Well as difficult as it makes daily life the show is beautiful. I love walking the dogs through drfits and Ethans been enjoying it aswell.
The dogs are all well and fighting for the warm spots in the house.
Hoax is working really well in training. I dont have any delusions of grandeur for my dogs nowdays and am pleased with small amounts of progress. She seems to be picking her weaves up much better now getting some tricky entries and checking stride for the simple ones. I have also been working on her contacts which seem to be much improved so far. She can be a really good girl with jumping and will turn tight when my timing is good but we can struggle with some handly bits. I also noticed some situations in which she should be bouncing and isnt. It is usually on angled sections (slicing, curves or zigzags) so we will need to do some grids to help with that. Sadly in this weather I just dont have anywhere to do them, let alone any spare time!
Talking of time poor D isnt getting the time he should. Shaping helps as at least when I do train something get the finished behaviour in a few sessions, we have finally got round to shaping a right turn LOL we are so far behind! I hope in the summer we can get more done in the garden. D is so sweet, a really cuddly man but definatly has a naughty streak in him too.
Boo is on rest at the moment. I have been a bit worried as he didnt feel right for his last month or so of competing and has had a few moments he looked lame. He went to the chiro who clicked him back but I still am not sure he is 100%. I rest my dogs every year anyway so he will have Dec/ Jan off and start back on grids in February sometime after another chiro check.
The puppies seem to be doing well passing Good Citizen tests and learning lot of new tricks. I must get off my butt and do more with D but I am so proud the babies are doing well. Keep the updates coming puppy owners! x
Tuesday, 22 December 2009
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Lots to say
Well it's been a very, very long time since my last post and I have lots to say but not so much time to write it all!
PUPS
Firstly the pups are all doing well and are loved and adored in their homes. We went to a 'balance and co- ordination workshop' run by Hannah Banks. Also in attendance were Yvette with Munch and Tracy/ Sue with Ajaxs. The puppies were so good, all very confident and focused. None of them worried at all about the ladders/ wobble boards and such like. With the shaping stuff I have done with D, he really gets that whole value transfer thing and was pulling to over to the wobble boards and ladders after a very short time.
DETOUR
I cant belive he is five months old already! He is such a sweet boy. We have had a few little issues with him nervous woofing when we are on a walk but some recall tug games seem to be fixing that. He has done very little training really since the last post but has concentrated on being a pup.
HOAX
We are finally getting back into the swing of training and I am revisiting a few things. Contacts have been a difficult thing with deciding what action to take with training for more independance and speed and she felt like she was lacking the confidence she should have. I have brought her target back in for a bit to help her focus on her position but changed her criteria to the most simple thing I can think of which I think will counteract any confusion she had. Weaves are slowly improving, I need to keep challenging her but she is feeling much sounder in them now. Pull throughs are still cr*p- must practise them!!! I am very aware of Cruft looming at the beginning of 2010 and really dont want to let my team down. I know that Hoaxey is the weakest link, not only is she the only non G7 dog (two of which are AGs) but we have way less experince than the others. Chances are it will be us that messes up but as long as we put some training in and do our best I will feel ok about it. My team mates are lovely so I know they will all be nice to us... except maybe that Toni.. (only joking before long discussions about 'over competitive' top handlers start on the forum)!
GOLDEN BALLS
Boo is always lovely, he seems sometimes to be struggling a bit more with turns and things so I am keeping an eye on him. I have done so little with him some of our basics are weak right now. I like to try and give my dogs a good rest each year. Hoax had had plenty of time off with puppies and seasons etc so I will keep her going the whole winter bar her season. Boo however hasnt had a good rest for a while so he will get the whole of December and January off.
PUPS
Firstly the pups are all doing well and are loved and adored in their homes. We went to a 'balance and co- ordination workshop' run by Hannah Banks. Also in attendance were Yvette with Munch and Tracy/ Sue with Ajaxs. The puppies were so good, all very confident and focused. None of them worried at all about the ladders/ wobble boards and such like. With the shaping stuff I have done with D, he really gets that whole value transfer thing and was pulling to over to the wobble boards and ladders after a very short time.
DETOUR
I cant belive he is five months old already! He is such a sweet boy. We have had a few little issues with him nervous woofing when we are on a walk but some recall tug games seem to be fixing that. He has done very little training really since the last post but has concentrated on being a pup.
HOAX
We are finally getting back into the swing of training and I am revisiting a few things. Contacts have been a difficult thing with deciding what action to take with training for more independance and speed and she felt like she was lacking the confidence she should have. I have brought her target back in for a bit to help her focus on her position but changed her criteria to the most simple thing I can think of which I think will counteract any confusion she had. Weaves are slowly improving, I need to keep challenging her but she is feeling much sounder in them now. Pull throughs are still cr*p- must practise them!!! I am very aware of Cruft looming at the beginning of 2010 and really dont want to let my team down. I know that Hoaxey is the weakest link, not only is she the only non G7 dog (two of which are AGs) but we have way less experince than the others. Chances are it will be us that messes up but as long as we put some training in and do our best I will feel ok about it. My team mates are lovely so I know they will all be nice to us... except maybe that Toni.. (only joking before long discussions about 'over competitive' top handlers start on the forum)!
GOLDEN BALLS
Boo is always lovely, he seems sometimes to be struggling a bit more with turns and things so I am keeping an eye on him. I have done so little with him some of our basics are weak right now. I like to try and give my dogs a good rest each year. Hoax had had plenty of time off with puppies and seasons etc so I will keep her going the whole winter bar her season. Boo however hasnt had a good rest for a while so he will get the whole of December and January off.
Monday, 21 September 2009
Thatcham UKA
I was helping at this show so didnt get many runs done.
Detour and Ajaxs were both at the show and we setup the puppy pen in the secretarys tent, the pups had some initial disagreements but soon settled and played mad, crazy play games until they got grumpy and tired and we seperated them to sleep :) The show did BabyD the world of good, he has really started to come out of his shell and has loved the people, cuddes, attention and been confident meeting other dogs aswell.
I also managed to get a chance to rehearse some of his training in the mad enviroment of an Agility show, we played the 123 game and despite a few failure he held his sit while I moved away so I was really pleased with him.
Ajaxs is very well and is such a happy little man. He is looking really good and has batfink (A Riley quote)! ears and a huge coat! I have also had good reports from the other puppy owners and an update from Kim and Dan that Buzzy is doing great and Munch is naughty as ever!
Hoaxey worked well at the show, she still isnt up to full speed despite being measured into Midi there now. She bunny hops some jumps and I know when she does this that she isnt jumping at speed and is unsure. I know she jumps pretty well, fast and flat at training so I am hoping with more time in the ring, and the consistency she will get now she jumps 17"everywhere, that she will improve. She still feels like a different dog in training and in competition, my timings vary as she doesnt have the same speed in the ring but I am sure it will come without pressure. She was a good girl though winning Novice Steeplechase and moving upto Senior Steeplechase and winning that too but I know she has a lot more in her tank than she is giving.
Boo is broken a bit and will be visiting our wonderful Mctimoney Chiro: Melanie D'Avignor Hamilton tomorrow :)
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
Weaving on the road
Not Literally!
Hoax has been working her weave entries pretty much without faliure in the garden so I decided to take it on the road.
We went to the local park and I worked entries from both sides with the guides for a few attempts. I took the guides off and she still got fab entries whoohoo!
By no means are they fixed. Different sets of weaves affect her a lot. A small bitch without a long reach that single paces her poles is affected by the distance between each pole a lot. Her stride gets thrown out easily.
I am hoping to borrow someone elses weaves so she can practise on different gaps. We have a uka show this weekend so I am looking forward to seeing how she performs in the ring.
Hoax has been working her weave entries pretty much without faliure in the garden so I decided to take it on the road.
We went to the local park and I worked entries from both sides with the guides for a few attempts. I took the guides off and she still got fab entries whoohoo!
By no means are they fixed. Different sets of weaves affect her a lot. A small bitch without a long reach that single paces her poles is affected by the distance between each pole a lot. Her stride gets thrown out easily.
I am hoping to borrow someone elses weaves so she can practise on different gaps. We have a uka show this weekend so I am looking forward to seeing how she performs in the ring.
1-2-3 game, beautiful Munch and a rant!
Well I might be biased but I think Munch is looking fantastic :) He is definately a mini Hoax and I think is going to be quite like Grandad Kruise. He is beautiful Yvette x
Detour is definately not a beauty. He is very plain but so lovely. He makes me warmand fuzzy coz he is so sweet and thoughtful.
His training is going well and I am enjoying the challenges. I have re-read some of Susans stuff and she uses the 1-2-3 game for a prelude of waits. The idea being they hold their position until you give them a new cue, i.e. GET IT- for the tuggy toy. We are enjoying playing the game and D is starting to understand it well. I'm starting to be able to move away and taunt him a little and I can see his nose twitching and ready to get the tug- he is so funny! His failiure rate is quite low and he likes to be right but I am making sure I ask a little more after each success so he does fail still which is good :)
Susans Ruff Love book and Shaping Success have the games in in case you were wondering!
I have heard so much 'trainer bashing' lately it's quite sad. From well known trainers themselves to people who have attended their seminars or even just heard gossip through the grapevine. I'm not trying to feign total innocence, I have had a good whinge at times but as I get older and hopefully wiser I realise that no one shares their ideas because they have to. Yes they make money from it (Good on them). They have different ideas and aims. Different lifestyles with their dogs and different ways of working them. Every single one though has belief in their training. They advise, share and help as they can and they enjoy it.
We need to remember that we can read, listen and implment whatever we choose as trainers, take a bit from here and a smidgen from there. Find what works for you and enjoy it. If you don't like it, don't use it! Different isnt the same thing as wrong.
rant over!
Detour is definately not a beauty. He is very plain but so lovely. He makes me warmand fuzzy coz he is so sweet and thoughtful.
His training is going well and I am enjoying the challenges. I have re-read some of Susans stuff and she uses the 1-2-3 game for a prelude of waits. The idea being they hold their position until you give them a new cue, i.e. GET IT- for the tuggy toy. We are enjoying playing the game and D is starting to understand it well. I'm starting to be able to move away and taunt him a little and I can see his nose twitching and ready to get the tug- he is so funny! His failiure rate is quite low and he likes to be right but I am making sure I ask a little more after each success so he does fail still which is good :)
Susans Ruff Love book and Shaping Success have the games in in case you were wondering!
I have heard so much 'trainer bashing' lately it's quite sad. From well known trainers themselves to people who have attended their seminars or even just heard gossip through the grapevine. I'm not trying to feign total innocence, I have had a good whinge at times but as I get older and hopefully wiser I realise that no one shares their ideas because they have to. Yes they make money from it (Good on them). They have different ideas and aims. Different lifestyles with their dogs and different ways of working them. Every single one though has belief in their training. They advise, share and help as they can and they enjoy it.
We need to remember that we can read, listen and implment whatever we choose as trainers, take a bit from here and a smidgen from there. Find what works for you and enjoy it. If you don't like it, don't use it! Different isnt the same thing as wrong.
rant over!
Friday, 11 September 2009
Detours Training
I really am enjoying training Detour and trying as much shaping as possible. He isnt a bold pup by nature but odly doesnt have the same with training. He is really bold to try different things and doesnt switch off easily. I have to make myself keep the sessions short as he seems quite happy to keep going.
Each session is about two mins long if that. We do different things each session, sits, down, perch work and he is just starting hand targets athough we need to increase pressure of nose now.
He has picked up the perch work fast, after two sessions he is keeping his front feet in contact with the box and is happy to walk round with his rear feet with me walking into him although its by no means perfected yet, I am trying to move things on much faster with him as I think with my previous dogs I got stuck on rewarding each stage too much and it confused them. This time I try to ask a little more all the time, as soon as he sniffed the box I rewarded the behaviour twice, next he knocked his foot against it accidentaly so I rewarded that, so then he had to figure out how he got that last cookie and repeat the behaviour and so on. I am loving watching it all click with him!
I think that I am going to find things harder once I start training for agility with shaping things, I suspect I will mix shaping with some luring especially for speed work over straight lines and stuff.
Anyway, I am still struggling a little with shaping waits as I dont feel I am moving on fast enough. I ask him for the position then am delaying the reward. The problem is if he moves Im not really sure what to do. I say Uh oh then wait for him to offer the position again and then hold it for a bit and reward but Im note sure this is clear enough for him... hmm
Each session is about two mins long if that. We do different things each session, sits, down, perch work and he is just starting hand targets athough we need to increase pressure of nose now.
He has picked up the perch work fast, after two sessions he is keeping his front feet in contact with the box and is happy to walk round with his rear feet with me walking into him although its by no means perfected yet, I am trying to move things on much faster with him as I think with my previous dogs I got stuck on rewarding each stage too much and it confused them. This time I try to ask a little more all the time, as soon as he sniffed the box I rewarded the behaviour twice, next he knocked his foot against it accidentaly so I rewarded that, so then he had to figure out how he got that last cookie and repeat the behaviour and so on. I am loving watching it all click with him!
I think that I am going to find things harder once I start training for agility with shaping things, I suspect I will mix shaping with some luring especially for speed work over straight lines and stuff.
Anyway, I am still struggling a little with shaping waits as I dont feel I am moving on fast enough. I ask him for the position then am delaying the reward. The problem is if he moves Im not really sure what to do. I say Uh oh then wait for him to offer the position again and then hold it for a bit and reward but Im note sure this is clear enough for him... hmm
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
Back to Training
Training has started back now and I have mostly been focussing on Hoaxey. She doesnt seem to have slowed down at all and is as naughty as ever.
She is working nicely but her weaves are still rubbish. Her footwork and speed are good once she is in them, but I am still unhappy with her entries. I have had a really good think and have decided to stick with guide and angle work to try to fix her issues. I did think about the 2 x 2s but I havent really shaped enough with her and would need to work on this first, then work on 2 x 2s. Rather than confuse her more I think I need to be consistent and just do more entry work and lots of practise on different sets in different locations.
Hoaxey is in a team at Crufts 2010 and I am determined that her weaves will be trustworthy by then. This means practising in various locations and working hard on my proofing. I would hate to let my team down so need to work hard!
She is working nicely but her weaves are still rubbish. Her footwork and speed are good once she is in them, but I am still unhappy with her entries. I have had a really good think and have decided to stick with guide and angle work to try to fix her issues. I did think about the 2 x 2s but I havent really shaped enough with her and would need to work on this first, then work on 2 x 2s. Rather than confuse her more I think I need to be consistent and just do more entry work and lots of practise on different sets in different locations.
Hoaxey is in a team at Crufts 2010 and I am determined that her weaves will be trustworthy by then. This means practising in various locations and working hard on my proofing. I would hate to let my team down so need to work hard!
Baby D and pup Update
Well Detour is growing and is very sweet. He is such a plain puppy to look at. Boo has always been so gorgeous and Hoax so pretty. D is just a plain boy but I totally and utterly adore him!
I have started shaping some sits and downs, perch work and hard targets so far (not much for 11 weeks I know but we only train when we are in the mood) LOL. I need to think about waits/ stays and decide how to shape them.
Ajaxs continues to do well and is very cheeky and bolshy, tons of drive and confidence. Munch is a mini Hoax and is loving and funny but he doesnt forget if something worries him- he is so pretty with his prick ears! Buzz has settled in well and I think is mini Boo still being lovely, loyal and sweet!
Tuesday, 1 September 2009
Bye Bye Buzz
Buzzy has left now, the last of the pups to leave. We were sad to see him go but so pleased he has left with Kim and Dan, he will have a great life and is definately in need of some one to one attention now.
We took both Buzz and Detour to UKA show with us. I love the fact uka allow young pups as the socialisation for a pup like D is so important.
Detour is a wuss. He worries about new people but still loves to see them and have hugs. He found it a bit much in my arms and was odly enough much happier on the floor where he could approach or move away. He didnt move away from anyone- loved the attention and the longer he was out the happier he was. Buzz of course was unfazed by the whole thing. Ajaxs was at the show too so all three pups had mad play sessions. Ajaxs was definatly the mad one. Yapping at the agility already and so very confident!
I ran Boo and Hoax too and was pleased with them both. Hoax jumped Standard height and made a few mistakes, missing her weave entries in her Jumping and Agility (straight, fast entries that she isnt collecting for) and clipped a pole in her Steeplechase. She was quick though and ran good times in all. Boo was unlucky, pole in Steeplechase, missed the jumping, pole in Agility and just missed the gamble! Enjoyed the day though and did the pups the world of good.
As much as D is going to miss Buzz i think he needs it. Buzz was big bro and D jst stuck to him like glue. Even in the one evening since Buzz left, D has started to come out of his shell and get a bit crazy, playing games with Hoax and Linx and following me round tugging trousers and yapping.
I am going to pop some new photos on my website so have a peek!
We took both Buzz and Detour to UKA show with us. I love the fact uka allow young pups as the socialisation for a pup like D is so important.
Detour is a wuss. He worries about new people but still loves to see them and have hugs. He found it a bit much in my arms and was odly enough much happier on the floor where he could approach or move away. He didnt move away from anyone- loved the attention and the longer he was out the happier he was. Buzz of course was unfazed by the whole thing. Ajaxs was at the show too so all three pups had mad play sessions. Ajaxs was definatly the mad one. Yapping at the agility already and so very confident!
I ran Boo and Hoax too and was pleased with them both. Hoax jumped Standard height and made a few mistakes, missing her weave entries in her Jumping and Agility (straight, fast entries that she isnt collecting for) and clipped a pole in her Steeplechase. She was quick though and ran good times in all. Boo was unlucky, pole in Steeplechase, missed the jumping, pole in Agility and just missed the gamble! Enjoyed the day though and did the pups the world of good.
As much as D is going to miss Buzz i think he needs it. Buzz was big bro and D jst stuck to him like glue. Even in the one evening since Buzz left, D has started to come out of his shell and get a bit crazy, playing games with Hoax and Linx and following me round tugging trousers and yapping.
I am going to pop some new photos on my website so have a peek!
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Weekend Woes
What a weekend. We had a terrible time.
Buzz escaped from the pen and went to see Boo, eventually Boo growled at him to go away but Buzz ignored it. Boo nipped at him but caught his toungue and poor Buzz got a huge rip. We rushed him off to the vets. They stitched his tongue up but advised now chewing, licking etc- with a puppy!!? We had to seperate pups so they couldnt play but they were so unimpressd and they made sure we knew it- crying and barking!
The vet checked Buzz over on Monday and said it all looks really well and Buzz has the all clear, I will take him for a final check when Detour has his vaccs.
Buzz was SO brave, he stopped crying a minute or so after it happened and even the vet was amazed at him. He was still trying to kiss everyone and play with a torn tongue! He woke up from his GA really fast and was home having cuddles a few hours after he had gone in. He still adores all the dogs and all people and doesnt seem to have affected him at all. Buzz really is what I would call 'bombproof' he just isnt fazed by anything!
Pups are now bring housetrained and have free run in the outdoor pen most of the day, or they stay in the lounge with me. If not they are in their crates next to each other. It seems to be going well so far!
They are also coming everywhere with me and are being really good. D is a bit of a wuss and belly slides when worried but I can handle that. I have a soft crate in the car so I can put that up if I take the babies in someones house etc.
Anyway, Buzz now has a new name. After what happened with Boo, Kim and Dan have decided to call him Jinx :) fab!
Munch and Ajaxs continue to do well. Both pups are settled into their new homes and are creating havoc- Im so pleased they are making their new moms smile :)
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
Buzzy Boy!
Our beautiful Buzz has found a home now. He is going to the most perfect couple for him in Exeter. The longer I spend with Buzz the more I adore him. He is the sweetest puppy of the bunch and is so like Boo he tugs at my heart (which is the whole reason I didnt keep him). I am totally happy with every single home the pups are going to. Things always work out in the end :)
Tuesday, 11 August 2009
Bye Bye Munch
Little Munch left yesterday evening, driving a short distance home with Yvette. Lucky it was short as apparently he screamed all the way!It seems that he was ok at night though, only waking when the other dogs did.
The litter look very monochrome now Munchy has gone! We miss hime but know he has the most wonderful home with Yvette :)
Hoax has started playing with the pups now, but they dont really understand and run away from her. LOL its really funny watching them.
Play sessions get madder and louder each day. The pups eating is going great guns, they love their Chicken Wings and meat. Their coats are gorgeous and each pup has been well all the time. I'm sure the raw diet has done them so much good. No bad bellys or anything :)
Sunday, 9 August 2009
Squirts new Mum
Squirt has found a new Mom. Tracy was down as a possible anyway and she came to see them last week and fell for the little man. Squirt will be know as Ajaxs (Agility Just Another Xtreme Sport). Love the name!
Pups are mad now. Play sessions are crazy and fun. They have now experienced a first birthday party for my son Ethan, with noise, baloons etc etc. They were outside in their pen next to the madness all day and were not fazed by any of it at all! In fact it was so hot they slept through it all :)
Next week the first puppies start to leave. I am a little sad but knowing D will be staying makes it a little easier.
Pups are mad now. Play sessions are crazy and fun. They have now experienced a first birthday party for my son Ethan, with noise, baloons etc etc. They were outside in their pen next to the madness all day and were not fazed by any of it at all! In fact it was so hot they slept through it all :)
Next week the first puppies start to leave. I am a little sad but knowing D will be staying makes it a little easier.
Wednesday, 5 August 2009
All Well
All is well here. The puppies had their first car journey a few days ago. I popped them next to Hoaxey and we went to the shop. They whined a lot all the way there but I kept chatting to them and we sat for a while with the boot open. On the way home they all settled down for a snooze but were all pleased too see their pen again.
They have playtime around the house a few times a day now and cause carnage, chewing, chasing, playing and yapping.
We have also decided to keep a puppy. Nic really wanted Squirt but as much as I adore him my heart kept leading back to Tuck. I couldnt imagine him being anyone elses. So the big news is.. I FINALLY HAVE MY BOO BABY!!!
Meet Detour aka Smoketrail Second Series. I have created a page for him on my site explaining why I called him that and some other stuff too :) http://www.ourcollies.co.uk/detour.htm
Saturday, 1 August 2009
Crazy Times and tough choices
Well things have been busy here, Nic was away, I got sick then got better then went off to a show for a few days!
Sadly we have had more people drop off the puppy list. I was really disappointed as I had lots of lovely homes setup and I knew the puppies would be going to friends, now I'm not sure what will happen.
I have found the whole thing really hard and have worried about the pups a lot. I think we have come to a decision now though. I'm fairly sure that I dont want to go through the worry again. It means that if I want my Boo x Hoax pup that I need to choose what to do. I think the best desision would be to keep a puppy (I always wanted my Boo Hoax pup) from this litter then get Hoaxey spayed and just focus on enjoying the dogs. I love the puppies anyway so although the timing isnt great, it never really is, sometimes fate just throws things at you and you have to go with it! So watch this space, I might be announcing if and which puppy will be staying here with us!
Puppies are fantastic and so funny, they are playing, growling and generally being cute. They are so messy though LOL!
Tuesday, 21 July 2009
Photos
Crush not impressed with his photo being taken, he falls asleep in about three seconds
Sweet Squirt
Buzz, my cuddly boy
Cheeky Tuck
Grow your pups on bones...
Sweet Squirt
Buzz, my cuddly boy
Cheeky Tuck
Grow your pups on bones...
Messy, messy!
This last few days have been all about mess! They have been messing up newspaper, ragging their toys, spreading food over themselves and the pen, pooping, weeing and creating havoc everywhere!
They had playtime in the garden and seemed to enjoy it, if the sun stays out long enough to allow us out.
They are loving their cuddles and climb all over me when I go to the pen, sweet little Buzz just cuddles into my lap while Tuck and Squirt climb all over him! Crush splats on and joins the chaos. I love how their personalities are developing.
Weaning is going really well. The puppies are being raw fed as the rest of my dogs are. They are having the Naturesmenu Banquet Nuggets plus other bits and pieces including rusks, eggs etc. I also gave them a nibble on a raw meat rack yesterday, they absolutely loved it, it was amazing watching them use their legs and mouths to pull little bits of meat off, I'm sure it does their co-ordination the world of good.
Anyway, must dash, so much to do!
They had playtime in the garden and seemed to enjoy it, if the sun stays out long enough to allow us out.
They are loving their cuddles and climb all over me when I go to the pen, sweet little Buzz just cuddles into my lap while Tuck and Squirt climb all over him! Crush splats on and joins the chaos. I love how their personalities are developing.
Weaning is going really well. The puppies are being raw fed as the rest of my dogs are. They are having the Naturesmenu Banquet Nuggets plus other bits and pieces including rusks, eggs etc. I also gave them a nibble on a raw meat rack yesterday, they absolutely loved it, it was amazing watching them use their legs and mouths to pull little bits of meat off, I'm sure it does their co-ordination the world of good.
Anyway, must dash, so much to do!
Friday, 17 July 2009
Pupdate
Puppies are sooo cute! They had their first taste of 'proper' food today with home-made rusks with puppy milk. They went crazy for it and I'm sure they are ready for weaning. Crush and Tuck shared as did Buzz and Sqirt, Buzz prefered to eat his share from Squirts face though...
They are all wandering about and playing now. Being in the conservatory is great for them, the other dogs are wandering past, Ethan screaming, laughing and crying, and with the rain, thunder and lightening we have had, noise exposure has been great!
The pups have started playing with their toys and woofing at each other, they are so incredibly cute!
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
British Record Holders!
A Boo Baby Rupee is a British Record holder! Her team ran a 16.70 last weekend- we are v proud- video above
Update- perfect puppies!
They are so perfect! Starting to growl- woof and play. The growls are so funny- they think they are scary though. The pen is starting to be investigated more each day and when I go in the puppies start to wak and wiggle over. I have added more photos to my main site and a few here but as I'm still avoiding using the flash the eyes arent that clear- I'm sure it's my rubbish skills...
Video
Quick video of the puppies- they are such pigs- Poor Hoaxey x
Another one of the first play sessions...
Sunday, 12 July 2009
New Setup
Over the weekend I decided to open up the puppy pen/ whelping box. They have space during the daytime to move out of the box now and investigate. I have placed toys, boxes etc around the pen and they can see the other dogs walking around. I have put the blanket over the pen to keep a shaded/ cave like area which they seem to like for comfort. The puppies are starting to initiate play with each other now and are making full use of the extra space! Personalities are starting to develop more and they are just gorgeous!
Friday, 10 July 2009
Waddling Wherever!
All pups are waddling around now and they are doing little sits. I think I should get the Clicker ut to make sure they learn early- shaping cant start too soon. (just kidding about the clicker ;))! LOL
I have opened the roof up a bit but still have it half covered so they can hide in their cave if they want to. There are a few pots and toys scattered around- they seem to like sticking their heads in the pot to sleep- who knows why???
I think things are going to get crazy very soon!!!
I have opened the roof up a bit but still have it half covered so they can hide in their cave if they want to. There are a few pots and toys scattered around- they seem to like sticking their heads in the pot to sleep- who knows why???
I think things are going to get crazy very soon!!!
Thursday, 9 July 2009
Puppy Updates
Well, more things are happening now so I will start posting here a little more. Pups eyes are now all open and they are starting to investigate more. Each one of them is standing up for short periods of time now and climbing over each other a lot. They are on their second day of worming and are getting wise to the yucky stuff! They are just the cutest bunch of puppies. I started to take some photos this morning but my camera batteries died so hopefully will get some more later!
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Puppies Hoo- Ra!
Puppies arrived today! Hoaxey had a very quick and easy labour- I noticed a few signs last night then this morning was pretty sure she was in labour- I sent Ethan off with Kerry for the day but before she even had a chance to pick him up Hoaxey had shelled two puppies! She is being a good mum- caring but relaxed- she still wants cuddles with me :) We have four boys, one red merle and three B&Ws! All is going fantastic- more photos on my main site http://www.smoketrail.net/
Wednesday, 10 June 2009
Hoax Diary
I have started a pregnancy diary for Hoax on my website http://www.ourcollies.co.uk/hoax_Preg.htm have a peek- Im trying to updated reguarly!
Monday, 1 June 2009
Puppies and UKA Quadpaws week.
Well, I had Hoax scanned last wednesday and Sam Wilkison confirmed she is in whelp to Boo! We expect four puppies due 28th June and Im so excited now!!! How am I going to resist keeping one...
UKA was a good week and even with looking after my baby boy, helping run the show and working Boo I enjoyed it, the bright sunshine helped! Boo worked really well for most of the week and I think we got quite a few scores that will help towards my qualifying points for IFCS. He also won the Royal Canin Champ Agility on Saturday and was 1st over all levels which qualified him in the top spot for the Royal Canin finals in July. He is such an angel and although he was tired and did some odd things by the end of the seven days he was lovely as ever :)
UKA was a good week and even with looking after my baby boy, helping run the show and working Boo I enjoyed it, the bright sunshine helped! Boo worked really well for most of the week and I think we got quite a few scores that will help towards my qualifying points for IFCS. He also won the Royal Canin Champ Agility on Saturday and was 1st over all levels which qualified him in the top spot for the Royal Canin finals in July. He is such an angel and although he was tired and did some odd things by the end of the seven days he was lovely as ever :)
Tuesday, 12 May 2009
Toni day and Tunbridge Wells
Friday
Toni Dawkins came over to run a three hour training session for us. I did a little with Hoaxey first of all and she wasn't really very good. She missed every weave entry and was stopping late on her contacts. I never get angry with my dogs but did feel a bit despondent. I got golden balls (Boo of course) out and he is so lovely! He was great, a few naughty contacts where he didnt stop, and some handling stuff we couldnt do but nothing major. Toni, as always, perfected and neatened our handling. I really enjoy training with her as she will make sure I dont accept anything messy without making me feel like I'm rubbish. Toni gave me a few things to think about as always.
That evening I went through some things Toni had said to me. Firstly she told me her 'theory on why Hoax does the things she does (weaves, naughty startlines/ contacts). Toni thinks she might be messing me about because I 'baby' her too much. I broke down my issues...
STARTLINES Hoaxey can lack confidence so everything I do I try to keep positive, on her first competition season she would worry about the dogs behind her on the line so would be unsettled. I let her move a bit as I put it down to nerves.
CONTACTS I want really fast contacts with her, as she worries if I faff too much I have accepted fast contacts even if she stops a bit late sometimes. So now, she stops late (four off) more often than she keeps back feet contact. I also dropped her 'target' cue a while ago and was just pleased when she 'tried' to stop.
WEAVES I dont really know what I have done here except maybe praise when I shouldnt. Toni has told me off before as when she mucks up I quite often say 'good girl' without thinking. I should probably have 'tested' her more at home aswell and ask her to do really tough stuff.
THE FIXES Toni has already helped with my startlines- Hoaxeys 'Sleepy' which gives her another behaviour to think about and something for me to wait for when I have led out. With her contacts I think I just need to only accept her stopping with her back feet still on and also do a little more awareness work for her back feet. Weaves I think will come with proofing, more practise and not always being so soft. In fact Toni is totally right. I baby her and it's no help for her at all, when I accept 'good enough' it greys everything and in fact probably makes her worse. She wont crumble if I make her get it right or even say "uh uh" every now and again. The clarity needs to improve in my training with her and in turn I think she will get much better.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
I took a leisurely drive down to Ardingly on the Sunday morning with no runs first thing there was no rush. Finally my 4/5 jumping was ready for walking, as I was walking it they announced walking Medium Crufts teams… then Crufts 6/7 Agility Large swiftly followed by Medium Olympia qualifier and G7 jumping. Havinng walked all five courses back to back and very briefly.
I had to get Hoax to run 4/5 jumping as there were only 30 in the class. She missed her weave entry but flew round the rest of the course. Straight over to Crufts teams and our medium merle team managed to hold it together enough to just get 5 (Hoax weaves again). Then Hoax went back to the car and Boo came out for G7 jumping which Id walked round ONCE. I messed it up but took him straight to the Crufts Qualifier. He was lovely but couldn’t see the weaves which were set behind a wall past the Long jump, tunnel and DW, we lost a lot of time faffing but still were clear!
Boo went back into the car and Hoaxey came out for her Olympia Q. My little bullet shot off the line- lovely DW then ran past the weaves three times, she didn’t even attempt them! Just wiggled her butt a bit as she ran past them- she is v naughty. I took her out the ring and once we find out if she is pregnant or not, if she isnt then I will start doing some serious weave training. I am more than happy to pull my dogs from competition if I need to to sort out an issue and I WILL do that. I worry that if I keep competing her then it will become an issue for us both and I dont want that. I've always thought that in agility, it's the dogs job to complete his contacts, keep bars up and work his weaves, it's my job to show him where the course goes. At the moment Hoaxey isnt doing her job. I know it's my lack of proofing with her weaves at home/ training so I will start asking more of her at home now.
I finished with Boos G7 Agility we trained contacts but he still ran well. The great news was that our medium team won the teams qualifier which means SBCC (southern border collie club) have qualified for Crufts! The team is an all girl team (handlers AND dogs) we have me and Hoax, Jo & Jinny, Toni & Minx and Kathy & Kizzy- they are a good team and lovely people to be team mates but Im already scared!!!
Toni Dawkins came over to run a three hour training session for us. I did a little with Hoaxey first of all and she wasn't really very good. She missed every weave entry and was stopping late on her contacts. I never get angry with my dogs but did feel a bit despondent. I got golden balls (Boo of course) out and he is so lovely! He was great, a few naughty contacts where he didnt stop, and some handling stuff we couldnt do but nothing major. Toni, as always, perfected and neatened our handling. I really enjoy training with her as she will make sure I dont accept anything messy without making me feel like I'm rubbish. Toni gave me a few things to think about as always.
That evening I went through some things Toni had said to me. Firstly she told me her 'theory on why Hoax does the things she does (weaves, naughty startlines/ contacts). Toni thinks she might be messing me about because I 'baby' her too much. I broke down my issues...
STARTLINES Hoaxey can lack confidence so everything I do I try to keep positive, on her first competition season she would worry about the dogs behind her on the line so would be unsettled. I let her move a bit as I put it down to nerves.
CONTACTS I want really fast contacts with her, as she worries if I faff too much I have accepted fast contacts even if she stops a bit late sometimes. So now, she stops late (four off) more often than she keeps back feet contact. I also dropped her 'target' cue a while ago and was just pleased when she 'tried' to stop.
WEAVES I dont really know what I have done here except maybe praise when I shouldnt. Toni has told me off before as when she mucks up I quite often say 'good girl' without thinking. I should probably have 'tested' her more at home aswell and ask her to do really tough stuff.
THE FIXES Toni has already helped with my startlines- Hoaxeys 'Sleepy' which gives her another behaviour to think about and something for me to wait for when I have led out. With her contacts I think I just need to only accept her stopping with her back feet still on and also do a little more awareness work for her back feet. Weaves I think will come with proofing, more practise and not always being so soft. In fact Toni is totally right. I baby her and it's no help for her at all, when I accept 'good enough' it greys everything and in fact probably makes her worse. She wont crumble if I make her get it right or even say "uh uh" every now and again. The clarity needs to improve in my training with her and in turn I think she will get much better.
TUNBRIDGE WELLS
I took a leisurely drive down to Ardingly on the Sunday morning with no runs first thing there was no rush. Finally my 4/5 jumping was ready for walking, as I was walking it they announced walking Medium Crufts teams… then Crufts 6/7 Agility Large swiftly followed by Medium Olympia qualifier and G7 jumping. Havinng walked all five courses back to back and very briefly.
I had to get Hoax to run 4/5 jumping as there were only 30 in the class. She missed her weave entry but flew round the rest of the course. Straight over to Crufts teams and our medium merle team managed to hold it together enough to just get 5 (Hoax weaves again). Then Hoax went back to the car and Boo came out for G7 jumping which Id walked round ONCE. I messed it up but took him straight to the Crufts Qualifier. He was lovely but couldn’t see the weaves which were set behind a wall past the Long jump, tunnel and DW, we lost a lot of time faffing but still were clear!
Boo went back into the car and Hoaxey came out for her Olympia Q. My little bullet shot off the line- lovely DW then ran past the weaves three times, she didn’t even attempt them! Just wiggled her butt a bit as she ran past them- she is v naughty. I took her out the ring and once we find out if she is pregnant or not, if she isnt then I will start doing some serious weave training. I am more than happy to pull my dogs from competition if I need to to sort out an issue and I WILL do that. I worry that if I keep competing her then it will become an issue for us both and I dont want that. I've always thought that in agility, it's the dogs job to complete his contacts, keep bars up and work his weaves, it's my job to show him where the course goes. At the moment Hoaxey isnt doing her job. I know it's my lack of proofing with her weaves at home/ training so I will start asking more of her at home now.
I finished with Boos G7 Agility we trained contacts but he still ran well. The great news was that our medium team won the teams qualifier which means SBCC (southern border collie club) have qualified for Crufts! The team is an all girl team (handlers AND dogs) we have me and Hoax, Jo & Jinny, Toni & Minx and Kathy & Kizzy- they are a good team and lovely people to be team mates but Im already scared!!!
Thursday, 7 May 2009
Vyne Report
Baby free day is always good so I felt relaxed and in control when I arrived at Vyne. Walked both my dogs Olympia qualifiers and they were lovely courses, nothing either dog couldn’t do! I ran Boo’s first and waited for ages in the queue by which time the rain started- great! Anyway, Boo was well up for it but he flew off the start line and his seesaw was a typical ‘boosaw’, hit it fast, jam the breaks on and slide- I hesitated slightly and almost worked it from behind but went for it and just couldn’t get to the end for my front cross and twiddled to close to the seesaw, pushing him round the back of the next jump by accident. I am so annoyed at myself as Boo is flawless at the moment and my hesitation, speed and poor planning let me down. I even saw that as a problem when I walked it but thought ‘oh, I’ll get there’. I think I would have made it if Id just run.
Hoax was a bit steady, I think she is still lacking confidence in the ring. I know from Boo that this will improve with time and I need to just stay positive with her. She missed her weave entry in the Olympia Q so that wasn’t me. Her jumping course was quite tricky but I liked it, she ran really well but yet again I was too slow and couldn’t get to a push out bit, she came inside and got a 5R, I took her back round the jump and we finished the course. Later I found that she got 4th place- fastest 5!!
We waited and waited for agility, by the time I ran it,all the other rings had been packed away! It was pipe tunnel straight after weaves which she can be naughty with, however she was really good. She wasn’t as fast as she is in training but she was neat and listened, she had a nice clear and won the class by a few seconds, taking her to G5 now.
The other good news is that she had her second measure which means she is officially now a ‘medium’ for life- yay!
Hoax was a bit steady, I think she is still lacking confidence in the ring. I know from Boo that this will improve with time and I need to just stay positive with her. She missed her weave entry in the Olympia Q so that wasn’t me. Her jumping course was quite tricky but I liked it, she ran really well but yet again I was too slow and couldn’t get to a push out bit, she came inside and got a 5R, I took her back round the jump and we finished the course. Later I found that she got 4th place- fastest 5!!
We waited and waited for agility, by the time I ran it,all the other rings had been packed away! It was pipe tunnel straight after weaves which she can be naughty with, however she was really good. She wasn’t as fast as she is in training but she was neat and listened, she had a nice clear and won the class by a few seconds, taking her to G5 now.
The other good news is that she had her second measure which means she is officially now a ‘medium’ for life- yay!
Monday, 27 April 2009
Not the plan..
Well, Hoaxey is in season and she and Boo have spent the last two weeks trying to get to each other. I have done great keeping them seperate, until yesterday. I popped into the conservatory closing the door behing me, or I so thought, Hoaxey must have pushed through just behind me leaving the door ajar, next thing I knew Linx barked at me and I turned round to see Boo smiling at me, on top of Hoax.
Luckily Mum and Nic were here and Nic looked after Ethan while Mum came and helped me hold Boo and Hoax. I didnt try to pull them apart as Im terrified of hurting my dogs :( They did tie and so me and Mum sat on the floor with them and talked through my options. I assumed straight away that I would get Hoaxey injected but after talking to Mum and researching the web there is too much of a risk associated with this and Im not willing to do that.
Hoax was still bleeding as far as I knew and was on day 14 of her season, however she isnt bleeding anymore. I had always planned on breeding from Hoax and Boo but not this year. With a young baby and Hoaxeys first full agility season ahead of her I was looking forward to working her up the levels.
I have decided that it was my mess up but if it takes then it takes, Im certainly not going to do anything that would harm Hoax. I also am going to make darn sure they dont get together again. I guess now we will just have to wait and see...
Luckily Mum and Nic were here and Nic looked after Ethan while Mum came and helped me hold Boo and Hoax. I didnt try to pull them apart as Im terrified of hurting my dogs :( They did tie and so me and Mum sat on the floor with them and talked through my options. I assumed straight away that I would get Hoaxey injected but after talking to Mum and researching the web there is too much of a risk associated with this and Im not willing to do that.
Hoax was still bleeding as far as I knew and was on day 14 of her season, however she isnt bleeding anymore. I had always planned on breeding from Hoax and Boo but not this year. With a young baby and Hoaxeys first full agility season ahead of her I was looking forward to working her up the levels.
I have decided that it was my mess up but if it takes then it takes, Im certainly not going to do anything that would harm Hoax. I also am going to make darn sure they dont get together again. I guess now we will just have to wait and see...
Tuesday, 7 April 2009
UKA Shows
Well we have had a few weekends at UKA shows now and have had a chance to get a feeling for both dogs.
Boo is working well and apart from trying to be naughty on his contacts sometimes and releasing himself he is working really well. He feels great and I think we may actually have a chance for the IFCS qualifiers after all. Lots of UKA shows are key as I need to keep working on training rounds and mix in some competitive ones. Also I need points towards the qualifiers so will keep pushing for that. He has had a nice few places and if I can keep his turns tight on a run is right up there.
Hoax is, as always, great or awful. She did some lovely runs and won all classes, bar one, that she went clear in. She coped with the higher UKA height really well and her contacts and waits were nice. But weaves are still and issue. The entry is the biggest problem at the moment as she keeps going in the second pole regardless of entry angle etc. I started to feel like I had an issue and was being odd and hanging back etc even when she did get the entry. Rather than starting to worry I decided I would train all my runs except Steeplechase as there are no weaves in this. I can then reward good performance and not worry and really drive through the weaves. She seemed to improve a little and I will continue to do this next week aswell.
Back at home I have set six weaves in the garden with a bar just on poles 2/4 as thats the pole she has an issue with. I am driving her at it very fast and from odd angles too to help her really think about the entry. (Thanks Toni D) I am just going to keep working her weaves and use lots of high value rewards and hope it comes good.
Boo is working well and apart from trying to be naughty on his contacts sometimes and releasing himself he is working really well. He feels great and I think we may actually have a chance for the IFCS qualifiers after all. Lots of UKA shows are key as I need to keep working on training rounds and mix in some competitive ones. Also I need points towards the qualifiers so will keep pushing for that. He has had a nice few places and if I can keep his turns tight on a run is right up there.
Hoax is, as always, great or awful. She did some lovely runs and won all classes, bar one, that she went clear in. She coped with the higher UKA height really well and her contacts and waits were nice. But weaves are still and issue. The entry is the biggest problem at the moment as she keeps going in the second pole regardless of entry angle etc. I started to feel like I had an issue and was being odd and hanging back etc even when she did get the entry. Rather than starting to worry I decided I would train all my runs except Steeplechase as there are no weaves in this. I can then reward good performance and not worry and really drive through the weaves. She seemed to improve a little and I will continue to do this next week aswell.
Back at home I have set six weaves in the garden with a bar just on poles 2/4 as thats the pole she has an issue with. I am driving her at it very fast and from odd angles too to help her really think about the entry. (Thanks Toni D) I am just going to keep working her weaves and use lots of high value rewards and hope it comes good.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Hoaxeys first show of 2009
Well, last Sunday I went over to Chippenham Small/ Med champ show with Hoaxey and Boo as company for her. I arrived at 10.30am and missed walking her first course. It was a flowing jumping course with two tight pinwheels. The ring plan said 87 in the class so I watched a few dogs then strolled off to get her. When I got back the ring was empty so I asked what was happening only to be told that the class was closing! The ring plan was wrong and there was just 20 odd in it! I got in just in time and bar a few duff handling manouvers, when I didnt get where I expected too, I got her round nicely. She was quick and really enjoyed herself. She went clear in this- good merlie and won it. I was pleased but felt bad as I think its awful when someone comes at the last second and takes the win from someone else :(
I then sat around for about six hours before my agility runs by which time I was shattered and wanted to get home to my baby boy and Hoaxey was high! She was really pushy on her startlines and then messed up the weaves which threw me for the whole course. Then went straight into the next one- she had creepy waits again and then took the first pole... I must make sure her waits are solid as it will only loose me more runs. I must take it easy and focus on waits and not be in such a rush just to get started!
Generally I was pleased with her as she was fast and confident and thats enough for me for now. Ive always said that as long as Boo and Hoax are fast and happy I don't mind if they go wrong. My reasoning is this; if they go wrong its a deficit in my training or in my handling- something that I can fix. Speed is much harder to get. So my dogs always get a crazy game of tug at the end of the run regardless of whats gone wrong.
TRAINING NIGHT
I took Hoax training on Tuesday night and Roger had put up a wicked course. I loved it and was really pleased with Hoax she did some great stuff. She has so much confidence in training and really attacks things so I hope this transfers to competition sometimes. It took Boo a few seasons to do the same so with Hoax still just two I am not in a rush :)
I then sat around for about six hours before my agility runs by which time I was shattered and wanted to get home to my baby boy and Hoaxey was high! She was really pushy on her startlines and then messed up the weaves which threw me for the whole course. Then went straight into the next one- she had creepy waits again and then took the first pole... I must make sure her waits are solid as it will only loose me more runs. I must take it easy and focus on waits and not be in such a rush just to get started!
Generally I was pleased with her as she was fast and confident and thats enough for me for now. Ive always said that as long as Boo and Hoax are fast and happy I don't mind if they go wrong. My reasoning is this; if they go wrong its a deficit in my training or in my handling- something that I can fix. Speed is much harder to get. So my dogs always get a crazy game of tug at the end of the run regardless of whats gone wrong.
TRAINING NIGHT
I took Hoax training on Tuesday night and Roger had put up a wicked course. I loved it and was really pleased with Hoax she did some great stuff. She has so much confidence in training and really attacks things so I hope this transfers to competition sometimes. It took Boo a few seasons to do the same so with Hoax still just two I am not in a rush :)
Friday, 6 March 2009
Foreign Baby Boos!
Ooo forgot- a wonderful lady brought her bitch all the way from Holland to use Boo on last week- she is stunning and Im so proud she thought Boo was worth the trip! Meet Boos foreign wife at http://www.hallobordercollies.nl/Lynn.html isnt she a sexy little Minx! :) Well Boo though she was... ;)
Time and Effort
Well, we came back from holiday last week and I really should get back to training. I sit here and watch Crufts, read blogs and get the warmth in my belly that makes me really want to train my dogs. Or maybe thats the glass of Chenin Blanc doing the warming.... anyway I miss the old me. I miss having the time and focus to really train my dogs. Hoax has had a splattering of training sessions over the winter and Boo has only had one or two :( The end of the day comes and I have no energy left for my poor woofs. I train once a week at MAD and try to dedicate this to Baby Hoaxey. I feel bad in a way as both my dogs have promise but I just havent put the time into them. I know their weaknesses only too well but havent had the time to train them since before I got pregnant- that goes back to winter 2007!!!
My competitive spirit is still running strong but I cannot expect my dogs to perform if I cant put the time in. Am I content to just 'have fun'???
My competitive spirit is still running strong but I cannot expect my dogs to perform if I cant put the time in. Am I content to just 'have fun'???
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Starting to work again
Well, at last updating my blog as I am finally working my dogs again! They both had a lot of time off over Xmas what with club closing, Ethan waking lots etc etc.
Hoaxey continues to improve and gain confidence. We have done a few sessions with Toni, Tasha and Dave and each of them have given me something to work on. Last session was with Dave who seemed to 'get' Hoax pretty well. I was chuffed with how she worked, finally she is starting to gain speed and confidence although I still think she has a lot more to give. I won't bore you with specifics but each aspect is better although who knows what is going to happen at shows.
Boo is my angel as always, however with all the work I have put into H our relationship has suffered. We still adore each other, just dont feel quite as 'tuned' in agilitywise, trying to do a little more with him as I am thinking about trying out for the IFCS and we need to be spot on for that :-)
We ran a fun show at MAD in November aswell which was great fun. I let Boo down with some pretty shabby handling but worked H well. I also finally got a chance to compare her times with another medium (Tonis Minx) and we didnt come out too poorly from it. I don't think Toni is going to worry about Hoaxey being hot on Minx' heels right now but I was extremly proud of her nonetheless.
Well sadly (in agilty terms) we are soon off to South Africa for three weeks so our dogs wont be worked. I get back and we have show season starting soon after- excited!
Hoaxey continues to improve and gain confidence. We have done a few sessions with Toni, Tasha and Dave and each of them have given me something to work on. Last session was with Dave who seemed to 'get' Hoax pretty well. I was chuffed with how she worked, finally she is starting to gain speed and confidence although I still think she has a lot more to give. I won't bore you with specifics but each aspect is better although who knows what is going to happen at shows.
Boo is my angel as always, however with all the work I have put into H our relationship has suffered. We still adore each other, just dont feel quite as 'tuned' in agilitywise, trying to do a little more with him as I am thinking about trying out for the IFCS and we need to be spot on for that :-)
We ran a fun show at MAD in November aswell which was great fun. I let Boo down with some pretty shabby handling but worked H well. I also finally got a chance to compare her times with another medium (Tonis Minx) and we didnt come out too poorly from it. I don't think Toni is going to worry about Hoaxey being hot on Minx' heels right now but I was extremly proud of her nonetheless.
Well sadly (in agilty terms) we are soon off to South Africa for three weeks so our dogs wont be worked. I get back and we have show season starting soon after- excited!
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