Dani's Dog Diary!

Dave & Twiggy

2012-02-16T13:10:00.000-08:00

Ok so its been too long, and I keep changing my mind as to who to write about, sticking to my "1 blog per dog" theme, and have now failed!
Last blog was meant to be about Twiggy, but Lily was so awesome she had to take centre stage. This one is meant to be Twiggys, and please don't get me wrong, she is my princess and has changed such a lot recently I could bore you all with her antics every day, but she has to share this with Dave.

2 weeks ago we had booked on a training day with Sian Illingworth, and for the first time ever, Fern had decided to run Dave in the 3-4 group.We were both nervous on just how he would cope in a group, especially as due to the wintry British weather it was indoors in the barn, and he really doesn't like being enclosed. Fern warned Sian that he was unpredictable and we really didn't know how it would go, and I gave everyone there, our permission to use whatever means necessary to protect their dogs if he went off...............(God he sounds like a fire bomb!!!!) In between working him, Fern put him in a crate at the side of the barn so he could acclimatise to the sounds in there, see what everyone was doing but felt safe.
Ferns first go, and some people chose to move just outside the barn door, in fact I think a couple actually moved out of the County! but Dave sat on the start line, focused. GO! He shot off around the sequence like the pocket rocket he is and was amazing! As the 2 hours ensued, he worked like a demon, beautiful, fast and so focused on Fern I was thrilled. He had one slight "off focus" moment so Fern picked him up and put him straight back in his crate for time out. If he isn't 100% you don't work him. Then as he ran 1 course, he spotted a dog in his line and took a few strides towards her and made the best decision of his life so far. He paused, thought, and turned back to Fern and completed the course! He chose agility and working with his Mum over confrontation. It was a moment I will never forget, and if he continues to think like that he really does have a future. Bless the little Ginger swine, he is finally growing up, and 3 years of hard work and determination have paid off for Fern :-)

In the afternoon we had G5-7 group with Twiggy & Cove. Twiggy was a so much fun. Off lead for the whole 2 hours, bouncing at my side, playing tuggy furiously and even laying down and chilling at one point, while dogs around her barked and worked! So much more relaxed. Every exercise she tackled full on. Enthusiastic and happy, she and Cove were the only 2 dogs to go clear first time on the last sequence of the day, with a tricky tunnel entry and independent dogwalk, she was great! She is a very responsive dog, and my timing will be tried to its limits, as she will pull off anything in a heartbeat, which has both advantages and disadvantages, but I love running her. The best thing is she loves working with me, and no longer worries what is going on around her. She is 1 in a million and I am so glad she came to live with us. :-)
So who will be next I have no idea, but maybe George :-) I have had my lovely toe operation, and spent a few days with my feet up, bored to tears but very well looked after by Rog & Fern, and am now fighting fit and training every weekend with one or all of my crew. Dave has his next group coming up with Anthony Clarke, so onwards and upwards for our little man.

Contemplating Grade 7?

2012-01-27T10:51:00.000-08:00

I did say that I would do a blog a week and before the show season really starts, a blog per dog, and on my last blog I said the next one would be for Twiggy. Well its for Lily instead.
Twiggys will come, but last weekend I had a whole day training booked with Jo Tristram, and it was all about building partnerships with your dogs, basic handling and exercises to strengthen both your own and your dogs understanding of different manoeuvres in agility.

Fern was on it with Cove & I took all 4 of mine, as there would be plenty of chances to change dog, and maybe use a dog on a specific exercise that I knew would benefit that individual.
Jo is a very inspiring trainer, and also straight talking, so you know what's good and what's rubbish! I really enjoy her style of teaching and always come away feeling like I have learnt something.
The first exercise was understanding start lines, and getting yourself in the best possible position as far on the course as you could, with your dog still understanding to take the obstacles before driving into you. From where we were leading out to, there was a risk of the dog taking a jump behind you, and it also needed tightness to wings so I took Lily in. It was her first group training workshop for 2 months and she was fizzing over with excitement! She has always been a genuine wonderful dog, and has done me proud as my first agility dog, but naughty habits and her wide turns had left me thinking that we would stick in Grade 6. I also stand by my comments of last year, that she owes me nothing at all as she got me to Olympia and got me to grade 6, and surpassed all my expectations, so I am happy having fun with her without any pressure. However she worked incredibly well over the first half hour, and started to tighten her turns, and her speed and drive was awesome! She had a new freshness about her. I then swapped her for Olli, who was mad and hilarious but worked really well and most of all didn't knock any poles. Then I gave George a go on a simple jump to tunnel exercise, just to give him another experience of a new environment, new training, and he was fab! Then brought Twiggy in for the half hour before lunch, and she too worked brilliantly showing no signs of the nervous girl of last season, so I have high hopes for her.
After lunch it was trickier work, the weaves and contacts were brought in and it was course work. I decided to bring Lily back in, and push her round the turns, try new things and utilise what we had learnt in the morning. She was stunning! I made a few errors as usual,(until I had a word with myself,) but Lily was on fire. Her weaves were amazing and independent and her contacts were brilliant and rock solid. She has obviously benefited from her 6 weeks off over Christmas and was back with a vengeance, and reminding me just what a trier she is. I was on a high all afternoon and although she was not the tightest dog there, if I trust her and her knowledge more, and leave her to do things whilst I leg it to get in position, her speed in-between makes up for her slightly wide turns. The feeling of working a dog who you know is giving their absolute all for you, and loving every minute of it, is like no feeling in the world. Me & my girl had a blast, and it made me think that perhaps Grade 7 is not such a mountain to climb after all. Last year I didn't feel ready in myself as a handler for Grade 7 and Champ classes, but as this year is starting to pan out I am feeling a lot more confident and I am handling a lot better. Lily may not have started as a pup, but she is a bright dog and lets face it, if I give her the right signals at the right time, and continue to improve she is more than capable of reaching that goal. She is a dog in a million to me :-)

Its actually quite interesting watching dogs move, whether in agility or just on a run around the fields at home. Lily is very muscular and solid, and although she exudes power she is not overly flexible. She is 100% fit, and was seen by a chiropractor when she had a slight shoulder injury, who said how level and in line she was, but when you watch her she doesn't have a lot of lateral flexibility. Its just her make up, and it obviously has something to do with her struggling with tight turns. Some people can touch their toes easily, others don't come close. Watching Cove & George move, they are elastic! Bendy, flowing dogs who can turn on a sixpence with ease, and Twiggy is a light framed girl, who is not quite so flowing as the boys, but is very agile. Lily is just built differently and I will be doing a lot more warm up exercises now with her, flexing her neck & back gently, just to keep her as supple as possible. After all, she is an athlete :-)

As one madness finishes another begins!

2012-01-13T06:58:00.000-08:00

So another Christmas has been and gone. Loads of expense, a lot of it unnecessary, too much to drink and eat and a few bizarre presents which will be left in a box or sold on Ebay!! Also a wonderful time with family and friends, and a bit of time to actually enjoy each others company, and spend loads of time with the dogs.
We had my Mums eldest dog to stay, and then out of the blue, due to bad organisation we had her 13 year old collie arrive on 2nd Jan so 10 dogs and a lot of juggling for the first week in 2012! It was ok, but it was mad in our 2 bedroom cottage, and I have never hoovered and dusted so often in my life!!
Now calm and some sort of normality has been restored, I am excited about the new season ahead, but also that next lot of madness, trying to decided which shows to do, which ones you have to be watching the PC for 24 hrs a day to get camping, and working out which qualifiers to go for. It is just over 2 months until our first show, so I have decided to focus on 1 dog per Blog for the next few weeks. I wont leave the others out completely obviously, but I am looking at our goals and think it would be nice to watch each dogs progress, so this one is for George.

Georgie Pants (as he is affectionately known) is nearing 11 months old, and has developed into a very lovely shape, athletic, light collie. He is so neat and very flexible, so different to my 2 collie girls. His character was what had me from day 1, but it has developed even more, and he has turned into one of the nicest sweetest, funniest characters and we do have so much fun together.

He "talks" all the time. Not barks but makes lovely quiet almost purring type noise, which build into real joyful sounds of oooooos and aaaaahhhs and you can almost hold a conversation with him! Guaranteed at least once a day, he will talk at the exact moment Rog Fern or I have said something really serious, or mundane, maybe talking about world events, and every time we collapse in fits of giggles.
Towards the end of last year we attended a few eve classes, doing a lot of foundation work in groups, and he did very well. He was extremely chasey as a puppy, and I thought it may be a problem, so I have worked hard at building our relationship as a team, and it has paid off. Not once in a group has he embarrassed me or himself by chasing one of his exciting class mates. He still watches, and occasionally it takes all his self control, but he wants to work with me. I am thrilled with that. We started this year with a real young dog sequencing day with Anthony Clarke, and I was so excited.

My puppy is growing up, and the thought of starting to put together sequences was scary!! I have done a lot of basics at home, and a lot more flatwork than I have done with my older dogs, and it shows. He was such fun, and showed such natural drive & enthusiasm, it was a brilliant start to his proper agility training. I was very proud of him :-) He was very bouncy and puppy like to start with, clearing the small jumps by quite a height, but within a short time he was lowering and producing a lovely shape over them. He is still a baby in my eyes, and a lot of people rush ahead, not allowing puppies to be puppies, so I am thrilled he enjoyed it so much and was a happy boy. He has plenty of time to develop his style and get used to how all 4 legs work!! He is such a focused boy though and the easiest dog I have ever trained. For a Mad Merle, he has been a dream so far. I keep thinking his naughty phase will start, but so far no.
Our training diary is pretty full over the next few months and I am really looking forward to every workshop with George :-)
So, I have a couple of goals for Georgie for this year. I would like him to learn to weave well and have fast independent weaves. I would like him to continue to show his amazing understanding of 2 on 2 off contacts, developing this over the contact equipment in the next few months, and finally I would like to run him at a competition and keep that focus in such an exciting environment. He will be eligible to compete from the end of August but I will not attempt it if I dont feel he is 100% prepared.

Exciting times ahead for certain, and I have a funny feeling Feroda George Looney could be a star one day. He already is in our eyes. :-)
Next week will be Twiggys Blog.

Christmas is over, and the New Year around the corner.

2011-12-28T12:06:00.000-08:00

Happy Christmas to all :-)
This year for us was a new experience. For the first time in 20 years, we had our Christmas Day lunch at our best friends in their new home. We have always stayed home and been very private on the day, (apart from one year going mad and spending it in Dublin), but this year we decided to change the habit of a lifetime. Christmas morning we got up quite late. (Fern is 20 now so not quite the little girl waking us up at 5am!!) We fed the dogs and then sat around opening pressies, before Rog made scrambled eggs with smoked Salmon for breakfast. That is tradition, along with a glass of sherry. Weird how I never drink the stuff all year, nor do I normally drink in the mornings!! but just this one day it has to be done.

Christmas Breakfast!

Georges first Christmas

Twiggy enjoying the festivities.

George & Twiggy Christmas Morning.

We then walked the dogs, just on the farm fields, before loading them into our van and setting off to Gary & Estelles.

Olli doing his farm pose :-)

Famous Five :-)

A really fun day with some amazing food, and great laughs. We had bought them a wicker log basket, which they wanted for the new fireplace, so in true silly me style, I decided to fill it with logs from our log shed, and not just that but I individually wrapped a log each for them too :-) That started the afternoon off with some giggles, and that's how it continued. It is so nice to be with great friends, laughing, everyone mucking in, and we actually came home with aching faces!! That's how life should be :-)
Boxing day Ferns best friend and her boyfriend came over and I cooked Goose & Turkey. The goose was lovely, and turkey done in true Jamie Oliver style was the best I have done yet. Fresh herbs chopped and squished by hand into a pound of butter, then pushed up under the skin of the bird before roasting. It was moist and subtly flavoured and we all ate far too much. Ben actually finished his first plate, and then completely filled it again!! Hollow legs!!

Boxing Day lunch.

We have played Xbox Kinnect a few times, both on Christmas day at Garys, and Boxing day Ben brought his over to ours, and I have muscles pulled in places I didn't know I had muscles!!! Always seems fun at the time, and I am far too competitive!! ....but I am also far too bloody old and unfit to flap my arms to fly around popping bubbles, chuck 500 balls at some pins, or do discus and javelin!! Very impressed with the way it works though, and with the keep fit program it has, we are off to buy one in the sales. That and the dancing should sort Fern & I out before agility starts at Easter!!

Hazel & Fern doing hurdles!!!

We have also got my Mums eldest dog staying with us until the New Year. She is 16 years and 3 months old, and we bred her from our first ever collie. Although slightly out of sync when she walks, and stone deaf, she is a remarkably well and happy girl. She knocked me flying as she ran to chase one of our cats across the lawn, has been playing with Twiggy and has told Georgie off a few times!! Its quite funny having her & Becki, with their slight wobble and wonky heads, but we do have to respect these old dogs. Titch was also the first dog Fern ever ran at agility, 11 years ago! I Don't think they ever managed a clear, but they had fun!

Cove looking after our elderly guest.

Its been a busy social time, and we still have a big New Years eve party to go to, and its fancy dress. Cant say what we are going as yet as only the chosen few know, but I am sure there will be plenty of photos to follow.
Georgie is now a "Non male" and he has been a brilliant patient. I slept with him the first night as he was a bit freaked by the anaesthetic but after day 2 he forgot all about it, and healed so quickly. I did keep him on lead, and do it all properly and it worked. I removed his stitches yesterday, as it would have been Christmas Day that they were due out, and obviously the vets were closed other than emergencies. I have been taking him out on his own, doing heel work, and circle work, and he is such a lovely balanced dog, with an almost perfect temperament. No fears, no hang ups, and with his unique "talking" he will bring a smile to the face of the most miserable!!

Get in the wheelbarrow? Yep ok Mum :-)

All the rest of the dogs are still enjoying their break, our eqpt is about to be stripped and re coated with rubber, and then training starts mid Jan.
Really looking forward to a new season, new challenges and a lot of fun with my good friends in the agility world. Lots planned, and we have entered our first show! First one of the year has all the Olympia qualifiers, and it will be our first trip in Walter the new, very handsome, very large caravan! :-)
Friends are so important, as are our family, and our dogs, and this Christmas has been all about them all.
Happy New Year to all, and stay safe & happy.

Another year nearly over.

2011-12-12T12:30:00.000-08:00

Its odd not going to shows, so I am not filled with enthusiasm of events and stories I want to tell, hence my telling off this week for not writing my blog!
Thats not to say my life is boring in any way, but not necessarily very interesting for anyone else to waste time reading.
So, Lily, Olli & Cove finished training at the beginning of the month, so they have a complete 6-8 week rest from agility now. Twiggy & George had a bit extra to do, but they are the real babies, so hadn't really had the full season the others had. I finished Twiggys season off with a fun night at Stretcholt with Lauren and the gang. We decorated the jumps with tinsel, the weaves were covered in tinsel, there were blow up Santas sitting by some of the jumps and the Christmas music was blaring out from the stereo! Mince pies, non alcoholic drinks and far too many chocolates made for a really interesting and different nights training. Last time we were there a month ago, Twiggy was scanning the arena, slightly concerned with the other dogs being there, and I was still aware that I was babying her. This time she was a different dog!! First run, and she was so excited on the start line. A lovely focused, determined clear round with great weaves and stop 2o2o contacts!! No scanning, no fear and I ran her like I should do. She is not a scared rescue dog any more and I have to remember that :-)
I also took Georgie in for a bit of environment training, and he was great fun. Playing tuggy, practising waits, and not in the slightest bit worried by the noise and strange men in red suits!! Lauren suggested trying a small sequence with him, a few small jumps to tunnel and jumps out again, so I did and he held his wait, and did it! Such a happy confident boy, who I know I am going to have a lot of fun with. He has 1 more training workshop tomo evening and then the dreaded op, before he joins the rest of them for a fun relaxing Christmas & New Year.
We have started doing normal things like Christmas shopping, visiting our friends who dont do agility, having friends over to ours and its fun. We sold Nellie our old caravan on Ebay this week, and got more than we expected so very happy with that! We are also going to deliver her to her new home, which will be our last trip out with the old girl.

Talking of old girls, Becki our oldest dog suffered a small stroke yesterday. She is about 15 yrs old, and a gorgeous girl, who on Friday was running me a merry dance as she hunted out a 22 acre field and the cover beyond, putting up about 25 pheasants! Fern had to take Cove, Lily, Dave & Twiggy home while George Olli and me hiked across the fields to get her.
However she was off balance and confused yesterday morning. She ate her breakfast with her normal enthusiasm, and then I settled her on the sofa and she slept. I didn't rush her to the Vets because I knew what was going on, and I was starting to think the time had come, so if I took her to the Vets she would not be coming home. She was fine but wobbly, so this morning I took her in, dreading the visit but knowing that without quality of life it is only me who can help her. She trotted down the garden path, excited to be going out in the van, her little stumpy tail wagging furiously. She trotted in the Vets, tail still wagging. After a thorough examination the Vet actually told me that she was so healthy, (apart from her lumpy bits, and her slightly manky teeth)
and she had suffered a mild stroke but a jab to help the nausea, and some tablets to help with the blood flow to her brain and she was in no way ready to be despatched just yet!! Becki then mugged her for treats, and was in no rush to leave the consult room until she saw a young cocky Hungarian Vizla in the waiting room. She strutted out, made herself as tall as possible and did what Becki does best. A very low grumble and a stare that says "I am in charge" and the Vizla stood back. Thats my girl, and all the time she is still there in spirit she will be by my side.
As I write this, the weather is violent outside, and all 8 dogs are snuggled up in the lounge with us in the warm, and I look at all of them and worry how much I would miss each and every one of them. For now though they are all fine.
Christmas just around the corner and I am starting to get very excited. I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!

Its all about the Twigster this week.

2011-11-21T10:09:00.000-08:00

An incredible week started with a chance meeting, and for Twiggy that was just the start. Whilst training George in a group on Tuesday evening, I couldn't help noticing a little shy looking collie girl, and thinking how much she reminded me of Twiggy when she first arrived with us 18 months ago. Same scared little eyes, and similar twitching, and as I watched her I had a strange feeling I knew her. Fern was also thinking the same thing, and then as the little dog walked across the barn I noticed she had a short tail and my heart missed a beat. The very first time Twiggys eyes reached out to me from Many Tears web site, her sister & brother were also in the photo, and Wispa as she was then had half a tail. When Fern asked the gentleman handling her if she was a rescue and where had she come from, it was all confirmed. He was thrilled to meet us as he had always wondered where Twiggy had ended up, and Fern and I were gobsmacked and very emotional. Its just a little piece of the jigsaw that makes up Twiggys life, and that means so much to me.
We arranged to meet up on Friday for a walk and to get the girls together for the first time since they parted at the rescue kennels 18 months ago. I was worried that it may remind them both of their horrible past, or that they wouldn't even like each other. They didn't show any real recognition or feelings either way, but my god they were most definitely sisters!! The way they walk, the way they bounced backwards barking waiting for a toy, the way they pestered the boys as we walked. It was a very emotional and lovely walk and both girls ran and played, with Cove & Dylan through the moors.

Wispa now called Meg.

Twiggy & Meg. Sisters :-)

Saturday eve, we went out to see a few friends for a drink, even though we really didn't feel up to a night out, and knowing we had to get up at 5.30 the next morning for our last competition of the year. It turned into one of the best evenings we have had for a very long time. Great laughs, and a really good classic rock band live in the pub, we danced and played a lot of air guitar, and didn't leave until 12.30!
When the alarm went off at 5.30am I swore. I very nearly turned it off and thought we would give the show a miss, but I dragged myself and Rog out of bed, and by 6.30am we were on our way to Dartmoor. The first half hour of the journey was very quiet. Don't think any of us were really awake, and the dogs were all sleeping as even they are not used to such early starts. Once there, we started to come to life and walked the Grade 5-7 agility. It was a weird course, and not very flowing so didn't inspire me or fill me with much confidence, but we then walked the 3-4 jumping and that was a nice course. Quite handly and an odd weave entry and i started to get excited about running Twiggy.
Fern & I queued together with Cove & Twiggy and I went first. As I set her up on the start line she started barking with excitement!! I was so surprised at her confidence, and as I left her in a wait, (albeit a short one she did wait), my confidence was growing too. Halfway round we got to the weaves, our stumbling block in competitions all season, and she went into the first pole and accelerated through all 12, just like she has been doing at home!! I nearly buggered up the tunnel entrance because I was so shocked, but over the last jump and a clear round!!! Twiggy ended up in 8th place. Her first top 10 place and I was close to tears. Cove did a beautiful round after us and won the Grade 4 jumping. 3 weeks in grade 4 and he has two 3rd places and a 1st. Pretty impressive.
Lily & Olli were both nutcases and both got E'd in the agility, but I laughed and as they both did lovely contacts and great weaves I was happy and most of all they both had a ball!
So to the G3/4 agility, and again Twiggy was squeaking and barking at me on the start line. It was a fairly tricky course, and there were hardly any clears, so as we cleared the last obstacle I did jump into the air, and hug my special girl :-) 2 runs and 2 clears. I couldn't believe it but the best was to come. My gorgeous girl was 2nd!! As I went up to collect our trophy I had to swallow hard not to blub a lot but I have probably never felt so much pride. What an amazing way to finish our first season and what an incredible transformation of my nervous little Irish Secret. I am still smiling 24 hrs later.

Cove didn't manage to get round the agility as he was totally freaked out by the people standing watching behind a wall. Silly boy, and although Fern was gutted it was actually funny afterwards. Lily ended the day with a 6th in the Grade 6 jumping, and I was very happy with her run as she stayed very focused and listened.
So this week is all about my baby girl. Like her Auntie Sharon said, I don't think she is going to be a secret anymore, I think next year everyone will know her as she climbs up the grades. I may even be confident enough now to add getting Twiggy to Olympia next year as one of my goals.

Understanding the mechanics,

2011-11-14T10:48:00.000-08:00

As most people who read my blog will know, I rode horses from a young age, and competed at local shows, and 3 day events until about 10 years ago. During my years as a rider I spent a lot of time schooling my horses, doing basic ground work everyday to keep them balanced, ensuring I worked equally on both reins doing circles & figure of eights to keep the horse supple and well rounded. Its strange that so many people don't think about this and practice similar rules when working an agility dog.
Sunday, Georgie and I travelled to Bowerlands to have our first full day workshop in jump skills. I was nervous as hell, as I always am in groups, and I really wasn't sure what the day would involve, and just how Georgie would cope with the day. New venue, new dogs and new exercises on different equipment, it was exciting but I was unsure.
Welcomed with Coffee, tea, biscuits and then an hour in the "classroom" studying dogs jumping, looking at weight balance, power and lots of discussion about what we want out of our dogs and then out to the school to start work. It was a fascinating day, really interesting and most of all Georgie was a total joy to work!! His jump action is actually very good, very natural and he is beautifully balanced. We need to work on short striding grids a bit, to get his compression right, but other than that he was fab. He uses his back end for power, is very neat in front with a lovely low head over the jumps, and very flexible on the turns. He is a young dog, a blank canvass and so far I haven't messed any of it up.

All the power coming from his hind quarters

Beautiful straight jumping and forward focus.

Love the flexibility.

If I can keep him balanced, and do all the basics we will have a lot of fun and a healthy, fit, athletic dog who will go far. Naarah took hundreds of photos all day and we looked at them after lunch and discussed how each of our dogs had worked, and it was so good to be able to see their action over a jump in a freeze frame, because I had no idea how he jumped. All the circle work I do with George, (which i used to find boring with the others) now makes so much sense, and it showed in his jump work. Basic schooling!!!
Great day, loads to think about and I am once again so thrilled that the little white fluff ball "insisted" on being mine. :-) Fate is a weird and wonderful thing.
On the "mechanics" theme, Fern & I took all the dogs up to the training field on Friday, and we had our new set of weaves, (thanks to Rog), at the new spacing. Interesting how much easier the dogs found them. Cove is a long boy, and had struggled to get a nice stride through narrow weaves, but his action instantly changed and he looked so much more flowing through the new ones! Lily was not quite so good the first time, but soon adjusted and got into her stride, but the most surprising was Dave! I guess I thought that a short arsed terrier would not really notice the difference or particularly benefit from it, but he certainly did! We decided to time them all through the weaves for a bit of fun. The results were surprising. Cove & Dave were almost identical speed, at around 2.8 - 2.9 seconds, Lily was 2.5 - 2.6 seconds and then Twiggy........... swam through like the gorgeous girl she is at 2.3 seconds!!!

Every time the same, she is stunning in the weaves and has the most natural action of them all. For a fairly square dog with upright shoulders she is incredible.
I have changed my routine with her and we now have a lot of 1 to 1 time and she is changing. We have a wait, fast contacts and the best weaves, and she is now focusing on me even when the other dogs are working. Soooooo looking forward to next season and getting Twiggy to Olympia.
Its our last show this Sunday, and then every dog apart from George will be off agility until January. George has a few more training sessions booked then in to be castrated before he gets a break. Its the seasoned agility guys that really need to unwind now and we are looking forward to lots of relaxed walks over the next 2 months.
Meanwhile we are garden clearing, shed emptying, going to the tip and decorating our bedroom at long last!! Spending time with some good friends and getting ready for Christmas. I totally love Christmas!!!! Its Georgies first one too! :-)

So, plans for winter then?

2011-11-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

Its that time of year again. 2 more small day shows to go to, but the season has really finished now and like everyone else who is addicted to this game, we now have our winter training plans to sort out.
Actually, that's not strictly true, as I have already booked so much winter training, we really need to try and remember to do other things like see our non dog friends, and maybe some Christmas shopping?!
I have had to prioritise, and George & Twiggy will be coming first for the next few months. Lily & Olli are both experienced dogs and they will be having a well deserved break through December and most of January, but the two youngsters have loads booked! Jump skills workshops for George all through November, then a trip to the vets for him first week in December to part with his 2 furry friends :-).

Twiggy has another trip to Stretcholt in December, and I have been working with her 1 to 1 over the last 2 weeks to really put everything I have into building our working relationship. The difference is quite surprising. Dare I say, we now have a wait, not perfect yet but a wait non the less! She also hasn't missed 12 weaves for 2 weeks, attacking them from every angle and completing them with a lot more confidence. Jan, Feb & March they are both doing classes with Jo Tristram, Sian Illingworth, Ant Clarke and Dave Munnings. Full on training for sure! I am determined to become a better handler, and produce 2 talented well balanced dogs for next season.

Lily & Olli will be doing a few workshops in the new year, and I also want to try and get Lily to grade 7 by the end of the season. Olli has a hill to climb, but who knows. I wouldn't count him out either, but it will be all down to me.
Fern will be aiming for the top with Cove, that sort of goes without saying, and she is also hopeful that Dave will start to compete more. She always said it didn't matter how long it took with Dave and she is still working hard on his training, and will run him at the right shows.
So its pretty obvious that we are not going to give up on this mad, wonderful hobby called Agility, and with that thought in mind we bought a very smart new caravan. The main reason is for the fixed double bed!!! No more converting seating areas for us, just jump into the ready made bed and gaze at the stars through the large sunroof. I have no idea if I can tow it, as it was delivered to us last Sunday, so its a complete mad buy, and most of Rogers little pension fund is now sat on our drive, but you only get one chance to live this life so what the hell. (My Gran will be smiling now!)

Not long til Christmas and long walks in the mud or snow or pouring rain with our lovely dogs, and before we know it, the ISS diary will arrive and we will be frantically getting online to book camping for the best shows and start the madness all over again. I have a feeling there may be some good times ahead and maybe a few parties in the new Caravan, and most of all a hell of a lot of FUN!

The outdoor season ended with another trophy for Cove!

2011-10-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

I can not believe that we are now at the end of our agility season, as it seems not many days ago we were all getting excited about the first show!!
Last weekend we had a 1 day show at Monmouth to really finish our outdoor season, and it was a beautiful warm sunny day! Olli had another G6 clear, so as always was Mr reliable, Lily had a clear in jumping and 4th in G6 Agility, so I was more than happy with her, and Twiggy was great fun and managed to do her 12 weaves in the ring, just as she does every time at home, and I think I was so shocked I took the wrong course after that and blew it!!! Never mind, Twiggy was always adopted on the basis that if she did agility she did, if she didn't it really isn't an issue. I love my little Irish girl with all my heart, and if she just wants to be a house dog and run and play and chase rabbits, wind up the cats and snuggle up with me every morning nicking my tea and biscuits in bed, that is fine by me :-)
Cove on the other hand, would be sold or shot if he didn't do well..........(yes of course) Fern and Cove have gone from Grade 1 in April this year to grade 4 by 3rd of September, and in his only 2 grade 4 shows has come 3rd in agility, with solid contacts so he is a very consistent, clever boy indeed. I have to say it was a fantastic show to end the year. Great friends to share it with, all the dogs enjoyed themselves and the people in Wales are just lovely. Some real friends made this year from across the bridge and I look forward to catching up with them all next season.

Its been a funny year as far as friends go. People probably laughed and took the mick when we started the year with our own Team Feroda shirts, and we didnt train with any club, just did occasional workshops and guest trainer days, and the rest we trained at home. Fern worked more with Lauren, as she works for her anyway, and I have to admit it shows in Ferns handling. She is very consistent as a handler and a lot more focused on her criteria than I am. She has the world at her feet. I still handle like a muppet sometimes, and wonder why I am in the ring at all, but then I handle a course well and we get top 5 placing and I know why I am there. I am not ready for Grade 7 and Champ courses, I would look silly, but I am enjoying the challenges of grade 6, and Lily & Olli have done me proud all season. Having Georgie from a pup and starting to really focus on training from the start has given me a real insight into how to be a consistent handler. I do intend to go all the way with Georgie, but I am not rushing him or taking any shortcuts, just working steadily and with Ferns help he is coming on beautifully.

Training and trainers are such a minefield. Clubs can be a lovely way to meet like minded people, and train together and support each other, but not in every case unfortunately. In every sport I have ever been part of, from athletics as a kid, to Showjumping & eventing through to agility, there will always be jealousy, back biting and little groups of people that become a clique. Thats why we decided on Team Feroda. I dont mind how some people take it, because my real friends wouldn't give it a second thought. We have each other, Rog Fern & me and we are very happy with our life.
I am doing more training this winter with Lauren again, because quite simply I like her methods and they work and sometimes you just have to go with your instincts.
So a huge winter training plan ahead for Georgie, and quite a bit booked for Twiggy now too as I am going to give her the best shot at being a good agility dog, unless she finds it too much, then it will be lap dog and tea 'n' biscuit sharer :-)
Today Fern & I had a lovely day off together, and spent it with the dogs. We met Louise, Georgies breeder, and the 2 boys she kept, Georgies brothers Teddy & Buddy. We went for a fantastic walk on Mutters Moor in Sidmouth, and the boys had a great time. Cove came too, just to keep the youngsters in check and it was bliss. So nice to see them and compare their characters. Then this afternoon we took Lily Olli & Dave up to the field and spent nearly 2 hours cutting the grass, setting up a course and the dogs had a ball. Dave even caught and killed his first rodent!! Wasn't pleasant, but he is a terrier.

We have covered nearly 4000 miles towing Nellie the caravan, had some amazing successes and some ridiculous failures this season, but I love the sport and every minute of working with my dogs, it is our life now. At the end of November the dogs will all be given a break. 6 - 8 weeks of playing, running, walking on the beach, chasing through the woods and mentally unwinding, before it all starts over again, and I have a funny feeling next year will be the best yet :-)

One day your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure its worth watching.

2011-10-05T14:28:00.000-07:00

This week I have been doing a lot of thinking. Achievement is a big word.
To some people it is so important to achieve greatness, or wealth, popularity, notoriety, and sometimes they lose focus on what is important and miss the little achievements. Take me. I haven't achieved any of the above, but then I do live my life for the moment. I am not famous, or wealthy (far from it!) and I have never been "Miss Popular" because I am what I am and as much as everyone likes to be liked, its not my main objective in life.
I didn't leave school with many O level passes, I didn't go to college or University. I got mixed up with the wrong crowd, did some really stupid things but somehow I muddled through. I managed to always work, and keep sane somehow through the bad times.

In 1988 I moved to Devon and met my hubby. It was also the year I entered a driving competition. Driving has always been one of my passions, so it seemed like a good idea. I won the title of "Best Woman Driver of The Year Southern England" I won a car, a years worth of fuel, and a host of other goodies. It was a pretty cool experience. :-)
In 2000 I passed a diploma in "Horse Mastership" with an A Merit pass. That was pretty cool too. I also managed to re train an Ex working hunter, aged 16, who had been turned out in a field with the cows for a year, to become a stunning event horse, chosen for a team and gaining 12th individual out of 120 horses, at a county 3 day event. He was 22 years old when we did that.
But these are just things. Yes I was proud of myself for a while, but nobody outside of my family would have known who I was, or been impressed and that didn't matter. I have always been a Jack of all trades. Try anything once, but never had ambition.
What got me started on this is last weekend when I came out of an agility round with Lily. It was a clear round, and I knew it was not going to win the class, but she worked "with" me, I handled it well and as we came out of the ring I hugged her and sat on the grass with her, with a lump in my throat. I felt like a King at that moment. When Olli won and qualified for the Olympia semis I was over the moon, but I was actually more pleased with him last weekend, when he got a clear round, on a tricky course and was unplaced. Twiggy getting her weaves in the ring is a massive achievement to me. I am that strange emotional woman who looks so happy when I just lost :-)
Little things are so special.
I want to do well with all my dogs, and yes I would love to get them all to Agility Champions, but I am not a gifted handler. I also started this lark a bit late on in life, so can not compete with the experienced top handlers, but I love every minute with my dogs, working them, and learning so much about how they work. I am currently training Georgie, now 7 months old, and yes I am determined to kick arse when he starts competing next year, and he will be awesome, but if he isn't then I will still enjoy him and have a laugh, and cry at the great moments.
My greatest achievement happened in 1991 when I gave birth to my daughter. There is nothing in this world that can beat that feeling, and even though she is untidy, and can belch better than most men, she will always be my proudest moment. The day I met Rog, changed my life and I dont know why he chose me, (well I did pin him to the floor til he submitted!) but I am so glad he did.

I am not "Great" but then I am the greatest Mum.
I am not "wealthy" but that depends how you measure wealth.
I am not "Popular" .....but there are 8 dogs in my house who may argue that. Especially at feed time!
Life is weird, its a strange journey through good & bad, and we lose people we love, we get hurt by so called friends, and there will always be someone better, prettier, faster, richer so make the most of what you have. My life is hopefully about halfway though, with a bit of luck and a good tail wind, but when my life does flash before my eyes it will be amazing to watch :-)

Hard work and patience really do pay off.

2011-09-26T11:15:00.000-07:00

I never thought I would be writing a blog in green! All my dogs have their own colours, and I try to write in the colour of the dog who deserves praise above others, so this is for Dave.
The little ginger b%$*^$d will be 3 years old next month, and he would not have made it past his first birthday if Fern hadn't persuaded me to let her take him on and train him. His unpredictable, very terrierist attitude has always been so hard to deal with. He is not a dog for the faint hearted, but Fern has worked wonders with him.
Last year we ran him at an indoor show, where it was a ring on its own, and had 10 people placed strategically around the ring to "field" him if he made a dash to take a swipe at another dog. He didn't, he actually behaved fairly well, and although not a clear round, it was a huge achievement. Then we ran him at a match, asking the other ring to hold on while he ran, and he did again, but still not clear as he was a bit distracted. 6 months on and we ran him again, this time outside but again in a ring a bit out the way, and the ring next door was being walked, so no dogs running. Perfect timing, and Dave did a lovely run, just missing a few jumps as he flew round.
Still Fern continued to train him every week with our other dogs, and he totally loves his agility times. Obviously one night whilst filling in entries, I must've had a few wines because when Honiton running orders arrived last week, Dave was entered!! What was I thinking?? Fern laughed and said, "well that's a waste of a few quid" (or words to that affect) and I filed them with the other dogs entries. On Saturday, the medium jumping was in a middle ring, and there was agility going on right next door. It was also medium dogs in the agility ring, Grade 5-7, so a lot of barking, quick moving little fluff balls, that would be perfect prey for Dave, so we decided against that. However on Sunday, the medium jumping was in ring one. A ring set slightly apart from the others, and the Grade 3 class was last in the ring for the day, AND the judge was a very good friend of mine, who knows what its like to have these interesting dogs. Fern & I walked the course, which was a lovely Grade 3 course, and made the decision to run him. We spoke to Sally the Judge, and Selena the ring manager, and explained that we would run him right at the end so there was no queueing. Rog had made it back to the show, having been called away earlier on a breakdown, so he was thrilled at the prospect of Dave running a real course at a real show! Deep down even I was very excited, admittedly nervous, in fact shitting a brick would probably sum it up, but the time came and Fern set Dave up on the start line. I was at the finish, with a very exciting tuggy toy, filled with sausage in the hope that would be tastier than any passing poodle, and Rog was armed with the video camera.
As Fern walked away from Dave, and he sat beautifully in a perfect wait, I admit to having a lump in my throat. She released him and he was off like a pocket rocket. Over the first 2 jumps and into the tunnel, out the tunnel over 2 more jumps and back in the tunnel, then off down a line of jumps into another tunnel. As he came out of that tunnel, Fern was behind him so she had to do a rear cross around the pin wheel, (I held my breath!) around the pin wheel, across to the final 3 jumps, and across the finish line to attack my lovely sausage filled tuggy!!!! He was clear!!!!!! I cried like a baby, Rog ran over almost in tears too, Fern was screeching and shaking like a leaf, and we all had a tight hold on Dave!! The emotions were incredible, as for us as a family this was the greatest achievement of the whole season. Imagine the shock when Sally came over to tell us he had won! His first proper run, and at Grade 3 thanks to Cove pulling him up the grades, and he was foot perfect, handled beautifully by Fern and won.

All five yes FIVE of our agility dogs were placed on Sunday, and there is no better feeling in the world. I actually may start to like Dave now :-)

Where has the year gone?

2011-09-22T05:38:00.000-07:00

I have no idea where this year has gone! It didn't seem that long ago I was getting excited planning my first competition of the season, now we have just a couple left. It also doesn't seem that long ago I was tempted and chosen by a white faced merlie fluff ball, and yet now he is 7 months old and about to start his first courses of agility training!
So, 2 weeks ago was Gillingham Champ show. Lovely site, and we were joined by my lovely friend Jill as a housemate as she was stuck between caravan sale & motorhome arriving. We had great fun, and along with Lolly & Claire, a right laugh and some interesting meal times!
Lily & I managed some good stuff, and I was enjoying running her, and Olli had his first clear round in Grade 6 too, which I was thrilled with after just 2 weeks in the grade. Twiggy was fun as always, and yet more confident, but still finding weaves a challenge on some courses, and Cove was in limbo, running Grade 3 classes for another 2 weeks before he goes grade 4. Fern and I decided as this was the case, that we would swap dogs for one run and she ran Lily in Grade 6 jumping while I ran Cove for the first time in G3 jumping. Lily had an unlucky pole but ran beautifully for Fern, and Cove was 2nd!!!! I was so nervous and excited about running him, and he was a dream. It also made me realise the difference in running a dog that has had all the foundation work put in from a puppy, and consistent training.

Last Sunday we had a small 1 day show, and the only 2 clears were from my girls. Lily managing 6th in the agility, but most exciting of all, Twiggy 6th in G1-3 jumping! Over 200 dogs in her class, and she flew! I was over the moon :-)

Twiggy obviously only started at about 9 months as she was a rescue, yet she is still doing well with her understanding. Cove, compared to Lily & Olli, has a better understanding of the handlers moves, and is so much more fluent. Lily didn't start training until she was 18 months old, and Olli about 6 months old but only as a fun dog to make it worthwhile going to shows, so neither dog really had anything like the start that Cove has had. Don't get me wrong, I am thrilled to bits with both my original dogs, and lets face it, they havent done bad both getting to Olympia semis, (Lily to Olympia itself 2010) both grade 6, and Lily also having 2 wins in Grade 6, but I have to admit, if their training had been from scratch I do think Lily would be Grade 7 by now.
Which brings me to George.
My first ever puppy to train from scratch, and a real unknown quantity. So I have been doing all the little things from day 1. Nose touches, sits, recalls, toy focus, circle work, environment training and what an amazing dog he is becoming. I have let him be a puppy, not believing in over doing the training when they are young, but every day I do something with him alone, and the way he is developing is fascinating. At 7 months, I now have a very keen athletic responsive boy, who almost totally focuses on me at all times. Spending all his early months being walked just with me and not the rest of the pack, means that although he fits in beautifully and gets along with everyone, he would rather be interacting with me than the others. Now walking sometimes with others in the group, he sticks near to me, his recalls (dare i say?) are 100% and he is constantly happily looking at me for instruction. Its incredibly rewarding, and I am enjoying every minute of his development. He starts young dog classes next week, and I cant wait!!

My thanks go to Lily & Olli for getting me so hooked on agility, and doing so well for me, and to Fern for all her support and help with my training, and for Rog for putting up with all our dogs, and religiously watching all our runs on video and not asking how much I spend of his hard earned cash :-)
I am pretty sure Twiggy will surprise us all and go far next year, she has already surpassed my expectations. I am certain that Fern & Cove will continue to progress steadily through the grades, and have no doubt he will become Grade 7 in time, but already I also feel the same about George. If I can continue to train him consistently, and he stays fit & healthy and happy, I feel confident that he too will make Grade 7 in a few years time, and that is a very nice feeling.

A day in the life of........

2011-09-06T14:05:00.000-07:00

A day in the life of….

Morning Lil and Oliver

Lil you gave me a fright!

Olli that’s MY croc!

Lily that’s MY tea!

Bye Rog see you tonight. X

Olli give me my croc!

Lily get back from the door

Cant find my pants

Cant find my bra!

They’re somewhere here on the floor.

“Hi Becki, Stan” on the landing

“HI GEORGE & TWIGS” downstairs

Got my phone

Found the undies

Damn they are covered in hairs

Come on guys, out in the garden

Don’t chase the cats! DAVE stop grumbling!

Cove, Nannies boy J

That’s not a toy!

Stan, can hear your tummy rumbling!

Georgie get down! Twiggy you’re mad

Lily leave Becki alone!

Olli stop barking!

Cove wait a minute!

Oh for goodness sake where is my phone?

Yes Georgie I am getting my coat on

Twiggy sit still while I attach you!

DAVE stop squeaking!

Lily stop that!

Oliver where is my shoe?!!

Right everyone stop blooming pulling!

Stop yipping you’ll wake the whole farm!

I know you’re keen

COVE my ears!!!!

Its just a walk guys, try and stay calm!!

It’s a horse, yes they’re cows and sheep Twiggy

Lily they don’t need no herding!

DAVE! Get a grip!

COVE!! Shut your yip!!

Blimey George, I cant get a word in!!

Right, we’re back now wait for your breakfast

I am doing it as fast as I can.

Pilchards and rice

Which bowl is whos?

Stop trembling, I am getting there Stan!

Becki you are always in my way!

Cove you really are a berk!

George its coming

Olli stop barking!!

Right all happy now? I’m off to work!

Number crunching and phone won’t stop ringing

Emails to send and reply

“I can hear you Dave!”

And Lily be quiet

Its just a tractor driving by!

Lunchtime so you can all go out now

GEORGIE! Stop eating cats poo!

Stan you’re snoring

Becki get out the way!

DAVE! Stop grumbling! That’s all you ever do!

Just 2 hours more and I’ll be finished

Then we can all play or train.

Tea to be cooked

Twiggy you are so funny

Olli stop picking on Lily! You’re such a pain!

“Hi hun, Hi Fern yep we’re going to the field

We need to practice for the show

Grub in the oven

“GEORGIE! Hang on!

Just get in the van quietly! Its not far to go.

Contacts, contacts, weaves & grids

Now you will all sleep for a while

Chilled indoors

On sofa and floor

I look at all 8 of you and smile J

Snoring & twitching, having happy dreams

Tomorrow we’ll do it all again

8 dogs young & old

My life, my inspiration

Thank you all, for keeping me sane. J

What a wonderful partnership and what a big day for Olli Ob Knob!

2011-09-05T14:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend was actually a very successful one for us and our crew. In fact at Prestbury Park, one of our favourite venues, all 4 dogs had clears!!!!
Saturday morning, I was lucky to have 2 runs with both Lily & Olli, in jumping and agility. I say lucky, because we had to leave the site at 11am and travel to Stoneleigh Park to the City of Birmingham Show for Olli to take part in the Olympia ABC semi finals. I was so thrilled that I had a chance to run him around a couple of grade 6 courses before the big event. It was also his first Grade 6 show so a big weekend for Olli.
He managed a lovely agility round, just catching a pole as I got in his way, but I was more than happy with how he coped with the course. Lily and I went completely wrong and were eliminated. Becoming a bit of a habit for us! We also managed to run Cove & Twiggy in their first pairs class, and although both of them missed a weave pole, they ran really well and had a blast!
So at 1pm we arrived at Stoneleigh and my nerves started to filter through. My lovely spanner at such an important event and I was so proud. The warm up run was a bit of a mess but Olli had fun and at least that was not the main event. As I stood on the line for the semi my heart was pounding, and I could hardly speak, so telling Olli to "wait" was a struggle! We set off and he was so fast and focused, but we had to go clear in under 39 seconds to get in the top 10, and as he pushed his A frame I saw the judges hand go up for a 5 and knew that was it. However we carried on with olli barking and going like a true pro, and he did all the hard turns beautifully. Unfortunately we picked up another 5 as after 2 tunnels in a row, he started up the seesaw and had to shake his gorgeous long furry ears so he fell off the side! I put him back and we completed the course. I loved it and so did Olli, and although it was not to be this year, we will be back!

Sunday was mad as all 4 of our dogs were in 3 different teams! Lily & Olli with Thai & Magic in our original Rainbow Rebels team, Cove with Wren, Flynn and Cruze and Twiggy with Storm, Sprite & Theo! Unbelievably Twiggys team went clear, the first team to go clear after around 15 had been!!! It was a blast for 4 young dogs, and a real buzz. Bless Twiggy for being so confident to do the team event :-)

Cove went clear in his team but unfortunately the team didn't, and poor Flynn was so exuberant he did a complete somersault over one jump, nearly crashing into the tyre! Lily & Olli were mental and went clear, but Magic took a pole, and Thai did too but the judge didn't notice!!! Rainbow Rebels were the fastest team by 7 seconds!!!! What a team, and obviously if we can keep the poles up one of the best around. Great fun! Twiggys team finished 6th!!!! nearly 50 teams and we were 6th at our first outing. Really thrilled with them all.
Olli had a great G6 jumping round, just picking up one jump from the wrong side, but he was flying. Lily and I had a lovely run, almost foot perfect in G6/7 combined agility, and ended 10th, so we are not stuck in the E trap anymore.

Fern & Cove had a Dog Vegas qualifier, graded 3-5 combined agility to run. I walked it with Fern and it was a very challenging course! Lots of traps, and it needed handling. I said to Fern that it would probably be a good course for Cove as he is so clever at the trickier stuff, and Fern really went for it. It was a beautiful run, and my heart missed a beat as 2 obstacles from the end Fern turned the wrong way and I thought she'd blown it, but she let Cove sort himself out, find his own stride onto the seesaw and he flew the last jump clear!

They work together in perfect harmony, and the relationship they have is amazing. I knew they had probably won, but didn't say anything to Fern, waiting for the presentation. They had done it! In only his 4th show at Grade 3 he was moving up to grade 4. He was only 2 years old last week, and started competing at the end of March at Grade 1. In 5 months he has moved up 4 grades and Rog & I are so proud of Fern.
We had some great laughs with our friends, and also watched my lovely friend Jill run her 2 babies for the first time. They were both very fast and brilliantly focused, and will definitely be 2 to watch next year! Jill also qualified for the finals at Olympia with Whoosh her Grade 6 boy, along with a few other good friends, so we will definitely be watching Olympia in December!! So many good dogs through to the finals, it will be hard to pick a favourite!
So another great weekend over, 362 miles down, and 1 step nearer the end of the season. Also 1 year until Georgie makes his début, and that will be a very exciting time. He is becoming a stunning young man with oodles of potential which I hope I can develop.
I feel very lucky having such a wonderful family, some very special friends and the best dogs in the world.

End of an era.

2011-08-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

I think this is my longest gap between blogging but its been an eventful month.
Before we left for KCI & DINAS I went to see my Nan in the care home she has called home for the last year. I wasn't planning on it but Mum needed to drop her some lip cream in, and as she is not driving I took her. It was probably one of the most shocking experiences of my life to date. To see my Nan looking so frail, and distressed was not something I would wish on anyone. I broke down I have to admit. My heart broke and I felt physically sick. It was obvious that she was closing down, and Mum told me to still go away as it was our agility holiday and she may last for weeks yet. Thats the sad thing, and although I am not going to turn my Blog into a debate about legal human euthanasia, if there ever was a time it was needed was then. I would never let any of my dogs suffer that way.
My brother left Norwich to come to Devon to see her on the day we left to head to KCI, and he did an amazing job of supporting Mum, and comforting Nan, getting her all the best care in the world until she passed away on the 13th August. He was the one to ring and tell me, and she died peacefully aged 93.
Our agility holiday was obviously subdued, but I knew that Nan was now in a much better place, reunited with her Husband & youngest Daughter, and there was nothing else to do now so I tried to concentrate on my dogs. Lily & I had some clears, including an 11th in Agility. Olli had a few places to finish his stint in grade 5, Twiggy had some nearly runs and then ended the week with 2 clears, one being a 16th place in agility!!!! Fern & Cove were on usual form and managed to get some top places including a 2nd at KCI, which is incredible as they are only just in grade 3, and a 3rd & 5th at DINAS and qualified for the final on Sunday!
Sharon & Chris came to DINAS for a couple of days, and I was thrilled that they managed to see Twiggy get one of her clear rounds :-) There were a lot of highs, some fab ones when our great mate Lolly got 2 3rd place trophies and ended up 3rd in the final on Sunday!!! Lots of tears. Also when we won £133 on the Bingo, and Claire got so drunk she staggered home and threw up on her clothes :-)) Great times, and it was lovely to be surrounded by good friends and Rog & Fern and the dogs, at a time like that. I love my family so much and am very lucky to have them.

Spending time with the Rog, Fern and the dogs and relaxing really helped me have time to think about all the time spent with Nan and Grandad when I was growing up. We had some real giggles, lovely holidays by the sea, and nothing was ever too much trouble. I was spoilt and I will never forget a single moment.

Fern, Nathan, Neil, Me & Rog :-)

Nans funeral was a celebration of her life, not a sad affair but a happy time to remember all those moments we all cherish. A piece of me is missing now, but life is like that. Little bits get taken all the time, if you are lucky enough to love. If you never want to experience pain and hurt then dont ever allow yourself to love anyone or anything. That would be a lot easier, but an empty life. Below is a poem I wrote and read out at Nans funeral. I am sure there are a lot of Nans, Grandmas, that this relates too. Life goes on and I am going to enjoy every minute of it, and suffer the pain of losing people or dogs I love because as the saying goes "Its better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all"

My Nan & Grandad so in love. x

Its good here innit?

What do you fancy to drink?
Sit down and put up your feet
I have a fridge, freezer and cupboard full,
What do you fancy to eat?

Have a good look in my wardrobe
My drawers, see what you can see
If there's something that takes your fancy
You have it, anything, feel free.

Have you enough money, clothes, shoes?
Plants and shrubs, small or large
Anything I have, anything you like
Just say and it's yours, no charge.

"it's good here innit?" you'd always say
Those words still ring in my ears
Yes it was Nan, the best place ever
We won't lose those memories in our tears

You gave us everything you had, always
But much more than all the above
For all of us in your family
You gave unconditional love. X

My Mum, Brother, Nephew & Fern :-)

Twiggys day.

2011-08-07T13:16:00.000-07:00

Today was a trip to Gwythian Towen in Cornwall to meet up with Sharon, Chris and Sam Mitchell and deliver a small present.
It was another chance for Twiggy to meet the family who gave her the first love she had ever known, and for us to catch up with very special friends. Not much else to say this week, but here is the poem that Twiggy wrote for Sharon accompanied by her first clear round rosette..............

To Sharon, my first real mum.

I had a scary trip across the sea
Not knowing where it would end
My brother & sister were with me
For ourselves we’d had to fend

My tail was down, I was dirty
Thin and not very strong
My life had no meaning at all
It seemed the end wouldn’t be long.

But you took me into your home and your hearts
And shadows started to lift
I started to see new beginnings
You had an amazing gift

You made me see life was worth living
And loved me with all of your heart
The strength you gave me was everything
The courage to try a new start

The van ride to Devon was scary
New people and dogs to fear
Another step in my journey
And I worried you all shed a tear?

But now I can see why you sent me
To live with these people down here
You knew I’d be safe and happy
No longer live life in fear.

I have fun playing games and running
For miles across fields so green
With so many dog friends around me
A world I had never seen

I love life and new things don’t deter me
I am no longer scared of the world
I try everything life throws at me
Because I know I’m a special girl.

I know I am safe now, no worries
Cared for and loved all the time
Mum puts up with my strange little ways
As she knows I will be just fine.

So I wanted to say a big thank you
And as hard as it was to part
You gave me love and affection,
And the strength to make a new start.

So this is my first ever rosette!
I’m going to get loads you will see
But all my life I will never forget you
As I know you will not forget me.

Twiggy xx

Agility Club in tropical heat!!

2011-08-03T11:39:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful weekend we just had for the Agility Club show. Its one of my favourite shows although it is one of the most annoying journeys. This year we thought we had planned it right, but yet again we found ourselves winding our way through tiny villages on B roads and it took us 5 hours. Admittedly there are some beautiful typically English villages around the Sussex countryside, but in 28 degree sunshine, 3 adults and 8 dogs stuffed in a van, towing a rather large caravan, they are not best appreciated! When we arrived finally, we had a spot saved for us really close to the rings, thanks to some new friends we have made over the last month, and we were soon set up and ready for the weekend.
It was Coves first Grade 3 show, all the dogs had Olympia qualifiers and it was promised to be a scorching weekend.
To cut a long story short, not one of the 4 dogs managed to get a clear in an Olympia Qualifier, so it will just be Olli to represent team Feroda at the semis in September. On the subject of Olli, he spent most of this weekend forgetting what contacts were, and twice popped out of the weaves!!!! He is obviously relaxing now he has a couple of weeks of limbo in grade 5, but he better buck up, as the Olympia semi is the same weekend as his first Grade 6 comp!!
He did manage 2 nice clears though.

Cove had good and bad, but it was a bit different for Fern & him at a show this size and new harder courses. However he managed a 20th and believe it or not a 2nd in Grade 3 jumping!! Beautiful glass trophy, and a well deserved result, it was a lovely run. Watching him & Fern work together is very special, and I have so much pride in them both. Such an exciting future, and Cove is one of the sweetest dogs in our family.

Twiggy was fun but I think the size of the show and the amount of rings and people got to her a bit so no clears, and a bit of an issue back in the weaves. However, she didnt leave the ring and is certainly a lot better when we queue now, playing and not worrying too much where Fern or Rog are. I am continuing to make every run fun, although being a bit firmer on her now as she can be quite cheeky, and I just know that next year she will shine. Her and Cove are not 2 years old yet, so plenty of time to grow.

Lily, well she was on form!! I was still off time, and blonde in places but she totally listened and we had some great runs. Only 2 clears out of 5, but they were all tricky courses and I was pleased at some of the really handly stuff we pulled off well. 12th in Jumping and 13th in Agility. For us handlers who didnt start as juniors, and came into the sport pretty late on, it is a quite tough in grade 6, but I am loving the challenge, and Lily only needs 2 more wins to become grade 7. Who knows :-)

Georgie is growing up! His focus is becoming more & more on me and although he still watches the rings with wild eyes, he is starting to turn to grab his toy and take his frustration out on that rather than scream and lunge at the ring. He has started to get a beautiful silky coat, long legs and finally his floppy ear has decided to stand up a bit again. I have to admit whilst watching the champ class on Sunday I did drift into a day dream of this handsome blue merle, sailing round the same course in a year or twos time, gliding through the air, swimming through the weaves and racing across contacts................all I need to do is get him a decent bloody handler!!!

Great friends, great laughs, meeting facebook friends for the first time and a lovely relaxing weekend in between the miles of walking to different rings! Have to say the caterers are my favourite too, with gorgeous food, huge portions and such friendly cockney banter. Big up for Smiffys :-) 404 miles added.
A weekend off now, and a trip to sunny Cornwall for the day to meet up with the Mitchells. So looking forward to seeing them and having a chill with the dogs before we set off on Thursday for our Agility marathon 10 days. Just so sad that after that its the beginning of the end of the agility season for us, and its gone so quick! Soon be working out a winter training program.

Its all about my gorgeous Olli Ob Knob.

2011-07-25T12:01:00.000-07:00

This weekend was all about Olli.........although Lily Cove & Twiggy were also awesome!!!!
Saturday we set off to Roseland show in sunny Wadebridge. Most of our friends had gone to Caerphilly but I had entered Roseland to give Olli a chance at the ABC qualifier. Little did I know when I entered that he would've already qualified at a much bigger show. It was a beautiful sunny day, and as we arrived I saw a friend of mine I don't see often enough as she lives at the very bottom of Cornwall!! I got George out the van and strolled across to see her and obviously for her to have Georgie cuddles. Disaster, as from out of nowhere a terrier had slipped his collar and pitched straight into Georgie. I managed to lift Georgie up amongst the screams and mayhem, and thankfully the terrier was removed, but only after he had punctured Georges ear and removed a large chunk of fur from his back end. I was gutted. Poor George was very shaken and didn't stop crying for a minute, but thankfully he was soon back to his normal cheerful self. It is just one of those things that happen, and unfortunately we cant wrap them in cotton wool, but it was horrible. :-(
Shaken a bit, I went to walk Ollis ABC course, and it was a lovely course. A few tricky bits but nice and flowing. We ran it and Olli was a star and did a beautiful clear round. I was thrilled with the start to the day, but even more so when they announced him as the winner!!!! What a star he is. Never lets me down, but recently he has started to go up a gear and to win was a total blast!!
Twiggy is also getting a bit more consistent as her confidence is growing, and she had another clear round! Last week clear, then again this week I was over the moon, and although she wasn't placed she did me proud.
Lily and I started well with a lovely jumping round and had yet another 2nd place in Grade 6!! 3 2nd places in as many weeks, where was the 1st going to come from?? After that tho we fell out of sync again and didn't complete the other 2 courses. I was not 100% sure if Lily was actually showing signs of a problem and felt a bit deflated that she may have to miss some shows if she did have an injury, yet she seemed full of beans and very hyper so just decided to see how she was the next day.
Fern & Cove had a lovely 6th place in a grade 1-3 jumping, but just to keep up the standard won the Agility!! Every show since Cove won into Grade 3, he has won the Grade 2 agility, so there is no doubts now that he is ready for the harder courses. Lovely show, lovely atmosphere and all 4 dogs winners.
Sunday it was South Devon, and a beautiful venue with stunning views. Unfortunately not good weather as the Saturday had been, but lots of interesting courses to run. Lily started the day with a pretty good clear round in G6/7 jumping. It wasn't a particularly hard course, and lots of fast bits so she went wide as Lily does, and ended up 7th. They placed to 4th. Cove had a few nearly runs, but the nearest he came to a clear was a pole in a very fast jumping round. He would've won it by seconds, but his inexperience showed as he tried 2 very large bounce gaps, and just couldn't quite stretch far enough. He is looking great though. Twiggy had 2 very near misses, and then a clear round!! 2 days running, this is becoming a habit!!! There were 180 dogs in the class, and imagine my grin when they announced Feroda Irish Secret in 16th place!!!! Her first rosette with a number on. Ollis agility course was lovely. A worky start followed by a nice fast line around, across a box to seesaw, then a push around the outside of the box to the A frame, into curved tunnel and then missing a jump into weaves across the middle. A few bits to think about, and luckily Fern walked it with me and pointed out 1 mistake in my plans. I set him up and promised Fern I would try her handling suggestion. He was off like a rocket, and didn't put a foot wrong. Clear in agility!!! I felt great as we came out, as I knew it was an almost perfect round, and we could do no more. An hour later they did the prize giving. As they read out the dogs in 3rd & 2nd I knew we must have been out the placings, and couldn't believe he had missed out again with such a stunning run. WRONG!!!!!! In first place, winning Grade 5 Agility Feroda Olli Ob Knob!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I screamed! I think I jumped up and down a bit then flung my arms around the judge and cried!! He had done it. My amazing spanner was going to Grade 6, among all those kelpies and collies in large. Nothing that happened after that would matter. I kept looking at him and smiling with such pride.
Eventually it was Lilys combined 6/7 course, and again a clever course with some good traps, but being combined and seeing some of the Grade 7 handlers walking the course, I knew we would struggle. 3 grade 7 dogs in the queue in front of me, and I was actually nervous. All 3 had faults and I thought I had no chance, but as I set Lily on the start line I went into the "zone" As she sailed over the last jump clear I nearly passed out!! Don't think I breathed all the way round! I heard the scrime say "that was fast" and it started me thinking, could she have won it??? I went back to the van, hugged Lily a lot and waited. "And the winner is Feroda Lily Fudge Cake".............Both my dogs pulled out all the stops, and to win with both dogs on the same day is just the best feeling in the world.

We had other good runs, and some funny ones, and the most hilarious moment of the weekend was when Fern ran Olli in the jumping to end the day. Started off ok, then Fern said "tunnel" but moved away straight away, so Olli ran up to her and head butted her leg!!!! Barked and then went in the tunnel!! Olli was not impressed that she hadn't waited for him to pick up the right end of the tunnel!! Fern was giggling and afterwards said how she found it so different to running Cove. 220 miles added for the weekend.
Yep, they are all so different, and god help me next year when Georgie comes out!!! He is proving to be a challenge, not in a bad way but he is strong willed and has a great work ethic with a lot of cheekiness thrown in. Mmmmm it will be interesting, but so rewarding. Mind you he is going to have to be special to keep up with Olli.

Carlsberg don't breed Spaniels but if they did they would have bred Olli. Probably the best spaniel in the world.

Twiggy did a blinder!!!!!

2011-07-18T14:22:00.000-07:00

Well!!! What a fab day through pouring rain, wind and a slightly tired head.
My birthday Friday was a lovely day. I was spoilt by Rog & Fern, had some beautiful flowers arrive from up North, a lot of lovely cards, a pampering session at the hairdressers, a quick bit of retail therapy and then an afternoon of grooming and playing with the dogs. In the evening our closest friends came over for a small party :-) I decided as the weather was a bit unpredictable, we would do a "pot" supper. I did a pot of curry and a chilli, Flo brought a pot of lasagne, Estelle brought a pot of Thai curry and I did a bucket of baked "pot"atoes!! It was a great giggle as always, and far too much alcohol was consumed, so most of Saturday was spent feeling delicate. When did it happen?? I used to be able to party all night long, drink a brewery and be fine by the morning! Guess thats getting old for you :-)
Sunday fern & I set off for a day at a local show. Small and friendly, nice classes and only 45 mins from us. Cove is in Limbo, being a Grade 3 dog as of 25th July, so Fern was going to hold his contacts and just have fun. I wanted to try & get it right with Lily without the pressure of a big event. I also thought it would be the perfect show to really get Twiggys confidence up a gear. Olli I just wanted to have fun with. He is so consistent, so honest and has done me proud already this year with his results.
During the week we had been training grid work with all the dogs, and weaves and contacts with Twiggy. I noticed how much faster Olli was in the field, bouncing grids and flying around as fast as Lily!! Also Twiggys weaves and contacts were amazing, which had to be down to her feeling safe in her field, but also I wondered if the screaming and barking from the other dogs in the van while I worked her, spurred her on. Also Ollis speed and madness may be for the same reasons, as normally he queues quietly, never even watches the agility and does good steady runs at shows, so we had a plan for Sunday.
Olli had Grade 3 - 5 Agility first, and it was a nice handly course, and quite tight so it boded well. I wound him up and teased him before the start and he was full of it. A lovely clear round, great contacts AND for the first time in a while he bounced some of the jumps. Grid work paid off a treat!! 3rd place, behind 2 very fast collies, but by only a second!! In the jumping, Fern held Twiggy by the start, and Olli was buzzing. Another clear, beautifully fast but 1 misjudgement by me meant a wide turn so 9th place, but still thrilled.
Twiggy and Cove were out together walking around with us and for the first time ever, Fern didnt stay with me as I queued for Twiggys agility, but went and sat by the side of the ring with Joy. Cove barked as I set Twiggy on the start and she was off. Jump to weaves, perfect! Pin wheel to dog walk and apart from slowing slightly as she saw Cove, she nailed her contact. For the first time she also went straight over the A frame, without stopping at the top to see if she could see Fern, and stopped dead on the contact! A couple of rear crosses, cloth tunnel, seesaw and over the line she went!! Only her second KC clear round, but a proper run. I felt like I was running a confident young dog, who knew what she was doing. 114 dogs in the class, and Twiggy was 14th!!! Thrilled!!

Fern took Cove into the jumping with a heavy heart. It was a very tight course, and Cove is a very scopey boy, so it looked tough. Sure enough he bounced the first 2, and was over the 3rd........which was actually the 9th or something, but he just didnt pick up the turn. It was like watching a Ferrari on a GoKart track. Impossible to open up, and no way to make the tight turns. The agility was not a lot better, and had a weird pull off on a pin wheel! Bit harsh for Grade 1/2, and again tight. However Cove listened, Fern worked it beautifully and they went clear. He did stunning contacts, which Fern held, and it was a perfect round. So guess what????? He won again!!!! So looking forward to Agility Club show at the end of the month, where he will be in Grade 3 and hopefully start to show what amazing ability he has. He is more than ready.
Lily and me were rubbish again. If we get it right she is top 3 placed, but boy do we get it wrong a lot these days!! She is fast and furious, and I am still not being quick enough to handle her properly. To take the positives, her contacts were 100% and as we had already picked up a fault, I really pushed her weaves. Left her and ran at right angles across to the A frame and she didnt falter. She is an amazing dog and I love her to bits, so I really hope I can get it together as she deserves to win. Just 68 miles added.
I am so lucky to have such wonderful dogs, who love me unconditionally. They dont know if they have done it right or wrong, all they know is that we have worked together and had fun and they always give their all in anyway they know how. I adore them, and just need that lottery win so I can spend all my time with them, as the saying says. "The more people I meet, the more I love my dogs"

Diamond Dogs & More trophies :-)

2011-07-12T07:47:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was hoping to try and get it back together with Lily, and handle her as well as she deserves. It was a horrible journey up on Friday, taking us 4 hours instead of 2 due to an accident on the M5. Thankfully it wasn't too hot in the van but the dogs were still relieved to get to the site at 4.30 and have wees!! We set up camp, and JoJo arrived about 8pm and the fun began.
We were lucky to have our chief video cameraman Luke back with us this weekend. (Think Fern & him are back together but its a taboo subject!!)

The weekend was blooming hot, and its such a nice show with a lovely friendly atmosphere, so we all had fun and lots of giggles, especially Saturday evening when we all had the rather tricky Grade 6/7 agility, and unfortunately had all had a few ciders during the afternoon!! Some interesting handling and a lot of heckling from the sidelines and not a clear round between us! Great laugh though. Before the drinking, Lily and I were back on track and had a clear in jumping, albeit a messy one, and then a great run on Neil Ellis agility to finish 2nd!! I felt a lot happier. Sunday we also had a place in Barrie James jumping, and although my timing was iffy again and nearly pulled Lily off a jump, at least we were working together as a team again.

Olli managed 3 clears, including 19th in the Novice Qualifier out of 320 dogs and only 30 clears I was thrilled with him again. Clear in jumping and clear but just out of the placings in agility, he is a lovely boy.

Cove was faster and more confident than ever and after a few near misses had a stonking run in the jumping and another 2nd place trophy. I have a feeling he wont be in grade 3 for very long. His first official Grade 3 show is Agility club in 2 weeks. Looking forward to that one!

Twiggy was a star, getting some amazing weaves in the ring and had 2 almost clears, just her confidence combined with my slightly bad handling costing her, but every time we run she improves and I know she has a bright future. She doesnt run out of the rings anymore and is happy to play before and after her runs too.

Georgie was lovely, and met up with his brother for the first time in over a month. They are so different! Ollie is bigger, and squarer than George, but a beautiful boy none the less. George is still very hyper around the rings but focuses well on his tuggy now, taking out his frustration on that! Still a work in progress but adorable and exciting to work with. 178 miles added.
Friday this week is my Birthday and we are having a few friends round for supper and probably a few beers, so I have started tidying up the slightly neglected garden, with a little help from my Merlie boy! I have no tubs of flowers this year, thanks to George & Twiggy, who seem to think that they are play things full of lovely black soil that just needs digging, so its a bit bare. Hanging baskets are the theme this summer, and some very hardy shrubs!! Still I wouldnt swap my dogs for all the flowers in Chelsea.

Today I have uploaded videos from everyone for a change, and because Rog had to work I have no smart new photos to add.
Feeling confident of some special runs this weekend, and especially hopeful with Twiggy, my little Irish princess.

Cloud 9 with a spanner!!!!

2011-07-05T07:22:00.000-07:00

I started this year with 2 goals. The first was for Twiggy to get a clear round in a KC show, achieved at Golden Valley last month. The second was a tough one, but I wanted to try and qualify Olli for the ABC semis for Olympia. Kerrching!!!!! Achieved on Saturday at Tuffley!!!! I am so utterly thrilled with Olli, who also managed 15th in the Novice qualifier on the same day, with over 260 dogs in the class!!! I cant believe my lovely spanner is off to Birmingham in Sept to try and get his place at Olympia. To be honest I think the final is pretty much an impossible step for Olli, as all the top Grade 7 handlers and their Kelpies and Belgians, who compete year in year out at Olympia are there for the semis, but he doesnt have to do any more in my eyes. To get to the semis is a huge achievement for my gun dog boy.

Also at Tuffley this weekend, Fern & Cove won the Omnipro starters cup!! This is only their 3rd competition at Grade 2 and already up to Grade 3, with a place in the final next year to look forward to as well. He is such a consistent boy now, and with each weekend comes improvement, both in his speed and his confidence. Their first Grade 3 show is Agility Club, and unbelievably a chance too for them to qualify for the semis at Olympia. I can not even start to think about that, I cried enough when Twiggy got her clear, and when Olli qualified on Sunday, so for Cove to get through..................

Lily & I are a bit out of sync again. Having a few weeks off due to illness has really made a difference. Lily is faster than ever and so confident and I am just not keeping up with her. My timing is out and my split second decision making, which was starting to come seems to have disappeared again!! We did almost get it together in a fantastic handly G6/7 agility course on Sunday, when a dog ran in on her near the end. She had already picked up 5 faults for a missed weave entry so when the judge offered me a re run from scratch I accepted, thinking we would get it so right second time round. Unfortunately I was over working it and sent her in the wrong end of tunnel so another elimination, but there were some very good bits to take away from the course and I am hoping we will be back in tune this weekend.

Twiggy was a star all weekend. She had nearly all 5 fault rounds, with me pulling her off a jump in the Olympia qualifier, and then a slight split second loss of concentration in the CSJ Agility round as she spotted Fern by the ring and missed a jump so I had to pull her around it. Other than that she weaved beautifully and started to think about her contacts, so I reckon the clears will start to creep up soon. She is a joy to run and is starting to have so much fun in the rings now, which is the main thing for me.
A lovely weekend, beautiful sunshine, great company and lots of our friends qualifying and winning trophies was a bonus. 186 miles added.

This weekend off to Diamond Dogs and camping with the gang. Another go at Novice qualifier for Twiggy & Olli, and maybe a clear round or 2 for Lily and me if I can get my act together!! Also a lot more work on Georgies ringside manners as he is beginning to realise that this agility lark is highly exhilarating and he thinks he should be IN the rings not just watching!! I have my work cut out, but apart from this minor naughtiness he is coming on beautifully in his training and such a character we love him to bits :-)

Mixed weekend and a lesson learned :-(

2011-06-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were at Lansdown show. Always a lovely show, and with the added bonus of watching the Omnipro Starters cup final on the Saturday, and seeing some of the top handlers in the country in the Crufts classes on the Sunday. A friend of mines husband was in the Starters final with a young dog, his first agility dog, and he had a foot perfect round. He came across the finish and dropped to his knees and hugged his dog. Brought tears to my eyes and still does writing this! So lovely to see so much genuine love for his dog, and as an added bonus he won the cup!! Too many people don't seem to appreciate their dogs. Fern & I stood and watched some of the grade 6/7 jumping on Saturday with another friend of mine, and we were amazed how many top handlers don't reward or play with their dogs as they come out the ring. The higher up the grades you go the less people seem to praise their dogs. Now before anyone starts going off on one, I am not saying all higher grade handlers, as I know their are plenty that do, but a lot don't. Maybe they should remember that the dogs got them to those grades, and the dog gives its all in every run, not realising its gone wrong, and the reason it has gone wrong is because its been given the wrong signal by its handler or been trained incorrectly. Dogs don't have the emotional capabilities that we have. They cant decide to do it wrong to wind you up, or to just be naughty for the hell of it. It is always our fault. I also saw a few people around the rings being very harsh and berating their dogs for lunging at others, or barking and misbehaving. If they don't have the ability to work with their dogs issues properly, then remove them from the situation! On the plus side, we watched Dawn Weaver run one of her beardies (sorry I think it was Breezer?) in the Crufts singles and she missed her weave entry and Dawn laughed and said something along the lines of "never mind darling, lets try that again" and was still smiling and rewarding her as she left the ring.
Anyway, that's my rant over for now.
Our dogs this weekend? Well Twiggy was a little star, having a blast and getting the weaves beautifully in her runs. No clears but she had the best fun and so did I running her. Its all coming together now and as long as she continues to be happy, that's all I care about. Her day will come.
Olli did some great stuff getting just 5 in the G5 agility, and 5 in the ABC qualifier because he just didn't recognise the wall as a jump at the end and I was too far behind him to help! Probably only ever seen a wall twice before so that's just unlucky. He had fun though in true Olli style.
Lily had a fantastic run in the 6/7 jumping. We were E'd because i was sooooo late with my "in" command on a fast pull though, she didn't have a chance, but the rest was beautiful. Then as she was nearing the end of another brilliant agility run something went wrong, Lily seized up and my heart stopped. She tried to complete the last few obstacles but in pain and I was devastated. I walked her slowly out and straight to an animal chirpractor who was on site. She said she was very tight across her shoulders, so gave her some gentle massage and we returned to the caravan, me nearly in tears. I was so worried all night but although she was a bit slow to get up Sunday morning she was soon looking near normal, and although I missed running her on Sunday I was so glad to see that twinkle in her eye. It seems now that she jarred her shoulder, it went into spasm across her neck and like us she had a crick in her neck brought on by attempting to turn right in mid air after another late call from me. It was a cold wind and she hadn't done anything for a few hours, so my lesson learned, to warm Lily up a lot more than I did on Saturday. Chiropractor visit today, and all clear. She is bouncing off the walls so I know she feels fine, thank god :-))
Cove came home with 2 more trophies!!! His 2nd Grade 2 show and a 2nd & a 3rd in jumping. Really consistent boy and showing more confidence in every run. Fern has taken over as chief duster and polisher now!!
Others in our group came home with trophies too so a very successful weekend.
Georgie had a lot of fun, sometimes too much fun watching the rings but he does come back to me and his toy very quickly so I think we can work on that. I love his enthusiasm and drive so I don't want to stop it, just steer it in the right direction! He even managed to do some waits and real proofing, in the middle of all the rings. Even when Schnauzer walked past and nearly pinched Georges toy which I had thrown a few feet away, George held his wait!!!! Mind you the look on his face was priceless!!! Love him lots. 198 miles added.

A few photos of Cove, his cousin Phaze and his half brother/cousin Tatty, enjoying a game in the lovely long grass around the race course. :-)

Back with a vengeance!!

2011-06-22T10:58:00.000-07:00

Where did June go?? Well we spent most of it at home weekends due to a couple of coughing dogs. Lily started coughing the day after we came back from SWAT show, on the bank holiday Monday, and then Olli Cove & Twiggy. Horrendous, thought that they had kennel cough, so trip to the vets and a few days of honey & Benylin (which they all loved!!) Neither my Vet or me think it was "Kennel cough", although that is actually a very vague term. Dogs like humans, can get a cough, or a bit of a cold, and some will catch others while others dont, but as soon as a dog coughs they get labelled. None of my lot were at all ill, no temperatures, no miserableness and in fact were driving me mad wanting to run miles as usual. The dogs that coughed were also the only dogs that had walked in our field at home that had been spread with fertilizer, and I am still convinced that was the cause. George or Becki didnt get it at all, neither did any of the 8 dogs that live on the farm here, and within 48 hrs everyone was better. Not what you would expect from true kennel cough but we had to stay home for a few weeks to keep the peace. I did feel a bit miffed that certain people felt they had to tell us not to go to shows, and not to take the dogs anywhere public. I am not stupid, and am a very responsible adult, so I managed to make that decision by myself. Its a shame more of these people weren't actually concerned for my dogs wellbeing, but thats people for you.
Missed Hinckley and Thames, 2 of my favourite comps of the season, and although it was lovely hearing how the rest of my agility friends were doing I admit I was jealous. We decided to have a BBQ on the Hinckley weekend and invite all those friends who are not agility addicts, who we rarely see through the summer, and it was a brilliant night. Far too much to drink, but good laughter, great fun and the dogs all enjoyed helping with the clearing up!!!
We have also spent the last few weeks training a lot at our field, and all the dogs have been on fine form. Georgie is growing like weed but is also extremely bright and fun to train. He learns so quickly, and is such a joy I am thrilled he came into my life, even though unexpected! He had his first puppy workshop last week, and he impressed me a lot with his focus and enthusiasm. 2 hours of concentration, playing tuggy, and various exercises, all carried out with a waggy tail and sparkle. Really looking forward to seeing him develop.
Last weekend we set off to Golden Valley show in Worcester. Its a nice friendly show, although not that small with 8 rings, but always has a good atmosphere. It was Coves first grade 2 show and he also had a Starters cup qualifier, and Georgie is now officially old enough to be round the rings in the thick of things, so after 3 weeks away we were very excited! Cove did some stunning runs, a few silly mistakes but looking more experienced and attacking the courses a lot better as his confidence grows. He pushed himself out of the trophies in the jumping as he almost picked up the wrong tunnel, and how he didn't get 5 faults I dont know, but the judge is a lovely lady who was very fair to the beginner dogs, however it cost him a few seconds so he ended up 7th. In the starters cup he did a lovely round and was 3rd. Beautiful glass trophy as you would expect from the Agility Club, so another successful weekend for Fern & Cove.

Lily was off her head!! Did some lovely stuff and some mad stuff, so we had 4 E's a 10 and a 5 faulter. Not very productive but she is so much fun to run. Hopefully she will be a bit calmer this weekend!!

Olli was a star and had 3 out of 3 clears Saturday, including a 9th in agility, and another clear on Sunday. Such a great dog, very consistent just needs that extra gear to beat some more collies.

Then Twiggy, who has definitely started to gain confidence in the rings, did her Grade 3 jumping. It was a tricky course with a couple of pull throughs and 12 weaves. She set off at a good pace and was clear up to the weaves. I held my breath as she entered them perfectly on her own and i counted....... as she completed the 12 poles I nearly screamed with delight, forget where I was going and got in her way on the final snake line so she took the jump out. It was my fault but I was thrilled that she weaved and was so happy with herself.

Next was the grade 3/4 agility, and again not a straight forward course. 8 weaves this time. She was confident on the seesaw, she was through the weaves, over the A frame all be it a bit slow, and 2 jumps and a tunnel later she just had the dog walk and the final jump. Across the dog walk, slowly down the end plank, touched the contact and flew across the last jump. The screams from both myself & Fern could probably be heard across the Malvern Hills!!! Her first KC clear round. I collapsed in a heap of tears and cuddles with my wonderful girl Twiggy. The future now looks very exciting.

Georgie was great fun all weekend, although he has discovered that what goes on in these rings is very exciting!! Squealing excitedly watching other dogs go round, and pulling hard to go and join them, but with a bit of encouragement he came back to me to play with his tuggy. If we can build on this we should be ok, but he is a very strong character! He had puppy plays, lots of people cuddles and pretend queueing, and was a star.
Even Dave managed a fast fun round in the pay on the day steeplechase. Not clear, but 100% focused on Fern, and its the first time he has run outdoors whilst an agility ring was running next to him, so we think he is finally able to start competing properly. He will be one to watch.
296 miles added.
So off to Lansdown this weekend, and Olli has another bash at qualifying in the ABC Olympia stakes. Its such a shame they dont split the grades. 218 dogs in the class, grades 1 to 7 and only top 4 go through. Dont hold out a lot of hope really, but all I do know is Olli will try his heart out. He is special. Would be nice to try & get a clear with Lily this weekend, instead of running round laughing at her, and who knows maybe even Twiggy may do it again!! Will be the first time for a month that we will be with our gang of witches too, so lets hope the weather cheers up a bit and we all have some successes.

Becoming a bit of a habit!!!!

2011-05-31T12:27:00.000-07:00

Well this is becoming a bit of a habit, and Fern seems to be taking my limelight but I guess I can cope with that........................COPE I AM VERY VERY PROUD!!!!!!!!!
This weekend was SWAT show, pretty local to us being just an hour away, so Fern & I got there Friday morning and had a bit of a challenge setting up in a force 8 gale, but eventually we were pegged down and sorted. JoJo my great friend, and ex agility compadre, arrived in the afternoon, loaded with crisps, and cider and we looked forward to a good giggly girly weekend. Jasper whippet and Cove became great mates, sharing a crate/bed most of the weekend, and then Jasper shared his bed with JoJo and Stan at night. Not much room for JoJo!!!! We also saved a camping space for Jill, who is becoming a great friend, and as she was on her own we thought we would gather her into the Feroda camp too. Big curry, a few beers and a lot of giggles Friday evening started the weekend on a good vibe.
Saturday morning, with slightly thick heads, Fern and I walked courses, some really interesting Grade 6 courses for me & Lily, and some nice courses for Olli too. Fern and Cove are still "officially" in Grade 1 until Thames show, so nice flowing simple courses for them. Lily had a stonking round in the jumping, and had a very unlucky pole halfway round. She was flawless otherwise, and I came out of the ring feeling a great sense of achievement. Pole or no pole, she listened, she was tight on her turns and I handled it right. So thrilled, and even when I found out her time was 2 secs faster than the winning Grade 6 dog I was not disappointed. Its not always the winning, and although it would've been nice I am just thrilled to know that when we get it right, which we seem to be doing a lot more often these days, she is capable of Grade 7 1 day. She did do another fab round in Grade 1-7 jumping and we were 10th out of about 200 dogs.

Olli had a lovely clear in his jumping but is never going to beat fast collies on a blast of a course like that was. Still he was great fun and very gorgeously handsome as he ran :-)

So to Cove. Two 5 fault rounds then a lovely clear in the jumping and he was 3rd. ANOTHER trophy!!!
Saturday we had dinner with Jill in her caravan, which was lovely. Not just the meal but the caravan! Must try and save up so we can get a newer one next year. I was worn out Saturday, have no idea why really, but that and the fact I took a Piriton tablet to ease my hayfever, meant that by 9pm my eyes were closing, so I had an early night.
Sunday and some more lovely testing courses for Lily and unfortunately I was out with my timing in her agility, so turned back to quick and she took wrong end of tunnel. She then went all silly on me so I just burst out laughing and left the ring, leaving Lily held on her seesaw contact, much to the judges amusement! We had a lovely round in the jumping, almost clear til a trap at the end, but still Lily was on great form.
Olli had another lovely clear round, but again unplaced.
Cove then had a very good jumping round, and a debatable decision by the judge who gave him a 5 refusal on the last jump. He span round in front of the jump as Fern was a way behind, but he didn't refuse, nor did he go past the wing so for a Grade 1 it was a bit harsh. Never mind, he was going beautifully and we knew he was "clear" so Fern went into the agility with the bit between her teeth, and sure enough they won it!!! Another bloody trophy!! I wouldn't mind but does Fern ever do any dusting???????

Now to Twiggy & George, my 2 "works in progress"
Twiggy was a different dog. She suddenly stopped worrying about where Fern was, or who was outside the ring, and even started to do a wait at the start of each course! Confident & happy, she completed every one of her 5 runs with a smile and with style. If we didn't have those silly poles to worry about she would've had 5 clears!!! She makes me giggle, and a lot of other people come to that, as she gets a lovely weave entry, then does 4 or 6 or even 8 weaves before coming out with a flamboyant and happy leap as if to say "yay I did some of them whats next?!!" I am not worried at all. My main priority with Twiggy is for her to enjoy her experience in the ring, however she chooses to do it, and its working. She was so happy, no scary moments, no panicky looks and one day she will finish all those pesky poles and get her first KC clear, of that I have no doubt.

Georgie was a star. He settles without a worry in his crate, comes out and plays and learns new things whenever he is out. He is such a cheeky but loving puppy, who at the moment likes nothing better than being with me and focusing on learning new things. He met lots of new people and dogs and took it all in his stride. He even started watching a bit of the agility with great interest, but turned straight back to me to play as soon as I asked. Interesting prospect, but already without doubt a permanent member of our family, who makes me giggle many times a day. :-) He is starting to accumulate fans along the way too! Such a sweet boy. 96 miles added.

This Friday we are off to Hinckley for 1 of the scariest shows of the year for me. Lots of qualifiers, and tough opposition for Lily & me, but I am quietly confident that we wont look out of our depth now. Big show for Twiggy but I am sure she will have fun, especially as she will be meeting up with her original foster parents again, which I know will send her silly :-) One thing I do know for sure, I will not be upstaged by my wonderful daughter and her superstar dog..................there are no Grade 1 or 2 classes!!!! Ha!!!

This is our year too, Carn Brae, Twiggy 1 year on & Georgie an exciting new beginning!!!

2011-05-22T03:10:00.000-07:00

Its been an exciting start to the season. People thought last year was my year, with Lily doing so well, winning into Grade 6, competing at Olympia, but somehow I dont think 1 year is enough. I spend all our money (sorry Rog!) and all my spare time working with my dogs and striving to give them the very best life, the most fun, and hopefully the best home a dog could have. Whether its just walking in the fields around the farm, laughing at Olli barking on every stride as he tries to keep up with Lily & Cove as they are sprinting, or cuddling up with them watching TV in the evenings, or training them in our field on a summers evening. Maybe sat in the garden with a glass of wine and smiling as Twiggy & George run circuits, leaping in and out of the paddling pool as they go, laughing at Dave & Twiggy playing on the decking, there are so many moments in my life with my dogs that I smile and feel proud. Lily was a nervous screaming wreck when I started training her at 15 months old. Couldnt cope with being near another dog, yet look at her now? Olli was meant to be just a gundog, but at Grade 5 he is doing pretty well too. Twiggy has managed some clear rounds already, but apart from agility, she is a different girl. Almost confident! She is funny, cheeky and a huge part of our lives now. Cove is a joy to own, and a credit to Fern. He is such a lovely natured, funny boy who has so much ability he will go far.

Some people are too competitive and unfortunately lose the simple pleasures along the way, of owning and having the company of a wonderful dog. I am competitive, I wont deny that, but I also know that no dog is a robot. I have not lost the ability to enjoy every run in competition, whether its a clear or an elimination! In my opinion, if you get stressed and start to moan because your dog "should've won that" or "never normally misses the weaves!" or "just needed to get that contact" then you need to take a step back and remember that everything that went wrong in the ring is your fault as a handler, and not the dogs fault. This is meant to be fun. I have so many rubbish runs, and its frustrating sometimes, but my dogs have had a blast around the ring, and have no idea they got E'd at the 3rd fence!
So, last weekend we were at Carn Brae and Lily had no clears. Olli managed a clear in jumping, Twiggy had 2 E's and a 5 faults round. Cove had 1 E and 1 5 faults, but a fab round in Agility got him his third 2nd place trophy in 3 weeks!!
A good friend of mine won the Grade 6 Agility, joining me & Lily in Grade 6 and a quarter!!
I am planning on this being our year, and hopefully next year and the year after that too!!!! 226 miles added.

Twiggy has been with us 1 year today. I can't believe I was lucky enough to find her nor that she has been here a year already!! Such a pleasure to own. Loyal, loving, bright & cheeky. Totally love her to bits, and the way she cuddles you is priceless. She actually really loves her dad so much, and its so lovely to see her ears go up, and her head cock to one side as she hears his van drive up the lane every evening. :-) The way she dives on the bed every morning, from halfway across the room like a girl possessed cos its been a whole night since she saw me, and biscuits & tea in bed is the start to Twiggys day, is the best feeling in the world.

Now we have George. 4 weeks ago today he arrived. Not planned, not intentional, I was not looking for a puppy, but George had other ideas. He is incredible. Confident, intelligent, happy and just fitted in here like the final piece of a jigsaw. Twiggys new best friend, Cove & Olli love him and George shows so much respect to them, Stan & Becki just accepted him (just another addition to the pack to them) Dave has not shown anywhere near as much aggression as he normally does, and Lily seems to like him!! It was meant to be. He is so keen to learn, and a very exciting prospect for me. He is the first agility dog in the making, that I will actually be training from a pup. Its nerve wracking really, as he is so unspoilt, and such a blank canvass that if he turns out wrong its 100% my fault!! No pressure!!

For the last 2 days Fern & I have been doing displays at Devon County Show, with Lauren & crew from Devon Dogs. I thought it would be a chance to chill out with the dogs having fun, instead of competing, and also a brilliant chance to do some more socialising with George. We walked the miles from the van on the 1st day, loaded with bags and 2 dogs each, and walked through the gates right next to the fair. Huge machines, hundreds of people and the loud music and sirens from the fairground machines, and George?... well he was leading the way!!!! Striding through the crowds, wagging his tail and enjoying all the sights around him. I cant believe how level headed and confident he is. He chilled in his crate by the trade stand while we were running the others, and then sat with me on the grass, playing tuggy, learning new tricks, and saying hi to everyone who asked. A shotgun went off during the gundog display, right where we sat ringside, and George looked round and in a second was back grabbing his toy. Didn't flinch. He is an incredibly exciting puppy, who has a wise head on his shoulders. Lets hope it continues!!
The displays were a great experience for Cove. The buzz of all those dogs in a ring together, and the relaxed fun way Fern ran him made a huge difference. He was flying!! He actually won the fun knockout on Saturday, beating me & Lily in the semi and Grade 7 Coco in the final!!! Lovely to see him having such fun.
So thats it, now every weekend is competition time, and we are looking forward to SWAT this weekend with all the gang. Lovely lovely dogs will have fun and even if I do swear it wont be at them :-)

The wedding weekend and Blackdown day show. What an amazing 10 days!!!

2011-05-09T08:43:00.000-07:00

Once again I have left it too long since my last blog, and now have to remember everything that's happened in the last 10 days!!
We spent 4 days at Newbury, when the Royal Wedding was taking place. 3 days of UKA to train the youngsters and train Lily & Olli in agility, just to ensure we have contacts still, followed by Vyne Champ show on the Monday.
It was a mixed weekend. The weather stayed dry, warm but windy and the dogs were all pretty consistent too. Cove managed a couple of nice clear rounds at UKA, although some runs were still very tentative. Twiggy managed 2 clears in Steeplechase classes, and gained her first numbered rosette!! 7th :-) She is ok if you can keep running and she doesn't have time to stop and think or worry about what she is doing, so steeplechase suits her for now. Olli had some nice jumping runs, and then Lily & I had The Masters to contend with.
The courses were amazingly tricky! I am really starting to enjoy the complexity of some of these high graded courses, and working out how to handle them. Lily sailed around the jumping, and had almost gone clear when I had a split second "spatial awareness" incident and sent her over the wrong jump. In the Agility section we managed just 5 faults and it was our best effort yet. So many people eliminated that we actually ended up 12th overall so I was pleased. Both Champ agility classes I trained contacts, but I ran the jumping and on both days we were placed 4th. Pretty consistent.

The joy of the 3 days at UKA was the ability to walk Georgie around the rings and really start on his socialisation. It is the one thing I feel UKA really have the right attitude about. Puppies should be out there as soon as they can, whilst they are still soaking up all the new experiences of life. Georgie was brilliant. Nothing seems to phase him. He is very good with other dogs, has lovely social skills and respect for older dogs, and loves people completely. It was encouraging that he actually seemed to find the agility pretty interesting too!!

Monday at Vyne I had a Large Olympia Qualifier with lily, and ABC qualifier with Olli. As I walked the ABC course, my heart sank. It was the most ridiculously easy course, set like a grade 1 agility course. Up, down, up down, with just 1 wing wrap. Considering the ABC qualifier is grade 1 - 7 I felt it should have been a bit more handly. Poor Olli can not compete on flat speed, with the Kelpies so with 267 dogs in the class I wasn't hopeful. He did a perfectly lovely clear round and I was so pleased with him, but he ended up 36th. Not quite in the top 5 for Olympia then!!
Lilys course was nice. Not too mad but testing. 2 thirds of the way round she was flying and then I mis-judged my distance from the tunnel as I wrapped her around the back of a jump and got completely in her way, so she took the wrong end of the tunnel. I was gutted because we were so close to the end. All the hard stuff done. Never mind, as always it was my fault. No clears for Lily at Vyne, but we ended on a pretty good note with the boys.
Cove was 6th in Grade 1 jumping, and Olli 5th in Grade 5 jumping! Interestingly, the Grade 5 jumping course was very twisty and tight, so Olli came into his own. Fast wide dogs were falling by the wayside, and Olli was less than half a second off winning. If I hadn't almost sent him the wrong way before the weaves he may have won. A great long weekend and lots of positives. (262 miles on.)
Yesterday we were at Blackdown show. A nice local 1 day for us for a change, and most of the gang were there. The first run of the day was for Fern & Cove in the agility. I was hoping it would be a good start and it certainly was. Cove sailed round, foot perfect and was clear in 24.00 seconds dead!!! Over 120 dogs in the class so we waited and waited, but they had done it. Beating the next dog by 2 and half seconds, Fern & Cove are Grade 2!!! Brilliant start to the day, and at only his 5th KC show, and having a jumping win and 2 seconds at Kernow, he really is starting to prove his ability. Credit to Fern too for not being a quitter. :-) After that he had a few silly mistakes so no more clears but that win was more than enough.
I was hoping to win my Olli spaniel into Grade 6. The class was quite small and it was a lovely course. Having done the tricky start, the spread jump (which Olli normally crashes) we were on the homeward run and I found myself admiring my handsome athletic spaniel as he sailed over the full long jump. What style!!.............and what a pillock I am for being so engrossed in watching Olli I forgot to turn right, so he went straight back over the start jump!!!!! I was gobsmacked. Such a lovely run and I totally blew it. Poor Spanner :-(
Twiggy had a few fun moments, making things up as we ran round trying to keep her happy and not have time to worry. She also managed to run just out the edge of the ring on 1 run, to have a poo halfway round!!!!! So embarrassing bless her. The judge was lovely and said to jump a few more jumps before we left the ring, so she had a positive experience. Lovely lovely judge :-)
Then it was Lily & me in G5-7 Agility. Same course I had blown with Olli, so I was determined not to make the same mistake. It was a beautiful round. That dog is just too genuine and honest for words. Not just clear but a lovely 2nd place trophy! I was thrilled to bits. Then we had a blast around a tunnel fun course, and she worked so well away from me I managed to pretty much hang around the middle and she was 6th. Just the Grade 6 Agility to go. It was a lovely course, with a lot of traps. Spread jump first, followed by jump 2 heading straight for the weaves, but fence 3 was to the right. Tight wrap right to 4 then tight back for the weaves. U turn out the weaves to tunnel, U turn out of tunnel back past weaves around the top to Seesaw which then had a jump directly after which you needed to take the back of. I can not fault Lilys round at all. She watched me intently, went exactly where I asked her and it was a stunning clear. I hugged her so hard at the finish!! It felt so good, and I actually felt like I handled it well. 1 and half seconds faster then anyone else, our first Grade 6 win!!!!! So so proud of my girl :-)

Lily & I have been competing together for 3 years now, starting at Grade 1. We were both novices to start with, and helped each other move steadily up to grade 3. Then for the next year we had a lot of hiccups, mainly because Lily was improving at a quicker rate than me! She was faster and more knowledgeable and my handling often let her down. This meant quite a lot of moments where Lily would make her own course as she was fed up waiting for me to handle her!! If we got it right, and managed to gel, we went clear and placed so we made it to Grade 5, then Olympia qualifier and ended the season at Grade 6. The first few competitions at Grade 6 we just weren't together. I was finding the courses confusing, and poor Lily was trying her best but we were somehow out of synch. In the past few months we have suddenly become one again, and it is a truly wonderful relationship to have. She owes me nothing, I owe her everything, and I just know she is going to keep giving her all to me, and I will thoroughly enjoy every single second I am privileged enough to be her partner. You cant buy this feeling. (36 miles added.)
So Cove Grade 2, Lily Grade 6 and qtr!! A whole season ahead of us and its going to be an exciting ride!!

What a weekend!

2011-04-28T03:24:00.000-07:00

Not sure where to start with this one. Too many wonderful dogs to brag about, which I cant help because they are the best dogs in the world :-) So a brief round up.
I set off to Kernow on Thursday, towing Nellie caravan alone. Rog and I had a lot of equipment for customers, which needed delivering to Kernow, so he had to drive his own van loaded up, and Fern had to work the morning so as it was on route Rog picked her up on the way.
Stunning weather, and after a very noisy 20 miles at the start, the other 70 were peaceful, and I arrived safe & sound at Wadebridge show ground. (The noisy 20 miles will be explained later)
Rog & Fern arrived 2 hours later and we finished setting up camp. I was actually quite proud of myself. I had managed to level Nellie, get fridge on, plumb the water in, and although I couldnt manage the awning alone, that and the fencing didnt take long with the three of us. Relaxed in the sun with a cold beer and looked forward to 3 days competing.
Cove started the weekend with a silly un focused round again, and I felt so sorry for Fern and frustrated. He just looked so different to the dog we have racing around our training field! Fern then took him to the practice ring, and unbelievably he was amazing!! The practice ring is right in the middle of all the other rings, so the only thing difference could be Ferns attitude. So I suggested Fern ran the next class for fun, and not to stop or send Cove back over missed weaves or jumps, just get from start to finish keeping him happy. From that moment on Cove suddenly clicked. 14th and a 7th followed!! Then On Saturday 2 fabulous runs left Fern holding 2 second place trophies!!!! We were over the moon. They were starting to look like a lovely partnership, and the un focused Cove became a distant memory. Sunday and a stunning neat jumping round gave them their first win!!!! 5 clears, and all placed, 3 in the trophies, now thats what I call fantastic!!!!

Twiggy has similar issues with Focus, although for slightly different reasons, so I ended up making my own courses up just to keep her flowing and happy, and we had 2 virtual clears :-) She loves it or I wouldnt ask her to do it, but she does worry where everyone else is while she is in the ring. Still so amazed with how she has come on in the short time I have had her, so the future holds a lot of promise.

Olli was a star, and for the first time had a whole weekend without knocking a pole. He had not been a pole knocker last season but had started catching first poles in the last few weeks. I tried setting him up at different distances but nothing seemed to work. Then last week I noticed him standing with a hind leg at a funny angle. Not lame or bothered but I think he had a tweaked muscle. This weekend he was on fighting form again, and although his over exuberance sent him flying off the end of his dog walk,so no agility qualifier for him, he had some lovely clears, and a 6th and 7th in jumping. Happy boy :-)

Lily is without doubt my superstar, and extremely fit this year. I am still struggling to get my timing right with her, so wide turns are still there, but less than before. She had some stunning runs, and a 4th in G6 jumping, however the best for me was her Large Agility Stakes qualifier. The start was so tricky I loved it! Every handler in that class, stood scratching their heads between the start and obstacle 5. It was a very handly start and after about 5 different routes went through my head I decided on the way to handle it and hoped I could connect with Lily to get it right. Dog after dog suffered elimination before the dog walk, obstacle 5, and some top handlers were out. 20 dogs ran before the first clear round, and it was proving a real nightmare! I was near the end with Lily, and Dawn, Andy, Linda, Kate were all clear (All Grade 7 dogs and world class handlers!) I set Lily on the start line and prayed. She was totally wonderful and as we hit the dogwalk I was grinning like a Cheshire cat!!!! That was the bit I wanted to get and we nailed it. Still clear until I hesitated with the turn to the weaves and she missed the first pole, but just 5 faults in that course was better than I ever expected!! Only 8 clear rounds over all. Fab weekend with fabulous dogs as always. Another 180 miles done.

Which brings me back to the noisy start to our journey to Kernow.
For the last 5 weeks I have been visiting a lovely family with an unexpected litter of 8 collies! I was passing info around, and generally advising them on worming, feeding etc, all the while not intending to have a puppy myself. Probably my least favourite of them all was the very pale blue merle boy, with a very white face....................so meet and welcome to the Feroda family. George!!!!

Dont ask me why, he chose me and was pretty insistent on it. He was also a gift, so how could I refuse??!! I had also managed to sell another one of his brothers to an agility friend of mine in Cornwall, so from our house for about 25 miles last thursday morning I had to screaming howling balls of fluff in the van along with my gang. No matter how loud I turned the radio up, they could go louder!!!! Thankfully they fell asleep eventually or I would have been a bit frayed around the edges!!
So a new beginning for me, as I have never trained an agility dog from a pup. My dogs aren't doing bad being trained from juniors but I am looking forward to this blank canvass.
Rog has now put Parental Locks on my computer!!! NO RESCUE SITES, NO PUPPY PHOTOS!!!!!!!
Off to Newbury later today for some fun UKA training with Cove & Twiggy, and another go at the Masters with Lily. I love my dogs so much it will be another fab Feroda weekend whatever happens.

Where does the time go?

2011-04-18T13:28:00.001-07:00

Sorry, I have been so busy I have slacked off the blog. Not intentional, but Feroda Agility is busy so I am painting weaves, styling walls, painting dog walks and answering lots of enquiries. Its also been year end time for the business, and the business I work for so accounts, tax and VAT have taken over. Also the agility season is in full swing at last, and with the lighter evenings I have been training the gang, and sorting caravan etc so lots of excuses! :-)

On 3rd April we went to Carn Brea for our 1st KC show of the year. All the dogs did well, Cove had his 1st clear in agility, Twiggy weaved 6 weaves in the ring for the first time, after 1 missed entry so had 5 faults in her first G3 jumping, Olli was clear in steeplechase and Lily was 6th in jumping so all in all a good start. For once it stayed fine down there apart from a brief hail storm, and as usual it was a lovely friendly show, and the first time we caught up with a lot of our agility mates. Looking forward to the next Carn Brea in May. 232 miles added.

We had a weekend off then and it was gorgeous almost summer weather so apart from working on equipment we chilled out, had fun with the dogs, Lolly came up on the Sunday and trained Flynn with us before we all stuffed our faces with a roast dinner, and we visited a gorgeous litter of puppies that I have been helping with.

This weekend we were away to Newbury again for Wallingford show, which is probably the first "big" show for us. The weather was amazing! Sun cream was needed, and even had to pour water on the dogs backs and use the cooler coat!

Twiggy was great fun. She has this lovely little trait of worrying and wanting to know where Fern is when she is halfway round a course. It makes me giggle as I know its something she will grow out of and nothing to worry about, although she would have a few clear rounds under her belt if she didnt get sidetracked! I am thrilled though, that at a show that size, with all those rings and people everywhere, she is bouncy happy and such a different girl now. A few 5 fault rounds and a few eliminations but fantastic enthusiasm and my best little girl.

Olli was his usual hyper self, and a bit over zealous in his agility, missing a contact and barking his head off with excitement, but then 2 brilliant jumping rounds, 1 5 faulter because he struggles with spread jumps, but a great clear round to finish the weekend. Love that boy to bits.

His character is so special. At one point on Saturday, he was in the camp garden and Fern and I went along to chat to neighbours so Olli stood up at the fence. I turned and told him to wait and get off the fence so he didnt demolish it, and so he disappeared back behind the fence. 5 minutes later Fern and I went back, and as we walked through the gate, this embarrassed face looked up from the window of the caravan. We had left the door open, so Olli had gone in and chilled out on the sofa! He looked so funny as he realised he had been caught and had nowhere to hide!!

Lily was just incredible this weekend. She put 100% into every run, and we had a couple of potential winning rounds, had I not miss timed commands or directionals. She is so tuned into me she did as I asked, and I got us faults. So frustrated with myself!! However I had started the season with a goal to not go for clears but pick bits of courses that were tricky and see if I could handle them well, with confidence and feel proud of those bits. I did that in the Grade 6 agility on Saturday and we had a lovely clear! Not just clear but 5th place out of 138 dogs! I was over the moon. Sunday, again a tricky jumping course, so I picked obstacles 12 to 18 (the finish) to try and handle well. I did it, Lily was as genuine and trusting as ever and we had another clear. Can not describe my feelings and total admiration for this dog.

Cove is showing that he is not really as confident or mature as we thought he was. He struggles to focus in the ring, much to Ferns frustration, and although he managed some good moments, good contacts and some flowing sequences he also got distracted easily, missed obstacles and even forgot how to weave!! He is still an amazingly talented young dog, with the most loving temperament, stunning personality and a huge part of our family and I know he will start to shine soon, and hopefully put a huge smile on Ferns face, but its going to take patience. A great show, some amazing results in our group too, including Flynn winning Grade 3 jumping!!! Totally made my weekend. Stunning dog, and well deserved win which I know is going to be the first of many. 252 miles to add. So thats the last 2 weeks done. 3 more days and we are off to Kernow for 1 of my favourite 3 day shows of the year. All us mad girls together, lots of qualifiers to try, and looking like a warm dry weekend again!!

The start to the season.

2011-03-29T05:30:00.000-07:00

Finally after what seemed like forever, it was time to set off for our first weekend show of 2011. The excitement had been building so much, its about all I talked about for the last week, and yet we still found ourselves cleaning & fixing and packing the caravan last minute!!! 6 months Nellie had been stored in the barn, right next to our cottage, and could have been re built in that time, but no we leave it all to the last minute! Dogs were loaded and all very vocal, tails wagging enthusiastically and we actually pulled out of the drive at 11.05am, just 5 mins later than my promised departure time, so pretty good going.
This weekend was a UKA show, and it was a perfect way to start the dogs off on their 2011 campaign. Lily is fighting fit and been working beautifully since her op in January, and this will be her first year really competing at Grade 6 as she only went into the grade near the end of last year. Olli has been retired from Gundog duties to concentrate on his agility now, and at 3 yrs old and Grade 5 spanner, I am seriously thinking he may qualify for a big event this year, but we will see.
Then obviously we have the 2 youngsters, Cove & Twiggy starting out on their journey. 18 months old now and this weekend was their first proper outdoor show, so we were nervous and excited about how they would do.
My first run with Lily was the Masters Tournament. Couldnt believe that we were kicking off the year in the "deep end" but Lily ran beautifully. She has matured into a real pro now, and its a real joy to work with such a genuine girl. 1 mistake through a quick lack of communication and we were faulted, and then in the agility after a stunning weave entry by Lily blew my concentration for a second, I found myself on the wrong side of a jump and got us eliminated. Stupid me, but I was enjoying watching my girl too much! Our 3rd run was the Champ Agility, and we nailed it. Beautiful run, felt like clockwork and we were 3rd. I was more than happy with that. We had other 5 fault rounds over the weekend but so many great bits, and my plan this season is to pick difficult parts of each course, and trust Lily to do her job, while I make sure I handle it properly without thinking about clear rounds yet. It worked a treat this weekend and I came away with my favourite run being the Champ jumping on Sunday, where we actually got 10 faults on the last 2 jumps, but what we did before I was thrilled with. Weaves twice, both needing a good rear cross, and lots of missing obstacles in between made for an interesting course. Only 4 or 5 clears out of 25 dogs.

Olli started well with 2 4th places this weekend. Enthusiastic as ever, lovely weaves and perfect contacts. His Novice agility run was poetry in motion, and if that first pole hadnt dropped he would have won it by 4 seconds. I am not one of those to make excuses by the way, "if he hadnt missed the jump" and "If he had got that contact" he would have won etc etc, but just found it encouraging that out of 68 predominantly Collies he was by far the fastest. Loved the run though, especially a very tight turn over long jump, to come back into the weaves. His 2 4ths were in Steeplechase and Jumping, on quite straight forward blasting courses, where the flat out Collies will beat him, but the more tight tricky courses we come across the better he will shine through.

So then the youngsters. I was nervous with Twiggy as I really wasnt sure how she would cope at a show with so many rings, and all the hustle & bustle so my main aim was for her to have fun in the ring and be happy with me. If I could get her to jump a few small sequences and play happily with me and not panic or worry about what was going on around her I would be a very happy mum. I set her up on the start line of a beginners steeplechase course, and left her in a wait. She focused and off we went. It was a nice typical circular type course with tunnels in the middle, so no real stops and starts. We were at obstacle 7 and Twiggy was smiling and bouncy and still going. She entered the tunnel for the 3rd time, and with just 3 jumps to go for home I couldnt breathe. She went clear!!!!! I screamed then cried, Fern cried and even Rog had tears in his eyes as he ran over to us. I would never have expected that in a million years. Twiggy was bouncing in my arms saying "Hey mum, why you crying? we had a blast didnt we? Did I do good?" I thought afterwards how I must have looked very over the top, leaping around crying and hugging Twiggy after a relatively simple beginners course, but believe me that was the toughest course I have ever done. Bless my Twiggy. I was still buzzing as we realised her other course was nearing the end, so I went over and set her up again. Smiling and without a care in the world we went, and 18 obstacles later, 22 seconds we were over the finish clear again!!!!!!! To say my Gob was Smacked, my Flabber was Gasted are understatements. 10 months since she arrived a quivering little heap. Look out world Twiggy is about to conquer!!!!

Cove was a really different kettle of fish. At home and in training he is way ahead of Twiggy, working with enthusiasm and totally focused on fern all the time. If we are out and I call him, it takes 2 calls for him to leave Fern, and he rushes back to her. He is fast and amazingly agile, although maybe still a bit babyish in his jumping style. However I expected him to get a few clears first time out as he always does in training. We were pretty surprised with the difference in him at the show. Poor Fern tried her hardest but he was on a different planet, and surprisingly not over the top hyper as we expected but almost looked like he couldnt be bothered! He screams and goes very excited as soon as we head to the rings, and watches every dog go round like a wild thing, so after a few incomplete rounds where he just couldn't focus Fern was a bit disheartened to say the least. We decided that taking him around the rings was now something we shouldn't be doing. He was exhausted. Its silly how sometimes you find yourself doing something with 1 dog that you realise you never do with the others! Obviously as a pup it was a good exercise to walk him round the shows and get him used to the atmosphere, but he doesnt need it now. I never take any of mine to the rings unless we are about to run, and we just hadn't realised how wrong we were with Cove. On Sunday with a completely new approach, and me queueing for Fern, Cove was a different dog, did some lovely contacts and weaves training in his agility and got a clear round in the steeplechase. We were thrilled. Fern has more work to do with him, but I have no doubt the future is looking good.

All in all a brilliant weekend, and a very positive start to our season. Socially great fun too, camping with all our friends, getting together with people we hadn't seen since the 2010 season ended, and even ordering a Chinese takeaway for a dozen people and getting it delivered Saturday night! Perfect, and as Newbury is a regular venue, that takeaway menu is pinned on the caravan wall now! Everyone in our group came home with top 5 places and trophies.

251 miles down, a few thousand more to go!!!

Countdown to a season of hopes :-)

2011-03-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

Spring seems to have sprung, Nellie the caravan is outside in the sun, shiny and sweet smelling ready to go, new dog leads ready to be packed, clothes packed, and dogs all working really well. Our first competition of the season looms, with Lily in the Masters class first run of the day, Olli raring to go, and Cove & Twiggy looking like they are ready for their start in the agility world.
I am counting the hours. So many new beginnings upon us, so many challenges and all to be shared with the best family in the world, and the best friends too. Who knows, even Dave may finally be fully released on the agility world too :-)
My catchphrase has always been "Never say Never" Last year I got Lily to grade 6 and Olympia. What will this year bring???
I know one thing for sure, my dogs will be the best they can be, and have more fun than you could imagine, and I will love every single second of being with them.
Team Ferodas Fantastic Five :-)

Cove looking good

Happy boy

My Irish girl looking great and happy.

My superstar Lily, fit & ready for the Grade 6 challenge.

Olli as enthusiastic as ever.

Dave flying and more than able.

Great action Dave.

What difference a few days and a stiff talking to makes!!

2011-03-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

Been a bit slack with the blog recently, as had a few down moments and also fairly busy so a few things to catch up on. ISO Quality audit at work which is always such a drag, stewarding at our local Point to Point meet last Saturday and in between times trying to fit in training my gang.
My last post was me feeling deflated and miserable that I had been so useless handling Lily at a training workshop. Well quite a lot of my good friends gave me a bit of a talking to, and reminded me that we all have off days, and the best time to have one was probably at a workshop rather than on a show day, so I picked myself up and decided to start training my 3 every day in the evening, now the nights are drawing out and concentrate on my handling more.
Lily is incredible, and with me actually back on track with my timing she is working like a true Grade 6 dog, more than capable of being in the top places this season. Her weaves are incredible, her honesty is incredible and we are right back in tune again. She is also completely fit and well as I left her 5 weeks after her operation before starting to train her, but had spent weeks lead walking her twice a day. Don't think she has ever looked so well :-) I cant wait to get into some tough courses with her this season, and just beat the course.
Olli is doing some amazing contacts, after nearly a whole season of being removed from the ring every time he missed one!! He is enthusiastic as ever, and very capable but needs some basic work on his left hand weave entries, and maybe a gag too as he doesn't shut up!! I am doing some 2 x 2 and channels now to sharpen up his entries, as that is all that lets him down, and will stop him moving to Grade 6.

Twiggy is going from strength to strength. Her confidence is really shining through and I love how much she gives me in the way of effort and love. Fern and I went to a new training field belonging to a good friend of mine last week. My friend Fiona, had her 2 adult collies out and her new puppy, and Twiggy said hello, but just turned to me and I had 100% attention. Off the lead the whole time we were there, and she just played tuggy or sat by my side while Fern worked Cove. I decided to try her round a whole course for the first time, and apart from the weaves, (which are still a work in progress, so I left them out) she did a clear round!! Lovely 2 on 2 off contacts, beautiful turns, speed and effortless grace, and her tail never stopped wagging. I was gobsmacked. Every single time I work her she shows improvement, just little things but huge things for her. For example, after 2 weeks of trying to train her weaves, last week she looked straight at the poles as soon as I set her up! That moment of "I know where you want me to go mum" focus had champagne corks popping for me. The way she suddenly grabbed the tuggy I was holding as Fern set off with Cove around the course, was an "Oscar" winning moment. She is so rewarding to train, and although she is not quite ready yet for real competition, I am so looking forward to when she is :-) What is, and will always be a mystery to me, is how really simple tiny things can freak her out and turn her into a nervous wreck in an instant. Things obviously from her past. The simple clicks of a collar, the buzzing of a fly, me raising my voice at Stanley, almost deaf terrier. On the other hand a seesaw, which some dogs take a while to get used to, done in the first attempt, fell off and got back on. Cloth tunnel, through it just twice with me raising the cloth and then blasted through it 3rd time, job done. She is as hard as nails, and the happiest dog in the world.
A few good friends have lost dogs to illness or just old age recently, and it always makes me give mine that extra cuddle, I can not imagine life without any of mine, it will tear me apart when the time comes. As I write this I am sending healing thoughts to my bosses spaniel, Ollis Auntie Megan. Aged 9 she has suddenly and mysteriously been struck down with something, and awaiting results from tests. She was perfectly normal mad spaniel in the morning, practically paralysed by the afternoon. These dogs are so much part of our lives, and deserve our unconditional love, and commitment, which sometimes means making the hardest decision in the world.

Big hugs going to Gemma, Megan and Snuffles. Our first three girls who have been running riot at Rainbow Bridge for many years.

I have forgotten how to run Lily!!

2011-02-28T11:06:00.000-08:00

My last blog talked about how different dogs are and how they all have different buttons to push to get the best out of them. They are all so different to train and run and my god didn't that show this weekend!!
Lily has done nothing since Olympia in December apart from a small indoor show for fun in January. She then had her spey operation so I havent done any training with her until last week. A few short sessions in our field over medium jumps, and 5 mins with Fiona at her field on Friday, didn't prepare me for Mark Lakers training on Saturday. I was rubbish!! My timing was out, my body language was crap and I felt like a total idiot. I couldn't even complete a course to start with. Lily is extremely fit and well, and very hyper now she is back training, and having spent the last few months concentrating on training Twiggy I was totally thrown by her speed and enthusiasm. Poor Lily was flying round, growling with excitement and I just couldn't keep up so looked more like a grade 1 handler than a grade 6.
I can't blame Lily for being so keen and happy, and in fact that was the only positive thing I could take out of the lesson was how well she looked. I was deflated. I love training with Mark but he must have thought I was a right muppet. Sorry Lily, I must work harder and hopefully we will get back in tune over the next month.
Twiggy on the other hand was vastly different to the last time we tried a workshop. 2 hours of focus, not worried about the other dogs or being in that draughty barn even playing tuggy while the rain hammered down on the tin roof, without any worries at all. Off lead and happy, a completely different attitude, looking confident and even barking with excitement! Still a long way to go, but the progress is easy to see.
I only got to see the last 30 minutes of Fern & Coves group, but he looked really good in a grade 3/4 group and Fern was really happy with his work. A few stalky moments when the excitement almost got too much but nothing to write home about. Cant wait to see him at his first show in 4 weeks time. Fern also ran Olli in my group with Lily, and although he too was a bit over enthusiastic, he did some nice work and certainly has the potential to go far this season.
So I need to work harder on changing my hat depending on the dog by my side. They are all very different, and as they all give 100% for me its only fair I give the same back.
Today I tried again with Twiggys 2 x 2 weaving and miracles do happen. She got it!! 4 poles and almost a wiggle from Twiggy. Eureka!!!!! Finally it looks like she may be able to weave after all.
I do love how my dogs keep me on my toes!! Never a dull moment. :-)

Dogs are all so different.

2011-02-19T06:09:00.000-08:00

Its been an interesting week, especially observing and taking notice of how different all our dogs are. I don't mean to look at, but their different attitudes to work and the relationships we have.

Lily I have always felt a magical bond with. She wasn't an easy dog to train, purely because she was nervous.....no petrified of other dogs anywhere near her, and she didn't start training until she was 18 months old. Purely by chance, a poster in our local country store caught my eye and so we started agility. Although I had played at agility with our old sprollie and collie 10 years previous, I never took it very seriously, and we only did a few shows, and stayed in Elementary! Working with Lily and her guts and determination to please me, was addictive, hence the position we are in now, 7 dogs, a kitted out van, caravan and our whole summer travelling around the country competing, and a very sad bank balance!

Lily wants to learn, and wants to do right by me, so after a slow start she learnt everything methodically and with such trust in me she has been, and always will be a joy. The most genuine dog I have ever known.
Olli spaniel came along, bred on the farm by our neighbours, and after weeks of watching them grow, and deciding which bitch I was going to have, the noisy chubby boy, was determined to be mine, so he chose me. Originally I had no thoughts of him doing agility, he was going to be my gundog, and would take over from my ageing gundog Becki, but then I thought it would be more worthwhile travelling with 2 dogs to compete, so his training started around 6 months. His attitude and ability to learn, was noticeably different to Lils.
Olli is a very devoted loyal dog, but he almost worked for fun and for his own pleasure, not quite so much purely for me. He also learnt by the "light bulb" method. I could try different ways, different approaches to training him certain things, and appear to be getting nowhere when suddenly he would say "Oh I get it now!! You want me to do this!" and from that day on, he would get it!!
Then there,s Twiggy. Rescue collie, scared of everything, unsocialised, and 9 months old when I got her. So I found myself again with a young adult rather than a puppy to start training, and this one with a lot of issues to cope with. 8 months on and she is a challenge, but an exciting one. Her confidence is growing daily, and she has learnt very quickly most of the basics of agility. She has bonded with me from the start, and is the most loving, cuddly mad collie, but her attitude to work is more difficult to assess. Yes she will jump full height, at full speed, and her contacts are coming on very well, but she still almost gives the impression that she is doing it cos its fun, but not 100% sure why, and can easily be distracted as she is still a worrier, so needs a lot of encouragement.

I am waffling, but what I am trying to say is how every dog needs a different approach to training. Although I tend to follow the method I like, which is taken from 3 or 4 good trainers, you cant look at all dogs the same, especially if they are not bred purely for agility, from real agility lines.
Lily is intelligent, but a working sheep dog, so none of it came naturally to her it just happened because of her need to please me.
Olli is bred from a line of proven gundogs, so again agility was not in his blood, but as long as he is having fun, he will learn things.....eventually!
Twiggy is from unknown breeding, and had a rubbish start before the Mitchells rescued her, so her training is challenging and delicate in some ways, as she is still easily upset.
Not 1 of my dogs has been bred for, or started training from a pup for agility, yet Lily is Grade 6, Olli is Grade 5 and Twiggy I am sure is going to be pretty damn good, even if it takes a year or so.
Which brings me to Cove. Not mine but Ferns, and he is bred for agility. His lines are pretty impressive, and Fern had him from 6 weeks old. From the day he arrived training started, and from just a few months old he was starting to focus on other dogs doing courses, and squealing with excitement. There has never been a doubt he will be good. Its in his genes and it shows. His whole approach to it is different to any of the others, being focused, clever and learning every new thing within a very short time scale. He looks the part.

Lily will work sheep at the drop of a hat, she was bred to.
Olli will retrieve game birds or rabbits without hesitation, he was bred to.
Twiggy will.........chase most things, amuse herself for hours, god knows what she was bred to do!
Cove will run an agility course with style, and could go all the way to the top, he was bred to.They are all so different to handle, but are and will be top agility dogs.

I love and enjoy my relationship with all my dogs. They all have so much to offer, and there is never a dull moment. And although I might 1 day actually have a puppy, from agility lines, that I chose myself, I actually think in some ways that wouldn't give me such a sense of achievement. It would be easy, and I am not one to take the easy route, if there's an interesting challenge offered. Someone once laughed in my face "You cant teach Olli to do agility, he's a gundog!" Mmmmmm, touche my friend touche.

Olli time.

2011-02-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

Nearly 3 weeks on and Lily shows no signs of being speyed. There is not even a scar visible, and she is full of beans, and happier than ever. I took her for her first time off lead a few days ago, just Lily & me so she could take things steady but enjoy a bit of freedom. Take things easy???? Ok she didn't run around at full speed like she would if the others were out, but she was pouncing on my feet, grabbing the tuggy, and generally acting like a puppy. It was lovely, although I was still paranoid that she would do something to damage her insides, which must still be healing. That's the mistake so many people make, thinking that once the outside is all healed they can go straight back to normal, but that's not very sensible or good for the dog. She will soon be back to her winning ways, there is plenty of time.
Twiggy and me are starting to build a good partnership. What I mean is a working partnership, as there is no doubt that Twiggy and I bonded a long time ago, but building the sort of understanding that Lily & Olli have with me, takes work, patience and lots of practice. She has started to look ahead more now whilst we are training, and picking up obstacles instead of running round them. She has also started to get the whole weave idea, altho this is obviously going to be my biggest challenge. She is going to be a completely different dog to run than either of my other two. More cheeky, still a little bit of uncertainty, and much quicker so my timing is going to be tested!
Olli is my main priority this year, so I took him to a workshop on "Striding and Turns" yesterday. It was great to see a lot of people I had missed recently, but mostly it was special to spend a few hours with my boy, training together, without Lily butting in. :-) He was a good lad, tackling every exercise with that unrivalled enthusiasm, and non stop waggy tail. He didn't fail at all, and was obviously very happy to be back at it again. We both ended up drowned rats, as the rain persisted all afternoon, but it was still good fun. Home and a hot bath and roast dinner later, I settled next to Rog on the sofa to watch TV and Olli climbed up next to me, put his head on my lap and slept like a log. A couple of times he woke up, looked up at me with those stunning dark brown eyes, wagged his tail as if to say "thanks for today mum, it was great" and I stroked his gorgeous head, smiled and felt extremely lucky.

Counting the days now. Lily is now doing circle work, and has now been out with the others for a gentle run, (which she loved) the 3 of them are now getting 2 road walks a day to build up fitness, and the Team Feroda flag is on order. :-) Hurry up show season!!!!!!

Sleepless nights and happy moments :-)

2011-02-05T11:43:00.000-08:00

February is never a good month. People say its the worse as all the Christmas festivities and New Yr Celebrations are over, nobody has any money left and the weather is still very unpredictable. It is a bit of a flat month, but nearly a week in and we have had some good times.
Lily has been a perfect patient since her spay operation just over a week ago. I did sleep downstairs for the first couple of nights with her, as i wanted to be with her in case of any problems, and as she normally sleeps next to my bed I felt like it was only fair to sleep next to hers. I didn't sleep much at all. Every time she moved or her breathing changed I was awake and watching her. She however slept like a baby!! Apart from a rash caused by the clippers, she has had absolutely no problems whatsoever, and has not bothered with the wound at all. She has let me check it and put cream on the rash at regular intervals, just laying down on her back, legs in the air trusting me implicitly. Stitches out this Monday and then we can start to build up her exercise over the next few weeks. Some people rush their dogs back into work, and I can not believe how quickly. Its a Hysterectomy, which when us humans have it done we are told 6 weeks rest minimum. Although dogs are very resilient compared to us feeble beings, and will do anything to please us so probably would work straight away, it is not something I agree with, and Lily will be having a gentle increase in work for the whole of February. Her first show is not until the 26th March, by which time she will be fit and raring to go.

Poppy our little foster collie, went to her new home last Saturday, and I have had regular texts and e mails almost daily since! It was a tearful farewell, but she has really found her forever home, and now called Toffee, is spending hours running on the beach, playing with her new friend Biscuit, and learning new things very quickly. I am thrilled, and admit to being slightly proud of myself. I always said I could not foster as I would never be able to part with them, and Toffee is such a special dog who fitted in with us from day 1, she just confirmed that feeling. Now I have not lost a dog but gained a friend I can smile, and Toffee will always have a little place in our hearts.

Which brings me to Twiggy. Naughty, cheeky, determined, tough and very clever. What a difference in her, and she is such a fun dog to have around. She regularly rough & tumbles with Cove, sometimes at full speed across the field, rolling Cove over in the mud often! Makes me chuckle as she runs back grinning all over her cheeky face, not a speck of dirt on her, followed by a muddy scruffy Cove! She is lightening fast. Her strange muscle spasms a distant memory now as she has developed good tone and now fully matured. She is not as easy to train as Lily or Olli, but I am enjoying the little challenges she keeps throwing at me, and when we get it right I have a feeling she will turn heads. If she doesn't get it right then she will just be my best buddy, always by my side and making me laugh, a very important special girl :-)

I decided to stop taking Olli shooting this year. He is an amazing gundog, and we have had some memorable days working together, but certain things have started to bother me about the whole shooting scene, and Olli has become a better Agility dog than gundog, so I am now going to concentrate on that. He has always played 2nd fiddle to Lily, but that is not fair to him anymore. He always gives 100% when we compete, and his enthusiasm is second to none. He ended last season winning into Grade 5. Not moving up on points but beating 100 other dogs to win the class, which is quite a feat for a large Spaniel against Collies. So I have decided Olli is my priority this season, and he has 3 ABC qualifiers as well as Novice Olympia qualifiers, so that is my goal. Yes I have goals with Lily & Twiggy, but Lily had an amazing year last year, Twiggy is still young and has a lot to learn, but Olli deserves my full commitment now. He is not the fun "extra" anymore, he is a serious and very able Agility boy.

Have had the last 2 days spending time with Fern. Mother & Daughter time, and we have had some fun and giggles, washing our vans, training the dogs, walking the dogs, and today shopping and a trip to the hairdressers. I am very lucky to have Fern, even if we have the odd disagreement, but what Mum & Daughter don't? We are so similar in our outlook on life, and with Rog backing us up we are a team. Team Feroda, and having already entered all the shows that are currently open, we are looking forward to a fun filled and hopefully successful season. We will be broke, but we'll be happy :-)
February? Taken from the Febrau, which means "cleansing" or "Purification", and the rituals undertaken before Spring.
We are not down and miserable, we are ready for the rest of the year!!

Where do I start?!!

2011-01-28T06:22:00.000-08:00

Been a bit slack on the old Blog front recently, but then so much has happened!
Last Friday Fern & I drove to North Devon to collect a small collie bitch who was no longer wanted on the farm as she didn't really get the whole sheep herding thing, so I said we would find her a nice home. She came home and within an hour was happy with all our dogs, and looked like she had always been here. We all instantly fell in love with her but being sensible we knew we had to find her a home somewhere else. On Sunday we had a small competition in Bugle, the first for Twiggy & Cove, so Poppy collie came with us too so we could show her to people and see if anyone fell in love with her. Lots of people did, as she is so adorable, but nobody really in a position to offer her the home we wanted. At 2 years old, with no house training she will need someone with patience, and who will love her regardless of whether she does ever learn agility. 1 lady came forward later in the day, and showed an interest in her so we took her number, but decided to bring Poppy back with us anyway so we could further assess her before passing her over. She is our first (and last!!) foster dog, and we feel very responsible about finding the right home, the right person and the right attitude to her needs, so having her here for a few more days would give us a better picture. Of course, now she is so settled with us, so easy to please and amazing with the other dogs, cats and people, we really don't want to part with her. However after a few phone calls, her prospective new owner is coming to collect her tomorrow. It will be almost impossible for me to go through with this, but I know its the right decision............at least I think it is..........but I have told Poppy to nip her dog, who she is bringing with her, and maybe poo on her shoe or something so she may decide not to take her at all :-)

Anyway, back to the comp last week, and Cove & Twiggy did extremely well for their first attempt. We trained them in the ring, just seeing how the atmosphere affected them, but apart from a few distractions they were great. Really pleased with them both, but a bit extra specially pleased with Twiggy for coming on so far in confidence. Lovely girl, and great fun.

Cove being a good boy.

Twiggy being so brave and fun!

Lily was full on hyper and we had a few silly errors, but we had so much fun, and she is my special girl so at such a small show I really wasn't bothered. She managed 5th in the Steeplechase in the afternoon. Olli was fun too, getting 3rd in the jumping, but I did think he wasn't his normal fluent self in the air. Discovered why when we got home. Poor boy had 2 rock hard lumps of mud, obviously been building over the past few weeks of mucky weather, in between his middle toes on his front feet!! Big fluffy spaniel feet were sore when I delved inside, so he has now been clipped and tidied up and is sound and a lot happier. Poor boy and bad mum for not noticing before!!
As we now have no competitions until the end of March :-( I decided finally that I would book Lily in to be speyed. It is 1 of the hardest decisions I have had to make, for a number of reasons.
Firstly she is a brilliant Agility dog, now Grade 6, and is a very tough easy to keep collie, and I would love nothing more than to have a Lily pup to carry on her line. However as she is not a pedigree or ISDS registered, I would not be able to use good Pedigree dogs, and even if I did (which I did have a few lovely offers of) the puppies would not really be of much interest to the right people. Also Lily is very wary of other dogs invading her space, and can be pretty sharp, and I did wonder if she would cope with puppies, or find it to much of a worry trying to be a good mum and coping with the other 6 dogs anywhere in the vicinity.
Secondly she has had 2 bad experiences in the vets. At 9 months old she suffered Toxic Shock Syndrome, due to withholding her own urine and feaces for 27 hrs. Totally my fault as this was before my agility days and I just never thought about teaching her to go whilst on a lead. (We had travelled to Southern Ireland by Ferry, and there was nowhere safe to let her off lead until we arrived home, 4am in the morning.) 3 days on a drip and I thought we would lose her. Then last year she had a butchers job done on a simple operation for her dew claws to be removed, the wounds re opened and had to be re done. 2 anaesthetics in 10 days and she didn't cope well. Its so hard to decide to have your dog opened up and operated on, when she is fit and healthy, as you can not explain it to them. However the possible later life problems of mammary tumours or pyometra (womb infection) gave me no option. Yesterday she was speyed, and I had told nobody apart from my good mate Lolly because she is so un opinionated I knew she wouldn't question my decision, and Lauren because she was going through the same thing with Poppi and Fern wanted today, Friday off so she could help me with the dogs and leave me to devote my time to nursing Lily. Lily was shaking from head to toe when I left her at the vets yesterday, and I was in bits. Tears rolling down my face as I got back in the van. However when I collected her and she nuzzled into my neck in the nurses treatment room, I knew she wouldn't hold it against me, and I just hugged her close as she sleepily wagged her tail.

Lily Fudge in her temporary bedroom.

So Lily Fudge Cake, no stopping us now!! No excuses of Hormones for bad runs, no seasons for you to cope with, Grade 7 here we come!!!!
Of course that's just you, I may have hormones, hot flushes, blonde moments, and basic crap handler syndrome, but I will try to do my best for Lily, Olli & Twiggy this season, and make sure above all I enjoy every minute of every day with my dogs.
And as famous quotes seem to be the theme at the moment, I will end with one from one of my favourite comedian/writers/directors Mel Brookes. This certainly applies to me :-)

"As long as the world is turning and spinning, we're gonna be dizzy and we're gonna make mistakes."

Youngsters progress.

2011-01-18T09:27:00.000-08:00

Such a lot happened in a week. Cove & Twiggy are well into training now and last Friday we had a workshop with Dave Munnings. Last time I tried to take Twiggy in it was a bit much. I ended up just playing with her next to the group as she really wasn't comfortable trying to work in a new environment with a lot of strange dogs. This time I was slightly more confident, as she has been changing her attitude a lot recently and her confidence is growing hugely! I was thrilled as she coped well this time, in fact not just coped but did the whole 2 hours and although still showing inexperience in some of the exercises, she also showed cheekiness, and enthusiasm for every task set. She was by no means the worse of the group. I was on a high. Cove was hilarious and although I felt sorry for Fern who is so proud of him and was so sure he would be impressing people, it was funny how naughty and dopey he was. He just wanted to play with Dave a lot of the time and forgot how to jump :-) However it was also his first time in the training ring at Newhall for months, so it was only a blip.
We also had Lily & Olli in the later group and as they have had a month off agility, they were very hyped up. Both of them proved how wonderful they are, such a talented and lovely pair of dogs, and both worked brilliantly, even Olli getting his hard left hand weave entries perfectly. Thoroughly enjoyed the day with all the dogs.
This week Cove has remembered what to do again, and is now jumping a sequence at full height. He has such a natural shape and style over the jumps he looks beautiful and Fern and him have a perfect partnership. Twiggy has just realised that agility is so much fun, and in the last few days has started on channel weaves, is jumping various sequences with ease and speed. Completely different style to Cove, she is more mad and maybe less controllable but my god can she move. Her funny action, pointy toes and scurrying stride certainly dont impede her and today we have been bouncing grids of 3 jumps, and learning deceleration on a pin wheel, all at full height and she floats over them. Very surprised how easily she bounces. My only problem is going to be keeping up!!! Still can't believe she is mine and what a gorgeous girl she is.

This Sunday we are off to Cornwall for a competition and Cove & Twiggy will be making their first public appearances. Twiggy I will be training in the ring but Cove may have a proper run, depending how Fern feels and Cove reacts to the day. Its an exciting year ahead. :-)

WAO try outs, and a weekend away.

2011-01-10T09:36:00.000-08:00

This weekend Fern & I along with Twiggy & Cove, decided to go and support a few friends at the WAO try outs in Bristol. We booked a Travelodge for Saturday night and I was looking forward to it. One of the main reasons for going was to meet up with the Mitchell gang and have a few laughs and hugs to cheer us all up, and I knew they would be pleased to see Twiggy too :-)
It was a lovely venue, and so many top handlers and all round nice people there competing. Sarah had some great runs with Cruze, and some near misses with Thai. Natalie had some near misses with Kai but a fab round on Sunday to finish the weekend. Dave had a tunnel issue with Dobbie, which was really odd, but otherwise some good stuff, and Lauren had some good runs too with Reef, and its quite interesting to realise how much Cove is starting to jump and act like his dad :-)

We like the bed mum, where are you sleeping?

Saturday night we met up with Sharon, Nat, Sam, Sam, Paul & Kate and had a meal ............. eventually, (it was packed) at the Harvester pub next to the Travelodge. The food was rubbish, service pretty crap, but the company was great. Nat throwing ice cream over her shoulder really made the night!! We all went back and took Twiggy & Cove to the Mitchells room for a chat before settling and they were so sweet. Twiggy will never forget them, her reaction is always the same. Cove was just Cove. Loving everyone, flirting with Kai and it was a lovely end to the day.
Apart from seeing Sharon and family, and spending time with Fern, the thing I loved most was how easy the 2 young collies were. They settled fine in the room, slept well, were sociable and easy going with Nats dog Kai, and just slotted in to whatever we were doing. Not all of our dogs are that easy!
Rog was a star and looked after the other 5 at home, and I was surprised when talking to him Saturday afternoon when he said Dave, Olli & Lily had been out in the garden for half an hour, just chilling and mooching about! Made us realise how well Dave has come on, thanks to hard work and patience on Ferns part. He hardly ever shows aggression of any sort these days, just happy in his pack, knowing his place and having his agility to focus on.

Wonder where our mums are? ...... if we wait here they should be back soon......?

Its going to be a good year :-)

New beginnings.

2011-01-02T09:51:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!!
My first blog of 2011 and I am a very happy bunny. Fern & I are almost over the flu, just a lingering cough and not up to speed yet, but feeling well enough to start training in earnest with Cove & Twiggy.
Lily & Olli are having a month off from agility. I think it does them good to have a break. Having spent 30 years of my life working and competing with horses, there are so many similarities and an over worked horse would become stale and lose its spark if it didn't have a month or 2 out to grass, chilling out and I believe the same of our dogs. My 2 star dogs are having fun chasing rabbits, getting muddy, eating sheep poo (sorry but they do) and just running freely around the fields. No training just being dogs. This does mean that Fern & I are now spending the next month training the youngsters ready for their first competition.
Cove and Fern have an amazing relationship, and Fern has been training Cove, developing his behaviours and personality since he was 6 weeks old. He is bred to be an agility dog, and as he cost us a small fortune he is expected to be good! Twiggy had her first 6 months of life damaged and scarred, to what extent we don't know, but for the last 7 months I have been building a relationship, working on that special bond and trying to help her forget the past so she can be confident in her future. My little girl wouldn't "Wait" because if I moved 2 steps from her she panicked. She wouldn't "Recall" because although she wanted to be with me she was so petrified of the lead, or being grabbed that she would run around about 6 feet away in panic, and she wouldn't really work on agility exercises because she was always looking around, jumpy and lacking in any self confidence that she just didn't have any concentration span.
2 days into the new year, 2 days into training, and I am so thrilled with my little girl. To people who don't know her, this may not be impressive, but to my friends and people who really know me and my Twiggy, this video is incredible. This is just the beginning.

Another year ends.

2010-12-30T09:21:00.000-08:00

It has been quite a year. So much has happened and so many memories and events to reflect on. January we started with a wall planner. Agility was now our life. February, we bought a van, my dogs "hotel on wheels", so we can travel with all the gang safely through the show season. March Lily went to Grade 5, April My brother had his first baby "Nathan" my first nephew in, May I fell in love with Twiggy, an Irish rescue collie, and we drove to Yorkshire to collect her, June Olli went to Grade 4, July My mum had a life threatening illness & life changing surgery & Lily went to Grade 6 & qualified for Olympia semis, August Fern won £200 at the Bingo at DINAS, September Cove was a year old, Lily & I won through the Olympia Semis & Olli won into Grade 5, October Olli slipped beautifully back into Gun Dog mode, and we bought Fern her first "dog" van, November Dave finally competed in his first show, and thrilled us all by focusing! and in December, Lily & I competed without any shame at Olympia, getting just 10 faults, and Fern broke her arm!! During all these events I realised what a special group of friends had grown around me. Pat, Claire, Lolly, Sarah & Dan making me laugh and sharing so many important times with me, along with Chel & Joy, Fiona, Anne, and also the family that rescued and fostered Twiggy. Natalie Sharon Samantha & Chris Mitchell. My little Irish girl has brought us all together and i know we will be friends for a long time to come.
So many sad things have happened too. Friends dogs that have gone to Rainbow Bridge, some way to early. Other friends have lost relatives, others have become single, gone through divorce and it all makes you think how lucky you are.
We are ending 2010 with the worse bout of flu ever!! My first 2 days off work sick in over 10 years, and i have felt so low, but knowing what so many people I care about have been through, and the rubbish stuff that goes on all over the world puts it into perspective.
So thank you 2010 for what you have given me, and here's to 2011. I have a very good feeling about next year, a very good feeling indeed.

Happy New Year!!!

What a buzz, what a year!!

2010-12-19T10:47:00.000-08:00

Well, I don't know what to say about this weekend. On Friday we had so much blooming snow that it looked like my Olympia trip was off. I was despondent, and to be honest gutted that I may not be going. Not because I am so competitive that i had to get there at all costs, but because Rog & Fern were so excited for me, my close friends were too and Lily deserved a trip to London after her year. So change of plans, a few phone calls and we set Saturday morning to a hotel in Camberley Surrey, with not just Lily, but Olli, Cove Dave & Twiggy! Figured if we could get out of our lanes, and make it to main roads, we may have a chance, and it was definitely not going to be safe to go with our original plan of leaving at 3am Sunday morning! It was one of the scariest journeys we have made for a while. Deep snowy lanes, then only single lanes opened on the dual carriageways, the Motorways only working on about 2 lane capacity, but we made it to the hotel. Beautiful apartment, but white duvets?!!! She did know we had 5 dogs with us!!! So we were a bit on edge and after a bite to eat we decided to go to bed early, try to sleep and set alarms for 5am.
The roads this morning were not too bad, and by 7am we were in the Olympia car park. Met up with Sarah & Dan and off we went to explore. I suddenly realised that i was not nervous. Here I was with Lily, at the biggest event we had ever been too, and i was buzzing with excitement! No butterflies, no feeling sick, no jelly legs just pure excitement!

The whole experience was incredible. So many lovely people there, some old pros and others like me, Olympia Virgins, and as I set Lily up on the start line I was grinning like a Cheshire cat. If somebody had told me a year ago that i would have a grade 6 dog and run her at Olympia finals I would have laughed. We had 10 faults, a pole at the start which a lot of dogs had, and then I almost sent her wrong way so we got 5 for a refusal on the dogwalk, but she nailed all 3 contacts, was fast and amazing through the weaves, and she loved it!! I had tears of pride when she crossed the finish. I wouldn't have been happier if we had won. Hard to understand but its true. Lily has given me so much more than I could have ever imagined when I bought her as a scruffy puppy. Anyway, next year she will be back, along with the other 4!! Team Feroda will do Olympia. What a year. What a dog.

Very short blog.

2010-12-13T12:23:00.000-08:00

Had a fantastic weekend away with Rog in Cheltenham. 2 nights in a hotel, a day at the races and we really had fun. Didn't end up broke either!!

Now it really is countdown to Olympia, and I cant speak about it without a lump in my throat, goose bumps and my legs turning to jelly. So the next blog will be after the event. Still cant believe my Lily Fudge Cake is going, still amazed at the season we have had, and she owes me nothing, so i am just going to have fun and try my hardest not to let her down, after all she never ever lets me down.

Me & my girl :-)

Lots of dogs, helps with the sad times.

2010-12-06T05:14:00.000-08:00

Very odd today, delivering some agility equipment to a lovely couple near Salisbury who had a lovely tri collie girl. She is their only dog. As we drove away, Rog said what a lovely dog, but how strange only having one! This coming from the man who always said 2 was plenty. It made us both realise how much our assortment of dogs enrich our lives and how glad we are that we have a pack :-)
On Friday our oldest dog Becki suffered some type of siezure. She first appeared to go lame on 1 back leg, but in the space of 2 minutes had gone lame on all 4 before laying down in the snow and obviously looked very frightened. I carried her indoors and put her on her favourite chair, and after a few moments she relaxed and just went to sleep. Weird? Later that day one of my best, closest friends Jo came to stay, bringing with her JB Jasper Whippet. He is a gorgeous laid back but funny 11 month old boy, who fitted in with our lot immediately. Even Lily thought he was lovely (ok being in season may have encouraged her welcoming nature!) We had a lovely evening, laughed lots, talked dogs and drank a little too much but it was well overdue. Becki remained fine.
Saturday with a sore head, I went off with Olli to the shoot, while Fern & Jo walked the rest of the dogs and then went christmas shopping and ate too many chips and too much icecream! I was worried about Becki, and standing on a quiet hillside with Olli sat at my feet, watching those gorgeous dark brown eyes, that handsome gentle head, and the non stop waggy tail I reminisced about How Becki was the dog who taught me how to handle a gundog, how to work so closely with an animal, and how much devotion and strength, independence and love they give. I also thought about how we have such a mix of personalities in our gang, and how they have taught us so much. We dont command them, we cant make them do anything they dont want to do, if we ever try then the result will not be rewarding for them or us.
With Dave we didn't think "oh he is agressive and unpredictable, there is no hope" we decided to find ways of trying to overcome it, work with him and understand how his mind worked. With Twiggy I have learnt so much about dealing with the unknown, the weird triggers thats upset her, and I will never know why she does some of the things she does, but if I can encourage her to find fun in so many other behaviours and interactions, I hope the bad memories will fade. Lily was so nervous, so totally freaked out about other dogs in close vacinity, we never thought she would cope with the hustle & bustle of an agility show, but in 2 years she has gone to grade 6, is going to Olympia and has given me more successes than I ever dreamed possible.

Becki enjoying the fun in the snow last week.

Becki 2 weeks ago having a blast.

So it is sad to realise that Becki is probably starting the downward slope, she is growing old & tired, and her days of working and enjoying life on the farm are dwindling, but having so many other dogs that need us, will help soften the blow when the time comes. That is the only sad part of sharing you life with such wonderful animals, they are never here long enough.

21 days to go!

2010-11-28T08:52:00.000-08:00

Freezing cold weather, a lot of snow and lots to do. Went shooting yesterday with Olli, but even with my thermals and 98 layers of clothing it was bitterly cold! Olli was too hyper, and after 2 drives of nothing for him to retrieve he was becoming very frustrated. I had a headache, Ferns toes were numb so for the first time ever we gave up and came home lunchtime. Not a good day.

While Fern and I were still wrapped up we decided to take the other dogs for a run, and I decided to take Twiggy with the others for the first time in weeks. I just felt that she had turned a corner so we would see what happened. Cove. Lily Dave & Twiggy, got to the field and we just let them go. I didn't even bother with the harness on Twigs, just hoping that I was right about her. They played and played in the snow, ran like nutters and then I noticed the first difference. Twigs was not chasing Lily and nipping as she always had before, but was just running around having a ball so I called her. She instantly turned and came to me!!! Played tuggy with real enthusiasm, even though the other 3 were charging around the field! I then got hold of her collar, (and she didn't flinch) and started to wind her up to go with our 3, ....2,.....1 routine. As soon as I released her she she ran in a big circle back to me and the tuggy! We all played various games, some toy rewarded and others food rewarded, and she suddenly looked so grown up. I was thrilled yet again with my little girl. I am now more fun to her than chasing and nipping the other dogs. It has been quite a week for Twiggy. :-)
Lily and I have an amazing relationship, and if I can get half as good a partnership with Twiggy, the world will be our oyster. Lily is in full season now, but this time is staying fit and well, and will be finished in perfect time for Olympia finals. Our magazine article came out this week too and my Lily was in there twice! Huge photo of her leading the page too, and a lovely write up. Can not believe Lily & me alongside the likes of Dawn Weaver in the same article!! Its surreal to me, and I am so looking forward to the whole experience now and intend to enjoy every second.

21 days and counting..................

We have turned a corner

2010-11-25T03:56:00.000-08:00

I have heard people say that it takes up to 6 months for a rescue dog with baggage, to really settle into a new home. I always thought that seemed a long time, but I now believe they have a point.

Although Twiggy latched on to me from day 1, she has continued to have her issues. Fear of going through doorways if anyone near it, fear of collars, harnesses and leads, clicking noises, and a real wariness of people. I have trained her since she arrived, and she is obviously extremely bright, but would learn tricks and behaviours that were close to me ie: hand touches, lefts, rights but as soon as we tried any distance work, ie: waits, recalls she would go into panic mode. For a month or so now I have been doing a lot more work with her alone, walking her alone, and also having her work for her food so I have every coat pocket bearing liver or chicken. It is all the stuff that we do with puppies from the start, and that is how I have had to treat Twiggy. She is about 14 months now but in her behaviour and attitude more like 6 - 8 months. I feel quite silly sometimes telling people the new thing she has just learned, and then realising their dogs did that much younger, but Twiggy lost the first 6 months of her life.
Twiggy has been with me 6 months this week, and whether its true what they say about settling in period, or whether its the way I changed some training methods, or a combination of both, she has suddenly started to blossom. Small successes have become a regular occurrence over the past couple of weeks.

When the other dogs are off doing things in the field, or at a show, she has started to turn to me, grab the tuggy and want me to play with her. She then went up a gear in the new behaviours stakes and has learnt to offer 2 on 2 off position on various boxes, washing basket, stairs etc. I introduced the contact trainer and not only did she get straight into position, she now runs straight to it when I let her out, and when all my Agility nuts are screaming from their crates, or kennels she still focuses on me and the job. Today for the first time ever, I took her out to our favourite 15 acre field, and let her off, but to work. Armed with a good toy and her favourite toy, plus a lot of sausages I started. First we did circle work, fast and slow, both ways and she was with me all the way.

Then we did send ahead to dead toy, from restrain and from a wait and she was like a rocket! Straight back to me every time. I then did some wait to recall, actually now getting about 10 yards from her and again perfect. Not once did she go off focus, or worry about me getting hold of her to do the restrains. We finished with a 5 min chill out wander along the field before she sat for me to put her lead on. She sat for me to put her lead on!!!! Without flinching!!! That brought tears to me eyes!!!

That all may seem like nothing special for a 14 month old collie to people who have trained for years and had their dogs from puppies, but to me it is bloody incredible! I skipped back home this morning, with a very happy Twiggy by my side. I have a feeling my Irish Secret has settled in.

Great weekend and now the countdown begins!

2010-11-22T11:02:00.000-08:00

Saturday shooting with Olli was a bit slow. Not his fault but it was the "estate" meet, so basically not our usual guns but the "toffs" and their children shooting for a day. Actually they were all extremely polite and with real manners which is always a pleasant change, but all their tweed, flash cars, personalised number plates and private education didn't improve their ability to hit a cows arse with a banjo!! Poor Olli was frustrated as he watched bird after bird sail overhead and keep flying, even though 50 shots went off!! It was a giggle tho, and he ended up with a bag of 9.

Sunday we took part in our first agility club match. It was my last chance to run Lily indoors and with a crowd before Olympia, and another chance for Fern to run Dave. Lily was awesome, but is so fit, focused and fast now I had a job to be in the right place at the right time! However she won the jumping class by over a second, and was fastest in 2 other classes, but spectacularly took a pole in each as she tried too hard, and I wasn't quick enough with my cues. Olli had some great runs, and was 4th and 6th over the day. Dave was totally too hyped up on his first run, and Fern became very tense, so he didn't even take the first jump, just ran around the ring, so Fern picked him up and took him straight out. Its the only way. Thanks to Sarah, I did ask the show organiser if we could run Dave in 1 of the later classes, with the other ring on pause, and she was happy to do that. This time, fern brought him straight in, and he managed an almost perfect round, just 5 faults on Daves part. Its never going to be easy but we know we will get there.

So now that's it. Working this weekend, works party the following weekend, Cheltenham races the weekend after that and then Olympia. I am now more excited than nervous, because I have an amazing dog who may actually be capable of an upset, especially if I can keep focused too!! Don't discount my £50 farm collie. She has set her sights high :-)

Bit of a week.

2010-11-18T12:44:00.000-08:00

Well this week, Dave became an agility dog, Lily got a 4th in a Grade 6 jumping, Olli went lame, Becki has slowed down a bit more, Stan has been Stan, Cove has grown a bit more in maturity, and Twiggy has developed more twitches again. I have decided to get her an appointment with a specialist now as its nearly 6 months since she arrived, and although she has grown, and developed into a fit young dog, she obviously has something wrong. Whether its something that she will just have all her life or whether its something we can fix, now is the time to find out. She will hate being prodded about but I will have to be there for her and make it as bearable an experience as possible. It may mean that she wont be able to compete at agility, and until I know for sure what is causing her problems I will keep her training to just basic targets, recalls, etc and continue to build our relationship. I love her so much and hate seeing her worrying with her legs so I have to do whats best for her.

Twiggy......Look into my eyes!!.....

This weekend is our last comp before Olympia, so Lily and me will then be chilling and training just our fitness for the big day. Walking, jogging and shutting out everything else so we have that bond which has taken us this far. I adore my Lily Fudge Cake. Olli is sound again so shooting Sat and comp Sunday for him, and Dave is competing again too!! Exciting but worrying times. Hopefully Twiggy will be fine, and as long as she is not in pain I will be happy, regardless of her future career!

Dave has become an agility dog!!

2010-11-15T09:52:00.000-08:00

Well the day arrived, Dartmoor show and Ferns first attempt at running Dave. She couldn't sleep the night before, and I must admit I was nervous for her. I gathered all my friends to stand along the orange net fence, ready to catch him if he ran out the ring, and Fern went to the start line. First obstacle was a tyre, and we suddenly realised Dave has never done a tyre!!! Having never been in a training class, he has only trained at home and we don't have a tyre. I think the fact that it was at the beginning of the course helped, and off he went. Through the tyre, under the next jump, then jumped the 3rd, over the A frame, tunnel, next jump, seesaw..........I was holding my breath. Around 1 jump then jumped a few more over the dog walk and over the finish!!! Not once did he even falter from the task. He stayed focused, happy and I could not believe it. 2 years of hard work and dedication from Fern, and the almost deemed un trainable, unsociable terrierist completed his first course. Strangely, Dave strutted very proudly back to the van, blanking other dogs he passed. He was a big boy now, and has far more important things to think about other than chasing other dogs. Still a long way to go, but he has proved us all wrong and I couldn't be happier.
Now just to practice those tyres!!

Psychology, a dogs brain, interesting............

2010-11-11T11:10:00.000-08:00

Well, it is always a challenge training a dog, especially a rescue dog with unknown worries, strange behaviours, and I so wish they could talk! However, I have Twiggy, who I love to bits, we all do, and she has become a very special member of our family, so I have that challenge.
She has bonded with me from day 1, is my shadow all day every day, and the most loving loyal dog, but sometimes she still gets spooked and almost goes autistic. Wont look at me in the eye, or come close to me but will keep me in her sights, and this was worrying me out on a walk. Recall was 90% perfect but if she goes into 1 of her moments, she just wouldn't come back. She wouldn't run away, but she would stay just out of reach.

At first I thought it was just naughtiness, and a phase she was going through like most young dogs, but the more it went on the more I tried to get inside her head. I know she has a real problem having her collar or harness put on, and she often has twitches in her neck and shoulders, although these have become more infrequent, so I reverted to leaving her harness on with a short handle attached. This meant i could grab that without touching her, but still I had the problem of her coming within 6 feet of me. I had tried all the basics, all the obvious methods of training a recall, and when Twiggy went into "that" zone, nothing worked. I cleared my mind of training ways, and just observed her for a few days...... Then Eureeka!!!!!

The one thing that would make Twiggy excited and wiggly and want nothing but cuddles was the word "HELLO". When we come in from outside, from work, when visitors arrive and we all say "Hello Twiggy" she leaps up, smiling & talking and will jump into your arms with sheer joy, so I took her out for a walk, let her off for a run, and after a short time as she went a bit zoned out, I just said "Hello Twiggy". She ran over as if she had just realised I was there!! It was like a trigger. She snapped out of spooked, unsure rescue girl and became Twiggy, Twigster the happy loving bright gorgeous collie who has enriched our lives. A week has gone past, and every time she starts to spook, a quick "Hello" brings her straight to me smiling. Still early days, but in every other way she is so intelligent and amazing to train I just had to solve this problem. Who cares what word it took. If that's my recall it suits me just fine! So next season at Agility competitions, and you hear some woman shouting Hello, it will be me, the blonde with the gorgeous collie running towards me! :-)))

Paparazzi & Olympia trial run! with real bits!

2010-11-09T07:27:00.000-08:00

Saturday I went shooting in the morning with Olli, and it was a quiet day. Although every bird that did fall his way he picked up beautifully, the weather was too nice, and the guns were not on form so he didn't have a lot to do. I left at lunchtime as we had a reporter and photographer coming to interview me for a feature about Olympia! I was so excited, and even more so when she asked if they could do a brief story on Olli and take a photo of him with a pheasant to use as a front page shot!! My boy is a "Cover boy" :-) They then took loads of photos of Lily & me in action, and I am looking forward to seeing us in print in a few weeks time.
Sunday we had a training workshop at a new indoor venue, and it was also a chance to catch up with some friends that we have been missing recently. People have changed clubs, the main season is over, so we haven't had our usual weekly get togethers and Fern & I were looking forward to it. Was amazed to be shut out of the arena when we arrived, and told that me & Sarah were not allowed in to look at the course! Seems Toni had decided that as we were both off to Olympia next month, she would give us a taste of the real thing. So we sat and looked at the course plan for 10 mins, then were allowed 2 mins to walk the course. The whole thing spooked me completely! God knows what I will be like at Earls Court, but the nerves where there and I completely buggered up the turn from fence 3 to 4, then didnt really work the whole dogwalk/tunnel trap, obstacle 9 the weaves and totally didnt give Lily a clue so she missed her entry (unheard of!!) and then the rest of the course was lovely. Lily is so keen and so genuine, she tried her best, and if i can sort my nerves and my head out, who knows, maybe we will get a clear on 19th December! I was thrilled with her nailed contacts, all afternoon and I just love her to bits for her natural ability, and determination to do her best.

Pleased to say, all the rest of my mates messed up too and they had 10 mins to walk the course!!! It was great fun and a lovely atmosphere.
Then it was Fern & Coves turn, and his first time in a new venue. He worked really well and although he made a few mistakes, they were a combination of in experience and a strong eyed collie who kept lunging at him, nothing that wont be a distant memory to him soon. Fern was also a bit shaky to start with, as she is normally the trainer not the trainee!, but a thoroughly enjoyable time was had by all. I didn't work Twiggy, but took her in to watch for a few minutes, and she was fine. Keen to watch Cove but also managed to do a bit with me on the sidelines, so another new environment conquered. Had puppy cuddles with the gorgeous Phaze, met an amazing young working cocker, who will give medium dogs a run for their money next season, and had a lot of giggles.

This Saturday we are off to Dartmoor for our first indoor winter comp, and Daves first ever attempt! I have 100% faith in Ferns ability to work him, and 90% faith in Dave :-) There wont be a dry eye in our house if he manages to stay focused!

If you cant beat them?.........

2010-11-05T06:34:00.000-07:00

I read quite a few blogs, mostly agility people, and a few are training people, and this months topic seems to be training and trainers, so I may as well have my 2 penneth worth, as my Gran would say!
3 years ago when I started this addictive sport of agility, I saw an advert in my local country store, made a phone call and booked to start lessons. I had never heard of the person but she offered some good advice and I had to start somewhere. Over 2 years and with 2 dogs I learnt a huge amount about positive reward based training, which has got me to Grade 6 and Olympia this year. As I am in the privileged position to have a daughter who is a natural with dogs, and is training to be a "Trainer" and now have my own agility field, I decided I would have a break from weekly lessons, save some money and train a lot more at home. I also decided to try a different trainer or 2, and have thoroughly enjoyed working with different people and trying some different methods, although I tend to only go to people that I know have similar ideas to how I want to train my dogs, and take the best bits from them all. Some of these trainers are maybe more fun than others, some are tougher than others but they are all handlers of Grade 7 dogs, and proven to be successful handlers/competitors who I admire.
I admit that some are "people" people and some are "dog" people, but if they are good at what they do and I feel like I get something out of it for me & my dogs that's what counts. Its my choice who I go to, not anyone elses. I have never been much of a follower of the in crowd, always been a bit independent, which is why some people have taken me the wrong way over the years, but my real friends know exactly the real me, and I appreciate their friendship and the support and fun we have at all the competitions through the season.
In my honest opinion, I think everyone should try a few different trainers and be willing to keep learning. If you or your favourite trainer move hundreds of miles apart for whatever reason, are you really going to travel for hours every week for a 1 hour lesson?, or just curl up in a corner and cry because you have never been to anyone else?
I get a lot now from Fern, who seems to be a never ending supply of tips and advice, and I have to admit, her 2 dogs are trained a whole lot better than mine! She will be and already is a consistent fun trainer, and I have no doubt in years to come she will also be a top handler, but I bet there will still be people who slag her off, don't want to be trained by her, don't agree with some of her methods or just plain don't like her. I am sure people of an already good competitive standard would not expect to be trained by a young person who has yet to make her mark on the agility circuit, and is in fact a grade 1 handler, but Fern realises that, and knows she will need to prove her worth and earn peoples respect. I know she will and people will be lucky to be trained by her. I am, but then I am biased :-)
There are an awful lot of good trainers out there, and more coming through the ranks every year, so just keep an open mind, enjoy what you do and most of all enjoy working your dogs. It is fun!!!