Run!

photo by Wendy.

-41 with the windchill

I heard on the radio this morning that it was -41 with the windchill. No wonder the dogs didn't want to go outside this morning. All the fresh snow is certainly beautiful- and best of all there is no wind!!!

History

Our seminar today was cancelled due to the snow storm we got overnight. The highways were in rough shape so Dr.Devall wasn't able to make it. So I ended up with almost a whole day to do my own thing. I did some training with the dogs, played in the snow, and visited with my parents. While I was over their visiting I took the opportunity to go through some old family photos. It was a hoot, and we all laughed about the funny hair, and clothes. My mother thought that my sister and I should always dress the same when we were young- and of course they had to be these super elaborate (very uncomfortable) dresses. Some of the photos are pretty funny.

I took some photos with my iphone for your viewing pleasure. Sorry for the poor quality but it was this or nothing.

First some family photos with my siblings- Kris is two years older than me, and Sabrina is just about two years younger.



Matching dresses.  I remember being so itchy!!!  Look how cute we are though!




I almost didn't bother taking a pic of this but I had to show the hated dress!!! My sister and I hated these dresses. And my mom made us wear them to the first day of school. Note the matching (but different color) backpacks...



We were seriously cute.



Now here are some token school photos. I didn't think to look on the back for ages or the year so I will have to guess...

maybe grade 3?

grade 6?

and one last one- just because I am especially cute in yet another itchy dress. :) 

It was a fun way to spend a few hours. I am thankful that I no longer can be forced to wear dresses (or eat hamburger helper!)

Assesment and Preventing Injuries

V ~1/12/Vito, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Last month we brought Dr.Veronica Devall to Lethbridge for a lecture about structure followed by a chance for people to have their dogs assessed by her. Dr.Devall specialises in rehabilitation, pain management, and does accupuncture, laser therapy, and chiropractic word. Last time I went to the lecture, but didn't have any of my dogs looked at. Wicca has seen her before and we have a pretty good handle on what her issues are and what we can do about it.

I have decided to have Pixel looked at this time though- not because there is anything wrong, but just to be sure that there is nothing I should be worried about. She sometimes has a lazy sit, which makes me wonder about her hips, or maybe it's just a lazy sit?! In any case it doesn't happen much, but still something to have looked at. It will be interesting to see what she says, and how Pixel reacts. Pixel is not fond of strangers touching her so I imagine she will take a bit to settle.

The lecture this time is about common injuries in performance dogs. So this will include agility of course, aswell as sled dogs, herding dogs, and any other type of physically demanding sports. I am sure it will be interesting!

I will have some stuff to blog about I am sure. :) I am all about doing what I can to prevent injuries on my dogs. I will be the first to admit that corgis are not ideal agility participants and if there is anything I can do to minimize risks for them I will do it.

My dogs are all on supplements, great food, specific exercises and stretches, and I know that all of these things combined are helping my dogs stay healthy.

Everyone else will have a boring day, we are supposed to have major snow tomorrow. I am hoping to be able to take the dogs for a nice walk sometime tomorrow though- at least to get some new photos. :)

I haz a stick 4/52

I haz a stick 4/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Wicca cracks me up.

Happy and Sad

Yesterday I made someone very happy by telling them that Dave could indeed be their dog if they still wanted him. He will be going to the best home ever and I am very happy for him. He is a dog with a soul and heart that is too big to even put into words. He is an incredible dog- one of those dogs that is definitely a once in a lifetime dog. And I am giving him away.

It makes my heart hurt a bit. I love this dog. I love him too much to keep for myself though. He deserves a home where he will be the center of someones universe. And so it shall be.

I often have foster dogs for months and months and yes, there have been some that were hard to give up, and ones that I couldn't (Boone and Vito). In Boone and Vito's case I made the decision with my heart, and not my head. This time I let my brain do the decision making. And I know in my heart that I am making the right decision. It doesn't make it any easier though- I am sure I will cry when he leaves. But in a happy way.

He still has to be neutered- am hoping to get him in early next week, and then once he's recovered from that he will be off to live the life of luxury with a family who will adore him. I wish all dogs could be so lucky.  :)

So everyone say yay for Davie!

A Walk with Manymuddypaws

Jolene started this a few weeks ago- I thought it was a cute idea, and what better way to show everyone the craziness that is my life. lol.



It is long, but I did edit a lot out. Mostly mindless barking, and the wind. LOL.

Enjoy. :) P.S you should play too!!! Post a video of your walk. :)

I'm a big boy now...

Robbie had the big snip today. So come spring he'll be all ready to spend more time outdoors- where he really, really, really wants to be. 
He already looks like a cat, and not a kitten. Still super cute though, and with loads of attitude...

Wordless Wednesday





Yay for good dogs. :)

I had a great night at class tonite. I was in a good mood from start to finish, and am just so pleased with the girls.

Wicca didn't knock one bar all night. Serious. That is a rare occurance. The sequences were challenging and I was confident in my abilities to handle them with my dog. Yay for Me! We did some fun gamble things and worked on my timing of the "turn" cue over the bar. The bar stayed up so it must have been good!

Pixel was a good girl. I brought her out for really short fast sequences and kept her up and pumped each second. It was exhausting, but so worth it. She was very fast (for her) and had super rhythm in the poles. She missed a few entries but we ended the weaves on a tough entry that she nailed. Sarah gave me some more good advice tonite with her- although I try already, I need to make sure that I am varying the placement of my reward more, and keep it moving. So reward and continue on right away instead of resetting her. Also having the toy "dissapear" sometimes and then bringing it back out will keep her guessing.

Anyway, just super stoked about tonite. :)

oh and does Pixel not look like some sort of alien in this photo. lol. she totally makes me laugh.

Higher 3/52

Higher 3/52, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

"Up high I feel like I'm alive for the very first time
Set up high I'm strong enough to take these dreams
And make them mine" ~Creed

Week 3 of the 52 Weeks Flickr Challenge...

An accidental shot that turned out pretty great. Sometimes accidents are awesome. :)

WOOF! x100 shrieking girls

MOM!!!, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Pixel's bark is awful- a high pitched shriek really. When she wants something (like a ball) or when she is annoyed (like when Dave runs her over) you hear all about her displeasure.

Thankfully she doesn't bark much, and when she does she is quick to stop. This picture totally made me laugh- it's made even better by Dave in the background. lol

Funny Photo of the Day

Thrill of the Chase, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

I called this "The Thrill of the Chase"

Dave loves Pixel. Pixel loves Wicca. Wicca hates them both. :)

Thoughts on instinct, and not having any. lol

I don't think that herding is in the cards for me. lol. I am going to take Vito next time as not only is he my last chance, but he likes to chase and stalk things so maybe he might be interested...

Instinct is an interesting thing- the sheep guy "Tyler" was working an 8 month old BC when we arrived and it was beautiful. 6 months old and already he was able to shape her instinct into what he wanted. It was pretty incredible. After my failure with the two dogs I brought he let me work another young dog and it was pretty neat to see and feel the power of a dog who knows. THe dog I got to work was 6 months and had only been on sheep a few times. This trainer believes in teaching the dog balance and pressure right away and so my job was to keep her balanced and apply pressure (a raised arm, or two) when she was close, or if I wanted to change directions. It was interesting.

I think the problem with all three of the dogs I've tried is that A) they see sheep so infrequently it is hard to sustain interest B)I give my dogs shit for chasing things all the time (each other, the cat, deer, etc) C) Their age. Wicca is 6 and hasn't had a positive sheep experience for two years. Boone is 7 and as with all things in his life he isn't able to deal with pressure- even slight. Pixel is a young'n and theoretically with more exposure I should be able to spark an interest. She sure had it when she was young.

My friends Kelpie did very well and again he just has that instinct and with very little training he already has a good idea of what is expected from him. I thought he looked very good.



Herding is a sport that I won't ever get into seriously but it sure is interesting to watch and learn!!!

Vito, Dave, and Stuff...

Small and Tall, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Vito is the only dog in the house that still doesn't like Dave- he will bully him if given a reason, or a chance and I am always listening for the little growl.

To his credit Dave completely ignores Vito- even when V gets in his face. Dave is a very good boy.

That said I've started spreading the word about a home for Dave. I think he is ready, and once he is neutered will be on his way to a home of his own.

Last night he ran in the house through the entry way with no hesitation and happy tail wagging. He sat for his food this morning, and scratched to be let out! All firsts. I am proud of how far he's come in such a short time.

You may have notice a little tab on the top- labeled "For Adoption" that is a link to a direct page about Dave. That way I can send people there instead of having to look through my whole blog.

Keep your fingers crossed that someone AMAZING, will apply for Mr.Handsome.

nothing earth shattering for plans this weekend- going herding tonite to a new place which will be fun. still havent' decided who to take. Definitely not Princess Pixel... lol
and other than that just normal stuff. Lessons and stuff on Saturday, one Private on sunday, and that's it. Should be able to have lots of "me" time so that will be good!

I will post some herding videos on Saturday...I am thinking of taking Vito just for fun. He has only been once and was a total lunatic about it...but it will get him out of the house and be fun for him...

Brrr.

Frost Princess 1/12/Pixel, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Winter is stil here. We have had a few nice days which is great except those nice days are now being followed by a chinook- which is nasty, blowing wind (60-100km winds). And that nasty blowing wind isn't warm either- it just blows around all the snow you've been shoveling so now we have to shovel more.

I keep telling myself that it'll be over soon and we'll be complaining that it's too hot....but it seems so far away. lol

Handsome Dave

Handsome Dave, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Dave is almost ready for a home to call his own. Some important things to know about Dave:

He has learned lots in the short time I've had him and is pretty well adjusted to living as a house dog.

He is housetrained, crate trained, likes to go for walks, is great off leash, and loves other dogs. He does obsess about cats, and other small critters, but is learning what leave it means.

He loves to tug, and actually will pull with all his might now. It is very cute. He doesn't fetch quite yet- rather it is a game of chase the toy, and the beg Davie to bring it back to you. :)

He sleeps on a dog bed in the bedroom at night and doesn't make a peep. He is crated during the day is quiet (well, at least I assume so)

He has met lots of people, and been to lots of new places. He thinks all people have cookies and is actually rather rude about it which is awesome. He is interested in kids, but hasn't met any.

The home that would be most suited for Dave is one that has experience with dogs. He still has a long way to go, and lots to learn. He still gets a bit nervous if a meeting with people is forced on him, he doesn't trust strangers, and will need a quiet home. I think he'd make a good agility dog with some work- he is easily motivated, and is fast. He is a cautious dog though and likely will always be a litttle on the reserved side with people. I also reccomend he go to a home with another dog (or two. :) ) He really loves dogs, and would gain a lot of confidence having another dog around to rely on.

He is going to be neutered in the next week or so, and will officially be looking for a new home after that. If you know someone who might be interested please pass on his info.

As always I am pretty select in where my rescues go- so be prepared for some questions!

Email me at manymuddypaws@hotmail.ca for more info, or if you have any questions.

The Special Kid

Disobedient, originally uploaded by manymuddypaws.

Boone is odd- he has more quirks than any dog I've met. He definitely marches to his own drum so to speak...

He does things on his own terms and sitting in the snow for a group photo was not something he was going to do today. Instead he'd like to sit two feet away.

I sometimes wonder what he would be like if I had gotten him as a puppy. Sometimes he is just so Brilliant. It is frustrating when he acts like such a dork. I wonder if more socialising would have made a difference, or if he would be the same no matter the up bringing... One of lifes mysteries I suppose.

I have had him for three years now and I think that he is as good as he going to get temperament wise, and I am okay with that. But sometimes it's just a tad bit frustrating....

I've spoken with the owner of his sister, and his relatives are all pretty well the same. It is unfortunate that Pyr Sheps don't have better temperaments as I think they are just an incredible breed. Perfect size, good assortment of coat type and colors, super smart, athletic, and then you get to temperament and it pretty well washes everything away. The dog can look as perfect as can be but if mentally they are unable to handle the job there is a problem.

I love him though- despite his many quirks. :)

Training Troop Results

I had a great weekend- I was relaxed, happy, and focused for each of my runs. It was pretty perfect really.

Wicca was incredible. She is continuing to listen and pay attention which makes me very happy. The courses were not easy this weekend and we managed to do each one with confidence. I knew what would work for my dog and am proud of the little successes we had. She knocked a bar or two in every round however- I really need to get back and do more jump grids with her but am not sure where I will find the time, or the space. The run I am most proud of is her jumpers- which is the second run in the video. I didn't get lost. And except for the flick to the tunnel (BRAT!) it was very nice and smooth. It's a shame about the bar, but even with that I am still pretty stoked about it. We did get a gamble Q but it was a sloppy, messy run that I won't post. lol



Pixel was great- I only had her in three things and she was super. She was fast, and peppy, and did exactly what I told her to do. Running her in masters was fun! We really need to get those weaves sorted out- but I am so impressed with her confidence. She brought home a snooker Q. She was a little weird on the teeter again- actually bailed off in the closing of my snooker run...But overall I came away knowing a bit more about her. I got lots of compliments about her and how cute and happy she looks- and that's pretty awesome. :) oh, and i should add that she ALMOST got the advanced gamble...which is way awesome.



I have mixed feelings about Boone. Rewatching the videos he doesn't look to bad. No outward signs of stress really. But I could feel that he wasn't quite with me. It's strange. He was happy though and ran his little starters course pretty well, he liked the steeplechase but the two sets of twelve poles fried his brains and we were over time. I am going to continue to slowly add pressure in training and see if we can get him past whatever this is....



I am proud of my dogs this weekend- they all have their strengths, and weaknesses. As usual we have lots to work before the next trial!

NOTE: I couldn't get the embed code to work! Will sort it out later...

First Agility of the year!

We are off this weekend to the first trial of 2011. I am looking forward to a fun filled weekend and hanging out with friends. I have Boone, Pixel, and Wicca entered. Wicca is in a full trial, but Boone and Pixel are entered in three things each. Hopefully the roads are okay- I am traveling with Tammy and we are leaving today after work so it should't be too bad- but it is supposed to snow off and on almost all weekend.

I've remembered to pack my video camera so will have stuff to post on Monday! Have a good weekend everyone!