Training Sessions

When I'm training the dogs in the house I find it easiest if I go in the office and shut the door, that way I can work on what I want to with out the other dogs getting in the way.
At this time Crawford is the one being trained. Esmae waits patiently on the other side of the door for her turn.
Speaking of Esmae, at class last night she was pretty unmotivated, I got some good advice from my instructors as to how to make the reward (and me) to be more exciting and thus more rewarding for her. I also think I need to find the perfect motivational tool for her, be that food or toy. I know one thing for sure she certainly likes it when I can run with her, so that is something I need to continue doing with her.
I also had it "mentioned" to me how important it is to do right side weave entries (something I failed to really teach Massey).
I have inadvertently taught/let Esmae to back weave or to go back up the A-frame etc, until last night night I didn't realise how foolish this was.
All in all there was a lot to think about at last nights class, and if I am serious about competing with Esmae and I am, I need to really take these suggestions to heart and while training on my own hopefully will not teach her any more bad habits.

Upside Down

I've never had a dog with short little legs before and was finding it difficult to see where to cut their nails.
Amanda recommended that to put Crawford on his back. This totally works!, not only do I get to have great vision on where to cut his nails he also totally thinks it a fun game.
Thanks Amanda. :O)

Crawford's first week

Crawford came to live with me a week ago last Saturday. He acts like he has always lived here and is such fun to be around.
I am finding out that living with a corgi is highly entertaining, he is always up for a came of tug or fetch, and he makes me laugh out loud when he get's the zoomies.
He is also a very good snuggler and loves to spoon. :o)
He gets along very well with all the animals around her even the cats, although one cat in particular does like to tease him, (Rupert).
He is respectful of the horses and stays well clear of the donkey, Massey and Esmae also are protective of Crawford until the donkey sees him as one of our pack.
I look forward to perhaps doing some agility with him in the future.
All in all he is a perfect match and I thank Amanda and Windy City Canine Rescue for suggesting him to me, even though I hadn't really planned on having a third dog. lol

Massey's 6th Birthday

Today is Massey's 6th birthday.She got 2 presents, I wonder which one she'll enjoy more?

A woolie bone?




or Crawford?



Happy Birthday to my crazy wing nut aussie.

Bonding

Massey and I have been doing a lot of bonding lately. This has included just lots of nice walks, and fun short training sessions.
It's hard to beleive that her birthday is coming up next week and she will be 6yrs young!

Massey and the Go Dog Go seminar/funmatch

This weekend Massey and I attended an agility seminar on how to do games(snooker and gamble) followed the next day by a fun match.
Here are the pros's and con's of the weekend.

Pros's

-Learned about how to play these games. (i love snooker, and it would seem so does Massey)
- day spent with great people and their dogs, and got to meet some new dog/handler teams
- day out with Massey working on our teamwork
-once I have Massey working with me she is fast.
- homework that I have been doing with my treadle, 180's, pinwheels, and serpentine ques are paying off.

Con's

- learned that Massey can still get stressed at start lines/mid course if I do not have a "flowy path" and start sniffing.
- Massey needs work on distance ques, she really doesn't like to take direction to work away from me

Plan

- work more on distance
- practice her warm up routine and the ready, ready game in a variety of new places.
- reward more often


So basically what I have learned is that I put too much pressure and expectations on myself and when as a team we do not live up to these goals I am disappointed and upset that I was not a better teammate for my dog (which really really makes me angry at myself, because I know better and I let her down).
I can make excuses about how all the other crap going on in my life right now got in the way, but the truth is I was not what Massey needed from me.
If I look back to where we were this time last year I can not help but be proud of all that we have accomplished together and how far she has come and I truly need to remember this on a daily basis.

Live each day the fullest you can, not guaranteeing there'll be a tomorrow, not dwelling endlessly on yesterday.
Author: Jane Seymour

Max's Bath

Max has been needing a bath for some time now, last sunday all systems were ago, I had the time,motivation and weather on my side.



Before



During




After