Wallingford, 16th/17th April 2011

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)

Finding the time

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..

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 :-)

Diva's 1st trip to the groomers!

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

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

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

Great dogs

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.

'Mission of Joy'

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

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".

Puppy progress

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.

"Gosh you have your hands full!"

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

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...

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 :-)