Daybreak Dog Training

Wallingford, 16th/17th April 2011

2011-04-19T07:58:00.000-07:00

First show of the season! Was very excited to be packing up the caravan on Friday ready to leave, full of hopes for what the weekend might bring despite a rather disastrous training session on the Thursday evening. I was rather hoping that poor rehearsal, good show might hold true in this instance!

Luckily for the most part this seemed to be the case. One of my more annoying faults as a handler, is remembering a full course, something that I'm sure has a lot to do with my nerves. Whilst I know just what a great dog I am lucky enough to run, knowing that brings its own pressure as I don't want to get it wrong for her. I'm pleased to say that for the most part I didn't let Ella down, and although some of the runs were a bit shaky in parts, we did some good work. Watching back the video I am delighted with how fast she is covering the ground and the speed with which she achieves her contacts and weaves.

Overall it was a good weekend of agility, but of course it's not the only reason people get so addicted to our sport. As you'll see the video clips include several runs from friends; it's also about the friendships that get forged whilst we're all enjoying training and competing with our dogs. Running your dog with a hangover from the night before is quite a normal occurrence! ;o)

I'm also pleased to report that Kai & Diva ran in the Anysize class on Sunday - Kai running a lovely clear, and Diva showing some great potential for the future. Both were rewarded for their efforts with a yummy tripe stick - think Diva could get quite excited about this agility game ;o)

Today I'm grateful for family & friends :o)

Moving day

2011-04-09T06:24:00.000-07:00

This year has been one of great change, so it hardly came as a surprise when we were told that the barn adjacent to our training field is finally ready for conversion. I would like to thank everyone who offered suggestions and leads for a new field, it was touching to have such support on hand. As a result is wasn't very long at all before we found ourselves being shown around Pool Farm in Kingston Seymour. We now have a great new field, enclosed on all sides, larger than previously, and with hard standing for car parking right alongside the field. Thanks must go to Sara Bingham for sourcing the field thanks to her friendship with Margaret Bush our new landlady. We're delighted with our new venue and can't wait to start teaching! :)

Today I'm grateful for the many willing helpers who were there to support Sue & I as we made the rather emotional move from our old venue to the new.

Tonight's training - CANCELLED

2011-03-09T01:36:00.000-08:00

My apologies – meant to inform you all last week that training tonight is CANCELLED due to my role as groom for Helen Sharp and Hattie (Cavalier King Charles Spaniel) who are entered in the Novice Agility Cup at Crufts tomorrow. We are leaving this afternoon and staying close to the NEC to be there bright and early in the morning.

Hope you've all had a good week and the homework that you've been set is progressing nicely. I owe a couple of you emails regarding queries you've raised - please bear with me, will aim to get a few notes penned whilst away but wouldn't like to promise anything! Any queries that need answering before next week, just drop me a line or give me a call :)

Today I'm grateful for being coach to a very special dog and handler partnership - can't wait to watch you tomorrow girls! :)

Information on classes

2011-01-17T13:17:00.001-08:00

Would like to apologise to all those people waiting for information about spaces on classes - it's been an extremely busy time with the puppies, but I hope to be up to date soon. Thanks for your patience! :)

Today I'm grateful that I know about the SMART clinic and that they're helping Ella get back to her old self :)

Preparing to say goodbye..

2011-01-13T15:05:00.000-08:00

It's going to be a long day tomorrow as we say goodbye to the majority of Ella & Tigger's puppies who are being collected by their new owners. Ryley (Red), Beep (Lightening), Jet (new name TBC!), Oberon/Obi (Spot) and Ruby (Seven) will be heading out into the world to start the next chapter in their lives.

I can't begin to explain what an experience the whole process has been, from making the decision to breed, choosing the stud dog, the mating, the birth, the puppies themselves - a roller coaster, and one I wouldn't have missed for anything in the world. I loved each of my dogs from the moment they entered my life, and with Ella in particular I've shared many special moments in her agility career as we've moved up the grades. But I think this has to top them all as being her midwife of choice and assisting her first little boy into the world and then being there as one by one the rest joined him - it's an experience I will treasure my whole life.

As they've been socialised in various places, I've often been asked the question 'Are you selling them?' or 'Have they all got homes?', only to be greeted with surprise when I explain the waiting list we had before they were even conceived! That's a good feeling, to know that these puppies were loved and wanted before they were even born - just as their mother is treasured every day of her life.

I expect a few tears will be shed tomorrow, but I want it known that they will be happy ones. There are some good people welcoming these young dogs into their lives and I know that they'll be safe and well within their care. And whilst it's goodbye tomorrow, it's not as if I won't ever see any of them again - with each going to agility homes, I look forward to meeting (and hopefully beating ;)) them as their careers develop. And I'm assured of regular updates as their proud new parents have promised to keep in touch with special news. Plus I take comfort from the fact that as these new puppies fly the nest, my darling Ella puppy will be all mine again and she, Kai & Diva will be able to have more of the attention that they undoubtedly deserve. As a family we've all played our part in these puppies early days, but now's a good time to say farewell.

Except as I should probably mention, for one particular puppy who seems to have worked her way into my affections - unbeknown to me until just this last week. The dark chocolate puppy we named Galaxy who is so like her mother, but instead a rich, chocolately brown. Sensibility finally deserted me and the heart won out - Borderspirit Temptation is here to stay. We're now a household of 4 dogs - oops! ;)

Today I'm grateful for the wonderful homes awaiting Ella & Tigger's precious puppies - we've done all that we can do, now we're going trust their new owners to do what we know they can do :)

Christmas Party Postponed

2010-12-19T00:05:00.000-08:00

Due to the snowy conditions, we’re going to postpone the Christmas party planned for today until Sunday 2nd January – the week before normal lessons resume. The timings will be the same:

Beginners party at 11.00am
More experienced handlers at 12.00pm

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas meanwhile, and look forward to seeing you in 2011!

Gemma & Sue

Saturday 18th December lessons - CANCELLED

2010-12-17T11:37:00.000-08:00

We've had another impressive dusting of snow and more is forecast, so I'm making the decision to cancel tomorrow's lessons. With luck we might get away with the Christmas party on Sunday - watch this space for updates!

Today I'm grateful for my friend Lucie who was on hand for moral support this morning just when I needed her :-)

Ella & Tigger's Puppies

2010-12-11T11:32:00.000-08:00

Today I'm grateful for Ella's puppies, they are such characters already! :)

Sad news - farewell George

2010-11-24T04:31:00.000-08:00

It would seem that just as we are all delightedly welcoming Ella's youngsters into our agility family, we have the sorry task of ushering another member out. I heard the sad news today that we have lost George (Bichon Frisé) from our training community, put to sleep over last weekend. I shall never forget how he honed my rugby tackling skills and brought our ring at North Somerset to a standstill this year with the bag of sausages that he'd found and pinched from an unattended pocket! He was naughty, cheeky, clever and rather devious at times. But oh so lovable, and that wicked expression on his face shall be sorely missed by those that knew and loved him.

The naughty lad himself :)

Betty allowed me the privilege of running him in competition a couple of times and at training. I was a big fan of George, he reminded me of Toby (one of my first agility dogs) with his attitude and expressions. Like Toby, George always wanted to know what was in it for him before he did anything - he never wanted to be involved in anything he wasn't going to be paid for! It was a shame he wasn't able to find Betty & Allen sooner, as by the time they had him he'd developed some behaviours that were difficult to unravel and change. He couldn't have found anyone better though, and he had a wonderful home with them (even throughout some time off agility whilst Betty had surgery on her hip), enjoying agility even shortly before the end. I remember Betty exclaiming "He remembers what to do" when he stopped himself in his customary 2 feet on, 2 feet off position at the bottom of a contact. George always remembered something when there was food to be had out of doing it!

I hope that he finds himself a big, meaty bone to enjoy and guard at Rainbow Bridge - he'll no doubt be a handful to whichever angel is assigned to caring for him! You shall be missed young man, you shall be missed x

Today I'm grateful for having known George :)

Ella & Tigger's puppies

2010-11-20T11:24:00.000-08:00

I am extremely proud to announce the arrival of some incredibly beautiful little puppies - not that I'm biased in any way you understand ;)

The little darlings themselves, along with when they arrived in the world and how much they weighed

There are three recognised stages in the whelping process, so my bible "Book of the Bitch" explains! When the bitch is going through stage one she "will be restless, usually refusing food for as much as 18 - 24 hours, and she may vomit". Ella's first sign was the fact that she didn't initially want her tea on Thursday evening, although she did in the end. That was a bit weird only that she's been so hungry of late, she's been gobbling it down! She was very restless, panting a lot, and wasn't able to settle down. Plus she was following me around rather than just chilling out - the generally picture was one of unease.

Kai keeping her company, not really
understanding what all the fuss was about!

So I duly stayed downstairs with her to keep her company in case we were looking at the pups a day or two early. I don't think either of us slept much, she really wasn't very comfortable. On Friday morning she wasn't interested in her breakfast at all so we didn't push it and made plans for the dogs & children to be taken care of for the day. Even then I wasn't really expecting them all that soon.

Next thing I know there's a pool of liquid on the floor near her rear and I realised that her waters had broken! At this point she was on the duvet that I'd brought down to sleep with, and whilst I wanted her to be comfortable I was a bit worried that I couldn't see exactly what was going on where she was. So I asked her to move into the whelping box and she lay on her side, still looking pretty uncomfortable. We could then see her muscles moving in a contraction, and a small white bag like a water balloon appeared from her vulva. I could see a little bit of something that looked like it might be puppy related (!), but really wasn't sure - I was expecting a nose or a foot! This was at 8.35am so the vets weren't quite there to ask, but I left a message with the receptionist for Andy the vet to call back.

Meanwhile I made the decision that it really wasn't the "black, fluid filled bag" of water - this was likely a bag with a puppy in it, so I held her tummy just in front of her hind legs (as it had described in the book) to help her contractions focus on getting the 'bag' out. At the same time I tried to provide the "gentle traction" downwards to persuade the bag to come out, but it was all slippy and not very easy to grip at all! Whilst I was trying to do that it popped, so then I'm thinking "Eek, need to get puppy out now it hasn't got its protective bag round it", grabbed the little body and out the first little pup popped! The little bit of something that I'd seen in the bag had been a tail (feet first - breech birth), hence the difficulties in being born. Our first puppy - a gorgeous red & white boy! Since both parents have to be carriers of the red gene to produce red puppies (as the gene is recessive), I was delighted to find out she was a carrier :)

Welcome to the world baby boy!

After that I'd have to describe the process as something approaching shelling peas! I don't recall it being so easy when I was having my boys, that's for sure! 1st pup was born at 8.50am, then 2nd pup at 9.00am, 3rd pup at 9.20am, 4th pup at 9.40am, and 5th at 10.00am. Like clockwork, as I say Ella made it look remarkably easy - a couple of pushes and pop - puppy! At that point we thought we were pretty much set, but then my Ella has always known how to surprise me. After a little rest the 6th puppy arrived at 11.30am, then the 7th and final puppy at 11.50am.

The Borderspirit boys :)

Andy our vet was very helpful at the end of the phone, and just to be sure that we were all done I also had him pop out to check on Ella to make sure we shouldn't be waiting for anybody else! He had a feel but thought not, and she was also much more settled by then and her waistline (astonishingly!) was looking a lot more like its old self. I wish my tummy could bounce back like that! ;)

Ella has given me some incredible experiences already so far, taking me out of my nemesis of Grade 1 KC Agility and showing me that actually that was nothing, why not push for Grade 6 whilst we're about it. Our last show of this season was Prestbury Park where we had an amazing run to win G6 Agility, our first towards G7. That was a pretty cool day, but it pales into insignificance when compared to watching her give birth to her special litter of puppies.

My wonderful, irreplaceable girl with her precious puppies :)

We had the most amazing day welcoming Ella & Tigger's precious puppies into the world. I was in the privileged position of midwife throughout and I was so thrilled to be alongside her as she met each of her puppies, and touched that she was happy for me to handle them and be involved in the whole process. Our bond was pretty strong before, but I think it may have even shifted up a few more gears from there.

So the first Borderspirit litter has arrived! So far it would seem that we have been blessed with strong, healthy little puppies that appear to be thriving with the love and attention their wonderful mother is bestowing on them. The agility community has embraced and rejoiced at their entrance into the world, in the way that any family does. New friendships have been forged between those involved, with links that will no doubt remain in place for a lifetime. Many good homes have been found for these precious little ones, and preparations for their homecomings are being lovingly planned. Life is good :)

Today I am grateful that not only do we have some amazing puppies, but most importantly, their extraordinary mother is thriving and well. Whilst the pups will be fabulous, their mother is one of a kind and I couldn't be without her :)

Kennel Club Good Citizen Listed Status!

2010-11-18T08:14:00.000-08:00

I was delighted to get home and find a pack from the Kennel Club in my post box welcoming me to their Good Citizen dog training scheme! Whilst we've been making plans for this for a while, I was anxiously awaiting official confirmation to join the scheme - and now it's here! We have a smart certificate (with an admittedly mis-spelt name!) to prove it :)

Interest in the classes has already been keen without any advertising - can't wait to get started now! Just the little thing of Ella giving birth at the weekend and her puppies around the house for the next 8 weeks to go... ;)

Towards the end of the pregnancy

2010-11-18T01:01:00.000-08:00

We're coming towards the end of Ella's pregnancy and her waistline has long since disappeared! Since day 40 of her gestation she's been wormed daily with liquid wormer that has seen me adding a little wet food to disguise the taste - that seems to have gone down well ;)

We also had to start feeding her 3 meals a day not long after that as the poor girl seems to be forever hungry. However now she can't eat a lot in one go and she's really good at regulating herself so she doesn't make herself so full that she's sick.

The whelping box has been up for a couple of weeks now and at the beginning of this week we picked up a head pad for the puppies from the wholesalers. Ella has been sleeping in her box at night to give her respite from the naughty sheltie puppy she currently mothers, as I remember how precious sleep was from my own pregnancy! She seems more comfortable than I was, perhaps because of all the great treatment she receives from the SMART clinic. She had her last visit before the puppies on Monday where Lowri gave her some acupuncture, but no treadmill for the expectant mother. Lowri commented on how strong her stomach muscles must be because they're doing a great job of keeping all those puppies in there - her tummy is like a drum now!

My beautiful girl :)

Last weekend we met another prospective puppy owner who made the journey from Cheltenham down to see Tigger in Honiton, before seeing us in Yatton on their way back. It was great to see such effort made, makes you realise people are really serious about finding 'the one'! Definitely another forever home found for one of these precious puppies, and some new good friends made too :)

On Tuesday we popped in for our first appointment at the new vets we've registered with, Watkins & Tasker. We loved being clients of Sue Yeo, but as her out of hours care has been transferred to a surgery over 45 minutes away from us, we knew it wouldn't be sensible for Ella if she needed any help with labour. The appointments were for Kai & Tinker (one of our cats) and were just for routine vaccinations, but it was good to have been in and seen the surgery. If we need any help now it'll only be 5 or 15 minutes away and that's much better for my peace of mind :)

On a less practical note we found ourselves wandering around Comet yesterday for Mike's birthday present of a new camera - okay so I might enjoy using it too ;) His old camera was bought for his trip to Hawaii in his days as a single, carefree man many moons ago - it's showing signs of wear and tear now, and it needed replacing so we had a reliable way of recording the puppies lives as newborns and as they grow :)

So at Thursday now and could be expecting the arrival of these puppies from Saturday onwards. We're pretty confident about the date as Ella was blood tested during her season so we know exactly when she ovulated. But then of course Mother Nature could always throw us a curved ball, so we're watching Ella closely just to be sure! We're really lucky to have many people offering to help with whelping advice, child care, dog care (for Kai & Diva), and lots of wonderful good wishes. It brings home to me how much the agility community is a family and how we're all excitedly awaiting these puppies as new members to it.

So today we're doing our normal thing of taking my Grandma to the Post Office/ shopping/ lunch extravaganza - another exhausting day, but it's lovely to see the children spending time with their Great-grandmother. This evening will have to be devoted to getting everything together for Daybreak's tax return so that the decks are clear for the weekend. There's nothing like working to a deadline for getting things done ;)

Today I'm grateful for husband who has supported me this week by taking some time off work to ease the load. Don't know what I'd do without him :)

Article by Sue Kinchin for all you BC lovers out there

2010-11-15T00:02:00.000-08:00

What is Your Border Collie NOT Good At?

Understanding the collie brain...

When Lee Windeatt first started training his Border collie Shy, he fell for the myth that agility dogs had to be hyped up around the agility ring to be competitive. So he followed everyone else and hyped her up. He's now have learnt his lesson and attempts to do the opposite. When he came across the following article by Sue Kinchin, he was so impressed with the sentiment behind it that he asked the author if he could share in with other agility folk in order to give them a better understanding of their collie. Although we write 'collie brain,' we are sure the underlying principles apply to most breeds to some extent.

If you have a Border Collie, you have a very special dog - a dog that is intelligent, sensitive, eager to please and very quick to learn. Sounds like the perfect pet? Yes, with our help they can make wonderful pets, but we need to remember that when we take one of these very special and complex dogs into our homes we have a responsibility to try to understand all the factors that make a Border Collie what it is. The more we can understand our Border Collies the less likely it is that we, and our collie, will encounter serious problems.

Border Collies have been bred for generations in a very specific and restricted environment for a very specific task and, as a breed, are relative new-comers to life as pets. Some cope very well and others struggle. It is our duty to try to understand these beautiful, clever creatures and to help them to cope.

We can easily find books that tell us what Border Collies have been bred for. We will be warned about their sensitivity to movement and tendency to chase things and about the fact that they need to have their brains occupied, but what we are not generally asked to think about are those characteristics that are not necessary in a working sheepdog, but which make life easier for a pet dog.

Anyone who has owned Border Collies will be aware that they are generally cautious dogs. Without intensive and sensitive socialisation as puppies, they are often wary of people, intolerant of unfamiliar dogs and anxious about anything new or changing. Even with intensive socialisation, some retain these characteristics. Border Collies are prone to being affected by a single bad experience and have poor 'bounce back' when something goes wrong for them. They are very sensitive to reprimands, but equally crave guidance and instruction. Because they are very sensitive to movement, any fast movement that they cannot control can be very disturbing to them. No wonder so many Border Collies hate traffic. Remember though, it is this sensitivity and intelligence that we find so appealing.

So why are they like this? Why can life upset them so easily? To understand our collies fully, we need not only to consider what they have been bred for, but also what they have not been bred for.

do not interfere with this task are likely to be ignored. Over the generations your Collie has NOT been bred to:-

Cope with noise
Collies need to have very acute hearing to hear and interpret a shepherd's signals at a great distance, but sheep farms are generally quiet places and their sensitive hearing does not cause them problems. Urban and domestic life bombards our dogs with noise and this can cause them extreme stress. Be aware of this and if necessary protect your dog from excessive noise. Speak quietly to your Collie, he doesn't need you to shout at him.
Cope with change
Sheep farms tend to be relatively unchanging places, there are sheep, the shepherd and his family, the barn where the dog sleeps and an odd tractor or car. Sheep dogs don't generally need to cope with change. Every time our urban collie leaves home the street outside will probably have changed (new vehicles, new people, rubbish skips etc.). Just going out for a walk, even if the dog looks forward to his walk, can generate stress and we need to be aware of this and help him to cope.
Cope with the presence of strangers/visitors or groups of people
Sheep farms tend to be isolated places. It is not necessary to be at ease with people to be a good working sheep dog. In a pet home our dogs are surrounded by many strange people in the street and visitors to the home. If you get your Collie as a puppy make sure he is sensitively socialised to people at an early age. If he is older respect the fact that he may find meeting strange people stressful.

Cope with the presence of strange dogs
Apart from the familiar dogs with similar characteristics that live on the farm with them, working sheepdogs are unlikely to need to mix with other dogs. As pet owners we expect them to meet a lot of strange dogs, many with appalling “dog manners”, and often with our dog on lead so that it does not have the option of running away. Even if your collie does not react aggressively in these situations he could well be very stressed.

Many sheepdogs will never leave their farms so traditionally they haven't really needed to get on with other dogs or unfamiliar people. Sociability and resilience are not characteristics that have historically been important in the development of the Border Collie.

Although your dog may not be directly from working stock, it will still have many of the characteristics inherited from generations of working sheep dogs and equally he may not have inherited those characteristics that would make life in a pet home easier for him.

Shepherds are the experts with Border Collies and we can learn a lot from them. Yes, we've all heard of harsh and callous shepherds, but many value their dogs very highly, not just as working dogs but also as members of their family.

Watch a sheepdog working
It is referring back to the shepherd for guidance all the time. His impulses to chase and control movement are under very tight control. The shepherd is guiding the dog and the dog is exhibiting self-control. Ideally, this is how we want our collie to be with us. If he is checking in with us to find out what to do next, not only is he under control and less likely to get himself into trouble, but he is also getting reassurance from us. He doesn't have to worry. We will tell him what to do in any situation. Encourage your dog to look to you for guidance. It shouldn't be too hard. It's in his genes!

Watch the shepherd, too
You just don't see excitable shepherds. An excitable shepherd would mean an excited dog and scattered sheep! Be a calm owner. Think about this if you are considering Agility or Flyball with your Collie. A good working sheep dog is fast and has lightning reflexes, but is not in a state of over-excitement. Teach your dog calmly what you want him to do. If he understands and is enjoying what he is doing, he will do his best. After all he has been bred from generations of dogs selected for their willingness to work as a team with their handler. There is no need for your dog to be roused to a hysterical state for it to perform well, and it is bad for its mental and physical health to be in such a state. If your dog shows signs of stress or gets over-excited ask yourself if this is really the best activity for him.

A final thought
When a working sheepdog is not working alongside the shepherd he is shut away in a quiet, non-stimulating place to rest and recover and to keep him out of mischief! Importantly, adrenalin levels that have probably been quite high while he is working now have a chance to return to normal. Your sensitive, alert pet Collie is being bombarded with information from his environment all the time. Make sure he has plenty of opportunity to rest in a secure, non-stimulating place where he can relax.

Think Border Collies, think working sheepdogs... maximise their strengths, understand and respect their weaknesses.

Author credit...
Sue Kinchin has owned and trained a variety of dogs including BOrder Collies for over 30 years. She's had adolescent rescue collies and also collie pups from the age of eight weeks. At the moment, she owns two Border Collies - 12 year old Mist and 7 year old Glen, both from working stock. As a keen hill walker in the past, she has always had an interest in working collies and a particular interest in how they fare in pet homes.

Currently Sue instructs at pet dog training classes and she does one-to-one training and behaviour consultations. Recently she started holding Border Collie evenings for owners of pet collies who need advice on collie ownership and activities to keep their collies occupied, but calm.

Sue is a member of the APDT 00922.

For more information, email: suekinchin@btinternet.com

Photos with kind permission of Andy Nickless: The Working Sheepdog Web site

You can see more wonderful images of Border Collie Sheepdogs - Off Duty on Andy's DVD. Available from Agility Warehouse

First published: 07/11/10

Unexpected rewards

2010-11-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

For those of you that know me I think you'd describe my relationship with my dogs and their training a bit of a passion. They do take up rather a significant amount of my time and income, but I certainly wouldn't want it any other way. Teaching for a living seemed a natural progression to this love affair as I want the people I teach to be enthused to enjoy their dogs to the full, as sadly we don't get to keep them nearly so long as we would like.

My dogs have led me to meet many people, a few who've gifted me with some important information on my dog training journey, and many others who've come to join me as friends in the bigger journey of my life. Today I was reminded of just how lucky I am to be doing the job I do.

I met Sally Comport and Max a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel sometime ago now on one of our beginner agility classes. By her own admission Max's real problem was his recall and she hoped agility would strengthen their bond and improve his recall in the process. What we find on our current agility classes is how many people are led to agility in a similar way to Sally & Max, that even those who have successfully attended classes in community halls haven't found a formula that works in the distractions of everyday life. Our training field offers many real life distractions such as rabbit poo, other dogs smells, wildlife scents, to name but a few.

I'm so glad Sally found her way to our classes, not least because of how helpful she found the instruction in building on her relationship with Max. For the last few weeks I've been enjoying her company on our daily walks as Sally still finds it difficult to trust Max not to take fright at something and take off into the distance. Happily Max takes a lot of confidence from being with my dogs and looks happy and relaxed when out with us, and as such Sally's been enjoying watching him run around off lead. Sometimes just a bit of moral support can go a long way, and really that's all I've thought of our walks as being.

So imagine my surprise and delight to be presented with a rather large gift at the end of our walk this afternoon, with a lovely message on a card to go with it! From someone who started as a client, but quickly turned into a friend - the unexpected rewards in life are part of what makes it all so interesting and enjoyable. Thank you Sally & Max! :-)

Today I am grateful for the friendships which enrich my life :-)

Goals, preparations & puppy plans!

2010-10-31T13:42:00.000-07:00

It's been a whirlwind of a weekend! On Saturday I attended the Kennel Club's first Sports Coaching for Agility Handlers seminar. All the speakers were very good, but Natasha Wise in particular was fantastic! She gave a great presentation on the 'Practical Application of Sports Science' a subject which she studied at university and has obviously successfully used the lessons - twice Medium World Champion with her lovely merle collie Dizzy. I learnt a great deal from her talk and I'm very excited about incorporating some of her suggestions into the training plans for my own dogs and that of the dogs that I teach.

Last season I really felt like I let Ella down a lot by not being mentally prepared for our runs, to the point where I would sometimes have to just stop and wait a moment before remembering where I was supposed to be going! My training plan for the winter incorporates both mental training, but also some fitness for me - the New Year will see me in the hands of a local personal trainer, working off those pounds - eek!

Despite the extra hour today, I've still rushed around like a headless chicken a bit. Lovely walk this morning with friends along the River Yeo in Congresbury close to where we live and then off to Diva's training session in Bristol for 11.30am. I love that little dog her attitude and spirit are great to work with and she's really enjoying her training sessions - whether for the social side or the agility I couldn't tell you ;-)

Finally, this afternoon I sat down and worked out a specific plan for the next few months - for those of you that aren't a member of our Facebook group you may not be aware that my lovely Ella is pregnant and due in just 3 short weeks time! Her waistline is starting to disappear and she seems a little hungrier than normal, but apart from that it's hard to tell - she's still racing around with Diva out on a walk at the moment :)

I have been dreaming about a litter from Ella for so long now, I can hardly believe that we will soon have puppies in the house! She was mated to a fantastic boy, Harrjak Tigger (or Tigs to his friends ;-)) with an equally wonderful temperament and disposition. I'm sure they're going to make some fabulous puppies who will go onto make their new owners very happy.

In addition to that I'm also knee deep in plans for some new training classes - my friend Suzy Field is rounding up her Mutt Manners Kennel Club Good Citizen classes at Christmas and I will be taking them on in the New Year under the Daybreak banner. They take place in St John's Hall on Hillside Road in Clevedon on Tuesday evenings between 6pm - 9pm. Whilst we'll be following the KCGC curriculum, as usual we'll have our own exciting flavour to add to the classes - more details to follow shortly! :-)

Today I am grateful for the many wonderful opportunities and avenues that sparkle brightly in front of me - I am truly blessed :-)

Diva training with friends :-)

2010-10-17T10:54:00.000-07:00

Finding the time

2010-10-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

Spare time isn't something that I'm particularly blessed with. My life is pretty busy, filled with lots of wonderful people and animals, and for the most part I'm happy and content. One might wonder how I fit it all in and it's a very good question indeed! Being a wife and mother, owner to 3 dogs, 2 cats and a rabbit - there's no question that all of those roles demand time and thought. I guess really it's a question of perspective.

My Grandmother has never really understood why people keep pets. If I've heard the phrase "They're such a tie" once, I've heard it a thousand times! Quite honestly I've never really considered that my dogs hinder my life in anyway. I suppose because of all the wonderful people and things they've opened my eyes to I consider them life enhancers of the highest quality :-)

My thoughts today are about how perspective can make things positive or negative depending on the outlook you choose to take. I say 'choose' very purposefully, because I believe that we should be very pro-active in the path our lives take throughout this world. Of course it's not always easy to be positive, especially when life's daily demands take their toll - as the mother of a teething youngster I speak from experience! But little things can offer comfort and cheer if only we let them.

I'm heading out to train baby Diva very shortly, and intend to let her comfort and cheer me up as much as she'd like - it's her speciality, and I rather suspect part of God's plan. I firmly believe these pets of ours are more than just pets - angels with furry faces perhaps? ;-)

Today I'm grateful for my family and friends, who make my own personal journey through life, utterly worth living :-)

Out of little acorns..

2010-09-30T14:49:00.000-07:00

Diva is one whole year old today - no longer a puppy, a proper big girl now. Not so you'd notice, she bounds around like life is one big adventure - actually I kind of hope she never grows out of that :-)

Having her 1st birthday means she's now eligible to train at a KC registered club such as Severnside DAC, so we joined the class which Sue James is currently taking on a Thursday evening. Now Diva doesn't know very much about agility yet, but what she does she quite likes - opportunities for reward are always good things in her book :-)

Now Ella had done a fair bit of agility training by the time she was 12 months old, because at that point I had a wee bit more time on my hands. The boys have pretty much absorbed any of that, so Diva's had little patchy bits here and there. She knows how to wait in position until released, about going through rigid and flat tunnels, that going up and down on the see-saw is fun because you get fed a lot (always a good things for Diva!), doing something with a target on the end of a contact (mostly paws unfortunately, oops!) earns treats, and she's done some jumps in a straight line. Actually maybe that's rather a lot when you look at it like that, but I can assure you we're only talking about 3-4 hours training time overall.

So I was wondering to myself if joining this class was a good idea on the way there tonight. The other people in the class have been training for longer and their dogs are doing much more. But whilst I don't have a dog that really knows the names of equipment or many agility based cues, I put my faith in the fact that I have her focus and attention. I figured at least she wouldn't abandon me, even if she didn't manage to do much of what Sue set us.

Well, my dogs never cease to amaze me. Her startline was as impressive as her collie sister, perhaps more so because of her babyhood. When I figured out what I needed to do to explain what I wanted (starting again is hard!) she was a willing and accurate partner. Don't get me wrong, we have a lot of work to do, but she's just such a fun little dog to play agility with! Her attitude is full on and she concentrates with the intensity of a far older dog. The only difference is you can see her tire more quickly and that reminds you of her youth.

What she has taught me in her young life is that attitude and focus counts for a lot. Technical knowledge and skills are straightforward to teach when you're working from a strong foundation. A good relationship can move you towards any goal - agility, obedience, trials etc. Out of little acorns...

Today I'm grateful for Diva :-)

Hockey!

2010-09-25T05:48:00.000-07:00

This is a short post before I head off to my first hockey match in I don't know how long! Yes that's right, I said 'hockey' not agility! Ella came into season just over 3 weeks ago, so I've had no agility partner to play with :(

However it's not all bad, hopefully we have a new adventure awaiting us - puppies! We've been planning to have a litter from Ella all along, but with me having children of my own the timing hasn't been quite right. Now she's 4 1/2 (where does the time go?!) though and we don't want her to be any older her first litter, so having carefully selected a stud dog we've gone for it! The boy in question is Harrjak Tigger (Tigs to his friends), a handsome black and white dog who carries the red gene. Watch this space! :)

The happy couple :)

Today I'm grateful for my husband for giving me time to myself this morning to get bits and pieces together.

Tonight's training - CANCELLED

2010-09-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

After discussions with Sue this morning about how her evening classes went last night, we’ve decided to cancel my classes this evening and start weekend training from 25th/26th September. Unfortunately we can’t do this weekend as I have a wedding to attend down in Devon.

Apologies for the short notice, but wanted to be sure of what the weather was doing before cancelling for definite – as it is I hope you’ll all be quite relieved! :)

Prestbury Park 4th September 2010

2010-09-04T12:54:00.000-07:00

I can honestly say I didn't expect much from competing today. My poor little Callum started a temperature yesterday and didn't sleep very well at all. Despite Mike being a wonderful husband and getting up to care for him, it was still a restless night as his cries cut straight through his mother's sleep. When the morning came I wondered aloud what God's plan for me was - I'm feeling under such pressure in all areas of my life, and sleep deprivation doesn't help! Mike convinced me that he'd manage, and sort out a doctor's appointment etc. So feeling very dubious about it all, I set off for the show which is up near Cirencester.

My sat-nav has been playing up for a little while, but really earnt its self retirement today by taking me to the middle of the Gloucestershire countryside, but no-where near the venue. At this point I'm thinking that this might be a sign to head home! However my wonderful instructor Martin Tait is also very good with directions, and he re-directed me to the venue. So we arrive a little late, a little flustered, but there! Missed walking my first course which left me a little wayward in the middle of it, but Ella worked well and was really listening to the somewhat garbled and late directions she was receiving ;-)

Fortunately that was just a Helter Skelter, so I treated that as a warm up and soon headed to the G6 Agility ring to walk that course. Much more straight forward than most of the ones we've seen this season, and bar an obstacle discrimination of tunnel/A-frame, I was feeling pretty confident about getting round.

On my way to get her for the run, I got thinking about what God's plan for me might include. My sons immediately sprung to mind, and I started to think about what they might be learning from watching their mother compete like I do. I realised that I would want them to learn that putting themselves out there to compete is an exciting and worthwhile thing to do. I would like them to know that even if they don't get it right first time, every mistake they make is an opportunity for them to develop and get better. Most of all, I hope they would know that all I ever expect from them is their best, and that their best will always be just fine by me. That made me remember that my parents and those that love me, only want the same for me.

So I entered the ring in a good frame of mind. You'll see from the video clip that Ella has been allowed to get very barky as we enter a ring, something which I'm trying not to let bother me. I'm not mad keen on barking, I find it very distracting and annoying! I console myself with the fact that when she's asked for her startline position she immediately quits barking, and the work switch clicks into place.

Ella demonstrating her cool poise on the startline :)

As I look back at her I'm always blown away by her focus and self-control, and I thank the heavens for such an amazing agility partner. Not everyone gets an Ella in their lifetime, and I still question how she ever made it into mine. The answer to that is in the series of events after Kai's accident and she's another important thing I have to thank him for, he's another truly amazing dog. I don't know how anyone could put together a case for their dog of a lifetime - each that has come into my life could argue a strong case for being the special one! Diva is already shaping my life, pushing me to become a better trainer, to explore new methods to better help her learn, and just generally being a bit of a lovebug :)

Today had some really good bits, and some mistakes to allow for more improvement :) My favourite has to be winning the G6 Agility class, and having Sue there to celebrate with. Must convince her to enter some more agility shows next year! Anyway, I'll leave you with some video clips from the day. I'm off for a glass of champagne to celebrate... ;)

Today I'm grateful for Ella :)

UKA Staverton, 29th August 2010

2010-08-29T14:39:00.000-07:00

Good day today - I remembered two courses, and Ella very obligingly completed them correctly and nice and fast. 1st place in Standard Novice Agility & Jumping :-)

Today I'm grateful for the help and advice I received in searching for Ella's perfect stud dog :-)

UKA Staverton, Saturday 28th August 2010

2010-08-28T07:28:00.000-07:00

KC International Festival, August 2010

2010-08-16T13:28:00.000-07:00

Today I'm grateful for my husband, who is such an important and constant source of support in my life. Couldn't do any of it without him :-)

Chippenham Agility show, 8th August 2010

2010-08-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Today I am grateful for Ella, who is on a mission to prove all my pre-conceptions and doubts wrong :-)

Continuing Professional Education

2010-07-30T12:59:00.000-07:00

As a dog trainer I think it is really important to keep up-to-date with the latest information and research surrounding our beloved pets. I really do believe in the saying "Learning will set us free", and being a bit of a bookworm certainly helps me with this!

The code of practice from the Association of Professional Dog Trainers requires its members to keep their education current from year to year, something that I was more than willing to agree to. It also gives me a time framework to help me focus on getting it done. That's something which is particularly helpful in my busy life - sometimes with two small boys it's hard to know where the weeks go!

Gemma Osmond, MAPDT 01069

So having investigated some possibilities I have signed up for two courses - a correspondence course from 'Alpha Education' (Accredited education courses in canine behaviour and training), and an e-course with 'Say Yes! Dog Training' (Susan Garrett). I'm very excited that they both start tomorrow, and that I have received my 'Alpha Education' course in the post for me to look over this evening :-)

The correspondence course is 'Think Dog! Certificate - An Intermediate Award in Canine Behaviour & Training' and covers 5 units over 6 months. I expect it will be a challenge to find the time for it, but I'm determined to manage it as I'm so fascinated by the subject. To give you an idea, the reading list included such titles as 'Dominance - Fact or Fiction' by Barry Eaton, and 'Reaching the Animal Mind' by Karen Pryor. So much of the TV dog training links back to early research done with wolves, and of course our dogs have come a long way since domestication. It really doesn't make sense to compare them - I'm going to really enjoy learning more! :-)

The e-course is 'The 5 minute formula for a Brilliant Recall' and runs over the 31 days of August. This is a new formula of teaching using the internet and I really like the idea that people are going to be following the course from pretty much all over the world! The recall cue should be such a fundamental, non-negotiable one, but I know from my own classes that not all dogs understand it as such. I shall be using the course to improve my own Kai's recall, which has steadily declined since his accident over 4 years ago. Not that he won't come back - it's just it tends to be on his time, rather than mine ;-)

In the last few weeks I haven't been enjoying competing as much as I have done in the past, where the self-imposed pressure to get it right is getting to me. So this weekend is going to be agility free (unless I cave and head up to UKA Nationals on Sunday ;-)), with the focus on learning more about the dogs I love to share my life with. They are my best teachers :-)

Today I am grateful for my thirst for knowledge, which has already brought me to this exciting point in my life, and that I know holds the keys to even more great discoveries in the future :-)

Goodbye little Zen

2010-07-19T04:18:00.000-07:00

This is a particularly sad post for me, as my friend Wendy Rutter (neé Page) has recently lost her collie Zen to suspected cancer. Whilst she wasn't a young dog, it still feels too soon for her to have gone.

Above: Desmo, Meg & Zen

I met Zen for the first time, many, many moons ago at the veterinary centre where I was working. She was an adult dog at that point who had been through several homes before finding Wendy and her family. I didn't know Wendy well at that point, but anyone could see that this woman only dealt in forever homes. I seem to remember we used to see Zen for a skin condition that was particularly bad on her tummy. But she was always happy to roll over and show it off, such was her gentle and loving nature. It was astonishing that her previous owners hadn't realised just what a treasure she was, as she wouldn't have hurt a fly. A sensitive soul, I recall that the skin condition gradually sorted itself out. It was almost like her nerves were causing the problem, and when she realised she was safe and sound with the Rutters, it gradually eased up.

But it was when Zen had an accident in the boot of Wendy's Landrover that I began to get to know them both better. She had caught her foot in one of the rings in the Landrover as she jumped out and snapped the bones - a terrible thing to have to happen to a young dog. Not cheap for Wendy either! Surgery in the first instance and then a whole heap of aftercare to tend to the wound that wouldn't close over afterwards. With another dog Wendy might have had to consider the option of putting her to sleep, but not Zen. She was always pleased to see us, perhaps a little over-excited (she'd always wee at the sight of me!), and happy to roll over and extend her leg for treatment. A wonderful patient, who led me to making one of my best friends. I shall never forget her for that alone.

Once this was all finally sorted, Zen did do some agility, but you always got the impression that she was doing it to make Wendy happy. She loved her family and would have done anything for them, but agility just wasn't very motivating for her. Perhaps if we'd known then what we know now we could have increased her drive for it. As it was another rescue called Kaz entered Wendy's life with more than enough drive for the both of them, so Zen was happily retired!

Above: Kaz in action

The sad thing about sharing our lives with dogs is that they will never be around for as long as we would like them to. We're never going to willingly give them up to Rainbow bridge, because they make our lives whole. The are a important piece in the puzzle of our lives, and each is unique, each special in a way that none were before, or will be again. I'm sure Wendy has many reasons for why Zen was special for her. I'm sure Zen taught her many lessons that she wouldn't have learnt from any other dog. And I'm very sure that Wendy misses her badly at this point, so close to having lost her.
My memories of Zen? A sweet, loving, loyal and affectionate little girl. Shy and reserved, except with those people she knew well and loved. I was proud and privileged to be one of those people, and I shall never forget the honour of being one of her friends. Most of all, I am grateful for her for leading me to meet Wendy and her influence on my life, as my friend and agility 'mum'. Each of our dogs leads us on a special journey - what a joy to be part of hers. Have fun at the bridge special girl, look forward to seeing you there one day xx

Today I am grateful for my dogs, past and present. They influence my life in so many ways, and have led me to meet some amazing people.

Diamond Dog show, 10th-11th July 2010

2010-07-11T09:32:00.000-07:00

Another hot weekend - can't get over the beautiful weather we've been having, although I'd be happier if the temperature came down a bit. Although I'm burn free which is an achievement in itself!

This was the first show Diamond Dog Agility club had run, and it seemed to go relatively smoothly. Unfortunately the ground looked like it had recently been cut for hay or silage, and what with the recent heatwave, it was pretty prickly and spiky underfoot. Didn't suit all dogs, but didn't much phase Ella much except for a couple of slips where she couldn't get purchase on the ground after a turn. Fortunately we have Smart Clinic tomorrow, so I will just have her checked in case she's done anything to make her sore.

A weekend of good and bad bits - Saturday was always going to be a challenge as Mike was away for a stag do and I had the boys at the show on my own. They were lovely and not much trouble at all, but very difficult to switch from Mummy to agility handler. As a result I had Martin Tait run her in one of her agility rounds - she works quite well for him, but unfortunately picked up an E as he sent her over the wrong course. Our last run of the day was a nice straightforward agility round so I took her back for it - great run up to the last but one obstacle. You've guessed it - 12 weave poles! I have been running at them as I believe I do in training, but she missed her entrance so 5 faults on an otherwise lovely run.

Today has been better - started well with a tricky jumping course, but just sent her the wrong way a few jumps from the end. Great work though, some really tight turns. Her agility was going nicely too, but picked up 5 for missing weave entrance, and then as she'd done that I put her back over the see-saw which she came off. Actually in retrospect I'm not sure she didn't just slide off, but no matter, doesn't hurt to be sure! Our final jumping class started speedily, but sadly ended so too - off course for an E, and then I was sliding about in my trainers on the ground so wasn't able to drive her properly. After an argumentative few barks, I decided it was too hot to argue and we left the ring for her tuggy - will be investing in a better pair of running shoes before next weekend!

So another weekend of 'almost' runs - am I a glutton for punishment you may ask?! But in the scheme of things, we are moving in the right direction, our teamwork is better and our attitude is moving from 'Can we?' to 'Can do'. This time last year we were working Grade 2 style courses - a big leap from the twists and turns of an average Grade 6-7 course. Whilst I believed we would hit the ground running, in retrospect there was always going to be a settling in period. As Hazel Tait pointed out to me last weekend, when you start a new job you don't expect to know everything there is to know about it, and the same could be said for each new grade you move into.

Here are my plus points from the weekend:

1. Great contacts, I mean fabulous, class winning contacts :-)
2. Tight turns with poles remaining where they're supposed to ;-)
3. A startline that is a secure as it makes me feel as I lead out - something which I wouldn't want to be walking into a G6-7 ring without
4. Ella - her attitude, her belief in me and the way she saves her best work for me, despite being Martin's teacher's pet :-D

Today I am grateful for Gill & Aussie's first clear round, which gave them 2nd place in the Small 1-3 Jumping. Glad the advice helped Gill! :-)

Relationships with our dogs

2010-07-07T08:06:00.000-07:00

Those of you that know me, know I make no secret of the fact that I'm a fan of Canadian dog trainer Susan Garrett. I was delighted to meet her and the rest of the Canadian agility team during their visit for the World Agility Championships, and as well as being a fabulous dog trainer, she's pretty cool as a person too :-)

Now I'm a regular follower of her blog, and would recommend all the people I teach follow it too. The woman is a mine of dog training information, and it's all based on sound scientific principles which make dog training fun from both ends of the lead. Better understanding from your dog, makes training more enjoyable for you - think what it does for them!

Recently she's been exploring the link between the strength of our dogs' recalls and the depth of our relationship with them. Susan's quote from her Facebook status that started it all off was this:

"There is nothing more important that teaching your dog a reliable recall, nothing . . . it is the foundation of all brilliance and it reflects the relationship you have with your dog."

I have been avidly following this, as I am fascinated as a trainer, when I come across perfectly nice people who have difficulty getting their dogs to complete this fundamental behaviour. Now I know, perhaps better than most people, the sadness that can ensue when you don't have a brilliant recall. My first collie dog Kai saw more value in chasing a cat into the road, in front of a car than listening to me, and as a result I almost lost my precious boy. Somewhat unconsciously I have trained amazing recalls with the two girls that followed him, or perhaps they are just naturally brilliant dogs? I refuse to believe he isn't every bit as wonderful as them, and I seek the answer in the science that Susan champions.

I believe that the good dog trainers in this world, those whose dogs are consistently impressive in everything they've been trained to do, are like that as a result of their handlers consistent approach to every facet of their lives. Great agility dogs aren't just fabulous at agility - they're excellent pets too, and I don't believe that you can have one without the other. They aren't perfect, because they aren't robots, but they're reliable and constant because they live within the boundaries that they've been reinforced for observing.

For anyone out there having difficulties with your recall, please do visit Susan's blog for further information on this somewhat emotive topic. And I think a key thing to remember is that you won't be alone in your problem, there are lots of owners out there with wayward dogs! It isn't something you should be ashamed or embarrassed to confess to. If I can help in anyway, then get in touch - I love seeing the bond between handler and dog develop. It's one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching :-)

For those of you that aren't familiar with her, check out her website and blog:

http://www.clickerdogs.com/

http://susangarrettdogagility.com/

Today I am grateful for the training bond which is in constant development with my Shetland Sheepdog youngster Diva. There's nothing like adoring eyes like hers shining in your direction :-)

Tuffley Agility show, 3rd-4th July 2010

2010-07-07T07:54:00.000-07:00

Another hot weekend, but I'm glad to report it didn't reach the baking temperatures of Lansdown. However I did manage to burn my lips again on the Sunday - the cooler temperatures, caught me off guard - grr!

Another weekend of good and bad bits. The good bits centred around my handling improving and everything then being much smoother. The bad bits were, you guessed it, weave related. Bloomin' things! ;-)

The Saturday was marred by 2 out of 3 sets of weaves being wrong, and try as I might, it does dent my confidence about her ability. However I picked it up for Sunday and decided that I might as well run her like I believed she could, and she rewarded my faith by turning her success rate around to 2 out of 3 sets completed correctly! We also managed a clear round in the CSJ Senior Jumping, which although messy and frantic (solely on my part!), did make me feel quite uplifted. The drought has ended, albeit briefly! :-)

Today I'm grateful for my trainer Martin Tait's continued confidence and belief in Ella and I, and for his positive message from our training session on Monday night. We're aiming to do you proud at Diamond this weekend sir! :-)

Lansdown Agility show, 26th-27th June 2010

2010-07-07T07:36:00.000-07:00

My overriding memory of Lansdown 2010 will be the intense heat, like nothing we've ever experienced there before! You'll see from the picture below that the grass is looking very pale and bleached out, and it was more or less the same around the rings.

No exciting places had, but there were glimpses of the teamwork Ella and I are capable of in some of our runs. We're not completely right yet, but we're getting there! I'm not overly disappointed, only that we were very busy all weekend helping on the rings, and it doesn't leave a lot of time for our dogs. Another pizza party on the Saturday evening (which is becoming something of a tradition!) was a lovely way to unwind and recharge for the Sunday.

Unfortunately after the lovely weekend, Monday didn't start well, as I had a 'Speed Awareness' workshop to attend. It almost sounds like it could have been something exciting and agility related doesn't it?! Sadly not, it was as a result of speeding home from a show at Newbury. Regrettably the car ran out of petrol on the way to the workshop which meant I missed it, (£60) and then on re-booking (£30) for the afternoon, arrived 2 minutes late. They only accept people who are on time - so a very expensive day all in all :-(

Still, today I am grateful for my husband who took charge of the children at home all weekend whilst I was off gallivanting in Bath.

Excuses, excuses!

2010-06-20T13:30:00.001-07:00

It's been a while since I posted, so I thought I'd pop a quick update of how things have been going recently. It's been a busy few weeks since SWAT show, which was the weekend we received an offer on our house. It led to negotiations on a house that we had our eye on, but didn't come to anything unfortunately. Wye Valley came at the end of that week and it showed - I was completely out of sorts and Ella doesn't appreciate my mind being elsewhere! The trouble with not getting that house was that it left us (me mainly!) in a bit of a panic about what to do, as our buyers wanted to get going quite quickly.

The following week saw many viewings, but none positive. They say moving house is one of the most stressful things you can do don't they?? I'd have to agree! When Lel & Hattie wanted to go to UKA Sands to work on their contacts, I felt I'd enjoy it more than going all the way to Thames show at Newbury showground by myself. We had a lovely day, and Ella and I won the Beginner Standard Agility and the Senior Standard Steeplechase - moving us up to Novice Performance, which had been rather elusive up to that point!

I missed running some of the great courses at Thames, but I think overall that I made the right decision. Wye Valley show had shown me that it's important to be in the right head space when attempting challenging G6/7 courses. So I was keen to be at Golden Valley this weekend, not least because Top Barn in Holt Heath is such a nice venue. Unfortunately this week has been fraught with our children playing musical beds from 4am in the morning, and further developments on the house front. Having found a nice local house with a great size garden and made a successful offer, when we actually looked at it down on paper we found it wasn't a great deal bigger than our current house.

After 10 house viewings, we've decided we've probably got quite a good handle on what our budget can stretch to and it's not going to get us much, if anything better than what we have already. So on Friday we decided to take our house off the market and let our buyers down, and withdraw our offer on the only house we had liked. Felt quite emotional as it didn't feel good to have to let these people down, but have to do what's right for us.

Set off for Golden Valley, a bit tired, but pleased we'd finally made a decision about what to do. We're going to have plans drawn up to extend over our converted garage, to make the space we want where we are now. Shame our little Callum didn't share our relief (teething pains) - not only did he not want to go off to sleep in the caravan on Friday evening, he also decided to get us all up at 4am-ish on Saturday morning. Parenting - not for the faint-hearted! :-)

Feeling very fuzzy, our first couple of rounds of the day didn't go quite to plan. Made silly errors in the Jumping, then Ella missed a weave entry in the Agility. Tired and very miserable, I decided I'd prefer to go home and try and get a good nights sleep. I am blessed with the most amazing parents who said they'd have our little cherubs overnight, so I did our last Agility run of the day with a bit more enthusiasm than I'd started the day with. Ella went beautifully, I just didn't react as quickly as I need to in order to give her adequate steering. But I was much happier with how we'd done, and I feel like we definitely deserve our spot in the G6 classes.

Today I went along to UKA Aldon to support Lel & Hattie in their contact proofing quest, and still wasn't really on top form. Managed to steer Elle round a Novice Agility for a 3rd place, but she could tell I wasn't really fully able, which messed up our other rounds. I'm also a little concerned with her weave entries again, but we have Smart Clinic tomorrow so she'll be checked over then which will put my mind at rest.

Wow, this was supposed to be a quick update - what would the long version be like, I ask myself?! Anyway, I think that gets me up-to-date, and with luck and a fair wind, I should be a bit more competitive in time for Lansdown weekend next week. As it's our joint club show with Clifton Agility Club its not traditionally a particularly successful weekend for me in terms of competing, but perhaps this is the year to end the drought?! :-)

Today I am grateful for my Ella, who would rather have me work her in a bad mood, than not have me work her at all. I don't deserve such a partner, but I hope I gave her some small reason to today. I went into the agility ring with Susan Garrett's words echoing around my head "When I look at my dogs, I see only greatness" - that's my girl :-)

SWAT show, 29th-30th May 2010

2010-06-02T07:19:00.000-07:00

Well I managed to fulfill two of the aims I set myself from last weekends experience at UKA Phoenix - I duly put a curfew on the husband and managed an early night, and made myself have Weetabix for breakfast both Saturday and Sunday morning. Need to work on the third goal of being focused on the show - admittedly house sale and then need for house hunting are pretty good reasons for being distracted!

The weather on Saturday was a bit miserable and I couldn't really get going on the surface as it was a bit hard from all the lovely sunshine we've been having. It demonstrated that I need to get a whole lot fitter to keep up with my extremely fit agility partner, who was running beautifully. As usual she provided the highs of the weekend - best bit of the whole weekend for me was only one mistake in a set of weaving poles, over 7 classes, and even then it was at the end of a set of 9 so my responsibility to be practicing these things. The lows surrounded my handling which never much got out of 1st gear, which is tricky when you're running around with the equivalent of a top spec Ferrari :-)

Sunday provided us with our first clear round, and the sunshine came out to celebrate it with us which was good. A 13th place in G1-7 Combined Jumping, with plenty of room for improvement - on my part that is, Ella was pretty good :-) What I did find encouraging though, was the mistakes we made are easily rectified (if you call me getting fit easily rectified!), and didn't surround problems with Ella completing the equipment correctly. I've done that part of the job pretty well, she understands her criteria on contacts and is getting there with the weaves. I watched a lot of dogs this weekend who don't, and it's understandably a source of frustration for their handlers.

So this coming weekend is Wye Valley and I'm really looking forward to it as it's such a lovely venue, with the pretty village of Monmouth just walking distance away. Plus the Pizza Express is great for dinner on Saturday night, which has become something of a tradition :-)

Today I am grateful for the Smart Clinic, without which I wouldn't have such a fit and healthy dog to compete with.

http://www.smartvetwales.co.uk/

UKA Phoenix, Saturday 22nd May 2010

2010-05-22T12:23:00.000-07:00

Lovely hot summers day today, almost too hot really although I've escaped my customary sunburn with judicious application of factor 30 suntan lotion throughout the day. I was scrime for Wendy Page who had her first judging appointment today, who set some great steeplechase courses. The beginner one at the end of the day was admittedly quite tricky, but what I found quite frustrating was how handlers kept making the same mistakes, instead of learning from the people that went before them. I guess it's particularly hard if you're fairly new to the sport, to change how you're going to run a course after you've walked it a certain way. However I would urge people to be brave and try different things out if you can see a something hasn't been working - you may be very pleased you did!

Our ring party was great fun, and comprised several of us Severnside members - Brendan Sweeney, Betty & Allen Symonds, Sarah Norman, Caz Hore-Ruthven and Helen Sharp (and partner Phil and sister Rachel). The only downside of today was the heat of the afternoon, and some people's disregard for the fact that we were sweating out in the heat in order that they could run their dogs! It's very rude not to be ready to run when you've been stood around watching the class in progress, if it makes people who have given up their time to run a ring, wait around for you. We all have dogs in our cars that need attending to and homes we'd like to get home to at the end of the day - it would be nice if delays could be avoided by people being a bit more thoughtful! Anyway, rant over, for the most part we had fun and that's what I shall remember from the day.

I saw several handlers who I've trained around the rings competing today, and was pleased by their progress reports. Best of all, Helen Sharp and Hattie won all 3 classes they were entered into - Toy Senior Jumping & Agility, and Toy Novice Steeplechase. Particularly amusing was Helen's comment at the start of the day, that the hot weather wouldn't suit Hattie. I had just 3 words for her - 'Self fulfilling prophesy'. She obviously took it on board :-)
Unfortunately it wasn't a particularly successful day in terms of trophies for Ella and I. Our first run in the Agility was going very nicely - until I pulled her off a jump, durrh! Still, I take a some great positives - she made her weaves and I was able to cross behind them, and her contacts looked pretty speedy too. Then the jumping, going beautifully until the end of a set of 12 weaves, which Ella decided the last two didn't require completion :-) Lastly the Steeplechase, where we had a bit of a misunderstanding about what our 'Out' cue is supposed to mean :-)

My aims before our next show, which is SWAT next weekend, are the following:

1. Get to bed before 12am the night before - put a curfew on the husband!
2. Eat breakfast - who knows what great handling decisions I might make with food inside me :-)
3. Be focused on the show and not the other things that are going on in my life at the moment - they can rest on the back burner whilst Ella and I play 'gility (as my Aussie friends call it!)

Today I am grateful for the blessing of such a good dog, who makes it fun even when it's not all going quite to plan :-)

IFCS World Agility Championships - an amazing week!

2010-05-18T04:05:00.001-07:00

Last week was an incredible week for Sue and I. We were fortunate enough to play host to the Australian, Canadian and New Zealand teams in their lead up to the World Agility Championships, at the Hand Equestrian Centre in Clevedon. In fact we also had a short visit from Marilyn Adams and Tia from our British squad too, so last week we saw a lot of impressive agility at our humble training field! :-)

On Monday Sue and I welcomed the Australian team to our training venue for their first visit as they started the process of getting to know their borrowed British dogs. They deserve not only credit for arriving at a World Championship without their own dogs, but also for the way they applied themselves to getting to know their host dogs and their abilities as dog trainers. Not all the dogs were very welcoming at first, but the guys kept at it and used nothing but motivational techniques to win them round. By the time Friday came around it was hard to tell that they hadn't been working together for years, much less just one week! Aside from watching some inspiring dog training, we both feel that we have made some very great friends in the team, so a trip to Oz may be in the offing at some point - who knows! :-)

Tuesday afternoon saw the Canadian team warming up, leaving us both with some good ideas and some jump training of Susan Salo's to follow up. It was great to see them working with their own dogs, again full of motivation, but with dogs who really hung on their every word. Of course the lady I had been hanging out to meet was there - Susan Garrett with her two Border Collies Encore & Feature. They were delightfully naughty, but as driven and biddable as I've witnessed from her DVD's and YouTube clips. Really great dogs, and of course Feature is Ella's half-sister too. Tuesday evening had us along with Helen Sharp, having dinner with the team at Banwell Castle which was a great night, due in part to Nina the Canadian assistant manager plying me with wine all evening!

On Friday we were part of a ring party with Severnside Dog Agility Club, which was not only great fun, but also earnt us tickets for Saturday's agility action. That plus the generosity of our new Aussie friends giving us a 'Groom Australia' pass, meant that I was able to save my pennies for dog toy shopping - something that you'll notice I indulged in heavily when you next see my training bag :-)

There are many, many memorable moments from the week leading up to the World Champs and I am glad and grateful for every single one. I will be a better dog handler as a result of what I witnessed, not just the celebrations of a clear round, but also the reactions from handlers when it didn't go to plan. I am pleased to say I only noticed one dog being berated for an 'if only' round, the rest were praised and apologised to for mistakes that their handlers had made. Because when it comes down to it, any mistakes made on course are the fault of the handler. Indeed, missed contacts, missed weave entries etc. are all only down to the training the dog has received.

I have not always been proud of my conduct in the ring. Whilst I have never hit my dog for poor performance, I have been known to lose my temper before now when hormonal and tired. My frustration is usually at myself, but my teammate has borne the brunt of it. I am glad I have seen such good examples to aspire to and follow, and intend that people will want to use me as their good example in time to come.

Last week and today, I am grateful for the dogs in my life. I'm also extremely grateful Ella didn't get packed into any of the suitcases that left the country on Monday as numerous people who met her had threatened to do! :-) Even whilst she's a bit hormonal at present, she's still my top dog - as she's demonstrating below, supervising proceedings at the training field last week :-)

North Somerset Show, 3rd May 2010

2010-05-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

Whilst teaching tonight I found out that one of my favourite Small dogs won G1 Agility at the NS show yesterday! Lacey & Anne Williams started their training with us after Anne began agility training with her lurcher at Severnside and was bitten by the bug! :-) What a great start to the season for them, G2 here they come! :-)

Today I'm grateful to be able to teach agility and the opportunities it gives me to meet such great people and their wonderful dogs :-)

OTHER RESULTS:

Large Graded 1-2 Agility
Grade 2
3rd Sue James - Bryn

Large Graded 1-2 Jumping
Grade 2
1st Jan Sage - Lexi
2nd Caz Hore-Ruthven - Frodo

Small Graded 1-3 Jumping
Grade 3
2nd Rhianna Harman - Jess

Small Combined 1-3 Jumping
1st Rhianna Harman - Abbey!

Small Graded 4-7 Jumping
Grade 4
3rd Helen Sharp - Hattie

Grade 7
3rd Gemma Osmond - Pearl (borrowed briefly from Dave Sweeney - thanks Dave she was fab!)

Dordale Agility Show, 2nd May 2010

2010-05-02T11:01:00.000-07:00

Today's show was the first time Ella and I have competed at G6, and I was pretty nervous as I walked the first course of the day. It was a G6 Agility class, and whilst it wasn't easy by any means, it wasn't the nightmare that I'd built up in my head either! We had an early running order and rather than go back to the van with her, we walked around to warm up thoroughly and stop me thinking about it all too much :-) You would think having whipped up through the grades last year like we did, I'd have a bit more faith in us both wouldn't you?! However once I stepped into the ring and put her into her startline down position, I started to feel a whole lot better - the dog that I looked back at was my precious girl, and wasn't going anywhere until she heard that all important release cue. We did a nice clear round in just over 33 seconds, which saw us take 3rd place. 2nd place was taken by one of Ella's cousins, another Nedlo owned by Anthony Clarke - up the Nedlos :-)

I was so relieved for the rest of the day that I was able to get a clear round in G6, that I'm sorry to say we had two eliminations that I know better handling could have sorted. Plus two missed weave entries from a little lady charging at them too fast - some homework to do there. All in all though I can't describe how pleased I am with what happened today. When you start competitive agility you hope that one day you'll be competing at the top of your sport. I'm delighted to find that not only are we close to getting there, but we're pretty competitive too! Not something that will surprise any of my supporters, but then I don't know if they'll recall the fact that this time last year Ella and I were only eligible to compete in Grade 1 classes. I hope they realise that we wouldn't have made it without their support and encouragement, and that we're very grateful to them for being there every step of the way.

Today I'm grateful for the fact that I brought home the best dog at the whole show :-)

Wallingford show

2010-04-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

Nothing exciting to report I'm afraid - managed 2 clears this weekend, but both in pairs/teams so not even a clear round rosette to show for my troubles. I never really managed to get my head in gear, although Ella was working well. The worst thing to happen from my point of view was not one, but two messed up weaves! Uh oh, as my baby Callum is fond of announcing when he's thrown some food on the floor for the dogs :-)

But as with anything there were some good things from the weekend:
The weather was very, very kind - I have the sunburn to prove it!
I have three wonderful dogs :-)
- Kai was, as ever, delighted to take a turn in the ring and apart from stealing a little girl's uneaten sandwich, behaved impeccably ;-)
- Ella didn't break a startline, made only one mistake on her contacts but quickly remembered her job, and managed to complete 4 out of 6 sets of weaves correctly first time around. Any knocked poles are my responsibility (and actually so are the incorrect weaves really!), and I promise to try harder girlie!
- Diva played some good tuggy away from the rings, was confident and biddable even in the face of the distraction from a loudspeaker, and was her cheerful and friendly little self which makes most everyone smile :-)
My agility friends :-)
Lel & Hattie for being fabulous grooms on Saturday :-)

Today I am grateful for the warm welcome that greeted me when I returned home, from my lovely children and wonderful parents.

Kernow K9 Easter show

2010-04-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

We were a bit up against it last week, so it wasn't the most auspicious start to our competition season. The boys were poorly with a sicky/ cough type bug, and the weather report didn't look like it was going to do us any favours either. Thank goodness for our lovely caravan, without which I'm sure we wouldn't have attempted the trip. We left at around lunchtime on Thursday and actually the weather wasn't too bad at that stage - breezy, but sunshine for most of the drive. It was nice to finally be on the road - packing up for that first weekend show takes a bit more time than the rest of the season. It takes a while to get back into the swing of things, but fortunately I have a great husband to help me :-)

A rain storm greeted us when we arrived on site in Wadebridge, and underfoot was already showing signs of being boggy. Still it was better than it was going to get! We awoke on Friday morning to the sound of rain on the caravan roof - a roof which we were very glad of, it felt lovely to be tucked up in the warm and dry whilst the rain came down outside. However when we stepped outside we found there had been so much rain that there were puddles inside our awning - not from a leaking awning, but simply from the wet ground. Needless to say our lovely, clean caravan didn't stay like that for very long. Diva in particular, made sure of that :-)

That Friday I decided to try experimenting with some feeding advice I had been given from my friends at the Smart Clinic. There is no official research into how best to feed agility dogs, so advice is given from research from greyhound racing & sled dog racing. Obviously agility dogs don't fit into either camp, but perhaps somewhere in the middle. What had been suggested was that greyhounds aren't fed on the morning of a race, but are fed a big meal the evening before. Similar to human sprinters I'm led to believe.

I didn't feel I could run her with nothing inside her, so gave Ella a small amount of tinned mackerel which she thought was lovely. As did Diva who tried to dive into her bowl after it :-) That day we had just two runs - jumping & agility. In both classes we had poles down (as you'll see from the video clips below), which could have been put down to handling errors on my part, but seem unlikely as my handling doesn't get better throughout the weekend - if anything it gets worse with the onset of my cold! So it's not an experiment I think we'll be doing again, and in truth whilst in makes sense with greyhounds, we ask a bit more from our agility dogs than just flat out running. It's certainly interesting to think about though, and I'd encourage other people to experiment to work out what works best for their particular dog.

The weekend was wet and uncomfortable for the most part, and I'm still recovering from the cold/ sicky bug that the children gave me from Saturday onwards. But I'm always keen to try and find the positives, so hear is what I came away with from the weekend:

Ella only missed one weave entry in 8 classes, a massive improvement from last season :-)
Even when poorly, I was able to do some pretty decent handling :-)
My agility friends are many and spread all around when I wander around a show :-)
A hot shower can overcome the most negative weather :-)
I'm capable of reaching the goals I set myself, against big odds :-)

Today I am grateful for my mum who took such good care of my boys for me today whilst I felt ill. None of us would be anything without family and friends, and I'm so very lucky with mine.

UKA Waverunners - Sunday 28th March 2010

2010-03-28T12:55:00.000-07:00

Now had I realised that I was going to lose an hour of sleep because of the clocks changing, I may not have entered this show. But I won't grumble because it gave me the chance to run in 5 classes, and get an idea of how our weaves would hold up and what sort of consistency we can expect from each other. Ella came off better in the consistency stakes, but then I guess more people would have realised that :-)

Here's what we did, and the order in which we ran them:

Novice Steeplechase II - 1st
Beginners Snooker - 1st
Beginners Jumping - 2nd
Novice Steeplechase I - E (my handling mistake - sorry Elle!)
Beginners Agility - 5 for a knocked bar, 1st jump was a spread and I didn't handle this as well as I could have either!

Aside from my obvious delight at her rosettes, we had 100% weaves over the 3 courses that had them - 2 sets of 12, and 1 set of 6. It seems a bit of belief in her ability to complete them goes rather a long way :-)

Today I am grateful for my friend Bob Kempster who told me exactly what to do in the Snooker course, as otherwise I'm sure we wouldn't have even been placed!

Another busy weekend!

2010-03-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

I am feeling quite tired out after a long, but nonetheless enjoyable weekend. Sue was away for an obedience training day so I manned the classes on my own on Saturday. Despite the rain I thoroughly enjoyed myself, as the dogs and handlers were on good form. We are lucky to have some very promising young dogs coming through, and I always find it exciting to watch how they grow and develop.

After teaching that morning I visited a couple for a 1-2-1 with their two rescue dogs, a happy-go-lucky Springer spaniel, and a Jack Russell terrier who's confidence needed a bit of a boost. They were doggy people in need of a bit of reassurance as much as anything, as this was the first time they had had rescue dogs. I'm pleased to report that they were doing all the right sort of things, but perhaps needed reminding that long lasting results quite often take a little time. It's a wonder that I'm any good at dog training at all really, when you consider that patience isn't exactly one of my strong points! :-)

In contrast today was a lovely Spring day, that had me flinging open the windows to let the sunshine and fresh air in. The house is now fairly tidy considering the number of occupants, especially the younger ones - Callum & Diva in particular! They are particularly keen on going through the contents of any bins they can reach - shredding tissues is a favourite for both! :-)

Finally I'm delighted to report that Diva has been allowed short durations of off-lead exercise since Wednesday's visit to the Smart Clinic, something that she has very much enjoyed. I have never known a small dog enjoy getting wet and muddy like my girl does - watching her gleeful runs after Ella has been a sight for sore eyes. I hope her recovery continues smoothly, but I think she's always going to keep me on my toes - only on Tuesday she banged her front right leg and had us worried enough to x-ray her. As Lowri pointed out to me on our visit to the Smart Clinic, what did I expect when I named her Diva?!

Today I am grateful for the signs of Spring time that are appearing all around me, and for the fact that as the days grow longer, the show season gets closer :-))

Lovely agility weekend!

2010-03-08T05:38:00.000-08:00

I'm actually going to include Friday in my lovely agility weekend, as I had a great time at the Hand Equestrian centre in preparation of being part of a Severnside Dog Agility club ring party for the World Championships being held there in May. Not only was it nice to go through what we'll be doing and getting familiar with the venue, we were also able to watch the GB squad train - which included Ella's litter sister Wych with her handler Nicky Garrett. I was also introduced to Sheltie expert Bernadette Olsson Bay, who as well as being extremely knowledgeable, it also extremely nice too! I had Diva with me and she kindly took a look at her to chat about whether or not she's going to be Small/ Medium - verdict was Medium, so no joining the Severnside Small team for us! Will have to make up a new Medium one instead, I think we'll just about have enough fingers crossed!

As well as Friday being lovely for those things, I was also able to come to the decision that Ella was safely out of season too. This has been much shorter than previous, probably due to the injections she had to postpone them. I only hope she doesn't decide to have another proper one shortly! Coming to this conclusion opened up the weekend to lots of agility - UKA Hereford, Severnside league match v. Chippenham and a friendly Severnside match v. Dervish. What more could a girl ask for?!

What I can't say I expected was what happened next. Now I had decided to go through the weekend with a 'long game' attitude - that is I know that my biggest weakness is lack of competition experience and whilst I didn't expect to do well after us both having two weeks off , I felt I should just get out there for the experience. It was a good idea and it took the pressure off trying to prove anything.

In our first run of the day I was delighted to find I had my lovely, non-hormonal dog back! I'd forgotten just how good she was, and it was great to see. However she came out of the last two weave poles on a set of 12, so we weren't at our best yet. I realised that her pulling out of the poles was almost certainly due to the way I was holding my breath and creeping nervously up behind her, instead of running flat out to direct her to the next obstacle as I do in training. I didn't really believe she would complete them properly, so I was practically willing her to fail!

This revelation brought out quite a dramatic change in me. I realised that what with how fabulous she is at everything else, all I needed to do was run her like I believed in everything else I asked her to do - and then it would only be a question of my handling being accurate. It took another couple of runs before I had that bit sussed - and to be honest, it's one of those things that comes and goes :-)) Anyway, I won't go on anymore, I'm just going to tell you our notable achievements from the weekend:

4th UKA Beginners Agility (5 faults)
1st Agility (League match v. Chippenham)
1st Agility (Friendly match v. Dervish Agility)
1st Steeplechase (Friendly match v. Dervish Agility)
4 out of 5 sets of 12 weave poles correct (Saturday)
2 out of 2 sets of 6 weave poles correct (Sunday)

So what did I learn this weekend? Easy - that belief is everything and it makes for a hell of a run even when you don't go clear. I enjoyed every single run with my dog this weekend, mistakes and all. If I can mirror her great attitude throughout the season, we shouldn't go far wrong. It took a while for me to realise that's what I needed to do, but better late than never huh!

Today I am grateful that my agility partner has always wanted to play the game with me, regardless of how well or badly I directed her in it. Here's a quote that sums up Ella for me:

“There is real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment” Norman Vincent Peale

Good foundations

2010-02-28T13:59:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-18T13:27:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

Training afternoon with friends

2010-02-12T11:53:00.000-08:00

Great dogs

2010-01-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

I have just returned from walking Kai & Ella, and feel very relaxed and happy as a result. Due to me becoming a dog walker, we don't walk by ourselves very much anymore and it's something I should do much more often. Great for stress busting, and believe me the last week has given me cause for needing it.

Tomorrow will be a week since Diva, my lovely, bright little puppy - broke her leg. I wish that last bit wasn't true, but very sadly it is. We were walking on the beach at Weston-Super-Mare when a couple of dogs started racing around chasing each other. Diva was just stood still trying to be out of their way when they ran over her - they rolled her and as she went over she screamed out in pain. Not a sound that any owner wants to be familiar with in their dog.

After gathering up the other dogs and putting the children back into their car seats, we headed to our vets and Diva had a conscious x-ray taken which confirmed my suspicions - a fractured femur. The very same injury that Ella suffered from after jumping off the sea wall at Clevedon when she was 6 months old. I think I'll be staying away from beaches with my dogs from now on, we obviously don't mix well.

On the plus side the bone was fractured in the middle which made repairing it that much simpler, and we made use of Diva's insurance policy by employing Dr Hamish Denny to repair the damage. He's one of the best orthopedic specialists in the country, and I am eternally grateful he's local to us. We also have the benefit of knowing the veterinary rehabilitation specialists at the Smart clinic in Cardiff, and Lowri has given me further advice to get us through the next 4 weeks until we can start a program to rehabilitate her properly.

Whilst Diva was understandably quiet and very un-Diva like at first, each day she is clearly feeling a bit stronger and I'm pleased to report that it would appear her spark was only subdued, it isn't lost completely. During me writing this post she has whined for help getting out in the garden - our scary tabby cat was guarding the exit - so it seems her faith in me as protector is undimmed. We've had to forget recall training for the minute as she had taken on board the message that her 'Come' cue means get to whoever's calling you as fast as you can - it's too nerve wracking and far too dangerous at present. So if we need her we go collect her and walk her to wherever we want her to be. The lead walks only thing doesn't seem to bother her either, as she associates the lead with lots of treats - Diva heaven :-)

Despite this bad luck I'm determined that this won't affect the rest of the year. There are some things we can't control no matter how much we would like to. But we can control our attitude and reaction to those things that are taken out of our hands. My decision about Diva's accident is to allow a little time for feeling sad, take stock, and then move on in a constructive way. I'll keep you posted with our progress - I'm swinging back and forth between the feeling sad/ taking stock stage at present ;-)

Today I'm grateful for Kai, Ella & Diva and all the life lessons they've taught me, as well as my wonderful family and friends who support me when times get tough.

Well done everyone!

2010-01-16T11:20:00.001-08:00

I felt I had to just write a note to say how proud I was of everyone today - the long break doesn't seem to have done anyone any harm at all, and you were all very focused - dogs and handlers! Well done!

Today I'm grateful for my beautiful boys who were very pleased to see their Mummy after she'd been out all day. It's so nice to be welcomed home by wet kisses and little bear hugs :-)

'Mission of Joy'

2010-01-16T09:52:00.000-08:00

Diva's registration papers came through today and her official title is now 'Mission of Joy', which is more than a bit apt :-)

Training thoughts

2010-01-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I updated everyone on how my little Diva is progressing. Firstly I should tell you all that she's not so little anymore - if she carries on growing at the rate she is now, she'll end up bigger than Kai :-) However what she worries me in the length of her legs (still holding a vague hope she'll remain in the Small KC category) she more than makes up in the training department. I'd like to think it's my excellent dog training skills, but I think it's more likely that I've managed to bag myself a fantastic sheltie who loves to work - every trainers dream!

Her socialisation continues and next Wednesday we'll reach the all important 16 week mark, after which puppies start to become more inhibited and less open to new sounds & experiences. The key thing is to get them accustomed to as much as possible before the socialisation window closes, so that there are fewer new things for them to learn about after that point. Of course it doesn't suddenly stop there, and it continues throughout a dog's life. We will still be doing as much as possible to ensure she's a brave and confident little lady - early signs are very good!

I've been investigating training classes in earnest, and have several possibilities to choose from. I have been very surprised at the cost though - far more than in Toby & Lucy's day, although I'm startled to realise that they're almost 10 years old so perhaps the price rises aren't that surprising after all. You may wonder why I'm bothering to take Diva to training classes - after all, I'm a professional dog trainer so initially it seems a bit odd. But what even the best trainer in the world can't accomplish is teaching a puppy to work through their repertoire of tricks with the distraction of other dogs working, without those other dogs around them! I need Diva to generalise all of the behaviours that I teach her so that she understands that 'Sit' means 'Sit', regardless of whatever else is going on and wherever we happen to be. She already has amazing focus for her work so I don't anticipate any worries, but proofing our dog's understanding is what makes us good dog handlers and builds on the relationship between us.

On the subject of relationship building, I've had a bad run of sessions with Ella - not agility, but KC Good Citizen work. After a couple of bad experiences in the training hall, she's now too worried to complete the 'Stay' exercise which is a great shame and has caused me some distress. I have some relationship re-building to do and it's an important wake-up call to me about trusting my own judgement when it comes to training for my dogs. Fortunately I don't think there's any lasting damage done and I expect we'll complete the training somewhere else. But even if we don't I must bear in mind the triviality of it - Ella's my ideal training buddy, and she doesn't need a certificate to prove it. She's done one better than that, she has the trophies to prove it :-))

Today I'm grateful to my husband for his unwavering love and support, on which I have had to lean on so heavily in the last couple of days. "Love is like the air we breathe. It may not always be seen, but it is always felt, used and needed".

January Newsletter

2010-01-08T08:15:00.000-08:00

Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) Membership

Gemma Osmond, MAPDT 01069

We are pleased to report that last year Gemma applied to join the APDT, and after an assessment in October was approved for membership. The purpose of the APDT is to ‘offer pet dog owners a guarantee of quality when looking for a puppy and dog training class in their area’. Gemma felt it was important to join the organisation so that our current and future students could have further confidence in the services we provide, and to set us apart from the ‘old school’ trainers who still believe in using coercive and punitive techniques and equipment. For further information about the APDT, please visit their website: http://www.apdt.co.uk/

Puppy News

Just before Christmas, Gemma was delighted to welcome 10-week-old Shetland Sheepdog ‘Diva’ into her already busy household! Gemma has wanted to re-join the ranks of the Small/ Medium handlers in KC competition for sometime, since the retirement of her parent’s Medium terrier, Toby. This coupled with the fact that one of her best friends dogs measures into Small and therefore she finds herself ringside of Small/ Medium classes on a regular basis, prompted her search for her own little dog. So far Diva is everything Gemma hoped she would be – bright, bold and eager to learn. They have already started Puppy Socialisation classes with Leanne Barnes of ‘Animal Understanding’, and are looking forward to going onto do their KC Good Citizen awards under Sue James’ instruction at Burnham-on-Sea Training Club.

Price Increase

Gemma started Daybreak Dog Training to offer excellent dog training in both the basics and agility, with a view to earning enough money from teaching that she could continue to train and compete with her own dogs. In researching classes for her new puppy, she was surprised to find that Daybreak’s prices were considerably lower than other similarly and sometimes less qualified instructors than Sue & herself. That alongside increases in show entry fees necessitates a price rise from £5.00/lesson to £6.50/lesson from 27th February 2010. There will also be no discounts applicable for under 16’s after that time. The price of 1-2-1’s will remain the same at £20.00/ hour.

Class Changes

During the Christmas break, Sue & I met up to discuss your classes as we do on a regular basis; to make sure we’re providing you with the very best training for your needs. As you can imagine, it isn’t always easy getting the right balance of dogs & handlers within a group, as progress will be different from each individual partnership. However we feel that the re-arranged groups that we have come up with will allow everyone to get the most from their sessions, and these new groups are from immediate effect. We have also had to change the start times for some handlers – please contact me if you are unable to make the new time:

Start time Class
10.00am Beginners
11.00am G1-3 Agility
12.00pm Improvers

Beginners:
1. Natalie & Billy
2. Norma & Razzle
3. Lynda & Meghan
4. Matt & Colin
5. Sophie & Jasper

Improvers:
1. Catriona & Finn
2. Joan & Jake
3. Kate & Toby
4. Sally & Max
5. Sara & Baloo

G1-3 Agility:
1. Hazel & Lily
2. Emma & Raffy
3. Susan & Monty
4. Becky & Inca
5. Anne & Lacey
6. Jenni & Dylan
7. Catriona & George
8. Sara & Blaze/ Oliver
9. Sarian & Tui

You will notice that the G1-3 Agility group is bigger than our usual number of 6 dogs per group. As such we have enlisted the help of Helen Sharp as assistant instructor to Sue. However we do not expect to have a whole class of 9 to teach, as some of people are only able to make class infrequently – so don’t panic if your name is on this list, it’s not as big as it first appears!

Assistant Instructor - Helen Sharp

We are pleased to welcome Helen to our team of instructors at Daybreak, as Assistant Instructor to Sue James in her G1-3 Agility group. Helen is an instructor at Severnside Dog Agility Club, and a regular agility competitor with her Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Hattie. 2009 was their first season of competition and it was a very good start to their competitive agility career, seeing them move from KC Grade 1 to 4, and UKA Beginners to Senior. Helen is a student of Martin Tait at ‘Dervish Agility’, as well as Gemma here at Daybreak so we’re positive that the G1-3 Agility class will enjoy and benefit from her instruction.

Dates for your diary

Here are the dates for the next two training blocks. These dates take us up until we move to the Spring/ Summer training schedule. Please could you begin to think about which evenings you would prefer to be training and let either Sue or myself know your thoughts – gemma@daybreakdogs.co.uk

1st 6 week block £30

16th January (1st session back)
23rd January
30th January
6th February
13th February
20th February

2nd 5 week block £32.50

27th February
6th March
13th March – CRUFTS, NO TRAINING
20th March
27th March
10th April

‘Ask Why? Say No!’ Campaign

This campaign is being jointly run by COAPE (Centre Of Applied Pet Ethology) & CAPBT (COAPE Association of Pet Behaviourists & Trainers). This is the statement that they are looking for people to support:

There are still huge numbers of ‘stamp and jerk’ dog trainers and whisperers at large with their choke chains, spiked collars, shock collars, rape alarms, correction sticks and bullying attitudes who haven’t chosen to move on into the humane, modern age of dog training.

ASK WHY? of those trainers who still want to be cruel to dogs by training with punishment, correcting jerks and coercion when kind training methods are so much better, and are so very widely known and applied all over the world these days?

ASK WHY? of those ‘behaviourists’ who persist in deploying those long out-of-date ‘dominance reduction’ and one-size-fits-all ‘nothing in life is free’ programmes in the name of behavioural therapy. Why are they telling you to ignore and thus punish your dog? Don’t they know that this threatens the bond you have with your dog and potentially inflicts huge psychological damage on him? Click Here for more information.

‘SAY NO!’ to all of them! There is no such thing as ‘Being Cruel to be Kind’ in the name of dog training or behaviour therapy. Such dog trainers, whisperers and behaviourists are simply being ‘Cruel to be Cruel’ with these long outdated, inhumane and discredited techniques.

Don't be fooled by the fact that they may be members of some institute, council or guild. Ask to see their Code of Conduct. If they don't have one, ‘SAY NO!’ and walk away. If they do have one, see what techniques and equipment are NOT excluded and so might be employed with your dog. ASK WHY they might want to abuse your dog with any such unpleasantness, then, if you are not satisfied that your dog will be safe from harm, protect him! ‘SAY NO!’ and walk away.

If you would like further information and an opportunity to support the campaign by signing their online petition as Gemma & Sue have already done, please visit their website: http://www.coape.org/awsn.html

Welfare in Dog Training

Following on from the ‘Ask Why? Say No!’ campaign, we feel the ‘Welfare in Dog Training’ website (http://www.dogwelfarecampaign.org/) has some very valuable information that all dog owners should be interested to read. Do let us know your thoughts – dog training talk is one of Gemma & Sue’s favourite activities!

Online Feedback Form

We’re very keen to know how you’re all enjoying training and what you think of Daybreak Dog Training as a whole. We have put together an online feedback survey form that should only take a few minutes to complete. If you could spare the time we would be very grateful! Here’s the link you need: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/P3QDQKL

In case of class cancellations

Should we have to cancel a class we will do our utmost to contact you in plenty of time so that you don’t waste petrol travelling to a class that won’t be happening. We will also be using our online blog (http://daybreakdogs.blogspot.com/) more to keep everyone up-to-date with any changes to classes, so please do add it to your internet browser’s favourites to keep up with the latest news. If nothing else you can follow Gemma’s progress with her new puppy’s hooligan antics, and smile that even the best of us go through trials and tribulations with each new dog that joins the family! J

Lastly, Gemma & Sue would like to wish you all a happy & successful 2010, and look forward to seeing you back at training on Wednesday 6th January and Saturday 16th January (all classes).

Happy Training Everyone!

Puppy progress

2009-12-30T12:15:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I dare write this down, but I'm so pleased I think I'm going to have to - Diva hasn't had an accident indoors for 5 whole days! What a clever, little puppy! I am very proud of her, as today I've watched her take herself outdoors a couple of times to go to the toilet - it does help that we have a cat flap that she's prepared to use. She looks kind of surprised when I rush out to tell her what a good girl she is, but pleased nonetheless for having a bit of fuss :-)

I am really enjoying bringing Diva up, and I feel happy and confident that we're on the right track for our particular journey. I have been in debate with our puppy school instructor on some of the socialising opportunities with the other pups, as I have erred on the side of caution rather than let Diva have a bad experience by playing with the bigger puppies. Plus I don't want her to learn that other dogs might be more interesting than my good self :-) Admittedly even Martin Tait thinks I'm being woosy. But regardless of what other people think, I need to be comfortable with the decisions I make for MY puppy and she will have faith in me as long as I do. Self belief is at the crux of dog training as dog's know when our heart isn't in something. It's my unwavering belief in the knowledge that I have raised 4 other puppies who's company I now enjoy as adults, that gives me the confidence to say that this puppy will be another great dog too.

The science and understanding of dog training is constantly expanding. That along with the fact that each dog we ever train will be different from the one that went before, means that we shouldn't ever believe that there isn't more we can learn. I recently came across this link with some fascinating information regarding the concepts of pack dynamics and the dominance theory which is so often bandied about. It makes for interesting reading, so have a read and let me know what you think:

http://www.dogwelfarecampaign.org/

Today I am grateful for the wealth of information available to me and my dog training peers, and the buzz I get out of learning about my favourite subject.

Late Christmas Eve

2009-12-24T15:35:00.000-08:00

My mum and I have not long finished my youngest son Callum's Christmas sack. It's a big, padded sack in Christmassy material, with his name embroidered in green on the front. My eldest Jamie has one too, made for him for his first Christmas. I can't believe that his time last year I was pregnant with Callum, and the year before that with Jamie! He will be 2 years old in a couple of weeks time, and it's hard to believe that all that time has gone by. We can't imagine our lives without our beautiful children and we really do celebrate the fact that our family has been so blessed to have them.

Today I am grateful for my Mum who is such a constant source of love for me and my little family. I couldn't have made Callum's Christmas sack without her, and she is one of the few who understand just how important it is that these small things get done. Happy Christmas everyone!

"Gosh you have your hands full!"

2009-12-14T13:32:00.001-08:00

Now admittedly I was a little tired when what felt like the HUNDREDTH person said this to me this morning when I was out walking the dogs, but really! What do they expect me to say?? How would they suggest I walk my dogs without the children being present, and frankly as my dogs are so lovely and generally well-behaved (note I don't say perfect!) I'm often in a better position to cope than the owners with one naughty dog! Okay, rant over!

Little Diva has now been home a week and Lel commented earlier that she's sparkier and more confident every time she sees her. I'm really pleased with that, I had hoped she was but it's sometimes difficult to be objective when you're with them all the time. We really are working hard on socializing opportunities and varying the context in which she experiences different things. Earlier I had to bring my friend Lizzie's horses in and as I was driving to Cardiff afterwards, I had them all out to give them a chance to go to the toilet whilst I was walking the horses in. Diva's face was a picture as she realised the scale of the 'dog' her mum was putting a headcollar on, but she trotted close by on the way back with no worries. Amazing considering the incredible size difference - a very brave little lady indeed!

Another long day ahead of me tomorrow so will sign off now, but just wanted to let everyone know how Diva's getting on. Thanks to everyone who keeps asking after her, I'm very pleased with her and I definitely made the right choice bringing her home.

Today I'm grateful for my canine teachers past and present, for giving me the knowledge to bring up Diva to be a strong, confident little dog.

Progress report

2009-12-10T08:20:00.001-08:00

Diva has been settling in nicely. Kai & Ella are suffering her at present, but I do see the occasional moment of warmth so the time will definitely come when it's all three of them against the world. Toilet training is getting there - had to remind myself to restrict access to help her avoid making mistakes, but I think she's getting the hang of going out in the garden. Just starting to use a word for her to associate the action with it now too - it's such a useful thing to have them go to the toilet on command.

Socialisation program is in progress and happy that we're heading in the right direction. She's been introduced to lots of different people, and has visited our parents homes as well as Mike's work. As well as car rides at the beginning of the week, we introduced the van and she's now travelling happily in there too. We've had a go with feeding a meal or two in a Puppy Kong, which was very funny to watch the first time - she didn't really understand what to do at all! She's quite noise sensitive which I'm familiar with because of the collies, so we're gradually desensitizing her by exposing her to various situations likes shops/ roads etc. We've also had a CD playing various sounds, gradually increasing the volume. She takes more notice of it than Kai & Ella so it's definitely a useful tool to have.

Diva's now used to her rather smart puppy collar, but I've decided I will teach her about the lead once I have a harness for her. I'm concerned if she were to panic and run then she might jolt her neck on a collar, and it's such a small neck! So that's the plan for tomorrow morning, to find a suitable small harness for her. Other than that we've been to our first puppy socialisation class with Leanne Barnes, had a vet check with Sue Yeo, and I'm pleased with her promise for playing tuggy with me - even in situations where there's a lot going on. She's also a big foody, and even if she's a bit worried about something then she'll usually take a tasty treat!

Training wise I introduced/ loaded the clicker with her breakfast meal this morning, and my plan is to see if I can avoid luring the usual behaviours such as sit/ down/ stand etc. We had a little training session earlier to do the 'Sit' and she was so delightful to work with - so eager and excitable. Learning is a lovely game as far as she's concerned, and I have every intention that it will always be so.

Today I'm grateful for my Dad who helped his daughter when she needed him - he's the best :-)

Introducing...

2009-12-07T12:33:00.001-08:00

Meet Diva! She is a tricolour shetland sheepdog puppy, who will be 10 weeks this Wednesday. We collected her from her breeders in Llanelli around midday today, and despite the long drive home she was quite content in the car - no fear, no accidents. Very happy to be cuddled :-)

We waited until today to collect her as we were away over the weekend for Mike's 30th birthday, down in Cornwall. As well as relaxing, I confess quite a few dog training books/ manuals made it down in my bag! It's been a while since we've had a puppy in the house (Ella's going to be 4 in March) so I just wanted to refresh my memory a bit before Diva came home. From what I do recall, due to the fact that Ella joined us in the wake of Kai's devastating accident (which saw the removal of his front right leg) I didn't dare trust my instincts when it came to raising her in the early days. I read a lot before she came home then too, but I'm a different person to the one that brought that tiny collie pup home.

My knowledge of dog training is constantly expanding, and Diva will benefit from a host of new training ideas and principles that Toby & Lucy, my first dogs, were never introduced to. And you know what - Diva will miss out on stuff that I will learn in the future, just as they have done. Will that make them enjoy their training less, or be lesser dogs because of it? Not a chance. Something that I have inspired in all my dogs is their desire to work for and please me - even those pesky terriers that I started with almost 10 years ago. My methods for teaching are better than they were then, but it's no good knowing a library full of theory unless you're able to put it into practice. For that you need empathy and understanding, and a sincere resolution to give your all - just as you expect your dog to do. I think that's what I do rather well, and I thank all the dogs both past and present who have helped me to become the handler that I am today.

So baby Diva, I have a stack of training ideas and concepts that will be rolled out in your training in the weeks to come; but first and foremost I'll be going with my instincts as to what I believe is best for you. Building a relationship and a solid foundation of trust and understanding is my top priority. I'm already proud of you and how you've coped with a busy first day - looking forward to what's to come!

Today I'm grateful for my mother-in-law for having our beautiful children for us whilst we were away, and for the wonderful weekend Mike and I shared together :-)

New Judges at Severnside!

2009-11-30T12:59:00.000-08:00

Am extremely proud to report that Brendan Sweeney, Sue James and myself are now fully qualified KC agility judges!! Thank you Dave for a very enjoyable and informative weekend, and our wonderful handlers & dogs who turned up on Sunday afternoon for us all to judge, despite the horrible weather conditions!

Today I'm grateful for the great family & friends I have who supported me in becoming an agility judge!

Judging seminar this weekend

2009-11-27T11:55:00.000-08:00

It's going to be a very busy weekend! Mike turns 30 next Thursday, so as well as the judging seminar I'm co-organising with Martin Tait, I have a 30th birthday party to go to on Saturday night as well! Let's hope I'm in a fit state for the practical exam on Sunday afternoon :-)) Hope to post news on Monday that all 3 Severnside members that are attending (Brendan Sweeney, Sue James and myself) the course have passed. Fingers crossed!

Today I'm grateful for the support network I have around me, for my family and my agility plans.

Training this Saturday

2009-11-12T03:17:00.001-08:00

Sue James is going to be manning the fort this Saturday, as I will be venturing down to the Dartmoor agility show in Okehampton. We are entered into 2 classes - Large Agility Graded 5, 6 and 7, and Large Jumping Graded 5, 6, and 7. This will be our first G5 classes as we haven't had another show since September and Ella's G4 win at Gillingham. I'm very happy with her since she's been back from her 3 weeks off, she's working really well and is possibly even faster than she was before! I was in two minds about entering this show, but I feel it will help prepare me for the sort of courses we'll be running next year so it's worth the trip. Just trying to ignore that fact that Hazel and Martin Tait will be picking me up at 6am on Saturday - we must be mad!

It's been a crazy week. My parents have been unwell and as my Dad is a fellow dog walker for people, I've been helping to cover his dogs as well as my own. We've been waiting an operation for Dad for sometime as he has a couple of things that need fixing, and it's had him quite run down. The nasty sickness bug that has been going around our families really knocked him for six this week, and he was taken into hospital yesterday to replace some of those lost fluids with a drip. He feels much better this morning and we're going into visit him a little later on today to find out what the plan is - he was supposed to be having his operation today, but of course that will now have to be delayed.

Today I am grateful for my Dad feeling better and for the good health of all the people and animals I love - it's something that is so easily taken for granted.

In pursuit of excellence..

2009-11-01T13:49:00.000-08:00

This is going to be short - it's been a very long weekend! Just wanted to post how pleased I was with my clever, talented and beautiful collie dog tonight. Since having 3 weeks off agility, she has come back fitter and possibly even better than she was before. There is a little rust to be dusted off my handling skills, but tonight we had a final exercise which was the cherry on top of a very good session. The 'scoop' skill which I had found so difficult and frustrating just a few days earlier at Martin Tait's training venue in Hinton, I applied to the finish of an exercise that led into the weave poles. My timing was spot on and she turned from into me, over the jump and through the weaves. Needless to say I was delighted, but to top it off Martin clapped us - he actually clapped us as we had finished!! :-)

Tonight I'm glad that I had the courage to put into practice something that I had recently found difficult. We cannot achieve excellence if we don't push beyond our comfort zone, and our expectations should never limit us to an average performance. The sky is the limit, we can do anything if we only believe. And what a dog I have to believe in me :-)

Another week to go..

2009-10-20T13:12:00.000-07:00

We went up to the SMART clinic again on Monday, and whilst Kai is dramatically better, Ella could really do with another week off. I have no desperate problem with that, only that I love training my special girl and I miss it! Made up for it a bit tonight by joining a KC Good Citizen class along with Lel & Hattie. I think they were both surprised when we led them into a room with no agility equipment, but more than happy to take the treats that were being freely handed out for what I'm sure they consider quite basic behaviours! I was especially pleased with Ella's loose lead walking - was starting to have a touch of the heelwork about it. I can always trust her to give her very best, and tonight was no exception.

What Lel and I found great about both girls, was their eagerness to offer behaviours in a bid to work out what was required of them. Hattie in particular has never done much in the way of obedience work, but was happy to try things out to see if it would earn her a reward. I think this is testimony to their great work ethics and a reminder of how important it is to lay a solid foundation right from the start of a relationship with a dog.

Today I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work my dog and for the aptitude she showed in every task I asked of her. I feel blessed to have owned and worked such fabulous dogs in my short time as a dog trainer.

Post-agility season blues

2009-10-15T11:28:00.000-07:00

I am definitely having withdrawal symptoms now that weekends don't involve agility shows - I do worry about what this says about me as a person, but there it is! This is not helped by my lovely dog being off work for two weeks (hopefully only 3 more days to go - and counting!) which has meant I'm not getting to enjoy any agility training with my dog at all. This has led me to thinking about next years puppy plans, as it would definitely ease my blues if I had another dog to train right now.

I have a number of different ideas about what next year might hold for me on the dog front, and I'm both excited and daunted by the options available to me. But what I do know is that even without a new puppy, next year is going to be a challenging and enjoyable one because of the amazing dog I already run in agility. Ella requires me to be precise, well-informed, quick thinking and positive - to name just a few qualities she demands! I sometimes find it hard to be the agility partner that she deserves, but what's lovely about her is that she forgives generously and is always ready to give me another chance. When I re-read what I've written, I realise that our dogs probably teach us more than just what it is to be a good agility partner.

Today I am grateful for the many special moments that shone on my little world throughout the day.

SMART Clinic visit

2009-10-05T11:35:00.000-07:00

Today Kai, Ella, Hattie and I visited Lowri Davies at the SMART clinic in Cardiff. Hattie was only with us for the ride, but think she quite enjoyed herself - there was plenty of liver cake going around :-)

I have noticed that Kai is slowing down, and am grateful that friends were able to recommend the clinic which is for veterinary rehabilitation by referral from your own vet. I was distressed to learn how much pain my boy is in on a day to day basis, and that he seems to be lame in his back right leg. The slowing down is obviously a result of the ongoing discomfort he is in, and I'm not ashamed to admit I shed a few tears on hearing Lowri's assessment of him. It's a credit to him that he takes life in his stride and doesn't let this bother him as much as he could. What's comforting to me is that he enjoys attention from anyone, even vets! He happily let Lowri administer acupuncture, and although a little worried, did well in the water treadmill. We have some exercises to do before we see her next week and I hope that these will ease his discomfort and I may have many more years left to enjoy him in.

What was somewhat surprising from the visit, was how much Lowri felt Ella's old broken leg injury was affecting her current movement. Plus the lack of movement she has down her lower back - she works like a hinge at the moment, head and shoulder doing most of the work. I can't say Ella enjoyed the visit quite as much as Kai, as she's a bit of a baby really, but she let Lowri do some acupuncture on her, and did some walking on the water treadmill too. She's been given 2 weeks off work - which I hope doesn't put her off Lowri for life :-) - so my off-season with her is starting nice and gently! We're not sure how long it will take to re-train her to balance herself better, but as she's young and fit we hope it won't be too long. My only worry is that Lowri feels that by removing her pain, she's likely to move even faster than she does currently. Good Lord! :-))

I'm glad I was presented with the opportunity to better improve my dog's lives, and only wish that perhaps I could have had Lowri to consult with around Kai's accident. However we discussed this and both agreed - each of us can only do our best with the information we have available to us at that time. Life would be easy with the benefit of hindsight to make decisions, but as that isn't how it works it's futile to spend too long thinking about it. Instead we should move forward and appreciate that we are better informed than before and with more life experience than we did previously. Each of our dogs will teach us something, in Kai's case he has taught me many things and for that I truly rejoice for his place in my life.

Today I am grateful to my Dad for taking care of my darling children, and in doing so freeing me up to take better care of the other important beings in my life.

Photo from Severnside demo

2009-09-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

Here's my darling little toddler Jamie, thumb in mouth, tired out from a lovely day demonstrating agility at the RSPCA's dog show in Ashton Court - the dogs were brilliant and are enjoying a well earned break in the waterhole. Thanks to Fiona Melford for the great shot! :-)

Devon Dogs & Honiton show

2009-09-26T11:18:00.000-07:00

Some FAN-tastic news - Lel and Hattie won Gd. 1-3 Small Agility and came 2nd in Gd. 1-3 Small Jumping. What a way to turn G4 - congratulations to them both, what a brilliant team they both make! We're going back for more tomorrow, so will report more then...

Today I'm grateful for my best friend winning up to G4 with her lovely little dog, and the celebrations which are just about to start :-))

Off-Season Talk

2009-09-24T07:50:00.000-07:00

PLANNING YOUR OFF-SEASON

Gemma Osmond

Friday 2nd October 2009
7.30pm for 8.00pm
Prince of Orange Pub,
17, High St, Yatton, Bristol, Avon BS49 4JD
£5 per person

The agility year works in a cycle of pre-season, competition season and off-season. Roughly speaking the off-season runs between October – December, and this is where the bulk of any re-training work should be done.

Working out where you need to begin can be overwhelming if you’ve been disappointed with your performance throughout the competition season. But a good place to start is by answering the following questions:

Have you enjoyed competing with your dog this year?
Were you successful and achieve what you wanted to this year?
Did you start the year with a clear idea of what it is you wanted?

This talk is designed to get you thinking about the ‘why’ behind your answers to these questions. Once we can work out the ‘why’, we can better plan your goals and aspirations for the 2010 competition season, and what you need to use your off-season for.

The beauty of being in a club is people around you for support, through cheering at the good times to commiserating at the bad. My aim is that by sharing our hopes and disappointments, we can better support each other in planning and achieving our goals.

Things to bring:

Pen and notebook
Record of competition results this year if available

Bromsgrove show

2009-09-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

A beautiful day weather wise, but lonely travelling up to Holt Heath near Worcester without my usual competition buddies Lel & Hattie. Think Ella felt it too, we were a little out of sorts all day. After last weekend's excitement today was always going to be about proofing our contacts, but it was still a little disappointing that she needs reminding. In our first class of the day she self-released the A-frame straight off, and then again after I'd put her back! She hadn't had breakfast at that point, that's my only excuse for her! The see-saw amd dog walk that followed were better, but still not perfect.

Our jumping course was nice, but have a niggling worry that she self-released fractionally early from her wait on the startline. I think I might just a bit paranoid at the moment! What I definitely wasn't paranoid about was watching her race off without completing the last two weave poles in a set of 12 - not impressed! However used it as a training opportunity and set her up for a tough entry. She failed to cut back in for the 2nd pole the first time, but got it the 2nd and completed the whole lot properly. By this point though we were a little out of sorts, and when she banged herself coming out of the tunnel I gave up. Not terribly proud of myself, but was frustrated as the jumping was our only real chance of an exciting placing.

The last course of the day was the Burns Adams Novice Derby, which was a power and speed type course. Firstly they had to complete the dog walk, a spread jump, long jump, A-frame and see-saw (un-timed) and then if un-faulted, continue over a jumping course. She stopped on her dog-walk, but crashed the spread that came after it. Training note there! Plus I think she knocked the last plank on the long jump, something I knew could do with a little work anyway. The a-frame she self-released on and was firmly replaced (getting frustrated by this point!!) but then did her see-saw properly. The lesson still needs reminding, but it isn't as far away as I am apt to worry.

Today I'm grateful for the opportunity to work with such an intelligent agility partner, who is constantly expanding my knowledge of dog training and pushing me to be the best that I can be.

Gillingham show

2009-09-12T09:59:00.001-07:00

Great day at Gillingham show - have the rosy, sunkissed cheeks to prove it! 2 great E's early on where Ella gave me 2 perfect sets of 12 weave poles, and 3 classic Ella contacts - 2 handling mistakes on my part caused the E's. So very up for the G4 Agility class - happy to say was clear and fast. With a little panic over the fact that tickets had been mixed up and somehow Ella's ticket had been tarnished with an undeserved 'E', we re-ran for time and did it even better than before. Straight into the lead and there we stayed - 1st place in our first G4 show :-))

Today I am grateful for my extraordinary dog and our very special relationship. Now a G5 partnership!

Prestbury Park

2009-09-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

What a lovely venue! It took around an hour and a quarter to get there, but was really lovely so will definitely want to enter next year. We worked a ring for Sue Yeo (Severnside's club chairwoman) with some great camaraderie, leg pulling and general merriment - lots of fun! One of the great things about the show was the fact that there were 4 runs per dog each day. Saturday started with the Team Dash event - 5 for a missed weave entry (handling error on my part), and 5 for a knocked pole - must keep mouth shut whilst Ella is jumping! Agility was next, 3 lovely held contacts, 12 weaves - trouble was in trying to straighten her up for the dog walk I sent her into the tunnel. A shame; as E's go it was a good 'un! Some great work in the collie jumping, just couldn't keep it up towards the end and made another E. Jumping at the end of the day was a good course (Sue Yeo's!) but messed up weaves part way through. Later investigation showed that during the day dogs had dug up the ground around the weaves and they weren't very straight at all. Not a great design of weaves really, Adams Agility don't normally have that issue. Last but not least, my gorgeous Kai-kai gave me a clear in the Any Size - broke his wait on the startline, but responded so well around the rest of the course I didn't have the heart to chastise him much. Never mind, some good things to go forward into Sunday with.

Only managed 3 of my 4 runs today - no exciting news either I'm afraid! Knocked bar in the Agility for 5 faults, but 3 perfect contacts and clean 6 weaves. Pairs jumping, perfect 12 weaves but so excited about that I didn't control her into the jumps that followed - durhh! Nice round otherwise though. Lastly, missed walking the 3-5 Agility so watched a few dogs go round before we had to leave and joined the queue. Didn't handle it as well as I would have liked, but did okay - until the last jump when I relaxed too early and pulled her off the final jump. Oooh could have kicked myself! Not desperately unhappy though - another perfect 12 weave poles. 100% record today - my clever girlie! :-))

Next weekend is Ella's first Grade 4 classes, which should be exciting. My plan this week is to be well rested going into the weekend, as I've been more tired than usual this weekend and I think it's shown in my handling. This years show campaign is nearly at a close so I just need to find some reserves to get me through these last few shows, and then I can rest up and take a little time off.

Today I am enormously grateful for the privilege of competing with two of the best dogs in the world, and doing so alongside such great friends and their precious dogs.

UKA Staverton & Dog Vegas

2009-08-31T00:13:00.000-07:00

What a long weekend! Thank goodness it's a Bank Holiday otherwise I don't know how we'd have done it, we didn't get home until midnight last night after being stuck in traffic on the motorway back from Scunthorpe. However I'm still glad we went all that way, there's something special about the first final with your dog, even when things don't go to plan!

Anyway, Staverton first on the Saturday - not a great day as I was very wound up about what was to come on the Sunday, and could have done much better than I did. A last minute 'E' in the Gamblers was disappointing, but it was miles better than the last one I tried to do so I'm definitely going to enter more of those - it was quite good fun. Jumping was next and just turned off a fraction too early and brought Ella inside a jump wing, so another 'E', but heartened by a lovely 12 weaves later in the course - can't now imagine what her coming out of the last 2 poles looks like which is fabulous! Picked myself up after that and gave myself bit of a shake - thanks to Sue James for listening to my woes and reminding me how much I love my sport and really how good Ella & I are at it. So went into our Steeplechase course properly and did a cracking clear - 1st place and 6 points off Senior, happy days! Agility was right at the end of the day, but worth waiting for as it was a nice course to run. Sadly missing lunch earlier in the day had left me a little light-headed and I gave Ella's weave command far, far too late - 5 for skipping the 2nd pole but beautiful for the rest of the 12 poles after that.

Dog Vegas started well - I had strict instructions from Martin Tait about holding contacts as now Ella's won out of Grade 3 there's no need to push them. Lovely clear with 6 weaves out of a tunnel and no worries on her entry, plus me crossing behind which was great. The lovely blue & silver 8th place rosette was nice too :-)) In the next agility round Ella was high as a kite (I later found she needed to go to the toilet - good reminder before Final!) and I thought I would test her dog walk contact by quick releasing on the A-frame that came before. As expected she released herself so I was able to correct her, and she then was more careful to remember her criteria on the see-saw, and finished the round with a fast entry into 6 weaves. G3-5 Jumping was next and what I would describe as our first 'grown up' course, although nothing that Martin wouldn't set me as a quick warm up! Clear till the weaves where I think I ended up in her way and 5 for skipping the 2nd pole. She went back in beautifully to complete the 12 poles, so I was very pleased.

The Final course was a nice course which I felt would really suit Ella, and I'm really pleased with how I stayed calm & focused leading up to the start of it. I walked it straight after the judge had finished setting it and decided what I would need to do. I planned to be brave and let her pick up the see-saw out of the tunnel by herself and layer the jump off of it for a front cross. When I walked it the tunnel should have shot them out straight so that picking it up would have been no problem - sadly after I'd walked it the angle was changed slightly, so I ended up with a very eager Ella running directly to me instead!

Looking back (and esp. from this camera angle) I'm not sure if:

a) My original handling decision would have been correct
b) Did I tell her her command for see-saw early enough (or at all!)?
c) As I wasn't moving as she entered the tunnel would she have still come out looking for me anyway?
d) Would it have worked but I wasn't on the correct line I needed to be on?

Whilst I'm disappointed, I'm not going to jump off a bridge anytime soon - mistakes are opportunities to learn, and this isn't Ella's last final. Does my dog know or care frankly (!) that we didn't win? She had her enthusiastic game of tuggy at the end of her job as she always does, and she did everything I asked of her so she had no complaints from me about anything she did. I learnt that I can cope with the pressure of a final and still run my dog as I should, and that I'm brave about the handling choices I make - albeit it for the worse in this instance! Next time I think I'll probably opt for the safe option rather than the spectacular, unless I have a 2nd opinion on it from Martin Tait first! :-))

Today I'm grateful for having a wonderful dog to compete with, a great big snuggly one to welcome me when I return to the van, my dog agility van itself, Jan Sage & Lexi winning G1 Agility whilst we were up at Dog Vegas and going G2!, my parents for looking after my darling children whilst we were away, and last but by no means least, my loving, supportive husband for going all that way with me - and for always being right by my side whenever I need him.

KC International Festival

2009-08-16T11:02:00.000-07:00

Friday
Quite the biggest show I have ever been to - agility rings as far as the eye could see! We arrived at the show on Friday morning with only 15 minutes to walk our courses, and both Lel and I were quite overwhelmed by the magnitude of the place. I managed to walk two of the three courses I had to run for the day (the Novice Cup ones which I wanted to focus on), and then I really started to work myself up into a bit of a tiz! The courses themselves were great - just the sort of thing Ella and I could get our teeth into. Unfortunately each class had 12 weave poles - something which I admit I was a bit nervous about. I was right to be a bit worried - she hit her entries fast but clear; in one class she managed to stay in despite knocking herself in the face with the 2nd pole bless her! But in each class she came out two poles from the end, excitement proving too much for my clever girl. I had feared my proofing of 12 weave poles wasn't complete - she showed me that I need to invest a bit more time to make them foolproof. That was disappointing, but worse was how badly I handled the rest of two of the courses - nerves just throwing me out. I redeemed myself in my final class of the day - the Novice Cup Agility, where despite her coming out at the last pole and needing to re-do them, I worked the rest of the course much better and didn't get her E'd. Small relief, but I'm lucky to have a forgiving dog who's always up for trying again, so no permanent damage.

Saturday
Saturday morning came and we set off with much more time to spare and as a result it was a much calmer atmosphere in the Osmond camp! Also I had made the decision not to run classes where there were 12 weave poles as I don't want any more failures until I'm in a position to reward/ correct as appropriate - the competition ring just isn't the place for that. So I was really pleased that 2 out of my 3 classes for the day had 6 weave poles. What I'm about to write next fills me with pride and pleasure - in Ella's Grade 3 Agility class of 234 dogs, she went clear and straight into the lead with a whole second to spare - despite me almost messing up the end by trying to put in a pull through where there wasn't one! Bursting with excitement and feeling a bit sick frankly, we went over to do our Grade 3 Jumping class. I hadn't managed to walk it and had Lel (who had run it earlier with Hattie) talking me through the course with only 1 dog in front of me in the queue! Deep breath then and fingers crossed - straight round with winged heels, clean set of weaves at such speed (!) - into the lead there too!!

Our final placings were:
Grade 3 Agility Large Part 2, judged by Linda Hutchinson (234 dogs) - 1st!
Grade 3 Jumping Large Part 1, judged by Cathy Keith (238 dogs) - 2nd!

Sunday
Sticking with my decision not to put her at a set of 12 poles, I only had a jumping class to run before we left at 11am this morning (getting back for babies). Another stunning round, marred only by her slipping in the weave poles and not being able to bend back in correctly after her entry. Lel commented that the judge seemed to be shaking his head in disappointment at her mistake, as that was her only mistake of the run - it was another first class performance from my first class dog.

Today I am grateful to my agility friends for their unwavering belief in my abilities as a handler, my family for their constant support of my agility dreams, and for my wonderful, fabulous, talented Ella. We're now a Grade 4 partnership! :-))

Leading up to our 1st KC Festival..

2009-08-11T08:21:00.000-07:00

Lovely weekend off with our little family which was just what I needed before the approaching festival. Ella's wins ought to have given me a lot of confidence going into the weekend, but I have to say I'm perhaps more nervous than ever! I know my gorgeous little girl can do it now, I have complete faith in every obstacle I send her at - including those weave poles! Just wish I could say the same about me! Life as a mum to two little boys is exhausting some days, and summoning up enough energy to be a worthy agility partner to Ella is hard going. Especially when she's clearly raring to go - it makes me very jealous :-)) Still, Martin Tait is over for our Daybreak competition group this evening so I anticipate a good session to buoy me up before Friday.

Now we've won into Grade 3 we're no longer eligible for the Starters Cup at the festival, so instead are in the Novice which is grades 3-5. What I need to remember is that this is effectively Ella & I's first year of competition and we have nothing to prove to anyone - we can come back next year with winning aims. This year is about getting back into the swing of competition and we're already being quite successful. This festival is about continuing the great work we've been doing in the ring, and investing in our relationship. Any wins will be a bonus, but they're not what we step into the ring for.

Today I'm grateful for my fantastic agility partner Ella, who's right beside me as I follow my agility dreams :-)

Blackdown Open show

2009-08-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

Great day! Not only did Ella nail two sets of 6 poles, she also won Large Jumping G1-2 and Large Jumping Combined 1-3. Ridiculously large grin plastered all over my face - I have such a great dog :-))

UKA Nationals week

2009-08-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

Not much to report as I only went up on Thursday for the day and did the majority of the runs as NFC (not for competition). The reason for this was to proof Ella's weaves in the ring - I'm delighted to say she had 2 successes straight off, and was most surprised to find her toy in front of her as her reward :-) What I did find though was repeating them made her a bit cross! I realised afterwards that I only repeat the weaves in competition when she's gone wrong. Something to bear in mind in the future - in our 2nd round I should have just done a couple and then carried on. As a result of carrying on we had a few failures, which were down to her getting frustrated. Still, not a major concern and she managed 3rd in the Novice steeplechase later on. She wasn't really going for it which I think may have been to do with wanting to get it right as she felt like she'd been wrong earlier. She's such a teacher's pet :-))

Tonight I'm grateful for my parents for having the boys overnight last night which allowed Mike & I to go out to the cinema and have a lazy lie in this morning. Bliss :-))

Weave re-training progress report

2009-07-23T13:03:00.000-07:00

Now I've been a bit slack in getting the clips onto the computer to share, with the result that I'm not sure of the order we did them in any more! However they have been useful to me as I've been looking at them back and working out our success percentage after each session. Just quietly, I'm very, very pleased with how it's going. Last night at Severnside club training I upped the ante again and put out two sets of six poles. Accurate and fast, just how I want her - so excited! The only distraction that I've been able to find to pull her out of the poles is throwing her toy early, but even then after a couple of tries she realised she had to stay in until she'd finished to earn her reward. I can swing her toy around in circles & squeak a squeaky toy right by her, but she just ignores me until she's done. Seriously impressed.

We're not at 100% yet though, the really tough entries (between 10-12 & 2-12) are still catching her out, but I'm using the first set of 2x2 poles to help her. By angling them just slightly to make the entry more inviting it really helped her to get the idea. Now I just need to work on me and we're ready for competition! I say work on me, because I'm still quite nervous about her actually doing it in the ring. Watching videos back from last weekend, I realise that I turn into a frightened rabbit when we reach the weaves in a course - not at all like the loud and enthusiastic training partner she's had to put up with all week! So the goal this weekend is to treat the weaves in the course just like I would at training. Nice early command, driving towards them, and cheering when she's doing them. We may make mistakes, but without making any mistakes it's difficult for her to distinguish exactly what is correct. And I know longer think to myself, 'we'll get there' as was a favourite saying of everyone's to me. I now believe that we're there :-)

Caerphilly show

2009-07-18T12:00:00.001-07:00

Just a quickie - must have tea and then probably up to bed, it's been a long day. But must post some great news - Ella & I won the First Contact Starters Qualifier, which means we're now Grade 3!

I have two of the best dogs and I'm so grateful to my friends Sue, Lel & Martin for supporting me this week with my weave re-training. It's not complete (we still made 2 mistakes in sets of weaves today) as I knew it wasn't when I left today, but we've come a long way in a week. Who knows what next weekend could bring??

Further 2x2 progress reports

2009-07-17T04:52:00.000-07:00

At our 6th session on the 2x2's we were training at Martin Tait's venue, and I forgot to bring my video camera away with us! So I was back to record keeping as we went along rather than the luxury of watching the footage back and recording from that.

It's going really, really well and I'm so pleased with our progress. Ella's attitude to the weaves seems to be changing before our very eyes - she's more thoughtful and seems to have a much better understanding of what I want from her in the weaves. We've now taken our weaving show on the road and been to both Martin Tait's outdoor venue and Severnside's indoor venue at Urchinwood Manor. I didn't anticipate any problems at Martin's, but did wonder if the indoor venue might over excite her and cause her to make silly mistakes. So it was great to see that she was still very focused and driven to succeed - just what I'm after!

Our next session will be the 11th time we've worked on the 2x2's and I'm going to move to 6 poles. I intend to really work the arc and rotate the poles slightly if necessary to help her achieve the entries. Later on today I hope we'll get to do a 12th session, and I'm aiming to stick with 6 poles but crank up the distraction of what I'm doing - running, taking off on a tangent, stopping suddenly, playing with a toy - anything to try and get mistakes that we can work through.

Today I'm so grateful for my wonderful dog who is teaching me so much about dog training this week, her great attitude to working with me, and her willingness to try new things. In truth I don't think it's just dog training I'm learning about this week :-)

2x2 Progress

2009-07-17T04:49:00.000-07:00

Re-training weaves - day 2's sessions

2009-07-15T02:14:00.000-07:00

Re-training Ella's weaves

2009-07-14T06:02:00.000-07:00

Too many shows have gone by now where we've had weave problems, and I'm just not prepared to carry on as we are. To give you a percentage, from the shows we've entered this year we only have a 40% success rate for the weaves - that's showing me that we need to re-think. So this week Ella and I are on a re-training journey, using Susan Garrett's 2x2 method. I'll aim to update our blog each day with our progress.

Tuffley Show

2009-07-09T03:46:00.000-07:00

Now before I read Susan Garrett's most recent dog training blog entry, I probably would have said Tuffley wasn't very positive as shows go. After all, Ella and I only managed 1 clear round the whole weekend and it wasn't placed as I'd taken my time setting her up for a correct weave approach. But Susan reminded me what I love about my training and most importantly, what I love most about my dog.

So here's the review of our Tuffley weekend. She gave me some great rounds - fast, accurate contacts, great responses to directions, and lots of speed and enthusiasm for her job. A pleasure to watch, never mind run! She also gave me some valuable information about her understanding of her weave poles, and has cemented the belief that I need to re-train in order to get the performance that I'm after. Being disappointed in her is not an option, I'm a better dog trainer than that and we will succeed!

With the exception of this evening I haven't done any training with her all week and we have this weekend off as it's our children's Naming Ceremony on Sunday. So I've focused on making the ceremony perfect for them and let Ella and I relax this week. Next Monday we will begin re-training the weaves with the 2x2's with the help of our friends Lel & possibly Martin & Hazel Tait. Any failures we have next week will be positive ones because they will help define the correct response that I want from her in her weave poles.

So today I'm grateful for my beautiful baby boys, my wonderful husband, family & friends, and my two fantastic dogs. Looking forward to Sunday and sharing our joy over our children with all our family & friends too!

Teamwork

2009-07-04T15:01:00.000-07:00

Some thoughts pre-Tuffley show

2009-07-03T11:06:00.000-07:00

Have trained my girlie twice this week, and have crystalised some of the thoughts I have about our weaving problem. Basically we're looking at a lack of self-control which stems from the great job I did teaching her that weaves are fun. So here's the deal; I created this problem so I can solve it by injecting some control in front of the weaves. More specifically, I will get her to 'Down' before the weaves and won't let her complete them unless she has complied. Ella has such fantastic self-control in her startlines and contacts, that I must take heart - this problem isn't an eternal thing. She has the brains and the ability to get this right, she might just need a bit of short-term help.

Most importantly, when I set out tomorrow with her I will be setting out with one of the most amazing dogs God ever put breath into. My good thing of this agility weekend will be, as it always is, her.

"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be your faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion."

Lansdown Action

2009-06-29T11:09:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Martin Tait for capturing some of Ella's runs for me:

Another Lansdown done and dusted

2009-06-28T11:54:00.000-07:00

Exhausted! But very pleased by how well another Lansdown show went, it's a real credit to both Severnside & Clifton agility clubs. Had a good day yesterday with a positive G1-2 Agility run (weave issue still there sadly!), and a fabulous (even if I do say so myself!) clear run in the Pedigree team event. Oooh she's good :-) Plus we were shades off winning the G1-2 Jumping at the end of the day, but my dozy dog ran over the last but one jump to the start line to find her toy for a job almost well done! Still, was very proud that Mark Douglas who was judging sought me out afterwards to tell me what a cracking round it was. She is a good girl, if a little dozy at times :-))

Today didn't quite pick off where we left off yesterday evening. Martin watched our rounds and felt she 'bullied' me into letting her do the weaves, so she wasn't controlled enough as she entered them and therefore made mistakes. I'm trying to take comfort from the fact that she now seems to be getting her entries okay, it's just bending back to complete them properly that's the problem now. Back to the drawing board!

However disappointed I might be not to have won a rosette this weekend though, I'm delighted at how many Severnside club members picked up. Notably one of the small Pedigree teams - 4 clear rounds earnt them first place and a place at Crufts 2010!! So we had a lovely pizza party with champagne on Saturday night to celebrate - it felt like a great achievement for the club, even those who aren't exactly small dog happy :-)) Then today, Caroline and Milo only went and won G2 Agility - she was shaking with excitement telling everyone, it was so lovely to see! Also Jan & Ruby went and won the G1 Jumping as well as being placed elsewhere too, Rhi & Jess placed, Rhi & Abbey placed, Helen & Eko won G3 Agility - I'm sure there were others but I'm so tired I can't remember properly!

So today I'm grateful for a lovely sunny weekend for our club show, the good fortune that shone on my friends, and my fantastic fabulous family for supporting me in what I love to do best. Great weekend all round really - roll on next year!!

Golden Valley DTC Show

2009-06-25T09:18:00.000-07:00

As I write this we're nearer Lansdown agility weekend than Golden Valley now, and I can't honestly tell you where the week has gone! We camped at Worcester last weekend along with Helen & Hattie next door for the first time. They enjoyed their weekend away and took away several placings - ladies I apologise profusely for not remembering exactly what! This is why I should write things down :-)

I do remember my own, if only because I have the rosettes on the dresser to remind me! Sue James & I ran in the pairs on the Saturday and came 2nd which was very exciting, and quite unexpected really. Ella's weaves were a bit dubious last weekend and there were 6 poles in the pairs class. But we did them, which I have to admit did cheer me up - well done Sue for not letting me back out of running her. Sunday was more positive again - 4 clears in the Team Dash for Severnside Red (or Green, memory failure again!) led to a 4th place, and just outside qualification for the final. Ella & I ran last and I didn't watch the others run, just focused on us. I'm glad I didn't realise everyone else had gone clear, I don't think it would have been good for my nerves :0)) Finally, Ella & I came 3rd in the Collie Sprint class (jumps & tunnels - no weaves - bliss!), with plenty of room for improvement on our time. It's nice to know she's competitive time-wise despite her handler ;0)

Ooh and that wasn't quite all - Hazel Tait let me run her Molly in the G6-7 Agility. Brain went a bit mushy as it was this run and then home, but I drove at the equipment and don't think I did too badly. Martin Tait may disagree though :-)

Anyway, have lots of agility thoughts that I'd like to write about, but have training this evening in Hinton so must go and have tea otherwise I'll be starving and won't be able to concentrate.

Thames DTS Agility show

2009-06-14T13:39:00.001-07:00

Another great day, although no trophies to show for it I'm afraid. Not that you'd know that from the great big grin plastered all over my face - Ella hit the entries for 3 sets of poles, only coming out of one set at the end which had a tunnel beckoning at the end of them. So very happy as the handling errors I made were small (unlike the runs from last weekend, I won't elaborate further :-)) so I'm upbeat about this season. I have such a great dog!

Anyway think I should probably be headed on up to bed. I'm pleased to report that Callum has managed to wait until 7.00am or after for his bottle these last few nights, but I wouldn't like to say that it's a permanent arrangement just yet - or at least not without touching wood :0)

Plus I spent a very uncomfortable night on Friday with a terrible headache, which was still hanging around on Saturday morning. My back was all kinds of stiff, so after a visit to the osteopath it was decided that I might want to be a bit kinder to my body. After all, it has provided me with the most beautiful little boys not so long ago! So this week my aim is to practise my stretches and when I need to lift anything, to do it carefully. Fingers crossed!

Today I'm glad that Callum was better from his heat rash of yesterday, that I got to spend an hour with Jamie before he went off to bed after getting back from the show, and for Mike who refused to let me stay at home as I had considered with Callum being poorly and my bad night on Friday. He knows what I need more than I do some days, I'm a very lucky girl indeed :-)

Group session at Dervish

2009-06-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

Just back from fantastic training session with Ella. Joined Martin Tait's 8.30pm class at his indoor venue in Hinton and was very nervous to be rubbing shoulders with handlers from grades far above me! Apparently it was just what the doctor ordered - I'm proud to say I rose to the challenge and of course my wonderful dog didn't let me down. Especially pleased at how good her 'Wait' was tonight, easily one of the best in the class :-)

What was particularly lovely was tonight I was 'me' rather than Jamie & Callum's mummy. Now don't get me wrong - I adore being their mummy and they are the most gorgeous little boys. It's just I had forgotten how much fun I could have all by myself - it was great to rediscover parts of my personality which had lain dormant for the last couple of years!

Today I'm grateful for my husband for encouraging me to go out to training, Martin for being such a good friend & instructor, and those clever, clever dogs of mine. They've given my dreams wings and freedom to fly as high as I dare :-)

Wye Valley

2009-05-31T11:49:00.000-07:00

Just back from the most stunning weekend at Wye Valley's show - it's just the most beautiful venue! We've been blessed with sunshine, and after burning at last week's UKA show I'm pleased and proud to say I remembered the suntan lotion and I'm not my normal shade of red after a weekend in the sunshine!

No exciting winning news I'm afraid - Saturday felt a little like a warm up and Ella grew faster with each round. This morning she was a little on the bonkers side and as well as our usual niggles with the weaves, was self-releasing on contacts - almost unheard of!! Silly girl didn't want tea on Saturday night or breakfast Sunday morning, so I think she was running on nerves. I have some tricks up my sleeve to persuade her to eat for the next one - some wet food mixed into her normal ration will probably do the trick. The plus side of her lack of reserve was her speed which although bordering on out of control (!) showed me just what the rest of the season might hold. Fingers crossed anyway!

So just two clear rounds in the jumping today, and slow because of me making her 'Down' in front of the weaves. Working on a training plan which I can fit in around the boys, but should be able to come up with something.

Today I'm grateful for my wonderful if slightly mad (!) agility partner Ella, my fellow Severnside club mates for a fun alfresco dinner on Saturday night together, and my family for coming away to support me in my agility dreams.

UKA Phoenix, Langford

2009-05-23T12:52:00.000-07:00

What a lovely day we all had at UKA Phoenix today! The weather was impressively hot - so much so that I have the burnt arms to prove it :-( Never mind, Ella's impressive and 1st placed steeplechase round will comfort me I expect :-) She's really flying and I'm loving every moment. Today I walked courses with belief in myself and my dog and she fully deserved her red ribbon. The weaves let us down in the jumping - me pulling off too soon, must work on it! Then the last class of agility she stopped beautifully on the a-frame & dog walk, but couldn't quite hold herself onto the see-saw - she did try very hard bless her! But of course I had to pop her back onto the end to maintain the criteria I've set her, and after that we left the ring at the judges request.

Several people raised their eyebrows at me blowing the round like that, but I definitely did the right thing. Yes she only missed it by a whisker, and yes she had tried very hard to stop. But she hadn't and if I hadn't corrected it I would have been making a grey area for her, and she trusts me to let her know if she's done a good job or not. I liken it to Martin Tait - he wouldn't tell me I'd handled well just because I'd tried very hard. So when he does offer praise I know I've jolly well earnt it! Correcting me doesn't make me flat or disheartened (well not always!), it makes me try harder because Martin believes in my ability to do better. So I may have missed out on a placing, but my dog is still crystal clear about what I expect from her and she believes in me - just like I do her.

Too often in dog training people want shortcuts and quick fixes. In the short term they might get you where you want to be - in competition for example, but what of the long term damage to your training? Broken startlines in competition begin because handlers accept less than they demand in training. Missed contacts in competition begin because handlers don't correct their dogs for even the slightest deviation from their desired behaviour. Running under single pole competition jumps begin because handlers didn't train with the jumps their dogs would face at a show. That's all well and good if handlers take responsibility for their dogs less than perfect competition performances, but we've all seen dogs berated for 'messing about' and 'playing silly buggers'. And those are the nicer comments!

So I hope that if there's just one thing I can impress upon handlers that train with Sue and I at Daybreak - take responsibility for your own training. Be clear in your own mind about what it is you are training for and do your dog the courtesy of sticking to it so as not to confuse them. Once you know you've proofed your kit then the next thing you have to accept is that if poles come down or your dog takes the wrong course - your handling is responsible. Your dog didn't walk the course - you did. There are lots of different handling systems out there and I'm pretty confident they'll all work if applied correctly. If you mess up, don't beat your dog or yourself up - there'll be other days. Most importantly praise that dog of yours for stepping out with you and giving you the best performance it could with the training you've given it. If there's something a bit lacking, perhaps motivation for the job - come up with a training plan to address it. Remember "nobody fails, they just give up too early" :-)

Today I'm grateful for my 4 great agility partners - Lucy (clear round), Toby (committed but let down by me), Kai (delighted to work for me) & Ella, my wonderful husband who stayed at home with our children so I could have a day off, and the lovely smiles I received from those darling babies when I got home. Not to mention the great friends who I spent the day with, and their wonderful dogs. What a great day!

Testing!

2009-05-15T02:18:00.000-07:00

Great progress

2009-05-12T13:51:00.000-07:00

I was delighted to learn today that Melinda & Spike won out of Grade 2 by winning the Agility at Blackdown this weekend just gone. She's worried they won't be competitive at Grade 3, but I don't think she needs to be - we just need to find the motivation button on him so that he always works at top speed for her. Plus, Brendan & Bunny getting placed 3rd in the Grade 5 Agility & Jumping at the same show - they're so close to winning I've decided to put a bottle of champagne in the fridge in preparation :-))

The competition class at Daybreak is working really well for everyone and I'm so pleased with the way peoples handling is improving. Martin Tait's joining us again this Sunday and then again next Tuesday for our usual session - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that everyone shows him how well they've been progressing!

Great day!

2009-05-04T11:24:00.000-07:00

This is going to be short - it's been a really long day! Severnside held yet another successful Spring show within the North Somerset show in Wraxall today. Lots of members were placed and their names announced over the tannoy, notably Lel & Hattie - winning Grade 2 Agility in their first Grade 2 class! Well done them, it's a great partnership and it's no surprise that they've done so well already this season. Plus some great work from Sara & Blaze, who went clear in Grade 1 jumping and was only just out of the placings. Definitely a dog to watch in the future.

What is a very pleasant surprise to me is that I'm able to post the news that Ella & I won Grade 1 Agility today, which means we are now a Grade 2 partnership after only our first Kennel Club show of the year! I'm thrilled, not least because all I really wanted or expected out of today was to nail those dratted weaves. She did just that, in the 3 classes with the dreaded obstacle - and I'm sure could have given me another 1st place in the jumping had I not turned too quickly and made her clip a pole down. I would have been satisfied with that, but am delighted with what I got.

Today I am grateful for Ella's win, the support of my husband and mum, my beautiful children and some great friends.

Great evenings training!

2009-04-21T13:27:00.000-07:00

Well I said I'd probably post something after tonight's session, and sure enough here I go! We had great weather, a great group of dogs and handlers, and an even greater trainer - Martin Tait really had us thinking and everyone had a really enjoyable time. Lots to work on of course, even from those who appeared to have done it right - there's always room for improvement, always milliseconds to be shaved off our times. The dogs must love Martin coming along and sorting us out, they of course just follow our directions and I'm sure quite often wish it were them directing us! :-)

Ella & I had a good session and I'm pleased with what we achieved. My timing isn't as off as I had feared it might be, and although we had some broken waits and a self-released a-frame contact, these were corrected and weren't too much to worry about. Group sessions are fantastic for us because she's so hyped up watching the other dogs, it's closer to a show situation than we get during our 1-2-1 sessions. That said I'm looking forward to my 1-2-1 with Martin in a couple of weeks time. It'll be nice to really work through some of our issues and feel like we're getting back on track.

Website updates

2009-04-19T12:52:00.000-07:00

Despite a very long weekend, I felt the urge to update the Daybreak websites (dog training & pet care - http://www.daybreakpets.co.uk/) to include baby Callum & whilst I was at it, the rabbits too. This was prompted by the capture of some beautiful pictures of the boys which I wanted to share - my favourite is this one I think:

Now I know I'm their mother, but aren't they just scrummy! Not to mention good little people - we went caravan hunting at the end of the day yesterday, and despite obviously being tired were ever so good. I think Jamie is quite looking forward to caravanning at the shows, if we can ever find a suitable caravan that is!

With the shows in mind I'm really looking forward to a training session with Martin Tait on Tuesday evening for my competition class at Daybreak. If I could explain to Ella I know she'd be equally excited, so perhaps it's better that I can't - two of us excited probably wouldn't be a good thing! Plus, along with my friend Caroline & her dog Jake, we might be paying a visit to Tace Allen for the dogs to have a once over. I don't have any specific concerns, but would like to make sure Ella's in tip top condition to start the season. We ask a lot of our agility dogs and I think it's only fair we repay them by making sure they're fit for the job we ask of them.

So expect an update after Tuesday I guess - can't wait!

UK Agility Beckford

2009-04-11T06:46:00.000-07:00

Well some success at the UK Agility Easter show yesterday, 2nd in the Beginners Standard Steeplechase, and although unplaced because of faults in the rest of her rounds she worked really well. The bloomin' weaves are letting us down and I'm seriously considering petitioning the Kennel Club & UK Agility to ban them! A photographer caught her in the weaves, although sadly as you'll see if you look at where she is, it's as she's making a mistake through them - durrhh!

Still I'm not too disheartened. Callum was only 7 weeks old yesterday and for our only problem to be the weave poles after such a layoff, I haven't much to complain about. And it was such fun to be back at shows and bumping into people I haven't seen for ages! Not to mention being able to run around with her, rather than what seemed like a very long way behind her!

Plus Hattie & Helen Sharp won another 1st place rosette in their Novice Toy Jumping class, so they're really going to have to start thinking about an extension for all Hattie's winnings :-))

Out of little acorns..

2009-04-07T13:52:00.000-07:00

Some lovely things of this past week or so:

1. Baby Callum giving me and my mum his first smiles - aaah!! :-))

2. Having a lovely evening out with my husband Mike on Saturday for his hockey club's annual dinner
3. Lel & Hattie winning Grade 1 agility on Saturday - go girls!
4. Ella & I winning the agility round in Sundays league match, and nailing two sets of 12 weave poles during the evening - perhaps winning Grade 1 isn't as far off as I worry it might be?!
5. Lel & Hattie coming 3rd in the agility during the same league match
6. New starters group at Severnside really inspiring me, and enjoying being back teaching agility

Summer's round the corner!

2009-03-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

The clocks do their thing tomorrow, and even lighter evenings are just around the corner! It's such a positive time of the year and I'm very excited about going into this summer with my wonderful husband, two wonderful sons and two very special dogs. Last Sunday Ella and I did a league match for Severnside (Callum was only 4 weeks old on the Friday) not really expecting much as we've had such a lot of time off. She was her usual confident self, and provided me with two great rounds, weaves withstanding :-) Safe to say she hasn't forgotten it all, and the season is looking promising.

I went into the match with a different attitude than I have done in the past. I wasn't interested in winning (although I can't say it wouldn't have been nice!), I was just interested in having fun with my wonderful dog. In the past few weeks 3 close agility friends have lost their dogs to old age, dogs who shaped their lives and inspire them still. With that at the forefront of my mind, not to mention my own experience with Kai, I ran my girl with a glad heart and winged heels. We had such fun and I intend that each run this year should encompass those happy feelings.

Baby Callum

2009-02-25T13:08:00.000-08:00

Well it's been an exciting week! Baby Callum was born on Friday 20th February, just over 3 weeks earlier than we were expecting him. Despite being what the doctors class as premature at just under 37 weeks, he weighed in at 6lb & 10.5oz and at his 5 day weight check today hasn't lost more than 10% of his body weight which is considered to be a good thing. As you can imagine we're quite tired out here, but just wanted to post quickly to let people know what's happening in the Osmond household.

Susan Garrett

2009-01-13T12:21:00.001-08:00

Two of my Christmas presents to myself were DVD's of Susan's - one on her 2x2 weave method, and the other on her crate games. I love watching her teach and hope to get on one of her workshops the next time she's over here in the UK.

Both DVD's have inspired me so much that I've ordered yet another set of weaves - this time custom made to Susan's specification on the 2x2's. They should arrive early next week - very excited! The crate games DVD was obviously easier to get on with as both dogs are happy in their crates and I have two in and around the house. However - who knew it could hurt a pregnant woman's back as much as it did!! Bending up and down to reward really took it out of me. Much as Ella was razor sharp in picking up the game (teacher's pet!), I think I'm going to have to postpone those games until my back's in better shape. Bit of a pain, but better to be able to walk afterwards than not!

At least the 2x2's should be a different matter. I can at least be upright, and I don't think throwing her toy should be a problem. Tugging with her might of course, but hopefully she'll be satisfied with shorter bursts. Plus of course the DVD only advocates a few minutes at a time. Just right for a heavily pregnant person!

Took a look at some show schedules for April onwards. Still don't know what's going to happen re. induction or not, so haven't entered anything yet. Should perhaps know in a couple of weeks and that should still be plenty of time to enter. It's got both Mike & I thinking about caravaning with 2 babies and how that might work. Scary stuff!