UKC ESS Breed Standard

ENGLISH SPRINGER SPANIEL Gun Dog Group View Registration Requirements Copyright 1991, United Kennel Club, Inc. Revised January 1, 2007 History The English Springer Spaniel is the oldest and best-established sporting gun dog. It is the taproot of all the sporting land spaniels (except the Clumber Spaniel). The name undoubtedly comes from his actions a field where he springs at his quarry and flushes it for the net, falcon or greyhound. Today he is used as a flusher and retriever. The breed's popularity has given way to the Cocker, but still remains in the top 20 most popular breeds of dogs. The English Springer Spaniel was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1932. General Appearance The English Springer Spaniel is a well-proportioned and balanced dog that is never overly exaggerated. This medium-sized dog has a compact body and the tail is usually docked. He is the tallest and raciest of the British land spaniels. He looks the part of a useful hunting dog, capable of great endurance, and at the same time is stylish and beautiful. The approximate size is about 20 inches at the shoulders and weight is about 50 pounds. Characteristics Friendly, affectionate and easily trained. These qualities are essential when being trained for the field or shown in the ring. The Springer’s long ears, soft expression and happy disposition clearly show him to be a member of the ancient family of spaniels. It is uncharacteristic for a gun dog to be aggressive towards other dogs or people, therefore aggression is unacceptable behavior. Tentativeness is to be equally penalized with allowances for young puppies. Head The head should be impressive without being heavy. Its beauty lies in a combination of strength and refinement. SKULL - Medium length and fairly broad, slightly rounded. STOP - Moderate, divided by a groove or fluting between the eyes that gradually gives way towards the occiput, which is not prominent. MUZZLE - Approximately the same length as the skull, and when viewed from above, half the width of the skull. Lips come down full and rather square to cover the line of the lower jaw, but are not pendulous. Nasal bone is straight. CHEEKS – Are flat, and the face is well chiseled under the eyes. TEETH - A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a scissors bite. Fault: Even bite or misaligned teeth. Serious Faults: Overshot, undershot, or wry mouth. EYES - Medium size, oval shaped and set rather far apart. The color of the iris in harmony with the color of the coat, preferably a dark hazel in liver dogs and black or deep brown in black dogs. There is to be full pigmentation around the eye rims, matching the color of the coat. The lids are to be tight with little or no haw. Faults: Eyes that jut or are round, golden or harsh. NOSE - Nostrils, well open and broad, liver or black, depending on the color of the coat. Fully pigmented. EARS – Long, lobular and hanging close to the head, set on a line with the corner of the eye. Neck Moderately long, muscular and slightly arched at the crest. Free from throatiness and smoothly blending into sloping shoulders. Forequarters The shoulder blades slope back to form an angle with the upper arm of approximately 90 degrees, setting the legs well under the body. FORELEGS - The forelegs should be straight with good, but not excessive, bone. Elbows close, with free action from the shoulders. Strong, flexible pasterns. Body The body is strong and compact, slightly longer than tall when measured from the forechest to the buttocks and the withers to the ground. Chest deep, but not so wide or round as to interfere with the action of the front legs. The brisket is sufficiently developed to reach to the elbows. The back is straight and strong, loin slightly arched, croup gently rounded to the set on of the tail. Very little tuck-up. Topline slopes very gently. Hindquarters The hips are well muscled and nicely rounded, blending smoothly into the hind legs. Moderate angulation at the stifle and the hock. Rear pasterns short, strong and parallel. Feet The feet are round, or slightly oval, compact, well arched, medium size with thick pads; well feathered between the toes. Excess hair may be removed to show the natural shape and size of the foot. Tail Docked or natural, well furnished. Set follows the natural line of the croup. Carriage is level or slightly elevated, never straight up or tucked between the legs. Merry action is typical of the breed. Coat The coat should consist of an outer coat and an under coat. The outer coat may be straight or wavy. The Springer's ears, chest, legs and belly are nicely furnished with a fringe of feathering. On the head, front legs and below the hocks on front of hind legs, the hair is short and fine. The under coat is short, soft and dense. Quantity of undercoat is affected by the climate and seasons, but some should be apparent. A proper coat substantially enhances the dog’s resiliency to adverse weather conditions. Minimal grooming is necessary to neaten up the head, ears, neck and feet. Quantity of coat is not to be preferred over correct condition and quality of coat. Over-trimming, or non-natural looks are to be penalized in the show ring. Color Liver and white, black and white, predominately white with black or liver markings, blue or liver roan, tricolor (any of the aforementioned colors with the addition of tan points, usually found above eyes, on cheeks, inside of ears and under the tail.) Any portion of the white coat may be flecked with ticking. Size & Weight Ideal heights are: males, 20 inches; females, 19 inches. Weight ranges from 40 to 50 pounds, depending on the individual dog's dimensions. Gait The Springer has a gait that is distinct and strictly his own. A prerequisite to good movement is balance of the front and rear assemblies. The forelegs should swing freely and smoothly from the shoulder, throwing the feet well forward. Rear legs reach well under the body, following the line of the front legs. The topline should neither dip nor roll when viewed from the side. At slow movements, many Springers have a pacing stride typical of the breed. Faults: Elevated strides, uneven or short gait. Eliminating Faults (An Eliminating Fault is a Fault serious enough that it eliminates the dog from obtaining any awards in a conformation event.) Characteristics: Dogs showing aggression towards people or other dogs in the ring are not to receive an award. Color: Any dog with a color and/or pattern not described above is not to receive an award. Disqualifications Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism. http://www.ukcdogs.com/WebSite.nsf/Breeds/EnglishSpringerSpaniel I hope to have time to go through this and nit pick Buzz... for fun, before we show in April!

Go Click Challenge

I've uploaded three videos tonight and I thought I'd share them here too.

I have video for both dogs from this week.

http://goclickchallenge.wordpress.com/2010/01/30/week-5-bailey/

http://goclickchallenge.wordpress.com/2010/01/30/week-5-buzz/

Buzz from last week.

http://goclickchallenge.wordpress.com/2010/01/30/week-4-buzz/

Feeding The Flock?

I have bird dogs, so I can't say herd... right? But flock doesn't fit as they don't have wings! Ah well.

I do this annually, possibly more frequently, but I'm always intrigued and open to "new things" and all that jazz.

I'll start with the dogs, as that's what this blog is supposedly about.

Buzz

Supplements

• Dasuquin with MSM, 1 tablet per day
• Fish Oil, right now it's just Walgreens brand capsules, but I'm on a mission to find Bravo at an affordable price consider what I've learned recently
• Lutein supplement about every other day, looking into Bilberry and switching brands of this one (vision)

Food

• Kibbles, Fromm Salmon
• Raw, chicken--pork--eggs--beef

Bailey

Supplements

• Dasuquin with MSM, 1 tablet per day
• Fish Oil, same as Buzz
• Lutein supplement daily, looking into Bilberry and switching brands
• She gets prescription meds too. DES every 14 days, thyroxine twice a day, fluoxetine once a day.

Foods

• Fromm Salmon
• And... she was getting about half Kirkland to try to save some money (yes, I know, evil Diamond) but that MAY be contributing to her ear issues so Kirkland is on hold for now.
• Raw, chicken--pork--eggs--beef (very limited pork... she gets "pork butt" and it STINKS)

Rascal & Rasza

I aim for a raw or canned meal once a day and they get Fromm Four Star Gold kibbles the other meal (Rascal gets a lot of water with his kibbles). Right now they're getting Nature's Variety Chicken medallions or cornish game hen for raw.

Such is life on The Funny Farm. My mom just informed me that one of the snowmobiles IS working, so Bailey and I might go for a much needed romp. The dogs and I used to snowmobile almost daily for THEIR winter exercise, but haven't for years. I bet she'd enjoy that!

Observation #1 and Test, completed

It was a wonderful experience. Really, truly, it was. The place we did our test and first observation is beautiful. I want to go there when I'm old! Buzz met a lot of new people (patients and staff), handled everything with his Buzz-attitude, and made quite a few new friends.

He passed his test with "flying colors" and now I just need to schedule two more observations.

I really love TDInc! Love, love, love!

I want to get a picture or two of him in the building next time, it is SO beautiful!

Tonight's Training Goals and Plans

I'm terrible about writing training plans out before. Really bad.

Bailey has been getting "bad" again about guarding space/things, especially in the computer room. The cats typically sit on the computer desk with me and if she's laying on her bed, she'll be evil to them. I've been calling her off with just petting rewards because I haven't remembered to bring treats over here. Tonight though I've got the clicker and treats. She thinks this game is pretty cool again. Rascal thinks it sucks because he doesn't get the cookies.

Buzz REALLY needs work on fast pace and pivoting. Tonight we're going to work on fast in general. I'll re-introduce a pivoting object too. I need to make myself write training goals for tomorrow.

I have tonight covered at least!

ThD Observation #1, set up!

Buzz's fecal was all negative yesterday and I called our observer today. We have our first observation tomorrow in White Bear Lake. I asked my questions, and it seems we're all set. I really think I'm going to like this organization!

I'll be sure to report back! Now I need to groom my hairy monster!

Pig Take-Down!

No, I don't actually feed this to my cat. I'd put Buzz outside to potty so I could re-bag his pork and came back to find Rascal gnawing away on it. I let him for a while, so I could get a picture of it.

Big Hunter Cat Takes Down Pig! ROAR!

He thinks he's tough.

A Play Date

I puppy-sat Fritz today while his dad had an important phone conference call. Bailey has been around him very limitedly, and always leashed. The first times she could only smell him afterwards even.

Today though she was SO good that I let her out in the yard with Buzz and Fritz, but she had to wear her muzzle, just in case. Boy, did she have a ball! She's really doing well with other dogs as long as they LISTEN to her. Fritz responded wonderfully to her verbal and non-verbal cues. She wore her muzzle the whole time, and probably will next time too... but she was so good and had so much fun racing around, barking, chasing.

I never would have let this happen if she didn't make a Golden-boy friend last summer. When dogs respond to her, she relaxes and has a great time. If they don't or can't respond, then she aggresses because they aren't listening. When she doesn't need to aggress, she acts like a normal, good dog.

YAY Bailey.

Oh, and Buzz is exhausted too. He played for quite a bit then asked to go inside. I would have taken pictures, but it's SNOWING here. Hopefully next time there will be photographic evidence.

Cats and Raw... again

I've been bad about feeding the kitties raw on a regular basis (or canned for that matter, I usually just add water to their kibbles). I'm trying to be better, but Rasza has been refusing it. Yesterday I bought some Nature's Variety raw medallions, again. Last time Rasza puked them up, those were lamb. I bought chicken this time. He's had two meals so far (last night and tonight) and both have stayed down just fine. I'm trying to get into the habit of feeding raw or canned in the evening again. I have cornish game hen thawing for tomorrow night. Rascal may be the only one to eat it though, as this is a bony section.

Rascal will eat anything that isn't frozen, or very cold. He'll eat thawed raw food that I only took out of the refrigerator ten minutes before feeding, with no ill effects. Rasza's food always has to be room temperature.

Rasza is scheduled for a dental the end of February. I'm hoping that if I start now, I can continue these good habits after the dental. I NEED to, so he doesn't have to go under again (he really needs this one).

No new pictures of kitties eating raw, it's on the list though!

Bailey is TEN!

It's Bailey's birthday today! She's TEN YEARS OLD! Happy Birthday to her and her siblings (that I know nothing about and only know a couple names). When we got home today, the three of us went for a walk "in town" and braved the elements for a little bit. When we got home, Bailey got her "pork shoulder" birthday present. She's currently gnawing on some frozen pig.

You can see her "haircut" in these photos too...

URO1 Ribbon!

Buzz and his URO1 ribbon. Of course I had to take more than one!

URO1

Yep, we earned a United Rally Obedience (level) 1 title today with a 94!

Crystal got a video for us too!

Good Boy Mr. Buzzer!

UCD URO1 Sir Buzz Domino RL2 NAC NCC S-NJC O-TN-N TG-N WV-N RN (CGC)

Yeah, yeah, a photo... I'll get to it. Right now he's enjoying a stuffed Kong in his crate!

In which...

all of my dreams come true. Apparently I just need to move to Ohio.

I can have a Toller.

I can foster pregnant dogs, puppies, old dogs, young dogs, energetic dogs, and springers.

I can have a kitten.

I feel like this is the old "I have candy" ploy.

I don't know though... does Ohio have the MMBC? Nope, last I checked it was OHIO, not MINNESOTA.

Does Ohio have Agile Canines? Nope. (But it does have PosiDog.)

Does Ohio have A Great Dog Now? Nooo!

Does Ohio have my "sister" Jaci? Not a chance.

But Ohio has milder winters.

Hmmm... I'll ponder that as I head to bed, so I can get up for the MMBC UKC Rally Trial tomorrow!

Retiring Dogs

I've been saddened a lot lately by dogs being prematurely retired. Before anyone gets angry at me, I understand that I do not live with the dogs, and I don't know everything about each individual dog (thankfully, otherwise my brain might explode). Now, why are people retiring happy, healthy, not-that-old dogs? To preserve health? Good reason (but modifications can be made). The dog didn't enjoy it before? Really good reason to retire a dog, I guess.

I just get sad when I hear about so many dogs just sitting at home, getting the shaft, while younger house-mates go out and do "stuff" all the time. I realize my perspective may be different because I only have two dogs, both older, but unless it was physically or mentally exhausting, I wouldn't retire my dogs completely. Semi-retirement, yes. Lower jumps, less runs, different classes, different organizations, etc.

Does your retired dog get extra special treatment and extra walks, or things enjoyable? I hope so. Otherwise, why get a young dog when the old dog gave you so much and you just "retire" it.

Buzz loves the couch, and his dog bed, and my bed. But he also LOVES going to training class, and showing. It's at an older-Buzz speed, but hey, I hope people treat me like that when I get old. I don't want to just sit on a couch all day. I want some entertainment and stimulation too.

/end rant, I think

Nope, not done yet. It's important to be objective, both ways, when considering retiring a dog.

Now, I'm done.

She turns 10 on the 24th!

In honor of that, Bailey is now nekkid! Not shaved, but short! I'll post photos on her birthday. For now you can be sad with me that her beautiful hair is gone. I promised both of them that dogs over 10 aren't stripped anymore. A couple days early is a good birthday present I think.

ThD "stuff"

A while back I said I'd chosen to go with Therapy Dogs Incorporated for a couple different reasons. Well, until now I hadn't made time to actually get the paperwork in. I finally called the most local person I could find, and printed all of my paperwork. He just needs a fecal and a license and we're set. I was going to bring a fecal in today, but alas, last night was chicken night and apparently there was too much skin for him. Guess it'll be tomorrow!

Buzz is going to Camp Triumph with me this year as a ThD and he'll be my READ dog at schools soon too. He'll love it, and I can't wait!

A Re-Post, Adding Another Dog

We were a single dog household, wait until the dog dies until now. Our springer Scruffy died, we got the samoyed Snowey. Snowey died, we went on vacation and got Buzz. Buzz was such a devil youngster and had such poor training that I begged for a "good dog" and got one (very surprisingly, but to this day mom says she still doesn't know how I can love Buzz so much). They're 20 months apart. I would really rather they were further apart in age, and I hate that they're "old" together, but another dog isn't in the cards right now. I would have added another dog (and had planned on, when my life situation was a bit different) when Buzz was 9, making Bailey 7.

Buzz would welcome a new addition, and I think Bailey would tolerate, maybe even enjoy a youngster too. I'm really, REALLY hoping that this year looks better for me. I never want them so close in age again, especially if I'm only going to have two dogs.

What's your situation like?

Poultry Day

My animals are happy. Today was poultry day.

Dogs got chicken quarters.

Cats got game hen quarters.

Agility Learning

Everytime we have a lesson with Annelise, she points out something obvious I should have known. Tonight was no different! I told her my issue is contacts. I've tried with little success to teach Bailey running contacts. Tonight she asked "do you have a cue for it." Uhm, no. "Did you have a cue for your stopping contacts?" Uhm, no. She looks at me... I think your dog is confused.

Doh! Dog is VERY confused! We worked the dog walk first. I said "ok, go target" as she was starting her descent and the first time she was slow, but didn't stop. We repeated the exercise a couple more times and she began to run. She was running all the way down the contact to her target. I think it helped I had beef liver for her!

I was SO pleased with it, that we started adding a cue "run it." We also worked the A-Frame. Smart handler I am, I tried just saying the "run it" cue, lo and behold the dog stopped on the A-Frame. Annelise kindly suggested I start with "ok, go target" and what do you know, the dog runs through it. Good girl.

It was an excellent lesson. A lot of progress in just one session. I showed her our teeter performance and told her I'm pleased with that. As long as I tell her it's a teeter, she goes up it pretty quickly, waits for it to tip and does a 4 on for me. If I don't tell her it's a teeter she goes too fast and gets scared.

Lesson of the night. CUES ARE GOOD! Remember to CUE the dog!

Good girlie Bailey.

Bailey's week-goal

Drop On Recall work

Straight recalls

Drops in various positions, locations, at various distances

Duration on the drop

C/t-toss food

Work on verbal cue only, "lie down"

Check It Out!

Go Click Challenge

ABMC AKC Agility Trial

We just ran today. Open STD and JWW, preferred. Standard was decent. A 5 point refusal on the weaves (popped out at pole ten), and wasted seconds on that as well as on the table (really, mom sit? You just SAID down... jeeze lady) and a spin before the tunnel earned us another 5 point refusal.

Jumpers was BEAUTIFUL though. Nice course, good dog, good handling... she slid right into the weaves and didn't falter, GOOD GIRLIE! Just wonderful. She has ribbons, she doesn't feel like posing tonight though.

We're getting there, 1/3 OJP now!

Long Lines

A few people have observed that Buzz seems to always have a line attached. Well, that's mostly true. When we're outside and he isn't in a stay (or in the fenced yard), he's wearing a 50' long line (I think it was $5 at a hardware store plus the cost of a clip, so maybe $7 total). This is most definitely a safety thing because he's deaf. Even before he was deaf though, he would regularly wear a long line as I put a lot of work into his recall, but not enough. He had years and years of self-reinforcing running before I really learned anything about training. Bailey did too, but I think that comes down to temperament more than anything.

Anyways, his long line doesn't hamper his fun outside, in the least. If we're going out in a particularly open field, I actually attach another long line to that one so he's got about 65' of line dragging. I do take him out without it on occasion, but only when it's just him. A long line gives him freedom to run and explore and "be a dog" out in the country without wearing electricity. I've looked and looked and looked for a "vibration only" collar, but just can't seem to find one. I'm opposed to most vibration and stimulation collars for the obvious reason but also because often times the buttons are TOO CLOSE together for my comfort!

A few photos of Buzz "being a dog" with his long line on.

He swims with a long line too.

And whatever is going on here... uhh... well, he's wearing a long line!

I have a ton more, but here are some activities Buzz does with his long line.

Rally-O?

First of all, Buzz says 10 year old boys are THE best for doing Rally with. They change things up and do "happy with anything" WAY better than mom! I heeled on the right and the left for this boy and he thought that was SO DARN cool!

Second, right now I have a ten year old boy and his handsome boy poodle puppy in my rally class. Last week they were in Manners, but have decided to do Rally instead. Jane and I worked on some rally together, and then Annelise came over to run our mini course after she was done teaching agility. It was fun, a lot of fun (but late fun).

Third, I'm compiling a list of resources for my student(s). I plan on putting it into a three ring binder with space to add weekly homework. Right now I'm printing out the signs with descriptions for the three organizations we have up here. I'll probably list the key differences on another page, and some "annual" trials on another. Can anyone think of other "good things" to have in this binder?

Fourth, the new rally/obedience facility is excellent! I love that we're completely closed in. Buzz got to "tuck butt and run" after classes on Monday and it was just excellent. I love, love, love it!

Fifth, Buzz and I began preparing for our altered conformation show-time in April (I think). He seems to have forgotten about gaiting, but he's really good at heeling! We've been working with a target stick because it worked before. We'll see how well it works this time!

Creatures in Boxes

Good Dogs

I need to blog about my first class, but this post is reserved for photos showing off my GOOD DOGS from yesterday (yes, same set as the "dogs on cars" came from).

We'z GOOD DOGS and wait for Mom to get the mail!

Still waiting...

Mom sez I'm funny... I like to make mom laugh!

Dogs on Cars

4 Feet In A Box

is this week's trick.

Buzz's spondylosis is going to hamper us on this, but he's trying SO hard. He can almost fit into a printer paper box (so... 8.5 x 11 times two, 17 x 22). I haven't worked Bailey yet as I was occupied with doing a KPA trick of jump into a box and lie down. I found a cow feeding tub downstairs and we worked with that. It took her a while, and a lot of shaping for her to figure out how to lie down in there (round IS an issue I guess), but she did it. I had a hard time not c/t for her resting her front paws and head on the side of the tub, it was SO cute.

I need to find a new box for Buzz, maybe a laundry basket will work!

Winner, winner, CHICKEN DINNER!

Naw, not really a chicken dinner though the dogs deserve one!

"Knock" was really a training challenge for our "friendly" competition. Karin, Kristen, and I do these every once in a while and are trying to be better about doing one a week.

Our test objects were a boot (my choice), a bowl (Karin's), and a full water bottle (Kristen's).

Bailey did NOT appreciate the bowl. She never DID knock it over. She put her feet in it, and hit the edge, but that was definitely a tactile-NO for her. We were successful in the others though.

Buzz thought it was nose touch knocking for waterbottle, was SURE of it. I got about half correct responses from him on that one. Boot and bowl were far more successful.

That made me the WINNER!

Next week's challenge is four feet in a box... smallest box possible. THIS is going to take a lot of work.

Karin and I also both have dogs that do not find petting/touching to be reinforcing, and hate being manipulated in fact... so Kristen's trying to make that the challenge for the NEXT week. Pfft!

Training Treats

What do you use?

I use a lot of kibbles, but the kibbles I like to use, I don't feed my dogs (Solid Gold kibbles are my favorite for training with, yes large). I feed Fromm Salmon when they eat kibbles, and those are TINY (but perfect for the Treat and Train).

I use a lot of Natural Balance food roll. Lamb is extra gooey and stinky.

Cheese!

Zukes

Canned food

I have biscuits on occasion and sometimes they're fun for jackpots, my dogs like to crunch things... bison biscuits have been a HUGE hit here, whenever I feel like buying them.

Two Rally Things

First--If you're in the area and like rally, don't forget about the MMBC APDT Rally Trial on February 6 & 7, 2010. Levels 1-3, puppy, and veteran!

Yes, I am trial secretary, because APDT is AWESOME!

Second--If you're looking for a rally class (posting this is way out of my comfort zone, but I'm trying to be better) I will be teaching a Rally class at A Great Dog Now and it's going to be a blast. Mondays from 8-9!

If I could figure out how to upload a PDF, I would put the flier up! Maybe tomorrow I'll figure that out.

Acupuncture report

Overall-very good!

We discussed agility in general, how he's been doing, and what the future looks like. I told Dr. E about this weekend and how I was so pleased with Buzz. I also relayed that he jumped off the middle of the a-frame, that is no good. We talked about the obstacles and the injury risks they pose. Dr. E suggested we not do weavers anymore (I'm fine with that), and maybe no weaves at all? I think I'll have to look at flooring (dirt vs astro turf vs grass) in general before making a decision on that, so a trial by trial basis for now. Contacts were also discussed. I said his are typically really good. This was definitely a handling thing that I'll try not to repeat, but the risk is definitely there still. Touch N Go may be out of the cards, further discussion awaits.

Tunnelers, however, still has the all clear (he made open time on Sunday, and beat Bailey--but that's another story) and Jumpers is on the "soon to be clear" list. We need to work on the physical conditioning more, still. For a while we may just be doing Jumpers and Tunnelers, and that's ok, as he's only going to be doing 1-2 runs and one day trials from now on I think.

Things can still change, but as of now, this is where we stand. Tunnelers (2 more until open) and Jumpers (yay open) here we come!

Oh, and Dr. E found a muscle knot where his back has been twitching when we do back strengthening exercises. It was loosened by the acupuncture today, but we're not sure about how to keep it lose, or why it tightens. I need to be very careful with my dog and try to remember to check it daily.

the Rascal and some eyes

from clickertraining.com

How to Motivate Yourself to Train or Exercise Your Dog—Or Do Practically Anything Else!

http://www.clickertraining.com/node/1340?source=fbfp

Health Testing Pets

It has come up again! I love this topic.

Would you do it? What if you got money back from the breeder (specifically, breeder put money away from purchase price and reimbursed you for part or all of the testing)? What if it was required by contract?

If I ever breed (that's a pretty big "if" at this point), I would require hips/elbows and eyes at least once after the puppy CERF on any breed. I'm still very intrigued by PennHIP and want to incorporate that into a program, but I'm not sure where. It is expensive, and has to be done by a certified vet, and the dog has to be completely sedated.

Anyway, would you do it (given a reasonable time-frame), or would that discourage you from buying from a specified breeder?

Neither of my current dogs were required to have anything done by contract. It was all for my own knowledge and to provide data.

It bears repeating.

I participate on quite a few forums. I clearly say who I am, and I have met or already knew some people in person. I am a nice person, but I'm not too afraid to say what I think. If you've asked for help publicly, then acknowledge it maybe? So many people post, just to get the "oh, you're right, so-and-so is wrong" feel good replies. What the HAY! Why did I take time out of my day (ok, so that's usually reserved for a different person much better at explaining things) to provide useful information for it to be disregarded? Seriously? Are we that childish that we all need assurance, for something that shouldn't BE receiving assurance?! This is why I rarely post on forums anymore. Nobody can have good discussions anymore, because people always get defensive. What is so wrong with discussions that *gasp* may turn into arguments? Can people just not handle it?

I am regularly told to rethink something, or a few things. I'm ok with that (maybe it's a conditioned response). If I wasn't, I'd not have the training buddies I do. One in particular is good at being truly helpful. Nit picking and providing advice.

If you don't want help--just say so, and the few of us that WANT to help won't take that time and be so frustrated when you don't REALLY want the help.

That makes it sound like I've actually tried to provide helpful information lately, but I really haven't for a while. A friend has though, and has received nothing but disrespect. It is so very annoying.

Puppy Play Time!

Ditzel Fritz is cute!

He's five months old in seven days!

Too bad he's not mine! At least I get to play with him and teach him about nail trimming (he doesn't even notice) and help his daddy with good training. When I stole him for a bit last night we worked on "knock" too, with wooden blocks. He's such a fun puppy!

"Knock" videos

I took them. I like them. I don't have the right connection on my computer for Kevin's camera!

I'm very sad. Hopefully they'll be up soon because A) Jason will put them on his computer and let me edit them there or B) Kevin buys a different connector.

I have a feeling A) is going to be the quickest choice.

New Trick, "Knock"

I've begun teaching the cue "knock" to both dogs. "Knock" will mean to hit something with your paw and make it fall over. I shaped it with both dogs tonight with a noodle box. At first Buzz was SURE it was meant to be picked up and he was SO cute trying to figure out how to pick it up. Pawing was WAY more fun though! He really got into it!

Tonight I ended when I got consistent hard, direct, paws on the object and it fell over.

Tomorrow I may start adding in the cue, or I might add distance. I haven't decided yet.

Also still figuring out a cue for Buzz. A real knocking motion is his "guess which hand" game cue combined with a "back up" cue. Thinking about a knock with right hand into the left palm. I have to see how well I can execute that cue though.

I'll try to get it on video soon. The batteries for our p&s (the camera I use for video) have decided they don't want to hold a charge, so it might be a webcam video!

MMBC NADAC Trial Results

Saturday

Bailey--Q in Novice Chances for her NCC and Q/2nd in Novice Touch N Go for her first TG-N Q!

Buzz--NQ in Novice Touch N Go because we missed a couple hoops and jumped an A-Frame contact (totally a handling thing--I haven't really run him in a while)! A VERY BIG Personal Q though, as he was RUNNING and having fun and pain free! Not super fast, and not super smooth, but it's on video!

Sunday

Bailey--NQ in Touch N Go, extra tunnel, and NQ in Tunnelers, something was amiss.

Buzz--Q! in Tunnelers! #8 for his S-TN-N! What a GOOD BOY!

There may be video of the other runs... just have to wait and see.

Two videos courtesy of The Mousie!

HE RAN!

He really, really ran! MUCH faster than anticipated too. No, we didn't Q because I wasn't expecting him to be THAT fast (or THAT responsive). He was SOOOOO good and happy. Buzz boy is back in action. (We just missed a couple hoops and leaped over a few contacts... contacts are NOT designed to be leaping over, especially in his age but man was he having a good time!)

Oh, and Bailey went 2/2. We had a contact issue today (unsure of criteria so creeping/pausing). She finished her NCC and got her first TG-N Q! Darn good girly.

But Buzz, oh Buzz, he RAN! He feels GOOD! HE RAN!!!!!!!!

Day 1 of Reinforced Recalls

Today is January 1, so it is day one of the training challenge. I've decided to do it with both dogs, but we'll see how successful I actually am with that.

So far today, Bailey has done 20. I need to do 30 more. We're doing short distances, inside and outside. This morning was outside. Tonight will be inside as it's dark already!