Not sure why - but Ruckus has been a big fan of Jam lately. Maybe Groovy is starting to smell like a real girl vs. a puppy girl and he just hopes its Jam and not Groovy! LOL
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Love is in the air!
Not sure why - but Ruckus has been a big fan of Jam lately. Maybe Groovy is starting to smell like a real girl vs. a puppy girl and he just hopes its Jam and not Groovy! LOL
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Mickie Moo
I love Mickie! She doesn't get much mention on Facebook or the blog since she is retired but oh how I love this dog. I was getting some pictures off of Jack's camera and came across this one I had forgotten he had taken back in October. Mickie is the best snuggler in the world and has always been super in tune with me about knowing when I need a snuggle. It'd be nice if she didn't have sand people eyes in the pic - but I still love this picture just the same!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Finally going to register my dog!
I figure its about time to get Groovy registered with ASCA (and Jam too for that matter - though most of the delay with her was the breeder not me). As a result I have to take some pictures. You'd think that'd be easy considering how addicted to taking pictures of dogs I am... but taking pictures of them stacked from the sides and the front isn't my idea of fun so it hasn't gotten done. Two out of 3 angles were successful yesterday with Groovy. Still have to get acceptable photos of Groovy from the front and Jam from all sides. Below are the two "good" ones. I definitely should never show in conformation!
And an action shot for good measure!
And an action shot for good measure!
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
MIA!
Where the heck have I been? Sometimes I'm not even sure. Basically though the past 3-4 weeks have been pretty insane. First my mom's dog AJ passed away at too young of an age due to heart failure (Ruckus' half brother). Very painful for all of us. Then my dad got a bacterial infection in his blood and landed in the hospital. Got sort of better and came home then quickly landed back in the hospital again. He had surgery on 12/23 and finally came home this past Sunday. Needless to say that leaves little time or wanting for me to blog. It does however remind me how important family is! Also my Facebook "family" was tremendously supportive with prayers and good thoughts... all were much appreciated.
The dogs hung in there... between lack of daylight and our crazy schedule they haven't gotten loads of attention but still have gotten enough.
Tali has trialed quite a bit lately. At a CPE trial earlier in Dec. she Q'd 9 out of 9 runs - all in level 4 or 5. She finished as the runner up in the Super Sport division of our Canis Major competition. Recently she finished her Novice Std title and Open Jumpers title in ASCA. A great month for her overall!
Jam - is well Jam. An awesome pet and occasionally a good performance dog. Maybe someday she'll want to do more but we'll see. Like I said though - she's a great pet and excels at that job! :)
Mickie and Ruckus are aging with dignity. Ruckus still goes all out for his discs - I have to remind Jack that the boy is 9.5 years old and to take it easy sometimes. Mickie is a wonderful snuggle bug and constant couch companion. She'll be 11 soon - hard to believe.
Groovy is... well... most often lately we call her "Destructo Dog". She continually finds new ways to get into trouble. I remind Jack that difficult puppies often make wonderful adults (Mickie is our case in point). We'll just keep our fingers crossed that is actually true. She is doing well in agility class and we've started herding recently and she's quite the natural. We are still working through some fear issues but she is slowly doing better.
Well that kinda catches us up... below are some of my favorite pics from December.
Herding photo by Sarah Duke
The dogs hung in there... between lack of daylight and our crazy schedule they haven't gotten loads of attention but still have gotten enough.
Tali has trialed quite a bit lately. At a CPE trial earlier in Dec. she Q'd 9 out of 9 runs - all in level 4 or 5. She finished as the runner up in the Super Sport division of our Canis Major competition. Recently she finished her Novice Std title and Open Jumpers title in ASCA. A great month for her overall!
Jam - is well Jam. An awesome pet and occasionally a good performance dog. Maybe someday she'll want to do more but we'll see. Like I said though - she's a great pet and excels at that job! :)
Mickie and Ruckus are aging with dignity. Ruckus still goes all out for his discs - I have to remind Jack that the boy is 9.5 years old and to take it easy sometimes. Mickie is a wonderful snuggle bug and constant couch companion. She'll be 11 soon - hard to believe.
Groovy is... well... most often lately we call her "Destructo Dog". She continually finds new ways to get into trouble. I remind Jack that difficult puppies often make wonderful adults (Mickie is our case in point). We'll just keep our fingers crossed that is actually true. She is doing well in agility class and we've started herding recently and she's quite the natural. We are still working through some fear issues but she is slowly doing better.
Well that kinda catches us up... below are some of my favorite pics from December.
Herding photo by Sarah Duke
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tali NA, NAJ!
This past weekend Tali and I went to our first AKC trial in a while. Going into the weekend we needed 1 standard leg and 2 JWW legs to finish those two novice titles. We also were entered in FAST for the first time as a team. Well it was a great weekend! We went 4 for 5! On Saturday Tali Q'd and got 1st in FAST, Q'd and got 3rd in JWW. Our standard run was OK - a super slow down on the table and a missed aframe contact (which is a first) kept us from Q'ing. Sunday was a great day - Tali Q'd and got 1st in JWW and also in standard! Woo hoo! Standard was really nice too - one of those runs that felt good the whole way through. Thanks to my friends Sarah and Bev for videoing for me and for Sal and Bev sticking around to watch Tali earn her NA title!
Friday, October 23, 2009
Groovy Girl
I haven’t really talked in depth about how Groovy is doing in a little while so before I forget to chronicle some of the stuff that’s been going on I better do that. This whole blog thing has come in handy for being able to look back and see how she was acting at various times in her life so far.
As I mentioned a few weeks ago she has re-entered some sort of fear period. It’s right on time for her age – though her last one was not “textbook” in its timing – it was late. It started the day we left for Skyhoundz (Sept. 24th). An hour into the trip I got her out of the car at a stop we made and she started woofing at a man across the parking lot. That was new. Then at the competition she got freaked out a few times and at the hotel she’d woof at people on and off. We missed agility class that week due to me not feeling well. The following weekend we had a trial down at Palmetto and as I mentioned she did OK on Saturday but didn’t even want to leave her crate on Sunday. Hmmm… That Monday in class she was scared of the teeter noise and of the chute noise but otherwise was happy to be there and to see everyone. She did pretty well on our road trip to USDDN. A few freaked out moments but more “good” moments than bad and she even played a little disc off to the side with Jack and had a blast herding ducks. When I walked her I walked her with Mickie who LOVES every person she has ever met – I think that helped Groovy be more confident. Monday night in class however was a bit of a disaster. She was good at first – happy to be there and see everyone. We did a lowered dog walk twice and she liked that. Our first “station” however was next to the teeter bang game and that did it. The first bang came and she wigged out. Wouldn’t play with toys at all anymore and would barely take food within 20 feet of the teeter. She would take food further away and did well on the stations where the reward was food but would not play with her toys at all. I left feeling really down and out. Luckily the next session doesn’t start till 11/2 so we don’t have to go back and continue experiencing that and I have a little time to work on the issues away from class.
This past weekend was a CPE trial up in Groveland. I took Groovy along on Saturday. Jack came too. I only walked her by the ring 2 or 3 times and she did well. She woofed at a few people but would eat treats from them and be happy about them after that. She’d play disc with Jack in the field and did pretty good considering there was sheep poop all over the field. So as to ensure we ended on a good note I left her at home on Sunday.
Yesterday Groovy stayed the day at Sarah’s while we were at work then afterwards we went to Bev’s to work on Groovy’s teeter issues. Groovy was cautious in Sarah’s backyard and got spooked by a folded up patio table umbrella in the neighbor’s yard. She sort of got over it. She was willing to play disc a little so that was good. At Bev’s she started off quite scared of the teeter noise (had another dog working the teeter while Groovy and I stood 20 or so feet away from it). After some time and rewarding with cheese by the end of our time there she was making the teeter bang herself (it was raised about 10” and she’d put her feet on it to make it go down). Hooray! She enjoyed playing with Kate and trying to play with VooDoo. We’ll be returning to continue working on that. In the mean time I found some YouTube videos of dogs playing the teeter bang game on aluminum teeters. I think I’ll play those at random (and loudly) while she is playing with the other dogs in the house. Not sure if it’ll help but I figure it can’t hurt.
At home she freaks herself out on occasion – not sure at what but she finds something to be scared of and bark at for a few minutes and once the other dogs get all upset, go investigate and find nothing out of line she eventually calms down. I figure I’ll just let her work through that stuff on her own… that’s pretty normal for her age… even Jam went through some of that around this same age.
The good news about Groovy is that her disc drive is growing daily and she can catch and return 10-12 yard throws on occasion. The other day she caught two in a row! She’s so funny – when Jack or I come in from working a dog in the front yard Groovy runs to the back door and stands there staring at us with this look of “OK – it’s my turn!”. She doesn’t get it isn’t her turn EVERY time one of us comes in though we’re so thrilled by her excitement we do indulge her much of the time but are always certain to end each session with her wanting more (which sometimes means she gets carried in the house because she doesn’t want to come in yet). We even played disc with Groovy in the front field last Sunday without her being on a long line and it went quite well! Last time she was out there not on a long line she went and found her own fun so her listening skills and willingness to work with us are increasing too! Below is a link to some photos of her playing "long line free" in the front field!
http://picasaweb.google.com/HiFiAussies/GroovyFrisbee101809#
As I mentioned a few weeks ago she has re-entered some sort of fear period. It’s right on time for her age – though her last one was not “textbook” in its timing – it was late. It started the day we left for Skyhoundz (Sept. 24th). An hour into the trip I got her out of the car at a stop we made and she started woofing at a man across the parking lot. That was new. Then at the competition she got freaked out a few times and at the hotel she’d woof at people on and off. We missed agility class that week due to me not feeling well. The following weekend we had a trial down at Palmetto and as I mentioned she did OK on Saturday but didn’t even want to leave her crate on Sunday. Hmmm… That Monday in class she was scared of the teeter noise and of the chute noise but otherwise was happy to be there and to see everyone. She did pretty well on our road trip to USDDN. A few freaked out moments but more “good” moments than bad and she even played a little disc off to the side with Jack and had a blast herding ducks. When I walked her I walked her with Mickie who LOVES every person she has ever met – I think that helped Groovy be more confident. Monday night in class however was a bit of a disaster. She was good at first – happy to be there and see everyone. We did a lowered dog walk twice and she liked that. Our first “station” however was next to the teeter bang game and that did it. The first bang came and she wigged out. Wouldn’t play with toys at all anymore and would barely take food within 20 feet of the teeter. She would take food further away and did well on the stations where the reward was food but would not play with her toys at all. I left feeling really down and out. Luckily the next session doesn’t start till 11/2 so we don’t have to go back and continue experiencing that and I have a little time to work on the issues away from class.
This past weekend was a CPE trial up in Groveland. I took Groovy along on Saturday. Jack came too. I only walked her by the ring 2 or 3 times and she did well. She woofed at a few people but would eat treats from them and be happy about them after that. She’d play disc with Jack in the field and did pretty good considering there was sheep poop all over the field. So as to ensure we ended on a good note I left her at home on Sunday.
Yesterday Groovy stayed the day at Sarah’s while we were at work then afterwards we went to Bev’s to work on Groovy’s teeter issues. Groovy was cautious in Sarah’s backyard and got spooked by a folded up patio table umbrella in the neighbor’s yard. She sort of got over it. She was willing to play disc a little so that was good. At Bev’s she started off quite scared of the teeter noise (had another dog working the teeter while Groovy and I stood 20 or so feet away from it). After some time and rewarding with cheese by the end of our time there she was making the teeter bang herself (it was raised about 10” and she’d put her feet on it to make it go down). Hooray! She enjoyed playing with Kate and trying to play with VooDoo. We’ll be returning to continue working on that. In the mean time I found some YouTube videos of dogs playing the teeter bang game on aluminum teeters. I think I’ll play those at random (and loudly) while she is playing with the other dogs in the house. Not sure if it’ll help but I figure it can’t hurt.
At home she freaks herself out on occasion – not sure at what but she finds something to be scared of and bark at for a few minutes and once the other dogs get all upset, go investigate and find nothing out of line she eventually calms down. I figure I’ll just let her work through that stuff on her own… that’s pretty normal for her age… even Jam went through some of that around this same age.
The good news about Groovy is that her disc drive is growing daily and she can catch and return 10-12 yard throws on occasion. The other day she caught two in a row! She’s so funny – when Jack or I come in from working a dog in the front yard Groovy runs to the back door and stands there staring at us with this look of “OK – it’s my turn!”. She doesn’t get it isn’t her turn EVERY time one of us comes in though we’re so thrilled by her excitement we do indulge her much of the time but are always certain to end each session with her wanting more (which sometimes means she gets carried in the house because she doesn’t want to come in yet). We even played disc with Groovy in the front field last Sunday without her being on a long line and it went quite well! Last time she was out there not on a long line she went and found her own fun so her listening skills and willingness to work with us are increasing too! Below is a link to some photos of her playing "long line free" in the front field!
http://picasaweb.google.com/HiFiAussies/GroovyFrisbee101809#
Monday, October 19, 2009
USDDN Finals
The weekend before last we drove up to Cartersville, GA for USDDN finals. Tali was qualified with Jack in freestyle and in D&A with me. Ruckus was qualified in D&A with Jack. Groovy and Mickie came along for the ride and Jam stayed home with grandma for the first time.
The run down...
Tali and Jack finished the National Freestyle finals in 16th place out of 44 teams (the cut was at 15). We were pretty disappointed they didn't make the cut but oh well they did awesome regardless! Well the next morning we found out one dog had to withdraw due to illness (last I heard the dog was going to be fine) and so Jack and Tali made it into the finals. Another person dropped out after that and two more teams made it in so there were 16 teams competing in the international finals. Tali didn't have as strong of day on Sunday for the international finals but still managed to come in 14th place. Not bad for her!
Tali and I competed in the national D&A finals. I had no hopes or dreams of making the cut to the international finals - just was proud to have qualified and wanted to go out there and do my best. Well I met that goal for sure with a 15 in round 1 and an 18 in round 2! That put us 23rd out of 37 teams! I was very happy with that! Tali was awesome and caught everything I threw!
Ruckus and Jack had an awesome weekend. They came in 5th in National Toss N Fetch finals and 8th in International TNF Finals. Not bad for a 9.5 year old dog that is a good 3-5" shorter than most of the dogs competing in that division! :) Red Dogs Rule!
Groovy had a good time on Saturday when we tried our hand at duck herding! They had a little instinct test set up at the event. Groovy did great!
Below are links to videos from the weekend... enjoy!
Tali and Jack - National Finals Freestyle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4C8pqnhFmg
Jack and Ruckus - International Finals Toss N Fetch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_Wct2HzhiI
Groovy herding ducks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dNZOVEtdb0
The run down...
Tali and Jack finished the National Freestyle finals in 16th place out of 44 teams (the cut was at 15). We were pretty disappointed they didn't make the cut but oh well they did awesome regardless! Well the next morning we found out one dog had to withdraw due to illness (last I heard the dog was going to be fine) and so Jack and Tali made it into the finals. Another person dropped out after that and two more teams made it in so there were 16 teams competing in the international finals. Tali didn't have as strong of day on Sunday for the international finals but still managed to come in 14th place. Not bad for her!
Tali and I competed in the national D&A finals. I had no hopes or dreams of making the cut to the international finals - just was proud to have qualified and wanted to go out there and do my best. Well I met that goal for sure with a 15 in round 1 and an 18 in round 2! That put us 23rd out of 37 teams! I was very happy with that! Tali was awesome and caught everything I threw!
Ruckus and Jack had an awesome weekend. They came in 5th in National Toss N Fetch finals and 8th in International TNF Finals. Not bad for a 9.5 year old dog that is a good 3-5" shorter than most of the dogs competing in that division! :) Red Dogs Rule!
Groovy had a good time on Saturday when we tried our hand at duck herding! They had a little instinct test set up at the event. Groovy did great!
Below are links to videos from the weekend... enjoy!
Tali and Jack - National Finals Freestyle:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4C8pqnhFmg
Jack and Ruckus - International Finals Toss N Fetch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_Wct2HzhiI
Groovy herding ducks:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dNZOVEtdb0
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