This Week On …

Dylan has been working really well at the moment, he’s suddenly got very confident with his jumping and is working the obstacles nicely! I’m really pleased because I mixed the jump heights up, putting a few up to full height, and he flew over them without even thinking about going underneath. Exactly what I’ve been hoping for! I can see already I’m really going to have to work on my handling, particularly getting cues in early. Dylan in full pelt has a huge jump, he’s going to turn like a battleship unless we get some practise in.

We’ve finally overcome his issues about the flyball box too, and he’s triggering it with no problems, so we’ve started teaching him to turn properly and use his hind legs as much as he can. It’s more difficult than I had hoped because Dyl is a very long dog, and it’s tough for him to fit all his paws on the box! He’s flying up and down the hurdles now though, really enjoying himself. Good stuff! The stamina work we’re doing with the experienced dogs is also really making a difference; Mollie had her first session back last week, and she was exhausted by the end but Kim was still raring to go. It’s a shame we aren’t competing until October, but at least we’ll have some very fit dogs!

Finally, I’ve known for a while that my friend Natalie has been looking for a new dog, and this week she has picked up her new Working Sheepdog puppy Kai. I have to admit a special interest in Kai already; not only is she gorgeous but she and Dylan are half-siblings, sharing the same mum. Here she is at 8 weeks old, bless her socks! And just because there can never be too many puppy photos, here are a few of Dylan at the same age. I can see a vague family resemblence, especially in those big paws!

(I love these two photos of Dylan, they’re very typical of his personality! A bit naughty but very cuddley)