It's hard to believe - but my puppy is 6 years old today! I'm not really sure where the years went! I think having a birthday is a good excuse to post some puppy pictures!!!
6 weeks
Showing posts with label Steeler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steeler. Show all posts
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Monday, September 5, 2011
Past due for an update
As I have been reminded recently - I am way over due for a blog update. Life has been pretty busy - between classes with Steeler and work - I don't seem to have much time for anything else.
We've finished 6 more weeks of "advanced" control unleashed classes up at Nevin's Farm and the MSPCA in Methuen. It was a ton of fun and Steeler did really well with the class. I think there are plans to maybe take the next level outside. That should be a lot of fun.
In addition to our weekly obedience class we are taking a foundations class just for fun that a friend teaches in NH on Tuesday nights. It's always good to revisit foundation behaviors.
I finally got talked into actually entering Steeler into an agility trial. Well two agility trials since they were nearby. The first trial was a CPE trial - I only entered one day, which was a good thing because the following day tropical storm Irene came through.
I am not sure I really remember much from the trial .... it was kind of a gray drizzly day. Steeler had some nice moments and he did qualify in his first level one standard course. We also entered Full House, Wildcard and Snooker. By the time we got to snooker it was POURING! And Steeler is not a dog that likes to run in the rain! Here is his standard run.
Steeler had a bit of visiting to do with the ring crew, but considering we haven't been to agility class in 8 months and his last outdoor trial was last October, I was pretty pleased with his runs.
In addition to his first CPE trial - Steeler also entered his first USDAA Trial this past weekend. Since the trial was about 7 minutes from my house Steeler sent in entries for both days .... for everything that he thought would be fun. That included Performance Speed Jumping, Standard and Gamblers on Saturday and Standard, Gamblers, Snooker, and Jumpers on Sunday. I didn't get much on video - but overall I was pleased with his runs. On Saturday Performance Speed Jumping was first and his run was a big WAHOOOO! We did have some flashes of brilliance. I tried to keep moving and not worry about fixing things since I entered just for the ring experience. He nailed his contacts, got his weave poles the second time through and didn't leave the ring without me! He definitely was a bit distracted by being outside and having so much going on around him.
After PSJ there was a lot of down time. So we walked around, watched some runs and I was able to run home and let the older two dogs out. P1 Gamblers was up next. It was (for those of you agility folks) a 1, 3, 5,7 system. Steeler needed to collect 14 points in the opening and do the gamble to Q. Which he did - with 2nd place. Standard was the last run of the day and by that point I know I was tired! I think was had some moments of working together as a team and apparently we didn't miss any of the obstacles on the course because he took 3rd place. He was over time - due to ring crew visiting and not wanting to down on the table- but again he hit all his contacts, got his weave pole entry .....
On Sunday - our Standard run was first. I walked into the ring with the intention of trying to remember to run it like I would in class. And wow! What a difference. He did have to do a little bit of visiting with the ring crew - but he dropped on the table much quicker and was generally much more focused. I got his standard run on video but didn't get anything else. (which is ok with me!) Snooker was next and Steeler derailed my plan and ran out of the ring .... I of course panicked - but he did come back. Gamblers was after that and I think I had a good plan - but again he was just a bit distracted by the ring crew and what was going on outside the ring. I wasn't quite where I wanted to be when the whistle blew and I totally muffed the gamble. Jumpers was better - not as nice as the standard run - but definitely better than snooker and gamblers. This time I got distracted and sent him over the wrong jump and then totally got confused. hey - it was the end of the day and I was tired! Here is his standard run.
Stay tuned for more happenings with Steeler in September!
We've finished 6 more weeks of "advanced" control unleashed classes up at Nevin's Farm and the MSPCA in Methuen. It was a ton of fun and Steeler did really well with the class. I think there are plans to maybe take the next level outside. That should be a lot of fun.
In addition to our weekly obedience class we are taking a foundations class just for fun that a friend teaches in NH on Tuesday nights. It's always good to revisit foundation behaviors.
I finally got talked into actually entering Steeler into an agility trial. Well two agility trials since they were nearby. The first trial was a CPE trial - I only entered one day, which was a good thing because the following day tropical storm Irene came through.
I am not sure I really remember much from the trial .... it was kind of a gray drizzly day. Steeler had some nice moments and he did qualify in his first level one standard course. We also entered Full House, Wildcard and Snooker. By the time we got to snooker it was POURING! And Steeler is not a dog that likes to run in the rain! Here is his standard run.
Steeler had a bit of visiting to do with the ring crew, but considering we haven't been to agility class in 8 months and his last outdoor trial was last October, I was pretty pleased with his runs.
In addition to his first CPE trial - Steeler also entered his first USDAA Trial this past weekend. Since the trial was about 7 minutes from my house Steeler sent in entries for both days .... for everything that he thought would be fun. That included Performance Speed Jumping, Standard and Gamblers on Saturday and Standard, Gamblers, Snooker, and Jumpers on Sunday. I didn't get much on video - but overall I was pleased with his runs. On Saturday Performance Speed Jumping was first and his run was a big WAHOOOO! We did have some flashes of brilliance. I tried to keep moving and not worry about fixing things since I entered just for the ring experience. He nailed his contacts, got his weave poles the second time through and didn't leave the ring without me! He definitely was a bit distracted by being outside and having so much going on around him.
After PSJ there was a lot of down time. So we walked around, watched some runs and I was able to run home and let the older two dogs out. P1 Gamblers was up next. It was (for those of you agility folks) a 1, 3, 5,7 system. Steeler needed to collect 14 points in the opening and do the gamble to Q. Which he did - with 2nd place. Standard was the last run of the day and by that point I know I was tired! I think was had some moments of working together as a team and apparently we didn't miss any of the obstacles on the course because he took 3rd place. He was over time - due to ring crew visiting and not wanting to down on the table- but again he hit all his contacts, got his weave pole entry .....
On Sunday - our Standard run was first. I walked into the ring with the intention of trying to remember to run it like I would in class. And wow! What a difference. He did have to do a little bit of visiting with the ring crew - but he dropped on the table much quicker and was generally much more focused. I got his standard run on video but didn't get anything else. (which is ok with me!) Snooker was next and Steeler derailed my plan and ran out of the ring .... I of course panicked - but he did come back. Gamblers was after that and I think I had a good plan - but again he was just a bit distracted by the ring crew and what was going on outside the ring. I wasn't quite where I wanted to be when the whistle blew and I totally muffed the gamble. Jumpers was better - not as nice as the standard run - but definitely better than snooker and gamblers. This time I got distracted and sent him over the wrong jump and then totally got confused. hey - it was the end of the day and I was tired! Here is his standard run.
Stay tuned for more happenings with Steeler in September!
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
VERY BAD Blogger!
Well I started this blog with the hope that it would help me keep a record of Steeler's training life. I haven't been doing a very good job - that is for sure! I am not sure we have really been up to much since the National's other than our regular obedience class and a Control Unleashed Class that I have been taking up at Nevin's Farm. We are on round two of the Introduction class because there weren't enough dogs to run the Advanced class. As I am sure that many people know - The Control Unleashed class is based on Leslie McDevitt's book of the same name. I was lucky enough to attend one of her early seminar's in the Pittsburgh area a few years ago. I absolutely loved the concept - but had a lot of trouble trying to implement things on my own. So when I moved and there was a class starting near me I decided that I wanted to give it a try. I love our instructor! M is great at setting all of the dogs up for success.
Our first session was before the national and in that class there was one Golden Retriever and 3 small dogs. So Steeler did really well in that class - there wasn't much there that pushed his threshold. This time around we have another golden, a large yellow lab, a large barky sheltie, a pug, and an Aussie that seems a bit timid. The Aussie is being handled by a very experienced handler - so I am sure I don't see the issues that led to her joining the CU class. All things considered - it is a good mix of dogs for Steeler. He is doing really well with the GR - which previously would have been a huge trigger for him. He is a bit bothered by the lab, but getting better, and the barking sheltie has been great practice for us - because barking dogs while he is working have sometimes been a problem. I am sure the sheltie's owner would like him not to bark, motion is a big trigger for this dog - he wants to control all the movement!
So we just finished week five! This week we played some new games - There's a dog in your face and Mat racing. For "There's a Dog in your Face" we had some ring gates set up with dogs behind them - and then dogs on the other side with space to approach the gate. Steeler was paired with the GR - and we were the approaching dog first. Steeler did AWESOME! No reaction to the GR even when we were running towards him. We even approached at a run and stopped at the gate with no issues for either dog. Then it was Steeler's turn to be the stationary dog. His new cue for there is a dog approaching is ..... "INCOMING" We worked up to the same type of things, the GR running towards us, stopping at the gate .... No reaction what so ever other than to look at me! Now I just need to work on translating that to "the real world". Steeler also got to work with the Sheltie - again with no issues at all. I was very very pleased!
As far as Mat Racing goes - this game makes me a little bit nervous because all the dogs are racing to their mats from across the room - and there is lots more motion, dogs moving ahead of us and chance for leashes to slip. But all the dogs did really well. We started all on the same side, then moved to every other on opposite sides of the room, and then some moving and some playing "look at that" on their mats. It was a very active class! But Steeler did really well as did all the dogs.
Now just for some fun - here is some video of Steeler trying to find a good place to hide his bone. At one point he actually jumps into the closet with it.
Our first session was before the national and in that class there was one Golden Retriever and 3 small dogs. So Steeler did really well in that class - there wasn't much there that pushed his threshold. This time around we have another golden, a large yellow lab, a large barky sheltie, a pug, and an Aussie that seems a bit timid. The Aussie is being handled by a very experienced handler - so I am sure I don't see the issues that led to her joining the CU class. All things considered - it is a good mix of dogs for Steeler. He is doing really well with the GR - which previously would have been a huge trigger for him. He is a bit bothered by the lab, but getting better, and the barking sheltie has been great practice for us - because barking dogs while he is working have sometimes been a problem. I am sure the sheltie's owner would like him not to bark, motion is a big trigger for this dog - he wants to control all the movement!
So we just finished week five! This week we played some new games - There's a dog in your face and Mat racing. For "There's a Dog in your Face" we had some ring gates set up with dogs behind them - and then dogs on the other side with space to approach the gate. Steeler was paired with the GR - and we were the approaching dog first. Steeler did AWESOME! No reaction to the GR even when we were running towards him. We even approached at a run and stopped at the gate with no issues for either dog. Then it was Steeler's turn to be the stationary dog. His new cue for there is a dog approaching is ..... "INCOMING" We worked up to the same type of things, the GR running towards us, stopping at the gate .... No reaction what so ever other than to look at me! Now I just need to work on translating that to "the real world". Steeler also got to work with the Sheltie - again with no issues at all. I was very very pleased!
As far as Mat Racing goes - this game makes me a little bit nervous because all the dogs are racing to their mats from across the room - and there is lots more motion, dogs moving ahead of us and chance for leashes to slip. But all the dogs did really well. We started all on the same side, then moved to every other on opposite sides of the room, and then some moving and some playing "look at that" on their mats. It was a very active class! But Steeler did really well as did all the dogs.
Now just for some fun - here is some video of Steeler trying to find a good place to hide his bone. At one point he actually jumps into the closet with it.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
May???? How did that happen???
Oh my! How on earth did it go from January to MAY!!! LOL Well I must say I thought I was back to my training blog in January, but that was apparently not the case. Now that winter has come and gone, the house is rented, and my stress level has finally decreased - things are finally calming down. Steeler and I have been working on agility and obedience between January and the end of March, with the goal of competing at the Dalmatian National in Fort Michell, KY at the end of April. Well as a warm up, I entered Steeler in a Beginner Novice run at a real actual trial. UGH! What a disaster. I don't know what the problem was, my nerves? Steeler's anxiety? But he literally pulled me from sign to sign on the heeling pattern. We do a lot of Rally. The sign's really should not have been interesting to him at all, or so I thought. There is always something to learn as Steeler has reminded me time and time again. So after viewing the video, and a lesson with my obedience instructor (E), we devised a plan. This is going to sound so incredibly simple, but really it's not. In the discussion with E - she reminded me that really the last couple of years we haven't really been doing a lot of training, yes we go to class every week, we occasionally go to run thru's or show n go's but really how much time have I spent training outside that environment. The reality is that really I wasn't doing any real consistent training.
I don't really remember how we arrived at this idea - but it was a relatively simple thing - no more pulling on leash EVER!!!! No more getting cookies for just sitting around, no more Mom being a Pez dispenser. It sounds like such a simple thing. But really it was and is HARD!!!! But what a change. I worked hard for the month between our decision to give this a try and the national. 25 out of the next 30 days there had to be some sort of training if I were to consider showing at the national. We dropped just about everything else as far as training went. No working on heeling or retrieves etc. Everywhere we went, you will walk right here with me .... you don't get to pull me to the next bush to pee. You don't get to pull me over to friends to say hi. Those things became "real life rewards".
Steeler didn't really think this change in "The Rules" was such a good thing at first. We were entered in an APDT Rally trial the following weekend, and after some discussion I decided that I was going to go and give Steeler the opportunity to decided whether he wanted to work with me or not. The Saturday trial was not pretty! We walked into the ring, got the slowest sit ever, and when I asked him if he was ready he wouldn't even look at me. LOL oh that was hard. I said thank you to the judge and walked out of the ring and put Steeler in his crate, no words and he had to walk through a crowd of kids saying LOOK IT'S a Dalmatian. We did that twice on Saturday. Sunday was a bit better, I got more attention and was able to do a couple of signs and have a big party in the ring.
The following weekend we were again entered in another APDT Rally trial. Thankfully close to home. Huge change in attitude during the week. We were able to do the whole courses with lots of reinforcement for choosing to work in the ring. So after three plus weeks of working I was still undecided about whether to even bother going to the National. E didn't think that we were actually ready to go in the ring just yet, but at the very least, it would be a week where I could concentrate on working on our program. So we went......
To be continued!
I don't really remember how we arrived at this idea - but it was a relatively simple thing - no more pulling on leash EVER!!!! No more getting cookies for just sitting around, no more Mom being a Pez dispenser. It sounds like such a simple thing. But really it was and is HARD!!!! But what a change. I worked hard for the month between our decision to give this a try and the national. 25 out of the next 30 days there had to be some sort of training if I were to consider showing at the national. We dropped just about everything else as far as training went. No working on heeling or retrieves etc. Everywhere we went, you will walk right here with me .... you don't get to pull me to the next bush to pee. You don't get to pull me over to friends to say hi. Those things became "real life rewards".
Steeler didn't really think this change in "The Rules" was such a good thing at first. We were entered in an APDT Rally trial the following weekend, and after some discussion I decided that I was going to go and give Steeler the opportunity to decided whether he wanted to work with me or not. The Saturday trial was not pretty! We walked into the ring, got the slowest sit ever, and when I asked him if he was ready he wouldn't even look at me. LOL oh that was hard. I said thank you to the judge and walked out of the ring and put Steeler in his crate, no words and he had to walk through a crowd of kids saying LOOK IT'S a Dalmatian. We did that twice on Saturday. Sunday was a bit better, I got more attention and was able to do a couple of signs and have a big party in the ring.
The following weekend we were again entered in another APDT Rally trial. Thankfully close to home. Huge change in attitude during the week. We were able to do the whole courses with lots of reinforcement for choosing to work in the ring. So after three plus weeks of working I was still undecided about whether to even bother going to the National. E didn't think that we were actually ready to go in the ring just yet, but at the very least, it would be a week where I could concentrate on working on our program. So we went......
To be continued!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
I'm Back!
So the move is over. I still have a garage full of stuff to unpack and find a home for, but other than that things are settling down. Logan is still a little bit stressed, but hopefully will start to feel better soon. Meanwhile, amidst the chaos of moving Steeler has been catching most of his obedience classes and a few of his agility classes. We were at least able to catch run thrus a couple of weekends ago at the barn. We also took a ride out to Fitchburg to catch a show and meet my friend Dawn's new puppy.
I also signed him up for a class at Nevins Farm. It's just a "Beyond Manners" class on Saturday afternoons, but I thought it would be good to expose him to some new environments and new dogs. We had our first class last Saturday, and while it was pretty basic stuff it was good for Steeler. There were two Swiss Mountain Dogs and a Maltese in the class with us. We worked on loose leash walking, recalls with distractions, and the Look at That game. We also worked on a new trick. I've never actually taught Steeler how to "wave" or "shake" so that is what I was going to work on. I started with trying to shape just lifting a paw up. It's tough! Steeler is very quick and if I am not quick he starts going into his repertoire of tricks to try to get me to click. I really need to put some more of his tricks on cue!
I also took Logan and Steeler snow shoeing and Steeler got to meet my friend's year old whippet, Poppy for the first time. Steeler had a blast! He was very good with Ms. Poppy, even with her jumping on his head several times. However I think that Logan's snow shoeing days are over. At least when there is a lot of snow. It's hard for me to believe that she is going to be 13 soon.
We are also starting to think about going to the DCA National. I was debating signing him up for his first Novice Obedience run, but instead I think we are going to do pre-novice, and advanced rally. And agility of course! Steeler and I will go with my friend Dawn and her dogs. I can't wait!
I also signed him up for a class at Nevins Farm. It's just a "Beyond Manners" class on Saturday afternoons, but I thought it would be good to expose him to some new environments and new dogs. We had our first class last Saturday, and while it was pretty basic stuff it was good for Steeler. There were two Swiss Mountain Dogs and a Maltese in the class with us. We worked on loose leash walking, recalls with distractions, and the Look at That game. We also worked on a new trick. I've never actually taught Steeler how to "wave" or "shake" so that is what I was going to work on. I started with trying to shape just lifting a paw up. It's tough! Steeler is very quick and if I am not quick he starts going into his repertoire of tricks to try to get me to click. I really need to put some more of his tricks on cue!
I also took Logan and Steeler snow shoeing and Steeler got to meet my friend's year old whippet, Poppy for the first time. Steeler had a blast! He was very good with Ms. Poppy, even with her jumping on his head several times. However I think that Logan's snow shoeing days are over. At least when there is a lot of snow. It's hard for me to believe that she is going to be 13 soon.
We are also starting to think about going to the DCA National. I was debating signing him up for his first Novice Obedience run, but instead I think we are going to do pre-novice, and advanced rally. And agility of course! Steeler and I will go with my friend Dawn and her dogs. I can't wait!
Sunday, October 24, 2010
What a weekend
Well I finally did it .... a classmate goaded and taunted me until I actually entered Steeler in an agility trial. :-) So this weekend Steeler competed in his first "real" AKC trial in Falmouth at the Cape Cod Kennel club show. It was a three day trial and I decided that if I was going to enter I might as well enter everything. Friday was Novice FAST, Novice Standard and then Novice Jumpers. I think we finished around 6PM and it was a COLD and windy day. Steeler had some nice moments in all of his classes, but did a LOT of visiting with the ring crew in his FAST and Standard runs. He did however Q in Jumpers with weaves. YAY! I was exhausted by the time we got home! Saturday was another long day, but it wasn't quite as cold and windy. Today we actually were finished by 3 PM I think since we just had Standard and Jumpers. Friday's video's are below - but if you want to check out the rest of the weekend - check out our youtube channel.
novice standard -
novice FAST -
And here is Novice Jumpers with weaves for a Q and second place
All things considered - we had a great weekend! Steeler Q'd twice in Jumpers with a second and third place, he didn't leave the ring, he didn't get snarky with any dogs and he was good hanging out ringside. Now we just need to work on visiting the ring crew.
novice standard -
novice FAST -
And here is Novice Jumpers with weaves for a Q and second place
All things considered - we had a great weekend! Steeler Q'd twice in Jumpers with a second and third place, he didn't leave the ring, he didn't get snarky with any dogs and he was good hanging out ringside. Now we just need to work on visiting the ring crew.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Crazy week!
It's been a crazy kind of week. First the speedometer on the van died again on my way home last Saturday night. That scrapped my plans for Sunday that I had been looking forward to. So I dropped the van off at Sullivan Tire near work Monday morning to have them take a look. I was really hoping that it would be a matter of some loose wires since I knew that the computer was going to need to be replaced. Well Monday they called and said that everything going on was tied to the computer and there wasn't anything they could do. The car had to go visit the dealer. UGH! That was going to be difficult enough since when the speedometer dies the car goes into Safety Mode and it won't go any faster than 35 miles an hour. That means no highway driving ... and the nearest dealer was at least 30 minutes away on the highway. So obviously this was not making me happy. I go to pick up the car and see a note about the exhaust leaking. Ummmm ... you guys were supposed to have replaced the exhaust in May - why is it leaking????? So the tech goes out and crawls under my car again - guess what THEY NEVER REPLACED IT! On one hand I am horrified, but on the other - since I decided that I really just needed a more reliable vehicle I am kind of glad that they did not replace it. Now I will get that money back. So after much debate I ended up buying a 2008 Forester. It sure is nice to be able to go faster than 35 mph. All the stuff that was in the van is now piled in the entry way so I have a bit of organizing and cleaning to do.
We never made obedience class last week but we did make it to agility class on Wednesday night. We were working on "go outs" and Steeler did really well. I really need to find the battery charger for the camera so I can go back to getting some video!
Today we went down to Rhode Island for an agility Match. Steeler did really well. We got there about 2:30ish and hung out for a while with Lisa and Bob. Met Kelly who also trains with Catie. I get pretty stressed out about Steeler's behavior sometimes and Lisa was there to remind me that he is just a normal dog. But I still asked Lisa and Bob to stand at either ring entrance just in case! His first run was pretty distracted. He really needs to check out the environment in new places. But he is definitely getting a bit better about that. He didn't try to leave the ring but he did have to say hi to the ring crew. I was able to get him back and working. Then his second and third runs were GREAT! No visiting the ring crew or checking out other stuff. Lisa was kind enough to video - so hopefully I will get those this week. Steeler is now napping on the bed. Tomorrow is going to be cleaning day. (YUCK!)
We never made obedience class last week but we did make it to agility class on Wednesday night. We were working on "go outs" and Steeler did really well. I really need to find the battery charger for the camera so I can go back to getting some video!
Today we went down to Rhode Island for an agility Match. Steeler did really well. We got there about 2:30ish and hung out for a while with Lisa and Bob. Met Kelly who also trains with Catie. I get pretty stressed out about Steeler's behavior sometimes and Lisa was there to remind me that he is just a normal dog. But I still asked Lisa and Bob to stand at either ring entrance just in case! His first run was pretty distracted. He really needs to check out the environment in new places. But he is definitely getting a bit better about that. He didn't try to leave the ring but he did have to say hi to the ring crew. I was able to get him back and working. Then his second and third runs were GREAT! No visiting the ring crew or checking out other stuff. Lisa was kind enough to video - so hopefully I will get those this week. Steeler is now napping on the bed. Tomorrow is going to be cleaning day. (YUCK!)
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Steeler meets his match
After Wednesday's agility class Steeler got to play with Trixie. Keegan will sometimes play with Steeler - but he can't really keep up with him and Logan wants nothing to do with the chase me game. BUT Trixie .... LOL she can keep up with him and give him a run for his money.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Catching up ...
So behind again ... sigh. Oh well. Here is some video from noseworks class number 6. Unfortunately I don't think we are going to do the next session as I already know that I would miss two classes out of the six. We'll continue to do some work at home and with friends though.
Other stuff that has been going on -
we did an obedience show n go on Sunday last week, Steeler had two novice runs that went pretty well. The only exception being when I lost his focus during the first run. In watching the video and talking to E about the runs - I think Steeler does not find our targeting game as much fun as I thought he did. We talked about some other ways to reward between exercises as well. Obedience class is going pretty well. Last Monday there were puppies around outside the ring while we were working on heeling. Steeler isn't too sure what he thinks about puppies and used to bark at them. Outside the ring this week was a newfie puppy (already weighs more than Steeler!) and a 8 or 10 week old Aussie puppy in the owners lap. Steeler was able to heel towards the puppies and then turn around and heel in the other direction without a backward glance! YAY! I think we got probably within 5 feet or so of the puppies - I wasn't really paying attention to the dogs - I was focused on Steeler and what we were doing because I trust E to not send us over what Steeler can handle. Steeler and I can do great things when I can focus on him and the job at hand rather than trying to scan the environment for problems. And I am learning - that focusing on Steeler and our activities - Steeler doesn't even see the other distractions that I used to obsess over. Here's one of his runs. We still have a few things to work on, like getting into the ring with the long line not so tangled.
On Wednesday Steeler had a great agility class - but I forgot the camera! And now I can't remember at all what we worked on. I know it was short sequences again .... but I can't for the life of me remember what specific skill we were working on! I think my brain is full.
Today we went to the barn for an agility match. Steeler had three runs. The first two at 20 inches and the third at 24. Laurie was there with our old classmate Solo the Briard, and her husband was nice enough to video for me! (Thanks Dave!!) Steeler's first run was ok. Not great but not horrible. He got distracted after the teeter by something that must have smelled really good! I probably didn't react quickly enough to Steeler deserting me. But I did get him back and working.
I think I must have worked out what ever nerves I had during the first run because his next two runs were much better I thought.
For his third run I had Lisa and Trixie hang out in the ring. I really need (in my mind) to work on things that I think are distracting. So since Steeler likes Trixi and I don't worry about what MIGHT happen with her I decided to start with pretending that they were hanging out near the ring. Lisa is great because she does exactly what you ask her to! So we will work up to having Trix moving and work on maintaining focus! He is clearly not bothered in the slightest by Trixie just hanging out which makes me very happy! :-) Steeler has made so much progress in the last 9 months since we started class with Catie! I was so happy with the spotty boy today!
Other stuff that has been going on -
we did an obedience show n go on Sunday last week, Steeler had two novice runs that went pretty well. The only exception being when I lost his focus during the first run. In watching the video and talking to E about the runs - I think Steeler does not find our targeting game as much fun as I thought he did. We talked about some other ways to reward between exercises as well. Obedience class is going pretty well. Last Monday there were puppies around outside the ring while we were working on heeling. Steeler isn't too sure what he thinks about puppies and used to bark at them. Outside the ring this week was a newfie puppy (already weighs more than Steeler!) and a 8 or 10 week old Aussie puppy in the owners lap. Steeler was able to heel towards the puppies and then turn around and heel in the other direction without a backward glance! YAY! I think we got probably within 5 feet or so of the puppies - I wasn't really paying attention to the dogs - I was focused on Steeler and what we were doing because I trust E to not send us over what Steeler can handle. Steeler and I can do great things when I can focus on him and the job at hand rather than trying to scan the environment for problems. And I am learning - that focusing on Steeler and our activities - Steeler doesn't even see the other distractions that I used to obsess over. Here's one of his runs. We still have a few things to work on, like getting into the ring with the long line not so tangled.
On Wednesday Steeler had a great agility class - but I forgot the camera! And now I can't remember at all what we worked on. I know it was short sequences again .... but I can't for the life of me remember what specific skill we were working on! I think my brain is full.
Today we went to the barn for an agility match. Steeler had three runs. The first two at 20 inches and the third at 24. Laurie was there with our old classmate Solo the Briard, and her husband was nice enough to video for me! (Thanks Dave!!) Steeler's first run was ok. Not great but not horrible. He got distracted after the teeter by something that must have smelled really good! I probably didn't react quickly enough to Steeler deserting me. But I did get him back and working.
I think I must have worked out what ever nerves I had during the first run because his next two runs were much better I thought.
For his third run I had Lisa and Trixie hang out in the ring. I really need (in my mind) to work on things that I think are distracting. So since Steeler likes Trixi and I don't worry about what MIGHT happen with her I decided to start with pretending that they were hanging out near the ring. Lisa is great because she does exactly what you ask her to! So we will work up to having Trix moving and work on maintaining focus! He is clearly not bothered in the slightest by Trixie just hanging out which makes me very happy! :-) Steeler has made so much progress in the last 9 months since we started class with Catie! I was so happy with the spotty boy today!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Agility Class
Once again I am falling behind. Last week we had Obedience class, two agility classes (Tuesday and Wednesday) - one a make up class from a snow storm, noseworks class, and today the obedience show n go. I am exhausted.
The last few weeks I have felt like I was really struggling with Steeler's attention and focus in agility class. In thinking about it (obsessing about it?) I realized that the nights that I felt like I was really struggling (video here if you really want to see how bad it was) I had brought Steeler's dinner to class with me. My thought was that since dinner of ground beef and veggies was VERY reinforcing to him - I could start building some speed and drive from him. Unfortunately I think it sent his poor spotty brain into overload and he just couldn't focus at all. *sigh* Some day I will remember not to up the criteria so much at once. If he can't practice obedience stuff at home around his full food bowl with out loosing his brain - why should it be any different at agility class! So after Tuesday's class I felt very discouraged until I had that epiphany and on Wednesday I did not bring his dinner with us to class. It was in the car, but not in the building. This helped! Wednesday we worked on threadles - so we were doing a bunch of drill type exercises. I worked on making sure we were connected getting to and from the start line and paid him for his attention - and he was great! No running off and he was very attentive! Yippee! Meanwhile - we will work up to those distractions at home first before bringing them to the barn! Here is some video of what we worked on.
The last few weeks I have felt like I was really struggling with Steeler's attention and focus in agility class. In thinking about it (obsessing about it?) I realized that the nights that I felt like I was really struggling (video here if you really want to see how bad it was) I had brought Steeler's dinner to class with me. My thought was that since dinner of ground beef and veggies was VERY reinforcing to him - I could start building some speed and drive from him. Unfortunately I think it sent his poor spotty brain into overload and he just couldn't focus at all. *sigh* Some day I will remember not to up the criteria so much at once. If he can't practice obedience stuff at home around his full food bowl with out loosing his brain - why should it be any different at agility class! So after Tuesday's class I felt very discouraged until I had that epiphany and on Wednesday I did not bring his dinner with us to class. It was in the car, but not in the building. This helped! Wednesday we worked on threadles - so we were doing a bunch of drill type exercises. I worked on making sure we were connected getting to and from the start line and paid him for his attention - and he was great! No running off and he was very attentive! Yippee! Meanwhile - we will work up to those distractions at home first before bringing them to the barn! Here is some video of what we worked on.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Noseworks - class number 5
Yesterday was a busy day for Steeler and I - first in the morning we attended a Seminar - more about that later. Then we drove up to MasterPeace for our 5th Noseworks class. This week the dogs were introduced to their first odor - Birch. The odor is introduced by scenting a few q-tips with sweet birch essential oil, and the Q-tips are placed under the food in the box. We started with a simple box drill in a straight line on leash. Then we separated out the boxes around the room and let the dogs search off leash. Odor recognition is the first skill that the dog has to demonstrate if you want to participate in a National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW) trial. The odor recognition test (or ORT) consists of a box drill type exercise with no distractions. There must be between 12 and 20 boxes at least 48 inches apart. Click here for more information.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Agility Match
Yesterday Catie had another agility match at the barn in Duxbury. Logan got to come with me to help set up again. It was a bit chilly in the barn for her - but she enjoyed hanging out for a little while and exploring the empty horse stalls. The little (8 - 16 inch) dogs ran first. We got to see some friends from CT that came up for the match and their dal Abby. Some other old classmates were there as well that we hadn't seen in a while. I had Steeler out several times and he was totally unfazed by the dogs around him. Even dogs that were barking at him. I had him hanging out in the middle of things to watch a couple of friends run - and yeah he had a couple of barky dog moments while other dogs were running the course - but for the most part he was happy to watch. And lot of dogs bark while other dogs do agility and their owners don't seem to care - so I know I am expecting a lot from Steeler. Catie was nice enough to let me run him at 20 in first and then with the big dogs at 24 so I could get two runs in and then head out to noseworks class in Franklin.
His first run I did get on video. I ran him at 20 inches first and then at 24. The first time he missed the entry to the weaves - I don't know if he just didn't see them or if I was out of position. So that is something to remember to try this spring with the jumps angled like that. I sent him back over the second jump and he had no problem with the weaves the second time - the next group of obstacles was no problem. Tunnel - front cross - jump - Tire - tunnel - dog walk! From the dog walk - there was a jump which I want him to turn tightly - he didn't the first time, so I think I had too much forward momentum? The second time was no problem - possibly because he knew where we were going. :-) From the teeter there were two jumps that he was supposed to take and I kept sending him to the tunnel. I think I didn't drop my arm soon enough - but we worked through it. We missed one jump at the end - but clearly I didn't cue it and I was seriously running out of steam! Two minutes in the ring is a long time - especially when you forget the dratted inhaler that is supposed to help you breath!
So there were a few things that I was especially pleased about - first he kept working with me even when we were repeating things. He didn't get distracted and wander off. Second - Jumping into the crowd with people and dogs watching - he didn't get very distracted by that. And third when I took my attention off of him for a moment - he stayed on the table! In the past if I took my attention off of him (and he was off leash) he would wander off to do his own thing. I spend a lot of time working on this and trying to set him up for success by not allowing him to wander - and this is really starting to pay off!
In between his runs Steeler hung out behind the orange fence among the other dogs and even with a BC tugging crazily a foot or two away - Steeler was calm and pretty relaxed! His run at 24 inches was great! It had the same focus and attention as the first run. I was able to practice jumping into the crowd and calling him back to me as well as some of the pieces of the open and excellent level courses. I find there are somethings where my timing matters a lot more when he is jumping 24 inches compared to 20. For example if there are two jumps side by side (so a 180?) and we are working on tight turns - my timing is a lot more important to Steeler.
I was so pleased with the spotty boy today! Things are really starting to come together!
His first run I did get on video. I ran him at 20 inches first and then at 24. The first time he missed the entry to the weaves - I don't know if he just didn't see them or if I was out of position. So that is something to remember to try this spring with the jumps angled like that. I sent him back over the second jump and he had no problem with the weaves the second time - the next group of obstacles was no problem. Tunnel - front cross - jump - Tire - tunnel - dog walk! From the dog walk - there was a jump which I want him to turn tightly - he didn't the first time, so I think I had too much forward momentum? The second time was no problem - possibly because he knew where we were going. :-) From the teeter there were two jumps that he was supposed to take and I kept sending him to the tunnel. I think I didn't drop my arm soon enough - but we worked through it. We missed one jump at the end - but clearly I didn't cue it and I was seriously running out of steam! Two minutes in the ring is a long time - especially when you forget the dratted inhaler that is supposed to help you breath!
So there were a few things that I was especially pleased about - first he kept working with me even when we were repeating things. He didn't get distracted and wander off. Second - Jumping into the crowd with people and dogs watching - he didn't get very distracted by that. And third when I took my attention off of him for a moment - he stayed on the table! In the past if I took my attention off of him (and he was off leash) he would wander off to do his own thing. I spend a lot of time working on this and trying to set him up for success by not allowing him to wander - and this is really starting to pay off!
In between his runs Steeler hung out behind the orange fence among the other dogs and even with a BC tugging crazily a foot or two away - Steeler was calm and pretty relaxed! His run at 24 inches was great! It had the same focus and attention as the first run. I was able to practice jumping into the crowd and calling him back to me as well as some of the pieces of the open and excellent level courses. I find there are somethings where my timing matters a lot more when he is jumping 24 inches compared to 20. For example if there are two jumps side by side (so a 180?) and we are working on tight turns - my timing is a lot more important to Steeler.
I was so pleased with the spotty boy today! Things are really starting to come together!
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Some pictures from the storm
We were supposed to get over a foot of snow and ended up with about 6 - 8 inches of wet heavy stuff instead. No fun to shovel, but pretty to look at. Apparently when you close all the schools early and the state decides to close all government offices - the storms then go out to sea early. Just a couple miles north of me there was barely a dusting to bother with. The day after the "no-easter" as it is being called - was bright and sunny and apparently Keegan thought it was warm enough to curl up in a sunny spot to enjoy the sun.
Steeler did a lot of run out into the yard and then run back to the porch - full speed ahead as usual. Here he is in mid air ears flying.
Logan of course took one look at all the white stuff and went back to bed.While we didn't get an overwhelming amount of snow this time - the wind was pretty bad. I am not looking forward to spring when I have to clean up all the branches in the yard.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Nina Ottosson dog toys
I've been curious about the Nina Ottosson interactive dog toys for a while. But the budget didn't really allow for a dog toy that expensive. :-) Thanks to Kim and Peyton, Steeler got to try his hand at the Brick toy.
of course Logan wanted in on this game too. Logan and Steeler (and Keegan too) say thanks to their favorite spotty agility dog in FL. Thanks Kim! You and Peyton rock!
of course Logan wanted in on this game too. Logan and Steeler (and Keegan too) say thanks to their favorite spotty agility dog in FL. Thanks Kim! You and Peyton rock!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Saturday afternoon Nose Works
This is our third week of class. This week we worked on teaching the dogs to search the corners and walls of a room. The first time the food was in the box right as the dog entered the area. The idea was to let the dog catch the scent and then cue them to search. The second an third time the box was in the corner. The next exercise was to help teach the dogs that they aren't always going to be looking on the ground for the scent/food. We ended with a simple box drill so the dogs could end on an easy successful note.
Wednesday night agility!
Class is going SO well! I think after the night that Steeler was so distracted, running away from me and wanting to play with Trixie, I finally started to truely relax. Nothing bad happened that night and no one made me feel like I didn't belong in class - and it was like a big mental sigh of relief. I don't think I even realized that the stress was there. Every one in class is competing at the Excellent level in AKC - so sometimes I feel a little bit intimidated - not by the people but more by my own expectations. Does that make any sense?
Here's the course map (roughly) for class. This week we stuck with jumping Steeler at 20 inches.
As you might imagine - there were lots of potential challenges in the course. To start there was the two jumps set up on a straight path to the a frame. Initially several of us walked that begining sequence as a lead out close to jump number three. Instead Catie had us try a front cross in front of the 2nd jump - with a slight lead out. Then there was the discrimination between the a frame and the tunnel from 4 to 5.
We also worked a short sequence at the end of class from jump #10 -#15, wrapped 15 to the unnumbered jump to the teeter. I know that things are starting to come together because when I finished that exercise Catie said "WOW - that was great Jenn!" :-) Go do it again. And if felt good.... it felt like Steeler and I were connected and I knew where I was going and what I was doing.
Here's the course map (roughly) for class. This week we stuck with jumping Steeler at 20 inches.
As you might imagine - there were lots of potential challenges in the course. To start there was the two jumps set up on a straight path to the a frame. Initially several of us walked that begining sequence as a lead out close to jump number three. Instead Catie had us try a front cross in front of the 2nd jump - with a slight lead out. Then there was the discrimination between the a frame and the tunnel from 4 to 5.
We also worked a short sequence at the end of class from jump #10 -#15, wrapped 15 to the unnumbered jump to the teeter. I know that things are starting to come together because when I finished that exercise Catie said "WOW - that was great Jenn!" :-) Go do it again. And if felt good.... it felt like Steeler and I were connected and I knew where I was going and what I was doing.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Wednesday night agility class
Steeler had a great night! And so did I.... We spent our hour working a single course this time. I really should see if I can get the course maps to share. I crated Steeler in the tack room (I think that is what it is called) It is warmer in there than it is in the barn - I think it is heated a little bit at least. And since the car is having heat issues (possibly a thermostat stuck open??) I didn't have the option of blasting the heat and working out of the car which I have been doing the last few weeks. Steeler does not handle the cold very well if he is just sitting around in his crate. The first time thru - we walked the course and then ran without any discussion. The opening sequence was 2 jumps to the weave poles. The jumps were angled and I was able to lead out to the 2nd jump. From the weaves we reversed direction into the shoot and then did a semi circle of jumps. I chose to do a front cross after jump number seven. Then one more jump to the teeter. (now headed towards the front of the barn again). From the teeter (A frame discrimination) to the tunnel to a jump facing the wall, and then reversing direction again to the A frame (A frame/tunnel discrimination). From the A frame there was a series of three jumps down to the far end of the barn. I am going to have to draw out the course I think! At any rate - Catie said that she thought that was the smoothest she has seen Steeler and I run - and the run FELT good!!!! We talked about where we were putting front crosses and we discussed how to tighten up the jump after the tunnel and then ran it again ... and again! Catie had us working to get our front cross in between 8 and 9 (instead of between 7 and 8) and then another front cross in before the teeter! The second time through Steeler had a little bit of trouble sending from the tire to jump number 7 - I am still working out timing with him for things like that - and I know we will get there eventually.
So one thing that I have been trying to work on (in addition to all the other stuff) is my attitude when we get ready to run. I suspect that my attitude was better last night because the beginning of the course was at the far end of the barn - so Steeler and I ran to our starting position. And even though I asked him for a stay at the start line - I was confident that the opening was something he could handle easily - and he did! I have also been trying not to chatter at him while we run - I did that pretty well last night and discovered that he LIKES it when I talk to him in the weave poles - but other than that he prefers to only hear from me when it is important. :-) It was a good night!
OK I downloaded the trial version of course designer.... here is a rough estimation of the course to give you an idea. the spacing is probably not quite right - but you get the idea. :-)
So one thing that I have been trying to work on (in addition to all the other stuff) is my attitude when we get ready to run. I suspect that my attitude was better last night because the beginning of the course was at the far end of the barn - so Steeler and I ran to our starting position. And even though I asked him for a stay at the start line - I was confident that the opening was something he could handle easily - and he did! I have also been trying not to chatter at him while we run - I did that pretty well last night and discovered that he LIKES it when I talk to him in the weave poles - but other than that he prefers to only hear from me when it is important. :-) It was a good night!
OK I downloaded the trial version of course designer.... here is a rough estimation of the course to give you an idea. the spacing is probably not quite right - but you get the idea. :-)
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Sunday Show N Go! at Performance Plus in Taunton
Steeler ROCKS! He was such a good boy today! And I only had a minor little panic attack over stays. :-) Run thru's started at 10 AM and Steeler was in the second and third sets of 8. We got there about 9:30. A bunch of people that we train with were there already and had saved us crate space. We were set up in front of the novice ring - so there were lots of dogs going past up to get to the open ring and the utility ring. Steeler was quiet in his crate even with the crate cover up and just watched the world go by. No whining at all until we were just about ready to leave, at which point he had been hanging out in the building for over 4 hours - even with breaks outside that is a long time in a busy noisy building for my spotted boy.
His first run was pretty good considering that we haven't been to class in over 3 months and have only been doing a bit of training here and there. I thought his heeling felt a little bit laggy - but people watching said no it wasn't that bad. I've been working him on a long line so that he doesn't get the chance to make the mistake of just wandering away from me, and today I only had to step on it once when we were approaching a couple of stacked crates with a HUGE stuffed dog on top. His figure 8 was pretty good too - just a little bit laggy on the outside turn. Stand for exam just a little bit of foot movement .... and his recall was AWESOME!!!!
The first set of stays I found a little bit nerve wracking. There were 8 of us along the short wall - there was definitely about 4 ft between dogs - but for baby dogs it was a bit crowded. I was a bit too nervous to drop the leash for the 1 minute sit, though I did let go of it about 40 seconds in. I stayed close but stayed silent and calm I think. I had trouble getting Steeler to drop into his down for the long down - so I did lure him into it. But once he was down - he stayed down for the 3 minutes. He did pop up as I started to walk around him - but I think that was just a timing thing with all the other people approaching - I decided to not fuss with it.
His second run thru was at least as good as or better than the first one. His Stand for Exam was definitely better, only one tiny foot movement. His recall was spot on again and his heeling felt a bit better. And even better his Stays were good! This time we set up against the longer wall so there was a little bit more space between the dogs. I set Steeler up between Riley (who he has known thru class for almost 3 years) and Ellie who he hasn't seen in a while but wasn't a complete stranger to him. This time I was able to get almost all the way across the ring from him on the sit stay - even with a dog barking in the crate that was directly behind him on the other side of the ring gate! On the long down I did have to lure him down with a cookie - but he stayed down and I was able to get all the way across the ring. We still had the barking dog and lots of activity going on behind him so I did a bit of walking in towards him when I thought he was getting too distracted. And he was able to stay in the down as everyone was walking back to their dogs. He really did a great job today! GO STEELER!
His first run was pretty good considering that we haven't been to class in over 3 months and have only been doing a bit of training here and there. I thought his heeling felt a little bit laggy - but people watching said no it wasn't that bad. I've been working him on a long line so that he doesn't get the chance to make the mistake of just wandering away from me, and today I only had to step on it once when we were approaching a couple of stacked crates with a HUGE stuffed dog on top. His figure 8 was pretty good too - just a little bit laggy on the outside turn. Stand for exam just a little bit of foot movement .... and his recall was AWESOME!!!!
The first set of stays I found a little bit nerve wracking. There were 8 of us along the short wall - there was definitely about 4 ft between dogs - but for baby dogs it was a bit crowded. I was a bit too nervous to drop the leash for the 1 minute sit, though I did let go of it about 40 seconds in. I stayed close but stayed silent and calm I think. I had trouble getting Steeler to drop into his down for the long down - so I did lure him into it. But once he was down - he stayed down for the 3 minutes. He did pop up as I started to walk around him - but I think that was just a timing thing with all the other people approaching - I decided to not fuss with it.
His second run thru was at least as good as or better than the first one. His Stand for Exam was definitely better, only one tiny foot movement. His recall was spot on again and his heeling felt a bit better. And even better his Stays were good! This time we set up against the longer wall so there was a little bit more space between the dogs. I set Steeler up between Riley (who he has known thru class for almost 3 years) and Ellie who he hasn't seen in a while but wasn't a complete stranger to him. This time I was able to get almost all the way across the ring from him on the sit stay - even with a dog barking in the crate that was directly behind him on the other side of the ring gate! On the long down I did have to lure him down with a cookie - but he stayed down and I was able to get all the way across the ring. We still had the barking dog and lots of activity going on behind him so I did a bit of walking in towards him when I thought he was getting too distracted. And he was able to stay in the down as everyone was walking back to their dogs. He really did a great job today! GO STEELER!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Saturday Agility Match in Duxbury and catch up
So once again I am behind on stuff. First Thanks to Kim for making my new header!
This past week it has been pretty cold - so we haven't been doing much. Wednesday nights agility class went well. Though I think Steeler was cold. We are also working on hard stuff and I think that I really should have upped my rate of reinforcement much more than I did. BAD HANDLER! But Steeler continues to do pretty well.
Today we were at the barn for an agility match and Steeler was GREAT! Usually I am so nervous at these events that I end up doing restrained recalls with Steeler across the barn and then working in the back corner away from all the people and dogs. Well I didn't feel to nervous (that doesn't always mean much) and I started at the begining of the novice course. I didn't fuss too much since the first obstacle was a tunnel, and damn if Steeler didn't just do the course for me. Of course I completely messed up the novice course the first time through and ended up just making my own course. I don't think that Steeler realized I was lost though. :-) The second run I tried the harder course (It could have been an excellent or open level course) since we had been working on that opening sequence in class on Wednesday. That was a bit too much for Steeler though. Not sure if it was the people and dogs behind him or me ... I went back to running with him and we did get through the opening sequence (4 jumps to the tunnel which was the first novice obstacle) and then we just continued with the novice course. The first two courses I ran at 20 inches then ran the last one at 24 inches. Since I was changing the jump height I decided to go back to the novice course once again. And I have to say I was really pleased with how well we did today. He hit all his contacts and had really nice weave poles! Not to mention that his behavior was just wonderful! Now how much of that was related to me not panicing every time a dog went by and generally being more comfortable with the people around me now that I know them from classes and stuff and how much was related to Steeler growing up..... who knows! LOL it is probably a combination of things. But it was really nice to be so calm instead of worrying about every possible encounter.
Catie had things set up so that the small dogs (8 and 12) ran all of their runs first and then the big dogs were scheduled to start at 11:45. So I took Logan over at 9:30 to help set up. The barn is about 10 minutes from my house and I figured that doing something was better than getting worked up (however subconsiously) about the run thru's waiting for our turn. Logan got to come in and play with one of Catie's border collie's while we were setting up. I am glad that she could - she has been really moping around the house lately. It's been too cold to take her with me when I take Steeler to class. But today we had a New England heat wave (I think it got into the mid 40's or maybe even up to 50 degrees today) so even if she couldn't have come in to play at least she would have gotten out of the house. Plus we stopped at my favorite pet store to say hi and check out Dianes new puppy (what a cutie!)
So that is what has been going on today for Steeler. His favorite liver pal Jenna from Maine got her last three points at the breed show in Fitchburg today as well so Congratulations to Dawn and Jenna!!!!
Tomorrow we are off to an Obedience Show N Go. Oh boy!
This past week it has been pretty cold - so we haven't been doing much. Wednesday nights agility class went well. Though I think Steeler was cold. We are also working on hard stuff and I think that I really should have upped my rate of reinforcement much more than I did. BAD HANDLER! But Steeler continues to do pretty well.
Today we were at the barn for an agility match and Steeler was GREAT! Usually I am so nervous at these events that I end up doing restrained recalls with Steeler across the barn and then working in the back corner away from all the people and dogs. Well I didn't feel to nervous (that doesn't always mean much) and I started at the begining of the novice course. I didn't fuss too much since the first obstacle was a tunnel, and damn if Steeler didn't just do the course for me. Of course I completely messed up the novice course the first time through and ended up just making my own course. I don't think that Steeler realized I was lost though. :-) The second run I tried the harder course (It could have been an excellent or open level course) since we had been working on that opening sequence in class on Wednesday. That was a bit too much for Steeler though. Not sure if it was the people and dogs behind him or me ... I went back to running with him and we did get through the opening sequence (4 jumps to the tunnel which was the first novice obstacle) and then we just continued with the novice course. The first two courses I ran at 20 inches then ran the last one at 24 inches. Since I was changing the jump height I decided to go back to the novice course once again. And I have to say I was really pleased with how well we did today. He hit all his contacts and had really nice weave poles! Not to mention that his behavior was just wonderful! Now how much of that was related to me not panicing every time a dog went by and generally being more comfortable with the people around me now that I know them from classes and stuff and how much was related to Steeler growing up..... who knows! LOL it is probably a combination of things. But it was really nice to be so calm instead of worrying about every possible encounter.
Catie had things set up so that the small dogs (8 and 12) ran all of their runs first and then the big dogs were scheduled to start at 11:45. So I took Logan over at 9:30 to help set up. The barn is about 10 minutes from my house and I figured that doing something was better than getting worked up (however subconsiously) about the run thru's waiting for our turn. Logan got to come in and play with one of Catie's border collie's while we were setting up. I am glad that she could - she has been really moping around the house lately. It's been too cold to take her with me when I take Steeler to class. But today we had a New England heat wave (I think it got into the mid 40's or maybe even up to 50 degrees today) so even if she couldn't have come in to play at least she would have gotten out of the house. Plus we stopped at my favorite pet store to say hi and check out Dianes new puppy (what a cutie!)
So that is what has been going on today for Steeler. His favorite liver pal Jenna from Maine got her last three points at the breed show in Fitchburg today as well so Congratulations to Dawn and Jenna!!!!
Tomorrow we are off to an Obedience Show N Go. Oh boy!
Friday, January 8, 2010
Tuesday night agility
Tuesday night I went back to agility class after taking a couple of weeks off. It was rather crazy around the holidays and there was just too much going on. So at class last night we were working short sequences that involved rear crosses and to some extent pulling and pushing our dogs. I also raised the jump heights on Steeler. He hasn't been measure in a while and I am pretty sure that if I do any USDAA that he is going to have to jump 26 inches (unless I put him in Performance to jump 22 inches - which is an option). For USDAA a dog over 21 inches at the withers must jump 26, for AKC if the dog is under 22 inches they can jump 20 inches, over 22 inches they jump 24. NADAC has a class for those that measure over 20 inches, but they only have to jump 20 inches. So the last time I had Steeler measured he was under 22 inches, but over 21. So I think he can jump 20 inches for AKC but for USDAA he will either have to jump 26" or 22" in performance.
Ok - I got a bit distracted. On Tuesday we tried raising the jumps to a mix of 24 and 26". Up until we moved to the barn he had been jumping 24 in quite well. I don't know if the courses were a bit more difficult for him than I thought, and raising the jump heights made him a bit anxious, or he was cold. He seemed a bit distracted(sniffing and just wandering off as opposed to racing off to investigate) and didn't really seem to want to work. I thought maybe he had to poop. But I had him out before we went into the barn, and I took him out after we ran for 5 minutes and he didn't do anything! His second run was better. He had a great 2 on 2 off on the a frame! And he actually started to go into an automatic down on the table! And on the third run I ran him at 20 inches and that was probably his best run. So we ended on a successfull note which is very important to me. We do need to work on taking the first jump when I release him. For the sequences we were working on we were setting the dogs up at an angle at the first jump, and Steeler went around it several times. I thought at first that it was the higher height, but he did it again on the last run. So it was probably my fault. :-) And that we haven't practiced that much.
Ok - I got a bit distracted. On Tuesday we tried raising the jumps to a mix of 24 and 26". Up until we moved to the barn he had been jumping 24 in quite well. I don't know if the courses were a bit more difficult for him than I thought, and raising the jump heights made him a bit anxious, or he was cold. He seemed a bit distracted(sniffing and just wandering off as opposed to racing off to investigate) and didn't really seem to want to work. I thought maybe he had to poop. But I had him out before we went into the barn, and I took him out after we ran for 5 minutes and he didn't do anything! His second run was better. He had a great 2 on 2 off on the a frame! And he actually started to go into an automatic down on the table! And on the third run I ran him at 20 inches and that was probably his best run. So we ended on a successfull note which is very important to me. We do need to work on taking the first jump when I release him. For the sequences we were working on we were setting the dogs up at an angle at the first jump, and Steeler went around it several times. I thought at first that it was the higher height, but he did it again on the last run. So it was probably my fault. :-) And that we haven't practiced that much.
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