A Long Wait
I don’t think I’ve ever gone a whole month without blogging before. Technically, I still haven’t, since I blog for The Phantoms and for North K9 as well, but I haven’t blogged here. My thoughts, my dogs, my blog. I…
All the Way Up
Only quick blog notes again, for posterity. In short, Rio was great at training this week! Second time on seesaw, confidence improving dramatically. Did 7-8 reps holding seesaw and lowering gently, feeding throughout, then running off and feeding again. Rio…
A Mini Break
A mini break for Dylan, anyway. Since he’s retiring in a few months — just two shows left! — Dylan isn’t really training any more. He has all the skills he needs, and none of his behaviours are going to…
Daisy September 2013
Daisy’s first agility training session featuring actual equipment, and her first flyball photos. Her life would be a lot less documented without Cat.
Flyball Homework
Rio’s hits on the box are looking good and she’s ready to move on to turning with a ball in the box (untriggered). Unfortunately she can’t seem to get put the turn and the ball retrieve together. Box = Turn,…
Rio's Agility Update
A selection of brief notes based on training in the past 2 weeks. Rio is relaxing and enjoying training again. Her focus is great, and I’m using a mixture of food and tug, and regularly scheduled breaks. Doing some single-jump…
Awkward Group Photo
Left to Right Dylan, 7yr Border Collie / Rio, 2yr Australian Shepherd / Kim, 12yr JRT cross / Daisy, 11month JRT cross
I Only Blog When It's Going Badly
I have a tendency to be naturally suspicious of anyone who writes glowing, exciting blog posts when their training, handling, or competing is going perfectly, and skips over anything that isn’t fitting in to that. Especially those who then say…
Options I & II (A Moment of Panic)
Option One: Rio finds focusing in high-intensity environments difficult, and asking her to focus (ie. introducing a high-value reward) can push her over threshold. She is currently learning to assimilate her environment, relax, and focus in short bursts, keeping her…
Agility Nuts Sept
I’ve been meaning to do this show since it started a couple of years ago, but there’s always something else on this weekend. I could have been judging in Cheshire for UKA, instead I trekked 2hrs to Nottingham and spent…