Pitiful puppy

There are very few things in the world more pitiful than a sick puppy. And I mean that literally. Dax seems to have a cold this week. We're watching her for more serious symptoms, but for now she's just snorty and snotty and miserable.

Our perspective is shaded by the fact that we're starting with a French Bulldog. Who is snorty, snotty and rather placid to start with. Usually, though, she's also fun, comical, silly and cuddly. Now she just sort of follows us around and wants to be held all the time. Poor baby.

Non-Stop for a Whole Hour!

As our loyal readers know, Thursday is Agility night! This is the evening that Ceilidh and, now, Dax, look forward to all week! Last night Hope screwed up her courage and took Dax through the class! I'm pretty sure they both had a good time, but Hope will have to write about that!

Ceilidh's in the Intermediate class which follows the Beginner class. Usually there's quite a bit of waiting for a turn, which gives me the opportunity to work on Ceilidh's focus. But last night our instructor had the class configured so that smaller dogs worked on a different set of obstacles that the bigger dogs. As it happened, there were only two smaller dogs and six or seven bigger dogs last night - so, no waiting around for our turn! Not even time to catch our breath! Ceilidh had a great time - 80 thousand jumps; a few million weave poles; lots of tunnels and chutes thrown in, too! Too much fun! I know enough not to get used to the idea, but it was great while it lasted!

Roc's in Love!

It's happened! My little boy is in love!

Roc generally gets along with dogs after he's known them a while. He's never been one to run up to engage another dog in play. He stands back, gets a good sniff then generally ignores other dogs. If he's known the dog for a long time, been in class with it, or it's been to the house, as soon as he recognizes it, he pays it no attention at all.

The only dogs he's ever engaged with are the ones living in our house, or other Brussels Griffons he meets. It's almost uncanny how Griffs always seem to recognize and accept other Griffs.

But now - all bets are off!!! There's a tiny little Yorkie named Charlee in the Beginner Class at training. And Roc's in love! She's the first dog he's ever voluntarily walked up to, sniffed thoroughly, and then started that little side-winding little flirty dance to attract! He's adorable.

At this point I'm afraid his love in unrequited. Charlee spent the first six years of her life being a backyard-breeder's brood bitch. Class, other dogs, and life in general are a bit much for her right now. But when/if she comes around, Roc will be waiting!

In way over our heads

We've recently completely uncovered the depths to which we've sunk into the world of dogs. We were contemplating getting out of town. Actually taking a few days off for the first time in more than a year. And where do we choose? Louisville! And why do we choose it? the Derby? the rolling hills and beautiful scenery? No! The largest dog show in the country, featuring the Brussels Griffon National Specialty show.

Sick, I know.

Agility Party

Last night was our annual agility club's holiday party. I know - it's after the holidays, but our instructor doesn't want to interfere with any other party. And since it's on a regular class night (but doesn't count as a class) no one has any excuse not to come! It's one of those fun pot-luck, everyone bring a dish kind of party. Loads of food - way too much to finish, but everyone was having fun trying! Our dogs were invited too, of course, and all the Agility equipment was available for practice. It was fun juggling plates, cups and dogs!

I decided not to bring Ceilidh to the party but Hope and I brought Dax. Ceilidh does not have a good time in crowds. She is happiest when her world is controlled. Under stress, Ceilidh is likely to snap even though she doesn't mean it. So, I thought she'd be happiest in her crate at home rather than in the back room at Agility for much of the night. Of course, when we got home I played with Ceilidh for a good long time!

Dax had a great time, though. She's usually shy among lots of people, but we think she's coming out of her shell. Plus, we think she's really learning to like Agility. Hope even took her on the equipment! (We may even get Hope to take Dax in class!)

Battle of the Bulldogs

I've been wasting time on the French Bulldog Cuteness Wars, because they're right - all French Bulldogs are cute! I've entered three pictures of Dax and she's faring fairly well in the battles! Feel free to vote your own taste - but please don't tell me that any Frenchie is cuter than mine!

Ending the Year on a Good Note

Thursday evening was the last Agility class of the year - not surprising since it's the last week of the year, but let's not be picky. I think Dax is starting to get comfortable in the room with all the equipment. Her contacts are coming along, and any fault is, naturally, mine. She's really low to the ground and the place for a treat reward a good contact is between her face and the target. Well, she likes to put her chin on the target which makes it a little difficult! But, we will persevere. We started to learn weaves on Thursday. Perhaps Dax has been watching Ceilidh when we practice weaving at home, because she was a star! We start out with just two poles and reward for any behavior going toward the poles. Dax didn't just go toward the poles, she went through them! What a good girl.

Ceilidh had an amazing night as well! I'm starting to be able to switch speeds while I'm washing my hands between classes. Ceilidh requires a much different approach than Dax. Ceilidh needs a little bit of calming down without shutting her down while Dax needs her own cheering section! Both girls are very sensitive to my moods, so I have to remember to always smile. Silly, but it works.

Party next week!