Good foundations

Just a short note about how pleased I was with Diva earlier on this evening. We'd gone to watch Severnside's league match against Chippenham as Ella is in season so not competing, and I had Diva out for the socialisation. Oooh she's lovely! Bright, happy, confident - everything you'd want in a future agility dog, keeping everything crossed! As if that wasn't enough, I had Sue James hold her for some 'puppy' recalls to me - where the pup is just held, doesn't need to wait in position before being recalled. Two brilliant ones to start, so Sue upped the ante by having some treats in her hand whilst she was holding her. She was sniffing away like a good 'un, but as soon as I said her name her attention was straight back on me and she returned as fast as she could - that's my girl!

Today I'm grateful for Diva's great attitude, despite the misfortune of her accident. Whilst it's holding back some of our training, our relationship is already very strong - love my puppy!

Diva's 1st trip to the groomers!

Diva is smelling particularly pleasant this evening after her first trip to the groomers this afternoon. Never having had a particularly high-maintenance dog before, I learnt some new things today, but I can't say I'll be giving up the day job just yet! It was interesting to see what they do, but it doesn't fascinate me like training does. I was very proud of my girl again today, as she remained pretty relaxed throughout, a little shaky sometimes, but not to the point of refusing liver cake :-)

Today is 4 weeks since her accident, and tomorrow will be the first time we can do a little off-lead exercise since then. I'm going to avoid meeting other dogs until I feel a little braver about them saying hello to her - she has no worries, so I'll have to have them for both of us! On a serious note though, she constantly impresses me, and I love the little dog she's developing into. I know that she'll be a success at whatever I ask of her, and providing I've done the best I can as her handler and trainer, she'll always give her best straight back. Hopefully we'll be able to get to some training classes together soon, after some work at the magical place known as the Smart clinic. I am so grateful to my Kai for leading me to them, and in doing so making sure all the dogs that come after him are well looked after.

Today I'm grateful for all the wonderful elements which make up my life - Callum & Diva illustrating below what I mean perfectly :-)

UKA Valentine show

Training afternoon with friends