Susan Garrett

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!

Martin Tait Training Session

Just back from a great afternoon of training with Martin Tait from Dervish Agility. I organised a group of 6 of us for a special Christmas-season session at the paddock, to combat the lack of agility we've had to endure for 2 weeks :-) Was brilliant and I think we all took something away from it, even those of us who've trained with Martin before. Certainly I benefited from being in a group session with him instructing - it was useful to see the things he's been telling me come alive by watching the other handlers handle their dogs.

Ella was a bit poorly this morning, but soon perked up as we drove up the driveway to the paddock. Then she almost went into raptures when Martin arrived - bliss! :-) Her idea of a good Christmas present! Although noiser than I'd like her, she worked well and was her usual biddable self. Just want to have the baby now and have my body back so that I can move and work her properly! She's such a good girl to work so well even with such a handicap as me - I'm very privileged. I think that's what some of the barking was trying to tell me earlier actually :-)

Consistently clear

To my great delight, Ella & I achieved 3 clear rounds in last Sunday's Wessex league match. I went out with no expectations about what might happen, and instead relaxed and enjoyed running my dog. Just goes to show what's possible doesn't it?! How many times have I given that advice out to people I train? I should really learn to listen to myself and put it into practice!

The upshot of the weekend is that even with these clears under our belt, I know we need to really work on our weave entries. I had to help her get them, and that's not what I want to do. Plus a little 'Wait' & 'Contact' proofing is also on the agenda. At a training session last night I found she would release herself if I threw her toy for her as she was coming down the contact equipment. Although one correction was enough and she didn't do it a second time, just goes to show even the best dogs make mistakes occasionally.

Anyway, last Daybreak classes before Christmas in the morning so off to bed so that I'll be bright eyed and bushy tailed to teach. Well as much as a 6 month pregnant instructor can be anyway :-)