4-H training classes start up again in a few weeks and oh the joy of inconsiderate dog owners. Now many of the kids are respectful of others, then there are those that constantly need reinforcement. The joys of being a trainer, I guess.
I love the know it alls out there with their “years” of training experience. You get it in every class, every time you run into the pet store or walk onto a show site. That person who knows it all and can tell you exactly what is wrong with your dog without question. Placing a label on a dog without being a responsible person and asking the appropriate quesitons to figure out why it does what it does, is in all accounts a mark of one of the worst trainers out there. The know it alls. We have all meet them, have all known one.
I started training under someone who refused to change her methods, every dog can be trained one way, which is my way. It was also termed that if it didn’t work then the dog was beyond hope and the owner was useless. Needless to say I stopped training there. So I ended up being mentored by a couple of trainers who really were there for the dog. They gave me useful advice, made me realize there is no one right way, but you have to adapt your methods to each dog and each owner. I went from training as a method trainer, to a being an adaptable trainer, willing to use what ever worked best for the dog and that was best for the dog. There is no dog that isn't trainable, you just have to know what makes them tick. Yes that even includes Eddie, he's not dumb, he's s l o w and drives the short bus. Poor poor Eddie.
One of my 4-H kid's was all bent out of shape because I talked about not tolerating aggresive dogs in my training classes. Seems someone labeled her dog aggressive in another training facility, when in fact, after asking about the situtation, it turned out that the dog had been provoked, had been a rescue and had baggage that caused it to be a reactive dog not an aggressive dog. We've worked through it and amazingly, it's one of the best dogs in the classes now. Once again, shame on that trainer for not being willing to work with a dog and having little more then a passing concern for the situation.
What is the difference between an aggressive dog and a reactive dog? A dog usually displays aggression based on confidence, while a reactive dog displays actions based in fear. Aggression is a natural response, and occurs in many circumstances, including territorial protection, resource guarding, and protection of pups. While a reactive dog 'can' be aggressive, he will only likely do so if placed in a situation where he feels that there is no escape.
Too many people want to label a dog aggressive without finding out the why or the when for the action. Shame on you, but then again, these are problem people who still work the old school notion that a dog has to submit to it's master rather then work with it. Kind of like the old Monk's thing of rolling a puppy over till it's submitting, which could take lots of time if it's a strong willed or underconfident pup. Ruined many a good dog in my opinion. I have run into my fare share of aggressive dogs. A certain St Bernard comes to mind. I've also run into way too many reactive dogs, including my own breed. People unwilling to work with them and those dogs end up dead, in horrible situations and punished for crimes that they didn't have a choice in committing.
Unfortunately, and I will be honest about this and you can go back to Kim and Russ' blog for more information, Russ is a reactive dog. He never used to be, but at a couple important developmental markers in his young life, he's been attacked by some nasty dogs. A reactive dog he became and we are still trying to figure out what situations make him tick and what make him tock. It also means that he has had some bad experiences with a few people. I am amazed every time when a dog can find that one person who spooked him once and every time they walk near, enter the room, they react. Any dog can become a reactive dog, shame too. And as much as we try to protect our dogs, there are times that shit just happens.
There are lost of good websites out there and lots of great trainers who work with these types of dogs. I know Sarah and Kim have had some conversations and do their best to make each time out with the dogs, a good one. Syd has made huge leaps in her training and it shows in her confidence level. Russ is getting there too. It's a shame when others feel the need to label a dog to serve their own good. I trusted people who I once thought had a good understanding of dogs and what made them the way they are. I thank God that I saw the light, so to speak. Sad though, I've seen them ruin a few good dogs in the process. Heck, I'm still cleaning up the pieces on one of those dogs.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that it's important to not jump to conclusions. Labeling-human or canine. is hurtful. LIke my post before-if you just ask I will tell. Dogs are the same way, we just need to ask and LISTEN to find out what the answer is. Take some time to be a good human and ask your dog what makes him or her tick. It'll make you a much better person and your dog a great dog in the process.
Later gators....
C
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
I'm grumpy
No this is not a post about the rest of the dwarfs, though I could name names in conjunction with a few people I've had to deal with lately. I swear, it's the weather, the time of year, and well, other people's attitudes that make me feel this way. Could also be that I'm just plain not feeling well? See what the Doc says tomorrow.
As far as other people go, there has been a lot of petty snipping around lately. I just shake me head. Talking to Kim tonight before she went to her obedience class with one of the cardigans, I said-you know, I feel like it's high school again. All the jealously, the back biting and the one ups manship. Not sure if that is really a word, but it works. Seriously folks, grow up or go back to you sand box.
Recently, as noted in a few posts, I've commented about ring etiquette. Dress the part, look like you know what you are doing and train your dogs. Granted I have a certain red dog that is intent on demonstrating his herding capabilities on me in the show ring, but I'm not dragging him around, popping his lead constantly and he actually walks pretty proud in the ring. Not like something is going to eat him-no that's Ace, but he's scared of his own shadow and another story all together. Boy, I think some people need to go back to conformation class. It's still amazing to me to see the ridiculus outfits-come on people, look professional! Not slutty, not like you were just dragged of the sofa or you borrowed Grandma's Sunday Best out of her closet at the nursing home. I guess that's my entertainment for the show weekends. Respect other people in the ring too. Pick up your feet(some exhibitors think shuffling is an art form), quit running up on other dogs, especially puppies and get away from the front of the ring. This weekend we couldn't get cardigans in and out because the beardies where all standing around the stewards table. Add in the akita that tried to knock over a kid and then a few other dogs, as the owner was running it up and down the aisles. Best have it trained before you get there please.
Okay, since, I grumpy, am on a roll, how about our dogs?? First lets start with grooming. I've been observing other breeds lately and well, there are some people out there that have been showing longer then I have been alive. Many of them have grooming down to an art, many are still back in the 70's. For our breed, it's not that big of a deal. Comb out the coat, make sure it's lying flat and not cowlicked from going in a crate damp and laying on it wrong. Our breed doesn't need air dams on the butt either-they don't fly do they? Whites should be white, nails should be trimmed nice and short. And honestly, if you have a dog that has a fault that a little grooming can fix, then do it. I just about died at one show where the judge actually tried to smooth out a butt on a dog that had it's hair standing straight up. It was a good giggle, because it wouldn't go down and the dog looked like it was 10ft taller in the rear then the front.
Oh and let me talk about photos. If it's a big win, get a decent photo-wait for the podium, the back drop and the photographer. I won't take photos on the tables anymore. Most of the time, the tables are too short to put both a cardigan and the photo info box on. A puppy, maybe but not a dog with some age on it. And please people, talk to the photographer, tell him to wait till you are ready. Have someone else along that can point out if you dog is not set up right. That is if they know what a correctly set up dog is ;0) Once again, that photo if posted on blogs or websites, is out there for everyone to see. If it's a bad photo, then even with a nice dog, well, it's going to turn people off. Have someone do a little brushing or combing touch up on the dog too. Take a little joy in your dog and present them as they should be. I have been seeing photos with dogs scrunched up, stretched out, under themselves, leads pulled up so that the hair on the neck is pulled up and forward. OMG, you do know if the photo didn't turn out that you can refuse it or even better, just keep it to yourself?? Almost forgot, smile damnit. I forget at times with all that's going on, but hello, you're in the photo too. Don't look like you just sucked on a lemon. Act at least interested in your dog and not like you would rather be somewhere else.
I'm still not feeling any better. What next? Oh here's one that I haven't touched on in a long time-sportsmanship. I've started doing a big change in the way I handle other people at shows. I go out of my way to congratulate them, regardless of the fact they feel above it to do the same. When looking at dogs, I try not be a fault judge but a virtues judge. I think we can say the same thing about judging people. Always looking at the down side of things, trying to pick out the worst traits and not seeing the good in something is not a way to go through life. Even when beat in the ring, rather then go -I got beat by a dog that's this or that, I go- you know that judge today liked this and this in a dog and doggone it, that dog had it. Even if it beat my dog, there was a reason and I need to respect the judge for that. I might add that I won't pay to show under the judge again, that is unless I have a dog with the traits that they like. But once again, its seems that some people like to play high school drama here and it's the all about me me me show. Ugh when will people ever grow up??
I'm almost done, feeling worse then when I started typing, so best to finish up and hit the hay. I'm honest. I don't hide anything. Like Crazy Annie said-just ask me and I will tell you the truth. So much lying and covering up is going on these days, it's shamefull. I'm not just talking about Wall Street here folks! If you want to know something about me, my dogs or my family, just ask. I won't tell one person one thing, another person another thing and then try to cover up the lies with more lies. Don't go behind my back and spread rumors or make assumptions. You know what assuming does??? Unless you have talked to me, you don't know the real truth and you know why? Because you didn't ask.
So the short and sweet of me being grumpy is that people need to grow up, life has ups and downs, take them as though it's all bad, or look for the good side of the situation. And if you want to say something, say it to my face or ask me for the answer, 'cause I will be more then happy to tell you the truth.
Later gators...
C
As far as other people go, there has been a lot of petty snipping around lately. I just shake me head. Talking to Kim tonight before she went to her obedience class with one of the cardigans, I said-you know, I feel like it's high school again. All the jealously, the back biting and the one ups manship. Not sure if that is really a word, but it works. Seriously folks, grow up or go back to you sand box.
Recently, as noted in a few posts, I've commented about ring etiquette. Dress the part, look like you know what you are doing and train your dogs. Granted I have a certain red dog that is intent on demonstrating his herding capabilities on me in the show ring, but I'm not dragging him around, popping his lead constantly and he actually walks pretty proud in the ring. Not like something is going to eat him-no that's Ace, but he's scared of his own shadow and another story all together. Boy, I think some people need to go back to conformation class. It's still amazing to me to see the ridiculus outfits-come on people, look professional! Not slutty, not like you were just dragged of the sofa or you borrowed Grandma's Sunday Best out of her closet at the nursing home. I guess that's my entertainment for the show weekends. Respect other people in the ring too. Pick up your feet(some exhibitors think shuffling is an art form), quit running up on other dogs, especially puppies and get away from the front of the ring. This weekend we couldn't get cardigans in and out because the beardies where all standing around the stewards table. Add in the akita that tried to knock over a kid and then a few other dogs, as the owner was running it up and down the aisles. Best have it trained before you get there please.
Okay, since, I grumpy, am on a roll, how about our dogs?? First lets start with grooming. I've been observing other breeds lately and well, there are some people out there that have been showing longer then I have been alive. Many of them have grooming down to an art, many are still back in the 70's. For our breed, it's not that big of a deal. Comb out the coat, make sure it's lying flat and not cowlicked from going in a crate damp and laying on it wrong. Our breed doesn't need air dams on the butt either-they don't fly do they? Whites should be white, nails should be trimmed nice and short. And honestly, if you have a dog that has a fault that a little grooming can fix, then do it. I just about died at one show where the judge actually tried to smooth out a butt on a dog that had it's hair standing straight up. It was a good giggle, because it wouldn't go down and the dog looked like it was 10ft taller in the rear then the front.
Oh and let me talk about photos. If it's a big win, get a decent photo-wait for the podium, the back drop and the photographer. I won't take photos on the tables anymore. Most of the time, the tables are too short to put both a cardigan and the photo info box on. A puppy, maybe but not a dog with some age on it. And please people, talk to the photographer, tell him to wait till you are ready. Have someone else along that can point out if you dog is not set up right. That is if they know what a correctly set up dog is ;0) Once again, that photo if posted on blogs or websites, is out there for everyone to see. If it's a bad photo, then even with a nice dog, well, it's going to turn people off. Have someone do a little brushing or combing touch up on the dog too. Take a little joy in your dog and present them as they should be. I have been seeing photos with dogs scrunched up, stretched out, under themselves, leads pulled up so that the hair on the neck is pulled up and forward. OMG, you do know if the photo didn't turn out that you can refuse it or even better, just keep it to yourself?? Almost forgot, smile damnit. I forget at times with all that's going on, but hello, you're in the photo too. Don't look like you just sucked on a lemon. Act at least interested in your dog and not like you would rather be somewhere else.
I'm still not feeling any better. What next? Oh here's one that I haven't touched on in a long time-sportsmanship. I've started doing a big change in the way I handle other people at shows. I go out of my way to congratulate them, regardless of the fact they feel above it to do the same. When looking at dogs, I try not be a fault judge but a virtues judge. I think we can say the same thing about judging people. Always looking at the down side of things, trying to pick out the worst traits and not seeing the good in something is not a way to go through life. Even when beat in the ring, rather then go -I got beat by a dog that's this or that, I go- you know that judge today liked this and this in a dog and doggone it, that dog had it. Even if it beat my dog, there was a reason and I need to respect the judge for that. I might add that I won't pay to show under the judge again, that is unless I have a dog with the traits that they like. But once again, its seems that some people like to play high school drama here and it's the all about me me me show. Ugh when will people ever grow up??
I'm almost done, feeling worse then when I started typing, so best to finish up and hit the hay. I'm honest. I don't hide anything. Like Crazy Annie said-just ask me and I will tell you the truth. So much lying and covering up is going on these days, it's shamefull. I'm not just talking about Wall Street here folks! If you want to know something about me, my dogs or my family, just ask. I won't tell one person one thing, another person another thing and then try to cover up the lies with more lies. Don't go behind my back and spread rumors or make assumptions. You know what assuming does??? Unless you have talked to me, you don't know the real truth and you know why? Because you didn't ask.
So the short and sweet of me being grumpy is that people need to grow up, life has ups and downs, take them as though it's all bad, or look for the good side of the situation. And if you want to say something, say it to my face or ask me for the answer, 'cause I will be more then happy to tell you the truth.
Later gators...
C
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Show weekend = bad weather
Goodness, if I even seem to think about going to a show this last few months, Mother Nature decides to throw a wrench in it-goodness sakes alive. Prediction at the end of the week was for a major storm-4-8 inches-UGH! Luck had it that it missed the Le Claire area as well as the show site. But we got hit at home with a few inches of heavy wet snow. And amazingly it also drifted.
There are many many stories to tell this weekend. I will post a few but check out cardicorgicapers and Winjammin Waves for more.
I will say at least they had the heaters going to the show site and it was warm and dry in the building. I hate cold shows and wearing skirts. But keeping with my post on show attire, I dress the part, regardless of the temperature.
Friday night at Kim's was chili--good stuff too. Then Sherilyn's mystery cheese cake-ummm. A bottle of CAW and off to bed as it was butt crack of dawn ring times-yuck!
Cold, I hate cold shows. Well and 8am ring times. Handsome Ransom did his best bunny butt wiggle and got a few more points. Cardigans was even more fun though! Alec has been showing "his" Frankie Baby, I'm just glorified kennel help now, yippee. Anyway, it was a good day for Camp Sumjammin! Frankie took his first major by going WD, then BOW. That little red boy is amazing-hitting the end of the lead, moving like a drea. Bear came in a close second with RWD. What that tells you is that the judge is consistent in what he wants.
Drum roll please, as I send BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Winjammin, aka Rus, Sherilyn and Bekka, for Emmy's final major to finish her championship. Always a bridesmaid was the saying with her. She had an amazing 15 major reserves since she started looking for that last major. Unreal and finally, especially since she decided to start blowing coat.
Also a BIG THANK YOU to Bekka for going in the ring the very first time on a novice puppy named Dove. Meredith wasn't at the show on Saturday to show her dog so we recruited her to show Dovey. They looked awesome together and I do believe a new handler has been born.
After the show we hung around for some pie and dinner at the lunch room-umm, always good pie. Then back to Camp Gibson for some excellent conversation and great food. It was one of the best evenings so far with a table full of friends, plus some good wine ;0) I wish we didn't have to show the next day but that we did. The snow had stopped, the dogs got one last romp in Kim's newly fenced in yard and off to bed. Morning came too early, though Nick and Meredith went to bed much earlier then the adults.
Sunday we awoke to cold weather, 2 inches or so of snow/slush/ ice. It made for a slow trip to the show site. By mid day it was mud and muck. OMG, carring dogs was just so much fun. Alec helped Rebecca with her collies as they ferried them back and forth. He got his work out.
We got all the dogs ready and headed to the show ring. Bear was RWD, Connie's goofy boy Levi took WD. Frankie was the odd red dog out there-some judges just can't do that color and we know it. But the best part was the bitches----Meredith got to take her Dovey in and WOW--thanks to Bekka's work the day before, Dove was just on target. She moved great, and behaved well. Well enough to take WB and BOW for her first major!!!! It was pretty tough out there too. That's great strides for a kid who's had some bad luck since the accident and her puppy who spent the better part of four months on crate rest due to a soft tissue injury in her shoulder. Can't wait for the picture. We all crowded in on that one, with a beaming Meredith in front.
Then comes the task of packing and doing it in the cold mud. Kim's burb got loaded with extra stuff she's taking for us to the National Specialty and then we crammed the rest in ours. Thankfully, we left home with an extra dog and didn't come back with any more. We were able to get a breeding on Boo to Shoobug this weekend, thanks to Connie and her yellow cup. I seriously think that the whole weekend relating to this breeding, had some great stories come out of it, but they might be a little racy for this blog. Alec and Sherilyn turn several shades of red when you just mention it. Hoping it takes and we can expect little Shoo/Boo babies the end of May. If not, we'll try it again in the fall.
Back home - lots of snow. Little odd, but that's okay. Dogs went right out and rolled and sloshed through the slush. They earned it and I don't need to worry about keeping anyone clean for a while. So it ended with three majors on our group of dogs, one new Champion and some great memories. Now, time to do some laundry so I have clean undies to wear for tomorrow...
Later gators....
C
There are many many stories to tell this weekend. I will post a few but check out cardicorgicapers and Winjammin Waves for more.
I will say at least they had the heaters going to the show site and it was warm and dry in the building. I hate cold shows and wearing skirts. But keeping with my post on show attire, I dress the part, regardless of the temperature.
Friday night at Kim's was chili--good stuff too. Then Sherilyn's mystery cheese cake-ummm. A bottle of CAW and off to bed as it was butt crack of dawn ring times-yuck!
Cold, I hate cold shows. Well and 8am ring times. Handsome Ransom did his best bunny butt wiggle and got a few more points. Cardigans was even more fun though! Alec has been showing "his" Frankie Baby, I'm just glorified kennel help now, yippee. Anyway, it was a good day for Camp Sumjammin! Frankie took his first major by going WD, then BOW. That little red boy is amazing-hitting the end of the lead, moving like a drea. Bear came in a close second with RWD. What that tells you is that the judge is consistent in what he wants.
Drum roll please, as I send BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Winjammin, aka Rus, Sherilyn and Bekka, for Emmy's final major to finish her championship. Always a bridesmaid was the saying with her. She had an amazing 15 major reserves since she started looking for that last major. Unreal and finally, especially since she decided to start blowing coat.
Also a BIG THANK YOU to Bekka for going in the ring the very first time on a novice puppy named Dove. Meredith wasn't at the show on Saturday to show her dog so we recruited her to show Dovey. They looked awesome together and I do believe a new handler has been born.
After the show we hung around for some pie and dinner at the lunch room-umm, always good pie. Then back to Camp Gibson for some excellent conversation and great food. It was one of the best evenings so far with a table full of friends, plus some good wine ;0) I wish we didn't have to show the next day but that we did. The snow had stopped, the dogs got one last romp in Kim's newly fenced in yard and off to bed. Morning came too early, though Nick and Meredith went to bed much earlier then the adults.
Sunday we awoke to cold weather, 2 inches or so of snow/slush/ ice. It made for a slow trip to the show site. By mid day it was mud and muck. OMG, carring dogs was just so much fun. Alec helped Rebecca with her collies as they ferried them back and forth. He got his work out.
We got all the dogs ready and headed to the show ring. Bear was RWD, Connie's goofy boy Levi took WD. Frankie was the odd red dog out there-some judges just can't do that color and we know it. But the best part was the bitches----Meredith got to take her Dovey in and WOW--thanks to Bekka's work the day before, Dove was just on target. She moved great, and behaved well. Well enough to take WB and BOW for her first major!!!! It was pretty tough out there too. That's great strides for a kid who's had some bad luck since the accident and her puppy who spent the better part of four months on crate rest due to a soft tissue injury in her shoulder. Can't wait for the picture. We all crowded in on that one, with a beaming Meredith in front.
Then comes the task of packing and doing it in the cold mud. Kim's burb got loaded with extra stuff she's taking for us to the National Specialty and then we crammed the rest in ours. Thankfully, we left home with an extra dog and didn't come back with any more. We were able to get a breeding on Boo to Shoobug this weekend, thanks to Connie and her yellow cup. I seriously think that the whole weekend relating to this breeding, had some great stories come out of it, but they might be a little racy for this blog. Alec and Sherilyn turn several shades of red when you just mention it. Hoping it takes and we can expect little Shoo/Boo babies the end of May. If not, we'll try it again in the fall.
Back home - lots of snow. Little odd, but that's okay. Dogs went right out and rolled and sloshed through the slush. They earned it and I don't need to worry about keeping anyone clean for a while. So it ended with three majors on our group of dogs, one new Champion and some great memories. Now, time to do some laundry so I have clean undies to wear for tomorrow...
Later gators....
C
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Time to paws-move it to the right....
This post kind of got stuck on the back burner and I finally have gotten around to finishing it up. Enjoy!
Reach, drive, form, function. How do they all relate to each other and what makes a cardigan different then the rest? And why is the least talked about subject around?
I have a beef. A big beef. Or how about a small duck, medium ewe or even a wayward toddler? In our breed we hear so much about fronts, tail sets/carriage, heads, shoulders, etc but very rarely do we actually put all those parts together and understand how many of those parts work together to make a correctly, efficently and beautifully moving dog. Each part of the structure affects a dog's movement. With a herding dog, it is very necessary to have one that moves correctly to not waste energy in movement, to not have a dog that can't move all day, think and not get tired easily with attempting to do it's job or function. Unfortunately, many people overlook the simple fact of correctness, including many a judge, for a pleasing outline, a correct head or gorgeous coat. Well a dog can herd all day with a little wave in their coat, or a head plane off just a little and an outline that isn't cookie cutter. So what makes up movement.
Reach and drive. Two words used a lot by people that really have no understanding of what it means. The best way to look at it is during an easy trot. Not a flying trot, a suspended trot or a run. At an easy trot. Reach is a term that's hard for people to understand. A correct front and shoulder on a cardigan allows for a dog with a free moving leg to reach out in front of them with a full extension. They don't fling their paw up at any point, but grab at the ground in front, pulling it back towards themselves. I have been agast at a recent judge commenting on a dog-"who uses himself so well" who in fact has a stilted front gait that covers no ground and moves barely a few inches with each step. Too much leg, too little length in upper arm, too forward of a shoulder, or not enough angle in the upper arm, can all cause shortness of movement in front. Heck, even seen dogs with too much angle in the front, which when moved at a correct speed, they fling thier paws up to the sky. All in all, it's not attractive and it's definately not effecient for working.
Drive-that's the rear. Just as in horses, dogs use the rear to propel themselves forward. The majority of their turning as well as the push and weight of their movement comes from their rear. Now I won't go into hips at this point, but it is a fact that hips, angles of the rear bones, length and curve of the stifle, hocks and let down all contribute to correct drive. Unlike one person's description of drive in a photo of their dog, it's not about the extension of the rear feet in a flying running gait. Drive is the aspect of the dog reaching(there's that term again) under themselves, planting that rear foot underneath themselves to then propell themselves forward. With a well let down hock, good length and curve of stifle a dog can also use that foot to plant under themselves and rotate and turn. Watch a cutting horse some day and where they plant that pivot foot. Dogs do the same damn thing. As the dog pushes off that foot underneath themselves, as the with a golfer and the follow through being so important, the follow through for a dog should show a foot that comes off the ground, paw facing towards where the dog has been. The other factor is how far that dog reaches under themselves to plant that foot. A dog with too much length of the middle can't get balanced enough under themselves to push or turn correctly. A dog that is too short in the middle has to compensate with their stride as to not over step on to the front foot. Horses do that a lot and you hear them click the shoe in front. It causes a shortness in their stride and stilting gait. So many parts make up the whole. It's not all about a beautiful shoulder or front, it's the front, the middle and the rear.
What is also at issue is the size of our dogs and the sluggishness that I see in many. They aren't clean in their moving, shuffling their feet. No briskness in their stride. We have an alert breed that should be looking for something to do, not dragging it around the ring. Which also gets me back to the whole flying trot, suspended trot or what ever crap you want to call it. Seems we have two extremes-dogs that can't move or dogs that move too much. I have spent hours watching my dogs out in the front yard. I have a beautiful German Shepherd. He's a rescue. And he should be in the show ring with the wonderful gait he has. He flys across the yard, covering ground like no other. It's effortless, it's smooth and it gets him where he needs to go while still allowing him to pivot and turn to try to catch those darn birds. The cardigans-two speeds, an easy trot which serves to take them from point A to point B. Or a ground covering gallop. The trot is energy efficent and works well for them to turn, pause and change their mind as needed. While the gallop is just that, get me there as fast as you can. The whole flying trot we see in the ring is for display purposes only. Not once have I seen my dogs do that on their own while working unless they are on ground similar to cavalletes in horses and they are required to not trip. Otherwise, it's not worth it to them and I can tell they think it's a foolish waste of time.
So my point, movement in our breed sucks. I see very few dogs in my neck of the woods that have movement worthy of working outside all day long. We have worried too much about having a perfect front, yet it might feel right on the table exam but somethings missing when that same dog moves for me. We have lost our rears for the success of the fronts. Dogs with stilted gaits, tight rears, no angles so they can't properly drive from their rears. And guess what, the pretty pictures or the right color is winning over a functional cardigan that can do what it's bred to do-work in and out of the yards all day long, hunt a few mice, chase off unwanted intrudors and be willing to do it day in and day out. I almost find it funny hearing the-he uses himself well, or wow look at that drive-most of those people haven't a clue what correct movement should look like and how a dog should be put together in order to have it.
Ugh, that was long and well, it might seem a little short to some but the thing I hate the most is being beat by a dog that can't move!
Later gators...
C
Reach, drive, form, function. How do they all relate to each other and what makes a cardigan different then the rest? And why is the least talked about subject around?
I have a beef. A big beef. Or how about a small duck, medium ewe or even a wayward toddler? In our breed we hear so much about fronts, tail sets/carriage, heads, shoulders, etc but very rarely do we actually put all those parts together and understand how many of those parts work together to make a correctly, efficently and beautifully moving dog. Each part of the structure affects a dog's movement. With a herding dog, it is very necessary to have one that moves correctly to not waste energy in movement, to not have a dog that can't move all day, think and not get tired easily with attempting to do it's job or function. Unfortunately, many people overlook the simple fact of correctness, including many a judge, for a pleasing outline, a correct head or gorgeous coat. Well a dog can herd all day with a little wave in their coat, or a head plane off just a little and an outline that isn't cookie cutter. So what makes up movement.
Reach and drive. Two words used a lot by people that really have no understanding of what it means. The best way to look at it is during an easy trot. Not a flying trot, a suspended trot or a run. At an easy trot. Reach is a term that's hard for people to understand. A correct front and shoulder on a cardigan allows for a dog with a free moving leg to reach out in front of them with a full extension. They don't fling their paw up at any point, but grab at the ground in front, pulling it back towards themselves. I have been agast at a recent judge commenting on a dog-"who uses himself so well" who in fact has a stilted front gait that covers no ground and moves barely a few inches with each step. Too much leg, too little length in upper arm, too forward of a shoulder, or not enough angle in the upper arm, can all cause shortness of movement in front. Heck, even seen dogs with too much angle in the front, which when moved at a correct speed, they fling thier paws up to the sky. All in all, it's not attractive and it's definately not effecient for working.
Drive-that's the rear. Just as in horses, dogs use the rear to propel themselves forward. The majority of their turning as well as the push and weight of their movement comes from their rear. Now I won't go into hips at this point, but it is a fact that hips, angles of the rear bones, length and curve of the stifle, hocks and let down all contribute to correct drive. Unlike one person's description of drive in a photo of their dog, it's not about the extension of the rear feet in a flying running gait. Drive is the aspect of the dog reaching(there's that term again) under themselves, planting that rear foot underneath themselves to then propell themselves forward. With a well let down hock, good length and curve of stifle a dog can also use that foot to plant under themselves and rotate and turn. Watch a cutting horse some day and where they plant that pivot foot. Dogs do the same damn thing. As the dog pushes off that foot underneath themselves, as the with a golfer and the follow through being so important, the follow through for a dog should show a foot that comes off the ground, paw facing towards where the dog has been. The other factor is how far that dog reaches under themselves to plant that foot. A dog with too much length of the middle can't get balanced enough under themselves to push or turn correctly. A dog that is too short in the middle has to compensate with their stride as to not over step on to the front foot. Horses do that a lot and you hear them click the shoe in front. It causes a shortness in their stride and stilting gait. So many parts make up the whole. It's not all about a beautiful shoulder or front, it's the front, the middle and the rear.
What is also at issue is the size of our dogs and the sluggishness that I see in many. They aren't clean in their moving, shuffling their feet. No briskness in their stride. We have an alert breed that should be looking for something to do, not dragging it around the ring. Which also gets me back to the whole flying trot, suspended trot or what ever crap you want to call it. Seems we have two extremes-dogs that can't move or dogs that move too much. I have spent hours watching my dogs out in the front yard. I have a beautiful German Shepherd. He's a rescue. And he should be in the show ring with the wonderful gait he has. He flys across the yard, covering ground like no other. It's effortless, it's smooth and it gets him where he needs to go while still allowing him to pivot and turn to try to catch those darn birds. The cardigans-two speeds, an easy trot which serves to take them from point A to point B. Or a ground covering gallop. The trot is energy efficent and works well for them to turn, pause and change their mind as needed. While the gallop is just that, get me there as fast as you can. The whole flying trot we see in the ring is for display purposes only. Not once have I seen my dogs do that on their own while working unless they are on ground similar to cavalletes in horses and they are required to not trip. Otherwise, it's not worth it to them and I can tell they think it's a foolish waste of time.
So my point, movement in our breed sucks. I see very few dogs in my neck of the woods that have movement worthy of working outside all day long. We have worried too much about having a perfect front, yet it might feel right on the table exam but somethings missing when that same dog moves for me. We have lost our rears for the success of the fronts. Dogs with stilted gaits, tight rears, no angles so they can't properly drive from their rears. And guess what, the pretty pictures or the right color is winning over a functional cardigan that can do what it's bred to do-work in and out of the yards all day long, hunt a few mice, chase off unwanted intrudors and be willing to do it day in and day out. I almost find it funny hearing the-he uses himself well, or wow look at that drive-most of those people haven't a clue what correct movement should look like and how a dog should be put together in order to have it.
Ugh, that was long and well, it might seem a little short to some but the thing I hate the most is being beat by a dog that can't move!
Later gators...
C
Torch
Works been crazy lately and somethings wrong with my computer so I haven't been able to post, let alone read comments from anyone. Sorry, it's a pain and been doing so much at home that I haven't had time to post from here either. Joys of technology. Which also means that I haven't had much of a chance to take any photos either.
Today is a photo of Torch. We were growing him out to for a show prospect and he has exceeded our expectations. He's sweet, charming, moves beautifully and solid. In solid I not only mean great structure but also his temperament. Loves kids, other dogs, adults, anyone and anything. And if you notice, he's got a striking look about him too. He is perfectly legal on his white markings, hard to tell that he's got red all the way around his eye but yes, legal. Unfortunately, too many judges are turned off by the white to consider him. With the current economy and not wanting to take forever to get his championship, we have decided to place Torch. So if you know anyone looking for a dog that says WOW, eager to do some performance work with him(he's got strong herding instinct), this is the boy. He would also be great at holding down a couch or bedspread as someone's faithful companion.
Until he does find a new home, he's having fun roughhousing with Merlot, going to shows and becoming a wonderful ambassador of the breed.
Later gators.....
C
Today is a photo of Torch. We were growing him out to for a show prospect and he has exceeded our expectations. He's sweet, charming, moves beautifully and solid. In solid I not only mean great structure but also his temperament. Loves kids, other dogs, adults, anyone and anything. And if you notice, he's got a striking look about him too. He is perfectly legal on his white markings, hard to tell that he's got red all the way around his eye but yes, legal. Unfortunately, too many judges are turned off by the white to consider him. With the current economy and not wanting to take forever to get his championship, we have decided to place Torch. So if you know anyone looking for a dog that says WOW, eager to do some performance work with him(he's got strong herding instinct), this is the boy. He would also be great at holding down a couch or bedspread as someone's faithful companion.
Until he does find a new home, he's having fun roughhousing with Merlot, going to shows and becoming a wonderful ambassador of the breed.
Later gators.....
C
Pack dynamics
Been thinking about the whole dog dynamics lately. We have old dogs, young pups, teenagers(human and canine) plus girls in season, altered or visiting males. Foster dogs, dog sitting dogs, and stray dogs, you name, it I’ve it.
As I tell many of my puppy owners, boys with boys is good. Boys with girls is good, the issue will arise when girls are with girls. I’ve had some nasty bitch fights over the years. I ended up returning one girl two years ago and I haven’t had one major fight since then. A few spats over bones but nothing like I had with that dog here. What I have found is this, when girls don’t get along, there really will never be peace and you will constantly have to watch them. Usually the best solution is to place one of the girls, the instigator if you can. Boys will be boys-they might get into a pissing match-so to speak and in 5 mins will be grooming each other, goofing around and they are over it.
In my house, currently, all my dogs but one can run as a group. Run might not be the right word. I can comfortably have intact males, females and puppies in the house loose, with no issues. Okay a few issues-Eddie likes to pick on Turner and Moose likes to make sure that Eddie doesn’t get to hog my lap. But in all honesty, I make sure that everyone gets along. They respect my decision and I let them sort out the lower rungs of the ladder. I only ask that they leave the couch slug alone, don’t herd Max into the corner too much and my Boyd Mooses are off limits!
Outside is a little different but only because of certain loud mouth dogs who if separated, don’t bark or the young lady who likes to scale pole gates and play in the pasture. So for the sake of not having to retrieve dogs from forbidden territory or not having a bark fest, some are allowed in the back, some in the front and I alternate the rest of the gang. There’s also the issue of watching puppies and small dogs in case the resident red tail hawk, eagle or heron dive bombs the yard. We don’t need to feed the wildlife ;0)
The dog that can’t run with the group, well he can, but only if there are no blue dogs loose. His nickname-Death Wish, his mission-die. Really and truly, the 6lb griff wants to die at the paws of a blue dog-doesn’t matter which one either, preferably the blue smooth male collie, but hey, he’s not picky, anyone of them will do. Ah yes, the joys of a dog with baggage. He is also a climber. I was told once that they are either climbers or diggers, he’s a climber. Anything under 4 feet if fair game. Again, he’s banished to the back yard and 6’ fences.
We routinely take a handful of dogs to the creek for play time. No the pasture is not completely secure. It’s high tensile wire-I hate it, so the dogs can go under it and routinely do. But for the most part there are too many cool things in the pasture, wandering is rare. Everyone has a blast, they all hang close and are ready to head back after an hour or so. What I don’t do is walk my dogs on the road. Too often I have seen people walk with their dogs-leash or not and when the dog gets loose from their yard, they immediately head out to the road and off they go. More dogs get picked up, hit or lost for good that way. Makes it a boring walk when I go, but rather have safe dogs then dead dogs. Mine don’t even get to play much in the front hay field, or walk up the drive to get the mail. If they do, it’s because we are working-running tracks, obedience or what not. They know it’s serious business out there.
So there you have it. It’s not that hard. One person still doesn’t believe me that my boys do so well together-minus Death Wish. My question is why can’t they? 7 boys-all different ages, sizes and personalitites. Heck, I do ship off a boy or two when the girls are in season, not for fighting but I can only tolerate so much whining and pining at the door of the girl’s crate, but when they do go on vacation, they just melt right in. Pain really, no one wants to send them home.
Lator gators....
C
As I tell many of my puppy owners, boys with boys is good. Boys with girls is good, the issue will arise when girls are with girls. I’ve had some nasty bitch fights over the years. I ended up returning one girl two years ago and I haven’t had one major fight since then. A few spats over bones but nothing like I had with that dog here. What I have found is this, when girls don’t get along, there really will never be peace and you will constantly have to watch them. Usually the best solution is to place one of the girls, the instigator if you can. Boys will be boys-they might get into a pissing match-so to speak and in 5 mins will be grooming each other, goofing around and they are over it.
In my house, currently, all my dogs but one can run as a group. Run might not be the right word. I can comfortably have intact males, females and puppies in the house loose, with no issues. Okay a few issues-Eddie likes to pick on Turner and Moose likes to make sure that Eddie doesn’t get to hog my lap. But in all honesty, I make sure that everyone gets along. They respect my decision and I let them sort out the lower rungs of the ladder. I only ask that they leave the couch slug alone, don’t herd Max into the corner too much and my Boyd Mooses are off limits!
Outside is a little different but only because of certain loud mouth dogs who if separated, don’t bark or the young lady who likes to scale pole gates and play in the pasture. So for the sake of not having to retrieve dogs from forbidden territory or not having a bark fest, some are allowed in the back, some in the front and I alternate the rest of the gang. There’s also the issue of watching puppies and small dogs in case the resident red tail hawk, eagle or heron dive bombs the yard. We don’t need to feed the wildlife ;0)
The dog that can’t run with the group, well he can, but only if there are no blue dogs loose. His nickname-Death Wish, his mission-die. Really and truly, the 6lb griff wants to die at the paws of a blue dog-doesn’t matter which one either, preferably the blue smooth male collie, but hey, he’s not picky, anyone of them will do. Ah yes, the joys of a dog with baggage. He is also a climber. I was told once that they are either climbers or diggers, he’s a climber. Anything under 4 feet if fair game. Again, he’s banished to the back yard and 6’ fences.
We routinely take a handful of dogs to the creek for play time. No the pasture is not completely secure. It’s high tensile wire-I hate it, so the dogs can go under it and routinely do. But for the most part there are too many cool things in the pasture, wandering is rare. Everyone has a blast, they all hang close and are ready to head back after an hour or so. What I don’t do is walk my dogs on the road. Too often I have seen people walk with their dogs-leash or not and when the dog gets loose from their yard, they immediately head out to the road and off they go. More dogs get picked up, hit or lost for good that way. Makes it a boring walk when I go, but rather have safe dogs then dead dogs. Mine don’t even get to play much in the front hay field, or walk up the drive to get the mail. If they do, it’s because we are working-running tracks, obedience or what not. They know it’s serious business out there.
So there you have it. It’s not that hard. One person still doesn’t believe me that my boys do so well together-minus Death Wish. My question is why can’t they? 7 boys-all different ages, sizes and personalitites. Heck, I do ship off a boy or two when the girls are in season, not for fighting but I can only tolerate so much whining and pining at the door of the girl’s crate, but when they do go on vacation, they just melt right in. Pain really, no one wants to send them home.
Lator gators....
C
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Weigh in results
Last night it was the monthly weigh in for all the dogs. Time for HW meds, so I need to know what their current weight is plus it was a good chance for me to see if the new dog food was putting back the pounds they lost over the winter. Dog food-another paragraph.
So we pull out the scale and as usual, I refuse to weigh myself, it's too depressing, but make the skinny kid get on. He's 21 and soaking wet is now 165. Add in 6'4" and well, damn it, the kid's a metobolic nightmare for me!!! Anyway, he starts picking up dogs and we would guess their weight, then look at the scale. Honestly, we were within 1 lb each and every time. I think that means I have a really good grasp on managing my dogs-though a few need a diet.
Okay, so here's the food issues. As many of you know, Pro Plan changed their chicken and rice diet. What a nightmare. I had dogs get sick over it. So it was time to find something else. Fred has food allergies so I have to be careful, but luckily we found another Pro Plan product that works as well as going back to Diamond dog food. Problem is, both products have a lower kcal/cup. So everyone is looking great, doing great and loosing weight. With growing pups and very active dogs, that's not good. So about 3 weeks ago, I switched to another Diamond product that's used for performance dogs. Now the weight is coming back, a few are enjoying it way too much and the rest look awesome.
Back to last night's fun. As we were working with each dog, it was also time for yearly shots. Assembly line time. Some are easy, some have tough tough skin and a few give you a look of hate when done-that would be LS. Max grumped, we figured that Meredith gets to do him from now on. Then there's Hope, omg, the couch slug.
Hope is 14. Hope is a black lab. Hope is lazy and Hope is a couch slug. The joke, though I am very serious about this, is when and if she ever dies, she will be buried on the couch. So David is working on a very big hole ;0) She can't move very fast, Doc thinks she's got some sort of tumor starting in her damaged shoulder and well, she moves like a sloth. Last night, dear David had the pleasure of weighing her. The bathroom scale only goes up to 250, or so we thought. Alec got the scale, David got on and weighed himself. Then dragging Hope in the house, attempted to pick her up. He almost dropped her on the way to the scale and when Alec bent over to read the numbers, he asked "which 250 am I supposed to use-the first or the second one?" It started a giggle party, David almost dropped her, again. Never had the scale go to it's limit-never know you could choose a weight either. So Alec had to lift her since it seems her weight plus David were over the scale's limit. We final figured out that couch slug is a little over 70 lbs and it's diet time. But how to you put something on a diet that only eats 1 1/2 cups a day and gets no exercise? Little quandry that we will have to work on this week.
For the record, Frankie is a whopping 35# and actually could loose about a lb. Torch still needs a lb or two. Dove is 28-perfect for her and the LS--20lbs. Still nothing compares to Shaker the monster puppy, sorry Kim, still no idea where he got that gene from.
Weather is great, those that need to loose a little will get a few long walks to the pasture, other then Hope, still no idea how to get her slim and trim.
Later gators....
C
So we pull out the scale and as usual, I refuse to weigh myself, it's too depressing, but make the skinny kid get on. He's 21 and soaking wet is now 165. Add in 6'4" and well, damn it, the kid's a metobolic nightmare for me!!! Anyway, he starts picking up dogs and we would guess their weight, then look at the scale. Honestly, we were within 1 lb each and every time. I think that means I have a really good grasp on managing my dogs-though a few need a diet.
Okay, so here's the food issues. As many of you know, Pro Plan changed their chicken and rice diet. What a nightmare. I had dogs get sick over it. So it was time to find something else. Fred has food allergies so I have to be careful, but luckily we found another Pro Plan product that works as well as going back to Diamond dog food. Problem is, both products have a lower kcal/cup. So everyone is looking great, doing great and loosing weight. With growing pups and very active dogs, that's not good. So about 3 weeks ago, I switched to another Diamond product that's used for performance dogs. Now the weight is coming back, a few are enjoying it way too much and the rest look awesome.
Back to last night's fun. As we were working with each dog, it was also time for yearly shots. Assembly line time. Some are easy, some have tough tough skin and a few give you a look of hate when done-that would be LS. Max grumped, we figured that Meredith gets to do him from now on. Then there's Hope, omg, the couch slug.
Hope is 14. Hope is a black lab. Hope is lazy and Hope is a couch slug. The joke, though I am very serious about this, is when and if she ever dies, she will be buried on the couch. So David is working on a very big hole ;0) She can't move very fast, Doc thinks she's got some sort of tumor starting in her damaged shoulder and well, she moves like a sloth. Last night, dear David had the pleasure of weighing her. The bathroom scale only goes up to 250, or so we thought. Alec got the scale, David got on and weighed himself. Then dragging Hope in the house, attempted to pick her up. He almost dropped her on the way to the scale and when Alec bent over to read the numbers, he asked "which 250 am I supposed to use-the first or the second one?" It started a giggle party, David almost dropped her, again. Never had the scale go to it's limit-never know you could choose a weight either. So Alec had to lift her since it seems her weight plus David were over the scale's limit. We final figured out that couch slug is a little over 70 lbs and it's diet time. But how to you put something on a diet that only eats 1 1/2 cups a day and gets no exercise? Little quandry that we will have to work on this week.
For the record, Frankie is a whopping 35# and actually could loose about a lb. Torch still needs a lb or two. Dove is 28-perfect for her and the LS--20lbs. Still nothing compares to Shaker the monster puppy, sorry Kim, still no idea where he got that gene from.
Weather is great, those that need to loose a little will get a few long walks to the pasture, other then Hope, still no idea how to get her slim and trim.
Later gators....
C
Monday, March 16, 2009
Weekend Update
Now, considering the events of the weekend, this might be a Saturday Night Live skit. But in the end, it was, again, another great weekend spent with friends and dogs.
So it's the Dubuque show. I hate, repeat, hate the building it's held in, the floor, the echoing noise, most of the time the judges, etc. It's in the hockey arena building there. For years they had these crappy floor boards over the ice that would wobble and trip you. New thick plastic black ones but now you have this odd echoing like sound when you walk on it. It's even worse if the person behind you tends to stomp or shuffle their feet. I did my best light footed walk on my toes all weekend. The grooming is tight and over the past couple of years, they have started covering the carpet so that the dogs and vendors have more room. Opened up the upper concourse for grooming-that too is a pain in the rumpus-elevators and stairs. We were lucky that Alec went up early with Rus and Sherilyn and got prime grooming spots.
Overall not a bad weekend. Bear took WD/BOW on Saturday and needs just one major to finish-yippee!!! We got dumped in breed, but you know, it's a judge who I honestly have no idea what he looks for, so we rarely show to him. But Team Riverrun did good! The Chunky Monkey, still a class dog, took his first group placement with a group 2 under Katie Gammill. We do offer our ringside cheering services for hire-seems it works, Ransom Group 2, the lab took BIS and the husky was a group 3. Meredith and Eddie made it back in the juniors ring and won their class. It's been a long dry spell and those two worked like a well oiled machine. Afterwards it was a puppy fun match. Kim did well with our Ella-no crawling on her knees to get her to walk on lead, just walked backwards. Kristi told the other dogs what she thought of their barking, but Bekka held it together to present a very nice package. Merlot aka Little Shit, ended up with a group 4. She was asleep just before we went back in for group so I think it might have cost her some-heehee. Then off to the Shot Tower for great food and loads of conversation. The Ms and Nick had a sleep over at Kim and Kathy's which amazingly the entire house was in bed by 9:30, though up at 4!
Sunday was a ?huh? moment in some aspects but in most classes, the dogs that won were respectable representations of the breed. Nothing I would ever breed to but not on stilts, huge, tiny or ones that make you puke when looking at them. Just average dogs. I was soooo happy, when Cindy won with her Tanna. It's been a long hard road for those two ;0) She's a really great gal and will learn a lot with her first dog. Can't wait to see her in a couple weeks. In juniors, it was the ?huh? moment until we figured out that the judge has never put up a cardigan-she doesn't know what to do with their fronts. Shame as you are supposed to know the standards but judge the kid.
Frankie did well considering the environment. I knew he would be conserned about the echoing, but honestly, not something I worry about. That's not temperament, that's working ability-he has super sharp hearing that allows me to work with him from long distances with out shouting. Moose came to smooze and did a very good job of it. That's all he wants really, attention, the big lug.
The ride home was filled with plans for Nationals. Meredith is riding down a day early with the Gibson Clan, Bekka is coming with me on Saturday. Alec is going to come down late in the week now, which means we will be having a blast on Saturday. But first it's a road trip this week to meet up with Rus to exchange some dogs, a week filled with meetings, a weekend free, but I can't wait till the end of the month!! Dewitt here we come. Kim's now running a dog show bed and breakfast and looks to full at the inn!
Later gators and enjoy the weather!!!........
C
So it's the Dubuque show. I hate, repeat, hate the building it's held in, the floor, the echoing noise, most of the time the judges, etc. It's in the hockey arena building there. For years they had these crappy floor boards over the ice that would wobble and trip you. New thick plastic black ones but now you have this odd echoing like sound when you walk on it. It's even worse if the person behind you tends to stomp or shuffle their feet. I did my best light footed walk on my toes all weekend. The grooming is tight and over the past couple of years, they have started covering the carpet so that the dogs and vendors have more room. Opened up the upper concourse for grooming-that too is a pain in the rumpus-elevators and stairs. We were lucky that Alec went up early with Rus and Sherilyn and got prime grooming spots.
Overall not a bad weekend. Bear took WD/BOW on Saturday and needs just one major to finish-yippee!!! We got dumped in breed, but you know, it's a judge who I honestly have no idea what he looks for, so we rarely show to him. But Team Riverrun did good! The Chunky Monkey, still a class dog, took his first group placement with a group 2 under Katie Gammill. We do offer our ringside cheering services for hire-seems it works, Ransom Group 2, the lab took BIS and the husky was a group 3. Meredith and Eddie made it back in the juniors ring and won their class. It's been a long dry spell and those two worked like a well oiled machine. Afterwards it was a puppy fun match. Kim did well with our Ella-no crawling on her knees to get her to walk on lead, just walked backwards. Kristi told the other dogs what she thought of their barking, but Bekka held it together to present a very nice package. Merlot aka Little Shit, ended up with a group 4. She was asleep just before we went back in for group so I think it might have cost her some-heehee. Then off to the Shot Tower for great food and loads of conversation. The Ms and Nick had a sleep over at Kim and Kathy's which amazingly the entire house was in bed by 9:30, though up at 4!
Sunday was a ?huh? moment in some aspects but in most classes, the dogs that won were respectable representations of the breed. Nothing I would ever breed to but not on stilts, huge, tiny or ones that make you puke when looking at them. Just average dogs. I was soooo happy, when Cindy won with her Tanna. It's been a long hard road for those two ;0) She's a really great gal and will learn a lot with her first dog. Can't wait to see her in a couple weeks. In juniors, it was the ?huh? moment until we figured out that the judge has never put up a cardigan-she doesn't know what to do with their fronts. Shame as you are supposed to know the standards but judge the kid.
Frankie did well considering the environment. I knew he would be conserned about the echoing, but honestly, not something I worry about. That's not temperament, that's working ability-he has super sharp hearing that allows me to work with him from long distances with out shouting. Moose came to smooze and did a very good job of it. That's all he wants really, attention, the big lug.
The ride home was filled with plans for Nationals. Meredith is riding down a day early with the Gibson Clan, Bekka is coming with me on Saturday. Alec is going to come down late in the week now, which means we will be having a blast on Saturday. But first it's a road trip this week to meet up with Rus to exchange some dogs, a week filled with meetings, a weekend free, but I can't wait till the end of the month!! Dewitt here we come. Kim's now running a dog show bed and breakfast and looks to full at the inn!
Later gators and enjoy the weather!!!........
C
Friday, March 13, 2009
Finally, maybe
Okay, the move is sort of done. I'm excited to be downtown now, though the drive into work is about 5 mins longer. Still working on the fastest route, but at least I'm an early bird so that means less traffic in the am and not having to beat everyone out the door at 5.
Found all of my boxes. Let me tell you, the next time you move, take this advice. Label each room with a number and then put that number on your boxes. The movers just dropped each box in the correctly numbered room. Fresh paint, new carpet and our own spaces, not working right on top of each other anymore.
I'll try to post some photos of the office in the next few days. And I will make sure to get a photo of the entire gang during the SaPaDaPaSo events.
Otherwise, same old same old. Alec is heading up to the show today to get grooming. Dogs to wash tonight-I guess the brownish mud colored highlights aren't apealling to judges? So many things to do, so little time, but I do plan on getting to bed early-it's been a long week.
Forgot--the local news was showing pictures of the snow in Fargo, ND a couple of days ago and I thought of you Garrett. At least it's business? FYI-should be 40 here today and 50 tomorrow ;0) No snow on the ground anywhere either. heehee
Later gators....
C
Found all of my boxes. Let me tell you, the next time you move, take this advice. Label each room with a number and then put that number on your boxes. The movers just dropped each box in the correctly numbered room. Fresh paint, new carpet and our own spaces, not working right on top of each other anymore.
I'll try to post some photos of the office in the next few days. And I will make sure to get a photo of the entire gang during the SaPaDaPaSo events.
Otherwise, same old same old. Alec is heading up to the show today to get grooming. Dogs to wash tonight-I guess the brownish mud colored highlights aren't apealling to judges? So many things to do, so little time, but I do plan on getting to bed early-it's been a long week.
Forgot--the local news was showing pictures of the snow in Fargo, ND a couple of days ago and I thought of you Garrett. At least it's business? FYI-should be 40 here today and 50 tomorrow ;0) No snow on the ground anywhere either. heehee
Later gators....
C
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Okay, so maybe hate was a little severe
Where in the heck did spring go?? I was complaining about mud yesterday or the day before and well, I think hate is too strong of a word to use on it. Right now the forecast is for single digit temps as well as brrrrr windchills. Pam and Arlo had an ice storm this last weekend, loosing power. I will say that I didn't mind missing that part of the cold at all.
Hum, I think might prefer a little mud over the cold right now. Though frozen mud is good, the cold part isn't.
Moving is going well, only lost a few things and working on a card table with my computer in the old office today. Tomorrow it's unpacking in the new office and it's a jeans day! Which means I can wear warm clothes too ;0)
Later gators...
C
Hum, I think might prefer a little mud over the cold right now. Though frozen mud is good, the cold part isn't.
Moving is going well, only lost a few things and working on a card table with my computer in the old office today. Tomorrow it's unpacking in the new office and it's a jeans day! Which means I can wear warm clothes too ;0)
Later gators...
C
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
the count down begins
It's mass chaos here at work. Boxes everywhere, hoping you marked your stuff with the blue tape and have the right # on it. Otherwise you might be searching other offices for it. Add to it the weather is crappy, it's cold and well, too many other things we all would like to be doing. I'll try to post some photos of us all hauling our loot to the moving trucks tomorrow. Oh joy!
Good news is that once we are actually there on Friday, we have a weekend to look forward to. Plus....Tuesday's only a 1/2 day for our business as we all get a break to watch the SaPaDaPaSo Parade. (That would be the Saint Patrick's Day Parade Society) Lunch is catered and all I need to remember to do is bring along a comfy chair to put out front for the prime viewing spot.
Later gators.....
C
Good news is that once we are actually there on Friday, we have a weekend to look forward to. Plus....Tuesday's only a 1/2 day for our business as we all get a break to watch the SaPaDaPaSo Parade. (That would be the Saint Patrick's Day Parade Society) Lunch is catered and all I need to remember to do is bring along a comfy chair to put out front for the prime viewing spot.
Later gators.....
C
Monday, March 9, 2009
I hate mud
Two seasons in Iowa that I hate-the ice season and the mud season. I have a pile of towels at the front and back doors waiting to clean underbellies and feet. Don't think it would be as bad but I don't seem to own one prissy little dog that thinks it's below themselves to get wet or muddy. Even the damn pomeranian sloshes through the mud with the best of them. Unfortunately she's so full of coat right now that she's more like a sponge and you end up wringing her out each time she comes back in. Not fun.
So it's been raining for a few days now. The ducks are back outside and that means entertainment for the dogs. Which in turn makes the area next to the fence, well, a pig pen. Dove turned another shade of brown-facilitating a bath before she got to even think about putting her feet on the floor in the house. Amazingly LS was the cleanest, but that could be that she wasn't out with her best friend, who insists on smearing her in the mud. Overall, it's been a busy weekend and most of it spent doing laundry and cleaning up dogs.
Horses are miserable. So much rain-we had flash floods out, that the barn started to take in a little water. Not a good thing at all. Muddy clydesdale feet anyone? Insult to injury is that they all come in from the lower pasture and Forest is acting funny. Picture huge feet and blood. Lots of blood. Some how he managed to split open a quarter crack and was now spurting blood otu of his rear left hoof. Into the stall, which is a job for a 1/2 blind 1 ton horse plus the witchy little mare who thinks that the stall is just for her. I have a wonderful cut on my palm after that. Bleeding stopped, antibiotics on board, horse resting very comfortably and David is good too. Seems Forest didn't like his shot yesterday morning and David got a dose in his finger-heehee. At least it won't get infected ;0)
Moose and I then decided that just to add to the weekend of mud and go to a herding lesson, in the rain and sleet. Knowing he did his instinct test in a hail storm, I wasn't worried about him, just me. A quick thank you to Patty for hosting us and to Wendy for dealing with us. I walked in and told her straight up-you're not here for me to train the dog, but for you to train me. As in most dog events, we have to keep at the forefront that all errors are handler errors, for not giving our dog the correct signal-body, voice or what ever or that they fail because we haven't prepared them enough. In my case, I can't read stock well at all. That in turn makes it harder for me to give a clear directiont to the dog. All in all, I hurt today after a lot of time spent walking sheep, keeping up with sheep and trying to balance my dog off the sheep.
But it was a great lesson. I learned a lot, Moose worked awesome and with just a little more work with Wendy, we should be well on our way to our PT and beyond. She liked how he worked, how fast he learned what I wanted and well, I got a little better at reading the sheep. Oh and he did get a good roll in the sheep dung, so that was a wonderful smell in the truck on the way home. Upon arriving home, he immediately crawled up in the lazy boy and asleep in moments. I think I actually wore him out! Can't wait for next week and our next lesson.
Finally, I want to send a "Atta Boy" out to Bear and Team Sumjammin! Got daily updates on the Columbia MO show and seems Bear took at 5 pt major on Saturday!!!! Yippeee!!!!! Boo took BOB, with Bear as BOW. Isn't that great? Marg is close to having her second CH and her third and fourth aren't far behind.
Well it's packing and moving week here at work. The task is packing so that you can find it as soon as you get to your new office--rarely works that way but oh well, we can always hope!
Later gators....
C
So it's been raining for a few days now. The ducks are back outside and that means entertainment for the dogs. Which in turn makes the area next to the fence, well, a pig pen. Dove turned another shade of brown-facilitating a bath before she got to even think about putting her feet on the floor in the house. Amazingly LS was the cleanest, but that could be that she wasn't out with her best friend, who insists on smearing her in the mud. Overall, it's been a busy weekend and most of it spent doing laundry and cleaning up dogs.
Horses are miserable. So much rain-we had flash floods out, that the barn started to take in a little water. Not a good thing at all. Muddy clydesdale feet anyone? Insult to injury is that they all come in from the lower pasture and Forest is acting funny. Picture huge feet and blood. Lots of blood. Some how he managed to split open a quarter crack and was now spurting blood otu of his rear left hoof. Into the stall, which is a job for a 1/2 blind 1 ton horse plus the witchy little mare who thinks that the stall is just for her. I have a wonderful cut on my palm after that. Bleeding stopped, antibiotics on board, horse resting very comfortably and David is good too. Seems Forest didn't like his shot yesterday morning and David got a dose in his finger-heehee. At least it won't get infected ;0)
Moose and I then decided that just to add to the weekend of mud and go to a herding lesson, in the rain and sleet. Knowing he did his instinct test in a hail storm, I wasn't worried about him, just me. A quick thank you to Patty for hosting us and to Wendy for dealing with us. I walked in and told her straight up-you're not here for me to train the dog, but for you to train me. As in most dog events, we have to keep at the forefront that all errors are handler errors, for not giving our dog the correct signal-body, voice or what ever or that they fail because we haven't prepared them enough. In my case, I can't read stock well at all. That in turn makes it harder for me to give a clear directiont to the dog. All in all, I hurt today after a lot of time spent walking sheep, keeping up with sheep and trying to balance my dog off the sheep.
But it was a great lesson. I learned a lot, Moose worked awesome and with just a little more work with Wendy, we should be well on our way to our PT and beyond. She liked how he worked, how fast he learned what I wanted and well, I got a little better at reading the sheep. Oh and he did get a good roll in the sheep dung, so that was a wonderful smell in the truck on the way home. Upon arriving home, he immediately crawled up in the lazy boy and asleep in moments. I think I actually wore him out! Can't wait for next week and our next lesson.
Finally, I want to send a "Atta Boy" out to Bear and Team Sumjammin! Got daily updates on the Columbia MO show and seems Bear took at 5 pt major on Saturday!!!! Yippeee!!!!! Boo took BOB, with Bear as BOW. Isn't that great? Marg is close to having her second CH and her third and fourth aren't far behind.
Well it's packing and moving week here at work. The task is packing so that you can find it as soon as you get to your new office--rarely works that way but oh well, we can always hope!
Later gators....
C
Friday, March 6, 2009
It's official
Now we all think that robins are the harbenger of spring-WRONG! Robins can actually overwinter in many of the northern areas but the true beacons of spring are the red winged black birds. To my joy as I walked out the door this morning to work, I heard the characteristic o-ka-leeee", "konk-a-ree" call that they make and up on the telephone wires were several carring on a conversation. Meredith had been very proud to point out that she had already seen many this week, so I was a little behind the times.
So with the birds returning, the air is filled with wonderous sounds and I seriously did not want to go to work this morning.
Have a great day spring day!!
Later gators....
C
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Ugh
Well got the email-my entries arrived at Betty Jean's and well, we are on our way to the CWCCA National Specialty in April. The ugh is how much I spent on entries and what all my dogs are doing. I have one entry left to overnight for herding as I just made the arrangements for a few warm up lessons and now feel comfortable that Moose and I won't look like the laughing stock that I was a few years ago. Never again will I have someone convince me to do something that I know deep down, my dog is not ready for. Never!
Let's see-obedience and rally-one day only for Moose as I want to concentrate the next day on rally with Eddie. Only reason I am doing it is to prove to those that giggled at Sherilyn last year that he actually does have a few brain cells swimming in that big old blue lunk of a head. If I can get motivated enough to work some advanced stuff, I will but for now, I think onlead is his best bet. Kind of using a saying that a lot of agility people use, perfect the advanced level stuff before you even venture in to novice. He's not ready and I won't push it, it's not fair to the dog. The saying at home now is that he isn't dumb, he's just s l o w.... Which David translated to He's not bred for speed then , eh? Poor poor Eddie, always getting picked on.
Conformation-this year is going to be fun with some youngsters along. I've been going through the closet and found a couple nice outfits to wear in the Megan, but I need to do a dry run with "Rosario" first to see if I can wear the long one with the neat slit up the side or have to wear the shorter one. It has something to do with grabbing fringy skirts, jazz pants, etc. ;0) Sweeps entries, regular class entries, BOB, juniors, nonregular classes. Let's just say, Frankie Baby is going to be one tired little boy by the end of the week.
Add in the seminars, the get togethers, the food, drink and friends, I can't wait to go! Now the goal is to figure out how to get all the dogs, plus one, me, the Ms and all our crap for a week, in the Tahoe. I think I have it all figured out, I think.
Hey-one last thing----make sure to go out and enjoy the weather. It's gorgeous here in Iowa today. Weekend looks even better and I can't wait to get out and enjoy it all!
Later gators...........
C
Let's see-obedience and rally-one day only for Moose as I want to concentrate the next day on rally with Eddie. Only reason I am doing it is to prove to those that giggled at Sherilyn last year that he actually does have a few brain cells swimming in that big old blue lunk of a head. If I can get motivated enough to work some advanced stuff, I will but for now, I think onlead is his best bet. Kind of using a saying that a lot of agility people use, perfect the advanced level stuff before you even venture in to novice. He's not ready and I won't push it, it's not fair to the dog. The saying at home now is that he isn't dumb, he's just s l o w.... Which David translated to He's not bred for speed then , eh? Poor poor Eddie, always getting picked on.
Conformation-this year is going to be fun with some youngsters along. I've been going through the closet and found a couple nice outfits to wear in the Megan, but I need to do a dry run with "Rosario" first to see if I can wear the long one with the neat slit up the side or have to wear the shorter one. It has something to do with grabbing fringy skirts, jazz pants, etc. ;0) Sweeps entries, regular class entries, BOB, juniors, nonregular classes. Let's just say, Frankie Baby is going to be one tired little boy by the end of the week.
Add in the seminars, the get togethers, the food, drink and friends, I can't wait to go! Now the goal is to figure out how to get all the dogs, plus one, me, the Ms and all our crap for a week, in the Tahoe. I think I have it all figured out, I think.
Hey-one last thing----make sure to go out and enjoy the weather. It's gorgeous here in Iowa today. Weekend looks even better and I can't wait to get out and enjoy it all!
Later gators...........
C
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
WLC and getting ready to travel
I'm so happy to see that my fellow bloggers that are doing the Weight Loss Challenge aka WLC are doing great! Dang it Garrett, 28 lbs?? I can say I dropped about 5-8 lbs but having some issues with really getting the weight off. Let's be blunt, the weather, job and family stuff are not making it easy.
Weather-it's been down right COLD. I can't get up the gumption to go out before it gets light to walk. Heck Mrs Lillie isn't even walking right now and she walks all the time. I'm coming in early to the office so I'm not getting enough time to mall walk in the mornings either. Once I get home, it's getting dark and cold again, so I'm not in the mood to walk with my flashlight and parka on.
Job-so yes, coming in early and getting lots done, but leaving late too. Overtime is good but that leaves less time each night to do the family stuff.
Family stuff-next week there's a meeting or something each and every night including doubling up on one night. Yes, I can be in three places at one time-NOT! Davi'd's out doing chores, Alec and the Ms studying, which leaves me to do the housework, cook, and try to get my KC, 4-H and other outside activites done. Just doesn't leave much time for anything else, does it?
So how do I get that exercise in that I need in addition to watching what I eat? Start by walking the stairs up 4 floors instead of the elevator. That means I need to remember to bring my knee brace and tennis shoes ;0) I can also walk down instead of waiting for the elevator, which in most cases, it's faster to walk. When the office moves, we are right down town and next to a great area to walk. Heck I can even do the next door parkade in bad weather. I don't jog, DVD's are great, but it's a time issue. Going to the gym is out unless I want to get up at 4am or stay up till 11:30 each night. Weights-can't afford a home system yet but I am thinking about doing some more hand weights and pilates ball stuff. Yoga is good too, but again, there's the time factor.
Motivation is hard for me. I know part of my weight issue is meds and that's a discussion with the Doc to figure out what I can take that won't make me gain weight. That's a tricky one-do I want to breath or look svelt? Motivation-I tried on a bunch of dresses last night and well, I can say that I haven't really gained that much weight over the last year, it's just in the wrong places. So the goal in 5 weeks is to lose enough or better yet, tone up enough, that I look good in a formal and won't distract from the dog that I am showing in the Megan. Motivation-to be healthier and be able to keep up with the dogs, kids and not feel exhausted at the end of the day.
Yes I am comfortable in my "skin" but the healthier part is very important to me. Knowing that my family has health issues, not really attributed to weight, makes me want to be more in shape and overall healthier so that when those problems happen to me, I'm strong enough to battle them back.
So there you have it, out in the open and it feels better to see it and read it each day. To those that have really kicked butt--CONGRATULATIONS! For those of us struggling, we will win, we just need to keep up with it.
Later gators.... off to walk down the 4 flights of stairs.....
C
Weather-it's been down right COLD. I can't get up the gumption to go out before it gets light to walk. Heck Mrs Lillie isn't even walking right now and she walks all the time. I'm coming in early to the office so I'm not getting enough time to mall walk in the mornings either. Once I get home, it's getting dark and cold again, so I'm not in the mood to walk with my flashlight and parka on.
Job-so yes, coming in early and getting lots done, but leaving late too. Overtime is good but that leaves less time each night to do the family stuff.
Family stuff-next week there's a meeting or something each and every night including doubling up on one night. Yes, I can be in three places at one time-NOT! Davi'd's out doing chores, Alec and the Ms studying, which leaves me to do the housework, cook, and try to get my KC, 4-H and other outside activites done. Just doesn't leave much time for anything else, does it?
So how do I get that exercise in that I need in addition to watching what I eat? Start by walking the stairs up 4 floors instead of the elevator. That means I need to remember to bring my knee brace and tennis shoes ;0) I can also walk down instead of waiting for the elevator, which in most cases, it's faster to walk. When the office moves, we are right down town and next to a great area to walk. Heck I can even do the next door parkade in bad weather. I don't jog, DVD's are great, but it's a time issue. Going to the gym is out unless I want to get up at 4am or stay up till 11:30 each night. Weights-can't afford a home system yet but I am thinking about doing some more hand weights and pilates ball stuff. Yoga is good too, but again, there's the time factor.
Motivation is hard for me. I know part of my weight issue is meds and that's a discussion with the Doc to figure out what I can take that won't make me gain weight. That's a tricky one-do I want to breath or look svelt? Motivation-I tried on a bunch of dresses last night and well, I can say that I haven't really gained that much weight over the last year, it's just in the wrong places. So the goal in 5 weeks is to lose enough or better yet, tone up enough, that I look good in a formal and won't distract from the dog that I am showing in the Megan. Motivation-to be healthier and be able to keep up with the dogs, kids and not feel exhausted at the end of the day.
Yes I am comfortable in my "skin" but the healthier part is very important to me. Knowing that my family has health issues, not really attributed to weight, makes me want to be more in shape and overall healthier so that when those problems happen to me, I'm strong enough to battle them back.
So there you have it, out in the open and it feels better to see it and read it each day. To those that have really kicked butt--CONGRATULATIONS! For those of us struggling, we will win, we just need to keep up with it.
Later gators.... off to walk down the 4 flights of stairs.....
C
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