Another year

Happy 7th Birthday DJ!

 

<3

Happy Birthday Scampers!

Happy 3rd birthday to my bestest boy!

Jenny let me blog-lift some puppy photos, so glad to have these:).

Who knew three years ago this little pin-head would one day complete my little family. 

*thinking*

I just want to run home and squish him:).

A vigorous shake

This weekend Scamp, Neena and I attended our first Kathy Keats seminar, I had no expectations really…but Saturday noon I ended up with 3 full pages of notes for Scamp aloneJ, I know I’ll need the reminder in the future so here goes.

Disclaimer:  I know that I’ve heard a lot of what Kathy said before (RIGHT SARAH & AMANDA?).  But it was a fresh perspective, so don’t hold it against me ok? Lol 

Scamp’s Training Book:

Goals & training: 

1.       Where do I want to see Scamp in 2 years?  She said to reassess this goal frequently to make sure I am taking them to that next level.
2.       How did my training today improve our skills (to meet that goal)?

Scamp wasn’t targeting jump - We started fixing this by preventing mistakes and rewarding correct choices/jumps.  She used the idea of pressure a lot; this resonated with me since I’ve been learning about in herding.  The idea is to use pressure (e.g. my presence/body) to get the dog to stop or prevent a negative behavior/choice (e.g. not taking jump), and then release the pressure when they make the right choice (e.g. takes the jump).

Here’s an example of how training should look:

First run: run the sequence/course with the expectation they will get it right
Second run:  anticipate problem areas from the first run, don’t let them make a mistake (e.g. catch the intent to do wrong, instead of fix the mistake), use pressure to make them take the jump. 

BUT…remember, Scamp likes flow, and I break the trust when I break the flow.  If I’m not there in time to fix it, keep the flow.  Another good reminder is to watch if he hesitates on an obstacle, and be prepared on the next run since there is a good chance he might make a mistake in that spot.

Blind obstacles - Neena knows her obstacles and how to find lines, I keep forgetting Scamp is still learning.  I need to be aware of the course, to look at it and prevent mistakes by seeing what he might see.  In a nutshell, don’t walk a sequence/course in autopilot.

General Good Dog Behavior – Don’t be a pez dispenser, it’s a crutch.  We did an exercise where we walked around with loose leashes/no cookies and Scamp did GREAT.  THEN we put the dogs in down-stays while we walked a course, Scamp was a little uncomfortable, but he only broke his stay once.  WOWSERJ!!!  Adding stress/pressure in this kind of setting helps the dog cope with other situations, e.g. agility trials.

Scamp’s Immediate Plan:

1.       speed circles/grids/figure 8’s to build confidence/speed/trust

2.       line of 3 jumps > start skewing jumps, need to be able to send/recall over/and run with him through

3.       find/train small pieces in larger sequences to keep the flow (e.g. pin wheels)

4.       keep working on driving to a goodie container/toy

5.       Drop jump heights to 16”, depending on what I’m training.  Right now it is sometimes more important that he is happy/gaining confidence & trust than that he is jumping 22”.

Neena’s Training Book:

Goals & training: 

1.       Where one thing would up Neena’s game?

2.       What drill do I need to do tomorrow that will get us there? 

Course awareness – increase it by looking for what the dog sees, not what we see.  

Position, Orientation & Motion – all good handling systems are a combination of these three things.  The best way to handle a dog like Neena (with lower motivation) is to use motion & orientation to cue them before obstacles.   

New Moves:

·         the “throw and pull” move

·         the “pull and wrap” move

·         blind crosses, and when they’d be useful

 Neena’s Immediate Plan:

1.       Ready 1-2-3 game (driving ahead)

2.       Driving to/out of obstacles, and without my motion

3.       Jump commitement

4.       Drop the 1^st 2-3 jumps to 16” when we are working a sequence with an ‘icky’ start 

General Notes from the Weekend:

·         Don’t anticipate, watch and prevent from being wrong

·         Increase obstacle commitment

·         Pay attention to the dog in front of you

·         Know your strengths/weaknesses

·         Do not default into handling with my hands…handle with my FEET!

·         Run every sequence like it’s a trial, add that same amount of pressure/stress

·         RUN!!!  Push myself, I’m capable of more.

·         OWN patterns (e.g. 180°’s), be able to do them a bunch of different ways 

Throughout the weekend, but especially in Neena’s sessions, Kathy talked to us quite a bit about our “Mental Game”.  In one exercise we partnered up and took turns leading the other person around the arena eyes closed.  When we were done Kathy asked what we felt when we were leading...and immediately I thought resistance.  She said that’s exactly what our dog’s feel when we don’t trust them, and even more so as they are more sensitive to our emotion than we are...it was such a physical, tangible idea.  I’d never thought of it like that...I want to trust my dogs, and I want them to feel that.

She also challenged us to think about why we feel insecure, and how to get past it.  Things like focus on the positive, and take action...it is always better than inaction.  Maybe the best line of the whole weekend was...professional athletes have the same insecurities we do; they are just quicker at giving themselves a vigorous shake and getting past them. 

And I’ve decided...every now and then, I need a good vigorous shake;).

ADC! and other news

We have news...Neena got her Agility Dog of Canada title!

 

Been a super long road for my bestest girlie...3 years since our very first agility trial (September 2009).  Three years to get 3 starter standard qualifying scores...with a dog who frequently runs clean master level courses at fun matches.  At times that's bothered me...I mean, the dogs we started with are masters dogs.  Heck, there's been like 2-3 baby dog classes since us and many of those dogs are masters level dogs.  It's really easy to get in my head, caught up in the competition, beating the clock, having a clean run. Even though it's drilled into my head over and over that the most important thing is to have fun:).

 

Anyways...the super cool thing for me, was that we got that final standard at the Training Troop trial.  The same arena where Neena had her last super duper meltdown.  We haven't been back, in fact I wasn't sure I would EVER take her back there.  I never want to see her like that at an agility trial again.  I mean...it's supposed to be fun, and that wasn't fun for either of us.

 

In the end I decided to enter Neena for one day only and see what we ended up with.  I tried to keep an open mind, no expectations...but I also went with hope.  And it was so cool, I mean...I had walked the full course, but I was completely prepared to pull out Plan B if necessary.  I almost lost her at the startline but we powered through it and away we went...about 2/3 of the way through I thought...holy crap, we might just Q this.  And then we did...and it was like PARTY!!!  After our party/play time I put her away and went back to the arena, I started remembering the last time we'd been there, and all the work along the way...and then how much fun we'd just had.  And I cried.  I'm like that lol.  It was a big moment.

 

I'm so proud of her.  All the focus work we've done has paid off enormously.  I know she still gets worried, but instead of losing it completely she is better at focusing on me and it helps block out the scary stuff.  I've taught her that.  Ain't that cool!?

 

I really give Sarah & Amanda a lot of credit...they've supported, encouraged, listened, lectured, ass kicked, and motivated.  I often look around at agility trials, and think how lucky we are to have such great trainers.  That is truly not the norm, the success of our agility group is a testament to them.  And more than 'clients'...they treat us like family, because no one in their right mind would dedicate so much time and heart to other people's dogs for such measly pay:).  You guys rock!  Thank-you!

 

In other news...a couple weeks after the Training Troop trial we went to a CAA trial and had another fantastic time.  In fact, I am willing to call that her best ever weekend of agility trialing.  She was so happy, and silly and fun.  A couple courses she RAN...like full out Crazy Face running...I couldn't stop smiling lol.  And she even bopped the judge on the nose on the way out of the ring once lol...it's terrible manners, but I'm just so happy to see her happy I'm gonna let it slide:).

 

As for Scampers...he came along to both trials.  He's learning how to be quiet in his crate, that I'm more exciting than little dogs, and to tug in new locations:).  We've also done a little bit of rally work, mostly for the focus.  It's actually quite ridiculous, but something about my littlest penguin seems to really click with people...he already has his own fan club lol.

 

Final piece of news...Scamp got to play with sheep again!

 

We had an impromptu lesson with Louanne last Monday, oh my gosh was it fun.  I've only ever dabbled in herding with Neena, it was pretty cool to have a different experience with Scamp...

 

Things I noticed with my VERY limited herding knowledge...was his balance, and his ability to pace himself...Crazy Pants doesn't know how to walk up behind sheep lol.

 

However, he does share this habit with Miss Neena...

 

 

Makes me laugh...he seems too sweet and awkward to me to be able to pull off those moves lol.  Or to flip me the imaginary bird about lying down.  I won, but it was a bit of a fight.  And it earned me a lecture about being too soft lol...fair enough!   

 Was a super fun day, think its safe to say we will be back:).

Smiles

His smile makes me smile...

 

 His ears make me smile...

Her smile makes me smile...

Her crazy eyes make me smile...

Stalker Brit make me smile...

 

It was a fun walk, thanks for the smiles and the photo's Amanda!

!!!!!!!!!

This past weekend was the much anticipated two-day Go! See Spot! Fly! Agility Camp…I was so excited to have working spot for Neena.  Each day consisted of 3 sessions with one of 4 instructors.  Here are the highlights from each session: 

Friday:

Session 1 – Terry challenged me to do more front crosses.  They are motivating for Neena because I am more in her face, and I usually can get where I need to be.  I also need to re-build value for them by rewarding at my hip every time until she starts to expects it, then I can wean it away (this reminded me of the toy/tug training I’m doing with her). 

Session 2 – Sarah always challenges me to play more with my dog…I love that.  I also need to think of Snooker as a regular course (e.g. standard/jumpers), instead of a game.  It’s all in my head! 

Session 3 – We practiced distance with Annelli…this was the afternoon session and it was HOT, I expected Neena to shut down on me…but she was still happy, and even tugged with me.  I was thrilled.  Anyways, Anneli pointed out how in training we often practise something until its ‘right’, and move on.  Repeating a sequence can signal our dog they have done something wrong, and they will offer something different.  So, if you are going to try a mini-gamble twice, try to put at least one other obstacle in between.   I thought that was really interesting.  I also really need to work ‘Go On’ and ‘Get Out’ with her.   

Evening Lecture – Dr. Devall talked to us about conditioning our dogs, we should all be doing the following training with our dogs:

1.       Strength  - waves/sit pretty/walk backwards/tugging/etc

2.       Endurance - 20 minutes trotting or 10 minutes swimming 3x/week

3.       Proprioception - body awareness (e.g. walk through ladder)…Scamp especially needs this lol

4.       Warm-Up - 5-10 minutes walking, smaller amounts of running/jumping, and active stretching

5.       Cool-down – decrease intensity of exercise over 10-15 minute (trot, fast walk, slow walk) and passive stretching

She also stressed the importance of appropriately trimming our dog’s nails.

Saturday:

Session 1 - Neena keeps surprising me with her distance work and I LOVE IT!  It is so cool to see how much she really knows…and that it’s not all a fluke lol.  Anyways, Anneli really pointed out how shoulders support distance and discrimination.  She/Jan also pointed out what a good girl Neena is; she checks in with me and then goes where I’m looking.   Finally…I need to be happier on the outsideJ.   

This morning I felt Neena was sniffy/distracted and was avoiding the frame.  I walked her and noticed she was off on her left rear; Sarah agreed and massaged her finding some additional tightness around her left shoulder.  We decided to jump her at 16” and do only every other activity. 

Session 2 – Amanda was at her finest playing mind games with usJ, I ran one of the sequences so Neena came out of a tunnel and had to run to me…depends on her mood I can use that to get some extra speed out of her. 

Session 3 – I ran one sequence with Neena for Terry and he looked at me and said…Jen…she’s tired.  And he was right.  I found it hard to find balance this weekend.  I know I didn’t reward Neena as often as I normally do, and I wouldn’t typically ask her to work that hard/long, especially if I thought she was sore.  That being said…she tried, I really believe that…and she worked longer for me than I should have asked her too.  She’s my bestest gal, and I feel like I let her down on that oneL.  We decided she deserved the afternoon off, and she literally passed out in her kennel.  Instead, Terry had me work Scamp for the rest of the session…which was pretty unexpected but fun!  In addition to reinforcing the foundation skills Sarah & Amanda have already been teaching, Scamp did his first pinwheels and tunnels…it’s some of his first agility baby steps…awww! 

Evening Lecture – Kyle talked to us about his Olympics luge experience, goal setting and visualization.  Funny…some of this I’ve always done.  And some of this was exactly what I needed to hear about my own personal goals.   

We finished off the weekend with a one-day Go! Dog! Go! Trial…I was extremely happy with Neena yesterday, given the heat and how hard she’d worked the two-previous days…she was happy and focused, with only some minor nerves & ring-crew visitingJ. 

I think I had heat stroke for our gamble, I should have planned our course MUCH better...I thought we got the closing gamble, but didn’t get enough points in the opening.  Umm…why wouldn’t you take the 4 point jump twice?  Silly girl!

 
After our first run, I had Dr. Devall give Neena a chiropractic treatment.  She adjusted her neck, shoulder and pelvis…but she didn’t find any soreness, or anything else especially alarming.  I’m not good at picking it out, but Sarah mentioned she’s seen a hitch in Neena’s left rear on and off, so it was peace of mind to have Dr. Devall check her over.   

Maybe it was the treatment…more than likely Neena and I finally got our sh*t together at the same time lol…and we Q’d our Snooker run.  That is the final run we needed to get our Starters Games Dog of Canada title.  Yee haw!!! 

In March 2011, I made a goal to get Neena's ADC title.  I had hoped to get it that year, but today we are still one starters standard away.  To be fair, we don't trial all that often, maybe every other month.  But its hard not to feel like this title is baby dog stuff, and maybe I shouldn't be quite so happy about it lol.  However, we've worked so hard!  And while I don't do this for the Q's, or the titles...they are benchmarks for me.  That I'm doing the right things for Neena, that we are improving and becoming a better team.  That we are having fun doing it.  That's what matters to me.  So again...Yay Team JNP!!! 

Our final run yesterday was an advanced jumpers course…I forgot a front cross which set us up badly for the next jump…but I still think it was Neena’s funnest run of the day.  She was the most focused and revved…I love runs like that.  Unfortunately we were 0.49seconds too slow…my fault lol!  We've spent a lot of time building fun & confidence with Neena, and learning to calm my emotions.  It’s hard to find balance, but it might be time to start thinking about shaving time off our runs too.

Finished up the weekend by meeting a friend in Calgary for a walk along the Bow River...the paths are so nice, and it's so pretty with the mountains in the background.  We were pretty tired, but it gave both Neena and me a much needed cool down lap...and Scamp was happy to blow off some steam too:).

Tracks

There are all kinds of loves in this world but never the same love twice.

~F. Scott Fitzgerald~

Been thinking about these photographs for a long time...today everything just clicked.

My penguins.