Hello again, it's been awhile but I am back and ready to blog!
Now that my youngest child is out of the baby phase and more independent I have been able to up my training and start trialing again. Phlox is still working on his UD title with no end in sight. He has been the most beautifully consistent dog and has qualifies on almost every exercise except for one. In trial he goes to the jump on the go out. He truly thinks that he should run up to the jump and stand there? This behavior popped up in trial and has been a pain in my side ever since.
I have finally been able to replicate it in training so hopefully he can show in Utility this summer. fingers crossed everyone.
In other more wonderful news Phlox has won his second High In Trial!
We entered a local ASCA trial last weekend. I was just going to work on his stress level in the ring and have some fun I had no intention of actually "competing". Phlox was not only upbeat and working well but he beat all the other teams by a good 5 points. This was a small trial with none of the heavy hitters there but still he earned it.
Phlox earned his RE with scores of 100, 98, 98 he placed 1st twice and 2nd once. I was pretty pleased with him.
Here is a video of his RE title run
Phlox also earned 2 legs towards his CDX two scores of 189 1/2. The judge was vigilant and our fronts were poor. He also had a little too much fun retrieving his dumbbell.
He also won 3 high scoring terrier awards. No placements in Obedience but I entered him in Open B instead of Open A.
Aside from Rally and Obedience Phlox just finished his first UKC weight pull title. He ended the day pulling 1,200 Lbs. I thought maybe that weight would slow him down but it didn't. Now that he will be pulling for points he is going to have to work a bit for it. No more running full speed ahead.
If any one has questions about weight pull please ask.
Along with the weight pull title Phlox also won Best of Winners in conformation earning him a total dog award. I was very pleased with him this weekend.
Phlox also earned his CGCA. The new level of the CGC test. Man has this dog been busy!
Lets see Phlox is now: UWP UAG1 Eden's Perennial Success CD RE TT CGCA!
Last year I came up short on my list of goals. Mostly because of human baby #3. So this year I plan to get off my butt and make up for lost time.
Phlox:
Obedience/Rally
- Companion Dog Excellent
- Rally Excellent
- Utility Dog
- United Companion Dog
- United Rally Obedience 1
Tracking
- TD
Weight Pull
- UWP
IPO (I swear one of these days I wont be pregnant or have a new born at the time of a trial)
- BH
- AD
Conformation
- UKC Champion -Only 50 points to go
- A few more AKC points - Really not thinking I will be able to show him enough this year to finish. He has filled out nicely though.
Charlie
- Companion Dog Excellent
- Rally Advance
Since I don't work with Charlie that much I am keeping it simple this year. He may also show in UKC Rally and Obedience if the opportunity presents itself.
Violet may try her hand at nosework but that will depend on my schedule and if shes feeling up to it.
I'm hoping this year holds many great things in store for the dogs. I know it's a little late but Happy new year all the same.
Agility
I decided to enter Phlox in a UKC Agility trial just for fun. I ran him over the tea cup agility equipment at the kennel a few times but didn't manage to make it to any classes. I also didn't actually find the chute until the night before so he got a whopping 20 minutes of practice with that obstacle.
Disclaimer: Don't do what I do. Always train adequately for a new event and make sure you read all the rules. Jumping in head first can backfire especially when obstacles are involved.
Day 1 trial
I kept Phlox from running full speed so that I could keep up. We had a nice careful run where he refused the chute initially but took it in the allotted 3 tries. We ended with a 195 and third place.
Day 1 trial 2
Phlox decided he enjoyed running and went faster. It must have been hilarious to watch me waddle around the course trying to keep up with him. Other than Phlox slipping after coming off the table it was a nice run (for us). We had a clean run and perfect 200. First place!
Day 2 Trial 1
He went even faster but seemed to have forgotten about the chute over night. I didn't help by forgetting to give him the command and he started to run by. Another nice run all in all. Score 198 and first place! Video
I sat out the last trial because he had earned his title and I was done running.
I had a blast and enjoyed spending time with Phlox's brothers owner. My sister drove with me and I'm pretty sure she caught the agility bug just by watching.
Obedience
Staffordshire Terrier Club of America National Specialty was in October. I got lucky this year and it is within an hours drive. I only signed Phlox up for Obedience because at this point Conformation would be a waste of money.
Obedience was a mixed bag. Some highs and some lows.
Show one was pretty sloppy with Phlox and I earning our lowest score to date 191. We did end up in second place.
I had no real expectations for show 2. I was pleased with the heel on leash, thrilled with the figure 8, over joyed at his exam and heel free and proud of his progress on the recall. I left the ring fairly confidence that we had won the class. I was thinking that a 195-197 would be a fair score. When the judge called our number I could not believe it. Phlox earn a 199 1/2! This from the same judge who earlier hit me for every little thing imaginable.
We lost our half a point on the recall. I still can not believe not only how well Phlox did but how well I did. I don't think there has ever been a time when I didn't loose a point or two with some handler error.
This is my very first high in trial and I am certain it wont be my last. Now I know what Phlox can do and will be working on attitude endurance and consistency.
I went home on cloud nine.
The next morning brought me crashing back down to earth. Phlox was sluggish and just not into it. To be honest I would really have liked to be at home in bed and I'm sure that played a role in Phlox's attitude.
We ended up with a 192 and 3rd place.
His CD was a roller coaster ride that I will never forget. This little black dog has so much potential and I think I am beginning to have the skills to get him to where he needs to go in his obedience career.
On Friday Phlox took the American Temperament Test Society test. He passed easily and reacted predictably to each station. No problem with the people or load noises. He moved out of the umbrella's way but went right back up to it. Walked over the metal and plastic with out so much as batting an eye. He had very little reaction to the aggressive stranger he kept an eye on him but continued about his business. The evaluators comment on his temperament was "Aloof".
My son also got to join in the fun on Friday. They had a pee wee handling class and my son showed Phlox. I wasn't sure how it would turn out since Phlox is a good 10lbs heavier than Chase but my little boy held his own and made sure Phlox did what he was told.
I had a professional picture taken and can't wait for it to arrive. He had so much fun that he is begging to do it again.
In other news Phlox earned his first 50 points in UKC Conformation. He's halfway to his Champion!
Reliant time is here again. This is always the most special show of the year for me because with out it I would not have started competing.
This year due to finances only Phlox will be showing. He is signed up for three days of Graduate novice obedience. I'm not worried about this level because he has been doing all of the exercises for a long time and has no issues to work through.
He is also signed up for two days of conformation. With me as the handler! I feel like it's time to bite the bullet and do it. I doubt that he will win any points since there are upwards of 30 amstaffs entered but I intend to at least look like I know what I'm doing.
Hopefully I can start blogging more in the near future. Life just always seems to get in the way.
On Friday Phlox earned his Beginner Novice title. He won his class with a score of 197. I could not be more proud of him.
The best part of his run was the figure 8. All of the extra work I have put into it over the last few weeks paid off and other than him crowding a little on the inside turn it was picture perfect.
Now that Beginner Novice is out of the way we will enter Graduate Novice.
On Saturday Phlox earned his Rally Advance title with a score of 99 and first place. He was a little distracted but kept his focus and took the jump very nicely.
Now we need to start training those pesky new Rally Excellent signs.
In preparation for the AKC Rally National Invitational I have upped Phlox's training in regards to focus. He has come a long way since his last trial and I am really enjoying the process.
Today we worked right out side of a dog park. I've made it my goal to try to work around as many dog parks as possible before nationals. It kind of simulates the hustle and bustle of a dog show and we need that.
Here are a couple of short videos. I'm really trying to film myself more often because every time I do I see something that I could be doing better. If you aren't in the habit of videoing your training sessions start!
I couldn't resist a few pictures as well
Like mommy like daughter. Baby with Phlox's dumbbell
Charlie got to accompany me to class today. He has been out of training since October and it showed. He was still his charming, eager self just with a little less polish. I often forget to stop and remember just how amazing this dog is.
Everyone else sees Chuck as an attentive, smart, handsome boy. Like this....
I see him as a goofy, loveable, dim wit like this....
Either way he is a joy to work with. He is getting ready for several UKC Rally and Obedience trials coming up. I'm also hoping to have him in the CDX ring this summer.
Phlox and I qualified for the first ever AKC Rally National Competition. I can't wait to not only compete but to watch the Obedience and Agility competitions as well.
My first time forgetting my dogs name and the name of a command in the ring...We'll get to that later.
Rally advanced was pretty uneventful. We lost points when I kind of had to guide him over the jump because he wasn't crazy about leaving heel position. He was a little distracted and had one slow response but he did a good job and ended up with a 98 and second place.
Beginner Novice could not have gone worse in my book. I tensed up and did not remember most of my foot work on the heel resulting in a couple of sloppy turns and sits. I did manage to keep my head about me on the about turn (yay me!). I went around the ring the wrong way during the sit stay. Worst of all I forgot Phlox's name and the "come" command on the recall. I was standing there listening for the command "call your dog" and when it came I blanked "Charrrrrlllllll......????"my voice trailed off and my right hand went up in frustration at myself. Phlox came towards me at full speed and went to do a right finish. When my arm came back down he stopped and did a perfect front.
I'm not sure how but we qualified with a 192 and first place.
I wish I knew why I was so nervous about this class. I did manage to stay on the positive side for the most part and when I felt myself slipping I simply put Phlox away and went off to talk to friends for awhile.
Saturday and Sunday I showed Boykin Spaniels in Conformation. My Professional handler sister needed a few extra hands and so my non dog show sister and I stepped up to help. It was pretty fun showing with my sisters but I think I will continue to let my handler sister and her hubby show Phlox for me. After all he's not suppose to heel in the conformation ring.
Phlox also won winners dog a week ago for his very first point!
With Phlox's first obedience trial coming up on Friday I am getting nervous. I always get nervous its not something I have ever had control over.
Phlox has been doing very well with his training. He still gets distracted every now and then but even on a bad day he has moments of brilliants.
Even though I can't control my nerves I can control what comes out of the experience.
I will be the one in the ring smiling and learning from my mistakes.
Phlox is 2! He turned 2 on January 4th right before heading off to a show with his Auntie and Uncle.
It was a good weekend and Phlox won Winnners Dog and his very first point! He also got Reserve the next day. I don't have any pictures from the show yet but here is one of the ribbons he brought back.
I finally feel like I'm not throwing my money away entering him in Conformation. Hopefully it will only get better from here.
It's hard to believe just how tiny he use to be.
The day we met. 1 week old
4 month old cutie!
2 years and going strong!
Just look at my sexy boy.
He is such a great dog and no matter how old he gets he will always be my puppy.
Most of the time I totally forget that I got Phlox to show not just in Obedience but Conformation as well.
My sister is handling him for me in the breed ring. She often laments the fact that I have "broken" him. "he wont stop looking at me" "He wont watch the treat" "He wont run out front" "He's pacing not gating" and on it goes.
Here is is in class Tuesday night Strutting his stuff while my sister tries to "fix" him.
He is headed off to a show this weekend and I'm keeping my finger crossed for a point or two but honestly I don't care if he ever finishes. He is one hell of a "broken" dog.
Train to win. Trial to learn.
My new motto for 2013. I have a nasty habit of shutting down at trials and not seeing them for what they are, a great big learning experience. No more will I get frustrated at trials. I am there to learn.
On the flip side my training is no longer casual. I am training to win.
My goals are less about titles this coming year and more about being prepared.
We will be
1) Psychically prepared
My dogs and I should be able to work for extended amounts of time with out becoming tired. Right now we can only work a total of 10-15 minutes before calling it quits. This also includes getting the dogs back on raw.
2) Mentally prepared
Knowing the rules and exercises before showing in any current or new venues/sports.
3) Prepared for anything
Working in the rain, on grass, in crowds, tight spaces, anything I can think of we will proof for it.
I expect 2013 to be a very exciting and can not wait to get it started. We have many things to look forward to Obedience, Rally, Conformation and agility. There is also the possibility of Weight pull, Tracking, Dock dogs, Carting and IPO. The possibilities are truly endless.
This ball has been great because it is much softer and easier to squeak than the Cuz or squeaky tennis balls. He loves to pick it up and squeak it over and over again. I don't think it would last long if I just gave it to him but as a reward and interactive toy I can see it lasting awhile.
My family and I had a wonderful Christmas and we hope your holidays were just as great.
All I wanted for Christmas was a set of weave poles. Luckily my husband picked up on the 100,000,000,000 hints I dropped over the last few months and actually made a set. They are not the sturdiest things in the world but for now they are doing the trick.
Here is a video from his third session
I usually send him through ahead of me. I only called him through to get the video. Although he is not the fastest dog on the block he is picking it up nicely.
At the park with Phlox and the kids (Sorry for the crappy cell phone pics)
The boy on the left was so sweet. He assumed that because Phlox's leash was dragging (I had to run and scoop up my son while holding baby girl so no hands) that he had gotten away from me. He quickly picked up the leash and walked Phlox back to my stroller. The boy and his four cousins all took time to love on Phlox and even made sure to tell him good bye before leaving.
I always get mixed reactions when I take Phlox to the park. I know that at times parents are concerned about Phlox. I try to be respectful by not allowing him on the playground unless my children are the only kids there and always keeping a leash on him. However, I do not apologize for my dogs breed or looks.
