Friday, drove the long distance to Lincoln W/T a trial that I have never been to before as last time I entered (must be 9/10 years ago) it was cancelled due to the foot and mouth outbreak.
Puds was entered in WD and Sketch in UD. First out of the van was Puds to do her track which I thought was going to be difficult, if not impossible as the winter wheat was frozen solid. She picked up some scent along the walk in so I became a little optimistic. After a fairly unsteady first leg she worked well with me finding the first article and her finding the second, she rounded this of with a full mark square.
Rushed of to do the control with Sketch which was held on the showground. It was suituated near a really busy road and the 'Red Arrow' display team gave us a really good display whether we wanted it not! Anyway Sketch didn't seem all that focused, it could have been because of all the other distractions, and he looked at the scale as if to say 'What's that!' Although I was given a second attempt and he wasn't having any of it so I just put it down to a bad day.
Anyway I returned back to the control field again for Pud's control round. Although she lost abit of concerntration during the heelwork the rest of the round was good and she finished qualifying and getting her second WDex which you need for PD championship.
Saturday and Banbury DTC spring progress test. This time I was stewarding for Chris and we sorted out the Elelmentary and Elementary plus (included the long, clear and a sendway) which had an entry of 11 dogs and handlers.
Chris giving some helpful tips to one of the beginers
The standard was very high with all competitors in the elementary qualifying and although non in the elementary plus mainly due to the jumps, but the rest of the work we saw, was good.
Linda with 'Tassel' a pyerenan sheepdog
I didn't manage to see any the higher levels as these were in a different part of the field and ably judged by Tony and Jenny Orchard both very experienced KC judges.
Tony and Jenny getting prepared for the tests.
It finished about 1pm and then it was a mad dash off to the pub to give out the prizes to the sucessful ones.
Linda winner of the Levels 1-5 proudly showing her certificate and cup.
It turned out to be a really enjoyable morning and being a steward is a good postion, being amoungst the action whilst watching other people getting all nervous.
Sunday: Just shooting off to an Anthony Clark agility training session, always lots to learn. Looking forward to Monday for a rest!
27th February 2010
The last of my last 'Barking Mad' winter series show at Keysoe.
The weather continued to be awful with over night flooding, more rain and fog when I arrived; Is there any end to this winter? As I got there early I took the dogs for a good run and needless to say they came back soaked and muddy, and I hate keeping wet dogs in cars.
Puds was in the anysize class which was held outside. Although it was still raining the arena surface was non slippery being a mixture of course sand and shredded car tyres, so I decided to run her. The course was nice and flowing with a couple of traps and I decided this time to give her my body directional signs a lot earlier; something I have always been too slow to do. Anyway Puds went at her usual top speed and after the second loop I nearly lost her as I forgot my way but managed to recover and amazingly she managed to keep all the poles up and won the class.
Keysoe 2
Sketch was in the 3-5 agility class and although he back jumped the last but one jump (handling error on my behalf), I was really pleased with most of his round. His sit stay was really good, especially as we had to wait for the 'timer' to get sorted out, his 'Go on' is good and he did the weeves without coming out of the last one. He is still a bit hesitant on the contacts, partly my fault, and I hope that as he becomes more confident he will rush to the bottom rather than slow down.
Keysoe 3
Thanks for the filming Becky
20th February 2010
Puds is now WDex!!!!
Me with Judge Linda Newbold
I did have serious doubts of getting up 5am for the long journey to 'Holme Chapel', Cheshire for the North West Working Trial. I was relived to get there driving through pretty hairy conditions, icy roads and several inch's of snow in some parts.
The trial had experienced a very heavy frost the night before and the first three lucky competitors could see all of the track. I wasn't so lucky being the 11am track as the sun came out and there was barely any snow left and I certainly couldn't see any footprints. Puds was a bit skitty for the first 4/5 legs and missed the first article and then she really got into it and easily found the last article. She followed this by finding all 4 articles in the square which was hard as there wasn't any breeze.
We had to wait until after lunch before the control round which looked quite straight forward. Watching many of the dogs most found problems with the jumps. I can only say that they were positioned facing into the sun which happened to be quite low at this time of year.
The round started with the retrieve which Puds picked up by it's end, dropped in in front of me, then picked it up properly for the present. So we lost 1 mark for a bad pick up. Her heelwork wasn't bad although I could see her concentration waning so I gave her another command and lost another 1 mark. Her sendaway was fabulous and she gained full marks. She did the clear and the long jump first time, went over the scale, turned around and came back without sitting and waiting. So we lost 2 marks in the jumping section and seeing you need 14 or more, out of 20 we got enough in this section.
So at long last she is qualified to enter PD open trials and I plan to knuckle down during the summer months and get her ready for the PD trials in the autumn season.
11th February 2010
Oxford trial today and I have never felt so cold in my life! Just Puds entered today in the WDstake and I wasn't feeling to optimistic as the ground was frozen with a light covering of snow; unfortunately not enough that I couldn't see the footprints made by the tracklayer though!
Our track was at 10.30am and I hoped for some thawing but the minus 5C wind chill factor soon put a stop to that!
However Puds did a realIy good track and she really worked hard; also I do seem to be able to be reading her body language so much better now, so we went into the control round feeling rather optimistic.
Cold competitors waiting their turn.
Judge Shelia Tannet (On right) explaining what she wanted in the control round
Puds was rather excitable after coming out of the van and I had hoped that doing the rather long sendway she would calm down. (How wrong was I?) During the heelwork I gave her the left command and she did a complete spin nearly knocking me over. She got into her 'I'm going to dash off' mood, inbetween exercises, so I firmly told her to calm down which is usually a mistake. Anyway she just threw herself at the clear jump, knocking it over and refused the long jump twice!; something she has never done. She did the scale, ignoring my down command, turned around and came back straight away.
I can only say that she had her dizzy hat on today and unfortunately because of this we failed the 'Agility' section today. She seems to be the type of dog that needs training right up to the day before the competion, if not just to remind her of the exercises, but also to take some of the steam out! 'Ooh well such is Puds!
Anne Clark with Quincey.
7th February 2010
I wasn't planning to go along to Midland Border collie Championship show but my pre- planned agility lesson was rescheduled for early March so I thought I would venture out to Bretby nr Swalicotte, NOT Burton Upon Trent as I mistakenly thought driving along the A115 not being able to find the conference centre!
It was good to meet up with some familiar faces and of course some doggy relatives too.
Chase (Glenfound Simply Magical for Cochwillan)
A 'Bliss' great granson, also looking at becoming a good agility dog.
Sianworth Firecracker also a 'Bliss' great grandson having a word with a passer by.
So everyone turned up hoping to win one of these! but some people ended up with one of these! (see below picture)
Anyway the two best classes of the day 'Special Working Dog & Bitch' (see Below)
(Left to right) Foxbarton'That's Jazz CDex UDex (Working Trials) Lochiel Miss Independent at Ruffs (Agility) & Dorvale Wedded Bliss (Heelwork to music)
(Left to Right) Littlehorn Rolls Royce at Brooksbid CDex (Working Trials), Snowmere Tarn JW, AW (Agility) & Bryning Don't Stop me Now at Ruffs (Agility)
And Best in Show winner Sh Ch Sianworth Celtic Magician a 'Bliss' son and a Shelley grandson winning his 5th CC at the grand age of 10 and a half years old. Well done Sian, he really looked superb on the day. (and always seems to be laughing!)
30th January 2010
Agility this weekend again at Keysoe which was very cold and icy. Sketch did a good round in the 3-5 Agility and came 11th. (Video below) Still bits and pieces still to work on though as I still want a stop on the 'A' frame and Seesaw. I always look for areas where we could have improved our time and felt that I should have changed sides after the tunnel, (Something I had planned to do!) and could have got more of a direct line from the seesaw to the tunnel. However I did notice that he sometimes gains speed when I am in front of him.
Puds had a chance to do the 'Anysize' class and being Puds she knocked a pole. I find the best way forward for her pole knocking is to give her my negative command, (Out) which means bad luck you have blown it! I then put her in the down and then leave the ring; afterall I feel that It is my job to tell her which way to go and her job to keep the poles up! However I had realised that during the cold spell she has done very little jumping and couldn't quite manage the scale last week. I have been doing jumping lanes with her all week to improve her jumping fitness.
Managed to catch old girl 'Ziggy' (Gina's sister) and Barbara also doing the anysize class. Ziggy behaved like a true agility dog thinking Wait means Go!
24th January 2010
Had entered Avon trial for Sketch to do his UD Open and wasn't quite sure how things would go as he has been high as a kite since we have returned from our holiday. I have been to Avon trial (near Devies) before and I must say that it is one of the most scenenic routes to a trial.
Avon is a small (UD only) friendly trial with only 8 competitors entered today. In the tracking draw we were 5th and the sun shone really brightly and dressed up in coat and leggings, I wondered if I was going to get over heated!
He did a good track with him finding one article and me finding the other! Although I was pleased with his square, finding all 4 articles, he did mouth the piece of ribbon and chewed and tried to EAT the piece of knotted rope!. More work needed here.
During the control round I found it really hard to calm him down as was as high as a kite and lost alot of concentration. He pounced on the retrieve, came back, jumped on me, nearly knocking me over. Fortunately the judge just laughed! (Probably thinks it in the breeding!) His heelwork was awful, 6 good paces and then just doing his own thing, really naughty. However his went out with good speed on the sendaway, after a small blip, good jumps and down stay and therefore Sketch qualified UD Open and also came second.
Wasn't able to take any photos during the day but manged to twist judge's (Gill Lawrence) arm, for a couple of pictures of her two dogs, Sketch's half brother and sister. Thanks Gill and good luck in ticket with them both.
Bekkis Dulcimer CDex, UDex, WDex (Isn't she pretty?)
Just returned from Mauritius, sorry about the picture of the larger in it, my husband took the picture; it's a man thing! Anyway I don't think we could have picked a better week! So many things were cancelled at home, 'Leamington trial, training at my local club and agility shows with a few other shows trying to put on a brave face.
Anyway the 'Woolram' clan were ably looked after by our dog sitter who wasn't able to get off the farm all week but took these pictures of the gang who didn't look as if they missed me very much!
Sketch looking like monarch of the glen!
Puds.Dog sitter soon sussed out that she was the naughty one!
28th-30th December 2009
I decided to travel the long distance to Skipsea, nr Beverley, to go along to 'Yorkshire WT (Skipsea) trial. I haven't been to this trial for about 8 years and decided to stay over for a couple of nights, with a friend, in a guest house located about 5 miles away from the base. On the first day we had 2 dogs entered in WD and another in UD which looked as if it was going to be a busy first day for us. We duly arrived at 8am, in the dark and were asked if we could leave immediately to do our WD tracks as no one else had turned up! There were numerous cancellations because of the serve weather warning.
I did the 8.30am track with Puds and wasn't to hopeful as although there was a small amount of snow, the ground was frozen owing to an over night frost. Puds took the first leg easily and then we stopped at a corner, leading to a cut back, and we seemed to be there for absolutely ages. On a couple of occassions I let out the whole of my line and at last she found some remnants of the track. She seemed to find some legs easy and other near impossible and then we finally went wrong 3 legs from home. I was very pleased with her attempt in such difficult conditions; she then followed this by a full mark square. Obviously missing out the last three legs was costly and she only could afford to lose just 1 mark in the control round. (More of that later)
We then were taken to the UD control field for Marie's little crossbreed dog 'Toi' to do her bit. Toi did a good control round and was well into the marks for this section. Toi was then drawn second to do her track which she did really well although bringing out half the field between her toes! Toi passed the nosework section well and therefore gained her UDex and also a third prize. Well done girls.
The judge, square steward, tracklayer and Marie with Toi
Yes it was muddy!
Tracking up the first leg
Anyway we dashed back to do Pud's WD control round and with only one mark to spare I knew I had to pull out all the stops. Her heelwork was good, she did a very accurate sendaway and she got full marks for her retrieve, so everything was still up for grabs. She did the clear and long jump and the scale but when I called her back, over the scale, she just ran around the side, losing 5 marks, naughty Puds. So we ended up as WD only which is a strange qualification as it doesn't really stand for anything eg. she passed everything but didn't get enough overall, such is life.
Anyway we returned the next day for Sketch's CD which was a much more laid back day. As he has already got his CD I just wanted to just see how the jumps and heelwork were shaping up after further training. He did a did a good search square and retrieve ending up with full marks. He lost abit of concerntration on the heelwork but as he got into it his heelwork was lovely. He cleared the clear jump by about a foot and did the scale and long very well too. I was very surprised to learn that he had only lost 1 mark thoughout the day. We then decided to leave early as the weather forecast on our return was worsening, so we scratched from the stay,s but if he had done them he would have won the stake. Very proud of my little chap.
A bit blurred but he was dashing around alot!
20th December 2009
Thanks for the snowy pictures of 'Roxy' Gill.
13th December 2009
Went along on an 'Anthony Clark' handling workshop which was held at Anthony's training site at Southrop.
Again loads of useful handling tips which seem to make so much sense and I can see Sketch's confidence grow by the minuite. Sketch seems to be a dog that if I get it right he does as well, a very responsive and honest little chap. The first sequence consisted of several jumps leading into a tunnel trap, dog walk and then a 'flick flack'. It all went well until he missed the second jump into the flick flack. Anthony suggested walking right into the wing of the second jump which just worked a treat! The final handling sequence which consisted of tunnel traps, slow down commands, early directional commands and front crosses. If I had seen this combination at a show I think I would have pulled out of the class and just watched but after Anthony's detailed explanation it went really well and I was quite surprised that I could achieve something like this!. Maybe at last I am beginning to understand some of this agility handling!!
(The sequence leading to the tunnel trap; yes we had to send the dog through the entrance on the right.)
Anyway unfortunately only one picture to post as the camera didn't have enough power resulting in the battery going flat.
No more agility shows now for 2 weeks! what am I going to do for the next 2 weekends? Christmas, like it loathe it does get in the way rather!!
10th December 2009
Rather a late posting as I have just returned from Sussex to catch up with family members before xmas. My mother lives about 12 miles from the beach at Pevensey Bay and during the winter months there are just a few dog walkers around. I took the following pictures as the weather was glorious sunshine such a treat after days of heavy persistant rain.
please throw the ball into the waves!
and yes I did!
Have posted a short video of Sketch doing the agility class at 'Barking Mad' last Saturday. I was rather displeased with him breaking the sit stay as he not only took out the first jump but I didn't have time to give him the slow command to cut his speed before turning right around the box. It's partly my fault for letting him get away with it in competition. However I thought his seesaw and dog walk showed a better pace and not so creepy as it has been in the past.
22nd November
Took Sketch along to 'Dogs On top' unaffliated agility show held near Lutterworth. I went along to several of these shows last year and I must admit the new venue is a big improvement, room for 2 agility rings and a nice warm cafe. These events are a series of winter shows run by mother and daughter team Ruth & Denise Smith-Howell and I must admit that they do create a nice fun and relaxed show each time.
Denise having a well deserved cake break!
Although sketch was entered in 4 classes I only ran him in two as I wanted to take my toy in the ring and train the weeves. Unfortunately I realised that there weren't going to be any weeves, in any of the classes as the ground was to hard to peg them down, so we decided to just have abit of fun instead.
He did a really nice 'Starters Plus' agility course that was very flowy and although his contacts were good he is still abit creepy on the dog walk and seesaw. I need to do more work on both as these as they are abit costly in time, anyway he went on a gained a fourth prize which I was really pleased with. In his tunnel vision class he just couldn't resist tunnel number 2!
The presentation.
It was good meeting up with the usual agility foke but also someone some new people. There was Laura, who is a member of 'Banbury DTS' and just starting out in agility, and someone who I judged taking their, 'Bronze KCGC' earlier in the year, just as well that I had passed them!
18th November
Fabulous pictures of 'Lily', 'Sketch's' sister, thanks Gaynor I see you are looking after her.
13th November
I went along to Leamington DTS Working trial with mixed feelings as I had two dogs in two different stakes, not sure how I would cope with that, and the weather was supposed to horrendous, strong winds and heavy showers. So I packed the van with extra towels, change of clothing in anticipation of the day.
I drove of at 7am in the dark in lashing rain but looking at the clouds I was optmistic that it might stop. The forecast was that there was to be a temporary break before the really worst of it was on its way.
The day started of with Puds doing her WD control. I was pleased with all the exercises but she threw herself into the middle of the clear jump. I can only say that as it was on a hill it threw her and taking full resposibility for this myself as this is something I have overlooked in my training. She still has the old habit of going over the scale and dropping like a stone, facing completely the wrong way, therefore making coming back virtually impossible, so unfortunately we didn't get enough marks on the jumps and a lesson learned by me. I did go on and do the track as it has been over 9 years since I have done WD champ tracks and I was really pleased with the way she tracked in the rape.
Anyway I dashed back to the CD field for Sketch's first attempt at CD, not a stake I particulary like. I fully intended training and helping him as much as I could. The judge Barrie James http://www.sooshine-bordercollies.com/
CD judge Barrie James
set a straight forward test although the field containing cow pats and thistles and did present some challenges. During the retrieve it bounced several times before finally landing on a thistle, luckily this didn't deter Sketch and he cleanly picked it up. The heelwork was probably the worst that Sketch has ever done, he did 5 steps of nice heelwork before he stood on a thistle and that was that. From then on I can only describe his heelwork as a series of thistle hoping and non existant attention on me! I can only say that the judge must have been in a good mood as we manged to scape a few points!
Nervous competitors
The only other dodgy moment was when he was about to do the clear jump as he spotted dogs running around playing in the exercise area. Although he jumped it he certainly clipped it hard and luckily it stayed intact.
Competitor about to do the scale
So after the relief of him doing the 10 minuite down stay, which he has never done before, Sketch qualified and gained his CDex at his first attempt. Really pround with my little chap.
Woolram Lothario CDex (Sketch)
1st November
Just heard from 'Gill' with 'Roxy', (Sketch's sister) whose agility is just coming together; shame it's now the end of the KC show season. She gained a 5th & 11th at Dogs in Need (August show), 2 first places at UKA (Independent show) in September and her best so far 1st in Grade 1-7 Helter Skelter at South Eastern Independent show last month. Roxy even beat a couple of grade 7 dogs in this class; much to their surprise!
Keep working on keeping those poles up and it won't be long before both of you are out of Grade 3; go girls!
30th October
Puds had her first WD Championship Working Trial entered today. I hadn't been to 'ICENI' working Trial, based at Tolleshunt D'Arcy, for about 8/9 years when the last time was with Bee when she was about 3 yrs old; we came 3rd in TD. The conditions at ICENI had always been notoroius, usually being on sparse winter wheat in usually wet and windy weather conditions. Well we were right about the sparse winter wheat terrain but the weather was warm and mild with a light, breezy wind.
The exercise area was behind the scout hut base and led onto the north sea bed wall. I took these pictures of this rather fascinating scenery. There was a light sea mist to start which, which cleared when the sun came up.
So who planted all these trees? they look to be approximately 25yrs old and therefore the sea must have been further back some years ago.
The tracking fields. Doesn't look particulary sparse until you look at the second picture!
Anyway sufice to say we only achieved one leg before we were called off for going the wrong way, and we were in good company! (the two teams before us did the same) Puds took the first leg well, but as it was down wind she overshot the corner, which lead to a cut back behind as, but she just kept on going!
Although I need to establish have far she pulls me over down wind corners, a common error, I think Puds is always going to struggle tracking on bald Winter Wheat!
Anyway met up with the fine fellow, 'Laetare Yuma', owned by Anne Bussey', a 'Sketch', relative being a 'Woody' son.
19th October
Just heard that Dot & Trauma won their 3rd 'A' yesterday. They have won 4 Novices and 3 'A' this year, not bad going!
18th October
Went along to 'Barking Mad' agility at Keysoe, the first of the winter Series. I can't quite believe that it has come around to that time of year again especially with the weather being so unseasonal.
I was pleased with Sketch's Sit wait and Dogwalk contact althought he still doesn't seem to get the idea that he has to stay in the weeves! He also did this in his jumping class which was a shame as the rest of the round was good; I thought we had cracked it as he hasn't been doing it during training and at the course last weekend.
Gina enjoyed her day out and nearly missing the last jump!
It was great meeting up with Becky and Rosa again. Shame about the refusal in her agility though, just young dog stuff. Heard later that she had a clear round in the jumping class and came 6th. Really proud of you both.
10th & 11th October
Had a chance to go along on a 'Anthony Clarke' agility training camp weekend, although I opted out of the camping bit! Several others, some traveling from afar did, and the weather on the Saturday was beautiful warm sunshine and on the Sunday, although starting off grey with a few light showers, finally ending in lovely hot sunshine. Rather difficult to believe it is Autumn!
Anthony explaining a handling move to one of the group
Anthony split us in two groups with both groups having a morning and then an afternoon slot which worked quite well as my head, after the morning session, was buzzing! The course consisted of front & rear cross moves, in which situations they should be used, movational Dog Walks and weeves, course walking, course analysis and then running the whole thing. Most sections consisted of a set piece of strategically placed jumps, and sometimes including the tunnel or 'A' frame. It started with everyone having a go, sucessfully or not!, and then we were gathered into a group with the proper handling moves, postion of handler explained and discussed. We then again reran the course, with our new found knowledge, all finding what diferences that made!
Now what did he say about what to do here?
I haven't been on one of Anthony's courses before and I must say that I was very impressed with his calm and relaxed manner. Everyone was given the same amount of attention and indivdual training advice according to their own situation and level. I think for me the course certainly filled in the 'knowledge gaps' and I could see 'Sketch's confidence growing rapidly during the sessions; I felt that we are now edging further forward to being a team.
'Can we have a go please?
Can't wait for the next one in December
26th September
Well done Dot and Trauma for winning your first 'A' at British Association for GSD Championship Show on Saturday. I am very proud of you both. (click on 'Out and About')
Travelled the long journey to ASPADS Aberford Working Trial.
Sketch was entered in UD, his first trial and Puds was in WD. The trial is renown for difficult tracking condtions being on hard dry stubble. Anyway this was exactly what we got!
I was fairly hopeful when I woke up to a still misty day but seeing the weather forecast I knew that when the sun would come out this would quickly dry out making conditions difficult then impossible.
Sketch was the first 9am UD track and he did it really well. You never really know how a dog is going to respond to a totally new experience of new fields, people and location. He also did a good search square, getting 3 articles with very little wind to help him, and therefore qualified the nosework section. I was very pleased with my little chap.
Anyway back to the base for Pud's WD track draw for the 11am, 11.30am and 12am tracks. We all hoped to be the first one as the sun was begining to show itself and it was beginning to get quite hot. I drew the second track and sat drinking tea with the 3rd drawn competitor both of us not really expecting too much on this day. As I drove to the fields the sun was out and it was begining to get quite hot. I assumed that the previous competior hadn't done the track as the track layer was looking for articles. After giving the judge my details I put on Puds harness and looking at the dry bare earth I thought 'not a chance!' Anyway she turned left from the pole and kept going and going. I thought we must be riight as the judge hadn't called us off. Puds was so hot that she she was panting heavily and we then got stuck one leg from home and at this point we were called off.
I can only say I was so proud of her and as she got all 4 out of the square the judge said that we did have enough marks as long as she did a good control round. Anyway needless to say the control round went well and we achieved enough marks for Puds to gain her WD Open certificate. 30th September 2009: Just received 3rd prize rosette in the post today!
Well done Puds, and now busy entering WD Championship trials.
11th/13th September
What a busy weekend.
Friday night started with me judging a novelty dog and agility show called, 'Puds, Pimms & Pouches'. On my arrival I was offered a Pimms which was delicious but went straight to my head!
We finished the judging in good time and Best in Show was won by 14yr old terrier from Battersea Dogs home. This dog had a lovely silky coat, no grey hairs and moved around the ring effortlessly. Although I did take a picture unfortuntely it came out rather blurred.
Got up blight and early as the next day I was judging the nosework for Banbury DTC, my local club. Although this is only a progress test the prizes are hotly contended and with such a large entry there was a need for three judges!
John Turthill my able steward
I started the judging at 9.30am and finished judging around 12.30am with just one out of the 14 entries not qualifying this section. I was particulary impressed with the advanced dogs as I thought the test was quite hard with small articles in rather well grown clover.
Lynda and Rory ready to go
Pat with Della
On Sunday I went along to Coventry DTS which was a two day obedience show.
Managed to catch up with 'Trauma' who certainly come on since I last saw him. He is as big as Sketch now and his head has developed, very much a hansom chap and of course it is their birthday today, so many happy returns also to 'Ollie', 'Pepsy', 'Roxy', 'Rosa' and 'Lily'.
The Birthday boys
6th September 2009
Presbury Park agility show this weekend and I just went along on the Sunday; lovely cool weather not like last year when the show was nearly cancelled owing to heavy rain. Sketch and Puds were both in Agility 1-3 which, although starting at 8.30am continued well into the afternoon with over 270 entries. Puds ran first and did a good round but alas another twiddle proved costly and put her down to 10th place.
Sketch went clear!!! His first clear in Grade 3. I was delighted that he did the weeves and although he shot up the dogwalk he got abit creepy near the bottom waiting for his release command; a little further work needed here. He held a placing but was knocked of just at the end of the class. Although he now understands that he needs to stay in the weeves, I will start to build up speed which I know he has got.
Sketch looking pleased with himself
29th August 2009
Went along to Dordale Agility show the first time I have been to Holt Heath this year; a favourite venue of mine.
Puds did a good Grade 3 agility round and came 5th. I think the twiddle before second to last jump was costly on time. Sketch also did this class and was very naughty and came out of the last weeve; I should have taken him back and done them again as this happened again in the next class. Also his second class was quite trapy and needed some handling and when I thought he would dash of and do some bits on his own he didn't. I still don't feel I know him all that well and it will take a while before we work as a team
23rd August 2009
Had the opportunity to go on a PD Traiing day, owing to a cancellation, hosted by Dave Clark and Richard Cornwall.
I have not had the opportunity to go along to one of their training days before and was surprised how many people went along with some travelling from quite far away. There were only 2 collies amoungst the 14 GSD's with Puds being the smallest dog but was by far the most fiesty!
It is always good to train in new fields with new people (Criminals!) to see if the dog responds any differently, but none of this had any affect on Puds! She had one hiccup on the quatering (running around the field looking for people to bark at) as she hasn't seen hides (small tents for people to hide in) before. As a result she went dashing off in the wrong direction rather than going in the direction that I had sent her. A little more work needed here. The 'test of courage' was excellent with 4 burly fellas, behaving in an agressive manner, came hurling towards us, but this seemed to excite her even more and she even took on the biggest criminal!
Sketch had a little go in the group session consisting of young and starter dogs and got really buzzed up. He doesn't show the committment on the sleeve yet and I am not sure if he is brave enough to be a PD dog. Time will tell.
Sketch taking it all in with interest
Sketch thinking which criminal to bite!
Training buddy 'Freddie' with Chris being teased by Mark.
15th & 16th August 2009
2 days spent at the KC Agility Festival was very enjoyable but exhausting. Sketch had two classes on Saturday, 2 on Sunday and Puds just did one class on the Sunday.
I was generally pleased with Sketch although I have noticed that he is pushing his contacts, sit stay and coming out of the weeves. I have realised that I have spent the last few show blasting him around concerntrating more on his speed and now I need to get a little more control back. He is still missing out jumps, as can be seen in the video below, and I feel it is up to me to try and guess which ones he is likely to do this with!
Puds did a good Agility class and came 17th after not seeing the last jump. The finish was a long dash over several jumps, through a tunnel onto the last jump. She stopped after the tunnel and and when I eventually joined her I then had to circle her around me to enable her to jump it properly; all very costly in time.
Pepsy also got a 21st in Agility even with Lynda holding her contacts; well done gilrs.
Sketch at the KC Agility Festival, Kelmarsh (Thanks Lyndsey for the filming)
6th August 2009
Very little news at the moment so as the sun was shining earlier (It's now raining with rumbling thunder) I took some pictures out and about with the dogs.
Just heard from Gill that Roxy came 7th in Grade 3/4 Jumping last weekend at Tenterden. Good to hear you are keeping those poles up Roxy!
26th July 2009
Not too many sucess stories at the moment although I am very pleased with Sketch's weeves at the moment. He has completed the weeves at the last 2 shows and at a good pace but at 'Chipping Norton' he took the first pole and at 'Agility Club' he flew the seesaw. The rest of the round was good and the dashing off is getting less.
Fiddling with Pud's weeves has made things worse and now she she seems confused; at today's show she went in the first weeve, came out and just looked at me. I need to re-show her what to do as I feel verbally correction has made her think that she mustn't do them at all! (Bad training on my behalf!)
Saw Pepsy's (Sketch's sister) run although Lynda was just training the contacts with her this time. I thought the way she covered the ground is just like her mother Puds, with great speed. She won UKA Agility Beginers last week. Well done girls.
No agility shows next week but must take my camera to get some pics of the dogs.
12th July 2009
Went to Bretford yesterday and it was a combination of hard luck stories and near misses.
Gina was in Veteran Helter Skelter and did a very good round but I accidently missed out two jumps. Intially I couldn't understand why the judge didn't clapped until someone at the ring side told me. It was such a shame as everyone was blowing a particular sequence of jumps that Gina managed very well.
Puds did a really good Agility 1-3 class which was quite straight forward compared with what we have been doing recently. She did excellent contacts, kept all the poles up but came out of the last weeve stopped and looked at me. Typical Puds! and yes she would have won the class if she hadn't done that.
Sketch was particulary excitable and I managed to stop him dashing off without him feeling bad about it. Although his weeves were faster he went in the second entrance and left too early. So more training here.
Gina did a very good veteran agility class and was 4th for a while (only 4 prizes) only to be beaten by a dog, right at the end, that was allowed a second run as the clock didn't stop. This dog's first run was considerably slower with a couple of very wide turns!
Well, such is agility!
20th - 28th June 2009
Well our trip to Scotland was a most enjoyable one. The weather was glorious and we managed to combine a good mix of agility training days, hill walking and cycling (hubby not me!). We rented a cottage which didn't seem to mind us turning up with 4 dogs, probably because the nearest neighbour was nearly 1 mile away! The on-the-door-step walks either led into the forest or down to the river (see 2 pics below)
Doesn't Scotalnd do scenery well!
All the dogs seemed to be really in their element and as it didn't really get dark at all! they enjoyed the extra 10pm ramble.
Gina
Sketch brown trout fishing!
The agility course was very well run ably organised by Kenny Spottieswode and Peter Dahl both regarded as two of Scotland's finest agility handlers and trainers. The three sessions were split into a day spent teaching weeves, contacts and handling. The handling session was particulary interesting to me and Kenny showed the group some very good techniques giving the dog early information that a turn is coming after a jump. something mine have always been bad at! At the end of the sessions we were even given homework, drawn out sheets of jumping exercises, very useful as I didn't jot anything down!
Kenny (the one in the green shorts) helping Peter with a lovely lab
Sketch exhausted after his weeve training and Patrick after his 70 mile bike ride
Drove back home Saturday night and was held up in traffic around Birmingham so didn't get back until late and had to set the alarm clock as Puds was booked on a PD training day with Moira Rodgerson on the Sunday. I must say I do like Moira's nice quite way with the dogs and their handlers. I rather thought that Puds might have calmed down after her holls and also during the hottest day this year so far, but unfortunately this didn't seem to be the case!
Moira Rodgerson explaining location thoery
Moira helping Graham with his young dog
All fired up now and scanning the internet looking for the next training days/week.
PS. Just heard that Roxy (Sketch's sister) got her first placing at a KC Agility show coming 11th. Way to go girls!
13th June
Went along to Thames Agility show today, beautiful weather a glorious June day.
Although I had Sketch entered in 2 classes I ran the one where the weeves came first without too many complicating jumping sequences for him as I thought both his classes were too difficult for him. He likes to dash off to the first thing he sees and when I call him off his confidence seems to go as he thinks he is wrong, just immaturity really. Anyway although he did the weeves slower that at home, he kept the style that I think will suit him and when he came out of the last weeve, I took him back, buzzed him up before I sent him again. I left the ring after the weeves, asking the judge beforehand if she minded if I did that, which she didn't.
Had an opportunity to see and take a few pics of 'Pepsy' who is looking a very pretty young lady.(see below)
No more postings for a while as we are going to Scotland next Saturday to start a week long agility course 'Clyde Valley Agility Camp'. I am really looking forward to it.
10th June
Just added two new pics to 'Sketch's' page.
Just heard the good news that 'Trauma', Sketch's brother has just won out of Novice winning first place at Leicester GSD and then just two weeks later at Petersfield. Way to go little man!
7th June
Not alot to write about at the moment really. I didn't fancy driving all the way to Ashbourne for the North Derbyshire agility show as the weather predicted heavy rain and this is just what it turned out to be! Puds has been slipping her weeves (coming out of the last one) so I need to train this is a show suituation as she doesn't do it in training; typical! The last 3 classes she has run have all been combined grades 3-5 and olympia qualifiers and I am pleased to say that I haven't been completely over welmed by them. She slipped the weeves in a couple of classes and missed a 'far away' jump in another, so more training required here.
Sketch's weeves are improving and he has got his style back. I found that I closer I am, the faster he goes. Not sure if they are ready to be tested in competition yet.
Sketch doing weaves.
25th May
Went along to Leicester GSD Club yesterday and met these two fine lads.
The tri colour is Chad, one of Bee's sons and litter brother to Gina. He has retired from obedience now but it was a real unexpected treat for me to see him and particulary with him looking so well. Thank you Jane and Paul for giving him such a good home.
Woolram Suvan's Chad
And I was also really pleased to meet 'Trauma' son of 'Puds' son and Sketch's brother. Thinking he was going to be one of the larger boy in the litter Sketch is surprisingly just abit taller. He has just started out on his obedience career and has a lovely elegant side gait. He has one 3rd and 2 x 4th's in novice so far.
Woolram out of the blue
16th May
Went along to BATS this Saturday and although blowy it was mainly dry, the best weather at this showground to date!
Puds ran her first grade 3-5 agility which was also an oylmpia qualifier and I must admit that I was expecting something abit harder. Anyway Puds blew the weeves; I pushed her by trying to run past her, something I have done at home, and she came out of them. Although she wasn't faulted for her contacts she was running off them, pushing her luck and stopping on the ground rather than doing 2 on 2 of; something I will have to deal with. Anyway after the long jump there was a jump to the right which then led into a 'flick flack'. I was looking forward to doing this as I have been practicing 'flick flack' sequences; anyway it proved to be an absolute disaster and she looked as if she really didn't know what she was doing!. I can only guess that she didn't recognise the sequence as such as to where I was standing, so something to train this week.
Managed to film some video footage of Rosa who started of well and then came out of the weeves; excusable at this age!
BATS agility
4th May
Busy weekend travelling down to Sussex for a weekend massage therapy course and then back to Newbury for Vine agility show. Too much time spent driving slowly on congested motorways made the whole weekend abit of a blur.
Sketch did his last Grade 2 agility class and came out of the last weeve and as most dogs were missing the weeve entry in the jumping class I decided to scratch from this class. He is entered in Grade 3 in 2 weeks time, (his next show) which he certainly isn't ready for so I am planning to withdraw him for a while and concerntrate on his lessons which start this Thursday.
Met up and spoke to Lynda and Paul at Vine who own 'Pepsy', Sketch's sister. Heard the great news that Pepsy won the 'Beginners Steeplechase' class at UKA last weekend. Way to go Pepsy!
Hope to grab some pictures of her when we next meet.
25th April
Not much to report as Sketch blew his weeves in both classes. I was pleased with his sits on the start line and his contacts are also good. I have brought some weeve guides to play around with; just hope he likes them as they cost me £7.75 each!
Gina got a clear round in Any size jumping and Puds is putting her paws up until she starts her grade 3 classes in a couple of weeks time.
Sketch showing that he can still do his contacts in competition.
17th & 18th April
Went down to Ockley, nr Dorking for Puds last Working Trial (Surrey DTS Championship) for the season. I wasn't to amused to be woken by the sound of heavy rain at 5am in the morning and wondered if I should telephone the trials manager and cancel. Anyway we ventured off hoping the weather would improve, which it didn't!
She was the first to track at 9am and went of with great gusto picking up 2 articles and also 4 from the search square. The rain continued to be heavy and I became concerned about her doing the 10mins down stay in the rain which I didn't think she would!. Anyway luckily by 1pm it started to ease just before we started our control round. She did this well and would have got full marks in the heelwork if I hadn't tripped and stepped on her toe. Luckily the rain continued to hold off with just a few spots during the down stay and so I am delighted to say that Pud's has now gained her UDex.
Saturday - Went to Newbury for Wallingford agility show which started cold and grey but later the sun shone through and it turned out to be a pleasant day. I ran Sketch in the 1/2 agility class which started with 2 jumps then dogwalk. In the past he has been going steadily up the dog walk thinking it was the seesaw waiting for it to tip and I have been thinking about how to train this. Anyway, no steadily today! he went off like a rocket leaving me chasing him to make sure he did the contact which he did. Anyway needless to say he blasted the seesaw and leaving it whilst still in mid-air!
Anyway he also had a jumping class which didn't have weeves which was fast and flowy with a trap. Anyway we managed to do it and he came home with a 5th rossette.
Also took the camera and spotted this young lady, Roxy, Sketch's sister.
13th April 2009
Well Puds finally won her Grade 2 agility at Bretford Easter Show today and I am really proud of her.
12th April 2009
It was Banbury W/T trial this weekend and although I didn't have any of my dogs entered I was asked if I could lay some TD tracks on the Sunday as several helpers had gone sick! (Probably knew something that I didn't!)
Anyway Banbury being my main training club I agreed only later being told that the first track needed to layed at 6.30am! I woke up 5am, fed the dogs, loaded the van and off I went to lay the 5 tracks, starting at 6.30am and then laying the other 4 at half hourly intervals. It started to rain unexpectedly at about 7.30am and as I was along way from my van I decided to slug it out rather than to dash back to the van to get my waterproofs. (Big mistake!)
The first competetor arrived at 10am, a black labrador who through sheer enthusiaum managed to get almost half the way around. The dog and handler got stuck on the top right hand corner (see pattern below) and couldn't pick up the diagonal coming back towards us. Anyway from this point onwards it got worse! The next 3 dogs did no more than 2 legs and then the last dog did 3!
So out of nearly 20 competitors, over 3 days, only 1 dog, a GSD, completed the track!
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