Cabin Fever

Another dull January day. (But I'm glad we don't live on the East Coast, with all the snow out that way.) One ray of sunshine is the azalea blooming at home. It makes me happy every time I look at the plant. A friend gave us this plant many years ago. She passed away longer ago than I like, but the azalea keeps going.

Last night was a difficult one at Agility Class. It seemed that many dogs had a bad case of cabin fever and were reactive and over-stimulated by the other dogs and the different environment. Fortunately I was mostly able to keep Tango focused on the small behaviors we were doing between the more active ones. We're still in Beginners class, so the behaviors are simple. But Tango jumped over all 3 jumps on the recall. And he kept me at top speed for the curved tunnel - straight tunnel sequence! (Hope said that Dee, our instructor, commented to her, "Look at your sister go!" Yup, I was truckin'!)
-Fran

Sad puppy

Roc is sad that he has to put his Blue and Orange jersey away for another season. When does Spring Training start?
-Hope

Ice Prints

Our weather has been strange lately - snow, rain, sun, snow. The sequence was perfect for producing perfect puppy ice pawprints. Which we think are absolutely adorable - if somewhat slippery.

Teddy's First Class

As you know from reading Hope's post yesterday, last night was Teddy's first night of big-boy agility class. Tango and I are still in Beginner Class, so we were there, too! It was a huge class, but Teddy was great! Hope's fears of fidgeting and whining were unfounded. Teddy only became impatient a couple of times, but Hope started doing behaviors, and he was totally distracted! As it was such a big class, with so many new people and dogs (all the participants from Teddy's Puppies With Purpose class and a few more), it was lecture night. Fully half or more of the hour was taken up with discussing ground rules and basic stuff to practice.

Teddy was great, but Tango was Mister Fidget. He's been used to going to class and doing stuff, so not being able to do the stuff, combined with all the new dogs made him a little crazy. I expected that and had my own arsenal of little behaviors to keep him occupied. It was really hard for him, but Tango did very well. Next week will hopefully be more active for my little jumping bean. - Fran

First day of school

I'm a bit nervous today - it's Teddy's first night at Beginner Agility Class. The nerves are a bit surprising to me, I spent a couple of years in Beginner Class with Dax, I know our instructor as well as her assistants and at least five of our classmates. So what's there to be nervous about?

With Dax I always have to be hyper-aware of the other dogs around us. She adores all people, but sometimes will decide that THAT DOG - THAT ONE OVER THERE! is a threat and needs to be put in its place. Even if THAT DOG is one she's known forever. I believe I've mentioned that Dax has a tendency to be swayed by the alien voices in her head.

I know Teddy's a different dog altogether. He's confident, curious, inquisitive and noisy. I'm pretty sure he'll have no problem doing the "stuff." It's the sitting-quietly-like-a-good-boy-while-mom-listens-to-the-teacher that's going to be difficult for him. That's one of the reasons I don't travel light with my dogs - treats, toys, distractions galore. Sort of like having a perennial toddler, I imagine.

I'm looking forward to starting Teddy's "big boy" training. And a teeny bit sorry that he's already ready to be a "big boy."

- Hope

Help me choose, please!

Teddy needs a new collar. He hates the rope-style one I've been using. Dax had the same issue, and loves her collar from White Pine Outfitters - the webbing is really soft, you'd swear it was satin and not nylon. The problem I'm having is deciding what color to choose for Ted. I have Dax in the Teal, so that's not an option for Ted. What do you think?

Blue?
Purple?

Black?

or Red?

-Hope

Starting again, from the beginning

I thought that Tango was doing pretty well with his 2 x 2's - the start of weaving through a series of 12 poles in dog agility. But at our lesson on Wednesday, Tango showed me how much he didn't know. Not his fault. It's always the handler's fault (well, most of the time). Back to the beginning. GRrrr.... Work the clock from 6 to 10, both sides - left and right. Yes, I know ... Start with 2 and work up from there when he's ready. I keep telling myself it will pay off in the end. I picture Tango charging through all 12 poles, from an impossible entry!

- Fran

Bullies at play

Teddy doesn't push Dax around. He pulls her.

-Hope