You can tell I am working hard to stay in position!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Look What I Got
Mom is going to be so surprised. She is always telling me that it is not fair that she has to drive and I get to sleep. She especially tells me this (over and over) on early morning trips and when we are driving home after a long day. Well, now I am official!! I can drive the van. So, do you think she will let me? or just continue complaining??
Fun Day
Mom and I had a great day today. We got up early, shared our Panera breakfast with Gary and then off to the school to run!! Unfortunately when we got there, there were other dogs so we went back home. The school is really close, so Mom said we could come back. We went home and ran in our backyard for awhile and then off to the school again. This time we had it all to ourselves.
I got to run and play and hunt and retrieve. We found a soccer cone that was left and we used it for retrieve games and it was a lot of fun. Mom even chased me. There were also birds and I would point them and Mom and I could practice our bird work.
When we got home, Mom had to run some errands so I stayed home on my comfy bed with a yogurt bone AND a marrow bone. I stayed really busy while Mom was gone.
We got to run again in the back yard when she got home. It was so nice outside, so we didn't want to be in the house. Later in the day we went out and practiced our obedience and I earned salmon cookies and my bunny stick. We had sooo much fun. We worked on recalls, drop on recalls, directive jumping and heeling. We finally had to go inside as Mom had to leave again.
Mom went to yoga class and Gary and I cooked dinner while she was gone. It was a big surprise and we had it all ready when she hot home.
Now for a relaxing evening with Mom and Gary before they go back to work. I have had a fun and busy weekend!!!
I got to run and play and hunt and retrieve. We found a soccer cone that was left and we used it for retrieve games and it was a lot of fun. Mom even chased me. There were also birds and I would point them and Mom and I could practice our bird work.
When we got home, Mom had to run some errands so I stayed home on my comfy bed with a yogurt bone AND a marrow bone. I stayed really busy while Mom was gone.
We got to run again in the back yard when she got home. It was so nice outside, so we didn't want to be in the house. Later in the day we went out and practiced our obedience and I earned salmon cookies and my bunny stick. We had sooo much fun. We worked on recalls, drop on recalls, directive jumping and heeling. We finally had to go inside as Mom had to leave again.
Mom went to yoga class and Gary and I cooked dinner while she was gone. It was a big surprise and we had it all ready when she hot home.
Now for a relaxing evening with Mom and Gary before they go back to work. I have had a fun and busy weekend!!!
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Big Smiles at our last sign
Mom and I share a smile after our last sign before crossing the finish line in our Rally Excellent class.
Weekend Results
We had a great weekend, learned to work through lots of challenges, and Mom has an idea of what we need to work on before we enter Novice.
I earned a first place in Rally Excellent and earned my RE title. I earned my second Beginner Novice leg and a third place and "qualified" in Novice Wild Card.
Not bad for my first competition in over 6 months! I think I am ready to do it again.
Friday, October 21, 2011
Fun and challenging (Pt 1)
Mom and I got up really early this morning to go PLAY! We have not been to a competition for a long time as I have not been feeling good. Mom worked really hard to help me get better and then try to keep me sound. I get hurt a lot too :(
We knew we would have some additional challenges since we have not competed in over 6 months. But we had no idea what would be thrown our way.
We got there early to get a good crating spot and give me time to settle in. Mom took me out about 8:30 to warm up and go potty, but knew I would not compete until after 10:00 so we were pretty relaxed. Around 10 she went to walk our course, just started her walk and the steward came up and said we had to honor the first dog as we were the last in the class. We had no idea we would have to do this as they started with B dogs and we were last in A. Well, Mom knew she had to walk her course, get me all the way outside (a pretty long walk through all the buildings and across the parking lot) and get me focused a little since I had been resting for almost 2 hours. She walked 3 times and then came to get me, grabbed a couple of cookies and out we went. Just as we walked inside they were calling us into the ring.
Once we get in the ring, the judge told Mom to set up on either side of the honor sign and Mom was to put her back to the course. We got in position and Mom started to do that and realized that would put her on the other side of a sign. So she had to break connection with me to talk to the judge as that would not work. The judge apologized and gave us a new spot to set up. I don't do well in the ring all frazzled and after Mom breaks connection. Plus our new spot is not much better as the dog is coming over the jump and right into my space. We were able to get set up in our new spot and the Judge started the other dog.
I watched Mom like I am supposed to until I saw the dog headed my way. Mom said that my eyes got really big as he was sailing over the jump and headed my way. She asked me to watch and told me what a great boy I was. Then we were good, and I passed my honor station. We were released and off to celebrate.
We knew we would have some additional challenges since we have not competed in over 6 months. But we had no idea what would be thrown our way.
We got there early to get a good crating spot and give me time to settle in. Mom took me out about 8:30 to warm up and go potty, but knew I would not compete until after 10:00 so we were pretty relaxed. Around 10 she went to walk our course, just started her walk and the steward came up and said we had to honor the first dog as we were the last in the class. We had no idea we would have to do this as they started with B dogs and we were last in A. Well, Mom knew she had to walk her course, get me all the way outside (a pretty long walk through all the buildings and across the parking lot) and get me focused a little since I had been resting for almost 2 hours. She walked 3 times and then came to get me, grabbed a couple of cookies and out we went. Just as we walked inside they were calling us into the ring.
Once we get in the ring, the judge told Mom to set up on either side of the honor sign and Mom was to put her back to the course. We got in position and Mom started to do that and realized that would put her on the other side of a sign. So she had to break connection with me to talk to the judge as that would not work. The judge apologized and gave us a new spot to set up. I don't do well in the ring all frazzled and after Mom breaks connection. Plus our new spot is not much better as the dog is coming over the jump and right into my space. We were able to get set up in our new spot and the Judge started the other dog.
I watched Mom like I am supposed to until I saw the dog headed my way. Mom said that my eyes got really big as he was sailing over the jump and headed my way. She asked me to watch and told me what a great boy I was. Then we were good, and I passed my honor station. We were released and off to celebrate.
Fun and challenging (Pt 2)
We were able to warm up, go out to potty and be ready for our rally course. There was a big Doberman ahead of us and we walked up to the ring while he was competing. We were outside the ring when he started running around and around and tried to run out of the ring. I got all excited watching him, I wanted to play too!! Mom had me move behind the gate post so I couldn't watch him. Now, I don't think that is fair! Luckily (at least what Mom says) the dog was excused, otherwise he would have been my honor dog and I would have to jump into his space. I think he would have got up to play if I had to do that.
Everything was back under control and I was called in the ring -finally, my turn to play. I did a pretty good job, get almost through the course and a dog right outside the ring got hurt and started screaming and screaming and screaming. I just couldn't work while this was happening right beside me. I had to stop and see what was happening. He finally stopped screaming and I went on to finish my course.
Well, we succeed challenge number 4 for the day and it is only 11:00 and two more classes to go!
Everything was back under control and I was called in the ring -finally, my turn to play. I did a pretty good job, get almost through the course and a dog right outside the ring got hurt and started screaming and screaming and screaming. I just couldn't work while this was happening right beside me. I had to stop and see what was happening. He finally stopped screaming and I went on to finish my course.
Well, we succeed challenge number 4 for the day and it is only 11:00 and two more classes to go!
Obedience Time
Our next class is Beginner Novice and it is right after our rally class. We had time to walk, exercise and warm up. Our judge was really nice and funny, but very strict on judging and increasing the difficulty of our exercises. Our heeling was okay (according to Mom) but she said that I can do better. Just like the figure 8, she said I have beautiful Figure 8 and I didn't show that. Hmm, guess she was not thrilled with those :( Next was the sit for exam, which is pretty easy. But then we had the sit stay. Our ring was very long and narrow so the furthest point Mom had to go was behind me. She left me and away she went. She does check in with me and smile as she walks around. I did great, didn't even move a foot.
On to challenge #5 for the day. Our judge had our off leash recall right at the ring gate where the dog in the next ring is doing the broad jump. We were like 6" away from the other dog. Well, I beat this challenge as I didn't even pay attention to the other ring and had a perfect, FAST recall. Overall, I did a great job. I earned my second beginner novice leg. One more for my title!!!
On to challenge #5 for the day. Our judge had our off leash recall right at the ring gate where the dog in the next ring is doing the broad jump. We were like 6" away from the other dog. Well, I beat this challenge as I didn't even pay attention to the other ring and had a perfect, FAST recall. Overall, I did a great job. I earned my second beginner novice leg. One more for my title!!!
Novice Wild Card
Mom entered us in Novice Wild Card to practice Novice in a competition. Wild Card class is not a titling class, Mom is allowed to talk to me and we can have one "free" class that we do not lose points. Mom just wanted to get an idea of where we are in Novice Competition. Well, probably not where she thought we would be. I just have a hard time doing my pretty heeling in the ring. She did learn that if she walks REALLY fast, almost running, that helps me. So I guess we will be speedX2 walking in the future. I was better in the ring than my Beginner Novice and I can do great on all the other exercises.
But then to Challenge #6. The judge told Mom to stand me and leave when ready for my stand for exam. Just as Mom was telling me to wait, the ring beside us burst out in cheers and people whistling and yelling and cheering. Mom was good to me and stopped and looked at the judge. She did not leave me with my back to all of that. The judge said we could take a minute while this was going on. A dog in the other ring earned a perfect score -wow - I would cheer too!! After they were finished, we set up and continued our class. I did great on all my other exercises and Mom lost us points (Big smile) I had another perfect, fast recall and a straight front. Then Mom gave a hand and verbal signal for my finish - uuummm, not allowed Mom. She realized it just as she did it, but too late. The judge came over and told her about it. :)
We went out and celebrated and I got cookies. There was one more dog then our sits and downs. Mom has been worried about them as we do not practice in a group setting very often. But I did them perfect!! I even fell asleep on my down stay I was so relaxed. When we were done, out of the ring (perfect heeling out of the ring BTW :) and more cookies to celebrate and we are done for the day.
But then to Challenge #6. The judge told Mom to stand me and leave when ready for my stand for exam. Just as Mom was telling me to wait, the ring beside us burst out in cheers and people whistling and yelling and cheering. Mom was good to me and stopped and looked at the judge. She did not leave me with my back to all of that. The judge said we could take a minute while this was going on. A dog in the other ring earned a perfect score -wow - I would cheer too!! After they were finished, we set up and continued our class. I did great on all my other exercises and Mom lost us points (Big smile) I had another perfect, fast recall and a straight front. Then Mom gave a hand and verbal signal for my finish - uuummm, not allowed Mom. She realized it just as she did it, but too late. The judge came over and told her about it. :)
We went out and celebrated and I got cookies. There was one more dog then our sits and downs. Mom has been worried about them as we do not practice in a group setting very often. But I did them perfect!! I even fell asleep on my down stay I was so relaxed. When we were done, out of the ring (perfect heeling out of the ring BTW :) and more cookies to celebrate and we are done for the day.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Fun outside
A great day outside today. Mom and I spent a lot of time in the yard playing chase and retrieve.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Fun run
Mom and I went to the school to run today, although it was hard to actually run with all the wind. Mom kept laughing at me as my ears were doing dances! We were the only ones at the school and Mom just let me go and do whatever I wanted. I thought she was being lazy though as I had to keep stopping and looking at her to give her a hint to "get moving!"
I really enjoyed standing in the middle of the field and taking in all the great smells.
We went back this little path where the two buildings come together and I know there was a critter back there. I was looking for him under the bushes and I heard him take off. I was trying to watch where he went and then Mom flashed the camera!
We had so much fun! I love to just fly across the field into the wind!
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
TIRED!!
Gary and I are exhausted. We have worked outside 4 straight days with NO naps. I finally crashed tonight at 7:00, even in my coat that Mom thought I needed. I was so tired I didn't even care. I am ready for bed.
Fun in the back yard
After we finished painting, Mom took me out back to run and play. I had a lot of fun hunting and chasing critters. Then I rolled in the grass and zoomed around the yard. Mom kept trying to take pictures of me and I kept running around to get away from her. It was sooo much fun!
She did a picture of my inside out ears :)
She did a picture of my inside out ears :)
Good helper!
I helped paint today. As soon as Mom got out the paint brush, I took it so that I could paint too. I am a good helper and can do anything once I watch.
I did get distracted as the garage windows were open and my bird wings were right inside the windows. I did not know that is where Mom kept them, but I could smell them!! I tried to balance on the ladder but I hit Gary instead. He was not very happy with me.
I then put my foot inside the window and oops!! Mom had already painted it. Mom thought it was funny though, so that was good. She just made me stop bouncing. The good thing is that she took a break and we played some games with the quail wing. I was really excited about that.
this is my burgundy paw :)
I did get distracted as the garage windows were open and my bird wings were right inside the windows. I did not know that is where Mom kept them, but I could smell them!! I tried to balance on the ladder but I hit Gary instead. He was not very happy with me.
I then put my foot inside the window and oops!! Mom had already painted it. Mom thought it was funny though, so that was good. She just made me stop bouncing. The good thing is that she took a break and we played some games with the quail wing. I was really excited about that.
this is my burgundy paw :)
Chipmunk Hunting
I saw him, I did, I did... and he went right under here. Too bad my head won't even fit under there. I can smell him, but can't see him. I will get him when he comes out!
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Fun Day!!
We had such a fun day today and now I am TIRED!! We were outside all day long, I helped Mom paint and chased bees (until I got in trouble, again....) I have to learn to be quiet when I find them. They do not listen, so I bark at them and then Mom knows I'm doing something I probably shouldn't be doing. She keeps telling me that they will bite back!
Mom had all the doors open and it was so nice to run through the house and watch out all the doors. We played in the yard too, Mom chased me and we played retrieve.
I had turkey and eggs for dinner - yum! And then we had a cookout, and I even shared the veggies too. After dinner we went in the back yard to play. I had wanted to go out there all day and was so happy. After running we came inside and crashed. I was so hot I crashed in front of the fan for awhile. Then I crawled up on the couch with Mom, stole her BOT blanket, and crashed for the night. I really do think she should get me one...
Mom had all the doors open and it was so nice to run through the house and watch out all the doors. We played in the yard too, Mom chased me and we played retrieve.
I had turkey and eggs for dinner - yum! And then we had a cookout, and I even shared the veggies too. After dinner we went in the back yard to play. I had wanted to go out there all day and was so happy. After running we came inside and crashed. I was so hot I crashed in front of the fan for awhile. Then I crawled up on the couch with Mom, stole her BOT blanket, and crashed for the night. I really do think she should get me one...
Mushroom patch
We seem to be the place to go for mushrooms. Mom picks so many mushrooms to keep them out of our yard. We go out this morning, and look at all the mushrooms!! And some are HUGE.
I do not know why she worries so much. I learned my lesson a LONG time ago, you don't eat pretty mushrooms!! I don't even look at them anymore.
Click HERE to see the story from last time I tried to eat a pretty mushroom
Friday, October 7, 2011
TIRED!!
Gary has been home working around the house for the past two days and I have been helping!! Today I have been running in and out and chasing bees (well, when Gary isn't watching.) I even caught some, but then when Gary found out what I was doing I got in trouble. Mom came home at lunch time and stayed home and helped too. We had a great afternoon. Gary was in the front of the house and Mom was in the back and I kept running back and forth through the house.
Then we had a run through tonight and Mom was concerned that I would be too tired. I am used to my daily naps when they are at work and I have had NO naps for two days! Mom thought we would give it a try and see what happened. Well, I showed her, I did GREAT!! :)
By the time I got home I was tired!! I saw her BOT blanket on the cedar chest so I took it upstairs, put it in the bed and laid on it. AHHHH.... now I know why Mom sleeps on it.
The best part was that Mom did not know I took it. She blamed Gary :) She kept asking him what he did with it. When she came upstairs she realized that Gary didn't have anything to do with it. I hope she gets the hint and gets me a blanket too!!
Then we had a run through tonight and Mom was concerned that I would be too tired. I am used to my daily naps when they are at work and I have had NO naps for two days! Mom thought we would give it a try and see what happened. Well, I showed her, I did GREAT!! :)
By the time I got home I was tired!! I saw her BOT blanket on the cedar chest so I took it upstairs, put it in the bed and laid on it. AHHHH.... now I know why Mom sleeps on it.
The best part was that Mom did not know I took it. She blamed Gary :) She kept asking him what he did with it. When she came upstairs she realized that Gary didn't have anything to do with it. I hope she gets the hint and gets me a blanket too!!
show and go fun
Mom and I have been really working on our heeling and going to some show and go's to, as mom says, "improve ring performance." Whatever she means by that?? Well, after some video reviewing, it seems that Mom needs to improve her ring performance. She has been bending over when we start which really confuses me as that is not how we heel. And then she turns her shoulder back toward me and that means for me to push away and then she wonders why I do? Well, she finally figured all this out and we went to a run through tonight and she did great :) So, that means that I did great too!
We did sits and downs first so the others could leave. There were 4 Goldens and me!! The one beside me smelled funny and I stretched my neck to smell him. Mom told me to "watch" so I did and then he stretched his neck to smell me. hey, I DON'T smell??!!! Other than that, my stays were great.
We took my new bunny stick and we played between exercises and that was a lot of fun. I leaped and bounced and celebrated. My first start on the figure 8 took me by surprise as I really wasn't paying attention. Mom started over and then it was perfect. Guess I better pay attention all the time in the ring. We did 2 stands, one facing each direction, and they were great. Then our off leash heeling. I think I did better than Mom. She slows down when we turn and I get confused. She needs to work on that. Then we did 2 recalls, again, one from each direction. Mom said my fronts were great and I am learning to judge the distance better so I don't run into her. When she calls me, I go so fast, it is hard for me to judge were she is. I got up on the second one as I was in a dark scary corner. Mom made me go back and wait anyways. My finishes were good, but Mom said I was not straight so she made me "get it in" before rewarding me.
We had soo much fun!! I want to go do it again.
We did sits and downs first so the others could leave. There were 4 Goldens and me!! The one beside me smelled funny and I stretched my neck to smell him. Mom told me to "watch" so I did and then he stretched his neck to smell me. hey, I DON'T smell??!!! Other than that, my stays were great.
We took my new bunny stick and we played between exercises and that was a lot of fun. I leaped and bounced and celebrated. My first start on the figure 8 took me by surprise as I really wasn't paying attention. Mom started over and then it was perfect. Guess I better pay attention all the time in the ring. We did 2 stands, one facing each direction, and they were great. Then our off leash heeling. I think I did better than Mom. She slows down when we turn and I get confused. She needs to work on that. Then we did 2 recalls, again, one from each direction. Mom said my fronts were great and I am learning to judge the distance better so I don't run into her. When she calls me, I go so fast, it is hard for me to judge were she is. I got up on the second one as I was in a dark scary corner. Mom made me go back and wait anyways. My finishes were good, but Mom said I was not straight so she made me "get it in" before rewarding me.
We had soo much fun!! I want to go do it again.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Gang up on Gary :)
Mom and I ganged up on Gary this morning. He had the day off work, so he was sitting at his desk. Usually when Mom gets her shower, Gary and I share cereal. Well, since he was home, Mom went to get her shower and Gary was still at his desk. Mom told me "woof" -so I went "woof" and she told me "woof" again, so I did it again and then we did it one more time. Then she said, "go tell Gary woof for cereal." Well I did it and it worked!!! I ran downstairs, stood behind him and said "WOOF." He got up and we shared cereal.
When we were done he went up and told Mom that she would not believe what I did. ummm, yes she would, but it is our little secret. I will remember that trick for next time.
When we were done he went up and told Mom that she would not believe what I did. ummm, yes she would, but it is our little secret. I will remember that trick for next time.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Remind me why I have to wear this??
Mom makes me wear my BOT coat sometimes when I really do not think she should. She put it on me this morning and I tried to rub it off.... on the cupboards, on Gary, on her, on the desk, on the bed... but it would not come off. I finally gave up and laid down and relaxed. Maybe she was right, I did have a nice rest while wearing it. But the piggie pillow helped!!
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