2010 Panic TM-Br 3yr 1mo
8/29/2010 Panic SACh 3yr 4mo
8/29/2010 Panic Jch-S 3yr 4mo
10/30/2010 Panic SPJ 3yr 6mo
10/31/2010 Dexter SG 9.5mo
1/15/2011 Panic SPS 3yr 8.5mo
1/15/2011 Panic PD 3yr 8.5mo
1/15/2011 Dexter SS 1yr
1/16/2011 Panic SPK 3yr 8.5mo
1/16/2011 Spry SS 4.5mo
Date Dog Title Length of Time Competing
9/22/2007 Panic SS 5mo
9/22/2007 Panic SG 5mo
9/22/2007 Panic SJ 5mo
10/28/2007 Panic AJ 6mo
10/28/2007 Panic AS 6mo
2/9/2008 Panic AD 9.5mo
5/25/2008 Panic JM 1 yr 1mo
7/6/2008 Panic SM 1 yr 2.5mo
1/18/2009 Panic AAD 1yr 8.5mo
4/5/2009 Panic SCh 1yr 11.5mo
4/18/2009 Panic JCh 1 yr 11.5mo
6/20/2009 Panic MAD 2yr 1.5mo
7/18/2009 Panic SAM 2yr 2.5mo
8/8/2009 Panic JCh-Br 2yr 3mo
8/9/2009 Panic SCh-Br 2yr 3mo
8/16/2009 Panic RM 2yr 3.5mo
5/8/2010 Panic TM 3yr
6/5/2010 Panic ADCH 3yr 1mo
6/5/2010 Panic GM 3yr 1mo
6/6/2010 Panic TM-Br 3yr 1mo
8/29/2010 Panic SACh 3yr 4mo
8/29/2010 Panic Jch-S 3yr 4mo
10/30/2010 Panic SPJ 3yr 6mo
10/31/2010 Dexter SG 9.5mo
1/15/2011 Panic SPS 3yr 8.5mo
1/15/2011 Panic PD 3yr 8.5mo
1/15/2011 Dexter SS 1yr
1/16/2011 Panic SPK 3yr 8.5mo
1/16/2011 Spry SS 4.5mo
Update
I know it's been eons, but I haven't been doing anything! We are going back to school for nursing which leaves me little time to train :( So that means Spry hasn't done a single thing agility wise since our Feb CPE trial. I did get down to the building on Wednesday to practice tires and other things since we have another BRAG CPE this weekend. We practiced one jump stuff and I also ran short sequences where I'd vary the tire height each time so she actually has to pay attention to how high it is. Seemed to help some, she was slightly hesitating before the tire which at least tells me she is thinking about it. Knowing her that slight hesitation will not last long, and hopefully the "thinking" part sticks around. I don't know if I ever posted it or not, but while we were in Maui, she crashed another tire at a USDAA trial where I had a friend running her :( That was probably 100% my bad - she is too excitable still and adding a new handler to her couldn't have helped. But she just has no common sense where pain is concerned!!
So this weekend we are doing CPE, in a few weekends USDAA up in Michigan. I entered her in Steeplechase - trying to Q her for nats (just for fun of course). If we can throw down a run where we manage to hold it all together I think she will Q no problem! She is getting better at not darting halfway across the course for tunnels so that will help :) That will be my goal for this weekend - be VERY clear about my cues and don't let her take tunnels that she picks out in courses where it doesn't matter (like jackpot & fullhouse). She will do what I tell her to do. And hopefully I will not break myself.
So this weekend we are doing CPE, in a few weekends USDAA up in Michigan. I entered her in Steeplechase - trying to Q her for nats (just for fun of course). If we can throw down a run where we manage to hold it all together I think she will Q no problem! She is getting better at not darting halfway across the course for tunnels so that will help :) That will be my goal for this weekend - be VERY clear about my cues and don't let her take tunnels that she picks out in courses where it doesn't matter (like jackpot & fullhouse). She will do what I tell her to do. And hopefully I will not break myself.
3.03.2011
Fancy
Fancy celebrated her 14th birthday on Sunday. I created a facebook album of her here. This should work for you even if you aren't on facebook.
I got Fancy when I was 12. I already had my Border Terrier, Peanut, and was looking for my next dog. I was planning on getting an NSDTR - Tammi Stone (Skillman then!) was going to be breeding her Cede who I just adored. However, I was offered the chance to raise, train, & show a Sheltie for Claudia Frank. I was even going to be PAID to do it!!! Seemed pretty awesome to me, and I loved Claudia's shelties and knew I'd have a great time running on in agility. The Sheltie would also need to be shown some in confirmation and eventually bred and would have pups for Claudia's program. I gladly accepted this offer.
It was a very cold night in April, when BRAG was still training at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. Claudia had picked up this little ball of fluff and brought her to me. I was anxiously anticipating her arrival, and when she came, I just couldn't believe how adorable she was. Tiny, freezing (she had come from North Carolina where it was much warmer!), and fluffy - she stole my heart in an instant. I had to finish running in the class I was participating in but couldn't focus - my mind was with that tiny pup. After class I cuddled her up and nuzzled my face in her soft puppy coat. I was totally in love.
Fancy grew up, and was great to train. I don't remember anything being particularly difficult to teach her, and she was speedy (especially compared to my epileptic & on drugs Border Terrier!). She taught me so much throughout the years. She sure told me anytime my handling was off, that's for sure. Peanut always did agility for her love of me. Fancy loved me too - but she has always done things for herself first and foremost. I learned how to work with her sassy attitude.
Fancy and I had tons of great runs together. One of my favorite memories was a snooker course with all tunnels - it was fast, furious, confusing, and a blast. I will also always remember her first Steeplechase leg. It was very early on in her career and came as a total shock to me. I felt elated to be running with such a great agility dog. Another great moment was her first masters gamble. Fancy did OK at gambles, she was fine at them but it wasn't her greatest skill. However compared to my velco Peanut, she was certainly much better. Peanut and I never did get a Masters Gamble in her entire career, it was our biggest struggle. When Fancy completed that first Masters Gamble with ease, I cried I was so happy.
When I went off to college, Peanut was nine and Fancy was five. When I returned on breaks my Freshman year, Peanut would just fall all over herself to get to me and spend every waking second cuddling until I had to return to school. Fancy, on the other hand, told me where to shove it. She would lay in the corner with her back facing me, and occassionally glance over her shoulder as if to prove to me how she had moved on without my daily presence. I would try to reconcile and pet her - she would get up and give me a disgusted look and go lay down in another corner.
This continued for several visits before she realized it wasn't making me stay home - I would inevitably have to leave after the weekend was over. She caved eventually and would start greeting me with her fluffy tail wagging once again.
Fancy never was able to have puppies for Claudia, so she was spayed and ownership transferred to me. Another example of Fancy doing things "her way". If Fancy were a person, I am quite certain she would not be settled down with a husband, 2.5 kids, and a white picket fence.
Fancy had somewhat of an early retirement from agility. At some point she started avoiding weave poles - I'm not really sure why, I originally thought it was due to me walking her out of the ring for bad a-frame contacts when she was already charging at the weave poles. However looking back I'm pretty sure her long back (for a Sheltie) caused her some early arthritis. For a few years she was pretty sore, although these days does not seem too stiff, espeically for her age.
She still has plenty of spunk left. She is the only herding dog in our house and takes pride in ensuring all the dogs come in when they are called. She is sure they need help understanding this task, and barking at them and rounding them up is the only way to do it. When we throw balls for the dogs in the backyard, she runs nearly as fast as Panic as she chases her. Still the only way to keep her from barking is to ensure Fancy always has a ball stuffed in her mouth. One of Fancy's greatest joys in life is killing the water that comes out of the hose. She'll tear at the grass where it's pointed or if you make it shoot up in the air she'll run and snap and bark at it. She just loves (or hates) that hose water.
Unfortunately last week we found out Fancy's kidneys are declining. This is not surprising - she's been drinking and urinating more frequently. I don't think her values are too bad so I don't think anything will happen imminently. But when the time does come, I will feel good knowing Fancy has had a very fulfiling life. She definitely had a purpose in coming to me, and she has taught me so much. I have learned how different it is to own a dog who does not feel as though her well being necessarily depends on mine, and how rewarding it can be to develop a bond with a dog like that.
Fancy, I love you, and I thank you for everything you have done for me. Now it's our turn to take care of you.
I got Fancy when I was 12. I already had my Border Terrier, Peanut, and was looking for my next dog. I was planning on getting an NSDTR - Tammi Stone (Skillman then!) was going to be breeding her Cede who I just adored. However, I was offered the chance to raise, train, & show a Sheltie for Claudia Frank. I was even going to be PAID to do it!!! Seemed pretty awesome to me, and I loved Claudia's shelties and knew I'd have a great time running on in agility. The Sheltie would also need to be shown some in confirmation and eventually bred and would have pups for Claudia's program. I gladly accepted this offer.
It was a very cold night in April, when BRAG was still training at the Franklin County Fairgrounds. Claudia had picked up this little ball of fluff and brought her to me. I was anxiously anticipating her arrival, and when she came, I just couldn't believe how adorable she was. Tiny, freezing (she had come from North Carolina where it was much warmer!), and fluffy - she stole my heart in an instant. I had to finish running in the class I was participating in but couldn't focus - my mind was with that tiny pup. After class I cuddled her up and nuzzled my face in her soft puppy coat. I was totally in love.
Fancy grew up, and was great to train. I don't remember anything being particularly difficult to teach her, and she was speedy (especially compared to my epileptic & on drugs Border Terrier!). She taught me so much throughout the years. She sure told me anytime my handling was off, that's for sure. Peanut always did agility for her love of me. Fancy loved me too - but she has always done things for herself first and foremost. I learned how to work with her sassy attitude.
Fancy and I had tons of great runs together. One of my favorite memories was a snooker course with all tunnels - it was fast, furious, confusing, and a blast. I will also always remember her first Steeplechase leg. It was very early on in her career and came as a total shock to me. I felt elated to be running with such a great agility dog. Another great moment was her first masters gamble. Fancy did OK at gambles, she was fine at them but it wasn't her greatest skill. However compared to my velco Peanut, she was certainly much better. Peanut and I never did get a Masters Gamble in her entire career, it was our biggest struggle. When Fancy completed that first Masters Gamble with ease, I cried I was so happy.
When I went off to college, Peanut was nine and Fancy was five. When I returned on breaks my Freshman year, Peanut would just fall all over herself to get to me and spend every waking second cuddling until I had to return to school. Fancy, on the other hand, told me where to shove it. She would lay in the corner with her back facing me, and occassionally glance over her shoulder as if to prove to me how she had moved on without my daily presence. I would try to reconcile and pet her - she would get up and give me a disgusted look and go lay down in another corner.
This continued for several visits before she realized it wasn't making me stay home - I would inevitably have to leave after the weekend was over. She caved eventually and would start greeting me with her fluffy tail wagging once again.
Fancy never was able to have puppies for Claudia, so she was spayed and ownership transferred to me. Another example of Fancy doing things "her way". If Fancy were a person, I am quite certain she would not be settled down with a husband, 2.5 kids, and a white picket fence.
Fancy had somewhat of an early retirement from agility. At some point she started avoiding weave poles - I'm not really sure why, I originally thought it was due to me walking her out of the ring for bad a-frame contacts when she was already charging at the weave poles. However looking back I'm pretty sure her long back (for a Sheltie) caused her some early arthritis. For a few years she was pretty sore, although these days does not seem too stiff, espeically for her age.
She still has plenty of spunk left. She is the only herding dog in our house and takes pride in ensuring all the dogs come in when they are called. She is sure they need help understanding this task, and barking at them and rounding them up is the only way to do it. When we throw balls for the dogs in the backyard, she runs nearly as fast as Panic as she chases her. Still the only way to keep her from barking is to ensure Fancy always has a ball stuffed in her mouth. One of Fancy's greatest joys in life is killing the water that comes out of the hose. She'll tear at the grass where it's pointed or if you make it shoot up in the air she'll run and snap and bark at it. She just loves (or hates) that hose water.
Unfortunately last week we found out Fancy's kidneys are declining. This is not surprising - she's been drinking and urinating more frequently. I don't think her values are too bad so I don't think anything will happen imminently. But when the time does come, I will feel good knowing Fancy has had a very fulfiling life. She definitely had a purpose in coming to me, and she has taught me so much. I have learned how different it is to own a dog who does not feel as though her well being necessarily depends on mine, and how rewarding it can be to develop a bond with a dog like that.
Fancy, I love you, and I thank you for everything you have done for me. Now it's our turn to take care of you.
2.25.2011
Spry-Spry
She just makes me so happy. What a doofy, happy-go-lucky girl she is. I went to the shelter to look at a different dog who had just been adopted the night before, and we ended up with Spry instead. I couldn't be happier with her.
Last night I just watched her videos from Jan BRAG USDAA, Feb BRAG Cpe & Feb Paws Partners USDAA. The progress she made in such a short time is astounding to me. And she is just so much fun to run, even when she's geing a goofball and visiting ring crew. Or whippets outside of the ring (although not fun is hearing later that either the whippet owner or gate steward said "whew that was scary" after my meanie viscious pit bull ran to visit... with a wiggly butt and tail!).
Can't wait for the years to come with this girlie. I have a feeling she will teach me a lot :)
Last night I just watched her videos from Jan BRAG USDAA, Feb BRAG Cpe & Feb Paws Partners USDAA. The progress she made in such a short time is astounding to me. And she is just so much fun to run, even when she's geing a goofball and visiting ring crew. Or whippets outside of the ring (although not fun is hearing later that either the whippet owner or gate steward said "whew that was scary" after my meanie viscious pit bull ran to visit... with a wiggly butt and tail!).
Can't wait for the years to come with this girlie. I have a feeling she will teach me a lot :)
2.24.2011
Decisions, decisions...
So I'm trying to decide where to go with Panic's agility career from here. She is so much fun to run, and is having a blast in Performance. I have just decided to not try to qualify for GP for nats this year. Reason being, it stresses me out :) I will have fun running team & psj so why add the stress of trying to Q in GP? Plus if I want to run Spry for fun at nats, not entering GP is less $ and less $ during the year while I try to qualify.
Ok so that decision is made for sure.
We are going to CCDAC in May and they have I think all masters classes both days. So, I'm going to enter Panic in 3 classes a day. We do well in and have fun in Jumpers & Snooker. We do OK in standard, OK in relay, and suck at gambles. Not to say I don't have fun running them, but I enjoy Jumpers/Snooker more. So, my original plan was to enter her in P3 gamblers/std/relay both days as they are the legs I will have the hardest time getting for MPD(????), PDCH, and my LAA titles. But it's not as much fun :( I guess I have to determine if my goal is really LAA titles or just to have as much fun with her as possible.
Her DW contacts are still marginal, and honestly at this point I'm not sure how much energy I'm going to spend fixing them. I screwed her up pretty good :) She's going to be 6 this year - not about ready to go out to pasture or anything - but I just don't how much stress it's really worth.
Currently, between CH & Perf, we have 7 gambles, 26 jumpers, 23 snooker, 10 standard, 7 relay, 17 stp, 3 gp, and 20 misc legs (indiv dam qs). So to get LAA Bronze she needs 8 gambles, 5 standard legs, 8 relay & an additional 16 other legs which I don't anticipate those being a problem. Honestly only the gambles do I really think will be a problem. & relay will take a while because only one per trial usually. I never used to enter it bc I hate spending $ on half of a course!
I would *really* like a LAA title, I think it would be nice. I'm not one of those who pretends not to care about Qs or titles :) But, I'm afraid if I focus on pursuing the classes we're not as good at, we won't have as much fun in our career.
Ok so that decision is made for sure.
We are going to CCDAC in May and they have I think all masters classes both days. So, I'm going to enter Panic in 3 classes a day. We do well in and have fun in Jumpers & Snooker. We do OK in standard, OK in relay, and suck at gambles. Not to say I don't have fun running them, but I enjoy Jumpers/Snooker more. So, my original plan was to enter her in P3 gamblers/std/relay both days as they are the legs I will have the hardest time getting for MPD(????), PDCH, and my LAA titles. But it's not as much fun :( I guess I have to determine if my goal is really LAA titles or just to have as much fun with her as possible.
Her DW contacts are still marginal, and honestly at this point I'm not sure how much energy I'm going to spend fixing them. I screwed her up pretty good :) She's going to be 6 this year - not about ready to go out to pasture or anything - but I just don't how much stress it's really worth.
Currently, between CH & Perf, we have 7 gambles, 26 jumpers, 23 snooker, 10 standard, 7 relay, 17 stp, 3 gp, and 20 misc legs (indiv dam qs). So to get LAA Bronze she needs 8 gambles, 5 standard legs, 8 relay & an additional 16 other legs which I don't anticipate those being a problem. Honestly only the gambles do I really think will be a problem. & relay will take a while because only one per trial usually. I never used to enter it bc I hate spending $ on half of a course!
I would *really* like a LAA title, I think it would be nice. I'm not one of those who pretends not to care about Qs or titles :) But, I'm afraid if I focus on pursuing the classes we're not as good at, we won't have as much fun in our career.
2.17.2011
2.14.2011
Pawsitive Partners wrap up
I really like trialing at this building. A lot of dogs have problems with the surface but mine don't, Panic usually turns in some fast runs here, and I like cratingviewing from up on the mezzanine. And BONUS - Andy and I both worked a lot of classes, and got $50 towards my next entries there. SCORE.
Overall - Panic stayed on all but one run where she broke just as I was releasing. this is a HUGE improvement. I actually planned handling strategies based on her staying, feeling 95% confident she would. It is nice to not have to do stupid RCs at the beginning because my dog won't stay!! Now we need to put this new found self control towards stopping on the DW. It's nicer out - I think I'll pull my plank out and do all kinds of cookies for 2rto position this week. She is running fast at 16, I need to adjust my handling. She now takes off courses and has a lot of wide turns! Spry is an awesome lady. She must have read comments about working on the zig zag exercise, pulled out my DHS and read it and just figured it out on her own :) This trial she read my LOM pretty darn well. I will still work zig zag though when I get a chance - hopefully next weekend. Still good stays, good contacts (though a bit slower here). She is so much fun to run!!
Sat:
Panic P3 Gamblers - I can't remember very well, but I was pleased with her opening and the timing. Didn't get the gamble, not surprised. It wasn't that tough, but we suck at gambles :) At the start line, I thought she was staying well, turned to say good girl and she was already up!
Panic P3 Standard - Really nice run, she was moving well, but took a wide turn & an off course DW. And then was pissed at me on the table. Her DW was gorgeous if I wanted her to run it *sigh*. She did hold her start line stay on this course though.
Panic P3 Relay - we ran w/Janet & Benny. Panic took an off course jump in the same exact place, same exact sequence as in standard. You'd think I'd learn, huh? But again, stayed, and ran fast.
Spry Starters Gamblers - Fast off the line & adjusted to make WP entrance. Good girlie. Pulled off a jump bc I signaled a RC with an off arm. GOOD GIRL BAD MOM. Got the gamble. Most impressive part was she took the tunnel (ob #1), sighted me, then saw the jump I was indicating and took it instead of coming straight to me!! And then she read my LOM and took the finish jump without running into me or having to spin around. Very pleased. 1st USDAA Gamblers leg!!
Spry Starters Standard - Really great run. Took an off course tunnel, was a tough sequence for a tunnel hungry starters dog :) I was thrilled with this run though, esp her WP entry and again the course was smooth, no spins!
Sunday:
Panic P3 Jumpers - Great run. She is not turning as tight as she used to at 22 so I need to work that. I think I need to work RTH positions & variations more (as you will see by the 2-3 sequence when I post videos). But she had the 2nd fastest time in the whole P3/M class, only Super ran faster, and it was only .27 faster, and I'm ok with that :) I focused on RUNNING when I could.
Panic P3 Snooker - OK opening, she did what I wanted but we wasted some time in a few places. In the close, she turned wide after #5 and took an off course red. Still got 40pts so at least a Q.
Panic PGP - She ran really well, I did NOT cue a jump in a serp coming towards me, so she didn't take it. Fixed it, moved on. She also missed her DW but the judge didn't call it. Could be bc she wasn't sure but knew we already were NQd. She would have gotten the bye if she'd ran clean, had the fastest time in her height by over a second. I got nervous at the line. ARGH!
Spry Starters Jumpers - I put her on a stay and started a 2 jump lead out. Realize my dog is no longer on the line. She is wiggling in front of a whippet at the gate!!! Oops. Luckily judge did not whistle us off, I repositioned her, quickly lead out and released. The beginning was a little ucky but since I was rushed, not surprised. She Qd (1st USDAA jumpers leg!) and I was very happy with her taking the ending loop with no turn backs, no dropped bars, and no spins.
Spry Advanced Snooker - That's right, Advanced! Her first time in any advanced class. I planned 5-6-7-3 in the opening. She let me lead out and got the 5, then she knocked the 2nd red. Luckily it was very close to the 3rd red so I was able to move on nicely. The #7 was a 2 jump combo and bc of where I was, I was very behind. Can't believe she felt me pushing from behind and took both jumps without spinning/knocking!! She is really starting to "get it" :) Made it through 7 in the close, so 45 pts and a Q!
Will post vids later, most likely tomorrow (Tues)
Overall - Panic stayed on all but one run where she broke just as I was releasing. this is a HUGE improvement. I actually planned handling strategies based on her staying, feeling 95% confident she would. It is nice to not have to do stupid RCs at the beginning because my dog won't stay!! Now we need to put this new found self control towards stopping on the DW. It's nicer out - I think I'll pull my plank out and do all kinds of cookies for 2rto position this week. She is running fast at 16, I need to adjust my handling. She now takes off courses and has a lot of wide turns! Spry is an awesome lady. She must have read comments about working on the zig zag exercise, pulled out my DHS and read it and just figured it out on her own :) This trial she read my LOM pretty darn well. I will still work zig zag though when I get a chance - hopefully next weekend. Still good stays, good contacts (though a bit slower here). She is so much fun to run!!
Sat:
Panic P3 Gamblers - I can't remember very well, but I was pleased with her opening and the timing. Didn't get the gamble, not surprised. It wasn't that tough, but we suck at gambles :) At the start line, I thought she was staying well, turned to say good girl and she was already up!
Panic P3 Standard - Really nice run, she was moving well, but took a wide turn & an off course DW. And then was pissed at me on the table
Panic P3 Relay - we ran w/Janet & Benny. Panic took an off course jump in the same exact place, same exact sequence as in standard. You'd think I'd learn, huh? But again, stayed, and ran fast.
Spry Starters Gamblers - Fast off the line & adjusted to make WP entrance. Good girlie. Pulled off a jump bc I signaled a RC with an off arm. GOOD GIRL BAD MOM. Got the gamble. Most impressive part was she took the tunnel (ob #1), sighted me, then saw the jump I was indicating and took it instead of coming straight to me!! And then she read my LOM and took the finish jump without running into me or having to spin around. Very pleased. 1st USDAA Gamblers leg!!
Spry Starters Standard - Really great run. Took an off course tunnel, was a tough sequence for a tunnel hungry starters dog :) I was thrilled with this run though, esp her WP entry and again the course was smooth, no spins!
Sunday:
Panic P3 Jumpers - Great run. She is not turning as tight as she used to at 22 so I need to work that. I think I need to work RTH positions & variations more (as you will see by the 2-3 sequence when I post videos). But she had the 2nd fastest time in the whole P3/M class, only Super ran faster, and it was only .27 faster, and I'm ok with that :) I focused on RUNNING when I could.
Panic P3 Snooker - OK opening, she did what I wanted but we wasted some time in a few places. In the close, she turned wide after #5 and took an off course red. Still got 40pts so at least a Q.
Panic PGP - She ran really well, I did NOT cue a jump in a serp coming towards me, so she didn't take it. Fixed it, moved on. She also missed her DW but the judge didn't call it. Could be bc she wasn't sure but knew we already were NQd. She would have gotten the bye if she'd ran clean, had the fastest time in her height by over a second. I got nervous at the line. ARGH!
Spry Starters Jumpers - I put her on a stay and started a 2 jump lead out. Realize my dog is no longer on the line. She is wiggling in front of a whippet at the gate!!! Oops. Luckily judge did not whistle us off, I repositioned her, quickly lead out and released. The beginning was a little ucky but since I was rushed, not surprised. She Qd (1st USDAA jumpers leg!) and I was very happy with her taking the ending loop with no turn backs, no dropped bars, and no spins.
Spry Advanced Snooker - That's right, Advanced! Her first time in any advanced class. I planned 5-6-7-3 in the opening. She let me lead out and got the 5, then she knocked the 2nd red. Luckily it was very close to the 3rd red so I was able to move on nicely. The #7 was a 2 jump combo and bc of where I was, I was very behind. Can't believe she felt me pushing from behind and took both jumps without spinning/knocking!! She is really starting to "get it" :) Made it through 7 in the close, so 45 pts and a Q!
Will post vids later, most likely tomorrow (Tues)
2.07.2011
Weekend in Review
This weekend was CPE at the building. I ran Spry, my friend Dee ran Panic for me since I don't really do CPE with Panic, and Dee & Panic do great together.
Spry was 8/10 Qs!! I was thrilled. I truly expected her to be out of control, since she has not done any agility since the Jan USDAA trial, and has had very little exercise due to weather. However, her runs were overall very excellent! We still have to work on getting her to not fixate on tunnels! But her stays were good, all contacts were great, and she had some very nice moments!
Since we started trialing in August, it is amazing how far she's come. We are finally starting to come together as a team. I had a jumpers run with NO SPINS!! That is huge :) I did kind of bump her over the last jump but... It was a nice jumpers course for level 1/2, essentially no straight lines but gentle curves intsead.
I am really excited for next weekend. We are trialing @ Pawsitive Partners. She is in 2 runs a day, and I'm interested to see how she does at another building. Crossing my fingers she does well, and I really think she will. She also gets her first go at advanced snooker!
Spry was 8/10 Qs!! I was thrilled. I truly expected her to be out of control, since she has not done any agility since the Jan USDAA trial, and has had very little exercise due to weather. However, her runs were overall very excellent! We still have to work on getting her to not fixate on tunnels! But her stays were good, all contacts were great, and she had some very nice moments!
Since we started trialing in August, it is amazing how far she's come. We are finally starting to come together as a team. I had a jumpers run with NO SPINS!! That is huge :) I did kind of bump her over the last jump but... It was a nice jumpers course for level 1/2, essentially no straight lines but gentle curves intsead.
I am really excited for next weekend. We are trialing @ Pawsitive Partners. She is in 2 runs a day, and I'm interested to see how she does at another building. Crossing my fingers she does well, and I really think she will. She also gets her first go at advanced snooker!
1.28.2011
Fada, and how I know I made the right "Dexter Decision"
Visit mom's new puppy blog for fada: http://podengocasadosol.blogspot.com/
Also, just got a running order for a trial coming up. I look at it, peruse the starters classes, see a 16" dog that is running last before the 12s (and most classes actually don't have any 12s, so it would have been right before Dex) and I think to myself "whew, glad I didn't enter Dude, he *really* hates that dog, woulda been a problem running after him". DUH - you should NOT have to worry about stuff like this! if you are, it's a PROBLEM. Also, when you switch roles and give Dexter's "issues" to a dog like Spry - would I let a dog with Spry's strength leave our house if she had the same issues as him? no ma'am! So, even though Dexter's size makes it easier to manage him, it's a) not appropriate for him to act like that in the first place, perhaps scarring another dog for life and b) even if he truly went after another dog and didn't do them any damage, for goodness sakes he could be snapped in half in an instant.
*sigh*
It makes me so sad though - he's NOT an agressive little shit, he's just an insecure dude. When he is having fun w/other dogs it is so stinking adorable. I hate that sometimes he feels that lashing out is his only option.
Also, just got a running order for a trial coming up. I look at it, peruse the starters classes, see a 16" dog that is running last before the 12s (and most classes actually don't have any 12s, so it would have been right before Dex) and I think to myself "whew, glad I didn't enter Dude, he *really* hates that dog, woulda been a problem running after him". DUH - you should NOT have to worry about stuff like this! if you are, it's a PROBLEM. Also, when you switch roles and give Dexter's "issues" to a dog like Spry - would I let a dog with Spry's strength leave our house if she had the same issues as him? no ma'am! So, even though Dexter's size makes it easier to manage him, it's a) not appropriate for him to act like that in the first place, perhaps scarring another dog for life and b) even if he truly went after another dog and didn't do them any damage, for goodness sakes he could be snapped in half in an instant.
*sigh*
It makes me so sad though - he's NOT an agressive little shit, he's just an insecure dude. When he is having fun w/other dogs it is so stinking adorable. I hate that sometimes he feels that lashing out is his only option.
1.24.2011
Weight loss update
Weight loss update - We've been using our adjusted diet for 8 weeks now (I don't want to say we are dieting, bc that implies to me a temporary change). Total of 18.1lbs lost for me, 2.8 in week 8. Now 10.7lbs from my goal and 40 days left until my goal deadline... I know it is going to be tough but I think I can do it! Biking has helped a lot :)
1.18.2011
Dexter - decisions decisions...
Well, a few good things from the weekend.
1) Dexter finished his starters snooker title on Sat! That means he's now in adv for gamblers & snooker. Also to get this snooker title, he had to do 12 poles! Good boy :)
2) Both jumpers runs were actually very good. One off course in one of them caused by the door he likes so much to investigate in our building, and too slow on the other, also caused by too much investigation. But when he ran it was good.
the bad :(
He was much more unmanageable this weekend than usual in his snarkiness. I couldn't even hold him ring-side while we were waiting to go in if any of several dogs were also waiting. Intense BCs (staring at the dog running, NOT at him) were especially setting him off and he'd snarl & writhe in my arms. his list of dogs he does not like now includes:
1) short nosed dogs (pugs, bostons, frenchies, etc) - these are all aliens that must be eradicated from earth.
2) schnauzers and schnauzer lookalikes. just hates 'em. maybe it's the eyebrows? this was bad bc our relay partner was a schnauz look-a-like. parter ran 1st, dexter 2nd. well, he fixated, and i couldn't even let go of dex, he was just staring at his partner. i'm pretty sure he did not want to play.
3) intense BCs
4) a friend's pitbull. yeah, that's smart dude to take her on! not that *she's* mean, but i'm pretty sure she'd win that throwdown.
5) extra fluffy dogs, like keeshonds.
It's so frustrating. the dog has been EVERYWHERE with us since we got him at the age of 4.5 mo. he has had several nice play mates. i can't think of any incident where he was attacked or even overly intimidated. his aggression is definitely rooted in insecurity. is it nature or nurture? i'm thinking probably some of both.
it makes me sad, because when is not freaking out about other dogs, he looks like he is having fun playing agility. but this weekend, we ran after a schnauzer & a short-nosed dog, so he was all keyed up at the warmup area, and his runs were fairly distraction-full.
so, i have to ask myself, are the fun times worth the stressed out times (and really i'm more concerned here about HIS stress than mine)? Is this a problem we can overcome? how so, if yes? I have never worked with a fear agressive dog before. he is usually fine outside of agility trials, but then again outside of agility most the dogs we meet are calm & laid-back (even agility dogs, when they are outside of the trial situation). the only real situation i can think of that's been a problem outside of agility is my in-laws new whippet pup. he was 5.5 mo or so when dexter met him, and dex wanted to kill him. but this puppy was bursting with energy, and i'm sure intimidated dex (not an excuse, but maybe a reason). he's been to the dog park in the small dog area and never had any issues with those dogs. a little jack at the agility trials is like his best friend, they play and play and play and it is so cute.
he *is* better at outdoor shows. the adrenaline doesn't get cooped up in the building like indoors. plus more room to "manage". so, maybe i'll just do a few runs now and again outdoors.
i just hate to think what *might* happen at these indoor shows. if he ever really went after someone, i would be mortified if he did any damage, and really - how many dogs wouldn't be able to kill *him* if they wanted to in return??? it's pretty scary.
in the end, he really adores his daddy cuddle time that he gets every night when we go to bed, and the special play time he gets with us in the mornings before we let the other dogs out. he does the funniest things out of all of our dogs, and we just adore him. oh well if he doesn't work out as an agility dog.
1) Dexter finished his starters snooker title on Sat! That means he's now in adv for gamblers & snooker. Also to get this snooker title, he had to do 12 poles! Good boy :)
2) Both jumpers runs were actually very good. One off course in one of them caused by the door he likes so much to investigate in our building, and too slow on the other, also caused by too much investigation. But when he ran it was good.
the bad :(
He was much more unmanageable this weekend than usual in his snarkiness. I couldn't even hold him ring-side while we were waiting to go in if any of several dogs were also waiting. Intense BCs (staring at the dog running, NOT at him) were especially setting him off and he'd snarl & writhe in my arms. his list of dogs he does not like now includes:
1) short nosed dogs (pugs, bostons, frenchies, etc) - these are all aliens that must be eradicated from earth.
2) schnauzers and schnauzer lookalikes. just hates 'em. maybe it's the eyebrows? this was bad bc our relay partner was a schnauz look-a-like. parter ran 1st, dexter 2nd. well, he fixated, and i couldn't even let go of dex, he was just staring at his partner. i'm pretty sure he did not want to play.
3) intense BCs
4) a friend's pitbull. yeah, that's smart dude to take her on! not that *she's* mean, but i'm pretty sure she'd win that throwdown.
5) extra fluffy dogs, like keeshonds.
It's so frustrating. the dog has been EVERYWHERE with us since we got him at the age of 4.5 mo. he has had several nice play mates. i can't think of any incident where he was attacked or even overly intimidated. his aggression is definitely rooted in insecurity. is it nature or nurture? i'm thinking probably some of both.
it makes me sad, because when is not freaking out about other dogs, he looks like he is having fun playing agility. but this weekend, we ran after a schnauzer & a short-nosed dog, so he was all keyed up at the warmup area, and his runs were fairly distraction-full.
so, i have to ask myself, are the fun times worth the stressed out times (and really i'm more concerned here about HIS stress than mine)? Is this a problem we can overcome? how so, if yes? I have never worked with a fear agressive dog before. he is usually fine outside of agility trials, but then again outside of agility most the dogs we meet are calm & laid-back (even agility dogs, when they are outside of the trial situation). the only real situation i can think of that's been a problem outside of agility is my in-laws new whippet pup. he was 5.5 mo or so when dexter met him, and dex wanted to kill him. but this puppy was bursting with energy, and i'm sure intimidated dex (not an excuse, but maybe a reason). he's been to the dog park in the small dog area and never had any issues with those dogs. a little jack at the agility trials is like his best friend, they play and play and play and it is so cute.
he *is* better at outdoor shows. the adrenaline doesn't get cooped up in the building like indoors. plus more room to "manage". so, maybe i'll just do a few runs now and again outdoors.
i just hate to think what *might* happen at these indoor shows. if he ever really went after someone, i would be mortified if he did any damage, and really - how many dogs wouldn't be able to kill *him* if they wanted to in return??? it's pretty scary.
in the end, he really adores his daddy cuddle time that he gets every night when we go to bed, and the special play time he gets with us in the mornings before we let the other dogs out. he does the funniest things out of all of our dogs, and we just adore him. oh well if he doesn't work out as an agility dog.
1.17.2011
spry's weekend runs
some crazy ones, but good contacts & she finished her starters snooker :) her best run, saturday jumpers, wasn't recorded, but there were NO spins, and some nice crosses. also very happy with stpl rd 1 and sun standard.
there is a pause for some reason between each sat run.
saturday:
sunday:
there is a pause for some reason between each sat run.
saturday:
sunday:
Panic's runs from this weekend
I am very happy with her runs. She did not stop on teh DW like I wanted her to in gamblers, and then I kind of gave up. But, she did slow down which was an improvement. She stayed almost every class. After Saturday's runs, Andy watched them and commented how I could run faster. Which was true. So Sunday I focused on moving faster and cuing better. Sat I just wasn't focused enough.
After this weekend I am very pleased and think I really made the right decision moving her to performance.
1.14.2011
This weekend's trial + diet/weight loss update
Well I guess my body was ready to shed some more pounds! I had been going up & down between the same two pounds for a little bit. No more! This week, I added cycling on a stationary bike and have rode (is that grammatically correct?) it every day (ok that's only 3 days so far - Tues-Thurs - but I usually give up on exercise even sooner than that!).
Aaaand, somehow, between Monday and today, Friday morning, I have lost 4.1lbs! Brings my total now to 16.9 lost, and 58.68% to my goal! Only 11.9 more lbs to lose for goal #1 :)
Ok so tomorrow & Sun are the BRAG USDAA.
Goals.
Gamblers is first class. With each dog I have something specific I want to work on.
Spry - has gotten pushy on her contacts, so contact contact contact! She is usually extra crazy 1st class of the day, so this may be a challenge. Hopefully she is not visiting ring crew.
Panic - start line stay, and STOP on the f'ing dog walk lady!!!! Will aim to do a teeter 1st as she does stop well on these, and then a DW.
Dexter - weave poles! He KILLED the poles last time we practiced, it was amazing. But they still cause stress @ trials. So, if he weaves, he will get immediately rewarded by getting to do a tunnel! I have been doing this @ practice, and he seems to love it :)
For the rest of the weekend, goals are:
Spry - I would love to get a snooker leg as it will finish her title. But mostly not running out of control is our goal :)
Panic - start lines mostly! good DWs would be a plus. She has been running fast at practice, I'd like to see this continue (however at practice she is taking more off courses than usual!)
Dexter - confidence, NOT sniffing the damn doors like he likes to do here! I *must* remember he IS going to want to do this, and be PROactive rather than reactive about it.
Can't wait. I have so much fun running these pups, I sit at work the Friday before a trial just jumping out of my skin with excitement :)
Aaaand, somehow, between Monday and today, Friday morning, I have lost 4.1lbs! Brings my total now to 16.9 lost, and 58.68% to my goal! Only 11.9 more lbs to lose for goal #1 :)
Ok so tomorrow & Sun are the BRAG USDAA.
Goals.
Gamblers is first class. With each dog I have something specific I want to work on.
Spry - has gotten pushy on her contacts, so contact contact contact! She is usually extra crazy 1st class of the day, so this may be a challenge. Hopefully she is not visiting ring crew.
Panic - start line stay, and STOP on the f'ing dog walk lady!!!! Will aim to do a teeter 1st as she does stop well on these, and then a DW.
Dexter - weave poles! He KILLED the poles last time we practiced, it was amazing. But they still cause stress @ trials. So, if he weaves, he will get immediately rewarded by getting to do a tunnel! I have been doing this @ practice, and he seems to love it :)
For the rest of the weekend, goals are:
Spry - I would love to get a snooker leg as it will finish her title. But mostly not running out of control is our goal :)
Panic - start lines mostly! good DWs would be a plus. She has been running fast at practice, I'd like to see this continue (however at practice she is taking more off courses than usual!)
Dexter - confidence, NOT sniffing the damn doors like he likes to do here! I *must* remember he IS going to want to do this, and be PROactive rather than reactive about it.
Can't wait. I have so much fun running these pups, I sit at work the Friday before a trial just jumping out of my skin with excitement :)
1.12.2011
Success!!!
I have been dieting since Nov 28th, eating low carb & lean - chicken, veggies, etc. most of the time when we are being really good, but yeah we are also eating burgers, brats etc - higher fat stuff that we probably shouldn't be eating. But, no bread, no rice, etc. Also JUST started exercising finally in the last two days - realized there is NO excuse for not using our exercise bike at *least* 15 mins every day I am home.
My goal was to lose 28.8lbs before we leave for Maui on March 5, that gave me 96 days, and I knew it would be a tough goal to meet. Well, today I am halfway to my goal!! As of this morning, I have lost 15.2lbs, so *more* than halfway :) It took 44 days, so I only have 52 left. I know it will still be very tough to reach my goal, but I will be very happy if I even make it to 23.8lbs lost total, which I am fairly certain I can do.
My goal was to lose 28.8lbs before we leave for Maui on March 5, that gave me 96 days, and I knew it would be a tough goal to meet. Well, today I am halfway to my goal!! As of this morning, I have lost 15.2lbs, so *more* than halfway :) It took 44 days, so I only have 52 left. I know it will still be very tough to reach my goal, but I will be very happy if I even make it to 23.8lbs lost total, which I am fairly certain I can do.
1.06.2011
One thing I forgot the other day - Spry/DHS
With one jump foundation RTH - she sometimes seemingly does it perfectly, is aiming for my back leg, turning when her front hits the ground, etc, but her big ol' BUTT has issues! I swear she is trying to turn it but it just keeps going.
The other day while this was happening - I was prone to think "well, maybe it doesn't matter so much bc on a real course I will be moving and she'll take one stride & be in the right place".
But now as I'm typing this, I'm thinking she must *not* be collecting enough obviously since her butt has momentum. And on a real course it might end up with her scrambling on the landing side to make the turn. Right?
The other day while this was happening - I was prone to think "well, maybe it doesn't matter so much bc on a real course I will be moving and she'll take one stride & be in the right place".
But now as I'm typing this, I'm thinking she must *not* be collecting enough obviously since her butt has momentum. And on a real course it might end up with her scrambling on the landing side to make the turn. Right?
Going to train DHS again tonight!
Going to the building tonight to work on DHS again. Will work Spry & Panic - starting again w/1 jump foundation RTH with handler motion, and moving onto 2 jumps and maybe more if they are getting it well. I expect to have issues w/Spry with the 2 jumps.
I also need to work Spry on some short sequences w/contacts - on Sunday she was blowing me off and running through. Not jumping, as she was going all the way down & through on the AF - just not stopping. She was as high as a kite though, so hopefully today she is a little calmer. Hoping to get vid of Pan & Spry working - will post later :)
I also need to work Spry on some short sequences w/contacts - on Sunday she was blowing me off and running through. Not jumping, as she was going all the way down & through on the AF - just not stopping. She was as high as a kite though, so hopefully today she is a little calmer. Hoping to get vid of Pan & Spry working - will post later :)
1.04.2011
Worked on DHS on Sunday
Went down to the buliding w/mom on sun. Worked Spry, Dexter (some!) and Panic. Mom brought Neat since Fada is hopefully incubating some cute new pods :) We started on the 1 jump foundation RTH - not that we haven't done this before, but as always it needs fine tuned!
Dexter - Pretty much decided he doesn't need this. I mean, HE decided this. And, since it was demotivating to him, I just let him run the tunnel->AF a few times, which he LOVED and boy oh BOY if that man ever decides to run (the right obstacles) at a trial, he could kick 8" butt! Of course that also depends on his 3rd measurement being under 11"... I'm pretty nervous about being in that situation where the next measurement is the one that counts for good!
Spry - The star of the day (of course she has worked on this the most in recent months). She did a great job with 1 jump no motion RTH, and once I added handler motion I was very pleased to see how she did. She did great at first, and then I got cocky & started moving too soon before she was committed. As a novice dog should, she pulled off (good girl). She started too by taking off from way too far back (as soon as I started my movement), I think she was panicking that I was moving and wanted to get to me NOW. She did a lovely job of adjusting when I didn't reward, and adding in a small step to collect before hand :) Next time working we will move onto the next step, whatever that is (two jumps I think).
Panic - It was very interesting. I assumed "She will do this fine, she OVER collects most of the time!" But, I worked her at 16" now that she will be running in Perf. She looked SUPER goofy when starting right in front of the jump. She just kind of flung her body over, since she really doesn't have to jump too much @ 16". So I backed her up some so she could use a stride or two, and at first she was definitely overjumping (length wise). She started to think though and adjusted, and did some beautiful ones, and we also moved onto using handler motion, she did fine as I expected, but boy does she commit late.
Hopefully will get to train again Thurs - but not sure, this week is really busy! It was a lot of fun - and it's going to take eons to work through the whole book for sure :)
Dexter - Pretty much decided he doesn't need this. I mean, HE decided this. And, since it was demotivating to him, I just let him run the tunnel->AF a few times, which he LOVED and boy oh BOY if that man ever decides to run (the right obstacles) at a trial, he could kick 8" butt! Of course that also depends on his 3rd measurement being under 11"... I'm pretty nervous about being in that situation where the next measurement is the one that counts for good!
Spry - The star of the day (of course she has worked on this the most in recent months). She did a great job with 1 jump no motion RTH, and once I added handler motion I was very pleased to see how she did. She did great at first, and then I got cocky & started moving too soon before she was committed. As a novice dog should, she pulled off (good girl). She started too by taking off from way too far back (as soon as I started my movement), I think she was panicking that I was moving and wanted to get to me NOW. She did a lovely job of adjusting when I didn't reward, and adding in a small step to collect before hand :) Next time working we will move onto the next step, whatever that is (two jumps I think).
Panic - It was very interesting. I assumed "She will do this fine, she OVER collects most of the time!" But, I worked her at 16" now that she will be running in Perf. She looked SUPER goofy when starting right in front of the jump. She just kind of flung her body over, since she really doesn't have to jump too much @ 16". So I backed her up some so she could use a stride or two, and at first she was definitely overjumping (length wise). She started to think though and adjusted, and did some beautiful ones, and we also moved onto using handler motion, she did fine as I expected, but boy does she commit late.
Hopefully will get to train again Thurs - but not sure, this week is really busy! It was a lot of fun - and it's going to take eons to work through the whole book for sure :)
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