I haven't taken any new photos in almost a week!!!! Pixel has grown alot already...I promise to get some new ones today- but in the meantime here is one from last week I didn't post.

Wildness

You would think with a title like "Wildness" I was talking about Wicca, or even Pixel. But No.

Boone was more excited than I have ever seen him last night. It was amazing. The sounds coming out of that dogs mouth were unlike anything I had heard.

Last night was the first time I have taken him to the new indoor arena and he was beside himself with excitement.

He barked, and screeched, and whined when it wasn't his turn. I finally had to take him out of the arena where he couldn't see and he calmed down. It was quite ridiculous really.

He had such a good time working-and was very focused compared to Saturday!

We worked on weave entrances and he did great- he has really gotten into a rhythm now and loves to weave. We also worked on running past things and not taking them...he is really bad for that but we had quite a lot of success last night. We have been practicing the hand game at home and I am sure that is what has helped. And I think he getting what "touch" means but I found last night that he only will do it if I am in one position. I can't believe I have done that! As soon as I was ahead or behind him he just runs off. He gets it perfectly when I am beside him. So last night I did lots of backchaining with a small target. I'll keep at it. We only had the dog walk up- no a-frame so we'll have to practice that next week.

Wicca was good- we did some serpentine and pull through stuff- and 270's. Her weaves were bang on and overall she was good, controlled and listening...unlike Saturday!

Learnin'

Everyday I try and do some type of training with the dogs- and now with baby Pixel in the house I even try for twice a day. We are mostly succesful in the twice a day ideal.

Pixel is learning tons of new things, and is just a very smart little pup. She is very eager for her turn and is starting to offer behaviors now! (which I think is very cool!)

She knows her name very well now (thanks to the name game)
She can sit with a verbal cue only
She still needs help with down but she's getting it
She responds really well to come (for now anyway)
She is learning what a hand touch is but will only bump her nose once. for one cookie.
We play the hand game already...which is only fun if she doesn't start biting my pant leg...
She likes the target plate but doesn't quite get that she doesn't have to carry it around after
And we are loving fetch. Except for the bringing it back part that is :o) We have been playing trades and that has helped but for a while she would just take off with her new found treasure!

Vito is still learning the secret new trick to make everyone oooh and aaaah over him. :o) It is quite adorable. But I can't tell you all yet what it is...we'll take photos of the event when he goes public...

Wicca is working on stay. Religiously. Every. Single. Day. Sometimes twice a day. Yup. She hates me. But, the hope is that we will eventually get a CDX...and well, you have to stay.

Boone is learning to heel with more accuracy. He thinks it is quite a fun game...he attaches himself to my leg like there is duct tape or something...

and yeah. That's pretty much what we do when we are home...is play, and train...

I had already found that she (as in Pixel) is way more tired after training than if I try to tire her out just with play...and she is soooo cute when she's tired, all sleepy and cuddly.... and then she wakes up....

no new pictures either- sorry!

We did a mini photo shoot with a photographer at the trial on Saturday and those pics should be up soon...as a teaser he has one on his website: Back in the Pack

You can also scroll through the agility photos if you'd like...there are some pretty funny ones of wicca I might order...here is the first one...just keep hitting next to few the others...

new banner

do ya like the new banner?

i worked on it yesterday and just got around to finishing it and posting it today...I think they are all pretty cute. :o)

pink shoes and other nonsense...

It seems like I just did one of these things not too long ago...and then another popped into my email this morning. Thought I'd blog it rather than email it...



1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?


nope. a song I think


2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?


when sam died


3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?


nope- can't for the life of me remember how to do a "B"


4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?


none. yucky.


5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?


haha...ummm no...but could a picture it...they'd all be in crates...


6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?


probably not. I don't really like bossy people. funny eh?


7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?


you betcha! it's a trademark!


8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS


yup


9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?


nope


10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?


frosted flakes...bad, I know.


11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?


almost never. unless they are my cleats for agility.


12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?


yes- think superwoman....


13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?


chocolate...


14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?


what color their shoes are :o)


15. RED OR PINK?


red...unless you are talking about my pink shoes


16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?


i apparently am a bit bossy :o) I'd like to change that somehow...


17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST


my grama and my dog sam


19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?


pink :o)


20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?


a tim hortons breakfast sandwich...wasn't all that good in case you are wondering


21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?


dogs barking. (I am at work...)


22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?


definitely burgandy..not too bright..not too dark...


23. FAVORITE SMELLS?


puppy breathe


24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?


marlin...(Wendy's Husband)....he called this morning to see about shuttles...


25. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU?


nope...not really


26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?


agility...


27. HAIR COLOR?


brownish/blondish


28. EYE COLOR?


green mostly


29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?


nope...


30. FAVORITE FOOD?


pickles


31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?


happy endings...


32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?


i can't remember....Juno I think.


33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?


stupid red one (I'm at work)


34. SUMMER OR WINTER?


summer...spring actually


35. HUGS OR KISSES?


hugs


36. FAVORITE DESSERT?


ice cream


39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?


a scary one


40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?


haven't seen one of those in ages


41. WHAT DID YOU WATCH ON TV LAST NIGHT?


i didn't


42. FAVORITE SOUND?


wicca's woo woo woo


43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?


beatles


44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?


new brunswick/nova scotia


45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?


um nope...unless you call being able to quiet a room of 40 barking dogs with just a look....


46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?


medicine hat





and 'cause I know you all want to see my pink shoes...



hot right?? :o)

if my fellow bloggers want to do this little thingy go to 'er...comment with a link if you are so we can all read... :o)

I strongly encourage at least Sandy and Kim to do it.....just cut and paste...took like two minutes...

CAA One Day trial

Yesterday we travelled to Calgary for one day of a trial. 

This was Wicca's first trial back from her injury and I only entered her in two things. Well. She was a wild woman. Really. The first run was a standard and she broke her start line and would not stay in position. I should have taken her off then. The run itself wasn't bad she didn't fall for either of the two traps (many, many dogs did) so that made me happy but her contacts were awful. She blew the dogwalk- released right before I said okay and I let her go. So by the time she was on the frame she completely blew it. I made her redo it two times before she got it right. The nice thing about the run was that we ran it hard- you could see that she was stressed and even more high because I was pushing her for speed. She is not used to that! 

Her second run was Gamblers. I had a great path picked out and we stuck to it. She dropped a bar in the mini the second time we did it, but otherwise was great. And then she blew pas the weave entry on the main gamble. Stupid. There was no reason for her to except that she wasn't collecting. It was a super easy gamble too. Geesh.

That was the last trial of the year. What a way to end it. 

Boone too was a little wild- his Standard run was almost awful. Except that he wagged his tail the whole time...how can you be mad at that?? He didn't really listen though and pretty much took what he wanted. You can really tell he hadn't been on equipment in a while. His second run was snooker and he deked out to the weaves instead of a jump. We were whistled off. 

I am really excited for winter training with him especially as really he is doing pretty good considering he hasn't really been able to learn very much outside this summer. I think that he will do much better indoors and hopefully we'll be able to see some improvement soon. 

Pixel did great! She didn't make a peep the whole way there and was a little star all day. She met lots of people and lots of dogs- we even met a teeny tiny little Pembroke pup named Ripley.  Pixel was excited by the dogs running- but was still able to play, and tug with me. We worked on sit, down and stand throughout the day and went for lots of little walks. Everyone loved her of course. 

Interestingly two people (who are conformation judges) came up to me and complimented me on her- neither of them said that her coat would be an issue (at this point anyway) It will be interesting to see how "fluffy" it gets as she matures...The commented on her expression, her front, and her topline...- no one ever compliments Wicca on her topline :o) 

Tug!

Just a cute photo from this morning I thought I'd share. Pixel came and played at daycare for a few hours this morning and had a good time. The only decent photo I got was of her and Coco playing tug with a toy....

We are heading to Calgary for the day tomorrow for agility. Pixel is tagging along for some socialising. Should be lots of fun! I have Boone and Wicca both entered in two events.

Look Ma! No Tape!

Look Look! We got the okay to get rid of the tape tonite!!!!

Acceptance

The dogs are all adjusting really well and in their own ways they have accepted Pixel as part of the posse. :o) Some are just more flamboyant about it than others!

Wicca loves Pixel but can't resist bullying her...the girls are starting to play in the evenings now. Wicca gets really flirty with her and then when Pixel comes over to investigate what the fun is all about BAM! All of a sudden their positions are reversed and a surprised Pixel is belly up...Usually this is followed by zoomies..

Vito is still suspicious of the cuteness....but will play with her in the mornings...briefly..and only when I'm not looking...I think he's ashamed that he too loves the cuteness...

Boone adores Pixel but is sneaky and almost mean to her when he wants something from her. I saw him kissing her last night, but then realised it was only a scam to steal her toy! He was quite proud of the little green ball!

Boone is also quite jealous of her and has been very, very in my face at home. Last night he sat on my lap for a good half hour...which is odd.

It is funny too that the boys- who previously didn't really play with each other have formed this "manly, boys only" type bond...two nights in a row they've gotton up on the couch, I think mostly to stay out of the little tornados way...but it still humours me a lot....

A little Flatcoat???

Almost every picture I have taken of Pixel usually has her with a toy, or something in her mouth. I am not exaggerating when I say that she always is carrying something around. It is like she can't walk without something in her mouth.

Last night at rally class she "carried" her leash around so much she chewed through it!

All of the toys are spread throughout the house, there is not one toy left in the basket.

and by toys I mean pretty much anything that she thinks might be fun...

The play tunnel proved to be difficult to carry, but she did manage for a few steps!

Pixel also has this insane tongue that never stops- she likes to kiss....a lot. Even her toys!

maybe she has a little bit o' flatcoat in her...

More Pixel

We didn't have much opportunity for photos today, but I managed to sneak her outside at work today for a few! (to satisfy her fan club!)

she looks all innocent...but really she's not!



as always- something in her mouth!

she loves the kitty at work and goes completely squirrley when she sees her!

First Barn Night

Our new arena is wonderful- heated, clean, and just overall a nice place to train. We have our equipment stored in a stall just a few feet from the arena which is perfect and we had things set up in no time last night.

I brought "the girls" out- I debated between Wicca and Boone for quite a while as they both need the work but in the end Wicca won. And Pixel came to see the sights and meet some more people and dogs. She did great!

I worked on start lines last night with Wicca- she has been pushing and pushing and I wanted to be sure that she understands what it is she is supposed to be doing! We also worked on wrapping jumps, we did the a-frame once, and we worked on weave entries (three poles) She did really well. She was super excited to be out and doing stuff. I have her entered in two things on Saturday- a standard and a gamble. So far there has been no sign on a limp or soreness which makes me really happy!

Pixel again had no issues going into a new place- she ran around in the arena playing and tugging like she'd been there her whole life. She got lots of cuddles and attention from everyone and met some new dogs.

The boys stayed home but we did some training after work. Vito is learning a new trick, and Boone and I worked on targeting and stairs. He is entered in two things on Saturday as well- a Standard and Snooker.

No new pictures yet today sorry! I am hoping to take her out later today and get some photos of her playing in the snow- yes, we have our first snow this year!

Looks and Smarts

Pixel is a very clever puppy. Oh, and also very, very cute.

I introduced her to the clicker the day before yesterday- just click/treat reps. Yesterday I started shaping a sit and a down. I wanted to try it first without luring and we did it! I have not put a cue to her sit or down yet but she will offer them when she thinks I am asking her something. Today I am going to teach her nose targeting to a hand and an object.

She is doing great in the house- no accidents at all. She sleeps in her crate all night without a peep, and is just busy, busy, busy. She adores toys (as yesterdays posts attests to) and is always carrying something in her mouth. She loves to tug and has the cutest little grunts and growls when she plays. It is very, very cute.

We have been out and about meeting people, and exploring new things. She met a few dogs yesterday and about 6 new people! She seems to be a very well balanced pup and takes things in stride.

One thing she is still stuggling with is crating during the day. Yesterday morning she cried in her crate for almost three hours at work. This morning I tried to tire her out more- we got up an hour early (killer!) and went for a walk around the block, played in the yard, did some training and then she and Vito played at daycare before anyone else got here. I just put her in the crate a few minutes ago and so far so good. We'll see how the morning progresses! Today I am going to take her to the vet clinic and weigh her. More just for a new experience than anything.

Oh, and I think everyone (including Mister Grumpy Pants Vito) has played with her at least once! Last night she and Wicca had a great time playing with toys. It is cute to see Wicca play gentle...because that is most definitely not the norm!

Lambie

We once had a little lamb named lambie

and then Pixel moved in and ripped out his eyes

Toy Monster

So Pixel is fitting right in. She spent her first full day yesterday pretty much with a toy in her mouth! She LOVES toys, and is always carrying something around.

ooops....wrong dog....

Unbelievable Cuteness

She is perfect. Smart, Happy, Outgoing, Playful and very, very snuggly. It took some work to get her- but she was most definitely worth it. I cannot thank Rita enough for letting me have her. Thank you, Thank You, Thank You.

So first, here's a photo to tease you..


and now here's the long....drawn out....story.

Pixel's flight was to get into Great Falls at 9:30. At 8:50 I got a call from a Skyewest employee saying that she missed the connection and was stuck in Salt Lake. I almost died. (and nearly cried) Somehow the person who booked the flight screwed up and didn't a lot enough time for her to get on the plane to Great Falls. The fellow on the phone was very apolagetic though, and told me how she was doing, that they'd fed and watered her, pottied her and now she was playing happily in the office. It did little to make me feel better at the time but after I was very, very grateful that she was being taken care of so well.


So the puppy was safe and okay in Salt Lake City- we were however now unsure what to do. We drove three hours (and through the very scary Canada/US Border) and had not planned on staying the night. But- the next flight was to get in on Saturday at 12:30...so we stayed the night.
We stopped at Target to grab some overnight essentials...and I moped around, thinking of my poor puppy but Natalie did her best to make me laugh. She did manage a few times- dinner at Bostons' Pizza...(yeah, Bostons- weird eh?) was pretty funny as the waiter was dressed up for Halloween and was very, very creepy..he kept hitting on Natalie which cracked me up...and then at the hotel we watched a show about Bugs that had Natalie screeching and jumping out of bed...too funny


This morning we stopped at Target again, where I bought a collar (or two) and then headed for the airport. I went to the ticket desk and first asked how to file a complaint- as I am pretty ticked that this happened (I found out that you have to do it online) and then waited for my puppy to arrive.


When they brought her out I could hardly believe it. She is even more beautiful in real life. I took her out of the crate and carried her outside to a grassy area. I plopped her on the ground and without a second thought she started to play with leaves, and sticks. Natalie brought out a toy and she all but forgot about her long, long plane ride. Wow. What a puppy.


Now, about her...


She snuggled all the way home, and is really a great little pup. She handled the intros like a pro, properly submissive but not scared.- and as predicted Wicca wants to mother her (and Pixel wants none of that!),


Vito is sad that he isn't the cutest thing in the house (but really likes that the puppy came with new toys), and


Boone is sure she is going to be his best friend. He was SO happy to meet her it was very cute.


I am completely smitten. I am going to call her Pixel. It is close to what she knows already, and is very fitting with her merle spots...it is also a cute, but not overly girly name, and is unique. We like it.


There will be more pictures tomorrow, but for now I leave you with these- I took these right when we got home- she met all the dogs during the taking of these photos. She is confident, outgoing, friendly and everything that I could have wanted.

(the token butt shot....fuzzy but very, very cute! look how fuzzy her hocks are!!!!)

todays the day

today is the day.

i can't wait.

her flight gets in to great falls at 9:30 tonite.

i've got everything ready and puppy proofed at home.

now all i need is the puppy!

wicca is pretty excited about "the baby" (she loves to mother)

vito is indifferent (he still would like to be the baby)

and boone is hoping she'll like him (always looking for friends)

:o)

puppy no name

Her mom and littermates...

she who still has no name...

(she's squished in the middle)

Juno, Isis, Pixel...............

Some suggested naming her after something Halloween-ish- Jamie was one suggestion..I couldn't find anything else that I really liked at all with that theme.

I also looked up Florida type things- environment, rivers, lakes, mountains...nothin' jumped out at me...

I think part of the problem is that iI know so many dogs- I associate all the good names with dogs I already know!

Why is naming so hard!!!!

Names I liked, now I don't.....

I really liked the name Jinx- but there's so many of them
I like the name Quinna but I know dogs named Quinn, and Quinna!
Brew is too manly...
I like Macy but it just doesn't suit...

Some of my friends have said it will be easier when I meet her...I disagree. I think it will be harder! She has a name already that she knows so I am going to end up calling her that until I figure one out which is just going to confuse her...

Anyway,

I am picking her up Friday night! Expect an update Saturday! (with many, many photos)