Parallel Universe

(a photo from Yesterday's lesson, me, Jenny, Gyp Togo and Alaska, getting our sheep)

It's interesting ...

Learning about herding and seeing the comparisons it to other dog venues I've trained and competed in is fascinating to me ... I am hoping I will benefit now that I am recognizing these similarities (less to remember maybe?? maybe more ...) ... I see this especially comparing Agility and Herding ... a few things keep coming up in both Sports ... coincidence?

"Keep moving"

"Your timing sucks, your're late"

"Let your dog do her job"

"Be sure to practice drills, and don't just run courses"

"Break things down"

"Watch your dog"

"Trust your dog"

"Watch your sheep" ... OK that one is just for herding

"Have you been drinking?"

My wonderfully patient instructors (wink) probably want to just shake me sometimes - but I get it - I want to do the same thing with some of my Agility students :) ... and I think I actually might have a few times.

The pointy finger follows me everywhere!!! Dammit.

Finding her entries without me ...

Just like every dog sport I've been involved in, the journey never ends ...

... The more I learn ... the less I know ...

Soundtrack on their lives ...

a couple little clips with soundtrack courtesy of the "Presidents" ... Feather Pluckin' and Kitty ... come on ... these songs were written for them :)

Here is a quicky run of Gyp in jumpers, I was really proud of this run - over 6yps and I felt so connected, and went for it.



This a couple clips of runs of K ... I loved his Challenge run even with the off course - great weaves, great enthusiasm. Something I tell my students is if the off course happens, keep going, as if it didn't happen, chances are it was you and the dog was just doing what he thought - in this instance, Kaleb found the straight line and I did nothing to tell him otherwise ... can you spot the error on the video?? The less I make a deal out of the error the better - for me and him - don't stress it, keep running, keep having fun!!!!

And I had to add his wonderful end Gamble ... :) Such a good boy!

crazy little thing called love ...

my lil' wood nymph :: 6/52, originally uploaded by sarah ....

It was our first Agility trial of the year this past weekend. I had taken half of December and January off to give the dogs some time to recoup and refresh for the busy trial Season coming up. Just what we needed!! I HEART my dogs, I HEART Agility, I HEART my friends ... life is good.

I've been worried about K - I freak out as he is coming up 10 and I don't want to push him to hard if his body can't do it ... His first run of the weekend he seemed a little stiff in the poles, but otherwise a great run. The rest of the weekend - he was BANG ON ... managed his same times and YPS ... no knocked bars, no popped or uneven looking weave poles. I love this dog. I had so much fun running him this weekend - and all the comments I get on how great is running and looking are sure nice to hear. He got MEGA warm-ups - twice as much as normal, lots of tugging backwards to engage that rear end, massage 2x day, and extra work to his stifles and hamstrings. It seemed to do the trick .... judging by his performance. He brought home Qs in Standard and Gamblers.

And then there is Gyppie ... she was great too! We were honoured to wear Tag's Agility LEash into the ring with us ... the first run was a little hard ... I was thinking of him and we tried are hardest for him this weekend ... Gyppie even channeled a little of his naughtiness I am pretty sure! But thankfully she also channeled his brilliance! She was fast, fun and lovely. She brought home Qs in 2 Standards, Jumpers and Snooker.

Go! Dog! Go! Students ROCKED also!!! Lots of great moments, Q's and some titles to boot!!

I had my first ever "Hangs Head in Shame" moment on course ... Lets just say DO NOT CHANGE YOUR GAMBLE PATH LAST MINUTE without thought. Because what might happen is you do 2 back-to-back end obstacles in a row right off the startline TWEEEEEET!!! OMG it was hilarious ... I literally hung my head, and everyone was laughing - I got razzed about it for the rest of the weekend - it was pretty damn funny!!! I redeemed my self with Kaleb in the Gamble and he was one of the few dogs to get it!!! GOOD BOY!!

More on dog/human relationships this week ... and my observations at the trial ... i've said it before, it can't be faked ... and the true honest relationships between dog and handler are the ones who are most successful on and off the course. more on that later ...

acceptance and sincerity.

Terry Simons was here this weekend from sunny California. Terry and I always have great conversations outside of the seminar - a 2 hour drive each way to pick him up and drop him off really gives me a chance to pick his brain and talk about the weekend ahead and how the weekend went. We talk about our students - yes probably you :) I get some extra insight in to how I and (we - Amanda included) might better our training and teaching. He really enjoys coming to our group - we are small but mighty :)

This weekend for me, was about Acceptance and Sincerity ...

This weekend was not without it's share of tears - the tears and laughter seemed to go hand in hand. Terry honoured Tag by being the first dog to have a donation made in his honour in his new canine Cancer foundation CLEAR. We toasted Tag in a private dinner with a fine bottle of Champagne. We presented Jo with a painting - cried more - and I hope it helped Jo in her healing process. A sincere gesture goes along way, it seems to help with the process of acceptance .. as crappy as the reality is.

The last week, and this weekend has really put into perspective our relationships with our dogs. Their lives are short, some unfairly shorter than others.

Love the dog you have. Accept them for who they are.

They accept us unconditionally.

Always give your dog a sincere effort, they will give you that back. And really, I think that is what creates a great working relationship - perhaps not just with our dogs, but with our human relationships too. I observed this over the weekend - it was nice to step back and observe our students and have them improve and learn under the guidance of Terry - and see the ones who truly put in a sincere effort get something back from their dog.

I've figured out that you can fool a human into thinking you are being sincere, and everything is OK - but I have yet to meet a dog who can't see through that.

Gyp and I had a great weekend - I really wanted Terry to push me this weekend and he did. I learned a ton, tried new things, trusted my dog, had fun, went all out, and she put in all the effort I could ever ask for back. I only worked Kaleb a little - he crashed a jump and didn't seem quite right the rest of the day I worked him. He again, put in a great effort - maybe a little too much ...

I do my best to accept my dogs for who they are - I don't try to change their spirit, and make them conform to me. I don't make them something they are not - I want them to be happy and be the best dog they can. Interesting though, they have certainly changed me - and that is what I am thankful for everyday.

everyone needs some down time ...

Well that time of year is upon us ... the time of year when I give my guys downtime. I try to give them 2 - 3 big breaks a year. This big break will be 6 weeks off Agility training. I know when this time is coming ...

I might need a break if:

- If I start to train for the sake of training, and if I don't feel I am training anything specific. It is hard when we have Arena time, to just want to go and play around "do little things" - but really is it a benefit? Is it making them better, or me a better handler for them?

- If I end a training session and haven't gained or learned anything - I need to have a break.

- I feel my dogs have been working more than having off days

- If I have big events coming up and me and the dogs need some time to refocus and refresh

- If I feel I am losing desire ... I don't want that to rub off on the dogs in any venue we take part in, I need to give them my 150% all the time - and can anyone really do that 365 days a year?

Off time of Agility doesn't mean we become couch potatoes and do nothing. It is really a time to forget about "that other world" and spend time doing other things - maybe learn a new trick or two, refresh some other skills. Also, making sure their bodies have some recovery time from the various impacts of the sport and keeping fit. Keeping up on all of our conditioning (that includes me!) - Long walks, coulee runs, Jogging (me & the dogs) Treadmill (mostly the dogs and a little bit for me - I work while they exercise :)), strength-training (peanut ball, pods, body resistance - active stretching). They get their weekly massages - now a little deeper if they need it, and so I can find any potential areas that might need more attention (clearly from the above photo - they hate it) This is just what I do for me and my dogs - and it seems to really work for us.

Gyp is also on a 6 week break from Therapy work - again I think she needs a break from it - it's not something that is physically hard, but I do think it is mentally draining on her - she sleeps like a baby after her visits.

I am looking forward to 2012! 2011 started out a little rough, but it turned out to be a pretty great year.

my dogs ... love 'em.

Another weekend of Agility is behind us. I travelled up to Calgary Friday, had a herding lesson, taught 6 hours of Agility ... it was a gooooood day!

The pooches ran in 6 classes and they were great. It was the first indoor trial of the fall season - and the footing was sure different than what we were used too over the summer running in grass - very loose deep mix and my guys popped out of weaves, and also got stuck in the deep surface while weaving - interesting ... but anyway, they were great, and super fun challenging courses. I really pushed myself and I had the best time doing it. Gyp and Kaleb are so different - like almost a different species ... but I love running them equally ... it's hard to explain, but I love them both for their little quirks and unique personalities :)

Our group did so amazing, the more we all hang out, the more like family we are. It is really awesome. We all had a good group cry session over the loss of one of our own, Sniper. He will be missed, a great dog, taken too young. We are such a tight knit group, it is so nice to celebrate achievements with them, and when you need a shoulder to cry everyone is right there for you too. I've never been involved in such a cool group of unique and diverse people, and I am proud to call of them my friends - and their dogs are like extensions of my own.

Enough of the sappy stuff ... here are a couple runs from the weekend ... and for the record ... Gyp's Tug Toy still works just fine.

When life gives you lemons, do a Cartwheel.

Lately I've been in a bit of a slump. I love training my dogs, I love agility, but it seems I haven't trialed forever - since regionals in June. Our Group hosted our annual trial this weekend, and it was awesome. Just what I needed. I have been scared to run Gyp full out and train too much with her ... and Kaleb isn't getting any younger, and I am always worried about him too. This weekend I let my guard down and just had fun with my dogs, I left the worry at home, life is too short to live in a bubble - bubble's aren't very fun, and they are lonely.

Kaleb was awesome this weekend - he ran 7/8 and was just GREAT!!! Gyp was wicked too. She rocked her times and had the fastest Steeplechase and Jumpers times in the events. She was 5/7 this weekend. I'm back ... cartwheels might become a regular thing ... I love my dogs, I love this sport and I love our group ... the best damn Agility peeps around.

Keep Agility fun - duh.

This weekend Gyp made her CKC Agility debut - she had to run Novice courses which are super open, super short - and SUPER FUN!! We had a blast. She finished her Novice titles with all first placements and had the fastest times of all Novice dogs - she really isn't a Novice dog, and I know that ... but they all have to work their way through the ranks like anyone else. It was nice to run with no pressure at all, the courses hardly took any time to walk - just go out, enjoy my dog and have a blast with her!!!

Some highlights were her 7.5 YPS Jumpers with Weaves Course, the fact that my knee didn't hurt at all as I really didn't work that hard. Gyp also made her Scent Hurdle Debut and even came home with a few points - she is like a big dog now!!!!!!!! And the most fun was taking Amanda and Kim's challenge to run the last Novice Standard as a Gamble - what a blast!!!! Oh ya and I won the 50/50 draw at the end of the weekend - CHA CHING (well $40 ... but I'll take it!)

Kaleb also was entered. He ran 4 events and now that CKC has a Veterans Class he was able to jump 16" and finish his Excellent JWW title!! YAY!!! He also placed first in his 2 qualifying classes - with the second fastest times of all the Ex dogs if you can believe it!

It was a great weekend and our group did great, and the Kennel Club hosted a really nice friendly trial.

Here are the videos highlights ...

Putting the Q before the work.

Putting the Q before the work ...

You know ... like the old saying .. "putting the cart before the horse".

Amanda and I have been working on developing some new classes for our group after observing them for the past few months - the prep we do for classes is alot of work, we spend time of the phone, dinners and any other time we can trying to come up with clever ways to get our points across and have people be successful - and we look for ideas for US too!! And our jobs as coaches and instructors is to do that. We can't sit back and watch things fall apart and have people plateau and not know what to do. We don't do it with our own dogs - and our students are ultimately a reflection of us - to some extent ... we can't take all the glory, nor can we take responsibility for dogs blowing contacts, sniffing, getting bored - the handlers are responsible for maintaining criteria keeping it FUN and the rules they instill out side of class for the other 23 hours of the day.

We gave everyone a Goal sheet last night and wanted to see what people's goals were in the next 6 months. It was interesting to hear ... some people wanted to make sure their dog continues to have fun (and were looking for ways to do that), others wanted to speed up their dogs and themselves, and there were a couple who talked about a specific title they want. From a dog's point of view - I'm pretty sure I would want to be with the person who is more concerned about having fun (I'm a dog afterall, fun is my middle name), rather than being with the person who is mostly worried about the Q (what the hell is a Q anyway, I want my damn hotdog and I want to play with my mama!).

If we worry and obsess too much about the end result (the title or the Q) without putting in as much thought, effort, obsession and worry about how we want to actually get there - we are losing out on a big opportunity. If you do the work, train the dog, have fun with dog, and the dog has fun with YOU, be confident and put in 100% effort in all of the steps to get there - the Q's will come, they will come quicker than they did before, it's true, I've been there.

We asked about what motivates the dogs last night, and everyone brought out HUGE amounts of toys, treats etc... we got everyone to explain why and how they use their motivator. We told everyone to put away the low value motivators and only use the highest value one for the night. Only ONE person said "Are we supposed to be the biggest motivator?" OMG DING DING DING!!!!

If the dog isn't motivated to be with you ... they aren't going to be motivated to take the said "motivator" ... and they certainly aren't going to be motivated to run agility - and even less likely to be motivated to get that all important Q for "YOU"!!! Or on the flipside - the equipment itself becomes the main motivator - and that is a recipe for doom also. We had everyone play with their dog with only having the person being the motivator - it was hard for some people (and these are people who compete) - and others it was easier. If you can't keep you dog engaged with you for one minute with no Agility equipment and no treats - how are you going to keep them engaged on course?

I want my dogs to see running agility as a fun thing we do where mama runs around like an idiot. Here is a look inside Kaleb's head for a minute .. "Oh goodie, I'm out of my crate, which means it is MY time to play with MY mama!!! HAH Gyp, you are left behind!! Now I get to do my favourite obstacles and if I run really fast SQUIRREL ... oh right, it means mama gives me the reward I worked so hard for ... I get it even quicker - if I do it REALLY, REALLY fast!! Gimme, gimme mama - I'm gonna get you, run faster woman! SQUIRREL!! Oh right, I am chasing Mama!!"

And in the mind of Gyp "Mama, I hope you have your knee brace tightened and your shoe laces tied up, because I am going to do my best for you, because you always do your best for me. BARK BARK BARK. OMG Weaves ... Mama I love this, thanks for teaching me how to go really fast ... BARK BARK BARK .... OMG Jumps .... hurry up mama this is so much fun WEEEE! What?? We are done already? I want more!!! I want more mama and me time!!!"

So ... have you made your dog think Agility Obstacles are actually "Obstacles" ... or are they "Opportunities" for fun??

Here is an awesome article about "Finding the Joy" ...

if you haven't read this already PLEASE DO!

Teamwork Triumphs at Regionals ...

(Photo taken at our awesome friends Jan & Dave's acreage, where we stayed this past weekend - 10 dogs, 6 people and we all get along!!)

"Teamwork Triumphs" that was the Organizers theme of this years Regionals ... I suppose that was a good motto for me and my dogs as well as many others!! Our group was amazing, and my own dogs blew me away.

This was Gyp's first time back since her last trial in September and since being diagnosed with a psoas tear in November. Well I guess all the hardwork, patience, rehabbing, treatments and dedication payed off, because she ran great. I seriously didn't think we'd be running Regionals this year - it was a longshot. We took Susan Garrett's Recallers course this spring as well as concentrated on Rally Obedience as a way to stay connected and playing together - and I think that also played a big part into keeping our "Teamwork" strong while not doing Agility. Gyp had won the previous 2 years as 16" Specials Champion and knowing she had been off for so long, my goals were to have her stay sound, and just have fun with her, and enjoy every moment - not worry about the outcome - just smile and be happy with my little girlie. That's what I did, and on day one she placed 1st in all 3 of her classes - I was so happy, more than happy really. On Sunday placed 2nd - twice and we had an off course in her Standard (not sure where we placed in that one) - which rattled me - but I took it in stride and kept things in perspective "We're here together, the outcome doesn't matter" I had to keep thinking that. I was hoping for a top 5 placement, hoping we weren't too rusty together and could hold it together (meaning I hope I can do her justice with my handling).

And well ... Gyp made a great come back and went for the "three-peat" ... and for the third year in a row is the 16" specials Division Champion.

Let's not forget about Kaleb! He was awesome too :) He ran 5/6 clean runs and ran really well all weekend - despite the lure of the pond and ducks below the Agility rings ACK! I am so proud that he finished 2nd overall in his 16" DD Vet class. He just always pulls it together and works his best for me. I am so lucky to have such loving, fun dogs - I still can't believe the weekend results, I honestly was not expecting it - but I can say my mental game stayed strong and I stuck to my guns and tried not to get intimidated by the fact that I felt sort of out of practice and not in my normal conformable groove. Once I am in the zone and warming up my dogs 110% of my focus is on them and I forget about the rest of the world and everyone else in it. At that moment is just me and them - and that is the best feeling in the world ... it makes no matter what happens all worth it.

The final countdown ...

6 weeks ago I wasn't sure I would be running in Regionals. I had to send in my entry not knowing - the entry closed only 4 weeks after my surgery - I also didn't know if I would be running Gyp. I am the type of person that if you tell me I can't do something, I will work 10x as hard to do it. It's just the way I roll ... ya living that way has it's flaws, but I just don't like to fail.

So here we are one week until Regionals ... I am running, I can easily get around a course - last weekend was awesome, it felt great to be running at the Agility trial. My knee is still healing but I can deal with it. It actually feels it's best when I am moving. Sitting around causes it to get stiff. Bar-knee will be accompanying me, and he is awesome.

The field that Regionals is being held on is the place where I first blew my knee playing rugby in College. I am not sure how I feel about that. Again - I feel like it is for a reason - I need to overcome my fear of something bad happening there, because it did before. I will be fine as long as Amanda doesn't wear a yellow striped Rugby shirt chasing me down the field trying to tackle me :)

Gyp is doing well, this whole month has been about getting back into Agility while maintaining her regular conditioning schedule, and making sure there are no flare-ups, and so far so good - I haven't been blogging about it, because well, shocking - but I don't blog about EVERYTHING. Somethings I like and NEED to keep to myself. We've been training, and she hasn't really missed a beat. I am lucky she is the kind of dog that does well with a break - and always keep a level head ... and she doesn't forget a thing - which in this case is good - but in the case of fishing rods, fly swatters, guitars and kites ... not so good, she also remembers those things as WIERD and scary as hell.

K is running great, and I am SOOOO looking forward to running him - it was one year ago, to almost the day that he Torsioned and we nearly lost him. So last regionals that was fresh in my mind - and everyone was asking about him - which was hard. I was also running with my new knee brace 5 months after I tore my ACL and Meniscus ... so I just have to keep thinking I was able to overcome that last year.

Now I just need to get my mental game in the right place this year, I work best under pressure, but I have a lot of work to do, to get in the right headspace ... right now the discouraging thoughts are still lingering "We haven't trialed since September" "Is she really ready?" "Will I remember how to run her?" "I don't want to hurt her" "Can my knee handle it?" "Will someone in a rubgy shirt chase me down the field to tackle me?"

I have a week to get my mind games under control, Kaleb is doing some light training ... and Gyp has one more check-up before the big event ...

And, well I bought some new shoes ... so that always makes me feel better .. and run faster :)

The Joker

This weekend was my first weekend back since my surgery ... and well, I ran great (if I do say so myself), someone even commented on the fact that I was scary being back after 9 weeks ... I'm sure they meant that as a compliment :)

But someone ran even better than me ... Yep the K-man. I entered him in 6 runs and he rocked them all. 6 Qs and he even placed 1st in 3 of his classes!! His energy, speed and focus was great all weekend. He didn't get tired, he wasn't at all stiff - he was running as good as he ever has. He is 9 and sure as hell doesn't act it or look it ... and you have no idea how grateful I am for that. He's one of a kind, that's for sure :)

I've been doing the same conditioning plan (including massage) with him as I have been for Gyp for the last 6 months - and well, it is obviously paying off.

Here are some highlights of my Joker ...

Green Light!

My girl, originally uploaded by sarah ....

Seriously, how adorable is she??

It's been 6 months since Gyp's Illospoas injury diagnosis. On Friday she had another treatment and was given a new 4 week conditioning plan - this time it includes Agility equipment!!! YIPPEE!! It's been through acupuncture, laser, chiro, massage, chinese herbs and mega conditioning that she is getting back!!

It's been a very cool learning experience into learning how much we ask our dogs to do - and making sure they are conditioned enough to do the job. Kaleb is 9 and has never been lame a day a in is life. He is massaged regularily and gets adjustments as needed too - but that's it. He has done a ton of agility, hunting, running etc. He is IRON DOG, and I think that is in part to his conditioning as well as his build for working.

But I have now have a new view on how important conditioning actually is, even thought I THOUGHT I was doing a good job as I know the benefit of it with myself also. I am not talking about 30 minute walks a couple times of day - that is the bare minimum and not considered any part of our conditioning plan - it is just a given. I also ALWAYS give my guys a day off a week of anything - just a casual walk in the 'hood. Now they get 2 days off a week. I am talking about challenging the dogs muscles and co-ordination with a variety of strength and endurance skills. I always did the peanut ball, jogging, hills, active ROM exercises etc ... but not to the extent I have been to get Gyp back, better than ever - we've added a few more things than what I've listed also. My Body worker course has been amazing also, I have learned so much and am getting a really good feel for my dogs and others too. I think that has been a HUGE benefit also.

Gyp has more muscle than she ever has had, it's amazing really. And it has payed off for Kaleb to. I THOUGHT my dogs were in good shape before ... but the difference now is pretty cool.

My dogs are my pets, but they are also athletes - and I think people need to have this mind set more, given what we ask them to do for us. I happily drive a 4 hour round trip for a 30 minute treatment ... but it is worth it and it has payed off. Dr. Devall has been amazing over this journey, I am so lucky to have her knowledge, honesty and encouragement ... she is now Auntie Veronica given the fact she is a big support for our family ...

Gyp and her "trainer" are focused and ready to go!

6" grids today ... conquer the world tomorrow ...

aahhh what a great session (thanks Acey for helping me train her)

Kaleb didn't miss a beat given that he had 7 weeks of off equipment (because of my surgery). I did some proofing ... me sitting on the ground, taking a photo while I sent him through the poles, atta boy! I don't want to brag ... but I did some pretty good handling myself ... yep, front crossed, rear crossed and I ran pretty hard too. Oh ya! I'm back!!!

Green grass, blues skies ... happy dogs ... happy me.

We'll be back.

If there is one thing I know I'm good at, that is living in denial. We go back years. I guess it is a coping mechanism, not sure.

Anyway this Tuesday is my surgery and oh boy, am I looking forward to that. I am scared shitless. I have issues with hospitals, it goes back to the days of Pete being in the hospital for a month and went through 17 hours of surgery, when he broke his back. I was traumatized. Although I have conquered that fear somewhat this year, by being tough getting my blood taken, and having my bro there to hold my hand :) and having to see see Doctors for my knee etc. has helped. I also went with my mom both times for her Cataract surgery, and I didn't faint or vomit, so I am getting better.

I am trying to use some of my methods I use for when I run Agility at a big event. Trying not to think too much about that actual day, and just getting my mind in the right state, right now. I am listening to music that is motivational and uplifting - for me that really helps. Music has always been there for me.

I am hoping my hard work with Gyp's rehab and mine will pay off and one day, we'll be able to run together again, I miss running her more than is probably normal. Gyp had her last treatment 2 weeks ago and got the go ahead to do more. I've upped Gyp's exercises and her muscles are holding really well, no spasms, no tightness. We do ball work every other day, Cavallettis at 4" on the opposite days and jogging everyday, with 10 minutes of stretching over the day. It is a big commitment, but it is paying off.

I'm feeling strong going in to my surgery, busting my ass in workouts is a good way to get out frustration, and having my knee hurt is an honest reminder of why I am doing this.

I am not sure what we will be doing in 2 or 3 months form now, hell even 6 months from now. I am coming to the realization that 2011 is the year of rehab, and well I am not thrilled about that, we'll make the best of it.

On another note, Jane is doing well these days. We are going on a date to the Pet Store today and for a little granny walk at the Park, now that it has warmed up.

Hopefully this will be us again one day ...

This song is often played to remind me of what I am working for and why I am doing it.

The Agility Gods didn't strike, phew.

By nature I am not a religous person, I didn't grow up going to church - but I did hang out with friends of various beliefs, and I always found it interesting, and respected it. I am what you might call Agnostic. I think the same applies for me in Agility - while I believe there is a higher power, I don't believe in just one thing. There are parts from certain religions I find quite interesting, which I why I can't bring it upon myself to embrace just one of them. Same goes for "systems". While I think I train more under the Derrett school, and have been trained to do so, I just can't help but to do things my own way sometimes, or adapt something from other methods, even if it means I might have sinned. I see people who seem to have their own methods with all of their dogs, and it works for some - others not so much. I see some people handling under systems and the dogs are amazing - and others confused, it seems to me people sometimes forget to FEEL their dogs and get too caught up in the hoopla.

Do you get where this is going?

There is the whole system debate ... and what I take from any system is consistency - and making sure the dog gets it, and has FUN while doing it. Above all else with my dogs, I try to stay as consistent with them, I have very specific positions etc for crosses and where I want my dogs to jump, I believe in clear arm changes etc. I just can't convince myself that one thing works for all dogs - in order to get the best out of that specific dog. I have trained 3 very different dogs, and while I generally walk courses the same for them, there are slight differences based on speed and physical ability of that dog. I also see this dogs and people I help to train.

Well I'm always one to try new things, I normally embrace change. So here you go ...


seems like these 2 dogs understand this ... again there is nothing else for them to take, I would never do this if there was equipment behind them to lock on to - I believe in not taking my eyes off my dog - so this is REALLY out of my comfort zone. But, hell it got a tight turn, so why not live on the edge a little? And the way I think about it, I can't really screw Kaleb up, he's already as nutty as they come, and so am I ... we make a good team.

He was amazing this weekend!!!! It was my last hurrah before my knee surgery and I had a blast. Kaleb was only 1 of 8 dogs (out of 60) to Qualify in Challenge and Masters Gamblers. He ran 4/4, whatta guy. These next few months will be hard not running Agility, but I ended on a high note, so that makes me happy.

I also got to run Blue Eye Skye in Mast Jumpers, we Qd - she a gorgeous Tri BC girlie ... so much fun, and I miss running Gyp so much, this sure helped :)

Our group was amazing this weekend ... so many awesome runs, lots of Qs and some new titles.

I'm off to repent my sins, have a great week everyone.

2011 has begun ...

distinguised gentleman :: 2/52, originally uploaded by sarah ....

It was the first trial of the year this past weekend. I had K entered in just 5 runs. He was great - ran with his usual Kaleb flair, kept me on my toes and kept me laughing. He brought home a Q in Masters Gamblers and Jumpers.

the long road :: 1/12/Gyp, originally uploaded by sarah ....

Gyp had fun hanging out and making friends. It was awesome that Dr. Devall came out to treat her, she had some Acupuncture done, Laser and some adjustments, and is now prescribed with some muscle relaxants to help break the cycle of her muscle tightness - she also has a couple new Chinese Herbs to to try with the others she is already on. She still has a long way to go with her recovery, but all I hope is that she recovers.

together we look back. together we move ahead. together we are stronger.

It was harder on me than her, not to be in the ring together this weekend. But my need for speed was fulfilled thanks for some great friends who were more than generous to let me run their great dogs! I ran Wicca in Challenge - an amazing run, 2 bars but a smokin' fast run. I ran Tempete, Jo Gauthier's wonderful Belgian and we Qd in Jumpers, I got a quick lesson in running a dog with French commands, and off I went! What a rush! I ran Jolayne's, Tag in Steeplechase, and he was even nice enough to stick his newly trained 20/20 for me on the A-frame! I ran BB the cutest little sheltie and we Qd her Jumpers run - I wish I had a video of that run!

Here's a video of some of the scrambling around running other people's dogs :)

I was thinking this might be my last Agility trial until after me Knee surgery - meaning I would be back by June if it was just the Menisci repair, which I was hoping would be in February, so Gyp and I could rehab together :) I called the Ortho Surgeon today, and it looks like the earliest will be March, which sucks as I was finally getting my self psyched up for it. What ever will be, will be.... On the plus side, I get to Trial in February :) And I now to act on my new fitness program with a great new Personal Trainer and Nutrition Coach I had a meeting with today - so excited for that, it should be a very cool experience.

:)

Today CIndy and I travelled to Calgary for a re-check for our dogs. Cindy made appointments for Sunar and Pike and me for Gyppie ... 4.5 hours round trip - good company makes it go much quicker!!

AND ...Gyppie is getting better already! YAY!

Happy! Some new exercises for her. Lots of range of motion, and only a bit of tenderness at just the one insertion point. She got some acupuncture, a re-check of her back and some laser. Dr.Devall was really impressed with how fast it seems to be healing - but not to be fooled. So still another good 2 months until agility, but we have lots to keep us occupied in the meantime. She suggested 2 shorter jogs a day so I don't see fatigue - even though the fatigue happens way later and way less than it was. She thinks 2 shorter sessions would be more beneficial - easier for me too. She can do the peanut ball this week, but only standing on it with not much movement at all. More cavaletti work, and walking backwards downhill to lengthen the muscles, causing her to step longer. And to continue with the same exercises we've been doing.

Nothing like a 4.5 hour round trip for a 1 hour rehab visit :) But dogs don't lie when it comes to results and feeling good. And I am seeing results, and she is feeling good ....so it is all worth it.

Proof is on the Podium

I had to post this photo, I didn't get a podium photo last year, well nobody did, as it was pitch black and we used flashlights to get our ribbons!

I am in the same spot I was last year LOL - I'll take a consistent 3rd out of 54 dogs, I am just a little proud of our accomplishment. I promise this will be the last Nationals photo, well until I get the photos back from the photographer, then you get to relive it all over again with me :0)

Post-traumatic Nationals DIsorder

So I keep waking up in the morning thinking I have to train for Nationals, and I have even woke up in the middle of the night thinking I have to run that day, what ring am I in. It is really odd! What the Ef!

I think it is because the weekend went by so fast, I didn't even have time to think about it, It was go go go, and I didn't sit back and really appreciate what we did as much I would have liked! Especially going right back to work the next day.

I am so proud of my guys, I guess now it is just sinking in what they each accomplished ...

Gyp had 54 dogs in her class and placed 3 rd overall

- With individual placements of: 1st Jumpers, 2nd Gamblers, 2nd Standard, and 3 Gamblers

Kaleb had 56 dogs in his class and placed 19th overall

- Still I am most proud of his Pre-Qual in 4 runs!!

- Just one bar down in almost each run, no biggie, I am very proud.

- He brought home and 9th Place Individual in Standard

By writing this down one more time, it is final, I can close the book, and hopefully the night terrors will end ... Nationals are over, Nationals are over ...

I am the man.

Here is K's pre-qual video, I was so proud of him for Qualifying and running clean in 4 Runs with 410 points, instead of having to run the potential 6 to Qualify to run the rest of the weekend, which was really just icing on the cake!! He ran great all weekend - just a bar down here and there - which is odd for him. I knew 10 runs was alot to ask of him, but in K style he tried his hardest, had a great time, and got rewarded after every run by a dip in the fountain!

I must day though, the morning of the pre-qual .... Kaleb bolted out of the door at Jan & Dave's acreage and would not come in, he was running the around the field with a sock in his mouth bouncing and bounding, I almost left him at home I was so mad!! Luckily he redeeemed himself ...

Whatta boy, I honestly didn't think 9 weeks ago, hell, 6 weeks ago that he would be running, it really was special.

And I got his BOS Specialty Win Photo too this week ... such a handsome lad, I mean Kaleb

... quit gawking at the Mountie would ya! :)

Funny, but this photo was taken where the Jumpers ring was this weekend at Nationals!