Edge ARCH and RL1X!!

We earned our Level One Championship
and our APDT Rally Championship this weekend!!!

Day Two

When we got up this morning, Mom had a really bad headache. We really wanted to go play today, so she kept pushing to get ready. She went back to bed twice!! But told me she would do her best to get me there. I am so glad that we made it, I really like going to rally! We had a great morning even though Mom did not feel well. And of course today's course had all the spirals and weaves, so Mom had to go round and round and round in circles. She warned the judge before the class :) There is also the "scary" corner that a lot of dogs do not like and I REALLY do not like it, it SMELLS bad in that corner. Today in Level two we had to do lots of things in the corner - off leash. Mom did not think I could do it! Ha, I fooled her. I did all of it and did it great :) And I even did the down from a distance bonus. I was such a good boy and we earned both of our titles in the morning!! It was fun to go up and get my BIG ribbons and everyone clapped for me!! I got a 206 and a 205!!

After our celebration, Mom decided to go out and take a nap. She thought she would have about an hour before our next class so she planned on coming back at 11:30. Well, 11:30 came and went and no Mom... I was watching and I saw them walking. Uh-oh, I think that is our class. Thank goodness for our friend Carla, she went out and woke Mom up. She had just enough time to walk the course and potty both of us and we were in. Well, needless to say, I had to be "team leader" as Mom was sleep walking!! She even has sleep lines on her face. Good thing I know what to do. The best part was at the end, on the bonus sign. We finished our bonus, but Mom kept standing there staring at the sign. I don't think she knew if she was done or not. So I let her know we were done. I launched in the air in celebration and then everyone applauded. Woohoo! how exciting, they were clapping for ME!! I did a good job leading our team as we earned a 200!

I met Amy, the Pet Nanny, as she was clapping for me too. I really liked her and she liked me too. She gave me lots of good rubs and I almost sat in her lap!

We have one more run to go and then Mom said we are going home. She still was not feeling well, but hanging in there so we could play. She tried to lay in my cage with me, but I didn't think that was a good idea. I was out of there!!

We had our second Level 2 run and there were food bowls!! Mom put a pile of roast beef in the middle of the floor and made me heel around it without touching. That was mean!! At least the food bowls have kibble in them. There are 4 of them and you have to do 2 figure 8s around them and *I* am not allowed to get out of position to smell them. How mean is that?? But the roast beef was a good warm up and I listened and never even looked at the food bowls. We had another super run with a 205.

Mom said that now we have our first DQ on our Championship Excellent. So we are already started on a new goal!! But that is good as I like to play rally.

Fun weekend

What a fun weekend I had with Mom at the APDT trial. We went into the weekend needing 3 Level One Qs for our Level One Championship and 3 double Qs in Levels 1 and 2 with a score of 190 or higher. I thought we could do it, but Mom didn't think we would be that consistent. We got our number and we were 103 so we knew we were early in the ring. Mom walked our course and we were ready to go! The first run was on leash, we both like it better "off" leash! I was a little distracted for our first run, but Mom thought I did better than at class on Friday night. I earned a 202! woohoo! starting off great. We then did our level 2 class and we did a great job. I didn't lay down on my bonus right away, I was worried about everyone around the ring. But we earned a 198 in the regular exercises, so another great run!!

We were crated by Kaos, the cute little Airedale girl. I got to play with her some between trials. Plus I got to play with Cory the Sheltie and we had FUN. He likes to box like I do. Mom was just worried I would hurt him as he is small!! It was a lot of fun in our downtime as well as we ate lunch!!

We had 2 more great runs in the afternoon and I did well on my bonus' too! I even earned a 209!! Mom thought I had a lot more confidence than last trial in May and more confidence in the afternoon than the morning trial.

We ended the day with 4 for 4 and all my runs counted toward my ARCH! So now just one more L1 Q and one more DQ!! It would be fun to get my big ribbons in front of all our friends.

We headed home to eat dinner and relax. Well, after we went out and ran in the backyard. I ran and ran and ran, it was fun to zoom around the yard. Mom and I had taken a lot of walks during the day, but just not the same as running around with NO LEASH!

Work from home day!

Mom worked from home today and it was so nice since Gary was home most of the day yesterday. I have had a 4 day weekend!! I played out in the yard in the morning but rested in the afternoon since it was storming. I couldn't find my pig pillow so I had to use my pizza toy for a pillow, it sure is not as comfortable!!

Fun at Alum Creek

Mom and I went to Alum Creek to run today. There were a lot of other dogs there too! It was windy and it was fun to have my ears flap in the wind!

I LOVE my pig pillow

I still use my pig pillow, especially when I am REALLY tired. It is such a great pillow and has grown up with me!

Helping Gary

Our yard is FULL of leaves!! I went out and helped Gary move all the leaves so that we can see our yard again. I really am a good helper to Mom and Gary. I like to get involved in everything they do. Plus they usually need a supervisor to make sure they are doing things the right way.


I did get to play in them some too :)

Rally Class

Mom was able to leave work on time to take me to rally class tonight. I was so happy to be able to go and see all my friends. Plus Mom needs the practice as we have a trial next weekend :) You know I help her read signs sometimes!

We took my mat and I was a very good boy and stayed on my mat while Mom walked our course. She was so proud of me and kept running over and giving me cookies for being such a good boy.

We worked on our retrieves as we may have to do that at the trial. The course we did was really hard and I did a great job. I was so happy we were able to go and play!!

Master Begger

I have really mastered begging. You lay your head on Mom's leg and look really sad. It works every time!!

COW TONGUE!!

WOW!!! What a lunch. Gary came home for lunch today and when he let me out of my kennel I saw a bag on the counter. It smelled wonderful. I sure hope he plans on sharing.

Gary's coworker made cow tongue and sent some home with Gary. I have never had cow tongue before and it was REALLY good. I sure hope Mom gets some for me soon!

Home Depot to practice

We went to Home Depot to practice tonight. But first we stopped at Pet People and got some really good cookies. They were soft and peanut butter flavor. I have never had those before.

Mom decided that we would work outside tonight since it was nice outside. Plus there were a lot more distractions with everyone going in and out and all the cars going by. Home Depot is such a great place to work, inside and out. Outside the sidewalk is really wide and there is an overhang and good lighting. We were able to practice everything including our stays.

That was a lot of fun!! I hope we can do that again soon!

For my Mom!

Mom has wanted a picture of me in the purple flowers since the first time we went to work birds. I have been so hot every time, we have not been able to do it. Today she took a few while we were working, but they were not very good. So after we were finished and I cooled off a little, she took me out to take some pictures. I tried really hard to sit in the middle of the bird field and "pose." I guess it is the least I could do for her today after we played in the field all morning.

My Silly Mom

We were out working in the field in the area that was not very tall. As we were getting closer to the taller grass, another hunter with gun in hand and a dog was approaching us. Mom was a little concerned since he had a gun and was not sure about his dog. About this time, I go into the tall grass (way over my head!) When Mom comes in, she stops and listens and does not hear me moving. Then she was worried since the man with the gun was pretty close to us. She starts yelling for me, blows her whistle and I could tell she was a little panicked. But I was doing my job!! Guess where I was?? This is what I was doing:

I just held my point and waited on her... she finally saw me and told me what a GREAT boy I was. Wow, I could have grabbed that bird and been gone while she was yelling. She is lucky that I am such a good boy!

Working hard!

I was working and running hard this morning, and it wasn't even hot outside!

Alum Creek here we come..

Mom, Gary and I went to Alum Creek this afternoon. It was so much fun and was really nice outside. We took a long walk (well, they walked, I RAN!) and then we were making our last loop and got to back track our walk. Gary lost my special water bowl that fits in the backpack. So we had to backtrack to find it.

Gary enjoyed watching me range out really far. He has not been to Alum Creek with us in a long time. I was also being very good about my whistle commands.

More intensity...

INTENSE!

Another fun day in the field

We went to work birds again today and it was a lot of fun. I didn't get to work as much though as it was HOT and Mom and Gary were worried about me. I had to keep resting after each bird. We went to a different place but it was all corn stalks and thorn bushes, we lost two birds there and then went to the same place we worked last weekend.

Gary took a lot of action shots of me today.





Mom was not happy as I caught my first bird. I don't know why she was upset as I took it right to her, but she doesn't think I should catch them. She thought I did much better on my field control and whistle work, but still not happy about me catching that bird!

Working hard in the field!

Beautiful Day!

It is a good thing that I like to pose since Mom loves to take pictures! But I always look so good in those pictures :(

Clean up!

Mom let me help with clean up today, that was sooo much fun!!!


I had to make sure to get EVERY bite!!

Food Making Day!

Today is our food making day, I am really excited as I always get to help and do all the taste testing. We have about 100# of food to grind up and freeze. I am ready and waiting for it to all start...

Look at all these chicken necks!!! Wow, Mom kept teasing how big my eyes were! Well, yes, look at all those chicken necks.... and I get to eat some!

Mom would give me a chicken neck while they were grinding and I would crunch them all up, yummy stuff!!!

Edge RA!!

We packed the van this morning and headed to Hamilton for a rally trial. We went to Mom's chiro on our way as she still was not feeling well and thought this may help. She did feel much better after her adjustment. Then we stopped at Panera for our bagel. I really like their bagels and Mom always shares with me on our way.

We got there in plenty of time to get a good crating spot. We got all settled in and Mom went and checked out our course. We were a little concerned as the judge was a Lt. Colonel and there was not a big entry so we were not sure what to expect. Luckily after arriving and meeting him, he was a very nice man. Well, I was not worried, but Mom was.

We had to wait awhile for our turn since we got there so early. Mom thought it was funny that I was sitting and watching and waiting for my turn.


We were the first dog in Advanced A and I could tell when it was almost our turn as Mom would pace back and forth from the check in sheet to the cage. When we entered the ring, the judge was joking with Mom about wearing a short sleeve short when he had to wear a suit coat. Then we were off... I did a really good job of staying under control. I wanted to explode, but knew I had to listen to Mom. Then I got to do my left finish and I LEAPED in the air and flipped around and sat down. I heard the crowed "OOOHH" at me. When we were done the judge told Mom that his dog did the same thing!

We ended up with a 95 and a 4th place. Mom thought we could have done better, but it was a long week and I didn't get much practice or exercise. That was my title!!!

Oh, and Gary was right. I think the judge liked me :)

Our judge tomorrow

Mom told Gary that the judge for our rally trial tomorrow is a Lt. Colonel. She said she was a little concerned about him as she wasn't quite sure what to expect. Gary told her that she should not be concerned as I was a "man's dog" and men should really like me :) I guess we will find out tomorrow!

Fun night

We had a fun time tonight. We haven't done much as Mom has not felt well. But tonight we went to Home Depot to practice our rally. It has been a long time since we have been there to play. Mom was very proud of me and told me that I was a BIG boy now as I started heads up heeling as soon as we got there. We practiced all our rally signs and even some signal exercises. Some lady came up to see me and Mom had just given me a cookie and you should have seen her jump! I guess she thought I was going to bite her since I was chewing my cookie.

Then we went to Pet Supplies Plus and I got lots of cookies and raw bones. There were so many new things to choose from.

It was almost dark when we got home so we went out to run right away. I almost had a night time bunny snack. He was under our deck and took off just as I walked out the door - I almost had him. You better watch out Mr. Bunny, I will be waiting...

I am off to enjoy one of my new raw bones!

Wow - what a great birthday week!

I have enjoyed my birthday week so much.. I am sorry to see it end. Hmm, what Holiday could we start celebrating now?? Thanks to everyone that participated in my wonderful week.

Planning our day

Mom was telling Gary what we needed to work on today. I was listening very close so that I would know what to do. In fact, I was paying more attention than Gary was, so Mom had the discussion with me instead. And then she said "go get the bird" so I ran to the garage door where all the birds are living right now!

Tired!

Mom thought it was funny that I was so tired from my big day. I didn't even object to her picture taking...

Video of ME!

here is a short video of me hunting...

Pictures from our great day in the field

Showing off my style..






Taking a break (Mom MADE me take a break)
She said when I put my tongue back in my mouth we could play some more. I put my tongue in my mouth immediately when she told me, but she still made me rest. No FAIR!!


Gary took this picture of us before loading up to go home.

Our day in the field

When we arrived I was so excited!! I just could not wait to get out there and run and find birds. It seemed like Mom took forever to get things started. She had to change her shoes, put on her gear, figure out where to start and what to do. Come'on Mom just let me go.... Then Gary asked if we should eat lunch first.. what... no way, please do not eat lunch first. Luckily they agreed that I needed to work at least one bird before eating lunch.

We have not worked birds in a long time, so Mom played it safe to see where I was in my training. She set up the launcher and put me on a check cord. Gary tried to video but we were going fast - Mom was running to keep up with me. I was on the bird in no time... I pointed and held my point like a pro. She steadied me and then went in for the flush, I never moved until she set off the launcher and then I was running. She was happy with me that I locked on point and held and didn't go in for the grab. But now she said we need to work on staying there until the bird is shot. wow, she sure expects a lot out of me...

We worked a little more and then took a break and Mom and Gary ate lunch. I was so hot and my tongue was hanging out the side of my mouth. Mom turned the fan on me to help me cool down.

I was able to work planted quail with no check cord as mom trusted that I would not grab them and I was listening to her like I should. I was holding for her to go in and flush. We were able to work one bird 3 or 4 times as it kept relocating and Mom would send me to find it. That was a lot of fun as no one knew where it was. I was leaping over brush and pushing through to find those birds. I was working the wind and changing as it did.

I even found a wild pheasant while I was out there. It was a BIG bird and it was so exciting to see it take off.

We had soo much fun and got to work a lot of birds. I wanted to stay and work more, but Mom said that was enough for one day. I sure hope we can come back tomorrow as that was sooo much fun. I love hunting birds and I am really good at finding them!

The last day of my birthday week

Well, Mom promised that the last day would be well worth the wait and she was right. I was right too, when I was peaking at her through the door I saw her get out the quail cages. We all got up really early, ate breakfast and loaded up the van.

OMG, OMG, I was soooo excited. Mom and Gary were loading all our "bird gear!" We drove to Wagner's to get birds. He loaded them in the van and I was ready!!! Then Gary and John started talking, and talking and talking. HEY guys... we are wasting valuable time - let's hit the road!!! I had to "remind" him several times that we were supposed to be hunting, not chatting. Finally a few big WOOFS!! and Mom reminded Gary that rain was supposed to be coming.

Finally, we are on the way to hunt birds!!

A new kind of surprise

Mom came home late for lunch today... and STAYED home! Wow, that was another great surprise for my birthday week. She said that she has something really special planned for tomorrow so she took part of the day off to get ready. Tomorrow is the last day of my birthday week, but Mom said it will be one of the best days. I can't wait!

First we went out back and she finished cleaning up the apples and I got to run and hunt and play. It was so much fun to just run back and forth in the yard and take in all the new fall smells and chase bugs and track critters. I LOVE the fall weather. I was so happy just running around in our yard.

When we came in Mom was working out in the garage and cleaning out the van. I think I might know what it is... I was peaking through the door and saw what she packed in the van. I sure hope I am right as it will be the bestest day ever!!!