2013

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.

Happy New Year!

Weave Update

I moved the poles up again. As you can see he is a little confused but starting to use a little weaving motion.

Training has been made even more exciting by the discovery of his brand new most favorite ball ever!

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.

Wednesday. Not Wordless But Plenty Of Pictures

Some pictures of Phlox hanging out at a show and go.

Here Violet is at a show and go last weekend. Every exercise we did was qualifying however I opted not to do the scent exercise because I am still building up her confidence. It's going pretty well she is now heading to the pile with out hesitation.

Not too shabby for an old lady. We have training tonight, a C match tomorrow and then the show on Friday. I'm trying not to be nervous but it feels like I am getting ready to enter the ring for the first time again.
I will try my hardest to get some video but no guarantees since I will have the kids with me all three days.

Phlox's Session

For some reason I thought it would be a great idea to head out side for some training. I must have had a mild case of amnesia because I forgot we live in Houston. It's 93 degrees and sunny.

We had a little fun and I introduced him to the broad jump. I wanted my husband to film it but the kids were not cooperating and did I mention it was HOT!

These are the clips I managed to get myself.

This one was filmed at the end of our session and we both just wanted to go inside and get something to drink. It's been over a year since he was on a table so he was not on top of his game.

After a good drink we practiced or conformation skills inside. I think we have both improved a lot in the last few months. I'll have him back in the ring in the fall.

Trying To Update My Look + Rally Training App

For the new year I'm hoping to ad some pzazz to the blog. Unfortunately I am not very gifted at anything remotely related to computers or the internet. I can't even figure out how to use paint. Really.

Over the last month I saw a huge increase in page views but no increase in followers. I'm really hoping a fun new look will help to capture readers attention. I'm also hoping that my intensive training this coming year will produce many fun and informative videos and photos. It helps that I have finally found my camera but it would help even more if I could figure out how to use it.

So if you are reading this but not following it yet Click the little blue link on the right side you'll be glad you did.

Growling software's Rally obedience dog training app

I have yet to try any paied apps on my smart phone but this one has my interest peaked. It includes pictures of all the AKC signs with definitions. It has yet to be updated to the 2012 changes but that is one of the great things about smart phone apps, they are constantly updating and adding information.

I plan on downloading it and giving it a proper review.



For 0.99 it seems like a worth while tool for most competitors.

Christmas

The dogs didn't really get much from Santa this year. Phlox had a blast with a paper cup he found and the other dogs have chicken wings and yam chewies to keep them happy. But the only new toys were for my son.

I on the other hand I got a solid wood set of obedience jumps. I am thrilled to be able to train more often and at my home.

My son was also given a stuffed rabies virus by my brother. 

Violet found the rabies

Violet caught the rabies!

I hope every one out there in the blogging world is having a wonderful day. Now on to a large, juicy pot roast!

Growing Up Is Hard To Do.

Tea cup agility started up again after a month off. Phlox was excited to see his favorite obstacle the tunnel. He ran towards it only to come to a sliding halt. The poor guy just doesn't fit any more.
At 19 inches and 50lbs he is now too big for most of the little dog equipment.
We made the best of the class doing the weave polls and jumps but I think he may have to sit that class out from now on.

On a much happier note. Phlox is moving quickly at last.
He has always been a painfully slow mover. I think even slugs have passed him up while walking.
All this week I have been working on speed, fast response time, fast recall, fast heel work etc.
We hadn't made much progress. He would just walk along a few feet behind me with his sad, thoughtfull eyes gazing up at my face. But today his little light bulb came on.

He trotted along side of me, Ran when I did and paid attention to my speed adjustments. It was definitely the break through I have been waiting for.

Videos and photos will be posted next week....I promise....maybe...

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Agility

My dogs have been doing teacup agility for a while now and doing very well. The problem is that they are all over 17". So they can not compete in that venue.

Phlox's grandma Cindy, who just happens to be an agility trainer, invited us out to work on some AKC agility. I was thrilled to try my guys out on some full sized equipment.

Phlox was wonderful tonight. He took on the weave polls, teeter, A frame, chute and tunnel with out blinking an eye.

Next week Violet is coming with us to see how her old bones will hold up. She is in great shape and I don't doubt that she will do very well.

I forgot my camera so no pictures this time.

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