manymuddypaws

Seminar Weekend

2012-01-26T22:15:00.003-07:00

So this weekend Pixel and I are attending an agility seminar that my agility group is putting on. It has kind of snuck up on me. lol. We are doing one session each day starting tomorrow. Initially Wicca was supposed to do half, but I had to drop a spot when it was just Pixel left to play. She couldn't do two sessions a day- she'd crap out for sure. I think we are in a Course Analysis one, Distance for Big Shots, and another crazy handling one. It should be a lot of fun!

Anyway- Terry Simons is our awesome instructor. I totally love him- happy, upbeat, helpful, has advice for everyone and is just a really nice guy- oh and a great instructor. We've been bringing Terry here for a long time now- once a year. Each time he brings loads of fun handling drills, courses, and stuff that is challenging, but still realistic. I am looking forward to a learning filled weekend!

I have been on an agility hiatus. Hopefully I haven't forgotten how to run with my dog. lol.

CKC Approved!

2012-01-26T10:14:00.001-07:00

Brit 1/12/2012, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Today I called the CKC to find out about the status of her Performance Event Number application- and she's been approved!

Of course I didn't really doubt that she would be- but still it's exciting.

I think she will be ready for Rally for May, and Scenthurdle in the summer. Bring on the fun!

Scamp Update

2012-01-23T21:55:00.001-07:00

Love at first Bite, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Just a short post. He's awesome. ;)

Seriously- the more he settles in the cooler he becomes. He is still not into learning things like sit and down...but otherwise is a very fun dog.

He can tug now
Will fetch almost anything
Likes to play with dogs
Completely housetrained
Doesn't bark
Walks nice on a leash
Loves kitties
Is awesome with dogs
Is getting more and more friendly with people.

This is him and his new friend Neena. (Scamp is the one in front with his head turned.. and yes, the do look very similar...)

It's not fair

2012-01-22T16:24:00.003-07:00

Last night a great dog died. Tag was only 6 years old. He was an accomplished agility dog- one that you would always stop to watch on course. The barking could be heard for miles, the slam of the teeter, you could feel the excitement. He loved agility, as much as he loved life. From the time he was a baby, until the day he died Tag did everything with gusto and heart. You couldn't ask for a better working dog. He was a great teacher- for his mom, and for us as instructors. Tag was a challenge.

Tag grew up in Go Dog Go. He was in our first puppy foundations class. He pee'd on my foot that first night in class and continued to do so until the very end. Every time he would greet me he'd jump up for a hug and pee... I got a final hug (and a pee) last night, and told him what a good boy he was, and that I loved him.

Lately he hadn't been himself, mysterious weight loss, muscle loss. Ongoing issues, with no answers. Finally, some answers but too little too late. Tag went into organ failure and was put to rest in his Mom's arms. It's a devastating loss, but so suddenly, and with such a young dog is even worse. The heartache his family is feeling is indescribable.

He will be so missed. He was one of the best. And had a huge fan club. I loved that dog, and am so lucky to have been able to be part of his circle of friends. He leaves a big hole in everyones hearts.

Rest in Peace Taggy.

*photo by Sarah Novak

A post not about Wicca

2012-01-20T21:13:00.001-07:00

Pixel 1/12/2012, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Wicca has been getting all the attention lately- but don't worry the rest of the crew are doing just fine. :)

Pixel really has settled into herself lately- she's acting all mature or something. It's strange, but I'll take it. Physically she seems to have stopped growing/filling out. I remember Wicca was a noodle until about Three so the timing is right. I really do think that Pixel is beautiful. Sometimes I stop and stare at her as she runs through the field. lol

Her Open training is coming right along. I've been getting some really good stuff with her. I am contemplating doing one day of an Obedience trial in March...maybe...I dunno. We'll see.

We haven't done agility in what seems like a long time. And I think that's a good thing. The last time she was out was at League- so, well before Christmas. We have a seminar next weekend, so I imagine she will be extra pumped which will be fun! I like a little naughty in a otherwise perfect dog. ;)

A Journey

2012-01-19T21:18:00.002-07:00

I've said a few times in the past few weeks that Wicca is retired. And I've been thinking about a way to write about it- to really let people see the things that we have done together. What it has meant. It is hard to put into words, but I'll try.

I am so incredibly lucky to have had her as my partner for the past 8 years. She has taught me so much, and we've come so far together. For us, this journey has been hard, and rocky, and loaded with twists and turns. Nothing has been easy. Nothing- we have worked hard for every qualifying run, for every weave entry, for every bar that stayed up. But that makes every bit of success we've had all the more awesome.

We've done all this cool stuff together- first regionals, first nationals, first plane ride, first time "on the podium"...it is incredible to think that a dog has changed my life so much. She is such a huge part of who I have become- as a dog trainer, and a person. I am very sad that our fun was cut short, but I am grateful that we have many years ahead of us still. We will create new memories- away from agility and obedience, and I will do my best to ensure that she still feels as special as she deserves to be. Once she is further recovered we will get back to Tracking- I think that will be safe and easy on her body. But mostly she'll still by my buddy. The dog at the end of the couch, at the foot of the bed, pulling on the leash, and always on the lookout for Gophers...

It has been an incredible ride Woo. Thank you.

Here is a little slideshow I made- some of our favorite memories and a small portion of our journey together..

Stop Freaking Out...Part 2

2012-01-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

I took Wicca to see Dr.Devall today- hopefullly this can be the last appointment for a few months. It went really well, and her adjustments are holding pretty well.

Her shoulders were where the trouble was at this time. Particularily her left shoulder/bicep area. I can't remember what the muscle was called exactly, but it is essentially her rotator cuff. She got some trigger point needles (which Wicca didn't care for too much), and laser. Veronica showed me some exercises I can do to improve her range of motion as she is still quite tight there. Likely from years of this...

Her neck and pelvis were great- and only a few little adjustements in her back. I am pleased that she is doing so good. I really just need to stop freaking out, but it's hard. I love this dog to bits, and want her to be healthy and happy. Not stiff, sore, and miserable. She is on the road to that though, so it makes me very happy. The plan is to spread out the treatments every three months or so, depending on how she is doing. Combined with frequent massages from Sarah. :) The massage helps a ton, and Veronica said that it was good that I had her worked on when the shoulder flared up. So I'm going to get on a regular schedule with that aswell.

Her coat is super crappy right now- it's so dry, and with it being so cold I have the heat on all the time. She gets Salmon Oil every day, but Veronica also suggested Cod Liver Oil. 1/4 tsp twice a day to start. I am going to go and pick some up this afternoon. All the dogs coats are dry, so everyone will get some. She is also due for a bath- (maybe this weekend if I have time!).

So that's that. Hopefully I can keep Wicca semi-active without hurting herself, and we can go back to spending money on more fun things. ;)

Wise Words

2012-01-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

We have all had days when we felt we let our dogs down in competition, but our dogs don't care about winning and losing. The only day you truly let your dog down is the day you put your ego first, instead of thanking your dog for the privilege of his effort. - Kathy Keats

Life Lessons 2/52

2012-01-16T06:45:00.001-07:00

If you don't have anything nice to say, keep your mouth full 2/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Vito says:

If you don't have anything nice to say, keep your mouth full.

Scamp and his Sheep

2012-01-15T11:03:00.001-07:00

He may not care much for real sheep, but let me tell you that Scamp LOVES his pink sheepie. It is his toy of choice, and he happily carries it around the house. He loves toys, and likes for his favorites to be neatly arranged in a pile on the couch. If another dog comes and takes one he will look around the house for it, and put it back to it's rightful spot. It cracks me up.

The other day I taught him to fetch, okay maybe taught is the wrong word. Three times in a row he brought me his green squeaky ball and I threw it and he brought it back. That's how a border collie learns apparently. Today we started tugging- just gentle little tugs and then I let him run away happily with the sheep.

Scamp is an interesting dog. I've really enjoyed watching him figure out stuff, and come out of his shell. Gone are the worried eyes. He is happy, playful, and fun. Although I said in my previous blog that he didn't appear to be very smart, I take that back. It's not that he is not smart, he just doesn't really know how to learn stuff. But that's coming right along. He likes the clicker now so I am going to spend some time today teaching him to learn.

He is a great in the house dog. quiet most of the time, but will bark if someone comes to the door, or if he is really excited. He has the best happy dance ever- legs out, toes splayed, and his whole body wiggles and wags. It is very adorable. He has not pee'd in the house in almost a week!! He doesn't know to ask to go out, but he certainly knows that I was not happy about his choice of pee spots on the couch and on the door...

Jenny and I were talking the other day about him, and his parents. It's interesting that such a well bred sheep dog just didn't care enough to work. Genetics are an interesting thing, of which I know nothing about. lol. Apparently the only thing he did inherit from his dad is Cat Watching. It's a sport around here. I am moving him to a hard crate today so that he can only watch him in one direction when I am not home. lol.

Scamp is awesome on leash- and is very excited to go places. Today we are going to go to some Pet Stores. Hopefully he will not feel the need to mark anything. I'll be taking along some yummy treats to keep his attention on me! I am thrilled with the progress he has made in such a short time. He really is mostly just normal.

Edited to add: Scamp's Pet Store Adventure

I took Scamp to two different pet stores today and he did pretty good. The first store was quiet, so he settled pretty quickly. Sudden noises were alarming for him, but he was willing to take cookies, and I even got a tail wag. The other pet store was much busier- and it took him about 15 minutes to settle enough to take a treat from me. We walked around, and he met a nice lady who gave him lots of cookies ;). By the end of the visit he was pretty relaxed, and had nice happy ears. We didn't run into any men at either pet store though, so this week we will be on the search for men. lol. And I'm going to bring him out to the agility barn too- lots of dog saavy people, and dogs, and noise. Slowly but surely Scamp's going to learn to be a city dog!

Have I said how much I adore this dog? & a Herding Lesson

2012-01-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

Brit had a busy day today- first some Obedience training, followed by a Herding Lesson.
She is just such a bright dog- so smart, a thinker, a happy worker, and just fun. I really am completely smitten with her.

Obedience training this morning was really fun. I've been fixing my heeling with her for a while now, and finally we made some progress with the help of peanut butter and a spoon. I really messed her up by doing too much pivot/perch work and not enough straight lines when I first got her. So her idea of heeling is actually lagging, with her head twisted around like a psycho. Anyway- due to the power of the peanut butter (or salmon cream cheese!!) I think we will be okay. It is pretty well luring a good head position right now. She also did her first ever stand for exam today. I just taught her a stand/stay the other day. And in one short session we went from a sit for exam, to a stand for exam. And she's pretty solid. I don't think I will have to go back to a sit or anything. Once she gets something she gets it. I love that kind of learning! I also got some good ideas for some other "moving attention" games. I am looking forward to trying them out.

Herding this afternoon was great. I think it was the best yet actually. And of course I have no video/photographic evidence. lol. My video camera was dead..

Anyway we spent a fair amount of time on outruns, and gathers. That is still her weakest skill. Today we put a bit more pressure on her to give them more space at the top. She was a bit pouty about it, but didn't quit, and kept on working. You can really see her thinking, trying to figure out how to be right. It's very interesting. There was no real naughty moments, and we actually were getting nice flanks, without too much speed at the top.

We also worked on the holding exercise with the fence. She was fighting a bit, and not really happy to be working in so tight. Which is opposite of last time. So we just did a bit and moved back to gathers, and outruns. I am certainly understanding more about where I should be, and what I need to do to get the sheep where I want them. And most of all I am able to control my dog better. We still have a ton to learn, but I don't feel overhwhelmed by the dog, the sheep, etc.

All in all a very dog filled day. After herding I took the dogs for a walk- we are supposed to have winter tomorrow. So I figured we might aswell enjoy our strange spring like weather while it lasts!

Out-Takes

2012-01-12T15:47:00.001-07:00

Wicca Update

2012-01-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

Wicca has been doing good- she seemed to be getting stronger, and was back to her normal self. Her exercises were going well, although the dog cannot crawl, or do cavaletti's very well. And then a few days ago she started acting weird, and semi-lame. She didn't do anything out of the ordinary- except she did manage to slip past me and jump out of the van once. And now It's like we are back to square one.

I am so frustrated. It's like Sam all over again. Seriously. Random lameness that pops up now and again, soon turned into chronic lameness, and before you know it my dog had to be euthanised. It was awful. And that's all I've been thinking about for weeks.

When she first seemed off the other morning, I thought I was just being paranoid. But it was pretty obvious she was uncomfortable. She sits funny, yawns a lot, and stretches- often holding the stretches for more than a few seconds. Sarah gave her a massage tonite, and found swelling on/near some muscle on her shoulder that I can't even pronounce. When she saw her a few weeks ago she was okay, except for some serious muscle spasms in her hamstring area (I can't remember where exactly, or what muscle.) The muscle spasms there are actually what I noticed first at the beginning of all of this.

I emailed Dr.Devall, and could have gone to see her tomorrow, but instead have to wait for next week because I can't afford to go on such short notice. Dr.Devall is great- she knows my dog, and really knows her stuff. I believe she has made a difference in my dog. I am grateful to have her so close (only a few hours away), but I am pretty sure I can't afford to go and see her every month forever.

I have been doing pretty good financially- even feeling comfortable enough to drop a day of work in trade for evening classes (which is about the same amount of money after taxes, etc.) Now it is likely that I will have to wait a month to get that shift back, and then go back to working five days and five nights a week... I have been trying to save money for other things (like a dental for Boone, and a dentist for me...). But every spare cent is being used up by this chronic, not going away, issue. I want my dog better, and I never want to have to withhold treatment because I can't afford it. But at this point I am going to have to do some serious life changing things to be able to afford an extra $500 a month. ($350ish for the appointment, plus gas, and potentially a day off work). It's depressing.

Interestingly enough, I actually have been feeling much better mood wise lately. Wicca really has been doing great, and I had a great work break over christmas. And even with this Wicca thing flaring up I am still oddly okay. I don't really believe that my dog is going to die anytime soon, and I do think she will get better. It's just going to take a really long time. And I'm going to have to work extra hard, and cut back on some stuff to be able to afford it. But that's okay. It will work out in the end. I'm just frustrated.

I've already picked up a few private lessons, and am working on a website for that aswell. Private lessons are a good money maker, and take less time than running classes. I can fit them in when I can, vs. trying to fit another class into my already packed schedule. Now to decide what to cut out. lol. I don't pay for classes so that's a non issue, and have no trials planned anytime soon, but my herding addiction may have to be put on hold for a while, and I'll probably have to start walking the dogs to the field for a run, instead of driving all over the country side. And Tim Hortons may have to go without my business, and I might even have to stop buying quick meals and actually cook things. But there are worse things than being forced to exercise and diet. lol. And if I end up with a sound dog at the end of it I'll be happy (and thinner.) lol.

Balance with Rewards

2012-01-10T10:22:00.002-07:00

Last night I had an Orientation for a new class I'm teaching.

One was for puppies and the other for a class called Beyond the Basics. This is a class I am pretty excited about, I've got lots of fun things planned and I think it will be a good group of dogs. The point of this class is to challenge owners and their dogs. Put their training to the test and really work at making the people better trainers. For some of them it will be a challenge mostly in the fact that they've never trained this way before. One of the things I spent a lot of time talking about was rewards. And because I was talking it so much last night I figured it would make a great blog post.

I find that people really have no idea how to use rewards or even what to use. Food is the most obvious one, and the one that people use more than anything else. The problem with that is that we often create a dog who only wants a cookie or worse a dog that will not work unless they know a cookie is in your pocket or hand.

There is nothing wrong with using food to train. In fact for most of my training, specifically tricks, shaping, and new behaviors I use food. But we need to have balance with our reinforcers. Teach our dogs that if we ask them to sit (or down, or target, or heel, or stand on their heads...) that they will get something. The key is in the something. The don't need to know what they are going to get, or when they will get it. But that shouldn't change how hard the dog works.

As mentioned, Food is the most common reinforcer. Which is great- there is nothing wrong with using food to train your dog! But be creative with it. Don't use the same thing each time, and keep in mind that "food" is a pretty broad category. With all dogs there will be different levels of food rewards- kibble and cheerios are generally low value rewards, then you move on to a middle of the road store bought reward, and then you bring out the big guns- hot dogs, cheese, chicken, steak.... yummy. lol. Don't be afraid to use a variety of treats- I get students to put them all together in a baggie and then you never know what you're going to pull out. It keeps food exciting. Even the delivery of the food reward can be varied- calm, thrown, jackpot, excited, moving around, jumping up for it. Sometimes the delivery is actually what makes the reward exciting for the dog.

Toys- tugging in particular is a fantastic way to reward your dog. It's fun, gets the dog engaged with you And it riles them up. So for fast things, like heeling where you want the dog up and excited- a tug is a great way to reward. Not all dogs tug, and I get that but it's not hard to teach. It takes time, but isn't as hard as you might think. The most important thing is to present the tug or the toy when you know your dog wants it, or be prepared to make the dog want it. Don't offer them the toy, and when they refuse give them food instead. Remember that toys need to have value too, and every time you do this you lower the value of the item.

The other reinforcer we need to have in our tool box is ourself. It's the only thing we can take into the ring with us. So we had better be sure to balance out our reinforcers and use praise- verbal and physical. Teach your dog to enjoy being handled or have their collar grabbed. Teach them that a good dog! And a pat on the chest is worth as much as a hotdog. It can be done. Most dogs like physical touching, or a good game of chase, a hand touch can be taught as a reinforcer! There are lots of ways you can use your voice, or your touch as a reward.

In training our dogs with a balance of these three reinforcers we will be able to use them at any time, in any situation. Because dogs will have a "favourite" it is our job as trainers to make sure that the dog learns to like all three, and to want all three. If you get this, and can use them properly, it certainly will open up all sorts of possibilities in training and trialing!

I've got a few more thoughts on training in general that I'll blog about tomorrow!

Scamp

2012-01-09T16:30:00.001-07:00

Last week I came home from Sheepherding with an extra passenger. Something black and white, with a pointy nose, funny ears, and cute feet. His name is Scamp. And he is a herding washout.

He is just too soft, with not enough desire to herd. When the going gets tough, Scamp leaves the field. lol. Which is no good if you were born to be a super herding dog. So here he is. In a city, learning how to be a city dog. Once he's finished with his city-dog-lessons he will be ready for a home of his own.

He's been here a week and so far he's learned three things

where the cookie jar is (very important!)

the couch is not a tree, and should not be pee'd on (also very important)

that the little black and white dog is not your friend (probably the most important)

I debated changing his name, but whoever adopts him likely will change it anyway- so why put the poor dude through two name changes. Besides Scamp kinda suits him. For a day he was Scout, and then for a few days he was Whiz because he really likes to pee on stuff. But Scamp is what comes out most of the time now. So Scamp it is. Although Whiz was cute too. I don't anticipate him being around too long so it doesn't matter too much, I don't have to like it! Unlike Davie, my last herding washout foster, he doesn't have that super sensitive side and will be an easy dog to find the right home for.

He really is a good boy- and in a week has come out of his shell a lot. The progress from shell shocked farm boy to confident city slicker won't be long. I've started some clicker work with him. Right now we are still pairing the click with the cookie, but I hope to start some shaping games with him this week. He doesn't know anything really except his name. And no. He knows what that means already. Pisser. Oh, and he is getting neutered tomorrow, so I expect the peeing to reduce dramatically. It's the only thing about him that I don't like.

In the week I've had Scamp I've learned a few thing about him.
He is very happy, and wiggly, and cute.

He has a fantastic recall

He prefers crunchy cookies over soft treats

He rarely ever barks

I am not sure he is the smartest kid in the playground, but his sweetness makes up for it.

He really likes plush toys.

He has a healthy respect for kitties.

He doesn't like to get in trouble.

He learns fast. (nearly housetrained in a week!)

He is not afraid of stuff, and is very curious

Below is a very short video (taken with my iphone) of Scamp with the only kind of sheep he likes. The stuffed kind. ;)

As I mentioned I don't think it will be long before he ready for a home to call his own. So if you know anyone- spread the word!

Rule Changes and Match

2012-01-07T18:17:00.003-07:00

Jolene and I travelled to Cowley this morning for an info session about the new CKC Obedience rule changes, and a match afterwards.

The CKC has changed quite a bit this year- apparently trying to follow in the AKC program... here are just a few things that stood out for me. I am going to download the new rules and read them through. And the below is from memory and not be accurate. lol

1) You only have to be in Open B if you've earned a UD.
2) Open B exercises will be in random order. Announced only 30 minutes before the trial.
0) The judge will signal the drop on recall- no more telling people, or specifying an area
3) No leash for Novice Stand for Exam
4) Which means that you could use a 4 foot leash if you wanted to.
5) No pinch collars near the ring (woohoo! no more watching dogs be yanked around before they go in the ring!) The actual rule is somthing like "collars that are not permitted in the ring cannot be worn outside the ring either"
6) Food must be kept 3 feet from the ring entry. No feeding until you get to the ring, and leaving your food on the table for some other dog to be distracted by...
7) Dogs can wear tight fitting, plain jackets or sweaters. This is one that has caused lots of issues already. This means both for warmth, and for cool. So at an outdoor trial you could have a cool coat on the dog in the stays, or if it is cold the poor little IG's and the Weims won't freeze to death, shivering on the floor for three minutes... This does not mean Thundershirts. They were very explicit with that. Which is funny- because really- if a thundershirt works to destress a dog, then any tightfitting sweater will have nearly the same results. I know with Boone it does. He often will wear just a shirt on a walk, or his winter coat just to help him to be a bit more settled. Anyway, I found the whole rule rather interesting.
8) If a dog bites a person, or judge, or dog they will be disqualified. Which is VERY different than excused. To be reinstated you have to go before a committee etc.. I want to read up more about that to see what they mean exactly...

There were lots of other things- lots changed for prenovice, and the intermediate classes. And some changes for Utility aswell. I have the worst memory in the world though, so will have to read the rules again.

After lunch I judged Pre-Novice, and Novice. And I want to say that I wish that trainers would prepare their students better, or better yet tell them not to enter if the dog is not trained for it. I almost kicked this woman and her poor dogs out of the ring. Instead I just failed them both. But it was painful for me, and for the dogs. Mean people shouldn't have dogs.... Back to the match. After Novice (which had LOTS of great working teams), it was Pixels turn!

She did really great. She actually forged on her heeling! Which is a good thing! lol. She was up and happy, I loved it. She flubbed up her drop on recall though- she hesitated and sat. I asked her to down again and she did- so much improved than before. Her retrieves were good- she did attempt to veer off on the ROF on the way back. So I redid the exercise and she was better. And her broad jump was perfect!!! I was so excited we just ran out of the ring as soon as she came front. Yay!!! Oh, and her finished rocked. She didn't miss one. ;)

Brit got to come out and play a bit too. She had never been to the Cowley Hall but wasn't phased at all- we worked on fronts, and attention, and played tug on the matted floors. She had good manners in the xpen and didn't make a peep all day.

So yeah, a great day. Tomorrow I am going tracking in the morning with Wicca, and I may take Boone too...maybe he'll like it?!

Bad Boys Have All The Fun 1/52

2012-01-06T06:57:00.001-07:00

Bad Boys Have All The Fun 1/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Vito is the star of my 52 Week Project this year!!!

His bad attitude, naughty ways, and super cuteness will make him a fun project.

I am excited to do this project with him this year- this is my fourth year though so to keep myself challenged and focused we will be doing "Vito's Life Lessons" each week. At the end of the year I should have quite the collection of good advice, bad advice, and just plain funny.

A Mouthful

2012-01-05T16:36:00.002-07:00

Pixel totally cracked me up on our walk this afternoon. She insisted on carrying this huge frisbee for most of the walk-
even though it was super windy, which made it difficult to carry. She's a funny dog.

Wicca is 8!

2012-01-05T05:30:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to the best Woo ever.

Eight years old. Wow.

I love this naughty dog.

Speed and Want in Obedience

2012-01-04T23:18:00.000-07:00

Wednesday nights I run a "obedience work group." It's really great. A small group of serious people interested in serious obedience. Lots of different backgrounds, opinions, and ideas. We did a similar thing last year, but this year has been even better. Each week we pair up into different groups, so you are working with different people.

Tonite my partner was a woman who has working style bouviers that she does Schutzhund with. She is, of course, very into Drive. And Speed. And Enthusiasm. She is very nice and positive with her dogs though, and they are amazing workers. In any case tonite I went with the goal of working on Pixel's finishes- they are slow, and she often stalls out. "C" had some great advice, but there are a few things that really stuck out.

First- if I had the drive into front, I'd likely have drive around to finish. Duh. Makes sense right. Don't get me wrong. Pixel has a beautiful front. All nice and perfect like. But she doesn't have the oomph. And then is flat for her finish. So we'll be going back and working on fronts. Again. This time with the basic priniciple of make her want it. Make her try harder, Make it hard for her to get there. All of that is going to make it faster and more exciting. Just like I used to proof Wicca's weave pole entrance buy trying to get her to do it wrong- holding her at the second pole and trying to push her in- she pulled away of course and ran to the first pole to do it right for a huge jackpot. With the fronts, push the dog away, turn away, run away, change your angle. Do all of that and instantly be rewarding in position. Makes sense.

Second- something called Tug and Miss? lol maybe Miss and Tug, or Hit and Miss. lol. I dunno what she called the game, but it was interesting, and I'm going to try it with Brit and Pixel. I play lots of tugging games already- and keep to the main rules (push the dog away, don't push the toy at the dog, keep it moving, make them want it, don't food reward if the dog doesn't want the tug, quit before the dog is bored, let them win lots.) But this game was a little different. Offer the tug, take it away fast and sharp movement. Turn away even. The dog should never really know if the tug is going to stay in one spot, you should get tons of excitement and drive before letting them have it. Of course you don't do this all the time- but it is a fun game to help build the "want" for the tug. I think its the sharp movement that really gets the dog. It was interesting to watch her dog (who is already in mega drive) turn into a freaking alligator for the toy. I do understand that my dog is different, but I think I can build it up to be similiar.

I also showed her what I've managed to teach Brit. lol. I did a ton of perch work (how I taught heel position) so now she just swivels her head around so she is actually looking sideways instead of forward. It's hard to describe. I'll try and video it. Anyway- with C's good eye she actually saw that not only was it my reward position but in my timing. So I've got a better plan to work on that. It also occurred to me on the way home that I should go back and do some choose to heel games with her. Because I taught the position first (which I normally teach later), I think that I initally forgot I hadn't taught her how to walk beside me and look at me. In other words I am lumping too much together combining the movement and the head position- she is confused. The choose to heel game will fix that in a few sessions...duh.

So a good Obedience night. Lots to think about, and lots to work on. In other brief news Brit retrieved her dumbbell tonite out of a pile of three on the box!!!! Woo Woo.

The Year of New

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

I've decided that this year is going to be all about "New." Trying new things, going new places, doing things differently. I am very resistant to change, one of my least favorite qualities. lol. So in theory I am opening myself up for change for a whole year....It should be interesting. lol.

My first new thing this year is Tracking. My friend Jolene (OneCollie) went out on Sunday for the first time, and then I took Wicca out again today.

Tracking has always been one of those things that sounds fun, and then you just never really make time to try it. I've been a track layer before, so have seen Tracking Tests, and years and years ago I did go to a Tracking seminar. But beyond that I've not really been around it much. With Wicca's retirement from strenuous activities I thought that Tracking might be something we could do together. Something to keep her brain busy.

To be honest, I do find tracking boring. But I remember feeling that same way about Sheep before I had a dog that liked it. So maybe my mindset will change. I am willing to try though. Wicca needs something to do. I don't need a depressed Wicca at home.

Because I am super new to this, I am relying on Jolene to keep me straight. She has trained lots of tracking, and is friends with a super duper tracking person. At this point I am okay doing the baby tracks on my own. I mean, how much could I screw her up...lol

Sunday, Jan 1st. w/Jolene & Kort
First Time Out: 3 straight tracks. Short, Medium, and Medium Long. lol. Hotdogs in each step. Glove at the end loaded with food.
Wicca did great, and was already pulling into the harness by the third track. She is VERY into food. It's interesting to watch her body language in the video- it is very similiar to "critter mode."

Monday, Jan 2nd
2 Straight Tracks. Medium and Long. (I will have to be better about counting my steps.) Glove at the end loaded with food, and a jackpot in the middle of the longer track. Food in every step of the medium track, every second step in the longer track. She was VERY excited. Nose to the ground before we even got to the scent pad.

I went out today and bought a new harness, and a long line. The harness I used the first day (in the video) was Sam's and it made me sad to see it on her. (weird how we attach such emotion to an item...) So I bought her a pink camoflauge one today. It suits her and has a padded front. I think it will work okay. Jo can take a look and let me know next time we go out together.

I am hoping that having spent $50 on tracking stuff will keep me motivated to stay at it.

Here is the video of our first time out- This is just the first track, and the third one. I cut out the middle one because it was just like the other two...I'll try not to bore you all with it. lol

Herding Lesson #7

2012-01-02T18:28:00.000-07:00

Today we went out for another lesson with Jenny. I'm going to need an intervention soon. lol.

Anyway- Brit started out rough (again!), but ended really, really well! She actually started out pretty well, and then we sent her on an outrun and she cut in at the last second and sent the sheep flying over the fence. Jenny said the sheep were being bratty, but Brit was pretty naughty herself. After we got the sheep back we worked on our Outruns- this is Brit's weakest thing. She often will cut in, or be too tight at the top of the sheep. She did better this time though, and about half way through our first turn she was actually sending from beside me. Short distances, but still- not cutting in. Oh, and her lie downs were better this time- not perfect, but improved!

Our second turn we did this very cool fence exercise- teaching Brit to cover and hold the sheep. It was a lot of fun. I got that part on video too so you can see what I mean. It's hard to explain. I thought she did really well. Jenny said that Brit is a very "tight" working dog and will do better at this sort of thing. The outruns on the other hand are more difficult for her.

I tried to work Brit with a boot on her sore foot- but she was hopping around like a dork and seemed to be distracted with it on. The second turn I let her go in with nothing on, and her foot still looks good.
Some other random things I learned. I need to be more "authorative" with my lie downs. Not frustrated. (I often get annoyed if she won't lie down. lol) I am going to practice my commands in a lower voice with more meaning to them.

Ask her nicely, if she doesn't do it give her a firmer cue, and then follow up with nice as she is doing it right. The cue really becomes the reward. Thanks to Sarah for the Photo, and Donna for the video!!!

Brit Scenting

2012-01-01T20:06:00.000-07:00

Last week I taped a little training session with Brit. She is doing really well- as she gets more confident I will add more "X's" for her to choose between. She will likely be ready for the spring- maybe May? She is pretty smart, and has a good solid fetch. I want to be sure the scenting is 100% though before I start peicing too much together!

On a side note, this was the day that I noticed her sore pad- but it wasn't until after we had done this training. Looking at the video I can see that her foot was sore. :( Poor girl. But- it is healing up really nicely and is almost 100% better. We still wear a boot if she is running, or active.

Did I even blog about her foot? lol. I facebooked it, sometimes I get confused. Anyway- Brit's foot was cracked and bleeding. Just two toe pads. It was totally bizarre. Not sure how or when it happened. I was thinking that maybe the ice and rough ground from herding? But who knows. It actually looked like it was being eaten away by something. But we don't have snow, so there is no salt on sidewalks or anything. I've been soaking it twice a day and putting vaseline on in the morning and at night. It's seems to have done the trick- the foot is almost baby soft. :)

The Boys, and Brit

2012-01-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

The last installment of a year past, and looking forward to 2012. :)

Boone

Boone has spent the year recovering from his "adventure" last October. Finally I think we are over the most of that, but we aren't rushing back to training or trialing anytime soon. He is happy just doing his own thing, and I am happy to have him happy. :) We still putter around on tricks, and rally. Maybe one day he will be brave enough to go back in the rally ring to finish off his Excellent title, but there will be no pressure for that.

Vito

Vito has had a suprisingly successful year!

He was entered in a few events over the year, and came home with some Q's. He is definitly a one run per weekend sort of guy. We play agility when he wants to. And that's all. He is a dog who loves comfort, and cuddles, and to be able to make his own choices. ;)

Brit

Where to even start! I've had her for just about a year now and can't believe I am so lucky. Brit is training for a multitude of sports and is doing well in all of them. She is a slow to mature dog so although she is two years old she has lots of growing up to do before we get serious about much. We do have some goals for the year that I'd like to share though.

Herding- there is a CKC herding trial in the spring. My plan is to enter her at the Started level. My trainer assures me it is not as hard as it sounds, and that Brit is almost ready now.

Scenthurdle- she is doing very well. Her scenting is almost solid already!! I've got some video I'll post in the next few days! The goal is to have her ready by May.

Obedience/Rally- we have done just the bare minumum, and are really focusing on building solid heeling. Next fall she will debut.

Agility- we haven't been working as much as we should. Instead spending lots of time building up the foundation that I've learned is so important. She can weave 12 poles now, and is still backchaining contacts. We have lots of jump grids in our future. I am not in a rush at all with her. Oddly enough Agility is on the back burner so to speak! Which has never happened before.. lol

Pixel 2011

2011-12-30T23:33:00.000-07:00

Pixel is a dog that makes things look easy. You teach her something, and she knows it. She works hard, and is a happy, fun working dog. I am so excited about her future- she is only three years old and has accomplished so much already!

We've had some ups and downs in agility- I've had some retraining to do (dogwalk), but now we are on track again. She is only three Q's away from her ATCHC- which is just incredible for me.

We had some unsuccessful CDX attempts this year. Finally at the last trial we had the Broadjump issue go away- only to be replaced by a drop on recall problem. But I'm optimistic and we will be trying again in the Spring. Any faults she makes are my training- she is an honest dog and will always default to what she's been taught.

We are done Rally wise for now. I don't intend on going for her RAE title- although that may change in a few years. For now I just think that two trials back to back will be too much mentally for her. She is quite an immature dog when it comes to that sort of thing.

Scenthurdle remains high on our list. She is a steady, reliable dog who is an asset to the team. I am looking forward to another year of racing!

I am very proud of Princess Pixel. She is a lot of fun to train, and compete with. I love that she is a happy dog, and I've seen her confidence grow over this past year. I love her bits of naughty, and sass. It's been a fun year, and I am looking forward to what 2012 has in store for us!

On to the results!
AAC Results- according to her Stats Page

18 Qualifying Runs
8 Trials
2rd Place 10" Regular AAC AB/NWT Regionals (her very first regionals!!!!)

Titles Earned
Advanced Games Dog of Canada
Masters Agility Dog of Canada
Masters Snooker Dog of Canada
Masters Jumpers Dog of Canada

CKC Rally Obedience - according to Canuck Dogs
#24 Dog in Alberta
#2 Cardigan in Canada
5 Qualifying Scores (3 Weekends!!!!)
30 Points (Canuck Dogs)

CKC Agility
3 CKC Trials- Standards Only.
Earned her Excellent (AGXS) title with back to back Q's

CKC Scenthurdle Racing

Scenthurdle Dog Excellent

Wicca's Last Year

2011-12-30T09:30:00.000-07:00

Wicca and I had a pretty great year. Probably one of our best. We were working as a team for the most part, and had some really spectacular moments. I love this little dog to bits- she is all heart. It has been an amazing journey with her.

Although it is earlier than planned, Wicca is retired from Agility. Instead we will maybe take up tracking, or something else a little easier on a crazy corgi body. We will see how the rehab pans out and go from there. She won't be turning into a couch potato anytime soon- she will be kept busy learning new tricks, maybe working on some more utility exercises (minus the heeling). There is a lot of things that we can play at. Wicca enjoys training so much- we will definitely keep it up.

I am very thankful to have had such a great agility partner. She taught me a lot, and has made me a better trainer. I remember her young crazy days, the same as I remember her last trial- as crazy as ever. It was always a rush to step to the line with her.

In Rally Wicca was always a high 90's dog. She has had more than a few perfect scores over the years. Her focus, and enthusiasm in the ring made her great fun to trial. In very limited (Three Weekends!) trialing she earned top Cardigan in Canada, and a surprising #10 dog in Alberta! Imagine if we were diehards! At this point she is retired from Rally aswell- she only needs one more combination leg for her RAE title. Time will tell if she will be able to go back in the ring. Heeling has done a number to her neck.

Here is the break down from our very awesome year.

2011 AAC Results- according to her Stats Page

22 Qualifying Runs
8 Trials (plus Steeplechase at Regionals)
3rd Place 6" Specials AAC AB/NWT Regionals

Titles Earned
Masters Jumpers Dog of Canada
Agility Trial Champion of Canada!!!!
Bronze Excellent Standard
Bronze Excellent Gamble
Bronze Excellent Snooker
Bronze Excellent Steeplechase
Versatility Bronze

CKC Rally Obedience - according to Canuck Dogs
#10 Dog in Alberta
#1 Cardigan in Canada
12 Qualifying Scores (3 Weekends!!!!)
77 Points (Canuck Dogs) Multi High in Clas
One perfect Score (100)

CKC Agility
One Q at the LDKC Trial- moving her to Intermediate. Earning her AGNS.

CKC Scenthurdle Racing
Scenthurdle Dog Champion!

I am so incredibly grateful for this dog. I don't think I say that enough.

See ya! 52/52

2011-12-29T12:54:00.001-07:00

See ya! 52/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

This was my third year in the Flickr group- 52 Weeks for Dogs. I started with Pixel, did Boone after that, and now Wicca this past year. It has been a lot of fun. This year I am using Bad Boy Vito for my focus. He will surely be a challenge, but I am excited about the coming year!

The last challenge of the year is always "passing the reins" so to speak. I had an idea a few weeks ago and it worked out just as I had hoped. Vito off doing his own thing (in this case playing with a ball he stole from the collies), and Wicca front and center.

I got a lot of great photos of Woo this year- due to the pressure of the group. I will be sad when I've cycled through all my dogs and have no one left to do. Maybe I'll just have to start over.

You can see Wicca's full set here-
http://www.flickr.com/photos/manymuddypaws/sets/72157625669981446/show/

Robbie

2011-12-28T20:04:00.000-07:00

Robbie died Christmas morning. Robbie was my little orange tabby cat. He was just over a year old. My cats are indoor/outdoor cats, and I accept full responsibility for Robbie's death. I know the dangers to an outdoor cat, in the end it was a car that did it.

My little adventurer cat was crossing a road early in the morning on the 25th. He'd only been outside for about an hour. I was just on my way to my parents when my neighbor drove up to tell me. He was just a block away.

I'll spare you the gruesome details. I will remember them for a long time. I carried him home and told him that I loved him.

It makes me very sad. I also feel a lot of guilt- it was my decision to let them outside, even knowing the risks. It makes me feel irresponsible.

I am not a true cat person, but I love my cats. The comfort and companionship, the purring in your ear, the gentle kneading, the head butts. They are part of my family. Robbie will be greatly missed.

Rest in Peace Little Dude.

A Year in Photos

2011-12-27T20:12:00.001-07:00

Photo slideshow generated with Smilebox

Just a little slideshow I made with some favorite photos, and moments from the year. ;)

Herding Lesson #6

2011-12-26T13:47:00.003-07:00

As a "Merry Christmas to Me" Brit and I went out to Alta Pete for a lesson with Jenny this morning.

Brit did really well. We worked on her outruns a bit- she is much more confident than even a few lessons ago. We also worked on "there" combined with the walk ups. We had been using a lie down to stop her at the top, now we are changing that to "there." and getting her to walk up right away. For now we are only asking her to walk up on balance- that will change as she advances. But for now- "there" means to walk up on the sheep towards me. I was even able to watch my sheep a bit today- to see the head turn. What seems like 12 O'Clock to me, isn't neccesarily 12 for her. Watching the sheep I was able to see that.

Jenny showed me with Laddie what it should look like eventually. It was neat to see the head snap as soon as he was told "there". Jenny wasn't even in the pen with him- he was working compltely independent of her. It was very cool.

I am pleased with the steady progress Brit and I are making. I think all this sheep stuff has really helped Brit and I to bond. She really loves it, and I am happy to be learning something new! It's nice to be the student sometimes!

No photos, or videos this time. Next time for sure.

The last bit of Christmas.

2011-12-25T19:17:00.000-07:00

Tonite will be the last bit of Christmas music until next year. I thought I'd be happy about that, but instead I am kinda sad. I really haven't been in a Christmas sort of mood this year. Shopping was a struggle, decorating almost didn't happen, and until last night it didn't feel like Christmas at all. And then last night was great- hanging out with family, laughing, eating, listening to music. I was excited. Finally. And now Christmas is gone and I feel ripped off. lol. That'll teach me. Next year wether I feel like it or not I'm decorating, and will do everything I can to get in the mood and not be such a grinch. I really do love Christmas. But this year was hard.

Today was pretty great. My nephew is three and is a wild little man. He had a great time opening all of his gifts, and I'm happy to say that what I got him was a total hit! Having a kid around really helps to put things into perspective. He was excited about the bubble wrap. lol.

The afternoon was spent at home with the dogs. I have eight dogs in my house right now. LOL. It's not as wild as you'd think, but is certainly a houseful! I took them all for a nice long run today. In two groups- Kort, Pixel, Vito, Boone and Wicca, Brit, Perkins, and Taco. It actually worked out pretty well. The weather was amazing. No wind at all today (until about half an hour ago!). I didn't even take my camera and just enjoyed the dogs. It was great. I'll try and get a group photo tomorrow though- so you can see what 8 dogs looks like. lol.

Dinner was fantastic. I am so full. Turkey is my favorite. :) Tomorrow it will be even better on a sandwich. The company was great. We have a great family- my dad looked so handsome all dressed up. We took lots of photos. I am big on photos at family events. Growing up we didn't have a camera, so I have forgotten much of my childhood. I want to be able to cherish each moment, and although I am sure I annoy everyone with the constant camera-face they will just have to get over it.

And now I sit. 6 sleeping dogs at my feet. Two more shredding toys in the living room. A perfect day except for one thing. Which I'll blog about tomorrow. For now I want to think happy, peaceful thoughts of a wonderful day with family.

I leave you with the cutest video ever- Boone and Taco playing. Well actually Boone barking, and Taco trying to figure him out. Excuse my messy floor. 8 dogs means a lot of stuff on the floor. lol

Christmas Card

2011-12-22T20:54:00.001-07:00

ha ha ha. serious. makes me laugh out loud. i love photos where the dogs are clearly enjoying themselves. lol

More Taco, and a Collie

2011-12-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

Taco thinks Cats are awesome. Bruce thinks Taco needs an ass kicking.
And yes, he did just that. She went flying across the yard. haha.
Canadian Cats are apparently much tougher than Cuban Dogs. :)

Cuban dogs are much like our reserve dogs- generations of mixed breed dogs.
They all have this same look- super smooth coat, tan, big ears, and small.
Taco reminds me a bit of an Italian Greyhound- when her ears are down she has an itty bitty narrow head.
Regardless of breed she is all kinds of cute!

and a collie. just for Jolene. :)

Cuban Love

2011-12-21T16:41:00.001-07:00

Boone likes his girls foreign apparently! This little cutie is "Taco" she is a rescue from Cuba! Taco is staying at
my house for a few days- and Boone is in love. Most dogs think Boone is weird, and won't play with him. Taco thinks he's awesome!
They have been playing all afternoon. It is SUPER cite. Totally made my day.

Here Comes Santa...

2011-12-19T19:51:00.001-07:00

The Collie Express, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Okay, Santa Duck, it's not quite the same thing but I think that Kort is cuter than any old Reindeer. :) I am dogsitting for a few days- Kort has been having a blast and I am sure will sleep for a week when his mom comes home.

Sheepherding Lesson #5

2011-12-18T20:06:00.000-07:00

After Wicca's appointment in Calgary we stopped in at Phantomridge for a quick lesson on the way home.

Brit had a great time. She is getting really, really keen. As in knew the second we got out of the vehicle what she was there for and was instantly in BC mode. I love it.

She surprised me by not starting off naughty! I warned Louanne of the trend that has started with cutting in on the first flank. But she didn't and was working really well off the bat.

We worked on walk ups. A lot. Pretty well the whole time. Brit is getting it though- like finding the "spot" herself and she even stopped herself for the very first time! I was so proud of her! She does tend to crowd the sheep a bit- the theory is that Louanne's sheep are more dog broke and don't move as fast. The Altapete sheep are tougher and run for the gate. Brit is used to having to move quick to keep control.

Her Lie Downs really sucked. I had to go in on her a few times to get a stop. Which annoyed me. lol. But Louanne said that same thing as Jenny. It's okay, and will sort itself out later. I believe them, but still. Just Lie Down. How hard is it? lol. And right now I need the lie downs to get her walk up set. She doesn't stick it herself yet...

I'm going to work on her downs at home with toys and fetching. See if I can't amp her up enough to mimic the excitement.

It was a great way to spend the morning- I am pleased with Brit. I think we are both starting to figure this sheep thing out.

Thanks to Jenilee for being my navigator, AND for taking photos. :)

Prescribed Digging

2011-12-17T22:42:00.002-07:00

Wicca had a follow up visit with Dr.Devall this morning. It went pretty well- there has been lots of improvement. Her pelvis is holding strong, and only a minor tweak in her back. However her complete left side is still pretty ouchie. The first rib was out again, and a minor adjustment on her neck. She got some laser, and some new exercises.

Digging! Wicca will love that. She loves to dig, All I have to do is say Gopher?! and she will dig in any spot I point to. Even snow. The digging action is going to stretch those muscles in her shoulders.

Bowing/Full stretch. This one we do lots of already. But will make sure we add it to the daily program.

Peanut Ball work. I have't had her on the ball since her injury- she will be happy to get to play again. She can do turns and sit ups on the ball.

Paw Targeting. Wicca needs to reach up- which is hard when you have short legs. She already has a paw target on cue, so will stick a thing on the wall and get her really reaching up for it.

Cavalleti. We can start doing some cavaletti exercises which Wicca will find enjoyable I am sure. It's kind like agility. lol (not really...)

This is on top of the stretches and exercises we already do. Backing up, Slow Left/Right turns, Sit Ups, Crawling, etc. We also are going to go back to Arnica instead of Traumeel for a few weeks, and now she can get the full dose of Ligaplex in the morning instead of split.

She also gets to do some flat running- still no twisting or playing with the other dogs. But she will be happy to get a bit more physical exercise!

Veronica was pleased with the progress. I am pleased with the progress. I am trying to be upbeat about this, and just take one day at a time. She will be fine- she is well on her way already. But am horrified that I've done this to my dog. :(

EDITED TO ADD:

I do know that we can't keep them in a bubble, and I do know that there is risk in everything. Not just agility. But Wicca is harder on herself than the average dog. She runs agility as fast as she can possibly go, with no thoughts to self preservation. Wicca hasn't done actual agility in months- and to still have rib problems now just blows me away. How long has she been hurting and not showing anything? She has appeared to be pretty sound for most of last year. But this has been building for quite awhile from the looks of it. At this point Wicca is likely never weaving again. Her shoulders and ribs are likely due to weaving. I went back and watched some video. If I can stomach it I will make a montage of weave pole clips- you will see what I mean.

No One Else Matters

2011-12-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

I haven't trialed in a few months, or really done much in the way of agility in the past few months either so it's weird to talk about trialing, but I think it needs to be said- No One Else Matters except you and your dog. Serious. Say it. Mean it.

To me, this means a few different things.

At training you should be 100% focused and committed to your dog from the second it is out of the crate, until the second it goes back to the crate. That means no standing around talking to your friends while your dog sniffs the ground, or wanders away, or goes off to engage someone else in fun. If you give that, you will get it back. Your dog should want to be with you above all else. No One Else Matters.

At trials you should be 100% focused on your dog and on your run- before, and after you are done. Warm up your dog mentally and physically, do all your pre-run rituals, and tell people to buzz off. If they don't get the hint wear headphones. You don't need to have actual music on, just pretend. (if you are like me, music distracts me too much.) After your run- same thing. Take your congratulations and keep on playing with your dog. Don't stop to listen to people (friends or otherwise) pick apart your run, that can wait until later. Celebrate with your dog. No One Else Matters.

And here's a biggie- don't worry about what other people think. Get your head in the game, focus on your dog and tune everything else out. If you worry about what other people think you are setting yourself up for failure. No One Else Matters. Say it. In your head. Out Loud. Whatever. "The Peanut Gallery" does not know you, or your dog, or your training, or your goals, or your training issues. So it does not matter what they think or say. Really. It's simple. I understand that it's easier to say that than to feel it, but it certainly is something that people need to be working towards. We are all guilty of wondering what other people think at one time or another. But shake it, and move on. No One Else Matters.

Sometimes at trials you get well meaning people who have lots of advice. And they have no problem giving it to you- even if you've not asked for it. Often it is at the worst possible times- before your run, after your run, on your way to the bathroom. Serious, it's like people wait for those moments to talk to you. Keeping in your head that No One Else Matters, tell them you're busy. Depending on what kind of person you are you can do this subtle-like, or not. I am a "or not" kind of person. Especially if it the people who have an ulterior motive- "good" advice that isn't meant to be helpful or kind. "Good" advice or criticism that is meant to hurt or upset. That's the kind of crap that needs to be dealt with right off the bat. And you have to do it. Tell them thanks, but no thanks. All the while keep in your head- Nothing Else Matters. If you say nothing you are giving them permission. Speak up for yourself and your dog.

Understand that no one is perfect- least of all me. Pixel can often be found mooching food from people, or their bags. And sometimes I do let other peoples opinions sneak into my thoughts. But I try very hard to make sure my focus and thoughts are where it needs to be- on my dog, and on my run.

End of Rant.

Say What?

2011-12-13T10:28:00.001-07:00

Say What?, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Brit makes me laugh out loud sometimes. I mean, who makes faces like that? She really, really wanted the toy, and I was asking her to sit, down, stand (in various order) to get it. This is the look when I asked for a stand. lol.

I totally love this dog. She is so much fun.

Naughty or Nice?

2011-12-12T17:08:00.001-07:00

Naughty or Nice?, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Today I was thinking about the year past, and all of the things the dogs and I have done. Every year I do a "Recap" so to speak, and then go on to list goals for the year.

This year I am going to blog about the dogs year individually- they have all done some pretty great things. Although Pixel may be on the naughty list this year. She acts all cute and innocent she surely is not. :)

Herding Lesson #4

2011-12-10T11:09:00.001-07:00

Last weekend Brit and I had another herding lesson. With my crazy week I had no time, or motivation to blog about it. But now, I do. :)

I am sure I have forgotten some things (which is why I try and blog right away)...

Anyway- Brit always starts out fast and hard. Straight at the sheep, and doesn't square off on her outruns. I had to really put pressure on her to fix that. And then she is fine again. Her outruns continue to get better. Once she settles into herself she works well but that start is always a bit rough... But, I appreciate her enthusiasm though. I like a little naughty. :)

We worked on her flanks a bit- she is pretty good now, although definitely prefers one side of the other.

Most of the time was spent on her walk up- she was really struggling with this. Which I find funny- if I let her she would stare and walk up on Pixel all day. Anyway- Jenny got it sorted out by letting her get to the top and then stopping her. And then walking up. Breaking it down seemed to help Brit understand what we wanted.

It was a great lesson. I came home excited about the progress, and already looking forward to the next lesson.

Things I learned:

That Lie Down is like a reset button. Useful for Brit's walk up. So when she gets to the top (12) I can stop her if I think she is going to keep flanking around them.

"There" is helpful in teaching her when to stop weaving back and forth like a drunk.

And uh, that's all I remember. I am pretty sure I am missing something but it escapes me at the moment.

PS. These photos were from when I brought Wendy with me a few lessons ago. I went alone, no photos or video this time. ;)

Snow Face and Blog Revamp

2011-12-08T16:46:00.001-07:00

I was bored of the old blog. Needed something darker to go with my mood lately. lol.

And the header photo is to cheer me up. My most favorite photo of the year. Was going to be my chirstmas card. But I needed the cheer.

I love my Woo.

So I don't forget

2011-12-07T10:17:00.001-07:00

Brit did her first full A-Frame last night. Woot!
but could not weave.

that is all.

In a Funk

2011-12-06T10:19:00.001-07:00

No Fun 48/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

I'm in a funk lately and can't seem to shake it.

It's not even just one thing, but a combination of lots of things. It's hard to see the positive side of things sometimes.

My dogs do their best to cheer me up, and they really do make me smile every day. But it's the rest of the day that I'm having trouble with. Maybe if one of them were small enough to carry around in my purse they could cheer me up all day.

Imagining a corgi in a purse just made me smile. Maybe I need to keep that image with me for the rest of the day. ;)

5 things to smile about

2011-12-04T11:19:00.001-07:00

A Secret (sssshhh, don't tell my sister) photo shoot with the cutest almost three year old.

a smiley Brit

a bouncy boxer pup and a christmas duck

Boone running away with the bunny

Piper- a rescue dog no more. After a year in foster care she is going to her new home.

Wicca Update

2011-11-29T15:33:00.001-07:00

Concerned 47/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Today I took Wicca to Calgary (Dr.Veronica Devall) again for a recheck. The appointment went well.

Her pelvis, spine and neck were all pretty good. Just a few minor adjustments. She got an accupuncture treatment, and another B12 Injection. Veronica is happy witht the improvement but Wicca still has a ways to go. We are still on restricted activity- leash walks only. Trotting in small amounts. Nothing strenuous, no twisting, jumping, or anything crazy like.

She sent us home with two more supplements- Ligaplex is specifically to help repair tendons and ligaments. And Catalyn , which is a vitamin of sorts. This is on top of her joint supplement.

I am very glad for the improvement. Even her attitude is slowly getting better. She is happy again, and is actually using her rear properly. We will continue with the stretching three times a day and have to go up again in two weeks.

I have been giving serious thought about permanent retirement for Wicca. It's sad to think she will never get to play again but if it's in her best interest there will be no question. We are still playing a waiting game as to how long it will take, or what the expected recovery is.

Penguin in Flight

2011-11-28T07:04:00.001-07:00

Penguin in Flight 11/12/Pixel, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Penguins are still Pixels all time favourite toys. This one is no exception.

Penguin Killer

2011-11-26T16:25:00.001-07:00

Penguin Killer 11/12/Vito, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Vito has a love for stuffed animals- he likes to squeak them, and squish them, sometimes pulling arms and legs off, and then finally he flings them up in the air over, and over, and over again. It's super cute, and just a little strange. :) Kind of like himself really- cute and a little weird.

PS. Finally! A photo of Vito where you can see his collar! This is his "newest" one from Nearly Naked Neckware. Yes, that is sesame street. lol

We have weaves!

2011-11-25T06:36:00.001-07:00

Brit can weave four poles! You have no idea how exciting that is. I am going to try and get some video this weekend to show you all how awesome weaving four poles is.

Now I have to go and rewatch the video so I can add the third set today.

Oh- and Pixel ran the first time at League last night and was awesome. Two clean runs. Two great dog walk contacts, and wicked weave entries. Yay for Pixel. ;)

Bad Boys have Birthdays Too.

2011-11-24T10:16:00.001-07:00

Vito's attitude at 5 years old is no different than at five months.

Happy Birthday to the baddest boy around. :)

P.S Photo by Sarah Novak

Just Boone

2011-11-24T06:43:00.001-07:00

Mr.Pointy Nose 11/12/Boone, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Scenthurdle

2011-11-23T06:43:00.001-07:00

Our scent hurdle team raced at the Lethbridge show and we did fantastic! I am so, so proud of everyone. We had NO crossovers, NO issues with other dogs, and only a few bobbles. We even won a race. :)

I love how on our team there is never upset, or annoyance, or yelling at each others dogs. I guess I mean, we all get along and treat each other with respect. I think that's important on a team. I think we are just going to get better and better. I'm glad that we've finally got a groove. Next year we will get to do it all over again when we start our second team!

Pixel did a great job and never brought back the wrong one, she dropped her dumbbell once but picked it right back up. She ran every race and never quit. She is a great scent dog- accurate, never watches the other dogs, and is reliable. She often runs first.

It was a nice small race, only six teams entered which was nice. We started early, and were finished by 7pm. Which is awesome.

I have put Brit on the team for next year- and have just started training. Already she is fetching the dumbbell to hand, and I've started hiding it in the house to get her to use her nose...scenting will be her weakness I am sure. She is a snatch and grab kind of dog. ;) But it will be fun to train her!

I put together a little video of a few races- we had four dogs that were alternating spots so I wanted to be sure everyone was included.

Enjoy!

Brit

2011-11-22T06:35:00.001-07:00

Flyin' Fun, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

I <3 this dog.

The Princess wasn't feelin' it...

2011-11-21T15:22:00.001-07:00

On Friday night at the funmatch Pixel didn't go down on her drop on recall. And that was the theme for the weekend. In both trials she refused to down. The second trial she sat and wagged at me instead. Cute, but not quite what I wanted.

Pixel just makes me smile though. I mean, she is so cute. Even when she crossed behind me on the figure 8, and spit the dumbbell at my feet on the retrieve on flat. How can you get mad at such a cute dog?

In Pixels world she is a princess. And the princess never does what she doesn't want to. I guess that's one of the pitfalls of mostly positive training- if the dog doesn't want to you can't really make them. lol. The trick is to teach them to want to, no matter what, and we obviously are not there yet.

She did have some really good moments- her heeling was the best she's ever given me in an obedience ring. Her fronts were 100x better than before. Her retrieves were cute, and perfect. And she did the broad jump!! Both times. Although the first trial she kind of launched over it like a bunny. The second trial was better and she had an almost perfect broad jump. And she had rock solid stays both days. I am so proud of her!

In Pixel's defense I hadn't done much with her the week before and I was more than a little distracted. And I am not a serious obedience people. I watched some of the "serious" obedience people and was amazed at their dogs. The focus is incredible. The dog has no doubt about what they are supposed to be doing. If I were serious about Obedience I could have that. But I'm not. I just am not that kind of person. I also am not the type of person to train with a pinch around my dogs neck, or wack them with a stick if they move on the moving stand exercise, or ear pinch them if they don't run fast enough for a go back...Yes- all of that and more happened at the show this weekend. It was seriously
disturbing. There were lots of positive people there though- in fact my favorite performance was by an Aussie named Finn who was amazing. Happy, perfect, and the girl never raised her voice or corrected the dog in any form. It was during my funmatch and I was blown away. I understand it was her first trial. I never saw her in the actual ring so am not sure how she did but I was pretty impressed. I believe that you can get great results in the Obedience ring without having to correct your dog all the time. I just wish I had the time and motivation to prove it. lol.

I am proud and very happy with my little bouncy princess dog. I love that she feels she can sass me in between exercises. I love that she wasn't stressed in the ring- and wanted to work with me. She wasn't perfect, but there was certainly improvement. We are going to keep puttering away at it. Not sure when I will enter her again. Probably spring. We'll see how much I work at it and go from there.

Change of plans

2011-11-20T15:28:00.001-07:00

Corgi Heaven 46/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

So I did not haul my butt out of bed until 10 this morning. And it felt awesome. No guilt. (okay, maybe a little guilt) But I really, really needed a day to just be. To catch up on housework, to play with my dogs, to read a book, to relax, to visit with family. It has been a great day and it's only 3:30. ;)

I do have a bit of regret about bailing on the seminar. I mean it's not likely to ever happen again that I could have that opportunity. But my heart wasn't in it. I needed to be at home. I will just have to re-watch the DVD. lol.

I think because I was so stressed last week, thinking the worst about my dog, that after the release of that I am exhausted. Like emotionally drained and physically tired.

I finally had a good nights sleep. The dogs enjoyed a nice off leash walk (except wicca), and Wicca and I did some one on one stuff. She got to tag along with me to the dogshow this morning when I had to drop some stuff off, and then we stopped at a petstore. She had never been in there before and had a great time sniffing around.

She is still a bit sore. I don't expect that to change overnight. But she is feeling a bit better. She was happy to do her exercises this morning. She says that the treats make it worth it. :)

And now I am headed for the couch to nap with my dogs. Wicca is tired after her adventure today so if I'm lucky she may even cuddle with me.

Twisted

2011-11-18T22:26:00.001-07:00

Today was the longest day ever. Work, Drive to Calgary. See vet (who is awesome). Drive home from Calgary. Go Home for 10 minutes. Go to dogshow and run three hour funmatch.

Wicca's appointment was good. She does not have a back problem. <insert huge sigh of relief>

What she does have is a whole lot of twisted body parts.

Her pelvis was twisted- AND pushed forward. How that happened we have no idea. Seriously it was amazing to see. How she fixed it? With a neck adjustment. Serious. Ta Da! Straight pelvis. Amazing.

She also had two ribs out- this was a very sore spot for Wicca. They obviously hurt a lot. :( This could have been done weaving.

Her neck was a mess- lots of adjustment there. She speculated that all of this could have even started with the neck (good old heeling...).

Her back legs of course, and her iliopsoas is tender, but likely from accomodating for the pelvis issue.

Also there were some minor adjustments to her spine. Wicca's back IS sore- but it's more of a sciatica issue. That could explain the lameness.

After all this adjusting she got an injection of some fancy stuff that I forgot the name of... (thankfully my friend Jen tagged along and took notes that I could refer to if I felt like it...)

I am so relieved. I am going back in two weeks for a recheck, and some more adjustments. Already after this afternoon Wicca is walking better- not tucking her rear under her.

In the mean time she is on rest. Leash walks, no wrestling, jumping, climbing, tugging. Essentially she is not allowed to do anything fun for a while. But that's okay- because in a few weeks we will be able to start bringing back some real life stuff. And for that I am thankful. We've got some exercises to do each day to keep us busy.

Oh- and Pixel did great at the funmatch- her only thing was the SIT! for the drop on recall. She sat. So bizarre. lol. Everything else was beautiful. Fingers crossed for tomorrow.

Jinxed

2011-11-18T06:53:00.001-07:00

So you know how I blogged last week about how things in my life are balanced and everything is perfect, blah, blah, blah... well. I wrecked it by saying it out loud.

This has been the worst week in a long time. I have more things to do in one day than most people have to do in a week. It's friday thankfully but this weekend is just as crazy as the week.

I am feeling it.

Today I work until 11:30. While that's happening I've arranged for my dad to take my van to get the snow tires put on. I then have to run home- grab Wicca, and maybe Pixel!?. Drive 2.5 hours to a vet. Have an appointment that hopefully doesn't go over an hour. (and still find out what is wrong with my dog!!!) Drive home 2.5 hours, directly to the Kennel Club dog show where I am coordinating an Obedience and Rally Funmatch at 7pm. I'm not quite sure I'm going to make it....but there is nothing I can do about it at this point.

Tomorrow Pixel and I go into the Open ring. I am confident in her abilities although I have not trained all week.

Sunday morning Brit and I leave at 5am to drive 2.5 hours for an agility seminar with LOH. I hope I am not too tired to enjoy it.

Next time my life feels good I will just keep that thought to myself....

Stop Freaking Out

2011-11-17T06:48:00.001-07:00

My specialist vet is very accommodating and will see Wicca Friday afternoon. It means yet another trip to Calgary (and probably in the snow), but it is worth it.

Tuesday night wasn't good. She woke up in the middle of the night and had to stretch- and she whimpered amd whined which killed me. So sad for the woo woo.

Since then there has been some improvement. She has had one dose of metacam (Wednesday morning) and has been pretty stable since then. She is also getting Traumeel twice a day.

Yesterday afternoon she seemed a little off, but by last night she was walking more normal. This morning she isn't hunched over and her skin and muscle are nice and loose. She (we) had a good sleep, and she was her talkative normal self for breakfast.

I am still worried about her, but the thoughts of death aren't swarming around in my head. I've been too busy to focus on her too much which is a good thing. Keeping busy is how I cope with life.

In one of Dr. Devall's emails to me she told me to stop freaking out. I needed to hear that. And it made me laugh. Both really great things.

Half Empty

2011-11-15T22:41:00.000-07:00

So in real life I am most definitely a "glass half empty" kinda girl. I do try to keep positive for important things but my general attitude is a bad one. I blame my fathers side of the family and my own demons. I am quick to think the worst. Especially when it comes to my dogs.

This weekend Wicca and Brit tagged along while I taught agility. We were in a barn, and it was cool, but not abnormally so. Wicca came out of her crate Saturday at noon and wouldn't put her foot down for a few minutes I was worried. I walked her out and she seemed to loosen up a bit. I put her back in the crate with her Back on Track coat on. When I took her out of the crate a few hours later and again she would not weight bear, and in fact kind of acted like the foot was asleep I instantly went into OMFG mode.

Saturday night she was in obvious discomfort- she was restless, I slept like crap. I massaged and rubbed her leg for hours. All I have thought about since Saturday is that if Wicca has a back problem I might die. Serious. Not sure I could handle going through that again. Now keep in mind I haven't been to the vet yet. I can't get in to see my specialist vet for two weeks. Which is too long. I have sent her an email begging for an earilier appointment. I need to know what is wrong with her, or at the very least start with some solid findings. Sarah gave her a nice massage tonite and found lots of ouchie spots, it doesn't seem limited to one area. It could be muscle strain or a pulled something or other. Or a combination of arthritis, how cold it was Saturday, and the fact she barely drank anything all day. Maybe it was just a muscle cramp. Or maybe not. It's the maybe not that is killing me.

I am a mess. Since Saturday I've been distracted, frazzled and aggravated. I need to chill out. To get in the right mind set for my other dog this weekend. But I can't. Wicca is wondering why I am freaking out. I've given her a million massages since Saturday. I am sure that she wishes I'd stop touching her.

I hope I am over-reacting, and that it's not a big deal. Just some muscle strain, or at the very worst a pinched nerve. But what if I'm not?

Slacker

2011-11-15T06:59:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I kinda suck lately. I'm sorry.

I have still taken nothing for photos. I even missed my 52 week project last week! (which made me really sad). I will try and be a better blogger but can't promise much this week. It's going to be a crazy one.

Lots going on- and little time to sit at the computer. This past weekend I was in Medicine Hat teaching a great group of dogs and people. I love that most of them have been working hard and getting better and better with each visit.

The dogshow is this weekend, so that is taking up a majority of my time. I am a club member now so have to help set up- it won't be too bad but will eat up any spare time I have. I also have to transport a rescue dog to his new home today or tomorrow, I forgot that my work is switched around tomorrow so that put a bit of a screw in my plans. And Wicca is limping- kind of sort of. I am not ready to talk about it yet but she has a vet visit in her immediate future. Pixel has not had any training since early last week and we are headed to the open ring in a few days. Scenthurdle is a bit of a gong show right now- apparently I am awesome at pissing people off. Oh, and I have a 2 x 2 weave seminar Sunday in Calgary with Brit. Which is really great because the nice lady from Medicine Hat pointed out I was doing it wrong.... ;)
Oh and Boone just started talking to me again after being away for the weekend. He is such a girl about stuff.

That's all I have time for. I'll try and take a photo or two of our snow.

Remembrance

2011-11-10T21:23:00.001-07:00

Remembrance Day has always been an important day in my family. Not only is my Dad very patriotic and has had family in war, it was also my Grandparents Anniversary. I grew up in a small town and it was always a big deal. The cadets (which I belonged to believe it or not!!!) would do their thing- the marching, the sound of boots on the pavement, the calls, the flags, the guns. The moment of silence, the somber feel in the crowd, the quiet words. The emotion. The tears from the people who have lost.

And then the fun. The Legion was the place to be. I remember the darkness in the legion, the smokey air, and the hokey old music. My grandpa and grama were very well known and we would have to push two or three tables together so all our friends and family could sit with us. I always tried to sit next to my grampa. He'd give me an occasional sip of his beer. :) I'd sit and watch him and my grama- holding hands. Back then I thought it was cute, but now that thought brings a lump to my throat. Their love was so strong, so pure. My grama has been gone for a few years and I miss her incredibley so. She was the rock in my family. The glue that kept my mother together, and our family whole. Without her it has never been quite the same. It is still hard, and we still miss her, especially on days that once were so special, so exciting, full of warmth, laughter and fun. Every year they would share a dance. In the spotlight no less. My grampa would get a sparkle in his eye and try to embarass my grama by pinching her butt. She always caught him before he could- but it didn't stop him from trying. We would sit in that legion for hours- visiting, playing cards, the adults drinking, the kids eating and running around. I miss those times. Its such a waste of our best years when we're kids and don't realise what we've got. I want to live down the street from grandparents again. Be able to pop in for a visit after school. Help my grama peel potatoes, or go out and visit my grampa in his shop. We don't appreciate that when we're kids. Now I'd do just about anything for that.

My grampa lives in Winnipeg now, and I only see him a few times a year. I called him today, just to let him know that I'm thinking of him. There are only a few times a year that I get this emotional about my family. Holiday are the worst. It's most noticeable when you're supposed to be with the ones you love. I cherish the memories though- and will always remember.

My poles are crooked...

2011-11-09T17:18:00.001-07:00

So two weeks ago I started Brit on the 2x2 method of weaving. I've never taught a dog this way, but had watched the video a few times, and watched a few friends train their dogs. It looks simple enough right? The dog goes through, throw the toy. Easy.

Not so much. lol. I admit it is faster than any other method I've ever used- she is almost weaving. In two and a bit weeks of on and off training. I have not been religious with it, although this past week I've been doing it twice a day. Anyway I have the two sets of poles almost in a line. Like three inches off. And she is rocking it. Kind of. Sort of.

First off she needs a warm up, and not just a warm up as in limber up the muscles and get the brain going. I mean a two pole review. I don't think I saw that in the DVD.

Second I can't move the poles any closer than where they are or she completely loses her marbles. Like her brain explodes and I am left with an excited border collie who runs around the poles, through the second poles, backwards around the poles, etc. Its three inches. Seriously, I measured. How can three inches have such an affect.

Because I am a problem solver I thought about this a while tonite and have decided that because I am using stick in the ground poles (which SG says not to) I think the poles are kinda crooked, and that three inches changes the crookedness a lot. Maybe when I move it the three inches now it's straight (or even more crooked) so she doesn't get it. I dunno. In any case I am going to beg, borrow, or perhaps purchase a set of my own real, stand up straight ones. Which is probably a good thing as the ground is getting awfully hard.

It's probably a good thing that I am going to a 2x2 Seminar next Sunday with Lynda Orton Hill. She'll set me straight (or tell me to straighten my poles). In the mean time I am going to go back and work on two poles around the clock. I am pretty confident I can't screw that up. That's the easy peasy part.

PS. I am of course open to suggestion from those that have trained this before or maybe have some sort of insight, or from someone who would like to lend a poor girl some real poles. :)

First Barn Night

2011-11-08T21:47:00.000-07:00

First off I had NO DIRT in my shoes, on my socks, or on my feet. I am in LOVE with my new shoes. (ASOLO brand, bought on sale)

Second- Pixel did the dogwalk!!!! No superman, no creeping. Woo Woo! I am thrilled. It's not a trial, but she was pretty sassy and excited to be at the arena so I was expecting an error or two. But no mistakes! This has been a retrain I will never, ever do again. I could kick myself. lol.

And last (but not least) Brit worked like a pro. Even with her most favorite person in the whole world there. And her two favorite playmates. We did lots of little things- and I kept the reward changing so she never knew what to expect. I am really happy with how well she generalises things. I struggled with that with Boone and Pixel- things did not transfer easily for them from home to class, trials, etc. Brit has never shown a problem with keeping the lesson even in new places. We did some one jump exercises(even some at 22"!!!), targeting off the dogwalk (she was awesome!), and some table games. We haven't been on the table in a month or so and she was bang on. I love how smart this dog is, she is so fun to play with.

And that's my first barn night in a nutshell. :) Now to go and scrub the dirt off...

Balance

2011-11-08T06:56:00.001-07:00

Balance 44/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Last week there was a challenge for my flickr group- Balance. It wasn't hard to decide where to go. I walk the dogs on the edge of this coulee once in a while and always think I'll stop for a photo on "the big ring thing."

Speaking of Balance I've finally found it in my life. Dogs, Work, Life, Training. I am feeling the best I have in a long time. The month of October was a slow one- very little agility while we make the move indoors so I am sure that helped.

I've got a routine down, and feel energized and refreshed. I'm working hard on myself- trying to keep a positive attitude, and surrounding myself around those that are the same. I think that's an important key in feeling good.

This week starts the barn season of agility, but even with the two extra nights of agility I am confident that I will continue to manage just fine. :)

Frost

2011-11-06T18:51:00.000-07:00

We had our first bit of snow this weekend- just a tiny but that isn't even worth mentioning except I got some beautiful frosty photos. :)

My friend Jen (Neena's mom) and I met up for a walk yesterday afternoon after sheepherding. The dogs had a fabulous time. The frost was crazy beautiful. My photos don't do it justice.

Brit boing-ing through the field.

Crazy Pixel!

Handsome Vito

Vito rolling on a deer leg, and Neena wondering how to best steal it...

Crazy Pants Neena comin' at ya!

Boone, looking up for the toy....

the whole gang. In the grass. lol

I also got the group photo at the top of the blog- it was very difficult. lol. Boone just does not cooperate at all. But I like it none the less. :)

Sheepherding : Lesson #3

2011-11-05T23:20:00.000-06:00

Brit and I had another lesson with Jenny from Alta-pete today. Brit is doing really good!

She started out a bit rough- a lot keen, and a little out-of-control, but Jenny explained to me that sometimes you have to let them be bad to get them good. I think Brit did a good job of that to start. I've not seen her so wild before, it was interesting. lol

She did settle into herself though and we picked up where we left off. Worked on flanks and lie downs (which are both getting better). We also had to work a bit on making sure that Brit squared off on her sends. (again, not sure what that is called. lol) And then we worked on something new. Apparently the dog should not look like a drunk and weave back and forth. lol. We started working on teaching her walk up, and getting her to walk a straight line into the sheep. Brit thought this was hard, and confusing. I could see the smoke coming out her ears. lol. But I think she was starting to understand at the end.

Sheepherding is kind of like expensive chocolate. Your first bite is always just enough to make you go yummmmm. And then you are done the whole chocolate bar, and are left wanting even more... (It's just so yummy) You know it's out of your budget but before long you are figuring out what to cut out to afford it, and before ya know it you come home with expensive chocolate and no vegetables. ;) I am liking herding more and more each time I go. It's so incredibly different with Brit than it was with the corgis. Uncomparable really. And I want to do it more.

Thankfully (for my wallet) at this point it is still just really, really fun and not something I am addicted to. lol. So far I am able to just say no. We'll see if that continues to be the case. I'm already trying to figure out when we can go again this month...I think twice a month is reasonable for now...

No photos this time, but I brought along my friend Jen who was nice enough to take some video. I cut out the part where I dropped the damn stick, and almost got head butted by a sheep. lol. Pure entertainment that, but this is about the dog not me. :) Watching the video I appear to be smarter than I feel. I still feel like I am fumbling a lot and have no idea really what I am doing, but it doesn't look as bad as that. We are learning together Brit and I. Thankfully we have a patient teacher. :)

And uh, the video is five minutes long which is long, and probably boring. Even to me, I only watched it twice. I think it will be good to have though to watch before my next lesson and remind me about what we did. So watch if you want, but I won't be offended if you don't. The best part is at 2.25 - that where we used the fence to help Brit to walk a straight line. lol

Smiley Guy

2011-11-03T19:20:00.001-06:00

Ready! 10/12/Boone, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Boone has turned a corner and is back to his happy self at home and walks. The thundershirt is folded and in the closet, hopefully I won't have to bring it out until next summer.

I've started to teach him some new tricks- specifically holding stuff with his front legs (like a jump pole to start, and then we'll move on to other objects), and fetch. I started fetch a while ago but stopped, so we're back at it.

Yay for a happy (relaxed) Boone!

Last Hurrah

2011-11-02T16:55:00.000-06:00

This weekend marks our move back to the arena for agility classes. We haven't had snow yet, but it will be here soon enough and that will be the end to outdoor training. I managed to sneak out to the field once this week for a bit of training. It was cool and windy, but not unbearable.

Pixel has been in dogwalk retraining mode for a few months now, and finally I think she is ready to take it to a trial. We will see what excitement brings, but in training she is pretty solid. I was only able to get her off once with a thrown toy. I've signed her up for Agility League too, so that will be even better training wise. Everything else is still as solid as can be. Her weaves are pretty awesome. She can find an entry from anywhere and drives through now regardless of where I am.

Wicca is in maintenance mode. We did some jumping, including the dreaded bend grid. Ever try to bend a brick in half? lol. She manages. But just. Nothing else for her. Although she desperately wanted to do a dogwalk I wouldn't let her.

Boone also got to come out (I ran them in a farmers field on the way home), and didn't want to do anything. Except weaves. He offered them three times all on his own. Funny dog.

Brit did some jumping- we are just starting to have the odd jump at 22. And some circle work. You can never have too much circle work. Also some targeting off the dogwalk board. She is weaker on my right side, which is something I've been working hard to avoid! So today at home we did lots of right side only training. Pivots, Perch, Targeting, FitBall etc.... It's totally my fault as obviously I am more comfortable with the dog on my left. Bad trainer. Bad!

Vito rolled around on the grass and chased his tail. Serious. While I trained the girls he just rolled around grunting and groaning his pleasure. He kills me.

So that little session ends the outdoor season. On to the barn- where cats, mice, and horse poop reigns supreme. :) Should be a fun winter. We've got an incredible bunch of students, and two very full nights at the arena. Let's hope I get my snow tires on before the snow flies so I don't end up in the ditch in the middle of nowhere. 'Cause that would be awesome. Our barn is pretty nice though- we are lucky to have a place to train when we have three feet of snow and it's minus 40....

Crazy Pants

2011-11-01T21:58:00.001-06:00

Neena is a cute dog, all smiley and happy, and wiggly.

We call her crazy pants for a reason.

She is a nutty little thing and will spontaneously burst into frantic play- often by herself.

She also makes the best faces. lol

She went home today, so no more crazy pants for a while, but it was nice having her!

Gotcha!

2011-10-31T19:00:00.000-06:00

Pixel came home three years ago. :) She was the cutest puppy ever!

It doesn't get any better

2011-10-31T07:03:00.000-06:00

this weekend has been a perfect balance of training, fun, work, and family. although it was jammed full both days I am surprisingly not even that tired. I am fighting a cold too which is kicking my butt. This morning I am feeling it. lol

Friday night pumpkins!

there was much begging. lol. It was a lot of fun- my dogs were horrible beggars though. Pixel drooled all over poor Colleen, and Boone spent more time with his feet on the table than on the floor.

Worst dog trainer ever. lol

Saturday was a busy day- work halloween party, followed by some training, a nap, followed by more training. Pixel is doing pretty great, I am feeling more and more confident about the Lethbridge Show!

Sunday was a busy photo day. :) Off to Cowley in the morning with some scent hurdle friends- it was a great practice for the inbetweeners, and they did great!

This handsome sheltie is Chase. He's a very fun, and excitable dog. He is new to scent hurdle but is getting close to running his first race.

I took my own dogs (plus 1) for a 2 hour walk through the coulees when we got home. It was cold, but awesome. The dogs had a blast and were nice and tired when we got home.

A little crazy pants for ya, Neena is staying with us for a few days.

She is the funniest dog. I have a million funny photos of her...

It was super windy, which was perfect for Boone- it drowned out any noise from the shooting range. He was able to have a nice relaxing, fetch filled walk.

After I did a few hours work on the kennel club newsletter, and then off to my sisters for some quality time with her and my nephew. We took her two dogs, and Nolen to the dog park (which was super dead because of the wind). Nolen had a great time, as did the two dogs. He is getting so big!

Vito's Life Lessons, and Bad Blogging

2011-10-28T18:23:00.001-06:00

No matter what they say, it's ALWAYS greener on the other side.

--------

This week flew by, and although I have lots to talk about I just haven't had the time to sit at the computer much. I haven't taken a single photo all week either, so this is an oldie, but a favorite. :) I will do a catch up blog post this weekend.

Fitting

2011-10-26T17:43:00.000-06:00

“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness.

Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”

~ Dalai Lama

Trial Weekend

2011-10-23T20:30:00.001-06:00

It's pumpkin time! 42/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

I had a good weekend- the corgi girls are fun to run, the courses were nice and challenging, and the people were great. :)

It's nice to just be able to sit and visit with people, hang out, and talk dogs. Dinner Saturday night was one of the best ever- so hilarious. We ate at a place called Dicks. It was awesome. lol

Pixel was only in three things- Gamblers, Jumpers, and Steeplechase. (things with no dogwalks). She was great- fast, accurate, and a very good girl. She Q'd in Gamblers which is awesome because we really need those gamble q's, and she Q'd in Steeplechase- her first ever! I don't normally enter her because she just isn't fast enough if there are two sets of 12 poles. But I am so thrilled with her this weekend. The jumpers was my fault- she got a refusal because I pulled her off a jump...

Wicca was wild. Like, really wild. Like blast off thirty feet in the wrong direction for an off course obstacle. We were definitely on the edge of way outta control. But we managed two great clean runs- a Gamble that was in control (interestingly enough), and a blazing fast Steeplechase. She came in third overall- against very fast border collies. It was an amazing run. Her other runs ranged from slightly naughty (missed weaves, a bar or two) to a complete disaster (off course at obstacle number 2, lots of smashed bars..)

But despite that I had a fun weekend- no more trials for me until December. Maybe Pixel will have a dogwalk by then... :)

All I do is drive and Vito's Life Lessons

2011-10-21T06:59:00.000-06:00

It seems like I have spent the last few weeks driving. Seriously. I've been to Calgary three (or four?!!) times, Brooks, and then lots of other smaller trips. I love that I can do it, but am tired of driving. lol Thankfully my friend is driving this weekend and I can go back to being a passenger. We are off to an agility trial- this is a great trial, well run- but is always very full and always goes very late. Pixel is only in two events all weekend (things without a dogwalk...) and Wicca is in a full trial. Should be fun! I would LOVE it if Pixel got the gamble. We've been practicing!

The boys are staying home, and Brit is going to spend the weekend with her BFF- Neena. She won't miss me at all. :)

Vito's Life Lessons #2

Don't be afraid to get dirty once in a while.

It's good for the soul.

Odds 'n Ends

2011-10-19T17:00:00.001-06:00

Odd:
This friendly dude was at the cornmaze I went to on the weekend. He was very cute, and friendly. His fur is super soft and he's got a big tuft on the top of his head.

and

End:
Stevie left for his new home yesterday. I am very happy for him, but was a little sad to see him go. I know, he was a jerk and caused tension around here. But I've known him since he was little and have an unhealthy attachment towards him. lol. His new home is pretty great though and I am confident it's a good match for him.

Sunshine-y Weekend

2011-10-17T10:18:00.001-06:00

Sunshine on my Shoulders 10/12/Pixel, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

I had a great weekend- the weather was beautiful. Sunny, but cool. Perfect Fall Weather.

Saturday morning I packed up the girls and went for a nice walk around a deserted summer beach- it was great. They chased birds on the beach, rolled in gross stuff and just ran around.

Then it was off to an Obedience match. I judged a gazillion rally dogs (where people whined about my hard courses...), and then put Wicca and Pixel in Open. Pixel did pretty great, I am happy with the progress. She did even better than she did last weekend and had attitude the whole way through. Still a few blips. Anticipated the retrieve, no finishes etc, but still- I have hope. Wicca did great and was perfect. I didn't do stays with her though (we have a deal).

Saturday night I went to a corn maze with a friend- it was kinda creepy, but fun. I think it would be really fun to do as a big group..

Sunday we had a sleep in morning and then a whole bunch of rescue stuff, and halloween shopping. Dinner with the family, and then a nice quiet night at home.

I love weekends like this. Helps to make the weekdays go by faster when you are in a good mood. :)

Beautiful 41/52

2011-10-15T15:23:00.001-06:00

Beautiful 41/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

I LOVE the fall we are having. It's hasn't been too cold yet so nothing is officially dead. The leaves still crinkle, and there are plenty of leaves left in the trees. LOVE it.

And I love Wicca. As she has matured she really has become a great dog. Wicca has not always been a fun dog to live with, or work. She was a challenge, and would test limits every single day. Now that she is older I enjoy her so much more. She has this thoughtful side to her that she didn't have before.

Vito's Life Lessons

2011-10-14T17:50:00.002-06:00

Lesson #1

Run with all your heart. As fast as you can.

When you want to.

Obedience

2011-10-12T17:25:00.000-06:00

I go through these phases once in a while that I love obedience. I am at the peak of one right now. I've been training nearly every day, working each dog just a little bit. I love it. There is nothing like the feel of a good heeling dog next to you. I am striving for that with Brit and almost have it. Saturday morning the dogs and I went to a friends for a bit of training. New place, new distractions (cows! and a naughty cat).

Brit worked mostly stationary attention. We are trying to get rid of this. It is cute, but not quite what I want. She has beautiful attention though, and we are slowly adding movement. She still wants to drop her head- at home I can get about 10 steps, but at Liz's I only got four...

Pixel has been doing bits of training every day. I really want her to be ready to enter in November. She is close, but not there yet. The improvement is promising though so I haven't given up yet. We just need to put things together more, and do some polishing.

And Wicca. The dog who loves to work. She is incredible you know. Comes out ready and raring to go. It's a shame about those damn stays. In any case we just played around- I've been working some utility things at home again just for fun. Her go outs are getting really good. This photo was the start of a retrieve. I love it because you can feel the enthusiasm.

Short and Spotty

2011-10-11T22:19:00.000-06:00

I gave Boone a haircut the other day. I got a little carried away. :)

But he still looks cute, and in a few weeks will be shaggy enough to lose his spots.

He has been in a great mood lately- spunky and playful. We've been doing bit of training and I've been running him on the bike for the last few weeks- he seems to be enjoying himself!

Today, I am Thankful

2011-10-10T19:36:00.000-06:00

Today was our Thanksgiving.

I had a fantastic day.

Training with great dogs, and a good friend this morning.

A yummy dinner with my family.

Home-made Cranberry Sauce.

Playing in the ~~mud~~ sandbox with my nephew.

Laughing with my dad about something my sister said.

A relaxing walk with five good dogs and a bad bull dog. ;)

Lesson #2 with Sheep

2011-10-08T20:31:00.001-06:00

Today Brit and I had our second lesson at Alta-Pete with Jenny. Our goal today was to start her outruns. Which sounds exciting and more advanced than I feel. But Brit did great! She is an easy dog and respects the sheep, and pressure.

We started just with practicing flanks- we are adding verbal cues to Come Bye, and Away. (Aswell as pressure.) She favors one side of course, but Jenny helped us to overcome that today and she was doing both pretty well with both. We were using her Lie Down to help with the flank changes.

With the outrun we started with me close to the sheep, and Brit farther away (maybe 10 or 12 feet from me to start). Using the flank name and pressure to move her. I was a bit nervous until I saw how well she did the first time. Gradually we increased the distance between her and the sheep. I am still in the middle in case I need to step in to push her off. She was a bit sticky to release so I think I will work on that a bit at home- maybe if her Come Bye and Away cues are more solid to her it would help her to understand? Is that a bad idea sheep dog people?

It feels like she is progressing fast- and with each lesson I am more excited to be working her. It is just so cool to see the wheels turning in her head. Today it was hard for her, we made her take flanks she didn't want to, and the outruns (and sticking to balance) was hard on her mentally. But she worked through it and was still eager to go. It is interesting to see her figure things out. I still feel that she knows far more than I do.

Things I learned today:
Sheepherding is not black and white.
Sometimes Lie Down doesn't really mean Lie Down, and some times you have to let the dog make decisions. (i.e flanks)
Sometimes Lie Down does mean Lie Down and I can step through my sheep to put pressure on her to stay put.
Backing Up in a straight line is a talent that does not come naturally to me. I think I need to practice. lol
Letting the dog go the way she wants can be used as a reward.
There's a lot to remember. lol

Things Brit learned today:
Sometimes Lie Down means Lie Down. :)
Some Cats are friendly (Cali, the calico barn cat came out for a visit, and then ran around the sheep like a pro...)
Sheep are the most fun, ever.

PS. I actually said That'll do today. Makes me chuckle just thinking about it. lol

Oh, and I brought along my own photographer this morning. :) Thanks Wendy, they are awesome! These are just a few- you can see the whole gallery here

I wasn't joking about the cat. She walked out onto the field like she owned the place...

Long Weekend here we come!

2011-10-07T21:51:00.003-06:00

This weekend is the Canadian Thanksgiving, so not only do I have an extra day to sleep in but there will be yummy turkey and stuffing aswell. :)

The dogs and I celebrated the beginning of the long weekend with a long, muddy walk. Muddy Dogs are happy dogs.

You can never have too many...

2011-10-06T09:18:00.001-06:00

Collars....

I have a millon collars, but none with Oscar the grouch, and only two sheep ones.
Brit (sheep) and Vito (sesame street) will look great in their new Nearly Naked Neckware collars. :)

and Beds....

I had to buy this bed for Wicca when I saw it a the Pet Expo last weekend.

Randomness

2011-10-04T19:08:00.002-06:00

Intense x2

still homeless, a year later

a city dog, on a farm

a cow

a dad who will never grow up

Cats and Bulldogs

2011-10-02T14:43:00.002-06:00

Last week two cats in my neighborhood went missing, and then showed up dead. No physical trauma (i.e dog, coyote, car), just dead. It is thought that they were poisoned. My two cats thankfully are fine, and are on restricted outdoor adventures. Usually they are allowed to come and go as they please, but I've only been letting them out in the day when I am around to keep an eye on them. And I may stop outside completely soon. I hesitate to do that only because I think the cats will drive me nutty if I take their freedom away completely. Right now we have a compromise.

Also, I have Stevie back. This time as a foster, and not just for dogsitting. It makes me so sad for him. For those that don't know, Stevie is a french bulldog. I've been dog sitting him off and on since he was a puppy. I found out his original owners sold him in July and his new owners just happened to contact me regarding training shortly after that. Since then I've worked with his new family but it became very apparent that they were not equipped to deal with him either. They tried very hard, but it just wasn't safe for Stevie, or for their dog.

Stevie is a bully. He really is a big, mighty bulldog in a tiny little package. He acts like he's king of the world and gets mad if he doesn't get his own way. He is a resource guarder and needs to be an only dog. He is a good player (he does go to dog daycare), but it can quickly go south, and he is always "on edge" around other dogs. I don't think Stevie has ever learned to relax. In any case he is a foster now- and we will be working on manners, and sharing skills, and on decreasing his bossiness a tad. At my house he will have to settle for Court Jester rather than King...

Fun at Alta-Pete

2011-10-01T16:44:00.002-06:00

What a great day!!! Sarah arranged a herding day at Alta-Pete Stock Dogs with Jenny. So Brit, Wicca and I headed out this morning for a lesson. Brit was so keen last time (at Louanne's) that I definitely want to keep it up. Jolene followed us out and had a lesson with Kort too. Well, I had a lesson with Kort. Jo is afraid of the sheep. No jokes. lol. Anyway- Kort was fun. You can hear him bark, I mean see him herd on Jolene's blog...;)

Brit was incredible. She just knows what to do. Already she is finding balance and learning to give them space. She is a nice easy worker- never forceful on the sheep, didn't grip them once and really tried to do the right thing. It was very cool. We graduated to the big pen after the first fifteen minutes (which was scary!) but she did well- and seemed to appreciate the space more. I am so impressed with her! Instinct is an incredible thing. She just gets it. Even with me as a handler. lol

Jolene played photographer for me, and tried hard too. :) So thanks for the photos Jo!

in the round pen

in the big pen....

Wicca got to go in the round pen for just a few minutes. We are trying to re-lite the spark. It was pretty much a blur as she chased them around in between sniffs...I am going to keep bringing her though- I think lots of short spurts might bring back the oomph.

Overall a very fun morning! I don't love sheepherding, but I certainly find it enjoyable- it's a new challenge, and interesting to learn about. I will say that all the herding I have done with the corgis is nothing compared to the two times Brit has been on sheep. I mean Brit is already way past them- and Wicca has had quite a few lessons in her lifetime. I am excited to go again!

good girl brit!

Birthday Girl

2011-09-29T21:28:00.002-06:00

Today was Brit's Birthday!

I have had her for 7 months, and it seems like forever.

Happy Birthday to the girl who stole my heart in five minutes.

Here's to many more!

Cheesy Tourist 38/52

2011-09-26T23:11:00.001-06:00

Cheesy Tourist 38/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Via Flickr:
Every single time I drive through Bow Island I think to myself that I should stop and take a photo. I mean, how awesome is the giant bean? lol

His name is Pinto MacBean.

This past weekend I bit the bullet and stopped. Wicca thought I was crazy (as did the people driving by) but hey, you only live once. :)

I processed it to look like an old fashioned cheesy tourist photo, the kind you have as a kid. I think it adds to the overall cheese. lol

Not an awesome photo technically but too funny not to post.

Bronze!

2011-09-25T19:51:00.003-06:00

Wicca had another fantastic weekend. It feels like we are finally getting it- of course we still have our bobbles and "almosts" but we are still working together for the most part. I am so proud of her. This weekend she earned 4 more Q's, two of which are ones we needed for our BRONZE!!!! I was hopeful for one standard Q this weekend, but was floored when we earned both of them. She also earned two more steeplechase Q's. Steeplechase is definitely her game. We also had some really nice runs that we didn't Q in, but were still awesome. In particular the challenge, and the jumpers. I don't enter her in challenge very often. I am not ashamed to admit that the courses often make my brain hurt. lol. It generally ends in some sort of explosion where Wicca takes 20 tunnels, and I am standing in the middle screaming. lol. But this weekend was different- we actually made it through with only one off course, and a missed weave entry. I was stoked. And the jumpers- a refusal and bar, but felt smooth and calm. I will have the rest of the video in a few days, but here is the first standard.

And little Pixel came home with only two Q's, a snooker and a jumpers. And what do those two classes have in common? No dogwalk. lol. I have really screwed my dog up, which is a whole post of it's own. In any case she did have some good moments, her weaves are getting faster, and her obstacle commitment is great. I am happy with the two Q's she got- the Snooker earned her Masters Snooker Dog title! She only needs gambles now for her ATCHC. Pretty hard to believe.

As promised the weather was smokin' hot. Thankfully there was wind today- but it was still uncomfortably hot. Wicca deals with the heat pretty well. She likes the hose and runs just as hard in the heat as she does any other time. Pixel not so much. The princess doesn't like the heat and would prefer air conditioning. ;)

The people were great, our go dog go group came home with lots of Q's and some great runs. The host club did a great job, and although it went a bit late on Saturday the trial is very well run. I am sad that the outdoor agility season is over- I love training and trialing outside. When I got home today my yard is completely covered in leaves- I am going to have to find my rake, and before long the snow shovel.

First Day of Fall and it's 30'C

2011-09-23T07:10:00.001-06:00

Today is the first day of fall and I had to sleep with the air conditioner on and walked the dogs in shorts and a t-shirt. Last week I had to dig out a heavier jacket for my morning walks. Weather is an interesting thing...

The girls and I are heading off to the last outdoor agility trial of the weekend. It should be a fun weekend- good weather, great friends, and agility. It doesn't get much better than that. :)

Early Fall 37/52

2011-09-20T20:24:00.001-06:00

Early Fall 37/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

The mornings are chilly, and the dark is creeping up. Fall is almost here. The dogs and I like the cool fall weather and the beautiful fall colors. The only thing I dislike is that Winter is shortly behind...

Thought of the Day

2011-09-20T10:19:00.003-06:00

I searched for a quote that put into words what I am feeling because I couldn't figure out a way to say it myself. This is it exactly.

There is nothing more dreadful than the habit of doubt. Doubt separates people. It is a poison that disintegrates friendships and breaks up pleasant relations. It is a thorn that irritates and hurts; it is a sword that kills.
Buddha

A Training Weekend

2011-09-18T15:20:00.000-06:00

This has been a training type of weekend- Yesterday Pixel, Brit and I went to the agility field and got a lot done in a small amount of time. I wanted to see if Pixel really understands her dogwalk- in a trial she is consistently blowing off without even attempting a 2on2off. I have not corrected her because I blamed myself for not teaching her properly. Ha!! Yesterday I did lots of proofing with her and she offered me the behavior every single time. So little miss princess will be having a rude awakening at the trial next weekend. If she comes off the contact we will be sacrificing the run to redo the target. If she makes an effort, but it isn't quite right I will just stop her (sit) and then continue on. Now that I am sure she understands what Target means I feel okay giving her a consequence for not doing it.

Brit is doing well on her target work- we have moved back to the dogwalk plank and she is as realiable as she is at home. I am pleased with how quickly she is picking it up. I also did a bit of "The Happiest Place" game- which she thought was super fun. I've blogged about the game before- but included a description at the bottom of the post. :) We also did a few one jump drills. She can figure 8 nicely, and has nice tight turns on a decel cue now. I need to buckle down and get in as much training as I can before winter comes...

And yesterday afternoon Wicca got to see Sheep! She has been turned off Sheep for a few years now- showing no interest. All it took was her being rolled by an ornery sheep and she wanted nothing to with them. Yesterday she was eager, excited, and had a lot of fun. It was very informal- no instructor, just at a friends place. I think it is what she needed- no stress related to the sheep. I gave her freedom and gave her lots of encouragement. I am going to try and get out a few more times with her. I am excited that she seemed to enjoy herself again!

This morning we got up bright and early and got in some great obedience training at a local park.

Brit can now heel for about 10 steps, and I've added in automatic sits. She has a great happy attitude while working and is wagging the whole time she works. I love that. We've started fronts at home, and this is the first time we've done them in a new place- she is not as accurate outdoors as she is at home so we've got to work on proofing more at home. At this point there is only one step into front for her- once she is 100% at this I will ask for two steps, then three, and so on. I also introduced her to the dumbbell for the first time, as I thought she has no problem. Because I have taught her what fetch actually means she understands to bring back what I want- regardless of what the item is.

I warmed Pixel up a bit and broke down each "hard" exercise for her- retrieve over jump, and the broad jump. And then put her away. After I worked the other dogs I had someone put me through a modified routine (just the retrieves, BJ, and heeling at the end). And she did it! Her fronts were nearly perfect, and she was eager and fast on the Broad jump and the retrieves. I am so pleased with her!!! Her heeling was spot on- with no cookies, or talking from me for the whole pattern. It felt nice to put stuff together. It's been a bit of a struggle. I am really looking forward to the trial in November!

We ended with Scenthurdle. Pixel actually made a mistake. lol. It was my fault though as I wasn't really focused on her. But she had fun, and is generally a reliable dog so I am not too worried about it. Our next race will be in November aswell- that is if we have enough dogs that can race... Scenthurdle is an interesting sport, and I have a love/hate relationship with it. Some days I am thrilled to actually have people who want to do it, and are training and doing well- and other days I don't know why I bother. Today's practice was in the middle- on one hand almost everyone on the team came, and I was happy with how well the newer dogs are doing. But I could do without some of the shit and responsibilities being in charge of a team comes with. lol. But as I said- mostly it was a great practice.

Catch went home today- his Momma was very happy to see him- and Catch was beside himself to see her and his brother Chase. Two weeks is a long time! I will miss him -(although Brit may not. lol) he is a very good puppy.

All in all a good weekend! This afternoon the dogs and I are just going to hang out and relax. Maybe read a book, and sit outside and enjoy the end of summer.

---------
Happiest Place explanation
I learned this from Terry Simons. The happiest place is just that- teaching the dog that the best place to be is on the end of the contact. You can do this two feet on the board, or four feet depending on your dogs contacts. The first step is to just feed the dog- the WHOLE TIME they are on the board. A Hotdog or Cheese string works best. You can't run out of food. Release before you run out. Once the dog is excited about the position and eagerly chowing down you then start to pull your hand away. If the dog leaves position you close your hand, until they get back in position then you resume feeding. They learn super fast that the food ends when they leave the board. You can do this on all the contacts- the teeter included. Oh, and you just get the dog to hop up on the board- not do the whole thing. You have to be there, ready with the food. It is also important to think about head position while you are doing this- feed low. I have found this works really well for all levels of dogs- it is a good way to proof your position, and a fun game to do with puppies. We do this in all of our intro classes. Hopefully i've explained it well enough!

Warning: No Brakes

2011-09-15T21:07:00.001-06:00

Warning: No Brakes, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Via Flickr:
Brit isn't equipped with brakes. Instead, she plows right into you. It feels as good as it sounds...

Kimberely Candids

2011-09-14T17:19:00.001-06:00

squished. they didn't all stay together in one xpen, this was while I was getting set up. :)

boys and girls.

the ring, surrounded by beauty

the view from the hill.

from the house on the hill.

jolene takes her cleanliness seriously... (yes, she brings her broom with her to every trial..)

Lethbridge Alley

Home. No Mountains for us...

Wispy

2011-09-14T07:00:00.001-06:00

Pixel, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Pixel is yet again losing coat, or maybe she is growing more- I think it changes every day. I do adore the wispy hair she gets- on her ears, ruff, and feathers. Such a pretty girl.

The Video

2011-09-12T21:22:00.001-06:00

As I said, a few "almost" moments- a late front cross, an ignored threadle arm...but still we managed. lol. I love this dog- even though she is incredibly naughty most of the time.

Kimberley Details

2011-09-12T07:09:00.000-06:00

What a weekend we had! As always the trial site was breathtaking. I will do a picture post later today or tomorrow- but believe me when I say it is beautiful. Camping in my van was actually pretty awesome! The dogs and I were pretty comfy, and it was nice not to have to drive to town to a hotel. The dogs were able to run off leash on the property so it was nice to just hang out.

I think the "hanging" out part of this trial is what makes it so good. I mean, there is a social aspect to every trial but this one is just a bit more relaxed. Sittin' around enjoying each others company, talking dogs, walks with friends. It's all just part of the fun. :)

On to the actual agility news.

Wicca finally did it. We earned that last Q needed for our ATCH. It was on a tough Jumpers course. We had a few almost moments, but I managed to pull it together and reign in the wild one enough to Q. Not our best run- but I am still so, so proud of her. That one run really just signifies the whole journey- Wicca is not an easy dog to run. And we've certainly had our struggles- at the beginning of her career contacts were an issue, and then bar knocking, and then flicking away, and then more bar knocking, and then handling, and then start lines...it's all been an ongoing issue. lol. But over the years of running this dog I have learned (with the help of friends) to just give'er. Never handle to avoid. Never doubt. Just go. And that's what I did all weekend with her. I never thought twice about a handling path or strategy. And we had an awesome weekend. Not only did she Q in Jumpers but she also Q'd in five other events. Really.
We had a 106 point Gamble. Beat only by Gyp.
Her second Standard was brilliant. Q
The first snooker was fast and furious. Four 6's for 55 points. The highest overall.
The second snooker was a little crazy but we managed to Q.
And we finished off with a steeplechase run that was so fast I thought I had missed part of the course. lol
She is a brilliant dog, and I am very lucky to have such a great partner.

Princess Pixel was a bit of diva this weekend- having a little blip in almost every run. That damn dog walk contact. lol. I am frustrated, but at myself not my dog. She obviously has no idea what she is supposed to do. It's going to take some time to fix. I also made some stupid handling choices with her- got lost on a gamble. lol. Weird stuff that doesn't normally happen to us. Tunnel discriminations (as in two tunnel mouths, make a choice) continue to defeat us. We got stuck in a tunnel vortex on a standard. She went in the wrong mouth three times before changing her mind. She did manage to Q in Snooker though- with a respectable 41 points. lol. But she was running fast, and had fun. Even the Princess has off days. :)

And little Vito got another Q! In Gamblers this time. He ran fast and had loads of fun, and then promptly became the lazy dog I know and love for the other two runs I had him entered in. He is so much work to get around a course when he doesn't wanna. I think he's a one run per weekend kinda guy.

And that's that. I still can't quite believe that Wicca did it. It's strange, how something so huge and so difficult is now just done. It's an interesting thing that I can't put into words. I am just so thrilled. What a girl.

And of course kinda like an acceptance speech at the Oscars I have to thank the people that helped us to get here. I couldn't possibly list everyone, and what if I missed someone?!! So, you know who you are. But know that I appreciate all the help over the years. And not only the help- but the pushing, and the bossiness. Having a great circle of friends is really important in this sport, and I am very lucky to have so many! I do have to mention Sarah though- without her help we'd still be in Starters Snooker for sure, and not celebrating an ATCH. So thanks. :)