Podengo Agility

Table

2011-10-09T10:50:00.000-04:00

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.

Tunnels!

2011-10-02T11:23:00.000-04:00

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!

More on Daz's teeter

2011-09-30T11:44:00.002-04:00

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 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.

Daz's teeter

2011-09-17T13:40:00.006-04:00

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.

Baby Daz learning the basics

2011-09-13T17:48:00.002-04:00

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!

Quick Update - CCDAC

2011-05-09T15:45:00.003-04:00

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 :)

Canine Combustion USDAA this weekend!

2011-05-06T08:10:00.003-04:00

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!

SO PROUD OF MY DUDE MAN!

2011-04-25T08:34:00.002-04:00

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!

Spry BRAG CPE April 2011

2011-04-21T22:59:00.000-04:00

CPE weekend in review

2011-04-20T15:36:00.004-04:00

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!

Comparison

2011-04-15T13:04:00.002-04:00

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

Interesting stats

2011-04-15T11:40:00.004-04:00

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

Update

2011-04-15T10:08:00.003-04:00

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.

Fancy

2011-03-03T15:18:00.003-05:00

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.

Spry-Spry

2011-02-25T13:31:00.003-05:00

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 :)

Decisions, decisions...

2011-02-24T15:39:00.002-05:00

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.

Pawsitive Partners Videos

2011-02-17T20:42:00.000-05:00

Pawsitive Partners wrap up

2011-02-14T08:37:00.003-05:00

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)

2011-02-07T21:15:00.001-05:00

Weekend in Review

2011-02-07T09:52:00.002-05:00

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!

Fada, and how I know I made the right "Dexter Decision"

2011-01-28T13:54:00.002-05:00

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.

Weight loss update

2011-01-24T09:47:00.000-05:00

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 :)

Dexter - decisions decisions...

2011-01-18T14:48:00.003-05:00

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.

spry's weekend runs

2011-01-17T17:05:00.001-05:00

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:

Panic's runs from this weekend

2011-01-17T07:38:00.003-05:00

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.

This weekend's trial + diet/weight loss update

2011-01-14T13:32:00.002-05:00

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 :)

Success!!!

2011-01-12T06:30:00.003-05:00

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.

One thing I forgot the other day - Spry/DHS

2011-01-06T08:21:00.002-05:00

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?

Going to train DHS again tonight!

2011-01-06T08:18:00.003-05:00

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 :)

Worked on DHS on Sunday

2011-01-04T15:32:00.002-05:00

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 :)

Christmas, Weight Loss, Upcoming trials!

2010-12-27T13:24:00.002-05:00

I got this *awesome* caricature from my inlaws on Christas, thanks guys! And thanks to John LaFree for his great work! Also got Linda Mecklenburg's Developing Handling Skills from my mom. Started reading it and can't wait to start practicing!

I've been on a low-carb/lean eating diet for four weeks now. I did gain .4 last week due to some holiday "cheating", but am down 10.2 for the four weeks. I am thrilled! I still have 18.6 to go to my goal, which I'm not sure I can do by 3/5 like I want to (when we leave for Maui!), but I know I will still have some great progress. The best part is that I don't really feel like I'm dieting most of the time. Sure, it was obvious when I was trying to resist the oreo truffles my dad made on xmas eve (I did cave). But the rest of the time, it's been really easy. And I haven't been having food cravings which is awesome. I start jazzercise class on 1/3 which I'll be able to do for two months (thanks to Groupon!). I know jazzercise is cheesy, but I figure it will a) be great cardio and b) be good ankle rehab (ankle brace ON, thank you very much).

I realized this morning that BRAG's late August trial will be after the cutoff for qualifying for the 2011 Cynosport games. Darn. I am not planning on doing a whole lot of USDAA this year (or any venue really) since we are on a debt diet as well! So, it looks like my USDAA trials, within the qualifying period, will be:
BRAG in Jan - Starter/Adv + Steeplechase, so hopefully Panic will get a PSJ Q here
POAC in Feb - going up for one day to enter P3 std & PGP/PSJ.
BRAG in March - this will be while we're in Maui due to the trial moving to avoid L'ville AKC cluster. So, my mom will run her in PGP & PSJ.
CCDAC in May
BRAG in June (will have Team)
K9 Athletes in July (will have Team I assume)
BRAG all tourney July/August

So, I guess that's 6 chances at PSJ with me, and 5 chances at PGP with me, one more for each with my mom. Hopefully that's enough!

Counting down the days until the Jan USDAA trial, running Dex & Spry was such a blast at the most recent CPE one. Am crossing my fingers for maybe a standard leg out of each? That would finish Dude's AD!

LONG overdue post

2010-12-21T07:37:00.003-05:00

Well I was so bummed out about my ankle I got into a funk, and no posts. Good news is the ankle is mostly better. My achilles is still a little tight, but running w/a brace I feel pretty darn good and comfortable doing FCs etc.

I took a few weeks off of class w/Spry because I didn't want to run her "funny", my ankle needed time to heal, and I didn't trust her not to bash into me while my weight was being supported by my bad ankle. But once I brought her back, WOW! Big changes. She and I are finally coming together as a team in class. She's keeping bars up, reading my decel cues, and doing MUCH better collecting in sequence. I need to remember she's not Panic, her collection isn't going to look the same.

We had our club's CPE Trial Dec 11-12. I had Panic in 2/day, Spry in 3/day, and dude man in 4/day. I wish I had entered Spry in more, but work (vending) has to come first! I also ran mom's dogs once a day. My ankle held up great, and the dogs did *really* well! Spry and Dexter qualified both days in Standard, so Spry moved up to L2 standard for Sunday w/teeter & weaves, both of which she does fine at. I think both days she was clean too, so no off courses or bars. Dexter did have an off course one day, but that's ok. He's still being a little too slow probably to Q in USDAA. When he runs he is fast, but he takes detours!

Our runs are here:
Dex's runs start here, and there are 8 of them.

Fullhouse was his best because I planned a nice short path w/enough points to Q, but didn't push it and stay out there longer for the "win". He was fast & happy. In his second standard class, he ran really nicely too, and even leapt the apex of the Aframe on the 2nd frame (no DW either day, just 2xAF).

Spry's are here, and there are 6 of them.

Her best ones were probably both of the standards. I think fullhouse was pretty good too. Her Jackpot run on Sun was a little nutso. Really the first run both days was a little crazy, but after those she didn't visit anyone!!!

Can't wait for the USDAA trial in Jan. I'm really hoping for some std legs, but will take whatever I can get :)

:(

2010-11-03T15:05:00.002-04:00

I was *SO* freaking excited for the BRAG trial last weekend. It was a starters/advanced trial, and Spry has been doing SO well in class. I had 27 runs throughout the weekend w/Spry & Dex in Starters and Panic in P1. Snooker was 1st on Saturday, and both Dexter & Spry qualified with 44 points!!! Whoohoo baby dogs! Then, I was running outside to switch from Dex to Panic because I only had 3 dogs in between them, when I went *crunch*. I tripped and my left ankle caved under, and I was in tremendous pain.

I went to urgent care and there's no break or tear, just a sprain. Dr says I'll be back to normal w/in two weeks. We'll see! They wanted me to just use an air cast, but I'm sorry - I could NOT have put any pressure on it Sat or Sun!! So I borrowed some crutches, which has been TOUGH but helpful. As of today I am using the air cast for short distances, and supplementing w/crutches for longer distances. Drawing the alphabet in the air w/my toes, etc.

I was so mad at myself for doing something so STUPID on a weekend I was so excited for.

Others ran my dogs the rest of the weekend. Total tally:
Spry - starters snooker & relay legs
Dexter - Starters snooker & gamblers leg (and finished his Gamblers title, so on to advanced!)
Panic - P1 jumpers x2, standard, relay, gamblers leg, finished her P1 jumpers title

So not too bad considering I didn't run them, but boy I was hoping for a standard leg w/Spry! On Sat when my mom ran her, she actually only got two faults - one knocked bar, and one time jumping off of the table, which is pretty good :) She maintained great contacts & stays with everyone which is fantastic.

Here's hoping to my fast healing - everyone's entered @ BRAG CPE Dec 11-12! And I'm judging in TX Dec 4-5!

Thoughts on Nationals

2010-10-19T15:30:00.002-04:00

As I mentioned before, this was my first nationals event since 1999, and Panic's first ever "big" event as well. So, even though at 1st glance we didn't do too great, I am honestly thrilled at how we did. I overcame my nerves which is huge. Other than our "oops" in each run, the runs were really pretty good!!

This last week was quite an emotional one. One of our friends who was in L'ville had a dog pass away at home over the weekend. Another friend in L'ville had a dog who was just recently diagnosed with cancer not be able to run at all at nationals and he had to put him to sleep Monday morning after returning home. Another friend who wasn't in L'ville also had to put their dog to sleep over the weekend. Watching Houston's victory lap during the vet's AA thing on Sunday.

It all made you think about your dog and why we do agility... is it for the competitive glory, or for the bond between us? (There's nothing wrong with being competitive, I am competitive myself. I want to do the best we can do, and if the best we can do is beating dogs at a national level, then I would strive for that. But if we're not physically at that level, that's ok too.) All of this has helped me come to a decision. Panic is moving to Performance. In Steeple quarters, she wasn't terribly slow, but I just felt like I was dragging her along the course. I don't feel like that when we run 16" in AKC. She has slowed down some over the year jumping 22", and still is fast at 16". She doesn't appear uncomfortable jumping 22, and still Qs, is still competitive locally, etc. I am sure I could run her at 22 for a few more years, accruing more Qs and doing well. However, the fact that she runs faster at 16" tells me she is more comfortable there. And does it really matter what program we run in? Not really. She wasn't a top competitive dog at 22", she won't be at P16" either (at nationals that class is DARN competitive!). The titles being championship or perf don't matter. What matters is that Panic loves to run agility, and I love doing it with her. I want to be able to do that for as long as possible, and I think jumping 16" will make that last longer. I always knew her career at 22" wouldn't be super long... being a 17" tall dog with straight rear angulation just makes it tough!! I can't wait now to run her in Perf. I think it will be interesting to see if when she "gets" that 16" is what she's running now, she starts extending more. I have run her at a BRAG starter/adv trial before in P1, so we have to finish our P1 and P2 titles, and it will be fun to run the "easy" stuff again.

I look forward to running agility with my awesome little yellow dog for as long as possible. Her smile after we run tells me she doesn't care how we do, or what program she competes in... she just loves me and the game.

Nationals Wrap Up

2010-10-19T09:44:00.002-04:00

Whew, my first USDAA nationals (or of any sort really!) since 1999 is done. It was long, but I had a *great* time. This is the post that will detail my runs, my thoughts on the whole thing to follow in another post!

It's only about a 3.5 hr drive for us, which was of course fantastic. We arrived on Monday evening bc we made our hotel reservations eons ago and didn't know they'd be starting so late in the day on Tuesday, or else we probably would have just driven down Tues morning. But it ended up being very nice, we slept in some on Tuesday and then went to Bob Evans before heading to the site. Our crating space was perfect, it was close to the big garage door entrance on the wall - so our dogs had a wall behind them, and in the afternoon when it was sunny the light streaming in the windows did not hit them.

We got checked in, and ready to walk at 3pm. Or.... not :) For whatever reasons that was delayed quite a bit. But, we ran European Standard, and E'd. Panic ran off the DW into the tunnel, which was not correct. Oh well, she was moving quite fast and had some killer poles. Also, I was a nervous WRECK. I really didn't expect to be nervous, but when I went to the start line, I was shaking all over. Could barely get Panic's leash off! I felt like I was in the obedience ring with Dexter again (an experience I really never wanted to repeat!). So I was handling kind of goofy (Andy told me I looked pretty ridiculous).

Ok so *that's* over with. Now move on and forget about the nerves!

Wednesday was Team Gamblers. Our section ran first, and Panic was 15th in. We did OK - I wasn't very nervous and practiced my deep breathing before I ran which really helped! She did get called on one AF contact, but got her 2nd one. I wasn't exactly where I had planned to be for the close, so I didn't execute my original closing plan. I wish I had, I'm sure I still would have had enough time, but since we were so early in the day I hadn't gotten to watch enough dogs to get a feel for it yet. So we ended up with only 35 points, which was not great but at least we got points. And most importantly I conquered my nerves.

Thursday was Team Standard & Steeple Quarters. I ran standard first. I thought it would be a great course for Panic. UNfortunately, she went off course after jump #3! I am really not sure why - I guess from the vid my shoulders were SLIGHTLY open as she went over jump #3 and she assumed she was supposed to take the backside of this other jump. Weird since we don't often practice that skill! BUT I will say, the rest of her run was quite lovely, so I certainly didn't want the E for my team, but I was happy the rest went well. Steeplechase - she skipped jump #4 and then went off course. I have NO CLUE why this happened, still can't figure it out from watching the tape. I was moving laterally away from the jump but cued it, maybe I didn't give a verbal, not sure.

Friday was Team Snooker. I planned to do 5-4-7-7 in the opening. She did this BEAUTIFULLY. I was really happy with the opening. In the close we took #2 going the "hard" way, which meant I had to wrap her between the tunnel/AF to get to #3. I was 95% sure she could do this. Well, the 5% prevailed! So we only got through #2 in the close :(

Saturday was Team Jumpers. I did something goofy at the beginning and almost got a refusal, but saved it and she was clean. Not super fast, but clean. I was pretty happy with this.

Sunday was Rekoons. It took me several times in the walkthrough realizing I was not following the rules before I finally "got it". She held her stay at the start, and ran beautifully. I was THRILLED with this run, nice to end the weekend on a good note :) She placed 8th, and got a ribbon!!!

off to nationals...

2010-10-11T11:09:00.002-04:00

We're off after I get out of work today! I can't believe nationals are finally here. They seemed so long away then all the sudden - WHAM they're here.

Am I ready?

I think so. I am *not* going with the aspirations of winning anything at all. Panic is a great dog - but she is a great dog with the stride of a 17" tall dog with straight angulation - aka nowhere near as long a stride as a BC. So locally we do fine and often place well, but I know at nationals we will be SO far out of it.

My plan is to go, and run our hardest, push myself and her, and just have as much fun running fast as we possibly can. And I know we can accomplish that.

I do have hopes that my team will do well. I don't feel nervous about it, but I am excited. To make it to relay on Sunday we have to be in the top 36 teams. There are 203 teams entered, so that's top 17.7%. I think we definitely have a chance at that, and running in the finals would be beyond cool.

I may be able to post videos as the week goes - not sure. I am so looking forward to watching everyone's runs and visiting with people :) I'll update sometime this week!!

Funny Spry

2010-09-24T08:19:00.003-04:00

She lost her MIND at class last night. She was pushy - pushing her start line stays, blew a DW contact (1st time I think EVER quite honestly), almost flew off the teeter, etc. She also fell off the DW - she was fine, just being a looney. She fell off the up-ramp, right where the tunnel went under the DW. So she kind of jumped off onto the tunnel then onto the ground. Then without even a hesitation, she jumped back onto the tunnel and put three paws on the DW, facing the direction she had originally been travelling, and looked at me like "is this ok?" I just said "walk it!" and she put the fourth paw on and took off! I guess she figured she ought to fix the mistake where she made it? Never realized before the tunnel was a way to get on/off the DW? Who knows but it made total sense in her little brain!

Panic's team @ NC Regional

2010-09-21T17:33:00.001-04:00

Spry on TV!

2010-09-20T17:51:00.003-04:00

http://www.abc6onyourside.com/shared/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wsyx_vid_6648.shtml

Regional & a little bit of Spry training

2010-09-14T08:10:00.003-04:00

We went up the NC regional in MI last weekend. I wasn't entered in a ton - only Standard, Gamblers, & Stpl rd 1 on Friday, 4 team classes Sat, and team relay & gamblers Sunday. It was nice to relax and visit with people we don't get to see often.

Friday was a training day for me... I'm working hard to mark her bad DWs and she gave me several to mark!! Unfortunately she did not EVER perform it correctly. Standard was first and she jumped and missed it, layed her down and left the course. In gamblers, I was goign to do it until we got it right, until I realized if she ran through the contact and didn't stop, I was goign to mark it but still get the points, so I couldn't do that more than twice... and unfortunately that's exactly what happened! Also the gamble was not possible, so we definitely did NOT get it. Steeplechase - I was very disappointd after this run. She ran clean, but slow. She did not make the cut... I know she is not a BC but I have always thought she was fast enough for something like this! I went back and watched the videos, and all three runs on Friday she was running & jumping funny. Putting in baby steps before *every* single jump - so no wonder she was slow. She must not have been feeling well.

Saturday - I was thrilled w/Panic's performance in the team classes. We ran standard first and she was clean and (for her) pretty fast! I focused on speeding myself up as well. No DW which was nice :) Our team was 3rd after standard. Next up was gamblers. She did well in the opening (but I avoided the DW so couldn't get the high points) and was moving out nicely. We did 6 jumps in the close. She was in the air over a jump when the first buzzer went off and the judge didn't call opening OR closing points on that. I think she should have gotten closing points based on where she was, but oh well. Our team was 8th after gamblers. Next up was snooker. We did the same plan as most people, 3 fives. I really wanted to do a 7 as my second color but didn't want to screw up for my team, so I kept it safe. The opening was a little funny and not quite what I planned in terms of the direction we turned around jumps, etc, but we made it through and got 6th place I think. After snooker, my team was in FIRST place!!! I was thrilled to see this. There weren't a ton of ppl there but there were some pretty good teams. Unfortuntely in jumpers my teamies both E'd. Panic ran clean with moderate speed - started out kind of slow but got faster as we went on. I was again pretty happy with this run but wish I had handled the opening differently. After this class we were 15th.

Sunday - Team Relay - we were all 22" so could pick our section. Malibu went first, and ran with 1 refusal. We were up next. I was very happy that Panic sat after the exchange and gave me some sort of self control here! We ran to the weave poles and she drove ahead of me to do them, making my RC very easy. Unfortunately next she went off course :( and then Bekah did too :( :( So, 31st after this run!! Haha big fall from 1st to 31st! But this was just practice, and we know we have potential to be competitive at nationals.

Gamblers was the last thing I ran, and there wasn't much to do in the opening so we didn't get a ton of points (and kind of loitered!) but she got the gamble. It was pretty easy... jump on the line, 90 degree turn to 6 poles about 12 ft from the gamble tape, and then after they did the poles you could cross the line for the last two jumps which were going away from the line. You could stay behind the tape for bonus points, but no way would she have sent that far (30 ft or so) and we are so low on gambles I wasn't chancing it!

So now miss Panic has 7 gambles, 7 relays, 10 standards, 25 jumpers, 23 snookers, and I'm not sure how many tournaments... we are short on GPs (only 3). So maybe one day we will actually get our ADCH/LAA Bronze! That would be pretty cool :)

Last night I took Spry to the building before lessons. Worked on collection while I'm moving and after multiple jumps. She was picking it up pretty well! Also worked on layering a jump while she does the DW contact, so I can release her after I've gotten in position for the next sequence. She did beautifully considering we've never done this before!! She was exhaused last night which was good - she's been exceptionally ornery in the evenings lately!

my baby dog is growing up!

2010-09-03T12:40:00.002-04:00

it is so fun to watch spry grow up and see her mature. between class last night and class two weeks ago, I see *huge* improvements in her. She is now realizing that agility is a fun team sport!! She has always loved agility but found visiting to be perhaps more rewarding. Once it finally clicked with me that what she needed from me was *not* treats, but interaction (tugging), we have grown leaps and bounds together. She is focusing on me throughout class, not pulling me all over the place to visit her friends. She is not running off during sequences. She is starting to turn tighter and notice my more subtle cues. it's pretty cool :)

Giddiness, and Grand Prix decisions

2010-08-30T10:10:00.002-04:00

I am just giddy with happiness after this trial weekend :)

First up, Panic.
We had our ups and downs - biggest down is our DW :( She is missing almost every single down contact. She has a gorgeous stop in class, but will not stop at trials. I have GOT to start marking this but for whatever reason can NOT ever remember. Or, I allow good running DWs and don't want to "mess up" our standard run or whatever class it is. Well I've got to GET OVER that and mark her not stopping so we can hopefully get a nice behavior and soon!

But other than that she had a nice weekend. She Q'd in Standard to finish her Standard Agility Champion title, two times in jumpers to finish her Jumpers Champion Silver title, and also Qd in Relay w/Sonic, and Steeplechase, finishing 2nd in both rounds. We had some entertaining snooker rounds, including her jumping over tunnels! Unfortunately I don't have that on video because I accidentally deleted Saturday's runs off of the camera.

Dexter - Only 1 Q, but a GREAT weekend for him! He was fast and happy every single run and that is really thrilling for me to see :) On the start lines, I hold him on the ground saying "are you ready?" and a few runs he almost broke out of my hands he was so eager to run!! The weave pole stress still is there, but I am not forcing anything and know he will get over it. He did Q in Starters Relay with litter sister Calypso. They are too cute together.

Spry - Oh my little Spry-belle :) After the 8/1 trial where she ran out of the ring every time, I thought I might be nuts for keeping her entered (in every class except GP) at this trial... but it paid off!!! I think getting to work outside at another location and the CPE trial in between really helped us out. She still visited some but only one time really left the ring. Every single run she improved. She still had SO much fun and maintained excellent start line stays, weave poles, and contacts. Sunday we got through jumpers with NO off courses! Overtime due to me realigning her at a few jumps, but beautiful run!! Standard we also did everything :) We ran relay w/Dave & Mocha and it was actually gorgeous!! We did not Q because Mocha had one bar, and Spry had one off course... unfortunately, after the baton exchange, she skipped the first jump and went into the chute. She came back to me, but had seriously messed up the fabric. I put her in a sit and ring crew came running to fix it, but it took a lot of time. She then ran her half perfectly :) But w/10 faults and a lot of extra time we did not Q. Oh well!

THEN, we ran snooker, and she Q'd!!!! She stayed with me and just did so well. I am SO proud of my baby girl, and can not wait to see how she matures. I know, who knows what will happen, but I think she has potential so be a very competitive girlie :) Totally different than Panic, which I look forward to. It will be a lot of fun to encounter new handling challenges!

Also, I have made a few decisions this weekend.

1) I will be stopping my attempts to run GP at nationals this year. We have been trying all year to get 2 Qs and have only gotten one, so really - even if I eked one out @ regionals, is it worth it just to go and miss my DW in round 1?? Probably not. I will run in Steeple and Team at the regional and at nationals and have fun and not stress out over GP.

2) Just running Panic @ regionals. Too many people for Spry to run off and visit, and with all the progress we've made in a short time I'd hate to backslide. With so much activity, I doubt Dexter would run that well. And now I can just focus on Panic. She will really enjoy that.

3) Dexter has been having a lot of fun running agility recently, at class, when I train him by ourselves, and at trials. However his fun doesn't have much to do with doing every obstacle on the course :) As much as I love him having fun, I'd rather him have FREE fun :) So, for now, Dexter will mostly be doing agility on a non-trial basis. I think it will help in the long run, he does WPs fine at practice, so we'll forget the stress of them at trials hopefully! He also just turned 2 and is an intact male, so I think some maturity time is not a bad idea!

Ok, videos posted soon!

short & sweet - weight loss accomplishment!

2010-08-17T10:47:00.001-04:00

I have lost 10.45% of my goal! and 2.37% of my total body-weight.

Quick Vid - Spry's actual Debut

2010-08-16T00:12:00.000-04:00

Since I'm not counting BRAG

p90x lean - day 3 - Shoulders & Arms and Ab Ripper

2010-08-10T08:52:00.003-04:00

Ok so I don't look like this quite yet. Not sure I want to either!! Anyway, we did Shoulders & Arms and Ab Ripper yesterday. Or should I say, we did Shoulders & Arms and *attempted* Ab Ripper! Shoulders & Arms was not bad and I enjoyed it as I expected too. My favorite moves were actually in the "bonus" section. The Congdon Curls and the Side Tri-Rises were the best :) I liked the latter because they also worked my lats pretty well!

The hour went by pretty quickly! It really helps that the warm up is about 8 minutes and the cool down is 5 or so. Then... onto ab-ripper.. this was NOT so fun! It's about 15 minutes long, but only got through 5 minutes of it. I felt like I couldn't do any more of it, but lo and behold my abs are not sore this morning, so I'd better push it harder next time!

I was talking to someone at the office about p90x this morning, and it's crazy how excited I am about it! It's great doing a different workout every day.

We have yoga tonight. It's the one people complain about the most... it's an hour and a half long which is looong plus I felt like the 15 mins or so we had of it during cardio was a killer! Just gotta push through.

3 days down, 87 to go!

p90x - day #2 and weekend

2010-08-09T14:19:00.002-04:00

Friday, I called Andy again on my way home so he could get our workout ready. We did day #2 of the lean program - Cardio X. I was pleasantly surprised by my ability to do the whole thing! Each time I thought I was hitting a blocking point, they moved on to a new section. The yoga part was really hard - it always surprises me how much it is hard on my arms just keeping them up and extended for so long. Also doing the warrior poses I was finding the outer part of my ankles were hurting, so I probably need to do some ankle strengthening exercises. Sometimes when doing tight turns in agility I also notice my ankles feel a little weak. Any good suggestions?

The Kenpo section of the cardio workout was great! I felt like a limp noodle during the kicks (note to self - if attacked, a side kick will NOT be an effective mode of self defense, for now at least!) and I'm sure I looked ridiculous, but boy was the sweat streaming! The plyo section was also not as tough as I'd anticipated.

We had all intentions of continuing our workouts throughout the weekend. We were vending @ Flashpoint's CPE trial. However it ran pretty slowly and we weren't done until 6pm on Saturday and maybe 530 or so on Sunday... and it was pretty warm out there. We both felt drained and not at all like working out. I'm nearly certain if we had we would have psyched ourselves out for this program... Sunday especially was fairly miserable outside all day - high humidity meant near constant sweating. Not so pleasant. And realistically we are going to be gone almost every weekend, and probably not working out at the Red Roof Inn. So I think our "90 days" will take longer, but that's ok.

Today is day 3 - an hour of shoulders and arms, and 15 mins of ab ripper. Ab ripper scares me, but I can do it! I'm looking forward to shoulders and arms. Looks like lots of tricep exercises which I badly need, and usually enjoy :) I'll post tomorrow and let you know how it went!

p90x - day 1 - core synergistics

2010-08-06T08:00:00.003-04:00

Well, Tuesday night Andy and I were woken by the storms and Dexter stressing kept us up. So we turned on the TV - and it was 3am or so, so of course infomercials were on. Well we watched the P90X one again. It convinced me to give it a real try. It's a hard workout so I have let myself get discouraged before and never even really complete one :) BUT there was one guy on there who was pretty overweight/out of shape to start with and he just emphasized it doesn't matter if you can't do all the moves at first, just keep moving and trying. So it inspired me to go for it!

We did day one yesterday. On Saturday, I did something to make the muscles over my left hip really sore. I think it was carrying the AF w/Dave that did it because I was hitched over to the side and stretching out those muscles to do it. Anyway it was feeling better until I was waiting on the elevator yesterday, and just STANDING there somehow I tweaked it again. Not a good way to start the first workout! Oh well. We're doing the "lean" version of the program which is more of the cardio and a little less of the muscle building than the traditional. So the first day of this program is core synergistics. I was scared by the name! I figured it would be a lot of ab stuff which would hurt my lower back. I was pleasantly surprised to find out I was wrong! Lots of push-ups/plank stuff though. Definitely couldn't keep up all the time and next workout I need to do a better job of doing SOMETHING if I can't do what they do for as many reps - instead of laying there on my stomach panting on the floor. That's not super productive :) I will say after the workout I felt like it was good but I wasn't going to be super sore. Then I went off to agility and ran the girls & the dude - continuing to keep moving probably kept off some of the soreness for a while. This morning though, I can definitely feel it in my chest, abs, hamstrings, biceps & triceps, and back! So I guess I did get a good workout.

Today is cardio x. I'm not awesome at doing long bouts of cardio, but I guess that's why I'm doing this, to improve! It's only 43 minutes, so I can do it. Last night's was 57 minutes. I have to say, doing the bootcamp - even though I didn't complete it - I think really helped me. I don't think I'm necessarily still in any sort of better shape, but mentally I know I can do a hard full hour work out. In the past I would have seen 57 minutes and given up around 20. For whatever reason, I'm really excited about this. We took pictures and measurements yesterday. I took a starting weight this morning (actually a few pounds less than I expected). But yesterday I was being kind of bummed out and depressed at work. And then I talked to Andy and we decided to do day 1 yesterday, and I got pumped and it really elevated my mood for the rest of the day! And now this morning I don't feel tired and discouraged by the work day like I usually do. I feel energized and ready to work out again tonight!

As someone on a p90x blog that I read yesterday said "1 day down, 89 days left. I can do anything for 89 days."

addendum to previous post

2010-08-03T08:51:00.003-04:00

I forgot poor dude-man! He ran only in steeplechase. He actually did great! I got in his way for a FC because of our lack of start line stay, and he came behind me for another FC but went in the tunnel anyway... He didn't do his weaves, but other than that he was awesome :) He had fun and isn't scared of stuff anymore. He had decent speed. AND he did all of this after sitting in the pen for like 11 hours without getting out for more than just potty walks. I didn't think I was goign to get anything out of him considering each time I came over to the pen he was passed OUT. So yay for dude man, and can't wait until he gets over the weave stress (but he got over the contact stress so I know he can do it!)

BRAG all tournament trial wrap-up

2010-08-02T15:01:00.001-04:00

Trial Report time! (enjoy, Kathy!)

I got everything packed and I showered on Saturday night so I could devour every minute of sleep possible Sunday morning, figuring I would need it! I got up at 5:30 and was out of the house by 5:55. Stopped by mom's house to drop Fancy off for my dad to watch during the day, and we were off to the show! We got there a little before 6:30 and started unloading the day-of type stuff, got the score table set up quickly, and began check in and measuring. We started with the first run at 7:35 I think, scheduled to start at 7:30 so that's really not too bad!

Started out with Team Gamblers. I wasn't thrilled with the course - didn't give a lot of great options that had safe contact approaches. Panic did well, tied for 3rd. I was pleased with her during this run. Then... Spry's debut! She held her start-line stay very beautifully and let me lead out. Unfortunately there was quite a distance between what I was taking as obstacle #2 and #3, which was good for distractions! Actually I am pretty sure she passed up jump #2 anyway. She noticed Mike Lifer taking photos (clear on the other side of the ring, I might add!) and ran off to visit. Then she visited Drew. I was able to get her back and she was a little crazy, but then I got her a little settle and did an AF. Unfortunately as she approached I slipped and fell! She ignored that and went on over and I got up and she did a lovely "feet" (much to the surprise of everyone watching I do believe!). We clearly didn't have enough time to do the whole gamble but we did 3 obstacles in a nice fairly controlled manner. This was her best run of the day :)

Team Jumpers - Panic ran great but I directed her into the wrong end of a tunnel unfortunately! Spry visited ring crew again but I got her back and we did the weave poles, very nicely if I do say so myself! We then did a few more jumps but the people were just too tempting, so we left.

Grand Prix - oh grand prix... I did a FC coming our of a tunnel to some WPs and she ran by the entrance. I don't know if I blocked her view or if she thought I was going to keep rotating to the teeter or what, but when I ran Sniper for Jayne he did the same thing so obviously I did something wrong here!! And she missed her DW. Phooey, we really need one more of these...

Team Snooker - I had such an awesome plan. And then on the start line I waffled - should I wrap the 1st jump of the 1st color to the left or right? I decided to go left, Panic decided to go straight. To another color. TWEET! Sweet - one point snooker :) Spry - I came up with a nice baby dog plan (that worked quite well for mom and Fada!). Spry saw a group of 4 people sitting on the ground about 30' from the ring. ZOOM. "Thanks Elaine, we're done!" Whoa - ZERO point snooker! They were very good and neutral though so no rewards for Spry for visiting.

Team Standard - Panic ran very nicely here (helps that there was no DW!) and did run around a slightly offset double at the end because I just ran and gave a slight hand signal but no verbal. Bad mommy! Other than that it was good, but I can tell she is getting tired and slowing down. Spry - It started jump-tire. Tire was the one obstacle I wasn't sure she'd do because she's had very little practice on it. She did jump-tire very nice but when I cued a 90 degree turn after to the teeter she just kept on going, and going, and going out of the ring... *sigh*

Steeplechase Rd1 - Panic did pretty well! Again she was pokey, but I was happy with this run. She seeded 3rd for finals. I came up with a short path of jumps to get Spry in and out of the ring successfully... well she went out of the ring alright, just like all of the other runs.

Team Relay - one of the ONLY team relays I've done where Panic and I haven't done totally goofy things! All team members ran nice and clean (Sniper & Furley) and we got 2nd in this class, and our team ended up Qing despite my attempts to sabotage with a jumpers E and a 1 point snooker :)

Steeplechase Rd 2 - Panic did pretty nicely and I tried to push her but she was really beat by this point (as was I!). I did leave her in the poles to execute a FC in front of the next jump, which is something I don't usually do in trials because it usually doesn't work and she pulls out. But she stayed in! Great to know, and something I will start throwing in more because there have been many situations I wish I had this skill but didn't yet. She ended up 3rd here too, just behind 2nd place but about 3 seconds behind 1st place.

Overall - Panic had a good day, MY brain was frazzled all day long and I was having a hard time focusing. So all of our mistakes are squarely on me. I was happy with Spry's first run, and not even that bummed about the 2nd. She got worse as the day wore on though. Luckily no one pet her when she ran out of the ring. She used to not be able to work at the building with anyone else there and we got over that, so we'll get over this too... I will add more distractions at class though, such as people sitting on the ground, and eventually hopefully very close to where she is working. I will try to get her outside to a few places as well just don't have a lot of opportunities for that other than our backyard. I'm not upset/disappointed with her at all. She is a baby baby dog and I know has the obstacle skills down. I am THRILLED that even with all her excitement she held every single start line stay, had a beautiful contact on the one contact we got one, performed her weaves, and also a tire!

It was my first time as secretary. Pre-trial it wasn't bad at all, although I barely got any sleep Sat because I kept going over checklists in my brain. At the trial it wasn't bad either since I've worked so closely with my mom for so many trials. The only bad thing was being the punching bag for the one upset exhibitor! But I think I handled it ok, and it really didn't stress me out too much since there was nothing we could do anyway. After steeple rd 2 we ended up with over 560 runs, and I honestly don't know what time we were done, around 7pm? That's a long day, but considering how long some 330 run AKC trials can last when they only have 3 courses to set, I think it's not too shabby at all. I never felt like we were lacking for workers, and I didn't personally hear any grumbling from exhibitors. I think our new rubber contacts went over well, and I know I was glad to have them for some of the contact approaches we had. I hope we have this trial again next year if nationals are again close. Maybe 2 judge/2 ring with splitting up people into groups like a regional??? We'll see, hard to think about that now when every single muscle in my body is still aching :)

It's almost here!

2010-07-30T10:20:00.002-04:00

Spry's debut is on Sunday :) :) :) :) I am very very excited. The tough part will be walking the same course for Panic & Spry. I told Andy to remind me when I go in the ring with Panic to run fast & really push it, and with Spry that she is a BABY DOG! I anticipate tunnel suckage, some visiting the judge, and probably a few knocked bars. I am hoping to maintain her great stays & contacts. Handling-wise I hope I give her fair approaches to everything and give her reason to trust me.

I am interested to see how she does outdoors in the heat - she tires quickly but will have at least an hr between runs. She has a cool coat, I will be using the power boost, and i bought one of those Ryobi fans to run on the xpen as well.

can't wait :)

working w/spry, upcoming brag trial

2010-07-23T09:29:00.002-04:00

Working through more of DJS with Sprybelle at home. She is doing very well - sometimes she still extends more than I'd like, but no reward and the next rep is very nice. What this tells me is she does understand and I just have to be very consistent in not rewarding extension when I'm asking for collection.

Worked her at the building last night. I set up a course. I was very happy with her performance, she hit a decently hard WP approach (ps - 1st time on 24" poles and as expected, she looooved them), is taking jumps at flatter angles now, and is also starting to gain confidence and go ahead of me more when I'm giving her forward cues instead of pacing herself to me and head checking me a lot. Yay for progress! Now what I think our biggest problem is goign to be at the BRAG trial is off-courses. of course, this would be because she is running team which is going to be way over her head... But I'm trying to figure out how best to handle off-course possibilities. I am doing my best to handle her like a baby dog and give lots of forward cues, so for example if I have a 180 where I need to change sides and an off course obstacle near the top of that arc, it's going to be hard for her to stay on course. We had this situation last night - I needed to cross at some point during/after the 180 but there was a pesky table calling her name between the two jumps. I chose a FC on the flat between the two jumps instead of staying behind the plane of the jumps and FC on the landing side because obviously she's not ready for that kind of lateral motion etc at this point. But giving her sufficent forward cues for the jump meant she went on to the table.

I think I may just have to accept a few off courses in order to remain good and consistent with my handling. Should be OK bc our team is really not expecting to Q!

Speaking of the trial... so far 87 dogs and 422 runs. Expecting at LEAST 13 more dogs that are entered in at least team, so at LEAST 65 more runs. That is putting us dangerously close to 500 runs... with one judge... and one day! I am excited to have so many people there but a little worried about how long the day is going to be.

We are setting up 2 rings and alternating between them, as well as timing walkthroughs so that should help. Also hopefully people pitch in to help which will move things along faster. There are some great dogs entered, and I'm excited to see the runs!

Flashpoint Agility

2010-07-12T13:26:00.003-04:00

Had a USDAA trial in Marengo this past weekend. Dexter was entered in Starters Gamblers & Standard on Sat and Standard only on Sunday. Panic was entered in Relay, Gamblers, & GP on Sat and Standard, Jumpers & Snooker on Sunday. We also got an opportunity to join a DAM team, so Panic ended up running the team classes as well.

I was very plesed with the weekend in general. Panic was running fast & confidently, and I tried my best to apply what we learned at the APHS camp in June. Panic did pretty well in team, q'ing in all 4 classes for LAA, and her team actually won! So that was a lot of fun. Given & Sniper made a very fun team also.

In addition to the DAM team stuff, Panic got snooker & jumpers Qs, and another Gamblers Q!! I was thrilled to see that now that I'm not so nervous about our gambles, I was able to handle/act like a normal person out there :) Hopefully we are able to reach our next levels in gamblers without too much of a problem!

Panic's getting close to several "Silver" titles - she has 23 jumpers legs, 22 snooker, and needs 1 DAM & 2 GPs to get Tournament Silver :) I am so pleased with this little lady and all she gives me. We are behind on standard, relay (bc I rarely enter!) and Gambles... we have 9 standard, and 6 relay & gambles. So I think I need to start working on those!

Andy said that Panic is just exhausted still today after this weekend. She even looked out the window to see the trash guys and opted not to bark at them, but instead to lay back down! I guess she was passed out pretty much all morning.

My private for tonight got cancelled, so I'll be working on some courses & probably some jump work with Spry-belle. She is hyped up after not getting to do anything all weekend when she *knew* they others were going to a show! Can't wait for her debut in 3 weekends...

Targeting & Jump work - also, Spry is a freak, and Panic is limping

2010-07-06T15:27:00.005-04:00

Got to work on both with Dex this weekend. He is enjoying the target so far. I'm not really going to ask him to have this gorgeous stop at the bottom, I just want his nose targeting the ground, he can keep on moving if he wants to. Did several sessions inside just getting the nose touch then moved it to the end of my DW board and got to practice that way. Did pretty well!

Also got to work on some jump stuff with him. He was so enthusiastic, I was thrilled! Especially because it was hot out! I got to work on some nice tight turns which we learned we need to work on after last Thurs class! I never have really gotten to work on them bc I've always been working on motivation and him not shutting down!

Spry, on the other hand, has turned into a big weirdo. Our neighbors have started putting their Sheltie out on a tie out (which is better than what they used to do which was stand at teh door w/a leash and let her potty and let her back in... Fancy would be *so* pissed!). Well the other morning, Spry saw the sheltie's silhouette behind our privacy fence and flipped out! She got scared and won't go by that fence now, and wouldn't for a day and a half even come in our living room bc our side door opens to that side of the fence. I thought she'd get over it quickly but she's not... I couldn't even work jumps last night bc she wouldn't turn her back on that side of the fence. Going to start feeding dinner out there... this is so weird and just not like her!!

Oh and Sun AM Panic got caught in a cord and came up limping. She didn't cry or anything and she tends to be a little dramatic so I wasn't that concerned... then she was fine. But yesterday she limped a little too. I think it's her shoulder. She seems ok 97% of the time and then randomly limps from time to time. I think she's probably fine but keeping her calm this week to be safe... flashpoint USDAA this weekend and I'd hate to have to pull!

Dexter

2010-07-01T14:27:00.002-04:00

I have a few things I'm going to work on with him this summer.

1) weave poles - he used to have great poles but they are crumbling under the stress he feels at trials. So, to make him a happy puppy we are going to work using 2x2 and basically start over, using TONS of happy reinforcement, short sessions, etc.

2) contacts - he totally BLEW his contacts at BRAG! I am thrilled he's not afraid of them anymore, but geeze little tiny dog - don't jump off so high!! So I'm going to teach him 2o2o. I tried a little bit of 2rto with him and he was so not into that and I think honestly with him being so small he was not getting the concept somehow. I couldn't get him to stand with his front feet off and back feet on the edge. So I'm going to use a dish. Which I can start training indoors in the AC - for those days when he is like "heck no mom, it's hot out there!"

Also, I just got from Clean Run a cool coat for him, and Power Boost for all the dogs to recover faster at trials.

Spry the Wonderful

2010-06-25T13:32:00.002-04:00

I know it's obnoxious how much I talk about how awesome she is. But she is just so FUN.

Last night before class, worked her some on AF and teeter. She overran her AF a few times so I got to give no reward and re-try with great success. Her teeter was better - actually used the "Scary" one - it groans & creaks somewhat. She still looked a little hesitant though. Also taught her the broad jump & tire quickly.

Worked on some DW with Panic too, who looked lovely.

During class, I ran Panic in the technical jumping station, and Spry in the longer, obstacle variety station. I was THRILLED with how well she did!! Held her start line, hit the weaves as obstacle #2, I was able to get ahead of her in the weaves to present a RTH position after the next jump so I could direct her in the correct end of the tunnel. Great contacts, and no worrying about the teeter when in the middle of the course! I was even able to do a FC while she held "feet", which I am not sure I have practiced at all, and certainly not much. And she did the broad jump in the sequence no prob. Didn't want to do the tire, but it was in a thin strip of sunlight so I didn't bother.

Spry is on a team for August 1 :) She is running with Fada & Trudy (aka cutest BC ever). It will be great bc no pressure to Q or anything and as long as I remember to handle her like a baby dog I think we'll be ok. She will have a blast - that much I know for sure!!

Class tonight

2010-06-17T15:04:00.002-04:00

Before class tonight I will work Spry on the following things:

AF
Teeter - build confidence w/TONS of praise
Table

During class I want to work Panic & Dexter each in a station... I think one section has weaves, that will be the dude's station, he needs some work!! Luckily it's much cooler today so hopefully he works well.

Spry jump work last night

2010-06-17T08:38:00.001-04:00

I am so jazzed to work on jumping drills after AP camp, and the stuff my mom took notes on at basic skills. HOWEVER, the last few afternoons have just been miserably hot - I wouldnt' be giving it my all so Spry wouldn't either, and that's just not going to benefit anyone.

Last night I went out a little bit after 9 and realized it was GORGEOUS. And she was being nutso. So I decided to work. Definitely a good thing - got to practice her collection when she was really amped up and wanting nothing but extension!! I feel like it really made her think. It was a good session - but I was mostly working off the top of my head - I want to get over to my mom's and read her notes again!!

Awesome Paws camp 2010

2010-06-14T10:27:00.002-04:00

Spent the weekend at Awesome Paws camp, with Linda & Carrie instructing. It was *GREAT*! We took the advanced skills section, and boy did we learn a lot!

The biggest take away for me from the whole weekend was how to appropriately use acceleration & deceleration to get Panic to drive into turns better and make tighter ones. I had especially not been decelerating correctly in my handling. She did really well over the two days, and while we have a lot to work on (me, really), there were some moments of brilliance! I'm so excited seeing those flashes - it gives me great motivation to improve my handling. Mostly, I just need to be more of an active handler - she floats out so lovely to let me get in some crosses etc but if I drive into turns more instead of letting her do them herself, I get much better speed out of her. I've gotten complacent with what we've been doing.

I've also decided to pull Spry from the July Flashpoint trial. There is still soooo much more foundation jump stuff we need to work on, and although I am quite sure she could get around those courses, I'm afraid I'd ruin our hard work. And I'm not good at entering and not caring about Qs and doing well, so I'd probably put too much pressure on my lovely baby dog. Mom had Neat at the basic skills Thurs/Fri and took lots of good notes of some great exercises for us to do. I may still do something at the BRAG all tourney trial - we'll hvae to see where we're at by then. I am so excited to work on a lot of this stuff with her!

Panic, ADCH!

2010-06-07T15:37:00.000-04:00

This weekend at BRAG's show, Panic and I got our last gamble leg that we needed to earn our ADCH!!!! I was so thrilled to be able to do this at one of our home trials with many of our friends there :) Making it even more special was the fact that Wendy & Lannie earned their MAD on the same gamble, and later in the day Patti & Comet finally finished their MAD also!!! Our weekend didn't stop there - we had some other nice runs as well and Panic's team (thanks Bug & Piper!) Q'd which finished Panic's Tournament Master Bronze title. Little Dex also got a starters gamble and jumpers leg, and... well the rest weren't so great :) Despite the weather conditions, I had a very fun weekend! Thanks to BRAG for putting these shows on, and to responding as well as possible in this kind of weather! Moving the ring for Sunday was great.

When I got Panic on July 29, 2006, they got her out of her little wall kennel, I filled out all of the paperwork, and out the door we went. She immediately *flew* to the end of her 6 foot leash, did some sort of flip in the air on the impact of hitting the end of it, and then repeated that several times in different directions. I thought maybe Andy was right, we were nuts for getting this dog! She was just going to be too much. I wasn't even sure at that point if I'd try agility with her - having been on "hiatus" for several years while in college. If I had been planning on doing agility, I certainly wouldn't have picked a 17" dog!!

I think it was maybe one week before I decided to try out Linda's new (to me at least) jumping method as described to me by my mom, in her backyard. Five minutes and she was jumping 22" beautifully. A few weeks later I thought we'd give the weave poles a try. She loved them from the beginning and learned them incredibly quickly. She amazed me with how smart and athletic she was, and how much she wanted to learn and to please me. How could I *not* have done agility with this dog?

We've had our ups and downs - in the beginning I couldn't wear long sleeves, and DEFINITELY not hoody sweatshirts because at the start line she'd jump up and grab my sleeves, and the strings for the hood were her *favorite* to pull on. We'd fix one problem and quickly find another one. But no matter what she has always been so much FUN to run. She always has a huge smile on her face at the end of every single run.

She's calmed down a lot at home, and is now the "mature" dog. She will give Dexter and Spry the side-eye when they are acting silly, and then look at us and sigh to show us just how much more grown up than them she is. Of course, then she'll get jealous of their fun and start rolling around on her back so her little brother will bug her instead... just so she can complain about it. She's also matured in the agility ring and loves to get out there and just run. Our problems now are 99% me, but she never gives up hope that one day I'll learn how to handle her better :)

Sorry to get long and sappy, but she really is just such an awesome little dog who makes us happy every single day. She is my first dog as an adult, and the first dog Andy and myself got together (ok - she was supposed to be *his* dog since we were just dating at the time!). We've build a lot of memories with her, and I'm just happy to be able to play agility with her - something that she loves so much. The titles don't mean a thing to her - but I know she realized she had done something special on Saturday when everyone was cheering.

Thank you all for all your support along the years, ever since I started with Peanut. It means a lot to me to have grown up with such great friends.

Weaving with distractions, next few weekends...

2010-06-02T13:48:00.003-04:00

Last night took Spry to my mom's to weave her with Neat also in the backyard. Neat obliged with her, ummm, lovely barking/noises she likes to do. Spry was barely distracted! Did miss her entry several times at one point going a certain direction but I think it had more to do w/the shadow hitting that pole vs Neat. I hope these poles hold up!

A few things to work on:
- table refresher
- a-frame in diff scenarios
- finish up teeter work
- jump sequencing

Looking forward to the BRAG USDAA this weekend! Hoping it doesn't storm though... Dex has a tiny tiny chance to finish his AD - he'd have to Q both days in standard and get that elusive jumpers leg as well as pairs relay. Hey weirder things have happened!! Panic also has yet another chance to finish her ADCH with a gamble, as well as her TM-Bronze if we Q in DAM, and her Standard CH if we Q both days in standard (fat chance!).

Next weekend we are attending Awesome Paws camp - thanks Mom & Dad & Rick & Char for the bday present!! Can't wait to have fun and learn a ton there!! Panic can't wait to swim during lunch!!

Spry WEAVES!

2010-06-01T10:26:00.002-04:00

Yesterday got 6 more stick in the grounds, so I now have 12 poles. Set them up as two sets of 6 w/4 ft in between them. She did well but was getting hung up with the 4' as it was getting her striding off.

Second session w/12 poles just set them all at 22". She is AWESOME! Not perfect but she got it, and is decently speedy. I'm so thrilled with her progress at the weaves. Now we have to work more on AF to proof various situations, finish the teeter, and start working on jump sequencing, and she'll be perfect right??

Spry-belle update

2010-05-28T08:44:00.002-04:00

We haven't gotten to work too much in the last few weeks. It was rainy last week and then we went to CPE nationals to vend, so I took about a wk and half off. On Tuesday, I got to do 2x2s again. She is now doing all 6 at 22"! Good girlie! Still nailing her entrances.

At the building last night, worked on a few things.

1) On the way down, decided to do 2rto on the AFrame intsead of running. She's got such a long stride and I'm worried about consistence on the Frame in competition. She also *really* gets that 2rto really means the feet are barely on, and so it shouldn't be too hard on her back. She has done full height a-frames before to get her used to going over them. So, I took her to the bottom and said "feet", and she assumed the position very nicely. Did that a few times and then just did the whole thing, she stopped beautifully! Did a few more reps with great success :) Looks like all my work on the DW has paid off!

2) Jump work. I've slacked a LOT on this because I got excited about WPs. Went back to standing next to the upright. Really worked to get her head DOWN as she lands. Did *excellent*!

3) Weave poles. She's never done them anywhere else other than the backyard, or with bases. She did SO well!! The bases threw her a bit and a few times she did weave a phantom pole before the 1st one, but she seemed to figure it out. Entries not as good (I think to be expected bc of the base sticking out). I only have access to 20" metal based poles at home so I might seek out some 22" or 24" to borrow.

Annnnd... I entered her first trial! Flashpoint USDAA in July. I entered her in Standard one day and Gamblers the next. I think a whole course of jumps could be a total mess :) But she's awesome on contacts and I think will be on WPs too. The trial closes June 23 so I can always change what she's entered in up until then. Can't wait to see how she does!

Max, day 4

2010-05-15T21:14:00.001-04:00

He has settled in nicely. Really a very calm, relaxed little guy. Kind of nice. ; > We train with 1 or 2 meals/day. He seems to be getting his name, we've added "Come" now, so he's getting a "Max, come!" for the kibbles. I am using a command only because I am 99% sure of getting the behavior, when he is sitting right in front of me and knows his food bowl is behind me.

I have also introduced the clicker to him yesterday. He is learning a sit. We also do this during meals. So, if I don't call him to me, he is learning to sit, by default. I have no used a command with it yet. He is getting that click means treat though.

He hasn't had an accident while lose in the house yet. I've been pretty good about keeping an eye on him, when he is not crated or tethered to me. (right now I am sitting at the desk and he came over and hopped in my lap for a nap, WHAT a cuddler!) This means, of course, that I will start to get over confident and lazy, and he will, sooner or later have a housebreaking lapse. : ) NOT that I am calling him housebroken, by any means. At this stage, I am good at getting him out at the right times. He's not yet figured out to indicate he needs out, I expect that will come soon.

Max! (AKA, the PPod puppy formerly known as "Drummer")

2010-05-13T10:11:00.002-04:00

He's baaack! Yesterday I met Carol and picked up Drummer. He's a wonderful little pup, who will be going to the Chicago area in a few weeks to be a loved pet to the mother of a friend. In the meantime, he's here to hang out withe the gang and me for awhile. We're hoping to have the housebreaking thing n hand before he leaves and teaching him his new name. Maybe a few fun things along the way as well!

I didn't get home till evening with him yesterday, had to potty, feed and then be gone for several hours. So not much happening, but I did snap some pics. He was pretty good in his crate last night. I spent the night on the sofa, to be next to his crate. I don't like totally isolating new babies at night. He fussed for awhile, then settled down.

This morning we had our first "Your name is 'Max' now " lesson. I fed him his breakfast kibble by kibble, while using his new name, pretty much the Deb Jones "In your face recall" game. "Max", pop a kibble to him, "Max", pop a kibble to him, all while sitting right in front of him) I'm fairly certain he didn't quite get it yet, but it will come. : ) We will add asking for polite behaviors "sit" and "down" to get his food in the coming days.

He is already going UP my open backed basement stairs on his own! Not quite brave enough to come down more than a step or two, and I'm okay with that for now actually!

Right now I need to get to work though, so he's eaten, been outside to potty, played, and is now tethered to me at my desk with an ample supply of toys. He was NOT very happy about it at first, but after a little rodeo bucking, realized it was no use.

He is currently taking the leg off of a stuffed squirrel, that was already pretty beaten up. It is actually a toy that I got when Havoc was a pup, over 9 years ago. It has been suitable only for babies for a very long time, since it WAS already raggedy.

Well, need to take advantage of puppy quiet play time to work, then back outside with him, play, then pop him in his kennel for a nap.

2x2s day 6 and 7

2010-05-13T08:00:00.001-04:00

Tuesday, I was able to move the 2 sets 22" apart from one another so she was doing all four poles inline, spaced correctly. She had no problem with me moving them in actually quite a bit at one point (I get impatient)

Yesterday, practiced that a bit more and she was doing great, so went ahead and added the 2 poles 4' in front of the four. It did take her a few reps to understand to do all 6, but she got it! Actually got several pretty fast reps too. I expect to see her doing them pretty awesomely when I get to practice after work today - it always sinks in overnight for her :)

Warm & Fuzzies

2010-05-11T12:58:00.002-04:00

I can't stop thinking about how much fun I had this past weekend at CCDAC's trial. Partially, I am sure this is due to success with Panic & Dexter. Seeing them have so much fun and be so happy makes me just *so* thrilled inside. But mostly, a lot of people I like were there, and very supportive of one another, and the comraderie was just such a great feeling. The weather was miserable for most of Saturday, and bars were falling all over the place due to wind, and they were short on workers and loooong on course changes. But during team gamblers, hearing everyone cheer for teams to "go go go go!" as they attempted the time gamble and genuinely being happy when someone made it, or the groan of defeat when someone just barely missed it, was very refreshing. I think it maybe has something to do with it being outdoors vs indoors? I find at indoor trials I am much more likely to sit in a chair by my crate with a book or take a nap between runs or something - outdoors it's nice to sit by the rings and watch your friends and competitors enjoy their runs.

Today, I am very grateful that I decided to get back into agility after my college hiatus.

I started competing in agility when I was 9 with my Border Terrier, Peanut. I don't think I really realized how "dorky" being in dogs was until I was in 6th or 7th grade, but after that, even though I loved doing it, I was kind of ashamed. I always wished I was in a more cool activity or sport. So as much as I loved it, I never totally embraced it insofar that I wouldn't talk about it much at school, and just didn't feel comfortable with it when I wasn't with "dog people". I did become a judge summer of '00 when I was 15, just about to turn 16. I loved doing that too. I always felt accepted at the dog shows - even when I was younger and kids were not always a favorite of my fellow competitors. It was a better feeling than I sometimes had at school where I sometimes felt out of place.

When I went off to college, I just didn't have a lot of time anymore for agility or judging. I was at school 2 hrs from home and my dogs, so no practicing. I did a few shows a year but pretty much went on hiatus from dogs during that time. I got to experience a lot and am thrilled I took advantage of the opportunities college presented me with instead of staying at home and continuing to focus on the dogs. I know it was the right decision. When I was graduating, I was planning on continuing my non-doggie life and career. When Andy wanted to get a dog, we looked on petfinder and saw "Zum Zum". This goofy little yellow dog, sitting looking up at the camera, with big old ears standing up and a big smile on her face. She was immediately very interesting to me. I convinced Andy to go look at her with me, and we did. Remember, this was going to be Andy's dog, and we were still just dating for 4 or so months at the time. Well, she was a NUT. But after we visited I couldn't stop thinking about her and begged Andy to get her. Long story short, she became "Panic" and really, how could one *not* do agility with her? Started her jumping and weaving within days of adopting her and the rest is history. She was brilliant - seriously brilliant. She has by far been the easiest dog I've had to train for those things, and she was just so eager to do ANYTHING after being shut in one of those small dog kennels on the wall at the shelter. Panic seems to have come into my life for a reason. Without her I'm not sure I would have gotten back into it. And I'm so glad I did.

It is so nice to now be friends, as an adult, with people I have known and competed with for the last 16 years. I know they are always there for me if I need them, and it's just great to hang out with them on the weekend. The relationship that agility has given me with my dogs has been fantastic. It keeps me at least somewhat active compared to sitting at my desk all day and has given me life-long friends :)

Four years ago when I graduated, I would never have guessed how involved I'd be yet again in agility or that agility would indeed become part of my career and livelihood! Thanks to all my agility friends for making this such an enjoyable hobby :)

Spry 2x2s day 5

2010-05-11T08:02:00.002-04:00

Practiced briefly last night. I moved the 2nd set in two times, I would guess about 30" apart now. She is doing great! Hitting entrances about 95% of the time from any angle and speeding up. I think if I can work her tonight (it's super rainy right now) I might be able to get them spaced at 22" or very close at least, so that would be 4 poles spaced correctly, and ready to add 2 more in front :)

I am very pleased with the choices I've made for her training - 2rto was definitely the right choice vs running for the DW and the 2x2 has been a lot of fun to train :)

Very successful weekend!

2010-05-10T13:20:00.004-04:00

We were at an outdoor show this weekend - the first of the year, and Dexter's first ever. Saturday was rough - cold, rainy, and winds up to 40 mph. We had STD first, Dex was not too pleased with the scoring tent's walls flapping very loudly by the start line, or the tent man with the huge hammer/mallet fixing the tent posts, so I opted to do only three jumps and leave the ring. He did them and I was thrilled. Later we ran jumpers, and he did much better! Overall very fast but got weirded out by a few jumps so was overtime.

Sunday was much better weather! We started out with standard again. HE WAS AWESOME!!!! Ran so fast and happy :) did have to visit one bar setter and look around on the table before laying down, but nailed everything including his biggest stress points - weaves and the teeter. His first starters standard leg. So proud of my boy! In jumpers today the course was a little tough and he visited the judge along with a few other bobbles, plus he was tired at the end of a long weekend, but he did well. Just a few secs overtime again. I am a little bummed/disappointed we have not been able to get a jumpers leg - I know we haven't yet had a "perfect" run - but it's starters for goodness sake. Seems like a dog should be able to hesitate at a jump or 2 and still Q? Oh well - his improvement is really, really monumental.

I kept thinking outdoors would be better than indoors. And, as I learned on Saturday, there are a whole new set of stressors to worry about - but my BIGGEST lesson is just not to worry about them at all :) I can't control our environment at a trial, and it's silly to worry about it. He is SO sensitive to my emotions so if I just chill the f out, he pretty much does too. I honestly could watch the video of his standard Q over and over again :) So nice to see him be fast and happy out there!

Panic ran in the DAM tournament on Saturday with teamies Malibu/Aida Peterson and Maple/Blanche Cooper. Panic kicked butt all day :) We started out w/team snooker, and she won the 22" class! She also got a 3rd in standard and a 4th in jumpers. Ran an awesome gamblers opening but missed (like many) on the time gamble so no bonus points and no placement.

She ran so FAST! I am not worried about her jumping/speed anymore. I am convinced it's a confidence thing on matting and other certain surfaces - but she in general is fast on sprinturf, dirt, and outdoors. Slower on matting and some astroturf. She has common sense and if she doesn't feel OK extending or pushing herself too much on those surfaces, that's alright. I don't want her to get hurt. She ran SO much more ahead of me this weekend than I was used to! It was great to see her just get out there and have a blast.

Sunday we did not get our sought after gamble for our ADCH - or our GP leg - unfortunately. GREAT opening again in gamblers. I'm so good at planning these openings, wish I could stop losing my mind when the buzzer goes off!! In GP - I made the mistake of not doing a DW in gamblers, and so our first DW of the day was GP and she missed it by a mile. Also went off course later on, I'm pretty sure due to running faster/wider than I was used to. Ended up w/Q #6, 2nd place in M Relay w/Malibu, Q #22, 2nd place in Jumpers, and Q#21/SQ #10, 1st place in Snooker. Along with our #2 DAM tourney Q, which gets our Tournament Master title as well as another coveted qualification for nationals! All we need now is that one last GP.

Can't wait for the rest of this summer's trials :)

Dexter at class last night

2010-05-07T13:48:00.003-04:00

We ran a full course - very starters level. BEST DOGGIE EVER!!! We made sure my mom was being "judge" so that he would have to deal with the distraction of her. It was no problem!!

He ran fast, happy, and excellent in general!! He got the DW on a tunnel/DW discrim - which is usually a HUGE pitfall for us - he always chooses the tunnel bc of contact confidence issues. So big success here :) Did the teeter fast and happy, and had killer poles!! He was fast and hopping, and even slipped and knocked his head on a pole and kept going. I'm so proud :)

We're off this weekend to Rochester Hills, MI for CCDAC's trial. Dexter's 1st outdoor trial, hope it goes well! Panic has a chance to finish up her nationals Qs with DAM & GP, along with her ADCH on a gamble on Sunday... crossing my fingers!

Spry training - DW, WP, Teeter

2010-05-07T13:43:00.003-04:00

Ok I did get a chance to work on 2x2s yesterday before heading to the building. I measured and they are now 40" apart. She is doing pretty well, I'm pleased with the progress. Should be able to move closer again next session... Monday.

Worked on DW at the building, was able to move the height up several links - I think we're pretty close to competition height. Still running fast, still stopping well. Also there was a tunnel entrance aimed right at one end, and seeing that enticing tunnel did NOT cause her to mess up. GOOOD lady :) Also did some tunnel -> DW which she handled nicely. She did have her first spectacular fall off of the DW. Considering her recklessness I'm surprised it hadn't happened yet. She fell off the middle of the top board onto her side - she seemed OK and we got a few reps in again to make sure she wasn't spooked. She was reasonably cautious the first time back on, but was then back up to speed :)

Teeter - have done tippy board before but yesterday was the 1st time on a full teeter that moves. We started with it going from 24"->24" table so it didn't tilt, then did 24"->16", 24"->12", and got down all the way to 24"->ground. She did awesome, wasn't nervous, and I saw no reason to spend extra time on the various heights. She was going quickly with no fear. As soon as the board was on the ground she began offering 2rto. I love this dog!

Spry's 2x2s day #3, considering entering her at a trial...

2010-05-06T09:46:00.004-04:00

Working 2 sets of 2, got them moved a little closer together. Probably 44" or so now instead of 48". Figured out why she was skipping the first set and moving onto the second, I'm being quiet until the does the 2nd set and then tell her good girl, so she thinks the 2nd set is what she's getting rewarded for, so why do the 1st at all? If I tell her good girl the whole time it doesn't stop her, or I can just say "go go go" and it encourages her to keep working. So now she knows to do both. Also got her speed up a little more.

I don't know if I should be encouraging her to speed up at this step? Or just waiting until she's got the concept down more... but it seems to me she needs the speed with the two sets spaced further apart so she can learn to keep up that speed and control her body as they get closer together. If I wait until the two sets are right next to eachother and then ask her to explode with speed I'm afraid she'll just bust right outta the poles. Probably won't get to work poles tonight, and I won't get to tomorrow, Sat, or Sun. Hopefully we don't lose ground between now and Monday.

So the early bird for Flashpoint is June 1st. That means I have to decide soon whether or not to enter Spry!! I think she'll def be ready for jumpers, her DW is coming along so well I think she'll be able to do that, haven't really even started training her AF so who knows, and her teeter I'm going to start with the whole plank tonight, so we'll see. I'm thinking I'll probably enter in jumpers and maybe gamblers or snooker. Good news is I can pull her entry up til June 23 so that's a lot longer to figure out what she can do :)

Spry's weave poles

2010-05-05T13:33:00.005-04:00

I've decided to switch over to 2x2s. I'll be using the method as described by Mary Ellen Barry in her April '09 Clean Run article. I had been kind of doing the Joe Canova thing, but Spry was having a hard time because she could go slowly OK but the second she tried to speed up, she can't control her body and she can't stay in the channel. She doesn't really have a "medium" speed - just slow, and long strided and fast! So, my thought was giving the 4' distance between the 2 sets of 2 poles and decreasing that distance will help her learn how to control and bend her body better for weaving. Might help some with body bending for jumping too, we'll see!

So far it's going well - she can get the entrance from anywhere on the clock with 2 poles. I added the 2nd set and the first session she did very well - got her offering going straight through the 1st and 2nd sets, but then the next session she acted like it was weird, and would skip the first set and go on to the second. Got her successful though and I'm hoping some latent learning occurred overnight :) Find out this afternoon!

I haven't been doing much jumping - need to get back on that. I got excited by weave poles :) FOCUS!

Notes on DW from last night, other training

2010-04-30T09:57:00.002-04:00

Spry is doing excellent on her 2rto dogwalk!! Last night she really sped up and learned to drive to the end. She is stopping with her paws ahead of her, not off to the side of the board, so I'm really happy! Now, I just have to learn to run faster! Doesn't matter much how fast she does the DW if it takes me 3 more seconds to catch up :) I need to practice being behind and doing a run-by. If I start and stay ahead, she stops, but haven't practiced passing her while she's stopped. Also need to start working FC at the bottom. It is 4 links higher than the lowest height... probably 3.5 ft or so? going to keep easing it up a few links at a time. Really don't want to mess this lovely behavior up! I did notice at least on the 1st one in the vid, she missed the up. I can't tell on the 2nd, haven't had a chance yet to slow it down and watch it on a bigger screen. But I'm not going to fuss too much - she drives ahead so well the LAST thing I want is her checking in with me right at the beginning and becoming uncertain.

Also worked on - tippy teeter - worked on one of BRAG's wooden ones, which creaks as it resets and it does scare her a little. Also worked on a metal noisy one, with a piece of padding under the downside so it still bangs but not as much yet. This one has chains which rattle when it hits. Took her by surprise at first but she in the end like it! So I'm going to keep working on that and then I'll use the 2 table method I think to teach her the teeter.

Also worked on jumping. Mom pointed out I'm looking for too much in terms of her collection - she is NOT panic and has a much bigger body. She is turning it, and doing well. I'm jumping her at 24" now, 22" seemed a little too easy and I was getting too much extension.

I ran Dexter as well, working on not being distracted! Had mom sit in a chair on the wall, he ran fine. Had her walk around, he did fine. Had her stand where we'd run by and he did get distracted once but then was OK. We'll get there!

Spry's DW last night

2010-04-30T06:50:00.000-04:00

USDAA Q's for DEXTER!!!

2010-04-26T10:08:00.002-04:00

BRAG S/A trial this weekend. I entered dude in everything, so 5 runs Sat and 4 Sunday. Good news is that he didn't tire out with that many runs! Some were great, some were ok, one was AWFUL (well he didn't really give it any time to be anything but!). We realized Fada and Dex were one after another a few times in the run order. Well Dex is *obsessed* with her, and I knew wouldn't run if he knew she was right there. Sat Std - she ran, one dog ran in between, then us. I kept him somewhat hidden while she ran, but he's no dummy, plus it obviously smelled like her. I took him to the gate while the dog before us ran - a little, golden, fuzzy dog with a lady running - if you squinted you could have thought the two of them were my mom and Fada. Dex kept straining like "is it them?? It smells like them here, doesn't quite look like them, but it must be!". So he started out the course ok - tunnel. And then, prompt exit from the ring :)

But no problems with that on any other runs! He Q'd in the last two runs Sunday - Gamblers and Snooker. Gamblers was pretty good, snooker was pretty messy but somehow we made it in time. He had some great jumpers runs but got stuck at one place in each to be overtime. Saturday snooker was fun and fast, but got stuck on the teeter. Sunday standard was awesome - he was pretty speedy on his contacts and had lots of fun :) We're finally hitting our stride, or at least getting there!

Panic ran in P1 all weekend - good news, from reviewing the vids I think she's extending 50% of the time I think she should be. HUGE improvement!

Spry's jump training, teeter intro

2010-04-23T09:35:00.004-04:00

Last night worked on jumping w/Spry at the building. I realized why she's diving. I moved too quickly somewhere in the process... she is fine with straight back on the takeoff side, but only when I'm pretty close. if I move back a little more, she opens her stride up and extends over the jump. so, I need to work more gradually me moving further from the jump and me at different angles.

Also introduced the teeter last night - I am just sitting on the ground by the down side and holing the board slightly off of the ground, clicking for her jumping on/getting on the board. i wasn't going to ask for 1rto right now, just confidence on the board, but she gives me 1rto everytime anyway :) The first time I went to do this, I was sitting and getting the board ready, had it probably 12" off of the ground and she just jumps right up! Not afraid of the motion or bang. She *is* however afraid of the noise this particular teeter makes as it's resetting itself. It's a wooden teeter and kind of creaks/groans. She doesn't like it!

Latent learning

2010-04-22T09:47:00.004-04:00

WOW!

Vid #5 is the last session I did with Spry on Tuesday. Yesterday, I decided to work her for a few minutes. My in-laws whippet, Juneau, was visiting and was in the yard. I figured he'd just chill somewhere and not get in the way, yet be somewhat of a distraction (we need to work through distractions!!!) so I left him out. Well, he followed me around the whole time, and half of the time was standing in the way right in front of the WPs. I was going to move him, when Spry says "HEY you're in my WAY!" and in a very agile fashion goes around him and flips into the poles from a fairly drastic angle, and DOES them! now granted, there are only 3 poles and they are channelled, so it's not like she did 12 poles or anything, but she did the macaroni and didn't just fly out of pole 2! I was so pleased. She continued to impress me with her skills - I was probably 10-15' to the side of the poles and 5' or so back from where they started, and I kept trying to go over there to line her up, but she'd see me take one step, and FLY over to them, nail the entry, and do all three. WOW. We haven't even WORKED on entries whatsoever, and after our last Tues session I thought she had a rudimentary sense of "always enter with pole on left shoulder" but it was kinda sketchy. She *totally* gets now how to enter with me on either side. What a fantastic doggie.

Of course, I didn't film it :)

Spry weave pole training

2010-04-20T22:42:00.002-04:00

Vids #1, 3, 4, 5

Spry - is she diving? And trial vids from weekend... Panic got a Bye!!

2010-04-20T06:52:00.004-04:00

Spry Jump Training:

Ok after watching this video, I think she's diving. I'm not 100% sure of what diving is, so bear with me here. But she looks pretty much OK to me when she turns to the left, but it's worse when she turns to the right. I can also see I was standing in the wrong place for the RTH stuff, I needed to be directly opposite her on the jump, not offset. If she is diving, then I will work more on me to the side of the jump from a distance so she really has to work to curve 180 degrees and it shoudl be hard for her to dive.

Any thoughts please?

here are two vids from this weekend. I brought Dexter in before A Snooker to observe, because I noticed they were using the buzz on the etimer, not the beep, and sometimes the buzz freaks him out. Well, we were sitting there pleasantly during the walkthrough and he was being a silly guy like normal, and all the sudden they turned music on LOUDLY. He flipped out. Good news is he was pretty much back to normal before the run. He was still a little stressy as evidenced by running around jumps - 3a was a tough angle but I think no excuse on 6a in the opening. And he got stuck in the 5 tunnel in the close for some reason - I think someone had peed there. Great! Overall I am happy w/this run, he did have some moments of really moving.

The whole reason for our trek from Harrisburg, where we were on Saturday for the Podengo Specialty, to Indianapolis for Sunday, was to try to get a GP Q because I had none! We keep NQing for one silly thing or another. Well, it was worth it! I was worried bc she blew her DW in relay (which I entered as a warm up), but she nailed it in GP and ran quite lovely for a 1st place and my first ever bye!! I couldn't have been more thrilled with her. except for the lack of startline stay, of course! I guess if I ever tried to enforce her stay at a trial it might help, huh? Anyway, the vids:

Dexter Snooker:

Panic GP:

Spry's training last Thurs

2010-04-13T10:54:00.002-04:00

I didn't have a camera last Thursday because we had already packed everything up for the Friday CATC trial, but what an AWESOME session we had!! This was nice because the week before was pretty frustrating - she was so distracted.

We got the table up to 16" for the DW 2rto. She is doing beautifully. This week I am going to do the tunnel to the DW board at 16". If she can do that well, I'll move up to 24" and then after that we should be ready for big DW not set to full height. She loves doing 2rto, I am so happy I made the switch.

I also was working on jumping, and we are up to page 13 in DJS - step 5/diagram 11. We will work diagram 12 tonight hopefully and hopefully will also work on steps 6 and 7 this week. I was amazed at how much she can curve her body when I'm on the takeoff side. She really gets it.

We're still working on adding distractions, but she is getting better. We did some work while mom was running Fada. She did go visit Fads a time or two, but towards the end stayed with me.

AKC weekend #2, and frustrated

2010-04-13T08:09:00.003-04:00

Panic ran at CATC this past weekend, she did great! I was able to be there Friday to help w/vending, but didn't know I'd be able to have the day off so Panic was entered Sat/Sun only. We finished up our NA and NAJ on Saturday, and got our 1st OA and OAJ legs on Sunday. I was a little bummed out to have our first non-100, non-1st place run, but it was so totally my fault! In O JWW, there was a line from the tunnel which was tough if you stayed on the one side due to the amount of convergence followed by them having to diverge from you... and I thought we could do it all on one side instead of switching sides between two of the jumps. But I didn't show her the last jump well enough, and she did glance at it, but I was already moving away laterally so she came with me. Good girl. So we got a refusal, but fixed it smoothly and Qd with a 95. I was also not very happy with my handling on Open standard (vids below, btw). I wanted to FC before the chute, but she broke her stay so I waffled. I think I could have still made it, but instead I kind of stutter stepped to the chute, so she was very slow to start out. If I had just driven to the end of the chute I could have gotten a FC in before she came out and already been on my way to the teeter.

Even running on a turf she does not slip on, even at 16", she is *still* stutter stepping to collect at most jumps. It's most evient in our Sat JWW video. Can you helpful people please watch it and see if I'm cuing this somehow?

Look at this vid from April '09:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eUEGe72PZk&feature=youtube_gdata

Look at her GO! Wow, I didn't realize how much it had changed. I don't know what happend to slow her down and have her start collecting so much vs how she ran here.

I really need to re-read the end of DJS and work those exercises with her.

panic's runs from CATC this weekend

2010-04-11T22:08:00.002-04:00

Finished her NA and NAJ, got 1st open std and jww legs. fun courses

panic's run from dexter, mi last weekend

2010-04-10T20:10:00.001-04:00

sat std:

sat jww:

sun jww:

sun std:

Thoughts on panic's 1st AKC trial

2010-04-05T14:10:00.006-04:00

We went up to Dexter, MI for the Bouvier des Flandres club of Southeastern Michigan's AKC trial this past weekend. Panic was entered in N Standard and JWW both days. She did go 4/4 with four 1sts, and ran pretty well. Start line stays were not stellar and she didn't stop a single time on the DW... although it was a *beautiful* running DW both days. If we can compromise on always stopping in class, and then "misbehaving" at a trial by running all the way through I'm ok with that. But if her trial running starts to morph into leaping we're in trouble...

It was weird being up in Dexter as exhibitor only, not vending at all. It was *nice* being able to sleep in on Sunday! We didn't have to be to the building until noon or so, so we slept until 9:15 uninterrupted! Can't believe the dogs let us do that. Luckily not many people at the hotel, so I don't think we had anyone on either side of us to make Dexter go "woof" like he usually does.

So, some random thoughts on the weekend:
1) I try not to get wrapped up in ego things, but it kind of bugs me when people up there seem think I'm an agility newbie. We filmed up there a few times before getting Dexter, and I'm pretty sure some of those people think Dex is my first agility dog... of course the only trial I've run him at there, he acted like a total *freak*, so I'm also an incompetent newbie :) I know I shouldn't let people's opinions or thoughts bother me, but I definitely did get some satisfaciton out of running Panic up there, who hopefully makes me look like not so much a newbie!

2) I did get asked "why after having the purebred dogs (Peanut & Fancy) did I choose a Canine Partner?" - well the short answer is I had just graduated college and a shelter dog is much more affordable :) But the implication behind the question was definitely, why would I get a dog I couldn't do AKC with?? Of course, AKC has never been my choice venue...

3) The judge annoyed me - on Sat Std (the first novice class of the weekend) they asked who had the Canine Partners (UGH let's PLEASE stop calling them this!!) and I raised my hand. So, most of the briefing was directed straight at me. No one asked if this was my first time at an AKC trial, and there were plenty of Nov A people there so...

4) she (the judge) also really irritated me because she would tell in the briefing how "with 20 yrs of experience, trust me, do NOT fix your weave poles, just start them over, it will get you in trouble!" well, I'm sure some people now think that's the rule, that you can't fix the poles, you must start over... Seriously, don't tell me how to train/run my dog! also she said if our dog jumps up on us, like to lick us in the face, while running, we will be DQd. I'm not an AKC rules expert but this seems bogus to me! Sure, if they are biting at me or my clothes, or I am impeding my dogs path (perhaps to my benefit) I see it, but not for a goofy novice dog jumping up at me excitedly!

5) ok back to the ego thing. Did I get a little bit of a smug grin on my face hearing the reactions to panic running? To still getting the fastest time in the class even when I fell on my face during a run? .... yeah, I did :) I know, we're in Novice now, and Panic is fairly seasoned so honestly, unfair competition. But still, I can't help it.

disclaimer - I have both mixes and purebred dogs, love them both. I know not all AKC people think mixes are lesser beings, and many AKC people do not think AKC is the center of the universe. blah blah blah, no offense intended by this post, just my observations and thoughts!

OH one more thing that cracked me up! On Sunday, the gate steward, who I really like (from what I know of her) said - "You know what the problem is with this Canine Partner thing? You don't know what dog you're looking for when you're trying to get them all lined up!" Haha, yeah, because 20 BCs in a row are a lot easier to tell apart!

Spry's most recent training vids

2010-04-04T18:14:00.000-04:00

Dexter's Wild Weavers CPE vids

2010-04-02T21:07:00.001-04:00

Fullhouse - awesome run w/mommy screw up (didn't get 2 round things)

Wildcard - not so pretty!

Snooker - not too bad, baby dog mistakes

Jackpot - looking for distractions, but stayed with me!

training and class last night... ups and downs... more downs!

2010-04-02T09:43:00.003-04:00

Well yesterday was warm, about 80. I think it's affected my dogs' brains!! Spry and Dexter were all "ehhhhh it's too hot!" which in Dexter manifests as being slow, and in Spry manifests as toooons of panting and getting herself too overwhelmed and worked up to work.

I practiced with Spry before class... what a mess! She was very, very distracted, and I had a hard time getting much good out of this session.

Dexter, in class, ran off to my mom each time we ran ("but she smells like Fada!!"). And was kind of pokey.

Panic was the opposite, kind of INSANE! I was jumping her at 16" to prep for AKC this weekend. She was *blasting* out of a chute full speed ahead and taking an off course jump with nary a glance my way, even with my body language and my *yelling* loudly her name, telling her TURN TURN TURN TURN.

There were a few ups though. Dexter - did the teeter and the AF great! good boy. Panic - great DW stops! Spry - ... well she's a happy dog!!!

Off to Dexter this weekend for Panic's 1st AKC trial. Should be interesting!

Grrrrr

2010-04-01T07:51:00.001-04:00

really, really, *really*, beautiful day yesterday! Perfect for training pups outside!!! Really wanted to work miss Spry on her stuff again... however, I ended up on the phone w/ATT & Apple alllllll afternoon long! I guess a tower is out in our area or something (they think) so we are not getting any service at our house. took *hours* to figure that out.

Taking suggestions!!

2010-03-31T13:33:00.000-04:00

I am going to rename my blog... because well, I am currently training 3 dogs, only one of which is a podengo :) The original intent of this blog was for many pod people to post, but obviously that didn't end up happening. So the new blog is for me and my dogs (Panic - mix of unknown origins, Spry - staffy/lab? mix, and Dexter - Pod) and for my mom to occassionally pop in as well (with Neat - BC, and Fada - Pod).

Any suggestions for a new name? I am so bad at these things.

Spry's Jumping session #8, contact session #7

2010-03-31T11:37:00.003-04:00

Outdoors in our backyard.

Did contact board first. Nice job! Had it going off of our 4" table top. I am really happy with her speed and stopping. I think it's time to move it up in height some. I need to review the video and make sure I am doing run-bys... not sure if I am or not. Also probably need to practice me hanging back some. And interestingly, she is stopping with much more of her body on the board than when it was flat on the ground. I'm not too concerned with this, because she is going to do a running AF where the angle of the back is much more affected by stopping like this. Her back won't be too messed up I think by stopping like this on the DW. Opinions?

Next up, jumping. Got her up to 22". she was still ticking some at 20" but wanted to raise so she had to put more effort into it. I'm not sure she knocked any at 22". Interesting to note that this is harder for her than it was for Panic, even though Panic jumps 22" at 17" tall and Spry is 20" tall. However, Panic does weigh 12lbs less than Spry which certainly helps! Also, this session was too long and she got a little bored. KEEP THE SESSIONS SHORTER!!! Or break up with toy play.

Dexter's weekend trial!

2010-03-30T08:09:00.003-04:00

Dexter was entered in a CPE trial (Wild Weavers) at the BRAG building this weekend. We were vending so I entered him in 2 classes a day. Saturday he ran Wildcard and Fullhouse. Fullhouse was up first. In this game, you pick your own course (like the opening to Gamblers). To qualify, you need a certain # of points plus you have to get at least 3 jumps, 2 round things, and 1 5 point obstacle (6 weaves, DW, and a double jump were the 5 point obstacles on this course). I ran a course with Dex that I was exceptionally pleased with!! He ran fairly fast and confidently, doing 6 poles first attempt, not hesitating on the DW, and staying with me! Unnnnfortunately, I forgot the rules and we only got in 1 round thing before time was up. So no Q but a fantastic run with a lot of points.

Second was wildcard. This was not as good. In this game, you run a short course, and at 3 points in the course you have to choose between an easier option (A) and a harder option (B). Dexter is in level 3, so we have to choose one A and two Bs. I started out with an A, and needed to choose B for the next two. The first B was a jump with a tight 90 degree turn to a U-shaped tunnel with the other entrance being if you turned wider. Well I FCd and Dex went behind me for the easier entrance. And from then on it was just ugly :) He stayed with me but I screwed up my handling. Oh well!

Sunday we ran Jackpot - the one class we have no legs in because of silly reasons here and there. Becky Dean was the judge and had a fun "Survivor" themed jackpot. There was a tougher "Immunity" challenge (gamble) you could try for during the opening period, or an easier "Reward" challenge you could go for during the closing period. I walked my course to try for Immunity because if that didn't work we could still try for Reward. The whole time we ran on this one, he was really looking for distractions. Like, I think he was keeping a map in his head and saying "Ok, so later on, if I really don't want to do whatever mom is saying, I know that ring stewards are located here, there, and there, and there is a big piece of fuzz over there.... all viable options!" So we had some wide turns and a few moments of staring around, but he kept coming back and working albeit a little more slowly than Saturday. However, he did the AF first attempt (yay!) and got the immunity challenge with no hesistation :) Yay Mr Dude!!! So finally, a Q in Jackpot for us.

Lastly was snooker, which Dex actually tends to do very well in for some reason (??? not sure why because of his wide turns etc). Anyway he ran it very nicely, did some baby dog things, but we did 7-6-3 and made it through the end and he did 2 AFs in this class.

CAN NOT WAIT for BRAG USDAA at the end of April. I think baby dog is now ready :)

Spry's jump training + DW board training

2010-03-30T08:03:00.002-04:00

Had another session at the building last night.

Jump training, session #6. I started her out at 18" and moved up to 20" (same height we got to in session #5). She did well, but needs to push up more with her rear. She is barely making it over the bar sometimes. We need to work on rear strength. Her form is nice though.

Jump training, session #7. Short, at 20". Again I think she did well. She should be ready for 22" next session I think. Might help her to pick her feet up a little bit better too.

Contact training, session #6. Board off of table top (4"). She did really well!! When she'd over-run, I would not reward and try again. She was mostly *adamant* the next time that she would get it right and make sure to stop on the board. So, I think she gets it, she just needs to get it 1st time around :) Also part of this session was with distraction as her friend Dave came in the building, which definitely made it harder for her.

Hope the weather cooperates and I can work on both in the backyard this afternoon!

Spry vids from the building last night

2010-03-26T18:53:00.001-04:00

Comments on yesterday's training vids

2010-03-25T10:54:00.003-04:00

First observation - she is so darn cute! I love to watch her work, she has so much fun :) Also, maybe she's too skinny?? she looks pretty thin in the vid...

Oh and ETA - I loved the part at the end of the 1st contact vid where I throw the toy and she gets it and flips around to put her feet on the board. Tooooo cute :)

Contact board - I am pretty happy with how she is doing on this! I really love when I see the reps where she stretches that leg out nice and far to maintain contact. I think she really understands the criteria. Sometimes her leg kind of slips off the edge of the board but she is trying to maintain contact so I'm still rewarding those. This afternoon I'm going to work again on the ground and then elevate the board up on the table top (4" i think)

Jumping - she worked this one time very briefly back in Nov or Dec as a demo dog, so she remembered to go through the standards. However she is *not* phased clearly by knocking the bar over... so at first I try higher, lower, medium heights, and nothing really seems to work. So, I decided to hold the bar in place so that she *had* to figure out another way to get from one side to another rather than just knocking it. I felt this was safe because I was holding it with my hand, so if she really plowed into it it still did displace, so I wasn't worried about her getting hurt. After a few reps at I think 10" maybe 12" where she was carefully putting all feet over it one at a time, I raised up to 14" and that is where I started to get the jumps. In the second session I got it up to 16" but I am pretty sure she was getting tired towards the end. She is less comfortable jumping from the right side of the vid to the left, not sure why. Not worried, she'll figure it out :)

Now that it's mostly nice out...

2010-03-24T23:56:00.002-04:00

Spry can really begin training!

Vids from today, my comments tomorrow:

Contact board session 1:

Contact board session 2:

Jump session 1:

Jump session 2:

Dexter's vids from Washingtonville CPE

2010-03-24T18:00:00.003-04:00

Friday - Colors Level 2

Friday - Wildcard Level 2

Saturday - Jumpers Level 3

Sunday - Jackpot Level 2

excited!

2010-03-24T08:09:00.003-04:00

So I built (with Andy's help of course, bc I do not use a circular saw thanks to my experience driving my Dad to the ER after he used one that one time...) my contact board over the weekend and finished painting it last night. Decided to go with full 12' with slats board. Should be ready to start working with it tonight, and looks like the weather will cooperate also!

I'm going to go ahead and start Spry on jumping as well. or weaves, not sure which yet. But something else to break up contact work. So glad I will now be able to work on this in my backyard!

Oh, and my contact zones are painted a lovely shade of magenta :) It was a can of paint someone must have ordered at home depot and never picked up, and they sell those uber cheap!

First session w/Spry working on 2rto

2010-03-18T07:48:00.003-04:00

Tuesday I got to work with miss Spry on some 2 RTO. Haven't done TOO much with this behavior, but I did teach it to her maybe last Nov in the context of a board on the ground. I knew she rememered it bc sometimes when we walk by a board she'll randomly offer it :)

So from working on it Tuesday, she is doing pretty well! She will stop at the end of the board in a lovely position, if she's not moving very quickly. If I add my motion (speeding her up) she either a) thinks she's supposed to run it (which I can't blame her since we have been working on that for a few months!) or b) she stops 4 on the floor. She does do the back up thing then and put her feet back on it. I think she'll get it, and for now we need LOTS of rewards for stopping the first time so I'm going to keep her speed slow. Knowing her I will NOT have a hard time bringing speed back in, and since we did work on those running DWs have to overcome that desire she's built up.

I need to get a board so I can work on it at home. I think a few minutes a day will make it easy!

Weekend in Review

2010-03-15T09:48:00.002-04:00

We went up to Washingtonville for a CPE trial to vend, and I had Dex entered in a few classes. The trial was lots of fun, except for a few things:
1) Panic was sick :( She vomited a few of her meals. Was still eating but not keeping it down. Last night we thought she was better but puked as soon as she ate this morning. Chicken and rice it is!
2) It was the weekend before St Patricks day, so lots of people were going out... Sat night around 315 at the red roof, sooo many noisy people started coming in (and yelling of course while doing it). It had interior halls, so we didn't hear teh car doors at least but the yelling and room door slamming was amplified. This went on for about an hr before I called the front desk. She CHUCKLED and said "Oh they're just getting back to their rooms, it should quiet down soon". I was furious but ignored it... but in the morning I complained and basically got a free night so that was ok.

Dexter ran on Friday night in Level 2 Colors and Wildcard. Q and 1st in both! During colors, I forgot to tie my pants before I ran, so they were falling down the whole itme. Oops. I was pulling them up so didn't cue the tire which he ran around, but we fixed it and it was overall very nice. In Wildcard he started to get zoomies but I got him back. He had fun! Those 2 Qs finished his Level 2 Handler games title and he moves up to level three in both classes for the next trial. Saturday he was only entered in Level 3 jumpers and it was the last class. I of course get the dogs out of crates throughout the day, but since we're vending, they do get limited exercise during the day. He paid me back! He was fast but a little distracted and a little zoomie. But he had fun :) He took one off course, and then we skipped another jump (I could have fixed that, and I think still Qd, but didn't want to bring his attitude down too much). Sunday he ran Jackpot, and started out really fast! But, he got distracted in one corner and got the sniffies. Once I got him out of that corner he was running fast, but PAST all the obstacles intstead of taking them. Oh well, he still had fun.

He gets to run four classes at Wild weavers in 2 weekends, I think Wildcard, Snooker, Jackpot, and Fullhouse.