FIONAVAR K9'S

Lisa Frick & Hoss B.A.C.K. 2011 Freitag Jumping

2011-03-22T08:12:00.000-07:00

this is an amazing run!!!

TT Trial January 2011

2011-01-19T22:19:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we had our TT trial. Started off a bit rocky for Luc and I. It was one of those rough days, migraine trying to come on, ole joints a little more sore then usual. Saturdays first run was Gamble and Luc was wild. Him and I were not together at all.
Next run was Challenge and we nailed it with a Q and 1st. That was all there was to be for the first day.
Sunday I woke up and felt a whole lot better. The day went beautiful!
Luc earned 4 Q's, 3 firsts and a second plus his Master Snooker Title.

I am working on remembering to be very conscious of my motion, when to signal the extension and when to signal the collection. My goal is for it to be subconscious movement and not to over think it consciously. At first it was mentally tiring, but I am starting to recognize the "place" I need to be to "Just Run"! .

Memories of Luc's first year of Agility 2010

2011-01-01T12:50:00.000-08:00

Enjoy!

2010-11-16T10:37:00.000-08:00

Here we go, one buble on a jump, was able to save it, I needed to hold for a minute until I had his head. This was our first Master Jumpers Q.

slow motion Video Coolhand Luc Weaving,

2010-08-25T15:35:00.000-07:00

check out the DROOL at the finish of the weaves

2010 National Gamble run Saturday 7th place

2010-08-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

Here is Luc's first gamble, so proud of that boy.
In hind sight We did not too bad,
I did not walk away from nationals feeling accomplished just exhausted and that is the main feeling of the nationals for me.
Luc did get both his gamble runs and a 95 points in one standard. Jumpers and my timing is the training for this year.
Luc's times were unbeleivable, Fast, fast!
He handled the venue and all the action going on like a pro. He was a star in staying focused for a dog that was 2 in April.
I must learn my lesson from my dog and learn to stay focus on my partner no matter what is going on.
Lessons we learn from our dogs.....

2010-08-23T19:19:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe Nationals came and have been over for almost 3 weeks! Almost 2 years of planning and its "puff" gone, finished,done.
My friend, Deb who shared the hotel with me, counted the hours of sleep we got from the Thursday to the Monday morning.... 12 hrs total and they were not restful sleeps. Toss and turn trying to remember everything. Nationals for me was exhausting. What I learned from that experience is "not to run a dog" when organizing an event of that size.
Luc ran very well, I on the other hand was not focused has I should be. I certainly know what my "homework" is for the next year.

This is our standard run on the Sunday, 95 points, we had a dropped bar, we never have dropped bars, my timing was so off,
From now on my timing will be right on, every run....
enjoy!

We are Off to Nationals!!! Go Girls Go!!

2010-06-28T17:53:00.000-07:00

Here is a couple of pictures from regionals of some great students who qualified! Well earned, well ran!!
Way to go girls!!!

Nationals 2010 Spruce Meadows Calgary Alberta , here We Come!!!

2010-06-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

Coolhand Luc is going to Nationals! My goal for Luc was to get to the 500 pt mark, we did it! We earned 517.05 points. We had fantastic runs and one standard with 30 faults (ouch) The rest were great. each jumpers were 5 faults, (handler errors). We got our other standard with 123.92 pts, gamble points in the first one were a bit low, 80.61, our second gamble was 102.52 points. Steeplechase on Friday was an incredible ride! Luc was 1st and qualified in both runs. I beleive he had the fastest time overall. I did not get any video of these 2 runs. I forgot to write down his stats, but I do remember that the runs were each 29 seconds and something. We had a clinic with Kathy Keats this weekend and we have our homework to work on for nationals. It was a great time , with a great instructor. Very informative.

FUNMATCH IS ON!!!

2010-06-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

We are on for the funmatch tomorrow! bring bug spray, I am sure those hungry mosquitoes will be out after all the rain and now the heat.
Hopefully there will be some wind, to blow them away!

Stuff

2010-06-08T08:56:00.000-07:00

off to see the chiropractor today with Luc,just his pre competition check up.
Cavall is going in again next week, he is finally using his rear legs to push off to go up stairs. Still not sure if I like what I see when jumping low jumps.
Doing jump grids with him, to give him his balance and rhythm back. hopefully to help him build up the strength in his back and rear.
Mister Luc, is testing the waters for start line behavior, which is fine, we will get it back to being solid. He gets so intense at the start line he is not aware he is lifting his rear up , ready to push off. Usually all I have to do is look at him with the "I do not think so " look and he goes, "oh so sorry I got ahead of myself"

He is such a great dog , and I better remember to stay very consistent with him.
I am so looking forward to regionals with him, it will be a blast and so many agility buddies will be there!

Regionals Prep Funmatch June 12

2010-06-02T11:07:00.000-07:00

Come out and Play,

FIONAVAR K9 TRAINING
“DOGS ‘R’ FUN”
REGIONALS PREP FUNMATCH
In Olds
June 12, 2010
9:30 set up and check in
10:30 start
• Standard , Gamblers, Jumpers
• Outside, fenced 4 acres
• $5.00 per run, (each turn), 90 seconds max for training time
• Port-a-potty on site
• Bring your lunch, shade, & everything for your dog

Flying Kelpie, Medicine Hat Trial

2010-05-31T08:55:00.000-07:00

A late update, the first day was cold, wet, windy, but we hung in there. Sunday was very much better.
Luc had a great weekend. I am really working on the mental approach to each run. I have not got to each one where I am in the right place, but I will get there!
Luc earned his final advance snooker, earned an advance jumpers, one more to go to be able to move to Masters, was first overall in Steeplechase on Sunday. We also earned 2 Master Standards which gave us our Master Standard Title.

One of the coaches I have been going to for a very long time, Kathy Keats, said we should be tracking our yds per second. its the only way we will know if we are improving with our handling and timing.

The Standard run on Sunday was fabulous. They had a table in it which adds 5 seconds to your time and even with that at a course that was 180 yds, he did it in 40 seconds flat, which works out to 4.5 yds per second. There was electric timer being used.

The steeplechase was a blur, Standard Course time was 47 seconds ,174 yds.
We had to do 2 A Frames and 2 sets of 6 weave poles, Luc's time was 32.56 seconds which makes his yds per second at 5.34

His advance jumpers was 132 yds , standard course time at 41 seconds, Luc's time was 21.76 for 6.06 yds per second.

Regionals is fast approaching, Luc and I will work on standard courses and learn to just run and go. the last week before regionals we are going to work on jump grids and small stations such as weave entries, distance, obstacle discrimination, and box work with jumps.

Tracking Seminar with Donna Brinkworth of Spiritdance

2010-04-27T13:54:00.000-07:00

Last weekend I hosted a Beginners CKC tracking seminar. Once again, I learned a lot, about how important foundation training is.
The breaking down of the little pieces of each component and then putting it all together once the behaviors are strong individually.
I am excited about tracking with Cavall, as his agility career may be over. His injuries may be too chronic.
Donna was very thorough in breaking down the pieces on how to start out with your dog.
She covered how the different levels would work, the levels from TD to TDX and Urban tracking.
there was how to do your scent pad lay a track, do your journal, what to except at a TD competition. She had us drawing maps and how to look for land marks.
She always stressed keep the joy in it for you and your dog. It was a great informative seminar and look forward to doing more tracking with her.
Thanks Donna!

Kelpie Country- Vancouver Island

2010-04-21T21:50:00.000-07:00

We got home yesterday from the island. Went to visit my daughter and grandson and I went to a trial while I was there. It was outside and rained the first day and was great the next day.
I got to meet 5 other kelpies! One was a 6 month old little girl that belonged to one of the judges, mmmm a girlfriend for Luc?? This little girl was also straight from Australia. very nice little girl.
Cavall had to be pulled from the trial after his 1st run, he has pulled some muscles in his back which is affecting his groin muscles. Kinda like having sciatica pain in both legs.
Luc did fairly well, Saturday we belonged to the 5 fault club for the first 2 Master standard runs, one 5 fault was weaves, the other, I believe, was a bar. He got his Steeplechase run and was 1st, Master gamble was very close with 58 points in the opening, In the closing I said "thru" (tunnel) too soon and he went straight to the tunnel, missed a jump. Luc can be very literal and I had walked it with saying the 2 jump commands, but had a brain fart in the heat of the moment.
Sunday was a better day, he got his first Master Standard run, with 2nd place, a kelpie came first! He was .4 of a second behind.
He got his first advance jumpers and another advance snooker.
My dogs travel so well they are a pleasure to go places with.
Cavall did his other job very well, guarding the van. I am sure he was keeping score to see how high he could get them to jump!

"Two Wolves"

2010-04-08T11:26:00.000-07:00

TWO WOLVES

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.

He said, "My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all.

"One is Evil - It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.

"The other is Good - It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith."

The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf wins?"

The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."

Snookered-59pts

2010-04-04T11:40:00.000-07:00

TT trial in March last run for the weekend. Walking the snooker course for Luc. Could I do 4 sevens? Could I get this dog past jumps to the red jump? My gut was in a knot. Privatley I deceided to go for it. What could happen? A non Q run.. So I said try it, The biggest thing that happened in this run was how it made me stay focused on my dog to get the course done. I need to run each course, standard,jumpers, gamblers, steeplechase with this kind of focus. I will learn how to get to that place for every run I do with this dog.

Thoughts

2010-04-04T09:20:00.000-07:00

I read a quote from one of our Olympians, a skier,
'to be comfortable with feeling uncomfortable'
wow! that is so true. I say many times to my clients, if you are comfortable you are only practicing, uncomfortable you are learning.

A few years ago (4yrs) I was told I may have to stop agility. I laughed at them, said I think not! This time in my life was very uncomfortable, I pushed thru it.

I still get a knot in my gut every time I am learning new things. When this happens it makes me work harder to get comfortable with the uncomfortable.This is why I love AAC so much, it makes me push the envelope. I have physical limitations and I just say I will learn a way that makes it works for me.

I was with Kathy Keats just recently. She is one of the best instructors I have been too. It was 7 yrs ago when I attended my first seminar with her. She not only teaches the technical side of it, but gets into the dog / handler relationship and what you can bring out in your dog. This quote sums Kathy up for me!

"Before you teach skills & fundamentals, make people feel good about their abilities. Make them believe they can perform." Rick Pitino

Thanks Kathy, a teacher and a friend

Eagle Totem

2010-04-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

He then watched us walk around the path before flying to the east.
Was this my animal totem? my protector?

EAGLE
Spirit, Healing, Creation

The eagle is symbol of the zenith.
A great reminder of your own ability to soar to great heights.

Eagles are messengers from heaven and are the embodiment of the spirit of the sun.

Those with an Eagle totem need to have an involvement with creation;
a willingness to experience extremes;
a willingness to use your ability
even if it means getting "scorched" a little as you fly high;
a willingness to seek out your true emotions.

A demanding totem, but one that offers so much reward at the end of the journey.

Its four-toed feet remind you to stay grounded even went soaring high;
Its talons remind you to grasp the things of the earth;
Its sharp beak shows you when to speak, how much, and how strongly.

This totem will show you opportunities and how to ride the winds to your benefit.
Eagle people can live in the realm of the spirit
yet still remain connected and balanced within the realm of the Earth.

You must become much more than you ever dreamed possible.

Animal Totem, Eagle

2010-04-04T08:50:00.000-07:00

About a month ago, early in the morning I came out on my deck for a walk this is what greeted me.
He was high in the tree, just above the dogs' runs, facing the east watching the sun .

Coolhand Luc

2010-03-01T12:50:00.000-08:00

Luc and friends at last years regionals June 2009

2010-02-11T11:39:00.001-08:00

Herding

2010-02-11T08:34:00.000-08:00

I am not a girl that does the jewelry, make-up, fancy clothes.I have never painted my nails, the only reason I think you would do that would be to hide arena dirt under them!
It does not take much to make me happy, actually its really easy and not hard to know what it is. Anything to do with my dogs and its the best gift you could give me.So when Santa asked what I would like for Christmas this year I asked for herding lessons. He came thru with 8 lessons with a neighbor that is 15 minute drive away.
We have had 4 lessons, and the herding dog as awaken!!! Yesterday we went for our
4th lesson. Luc was on leash when we walked into the arena with 4 sheep. I was getting instructions from Randy when I noticed something weird with my leash. It was vibrating....... Luc was trembling with anticipation!
Luc knows his directionals fairly well, away to me & come by. Practiced these all summer with him going around the bush pile for his ball.
In 4 lessons he is going out and driving the sheep to me, out runs, I finally figured out the line of 12 and 6 o'clock,and yesterday we started on driving the sheep, with him and I walking towards them. I still have not got the "feel" for the line of driving , but I will get it.
There are similarities to agility to herding, lines, pressure on and off, and the dog's head and tail for directing.
Friday we are back for more sheep fun with some dear friends, Louanne and Jen.
Then our 5 lesson with Randy will be next Monday.
Its amazing to see Luc not take crap from the sheep, just using his eye and pressure to move them. 4 sheep were standing facing Luc when I asked him to walk up into the pressure of the sheep and he turned them. The sheep tried to hold ground but they gave to Luc. I thought nothing of it until Randy explained for a novice dog to be able to do that was a good thing.
Luc is such a great dog, everyday I tell him thank you for being in my life.

Not to be out done by Little Brother!!

2010-01-18T09:14:00.000-08:00

Cavall had a wonderful master gamble, 118 pts!!! the flow was good and he was not to frantic. As the weekend went on Cavall went into a very stressed state. I pulled him on Sunday. It was doing him and me no good to be together in that situation.
As alot of my agility friends know, Cavall has health issues. Some of which I believe, was brought on by vaccinations. I have also had professionals suggest that this may have caused his auto immune diseases. He is know on complete rest from agility for one month and then we will slowly start getting him back in. He is such an incredible dog and as took me to a higher level in agility and as a trainer. He has taught me that perseverance pays off and good things do come our way! The harder you work for it, the sweeter it is! Thanks Cavall, love ya Bud!

NATURAL HAT TRICK

2010-01-18T08:44:00.000-08:00

Advance gambles ,1, 2, 3 !!! Luc is now in master gambles.He did it with great style, 130 pts, 84 pts, 106 pts !! Did not except this to happen! He has not even been in a full trial yet. March will be his first full trial. He is also in Advance Standard, Advance Snooker, and the elusive last starters leg is still needed to move up to Advance jumpers. We are still working on finding our timing, as a team, for collection cues. I seem to want to run him as my experinced old dog who fines the lines with me. Luc is still so young, he still needs more guidence. You will see in this video how he goes wide past the wall, which was caused by me not hesitating , a collection cue, and to make sure he finds the line to the wall. His extension is so great that if I am moving it sets a wide arc for him, espeacially running on a turn. He is teaching me to be more aware of my handling. He is just so much fun!

Trial this weekend , Yahoo!

2010-01-07T10:34:00.000-08:00

Finally preparations for regionals and nationals have begun.
My goal this year is to qualify 2 dogs for nationals. I am going to make sure I enjoy the journey getting there.I love training my dogs, just plain doing stuff with them. Hanging out with dog people is wonderful, they are so kind and grateful for having their dogs in their lives that is comes out in how they treat their fellow humans. Dogs seem to have that affect on us.

Luc has not been in a full trial yet, looking towards March, see how he handles the pressure. I will back off a little on Cavall to get Luc ready for the upcoming season.

I had them both in a Steeplechase , both qed, Cavall was faster, he is a more efficient jumper then Luc. They were only a .2 difference. Luc is an extender, Cavall is very good at tight lines.
Will be working on more jump grids with Luc to help him with his body awareness. He does love to fly!!!
Everyone this weekend, remember all collars off: RUN NAKED, RUN CLEAN RUN FOR THE SHEER JOY!!!

Coolhand Luc, Then and Now

2009-12-31T09:26:00.000-08:00

These 2 pictures are of Luc at 10 weeks old and the first day I met him and he stole my heart.
Luc got his 3rd Starters Standard run last night and another Steeplechase run.
He is now in Advance standard. He has 2 Advance Gamblers, one more to go and he is up in Masters. He still needs one more Starters Jumpers and Snooker.
He has started to test his contacts and has self released a couple of times. He is very eager. That's ok... he reminds me to stick to my criteria and he needs to be reinforced for when he does them correctly. He also needs to have quick releases mixed in with times of having to hold them. This is also true for the start lines.
I have watched Rachel Sanders DVD Bridging the Gap, between Training and Competition for Contacts. Really liked her ground work and last winter Luc and I worked on the flat work without equipment. Then through the spring and summer transferred it to the contacts. I really liked what she does on this DVD. It made sense to me.
It was one of many components I used to teach Luc his contacts.

Then (May 2009) & Now (Dec. 2009)

2009-12-30T08:34:00.000-08:00

Picture of our training field in May and the field now. My husband clears a path so we can walk the dogs there.
Maybe only 3 1/2 months till we get back out there.
We were able to start classes this last spring in April. Hopefully that will happen again for 2010.

Merry Christmas !

2009-12-19T09:19:00.001-08:00

Wishing everyone the very best Christmas ever!
Cavall 7 yrs, Reba 11 yrs, Luc 21 months, Lessa 12 yrs

-35 this morning , no wind

2009-12-13T08:51:00.000-08:00

-35 this morning, there was no wind , so was bearable enough for the dogs and I to do 2 laps around the field. My husband keeps a path cleared around the fence line so we can walk in the field. Luc is never still. Running, running. I think he figured out if you keep moving your feet do not freeze. The 2 old ones, Lessa 12 and Reba 11 walk right behind me waiting to go back to the house for breakfast. Cavall runs around with a stick, sometimes lies in the snow and shreds it.
Our older sons are coming down next week and we are having Christmas early this year, on the 23rd. This weekend was productive, Christmas pudding, shortbread, gingerbread, Carmel popcorn all made plus the tree up. Still have butter tarts and muffins to make and last minute shopping. We will have 3 of our 4 grandkids here. One is almost 15 months old. Should be fun with the tree and all the Christmas decorations.

DAL trial

2009-12-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

Yes I drove to Edmonton on Friday. When I left Olds at 9 am I got on the #2 and got as far as Bowden and turned off and went for coffee at a friends. I was debating to wait till early Saturday morning ( 4 am ). Glad I did not.
I phoned friends in Red Deer to see if they were still going. They were. We met up in Red Deer at noon.
To get to Red Deer I drove the 2A. It was a very good choice. the hiway was snow covered , hardly any traffic and visibility was good.
Trip to Edmonton was twice as long as usuall as we drove mostly at 80kms. Sometimes slower.
Mostly both lanes were clear of snow, slippery sections, visibility was still good.
The wind however was really pushing on the van.
The big 4x4 trucks blasted past us and shortly ended up in the ditch. My little van and I tootled along and made it without any scary incidents.
At the trial boys did fairly well, not alot of Q's , lots of learning stuff, especially with Luc. I really, really have to pay attention "all the time" where on the course he needs the collection cues...will someone hit me on the side of the head to remind me?!!!
Standard and jumpers were the NQ's, gamblers on the other hand were unbelievable...
Luc was in his first Advance gamblers, under Christina, there was 2 mini gambles, one worth 14 pts with 12 weaves and a tunnel and the other was 12 pts with 3 jumps which included the 4 pointer. He got both those twice which left us at 52. Then we did the wall twice, teeter some other jumps and tunnels.then I was left standing wondering where to go next as I ran out of obstacles to do.Christina laughed, she knew exactly why I stood there. Finally the whistle blew and he blasted the main gamble and got it!!! When the dust had settled he ended up with 130 POINTS!!! Now that blew my mind. I have gotten just over a 100 with Cavall once or twice , but this? What a start to the weekend!
His second advance gamblers he earned 84 points. one more advance and he is in Masters.
What a dog!

remembering the special ones

2009-12-03T07:10:00.000-08:00

This is Lisa Von Birkland, our beautiful intelligent pure of heart, German shepherd. She passed away 2 months before her 14 birthday.
1980-1994

Lisa came from working lines,
her father was:
Ulk vom Bungalow SchH III AD KK1 11a who was originally
from Germany
her mother was:
Katja Vom Bergmannshof SchH I AD KK1 Ia, also originally from Germany

She was with our 4 boys and was the best dog ever, so kind and gentle with kids, She actually got some kids over their fear of dogs.
Always remembered with love, Thank you Lisa!

Brrrrrrr

2009-12-02T09:06:00.001-08:00

Its here, - 21 this morning,
winter tires on today. Starting to get ready for the DAL trial. Long underwear and wool socks will be packed.
Dogs are in the house alot more now. Sleeping inside.
Cats have the heater on full blast in the "cat house"
Mama cat who is 16 1/2 yrs old does not want in the house, probaly because she has always been an outside cat.
Cheech our 12 1/2 yr old cat and is a huge one ( 18 lbs ) is helping to keep her warm.
Luc loves the cold and the belgians are having a hard time walking in it.

2009-11-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

sheep

2009-11-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Luc went chasing sheep! When he was 9 months old he did really well, than at 1 year old he was not interested.
Yesterday we opened the gate and he ran in, 3 sheep went in 3 different directions. We let him have fun. Now I want to go back and see how he progresses with this.
Thanks Lou! Isla too. I think she got him all riled up, thinking he was a stud muffin and the sheep let him blow off steam. Luc is very sensitive and always wants to do what is asked of him. I think the instinct will come out even more if we just get out and do this.

Thoughts

2009-11-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

Luc has been in 2 trials, Our first one was our group, Training Troop trial in Oct.
He was just in 2 runs per day. Our next trial was in Calgary at the CAA Nov. trial.
He was entered in everything. I was very pleased with him.

Words that people have used to describe him are, kind, common sense, thoughtful, and the latest one is peaceful. I agree with these descriptions of him.
Do not let these words foolyou into thinking of a easy,loping dog on course. He is a speedster.

We had to move our equipement out of the arena for 2 weeks as they are having a couple of cow sales in there. So I brought some equipement home. Teeter, jumps, weaves and tunnels.
Today we are going to do some jump grids.

Australian Kelpie Wranglar Lilly burradooranch.com

2009-11-16T14:31:00.001-08:00

This is Luc's mom working in the sheep station in Australia before she was imported to the US

Cavall's Steeplechase Championship Regionals 2009

2009-10-31T19:28:00.000-07:00

Regional Championships 2009

2009-10-31T18:41:00.000-07:00

Luc first trial

2009-10-29T22:09:00.001-07:00

ouch was really a ouch!!!!

2009-10-29T13:16:00.001-07:00

4 broken ribs......from the first accident. Then this last Tuesday afternoon, Cavall and Luc collide while chasing balls, smack right into Luc's right side, ribs bowed out, got xrays this morning, everything is good, found the "healed" ribs from the first collision. must be muscle, so off to the Canine Fitness Center

Luc's first trial

2009-10-29T13:09:00.000-07:00

Luc earned 2 qualifying runs in his first trial!
I got everything I asked from him. I made a handling mistake in the jumpers and standard and did not support a couple of the jumps and he pulled off them.
Next time I am going to be the handler this dog deserves!!!
A dear friend of mine, Penny, videoed our steeplechase run that we "Qed" and placed
2nd in. Dogs of all levels compete at this game masters to starters.
a beautiful border, Blue Eye Skye , master level dog was first.... Watch out Skye, Luc loves to catch the girls!

Please find the link to YouTube in the side bar to watch Luc run his Steeplechase.

Luc's Ouch

2009-10-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

Well Luc is hurt. He ran into a steel pipe racing with his "brother" Craig.
He is quite bruised and stiff with swelling. Happened at 8:30 yesterday morning. I had an appointment scheduled with the Canine Fitness center for Luc and Cavall's regular check up, so if it was going to happen, yesterday was the day.
Margert said he was very lucky not to have broken any ribs. Has it was he had ribs, spine, hip and pelvis that were out. He was adjusted, treated with laser and about 45 minutes with the magnetic blanket. Cold packs applied when we got home, and leash walking for a few days. No agility for 2-3 weeks. Oh boy that will be a long time.
Luc is in very good condition which probably helped not be any worse and hopefully with being young he will mend quickly. He goes back in for reassessment on Oct. 19.

update stuff

2009-10-04T11:31:00.000-07:00

We are "fostering" a border collie for a dear friend. Craig is a very sweet boy who loves a good time. Luc and Craig are best buds and race around the field neck to neck! Craig is a very busy boy, loves to escape out of the 6 foot dog runs. climbs right out from the ground up. We now have a roof over top.
one night he comes in the house to sleep in the crate, was before we had the roof over the run, and he sees Luc in the front room and its yipppee time! over the lazy boy rocker, across the back of the couch. He got one more lap in before I closed my mouth in shock and hollered at him. He comes over and sits beside me with a grin and shining eyes, "that was fun mom". Luc was in shock too, he just stayed in one spot and watched him.
so the next morning Francis lets him out of the crate, I am in the bedroom making the bed, next thing I know a flying border collie lands on the bed in a beautiful down and a big grin!! We are enjoying him !
You have to realize our dogs are not allowed on the furniture or beds, because Francis is allergic to them.

long time coming!!! continued...

2009-10-04T11:10:00.001-07:00

2 days back from nationals I was off to a Dr. Jean Dodds seminar. Wow! very informative. Damn vaccinations!!! Cavall's eyes flared up the first time was 2 weeks after shots. He was diagnosed with pannus. 1 year later low thyhorid.
Needless to say no more shots, titers only.

I got Luc's titers done also. He had recieved 1 set of shots at 8 weeks and then another at about 16 weeks. This was distemper and parvo. He was 16 months old when we did the titers and his immune levels are very high and she said we should not have to retest for another 3 years. Luc will be 4 yrs old then!!!!
also had his titers tested for Rabies. He had one shot at 5 months of age. levels are excellent.
Dr. Dodds also suggested for puppies that they have the shots split and the amount they get should be done by their weight. should be distemper wait 2 weeks then the parvo.
no 3, 4 or 5 ways. If they have a reaction how will you know what too?
The immune diseases that over vaccinating cause is horrendous.

long time coming!!!

2009-10-04T10:55:00.000-07:00

Boy oh boy, I have not blogged forever!!
Lots of news,
Cavall was 1st at regionals in his height division. His points were not has high as the year before, but ok. Cavall has been having some problems. We are not sure whether it is his eyes, vets thinking it was cataracts or PRA (progressive Retina Atrophy)He has been doing some very strange things on course. bars coming down, running past equipment, not driving out to tunnels,stopping dead in front of jumps.
have him regularly checked out at the Canine Fitness Centre so pretty sure it is not physical. They are even saying it could be neurological.
I have lowered him to 16" vet. We are also heading back to the eye specialist in 2 weeks. We did a full blood panel and it is good, we just had to adjust his thyroid meds to a bit lower. Ah, my very special needs dog. Only I love him and he really does not want to have a lot of friends.

Cavall and I drove out to Ottawa. It was a great drive and I loved the travelling with him. We slept in the van a few nights, no worries with him beside me and my finger on the panic button of the key chain.
The first day of nationals was very bright sunny day and that is where he had problems. 2nd day was very cloudy and rainy. He did very well, but it was too little too late.

Luc 17 months Sept 2009 Keats Seminar

2009-09-30T10:37:00.000-07:00

Enjoy!!

Regionals Fun Match June 6th

2009-06-01T12:53:00.000-07:00

Regionals is fast approaching. It is being held in Leithbridge this year. The groups there are well organized and I am sure it will be a fantatic event.
I am offering a Regionals warm up event on Saturday June 6th.
start time is 11am until we are finished
we will start with a gamblers, followed by standard and jumpers.
cost is $5 per run or $12 for 3
things to bring are:
shade
chairs
lunch
plenty of fluids.....
we will have a BBQ / potluck after
bring your own meat, something for the potluck table to share, and your refreshments
there will be a port-a-potty on site
email for directions and more info : flcaugh4@telus.net
please check back here on Friday and I will confirm that it is a go, weather permitting. ( it is looking good so far)

Coolhand Luc

2009-04-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Luc is really getting to understand the weaves. also I am realizing to keep my arms /hands still when running him as he responds to pressure with the slightest flick of movement. and he does lovely outruns when that happens

Cavall march 2009 TT trial

2009-04-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

I love running agility with Cavall, he does awesome for a 62 lb dog, great speed and jumping style

Well, only in Alberta...

2009-04-26T19:05:00.000-07:00

4 pm this afternoon out at the agility field training my dogs. Warm enough to take off a jacket.
Walk back to the house, by 5:30 pm the ground is covered with 2 inches of snow!!!
Come on now, just stay warm! Thats it! move on snow, go away...

This, that and everything

2009-04-09T06:44:00.000-07:00

This morning I went out to Cavall's dog run ( yes my dogs sleep outside now ). As I am walking towards it I think how did a black garbage bag get in there and he ripped it up !! He is standing looking at me , looking back at the black....thing, back at me...
Well holy sh_t, Cavall is on the raw diet and he got himself a prairie chicken!!!
It landed in his run and POW! Gotcha ya!
He did not eat it, just a few feathers scattered here and there. Its neck was broken.
Sure would have liked to have had a camera on the situation and the look on their faces when they saw each other.
Of course Francis takes it out and throws it in the dumpster. I know, I know I should have gotten some pictures. Next time.

On March 7th we had to help our old dog,Dusty, on her final journey to the Rainbow Bridge. She was 15 1/2 yrs old. We got Dusty as a 6 week old puppy in Dec. 1993. She was a husky/malamute cross. We were going to do dog sledding. Dusty was a kind gentle soul. so good with kids. There was many nights, when she was 6weeks old, she slept on my chest on the couch. As we all know now that is way too young to be taken away from the litter.
The funny thing is two years ago exactly we had to help our malamute, Charlie ,at 13 1/2 yrs old with his final journey. He was cremated and we kept his ashes. Dusty is also cremated and now we will pick a day to release them together to run free. All huskies love to run, as we discovered, away from you. Of course that is what they are bred to do.

On April 6 Luc was 1 yr old. What a lovely journey it is with him. He truley is a remarkable dog. Looking forward to many more fun years with this dog.

kelpies are sooo much fun!!

2009-03-22T20:29:00.000-07:00

fun never ends!! Cavall loves his little brother

2009-03-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

2009-03-11T14:40:00.000-07:00

Well this will be a short blog. I have added a short video of Luc @ a workshop with Kathy Keats. Luc just got a couple of turns as he is still young. 11 months old at the workshop. Of course I put the best part up for your viewing. Its short and so sweet. Enjoy

GRRR....TUFF ENUFF TO RUN FOR THE CURE"

2009-02-24T15:10:00.000-08:00

I am very forunate that for the last 5 winters to be able to rent the arena in town from the Ag Society. Heated and washrooms.
This is our last week at the arena until next Oct. My clients and myself are praying for an early spring. A few years ago we were able to start classes the middle of April.( we can only hope)

I have such a great group of girls and 1 guy ( he really loves it, and he gets to visit with the other husbands that come out to watch and support their wives ).

They are devoted to the sport and love to learn their handling. They never complain about helping set up or take down equipment. They arrive on time and stay late to help. They support and encourage each other.
Gals,all of you did so well in class last night and this morning. Thank-you for allowing me to be a part of your life. It is so wonderful to watch you run with your dogs and to see the team that is developing.

This year, in Olds, April 4th, we are having our 2nd annual AAC Sanctioned Agility Trial.
It is called "Grrr...Tuff Enuff To Run For The Cure". After expenses, all profit is donated to the Tom Baker Cancer Center for research to find the cure for breast and prostrate cancer.
I decided to organize this as a dear client was diagnosed with breast cancer in the fall of 2007. My dad had died from prostrate cancer in 2006 and my brother-in-law was diagnosed a year ago. A dear friend/client 's best friend just died and had been dealing with breast cancer and now this friend is going through tests also. The more I listened to people the more I realized how many people were dealing with this disease themselves or family members.
So the idea came to life.

Our dogs are our greatest comfort and support. They listen, they let us cry without interruption, kiss us better and keep us company at all hours. They are truly remarkable animals to give so much.
What better way then to have our 4 legged friends help us to help their families have hope for a cure.
Hug your dogs tonight and be grateful that we have had the opportunity to share their lives.
Take care

Cavall, Coolhand Luc & stuff

2009-02-03T13:53:00.000-08:00

I have been busy teaching and training. Gotta say I have a great bunch of gals (and one guy) that are very devoted to the game. We had a wonderful class last night. We set up an advance level standard course. Boy did it have some challenging handling opportunities in it. I have to remind my clients to not just do things they know because then they are just practicing, but to train so you and your dog can learn and progress. the best is when they are successful at a new skill and walk away feeling good about what they just did with their dog.

Now for my own dogs, Cavall and I, as most of you know have a "little" start line issue. I know that to get him more comfortable at the start line his emotional state has to change. We have been training lots with that. I know with him turning 6 yrs old next month that this will be a "management" behavior for the rest of his agility career. I just want to help him out as much as I can, because damn when the dog and I are on , well...... he smokes!

Coolhand Luc is growing into the "man". He is 10 months old on the 6th of this month.
We have just started weave pole training, been doing lots of jump foundation training :jump chute, bended grids, set point. also front cross, rear cross and serpentine cues. and start line work!!!!
We have just raised the jumps to 12 inches.
Luc is now starting to show some adolescent behavior,

"oh did you call?"
Oh yes I did!
"oops I am so sorry.. I am coming now"
Right choice little guy!

The other morning I was walking in our field with Cavall, Reba and Luc.
Francis ( hubby ) comes around the far corner out of the tree line and Luc figures "hey who are you?" barking and hackles up and running towards Francis. We got that under control quickly. Luc was very apologetic when he realized the err of his ways.
guess he is trying to find himself, hopefully he will not go overseas to Singapore, Bali etc like our 3rd oldest son who I miss dearly.

lessons from herding, Luc's and mine

2009-01-29T14:15:00.000-08:00

There is alot to learn!! my poor head.. and my poor buttocks.

Got up this morning and my butt is sore! What the heck is that from!

Oh yeah... backing up to the sheep in deep sand is a great work out for tighter buns!! Highly recommend it!

When I was in the right spot Luc did great, When I wasn't.....well the poor dog had no idea what he was suppose to do.

I have a dear friend who teaches, Louanne Twa from High River. She gave me a lesson and when she was out there with me it went much smoother for Luc. She is blessed with tons of patience. Thanks Lou!

We met at another friend's arena (10 minute drive from my place), who also teaches herding, Randy Dye in Bowden. Either one of them would be great for lessons.

Thing is I have been watching herding since 2002 and you would think I would have absorbed some of the knowledge. but oh no...

My lesson for the day was: Its really good for instructors to be students once again so we can remember how it feels to be learning. Hopefully to make us have more patience with our students.

finally a little blog

2009-01-15T13:10:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a very busy, bone chilling last month. Hope that kind of cold is gone for this winter. We lived up at Norman Wells NWT for 4 1/2 yrs and that kinda of cold you except there but not here and not for so long.
Luc was tougher with the cold then the long haired heavy coated Belgians. They were going "ooh its cold" and trying to walk on three legs or two. Luc would run out to the middle of our field and " who's playing? hey hey someone join me!" and he would finally get Cavall to join him and off they go a million miles an hour. Luc would be sloppy wet with drool and have to dry off in the house.
Luc is such a polite, easy going dog.Don't get me wrong Luc is not soft, he is very confident. I have and have had dogs that focus on me when we are working/playing together but with Luc its different, he is so there with you, intense and always ready. He seems to problem solve and put things together so quickly and willing to go the distance with you.
The one and only time I took him out on sheep he was wonderful and to see him do what he was meant to do, that was goosebumpy. Sometimes I think I am doing him an injustice not having him on sheep more often. I am planning on it just got to get it together and do it!
On another note the ranchers, Burradoo Ranch in Montana, I bought Luc from have started to put together their website. It is not completed yet, but they do have some stuff on it and one is a video of Luc's mom, Wrangler Lily, working in Australia. In fact they have 3 video clips on their site. Check it out at : http://www.burradooranch.com/ContactBurradoo/contact_burradoo.htm
make sure you have the sound on. They are amazing dogs!
I hope to add more pictures to the blog as soon as I find my cable for my camera.... though I think my son took it with him overseas.
take care all

tagged!!!

2008-12-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

This is Coolhand Luc at 11 weeks (june 08). I never had an intention of buying a Kelpie, they did not do anything for me. Yup then Louanne invites me to a kelpie herding clinic, So off I go, been watching herding for over 5 years, thinking someday I will try this. I just cannot seem to give up my agility yet. Back to Louanne's, who is a super hostess, red wine and all, tells me there is a litter of kelpies going to be there. I think, Oh thats nice. She has one picked out for me, a little red female named Pistol. Oh great I can see me running around the agility field calling "here Pis Pis"as we have a tendency to shorten names.
Anyways I see the litter and gravitated to this little black and tan boy. Loved the look in his eye, the way he handled himself with people and his littermates. so the rest is history. He is now 8 1/2 months old and have no regrets. I am glad I have such a happy, willing trainable dog. I often wonder are all kelpies like this?

slide show added

2008-11-22T08:51:00.001-08:00

check it out!

sheepherding and judges application

2008-11-12T08:03:00.000-08:00

Well we let little Luc see sheep last week, he could not believe his eyes! We left a long line on him just in case he wanted some mutton to snack on. Louanne had me follow the sheep and to send Luc to check them out. He would for a minute then come back to me and walk beside me checking up at me ,"can I really?"
We finally took the line off him and presto! ( I guess he thinks if he has a leash on he is to stay with me.. good dog!) Yipppee, round and round we go! He got one separated from the group and into a corner. He was holding it there just for a moment and the sheep tried to intimidate him by putting its head down and stamping her feet. It didn't work and I called him back to me. Did not want him getting into that when he is so young.
Luc went back to the group and was doing his thing and he did something Louanne called a flank and she said he figured it out and we ended it on that good note. He was exhausted after. Did not get any pictures but did get some video.
We will try it again in about a month. Gotta learn what I need to do out there.

On another note we had to move my equipment out of the arena I rent for a couple of weeks . I have some equipment home , thank goodness as the weather has been great!
also the timing for a break from teaching was right on as I am applying to become an AAC Judge for the starters/advance level. Had to design 4 courses and do a pre TEST! My head hurts and I have not done a test in a Thousand Years! I stress over tests! I emailed it off last night, hopefully I Pass it to continue for the 3 day exam in March.

NADAC Trial Oct. 25 & 26

2008-10-30T14:48:00.000-07:00

Hot Diggity Dogs NADAC trial was a blast as usual.

Cavall did really well and as long as I am on my game he rocks!
I believe Cavall had the 2nd fastest time, 19.3 seconds, in Elite jumpers on Sunday. A border collie was faster by less then a second and Cavall jumps 20" and the border jumps 16" and Cavall weighs almost 60 lbs and the border is around 35-40 lbs, He covered 6.5 yds per second. Not bad for a big dog!
He also had some outstanding regular runs ,covering 5.6 yds per second.
His tunnelers run was done in 17.2 seconds, covering 7.5 yds per second.

I did take Cavall in for blood tests on his thyroid and he was below normal again. We increased his meds and I have my dog back!

Possibly going to try my new Kelpie puppy on sheep next week! Can hardly wait. Will probably see a different dog out there then when we are training for agility. He is 7 months old next week.

Training Troop AAC agility trial Oct.18 & 19

2008-10-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

It was a fun weekend had by all. Two clients , Leona & Jinx ( heeler) and Katrina & Indy (Manchester Terrier ) had a fabulous weekend. They are great teams and wonderful trainers. Congratulations on their qualifying rounds!
Myself and Cavall, at the Masters level, started out our first 2 runs really rough. Cavall was not grounded and was acting very "spacey". The rest of the weekend went well with qualifying rounds in 2 standard, jumpers, team (thanks Sarah and Kaleb !), & Steeplechase.
Cavall was started on thyroid meds late spring and we are trying to find the correct dose. I took him back into the clinic for blood tests to see where his levels are at. Hopefully an adjustment can be made to his dosage and it will help with his mental concentration.
I am hoping that is the reason he was so "high" on Saturday.
take care

2008-10-14T12:27:00.000-07:00

unwanted guest!

2008-10-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

Ever had an unwanted guest? They just do not get the message?
Ours is back for the 2nd time in about 10 days. Went outside this morning to feed the dogs and cats. The cats were refusing to go into their shed to eat.
The shed has a doorway for the cats, where their food and shelter is.
I opened the door and the wonderful light smell of skunk once again greets me along with the 5 piles of sh_t!
Yes its a skunk! Cat food bucket is tipped over and he figures he is invited to stay for the winter with free food.
I leave the door open hoping he will leave and go off to the pool to do my lengths.
When I get back I start hauling things out of the shed, brave or stupid, ready to run like hell, (like I can outrun a wild scared animal!) I get one side of the shed emptied and start on the other side and there he is! Behind my dog crates , backed into a corner has far as he can go. I proceed to bang on the walls , throw things at the crates and basically make it very noisy. Oh did I mention I am still ready to run like hell if he decides to move.
I decide to leave him for a while and come back and check. He is gone!
I have the cat food up very high, do skunks climb?
I may have to get help to get rid of the skunk if he comes back again.
I do not need my 5 dogs and 2 cats catching fleas from him!
Hoping the unwanted guest stays away!
**** Remember to vote today!!
take care

Oct. 6 2008

2008-10-06T12:51:00.000-07:00

Well we have been very busy trialing and going to workshops for the last 3 weeks. Cavall has been doing very well and is very close to achieving his Silver Award in AAC.
We have been to 2 workshops with 2 very different instructors back to back weekends. My brain is fried!
I have learned alot from both. The one is Kathy Keats and I have been going to her for coaching for over 5 years. Kim Collins is the other instructor and we are finishing our 2nd year with her.
Kathy does not do agility herself anymore, has went to the darkside, Herding!
She brings alot of skills and dog behavior knowledge with her.
Thanks to her, Luc, ( new puppy) is now walking on a nice loose leash! (most of the time)

Speaking of Luc, I have decided to try herding with him, so Louanne I will be calling you soon!

On another wonderful, exciting note we had our 4th grandchild, a boy, Ardan Francis, born on Sept.25!!

some pictures added, Can you guess who we are sitting with?
Cavall and I ( left side) 1st place, in our jump height catergory, at Regional Championships June 2008
the one is of Luc taken today, 6 months old.

take care

hello

2008-09-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

Sept. 8,2008

My goal is to try to keep this updated with the news and results of my dogs but also my clients dogs as they compete in the trials.

I love to teach people that are looking forward to progressing in the sport of agility and love to train their own dogs.