Only seven days until the MAC NADAC trial!
I can't wait to play agility with Buzz again! :)
He's entered in regular 1 &2, jumpers, chances, and touch n go on Saturday--chances, weavers, and tunnelers on Sunday.
This amount of runs seems to work really well for him. If five is too many, I'll adjust our entry for the ACTS NADAC in July. I've been sure to get him out every day. We go biking or running as well as weaving for breakfast and dinner. It really should be a good trial. I'm excited to finally SHOW at a trial... :) I worked at the MAC USDAA trial two weekends ago and the MMBC UKC trial last weekend, and while that's fun... it's even more fun to show my own dog! :)
2008-06-14
pet/house sitting
I'm pet sitting and house sitting for some old neighbors. They have four outdoor cats (one has 5 kittens right now... erg) and a dog. Of course a lab, who is a MOOSE! Very fun dog, only a year and a half old but a MOOSE nonetheless.
He's a silly puppy though. Yesterday I walked him to the lake where he got to retrieve a dummyish thing for about 45 minutes. I thought he'd be at least a little bit tired but he was still raring to go, so when we got back I threw the frisbee for another half an hour. Then I decided that I was done, even if he wasn't.
Today I brought out the clicker, and I think it's going to be a fun two and a half weeks. I'm hoping to get him accustomed to his crate enough so that I can bring him to the trial next weekend, but we'll see.
He's tied out to their garage, which scares me to no end. I don't even leave my dogs tied out if I'm in the house! Last night he wouldn't relax in his crate, so I ended up letting him sleep loose in the garage. Poor guy was curled up on the door mat. I need to bring a towel or something for him today. Concrete is NOT easy on a body!
After another bath, I'll probably take pictures of him... or maybe tomorrow. He's really sunbleached (and overweight) but a really lovable guy.
Oh, and his name is Buddy. :)
He's a silly puppy though. Yesterday I walked him to the lake where he got to retrieve a dummyish thing for about 45 minutes. I thought he'd be at least a little bit tired but he was still raring to go, so when we got back I threw the frisbee for another half an hour. Then I decided that I was done, even if he wasn't.
Today I brought out the clicker, and I think it's going to be a fun two and a half weeks. I'm hoping to get him accustomed to his crate enough so that I can bring him to the trial next weekend, but we'll see.
He's tied out to their garage, which scares me to no end. I don't even leave my dogs tied out if I'm in the house! Last night he wouldn't relax in his crate, so I ended up letting him sleep loose in the garage. Poor guy was curled up on the door mat. I need to bring a towel or something for him today. Concrete is NOT easy on a body!
After another bath, I'll probably take pictures of him... or maybe tomorrow. He's really sunbleached (and overweight) but a really lovable guy.
Oh, and his name is Buddy. :)
2008-06-06
trial and training
We got into the MAC NADAC trial (was waiting for vouchers so didn't send my entry until Tuesday night... thankfully it hadn't filled yet) so Buzz and I will be heading to Burnsville on June 21 & 22. I love showing there, and I think he does too. We don't have to battle heat, I'm relaxed... and he's a good travel dog.
I've been doing a LOT of training lately, but nothing very structured. I worked both dogs heeling this morning. Buzz was quite distracted and I should have gone in to get higher value rewards but I just ended it when I got some good heeling with nice attention! Buzz and I are helping at the UKC trial (well, I'm helping, and they're allowing us to be a courtesy dog team) so I want to make sure we're prepared for that.
Bailey's tracking is going better too. I've been careful to lay her tracks into the wind. We also went to the farm on Wednesday. She had a BEAUTIFUL and fairly long track. I've definitely taught what an article means, now I just need to make sure she understands that she has to get to the article by tracking... not spotting it and running.
I haven't done go-out work in a while but did teach a fun 'go on' cue to place rear feet on a storage bin top. In a few days I got a reliable, no stopping, directly out behavior WITH a pause in a stand. From there I cued sit or down or come. It's a really fun game now! "On" is the cue to place rear feet on the object... "go" is my 'away from me' directional cue.
I've been doing a LOT of training lately, but nothing very structured. I worked both dogs heeling this morning. Buzz was quite distracted and I should have gone in to get higher value rewards but I just ended it when I got some good heeling with nice attention! Buzz and I are helping at the UKC trial (well, I'm helping, and they're allowing us to be a courtesy dog team) so I want to make sure we're prepared for that.
Bailey's tracking is going better too. I've been careful to lay her tracks into the wind. We also went to the farm on Wednesday. She had a BEAUTIFUL and fairly long track. I've definitely taught what an article means, now I just need to make sure she understands that she has to get to the article by tracking... not spotting it and running.
I haven't done go-out work in a while but did teach a fun 'go on' cue to place rear feet on a storage bin top. In a few days I got a reliable, no stopping, directly out behavior WITH a pause in a stand. From there I cued sit or down or come. It's a really fun game now! "On" is the cue to place rear feet on the object... "go" is my 'away from me' directional cue.
photo update
Buzz
Rasza & Rascal
Rasza & Rascal
Baby
Bailey
Bailey
Buzz
Bailey
Buzz
Bailey (rolling & smiling)
Silly Buzz!
I actually got pictures of EVERYONE in a single day! We had a lot of fun yesterday, and I'm going to have even more fun playing with these pictures again!
Rasza & Rascal
Rasza & Rascal
Baby
Bailey
Bailey
Buzz
Bailey
Buzz
Bailey (rolling & smiling)
Silly Buzz!
I actually got pictures of EVERYONE in a single day! We had a lot of fun yesterday, and I'm going to have even more fun playing with these pictures again!
2008-06-05
photobucket editing tools and picnik.com
I played with pictures tonight... a few turned out good, a few... erm hah!
2008-06-02
MAC USDAA & C-WAGS
I volunteered at the MAC USDAA agility trial last Friday and Saturday. It's always fun to see old friends, make new ones, and watch all the amazing dogs and their handlers. I did some ring stewarding, timing, scribing, and leash running. Of course I timed the hardest classes... ever... heh. I was in the P3/Masters ring and timed Snooker and Gamblers. It's really not that bad, but I had to remember to switch the time for the horns and do manual start/stop on some runs... It was definitely a learning experience. I've now done all jobs at a trial except score table. I'm sure that someday I'll get to do that though!
A couple friends and I do our own C-WAGS "shows" online every once in a while. It's good for making me train specific behaviors if nothing else. The current part I'm working on isn't going very smoothly. It's a modification of the utility directed jumping.
Explained:
Go Table / Jump / Jump - This challenge requires that the dog leave the handler
go out to the table, sit or down, and take the directed jump.
Ring set up includes:
An agility type pause table set at 2nd base – approximately 20’ away from Home Plate. The pause table will have two heights; 4” for dogs that jump 12” or less, and 12” for dogs that jump 16”.
Two jumps set approximately 20’ apart: 1st base and 3rd base. Any combination
of bar jump, high jump, broad jump or agility style jump constructed to be stable and safe for all dogs may be used. * See jump height table in the obedience rules. (A 6’ - 9’ tunnel may replace either or both jumps).
◊ This challenge begins with the team in heel position at Home Plate - opposite the
pause table.
◊ On order from the judge to “send your dog”, time will start and the handler will send their dog across the ring to the table where the dog must either sit or down –
judge’s predetermined position.
◊ When the dog is positioned, the handler will call/send the dog over either the right or the left jump – handler’s choice.
◊ The dog should go straight to the jump, over it and return to front position.
◊ Without instruction from the judge, the team return to original starting position and perform the same sequence again EXCEPT if the dog “sat” on the table the first
time then it must “down” on the table the second time (or vice versa). If the dog
was sent to the right side jump the first time then the dog must be sent to the left
side jump the second time (or vice versa).
◊ Time stops when the dog sits in the front position the second time.
◊ Handler may not leave Home Plate. (Hysterical, desperate gesturing by the handler
at Home Plate will be ignored by the judge and a source of entertainment for the
gallery.)
◊ Retry – Unlimited retries allowed within the time limit. If the dog takes the
incorrect jump, the team will have to begin from Home Plate, resending the dog to
the table and then the correct jump.
◊ “Fouls” – Will be incurred if the handler leaves Home Plate; If the dog takes the
incorrect jump.
This challenge will be considered Passed if: the dog goes out to the table, assumes the correct position, takes the correct jump, goes out a second time, assumes the correct second position, takes the correct second jump, the handler does not leave Home Plate, and the dog gets back to Home Plate and sits before the 60 seconds is up.
It's a lot of fun... but I don't have a table so I was using the lid of a storage bin. I got that cue semi-solid "on" coupled with a "go" to indicate moving away from me but I just can NOT get a solid "sit" out of Bailey when she goes out. Right now I'm testing out a 'wait' when she reaches the lid then a sit, which seems to be working... if she hears the 'wait' cue! I've got a bar jump and a broad jump out there. Need to pick up my old weave poles from the farm to use to mark the outsides of the jump so I'm not teaching the dogs to cut the jump early (again... I think we finally worked through that).
The two other exercises for this "show" are relatively easy. Right turn, back up two steps in heel position as well as a cloverleaf figure 8. I just need to get cones/pylons/something to make my cloverleaf then I'll video that one too.
A couple friends and I do our own C-WAGS "shows" online every once in a while. It's good for making me train specific behaviors if nothing else. The current part I'm working on isn't going very smoothly. It's a modification of the utility directed jumping.
Explained:
Go Table / Jump / Jump - This challenge requires that the dog leave the handler
go out to the table, sit or down, and take the directed jump.
Ring set up includes:
An agility type pause table set at 2nd base – approximately 20’ away from Home Plate. The pause table will have two heights; 4” for dogs that jump 12” or less, and 12” for dogs that jump 16”.
Two jumps set approximately 20’ apart: 1st base and 3rd base. Any combination
of bar jump, high jump, broad jump or agility style jump constructed to be stable and safe for all dogs may be used. * See jump height table in the obedience rules. (A 6’ - 9’ tunnel may replace either or both jumps).
◊ This challenge begins with the team in heel position at Home Plate - opposite the
pause table.
◊ On order from the judge to “send your dog”, time will start and the handler will send their dog across the ring to the table where the dog must either sit or down –
judge’s predetermined position.
◊ When the dog is positioned, the handler will call/send the dog over either the right or the left jump – handler’s choice.
◊ The dog should go straight to the jump, over it and return to front position.
◊ Without instruction from the judge, the team return to original starting position and perform the same sequence again EXCEPT if the dog “sat” on the table the first
time then it must “down” on the table the second time (or vice versa). If the dog
was sent to the right side jump the first time then the dog must be sent to the left
side jump the second time (or vice versa).
◊ Time stops when the dog sits in the front position the second time.
◊ Handler may not leave Home Plate. (Hysterical, desperate gesturing by the handler
at Home Plate will be ignored by the judge and a source of entertainment for the
gallery.)
◊ Retry – Unlimited retries allowed within the time limit. If the dog takes the
incorrect jump, the team will have to begin from Home Plate, resending the dog to
the table and then the correct jump.
◊ “Fouls” – Will be incurred if the handler leaves Home Plate; If the dog takes the
incorrect jump.
This challenge will be considered Passed if: the dog goes out to the table, assumes the correct position, takes the correct jump, goes out a second time, assumes the correct second position, takes the correct second jump, the handler does not leave Home Plate, and the dog gets back to Home Plate and sits before the 60 seconds is up.
It's a lot of fun... but I don't have a table so I was using the lid of a storage bin. I got that cue semi-solid "on" coupled with a "go" to indicate moving away from me but I just can NOT get a solid "sit" out of Bailey when she goes out. Right now I'm testing out a 'wait' when she reaches the lid then a sit, which seems to be working... if she hears the 'wait' cue! I've got a bar jump and a broad jump out there. Need to pick up my old weave poles from the farm to use to mark the outsides of the jump so I'm not teaching the dogs to cut the jump early (again... I think we finally worked through that).
The two other exercises for this "show" are relatively easy. Right turn, back up two steps in heel position as well as a cloverleaf figure 8. I just need to get cones/pylons/something to make my cloverleaf then I'll video that one too.
2008-05-27
Agility Class #2
It went SO well tonight. I handled confidently, and my handling paths were good for my dog and I. It was one of those really good nights.
A few highlights:
A few highlights:
- 2 very nice running a-frame contacts in the same sequence!
- I accidently sent him over a 20" jump (normally jumps 12") and he cleared it with ease!
- 2 complete sets of 12 weaves completed without trouble!
- Focused during his agility runs and did his job, forgetting about the intact boys he was sure needed his attention when not running. For some reason Vegas and Henry both got his attention a lot tonight. They certainly weren't provoking him, but he was mighty interested in them.
I also laid Buzz's first track today. I figured now is as good of a time as any to lay a foundation for it. He thought that eating food off the ground and not being told to stop was amazing... heh. It was just a short track, but he was good and had fun!
Tomorrow Bailey and I have tracking class. Last week Sheila told us we'd be doing a left and a right turn on the same track. We'll see how that goes! She had one stellar day of tracks. All three I laid were executed VERY nicely. Today's tracks were mediocre at best. I need to take notes and keep a better tracking journal.
2008-05-24
new friend
Luna came over to play today. She and Buzz had a lot of fun! Luna is supposedly a BC, but I see BC x Aussie... the jury's still out as to what she really is, other than cute!
Silly puppies!
Check out those feet! She's quite talented!
There are more but I need to resize the rest and sort through them.
Silly puppies!
Check out those feet! She's quite talented!
There are more but I need to resize the rest and sort through them.
2008-05-22
*sigh*
*overly-dramatic boy-related content follows... reader has now been forewarned*
This boy has a name, but I'm chosing to leave it out. It's not important right now, and anyone who I keep in close contact with will know who he is. Otherwise it's just a random name that's no better than the term 'boy' in place of his name.
On May 22, 2008 at 10:33PM I said "good bye" to one of my best friends. No, he didn't die but we finally came to a decision together that we've grown in vastly different directions and it was harming both of us to keep trying to shove pieces of a puzzle together that just don't quite fit. It was the end of "us" and any kind of relationship we once had. We agreed that the majority of these last four and a half years were really good times. I have no regrets. The circumstances leading up to this decision are too numerous to retell, but there is certainly a great deal of saddness. There is also a new beginning.
It was probably the oddest end to a relationship I've ever encountered. The conversation had many twists and turns with very little anger. I learned a lot of things about him and myself that I'd never known before, all in a matter of a few hours. The end of the conversation was near but neither was ready to say good-bye. I started to 'count down' in a half-joking manner but after I said "ok, since neither of us is ready to let go completely" I was interrupted with a "if you ever need anything, you have my number" which made all the flood gates burst open. I did manage to finish what I wanted to say with a "1, 2, 3... good-bye" which really gave more closure than I expected.
As sad as I am right now, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I went to Duluth today to get the rest of my stuff from the townhouse we once shared (with my dogs!). After it was all loaded (or I thought it was all loaded, just got a text about clothes still there) he even took me for a ride on his new motorcycle. I absolutely ADORE motorcycles, and his is a SPORT bike! I haven't ridden a sport bike since a while before my dad died. I forgot how scary fun it is.
I really don't like laying my life our for anyone to see, but I feel like this is a milestone in my life that has taken a few months to get to. Life is a never ending roller coaster, but I've felt like I'm going in circles for so long that it's nice to see straight ahead.
*end of overly-dramatic boy-related rant*
This boy has a name, but I'm chosing to leave it out. It's not important right now, and anyone who I keep in close contact with will know who he is. Otherwise it's just a random name that's no better than the term 'boy' in place of his name.
On May 22, 2008 at 10:33PM I said "good bye" to one of my best friends. No, he didn't die but we finally came to a decision together that we've grown in vastly different directions and it was harming both of us to keep trying to shove pieces of a puzzle together that just don't quite fit. It was the end of "us" and any kind of relationship we once had. We agreed that the majority of these last four and a half years were really good times. I have no regrets. The circumstances leading up to this decision are too numerous to retell, but there is certainly a great deal of saddness. There is also a new beginning.
It was probably the oddest end to a relationship I've ever encountered. The conversation had many twists and turns with very little anger. I learned a lot of things about him and myself that I'd never known before, all in a matter of a few hours. The end of the conversation was near but neither was ready to say good-bye. I started to 'count down' in a half-joking manner but after I said "ok, since neither of us is ready to let go completely" I was interrupted with a "if you ever need anything, you have my number" which made all the flood gates burst open. I did manage to finish what I wanted to say with a "1, 2, 3... good-bye" which really gave more closure than I expected.
As sad as I am right now, I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I went to Duluth today to get the rest of my stuff from the townhouse we once shared (with my dogs!). After it was all loaded (or I thought it was all loaded, just got a text about clothes still there) he even took me for a ride on his new motorcycle. I absolutely ADORE motorcycles, and his is a SPORT bike! I haven't ridden a sport bike since a while before my dad died. I forgot how scary fun it is.
I really don't like laying my life our for anyone to see, but I feel like this is a milestone in my life that has taken a few months to get to. Life is a never ending roller coaster, but I've felt like I'm going in circles for so long that it's nice to see straight ahead.
*end of overly-dramatic boy-related rant*
2008-05-21
Agility AND Tracking!
Buzz and I had our first agility class last night since last August. It was so fun to see everyone again! I got to meet Echo (a friend's pem puppy) and hold her. She's absolutely cute and full of herself... just perfect for a puppy.
Buzz ran three GREAT sequences for me. I was so pleased with his enthusiasm and drive and WEAVES! This is the first time he's seen twelve in a LONG time, and while he didn't get all twelve, it was very close. We're still working on building muscle memory as well as endurance. I know we'll get there!
I'm so glad he's still happy and willing to play games with me.
Bailey and I have tracking tonight. It should be a good class. I got a few pointers from Piper and Echo's mom last night so I'll try those out and Bailey always seems to do better at class then at home too. It's probably the difference in smells/person laying the track.
Talked to mom today too and hopefully we'll be going to Duluth for the DKC show on July 13. I'm crossing my fingers that Bailey continues to be healthy and not limping and we can run at the MAC AKC trial on the 12 then head up to Duluth Saturday night for rally and obedience on Sunday. The plan is for STD, JWW, and FAST agility on Saturday at SoccerBlast and then Excellent B, Advanced B, and Open A for rally abd obedience at the DECC.
It's fun to be addicted to all sorts of dog activities! If we can add hunting sometime (maybe next summer) then I think I'll finally be doing all dog sports I've ever wanted to do (and there will always be more to add).
Buzz ran three GREAT sequences for me. I was so pleased with his enthusiasm and drive and WEAVES! This is the first time he's seen twelve in a LONG time, and while he didn't get all twelve, it was very close. We're still working on building muscle memory as well as endurance. I know we'll get there!
I'm so glad he's still happy and willing to play games with me.
Bailey and I have tracking tonight. It should be a good class. I got a few pointers from Piper and Echo's mom last night so I'll try those out and Bailey always seems to do better at class then at home too. It's probably the difference in smells/person laying the track.
Talked to mom today too and hopefully we'll be going to Duluth for the DKC show on July 13. I'm crossing my fingers that Bailey continues to be healthy and not limping and we can run at the MAC AKC trial on the 12 then head up to Duluth Saturday night for rally and obedience on Sunday. The plan is for STD, JWW, and FAST agility on Saturday at SoccerBlast and then Excellent B, Advanced B, and Open A for rally abd obedience at the DECC.
It's fun to be addicted to all sorts of dog activities! If we can add hunting sometime (maybe next summer) then I think I'll finally be doing all dog sports I've ever wanted to do (and there will always be more to add).
2008-05-14
tracking class #2
Our second tracking class was tonight. I went early so I could work her heeling with distractions and work Buzz. She was good, still takes her a while to focus on what we're doing, but it is improving.
Buzz had a really good stay, wanted to check everything out but kept his butt planted. I also got about ten steps with direct eye contact right from the first step off. Lots of improvements!
Tracking class-
first track was good, didn't stop for food drops, nice find
second track was even better... and I was good about letting her find the track again herself
third track we introduced a corner-triple laid and she NAILED IT! Super exciting!
fourth track was too much and had to help her along... should have stopped after #3
Tracking Is Fun!
Buzz had a really good stay, wanted to check everything out but kept his butt planted. I also got about ten steps with direct eye contact right from the first step off. Lots of improvements!
Tracking class-
first track was good, didn't stop for food drops, nice find
second track was even better... and I was good about letting her find the track again herself
third track we introduced a corner-triple laid and she NAILED IT! Super exciting!
fourth track was too much and had to help her along... should have stopped after #3
Tracking Is Fun!
2008-05-13
tracking, foot targets, and weaving
Bailey has been working on foot targeting (for go-out, utility work) and tracking. Today I finally got a REAL foot target on the ground. I was very, very excited. I need to watch more closely, but I think I'm also getting a nose target with it... hah. I was able to back away slowly and she kept returning to the target on the ground and it's nice that I can hear when she hits it. Helps me a lot because it's hard to see her going out there so fast!
I'm thrilled that she's enjoying tracking so much! Yesterday I recruited my brother to lay a track. Sent him to drop the first article then walk fifteen steps in a line, drop the second article and retrace his steps (a double laid track). Since we've been working on article indication more than actual tracking, I didn't put food on either article. She missed the scent the first time (but I got a down indication on the start article, so that was super cool and rewarded that from my pocket), so we restarted and she nailed it the second time. She actually pulled me from behind to the end article. Lots of treats for that, it was so cool to see her work (and skip over the food drops on the track... heh).
Buzz is learning how to weave. I know, sounds silly but he hasn't ever had consistent practice. He CAN weave, but not confidently or fast. I started last Friday and he's been weaving for his breakfast and dinner every day now. The weaves are still slow but today he got his entry and stayed in both times for his breakfast today. Very cool! I'm hoping by mid june he'll be more confident and have more speed, but we'll see. I need to remember to ONLY do two and if he pops out, remove poles so he can succeed and still end there. I really have a tendency to ask too much of him all at once. I forget WHY we're doing remedial pole work... heh, need to keep sessions short and the rate of reinforcement HIGH!
Off to look for more jobs today!
I'm thrilled that she's enjoying tracking so much! Yesterday I recruited my brother to lay a track. Sent him to drop the first article then walk fifteen steps in a line, drop the second article and retrace his steps (a double laid track). Since we've been working on article indication more than actual tracking, I didn't put food on either article. She missed the scent the first time (but I got a down indication on the start article, so that was super cool and rewarded that from my pocket), so we restarted and she nailed it the second time. She actually pulled me from behind to the end article. Lots of treats for that, it was so cool to see her work (and skip over the food drops on the track... heh).
Buzz is learning how to weave. I know, sounds silly but he hasn't ever had consistent practice. He CAN weave, but not confidently or fast. I started last Friday and he's been weaving for his breakfast and dinner every day now. The weaves are still slow but today he got his entry and stayed in both times for his breakfast today. Very cool! I'm hoping by mid june he'll be more confident and have more speed, but we'll see. I need to remember to ONLY do two and if he pops out, remove poles so he can succeed and still end there. I really have a tendency to ask too much of him all at once. I forget WHY we're doing remedial pole work... heh, need to keep sessions short and the rate of reinforcement HIGH!
Off to look for more jobs today!
2008-05-10
Lots of stuff!
Cindy Hickey visit went really well. I was pleased with our visit. Current speculation is a carpal problem. As soon as I start my new job (hopefully soon!), Bailey will be going in for carpal xrays. She had a very long and intensive massage. She was a VERY good dog for it too!
I have a whole slew of stuff to do with her, starting Sunday. She's been moving well still, not very stiff at all, which makes me happy.
I was a 'good trainer' today and worked Buzz on weaves with a target (trying to get his focus in the weaves and not on me... so target at the end... it seems to be working so far) and he was a good boy! He was also working on his long sit maintain while I was setting the weaves up and he was excellent then too!
Bailey-boo dog ran two tracks (I swear, she's understanding it more and more each time we track... so fun to see her work). We also worked on article indication and it developed into her laying ON the object and facing me... we'll see how well that actually works. I also did some go-out/away work for Utility.
Note to self from GP/KV- FOOT TARGET! hehe
Picked Jeremy up from the airport today, I've missed that boy a LOT. So much fun to chat again. I'm excited he's home for the summer, even though not really because he'll be at camp, pfft! AND, he'll be in CHINA next fall! Super cool for him though, great opportunity!
I have a whole slew of stuff to do with her, starting Sunday. She's been moving well still, not very stiff at all, which makes me happy.
I was a 'good trainer' today and worked Buzz on weaves with a target (trying to get his focus in the weaves and not on me... so target at the end... it seems to be working so far) and he was a good boy! He was also working on his long sit maintain while I was setting the weaves up and he was excellent then too!
Bailey-boo dog ran two tracks (I swear, she's understanding it more and more each time we track... so fun to see her work). We also worked on article indication and it developed into her laying ON the object and facing me... we'll see how well that actually works. I also did some go-out/away work for Utility.
Note to self from GP/KV- FOOT TARGET! hehe
Picked Jeremy up from the airport today, I've missed that boy a LOT. So much fun to chat again. I'm excited he's home for the summer, even though not really because he'll be at camp, pfft! AND, he'll be in CHINA next fall! Super cool for him though, great opportunity!
2008-05-07
I'm FREE (plus tracking)
I'm FREE! School is DONE until next fall! WAHOO!
Just gotta wait on grades... heh.
We made it to tracking tonight (with a few minutes to spare even) and it was SO much fun! She was a very good girlie and really seemed to enjoy it! We have some homework to do, that I plan on being serious about.
Try to do 2 tracks on each outing and take her out twice a day. 15-20 yards with a flag and start article, shuffle track, food drops about every 3 feet, jackpot at the end article. It was so fun to see her THRILLED to work! I'd like to start Buzz too, since I have an idea of what we're doing at least.
Definitely gonna try it with Buzz at the park on Friday!
Tracking is going to be a blast and I can't wait for next week already!
Just gotta wait on grades... heh.
We made it to tracking tonight (with a few minutes to spare even) and it was SO much fun! She was a very good girlie and really seemed to enjoy it! We have some homework to do, that I plan on being serious about.
Try to do 2 tracks on each outing and take her out twice a day. 15-20 yards with a flag and start article, shuffle track, food drops about every 3 feet, jackpot at the end article. It was so fun to see her THRILLED to work! I'd like to start Buzz too, since I have an idea of what we're doing at least.
Definitely gonna try it with Buzz at the park on Friday!
Tracking is going to be a blast and I can't wait for next week already!
2008-05-06
Almost...
What do I have left to do to complete my junior year of college?
- Parent Letter (halfish done)
- Women and Religion final (1/3 done)
- Middle School Philosophies and Models final project and study for final test (erm, sorta started!)
- Portfolio evidence statement for the above MSPM class
- Clean more bottles for Art tomorrow
- Finish lesson plan for art tomorrow
- Finish packing car (85% done)
Then it's HOME time! I'll get home, take stuff out of backseat, pack dog (with harness, collar, leash, water, treats, bowl, anything else I see and grab) and head to Total Recall for our FIRST tracking lesson!
Thursday the same girly dog and I head out to Pine City for her massage therapy appointment with Cindy Hickey.
2008-05-05
I REALLY didn't forget!
My best buddy in the whole world turned TEN yesterday. Double digits baby!
He is formally known as, UCD Sir Buzz Domino NAC NJC TN-N TG-N RN RL1 CGC
I can't believe we've made it as far as we have... it's been a wonderful journey, and I don't anticipate it stopping any time soon. In celebration of his birthday, we have weekend plans for a whole day at the park. He should enjoy that, and it'll just be the two of us!
Happy Birthday Buzzy boy! I'll get some updated pictures when I go home but for now this will have to do-
From a little tyke (gotta click... it's a big 'image')
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v324/SpringerLover/BuzzPuppyPage.jpg
a few pictures from throughout the years-
And the most recent picture I have of the boy, with his all-time favorite toy!
He is formally known as, UCD Sir Buzz Domino NAC NJC TN-N TG-N RN RL1 CGC
I can't believe we've made it as far as we have... it's been a wonderful journey, and I don't anticipate it stopping any time soon. In celebration of his birthday, we have weekend plans for a whole day at the park. He should enjoy that, and it'll just be the two of us!
Happy Birthday Buzzy boy! I'll get some updated pictures when I go home but for now this will have to do-
From a little tyke (gotta click... it's a big 'image')
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v324/SpringerLover/BuzzPuppyPage.jpg
a few pictures from throughout the years-
And the most recent picture I have of the boy, with his all-time favorite toy!
2008-05-01
News from the vet!
Bailey's anaplasmosis titer and her bloodwork showed her body is doing just fine with the anaplasmosis and the vet opted not to treat with antibiotics! That's good news! Her body CAN do something right!
Dr. Enochs was happy with the bloodwork of both dogs, so that really is a relief.
I'm almost done with school! YAY! We're hoping to start tracking next Wednesday (gonna be a busy day but so worth it) and then Bailey has her appointment on Thursday morning.
I'm not quite sure when agility will start yet.
Dr. Enochs was happy with the bloodwork of both dogs, so that really is a relief.
I'm almost done with school! YAY! We're hoping to start tracking next Wednesday (gonna be a busy day but so worth it) and then Bailey has her appointment on Thursday morning.
I'm not quite sure when agility will start yet.
2008-04-27
Hmmmmm...
Friday I turned in my gimongo paper for Women and Religion (ok, so it was only eight pages but *whine* I rarely have to write more than three).
Dogs had vet appointments at 4pm.
Cindy Hickey recommended we do a 4DX test on Bailey to see if any of those nasty diseases could be causing her lameness (lymes, anaplasmosis, erlichiosis, or heartworm). Guess what? She has anaplasmosis. Erg. So then they drew more blood and sent it out to be checked further, my brain was on overload at that point and I'm not exactly sure what else they are looking for but we should get results on Tuesday.
Buzz had a heartworm test and a senior blood panel done. We'll see what those results reveal too I guess.
When I actually have money again, Buzz needs a thyroid panel too... hopefully sometime this summer. They'll send it to MSU for me too, so yay!
Saturday I was at the tracking test bright and early with absolutely no knowledge of what happens at a tracking test. It was so much FUN though, despite the mini hail/rain/snow storm. I got to use the purple flags. We plotted tracks and I walked mine again to make sure I knew it. Redrew my map too. I am quite proud of my second map, for it being my first tracking experience ever... hah!
Sunday (today) was THE best! Tracking is SO amazingly COOL to watch!
Dogs had vet appointments at 4pm.
Cindy Hickey recommended we do a 4DX test on Bailey to see if any of those nasty diseases could be causing her lameness (lymes, anaplasmosis, erlichiosis, or heartworm). Guess what? She has anaplasmosis. Erg. So then they drew more blood and sent it out to be checked further, my brain was on overload at that point and I'm not exactly sure what else they are looking for but we should get results on Tuesday.
Buzz had a heartworm test and a senior blood panel done. We'll see what those results reveal too I guess.
When I actually have money again, Buzz needs a thyroid panel too... hopefully sometime this summer. They'll send it to MSU for me too, so yay!
Saturday I was at the tracking test bright and early with absolutely no knowledge of what happens at a tracking test. It was so much FUN though, despite the mini hail/rain/snow storm. I got to use the purple flags. We plotted tracks and I walked mine again to make sure I knew it. Redrew my map too. I am quite proud of my second map, for it being my first tracking experience ever... hah!
Sunday (today) was THE best! Tracking is SO amazingly COOL to watch!
- First up was a Bloodhound named Ava. She worked the track really well and PASSED! YAY!
- Second up was a Lakeland Terrier named Amanda. She got off her track a few times but never more than 50 yards and got back on every time. Second pass of the day!
- Third was a GSD, as he ran I was laying my track and picking up flags so I didn't get to watch it but the GSD passed too! 3/3 was a great way to start the day.
- Fourth was another Bloodhound who sadly didn't pass, but did finish after being put back on the track.
- Fifth was my track. I got a German Wirehair... very fit and pretty dog. She was amazing to watch! Her indication at the end was very cool (laying down) and we all clapped, she was fast and efficient and great!
- Sixth was a Tibbie who was doing SO well, made it to the last turn and couldn't find it... after being whistled and put back on the track he found the glove though.
- Seventh (and last of the day) was a Bassett Hound. HUGE dog, very happy, funny. He was breathtaking (I'm sure his handler was breathless) until he got to his LAST corner, and being on top of a hill, he couldn't find it. They did get within about 20 yards of the glove, but upwind from it and it was SO close. He was so excited to GO and so 'on' the track in the beginning.
I love tracking! I can't wait to start classes now!
2008-04-22
School Book Excerpts
I'm constantly amazed at what you can actually find in a school book if you look hard enough! Just last week I found "a healed earth is one in which all the patterns of destruction… have been deeply transformed, the patterns that are resulting in proliferating population, deepening poverty, famine, soil erosion, deforestation, the extinction of species, air and water pollution, energy crises, and militarism” (Bagley and McIntosh, 234). That's from one of my Women and Religion books, the one I actually read consistently!
Another is from Art Methods today, "Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much" by Helen Keller.
Sometimes school isn't so bad. I would never say that anywhere close to finals though (like right now) because there is SO much to do before the end of the semester!
Another is from Art Methods today, "Alone we can do so little, but together we can do so much" by Helen Keller.
Sometimes school isn't so bad. I would never say that anywhere close to finals though (like right now) because there is SO much to do before the end of the semester!
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