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Follow Up to Dog Trainer & Cobbler’s Children

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)

Monday, October 24th, 2011

This is a follow up to Friday’s note on my Dog Trainers and the Cobbler’s Children comparison. Please read that article first.

Going into the weekend with my own ‘plan’ really made for a fun and successful trial for both me and my dogs. So what was my plan you ask? Well, in a nut shell:

I wanted focus from my dogs during our runs (focus on the handling cues and obstacle criteria they’ve been taught). In return;
I promised myself I would focus on 1) providing clear handling to my dogs and 2) maintaining the obstacle criteria I’ve trained them for.

By working on what I HAD trained, I could easily overcome the anxiety I was having on what I had NOT yet perfected (the weaves) and it was easy to obtain a measurable and well-deserved success. So let’s take a look at some of the runs I had with my dogs.

The first one above is with Zulu. Some of the positives:

A nice stay at the start.
He left the start line only when released.
He read the rear-cross to the #3 jump nicely and drove down to the tunnel when indicated.
He read the remainder of the crosses really well and took every obstacle in front of him.
He had nice speed and showed a willingness to work (without a toy or treat on me).

As expected, I also learned a few things too!

Initially I wasn’t happy about the knocked bar. But after reviewing the tape, I can see he generally clears the jumps with plenty of room, so I’m not going to worry about that at the moment.
No surprise, he really doesn’t understand the weaves yet.
I’m LATE on my front cross cues!

Next, let’s take a look at one of Ru’s runs with a video below.

Some of the positives:

A nice stay at the start line.
She remained in place until released.
Came back after her momentary ‘visits’
Drove to the tunnel as directed
Got her weave poles!!!!
Great speed and enthusiasm!

More things I learned!

I need to practice the release and motion maneuvers at the start line.
I need to continue to work on the concept of ‘stay with me, we’re a team’ with Ru.
I’m REALLY LATE with my front crosses!

So while I did make my goals and I celebrated them all weekend, it’s now time to move forward and address a few of those weak areas. I hope you enjoyed the videos as much as I enjoyed the runs : )

Happy Handling!

Lisa

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Categories : Agility Videos, Dog Articles, Dog Training, Goals & Planning, Handler Articles, Handling in Agility, Our Dogs, Rouge - Dalmatian, Zulu - Border Collie

Open House Agility Pictures

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)

Friday, October 7th, 2011

Dogs and kids can be a great combination and at the Paws-abilities Open House (Spot On Agility’s new agility training home) we shared our dogs with future Agility enthusiasts!

Picture 1 – Here’s Merger focusing on his teeter performance and his young handler ready to reward with his favorite toy squirrel.

Picture 2 – Merger earns the squirrel!

Picture 3 – Merger begins his weave poles…

Picture 4 – Merger completes his weaves and looks for his reward!

Enjoy!

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Categories : Agility Reality, Daily Life and Agility, Just Plain FUN!, Merger - Border Collie, Our Dogs

Tags : Agility Facility

Invitation to the National Championship – 2011

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

While my ‘expertise’ may be the world of agility, I love a well-rounded dog!

I received a surprise e-mail today from the AKC…an Invitation to the 2011 National Championship for my beloved Belgian Tervuren, Rylee!

Just like when Pinky was invited to the Agility Invitational, I’ve posted the invitation below so everyone can see what it looks like.

Enjoy!

This email was sent to agilityone@gmail.com as a valued customer of the American Kennel Club.

Congratulations on being invited to the 2011 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

Dear Lisa Selthofer,

The dog(s) listed below have qualified to attend the 2011 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship to be held in Orlando, Florida on December 17th & 18th.

You can make your entry online or download a fillable PDF and send via USMail.

This communication contains the Premium List with all the details of the event. Please read carefully as there are many entry regulations that applies only to this Special Event. You are clear to enter the show upon receipt of this notice. Only dogs that are confirmed on one of the lists will be able to enter in advance of the final tabulations at the end of the qualifying period.

To download the Premium List, click here.

Every exhibitor will be sent a Daytime admission ticket for each day. (Saturday & Sunday) with each dog entered.

Tickets for the Evening Session are limited. Each Best of Breed Winner and each BBE Group Winner will receive two Evening Tickets for the nights they are exhibited.

All Exhibitors will have 30 days in which to purchase their Evening tickets. You must include this special Promo Code on the ticket order in order to complete any purchase of seats for the evening session. When prompted enter this code: AENCEXB

On October 20, 2011 ticket sales will be opened to the general public until sold out.

Ticket options are available on the website, click here to view options.

AKC #	Registered Dog Name	Breed
DN22102401	CH Monarch Monami Sweet Commotion	BEL TERV

The dogs listed above reflect all confirmed qualifiers for this event. Confirmed qualifiers are those who:

Have won an all breed best in show
Finished their dog with all points from the BBE class and earned a BBE medallion
Or finished their dog from the BBE and puppy classes OR AOH and puppy classes and have submitted a form to Michael Canalizo.
Best of Breed at a parent club national specialty
Completed their Grand Championship or a Bronze, Silver, Gold or Platinum Grand Champion Level
Miscellaneous breeds who have won a CM (Certificate of Merit title) or at least three (3) Best of Breed WITH COMPETITION or One (1) Best in Misc. class WITH COMPETITION
Veterans 7 years of age or older on the first day of the event (see below New Ways to Qualify)

You may also own another dog that is not yet a confirmed qualifier as dogs must be in the Top 25 at the end of the qualifying period. You may also own a dog that may qualify for BBE or AOH invitation, but the dog earned points in the puppy classes and we haven’t yet recorded the submission of your request to be invited to the event. (See the full list of how to qualify)

Please allow 12-16 days after the event for the results to be updated and posted online.

If you believe you have a dog that has qualified via the list above, please contact invitational@akc.org with the details about the dog and how it qualified. Your dog may not appear in this email due to a problem with the email address linked to the dog.

We will also be sending out an email detailing the list of dogs who may qualify and are currently in the Top 30 of their breed.

Online Catalog Photos

Again in 2011 the AKC offers you the ability to include pictures of your dog in the online catalog for the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.

Click here to learn more and submit your photos for the AKC online catalog.
Will I receive a printed invitation in the mail? No. Invitations are being sent via email, a printable invitation is available to download.

Qualifying Dates for the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship

October 13, 2010 to October 11, 2011

Two Year Qualifications (BBE, BBE/Puppy, AOH, AOH/Puppy and International Qualifiers)

October 8, 2008 to October 11, 2011

Entries Close

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

The qualifying period for the 2011 AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will end on 10/11/2011 and after ALL results have been processed. A final email will be sent to the owners that we have email addresses for in the AKC system.

New Ways to Qualify

We are pleased to announce that we have added a new eligibility for the Veterans who have made a mark during their career. While the event can not offer a separate competition due to time constraints we will be sending invites to any dog over seven years on the day of the show to compete for Best of Breed and if eligible for the Best Bred-by-Exhibitor Award.

Read more about qualifying for the event.

Orlando to Host AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in 2011

The American Kennel Club® is pleased to announce that the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship will be returning to Orlando, Florida. The 2011 show will take place December 17th and 18th.

Pinky, Let’s Celebrate the Agility Journey

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (2)

Tuesday, February 1st, 2011

Last night we helped my 16 year old Dalmatian, Pinky, crossover last night. It was time. This morning the sun is shining and I think about the amazing journey we had together and about everything and everyone she brought into my life.

Our journey started when Dalmatians weren’t so popular. I once had to write a 1 page essay on why we should be allowed in an agility class! LOL
As a puppy, she was an energetic girl who would do a few obstacles and run over to visit a Rotti practicing on the other side of the room. I’m certain the owner (who was concerned for Pinky’s safety), wanted to throttle us each time! (I don’t blame her, it was so embarrassing!)
Our first competition, my instructor at the time realized a few minutes prior to our run that we’d never done a full sized table. It showed in the ring <g> and after about 30 passes UNDER the table, the judge said “Would you like to go on?” at which time Pinky ‘popped’ up on the table unexpectedly. Oh and to say we missed the down contact on the a-frame would be an understatement! Regardless, as we left the ring, someone said “She is going to be amazing…”
They were right…
Soon we started training under Stacy Peardot-Goudy (in WI) and one day I said “I wish we could get a MAD title” (USDAA). She asked “Why can’t you?” and I said “Because no other Dalmatian has ever done it…” to which she replied “Why can’t you be the first….?” and a world of possibilities opened up to us.
Pinky did earn her MAD and later her ADCH with a Super Q at the huge Lexington, KY show. I believe to this day she is still the only Dal with an ADCH and the first Dal to have earned an agility championship title anywhere.
We traveled across the US competing in the big USDAA & AKC shows and hit just about every state, making friends along the way.
Pinky LOVED the excitement of the big shows and at the age of 11 participated in the AKC’s first Invitational. She placed 4th overall in the 20″ class and earned a 3rd place in the finals. I was higher than a kite and she soaked up the attention.
But most of all, she was and is a part of my soul. She was a bridesmaid in my wedding, she loved my husband almost as much as me and she raised our pups to be good dogs. When I developed severe arthritis, she eagerly jumped in as my service dog. Many a day she had to help me out of bed, but never complained. When I developed Diabetes, she once again adapted and was able to alert me of sugar lows.
As she became older, it became my pleasure to return the favor and serve her.
In the end we held each other, content that our life together was damned good. And that’s what I’m going to forever remember, because it was beyond DAMNED GOOD!

Tonight I’m having friends over and we’re going to toast all the great dogs out there. I’d like to welcome everyone, everywhere to do the same in your home. We are all very blessed to have such amazing pups and such a wonderful agility community. Thank you to all of my friends and future friends.

Happy Handling to all and let’s have a great day!

Lisa

Comments (2)

Categories : Our Dogs, Pinky - Dalmatian

Tags : ADCH, Agility Dalmatian, Happy Handling, Pinky

Gearing Up For Colorado

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (1)

Monday, July 12th, 2010

I’ve had a small bit of time at home to re-energize and focus on several of the fun projects evolving in my life.

First is the Spot-On 2-on-2-off contact DVD which is coming along nicely. I’m working with 5 new people at varying skill levels and dogs from puppy hood up to retraining an Excellent level dog.

We’re a couple of weeks into filming and I’m currently working on written material to accompany the video portion.

But more importantly, I’ve been spending great quality time at home in the garden, taking pictures and with my pups.

All of the dogs have been so happy and actively playing with each other when they’re not hanging with Dan and I.

Rylee’s agility training is coming along great. She’s a unique character in that she really needs to think something is her own idea. So in keeping with her wishes, I haven’t pushed her to do anything. In return, she offers me a heck of a lot more each time we work together.

Rouge has made it a daily habit to offer me toys to entice me to play. Today it was a large piece of wood from the yard that she brought into the house. I have to laugh because she was so proud of herself! As I write, she’s sleeping next to me.

Zulu just celebrated 1 year with us. I can’t believe how fast time has gone! His latest thing is that he has made it his place to lay on the back of my chair to look out the window or place his head on my shoulder to sleep. I love the fact that I can smother him with kisses and he comfortably lays there and then returns a few when I’m done. Yes, he is a Momma’s boy!

Well, Dan and I leave for Colorado in a few days for a judging assignment. I always miss my dogs when we’re gone and I’m hoping to use my plane/hotel time to catch up on some courses that are do in a few months.

Oh, I have peaked at my courses for this weekend and I’m excited to see them run! As is typical, there is a challenging part on each and I’m very interested to see how handlers work through it. While I’d like to go into more detail, sorry, there won’t be any hints : )

Colorado, we’ll see you soon!

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Categories : Agility Reality, Judging Agility Articles, Our Dogs, Yeah Moments

Tags : Agility Judging Story, DVD

What Happens to Us at ‘The End’ ?

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)

Monday, June 7th, 2010

“My little dog ten years ago was arrogant and spry, but she was ten years younger then, and so, by God, was I. If natural law refused her wings, that law she would defy, for she could do unheard-of things, and so, at times, could I.”

- Ogden Nash

Today I was thinking about all of the ways dogs (my dogs, my friend’s dogs, the dog community, etc.) have impacted my life.

While there are far more great memories, the fact remains that the hardest, the most painful, the most gut-wrenching and yes, the most debilitating lessons have been coming to terms with the end of the cycle of life – commonly called…(dramatic pause, clearing of throat)…umm…death…

Understandably, nobody likes to talk about ‘The End’ or loosing their beloved pet, but the fact remains that when you’re in a relationship with dogs, life is forever stuck in fast-forward because their life-span is so much shorter than ours.

Just like you, I think that stinks, it’s not fair and if pure love, inner strength and sheer force-of-will could change that outcome I’d have it bottled and be giving it away for free. Unfortunately, the lesson of ‘The End’ will come to all of us dog lovers. Sometimes it arrives in the form of a soft breeze and sometimes it arrives with the force of a pro-fighters’ one-two punch that leaves you dazed, flat on the ground and unable to breath.

So what do we do with that moment when it happens? How do we categorize it? How do we make sense of it? How do we balance emotions and facts? How do we deal…?

Having lost 3 dogs in the last 1.5 years for varying reasons, I can say with absolute confidence (accompanied by a big shrug of the shoulders) and a very loud – Hell if I know!

But, here IS what I do know (this assumes a healthy, stable person)*:

You WILL get through it. Life has a way of moving us forward even when it seems we’re staring into a black hole.
The emotions will be intense and probably like nothing you’ve experienced before. Therefore…
* It’s okay and recommended that you see someone to help guide you through the loss. They’re your safety net and your voice of reason, let them take that responsibility so you can move through your emotions because…
There is no by-passing grief and there are no short-cuts. We all have to go through it and come out the other side.
Allow yourself the luxury of time to grieve. We take time to celebrate life (birthday’s, weddings, etc.) so it’s only natural we should take time to feel loss.
Above all else, it’s okay to feel sad, to cry, to grieve. But it’s also okay to feel love, joy and pleasure in other parts of your life.
Moving on with your life is not disrespecting who you’ve lost. It’s taking what you’ve learned and the love received and applying it where needed. It IS okay to move on.
No, you will NEVER forgot them so don’t ever be afraid that you will.
No, the emptiness and pain of the loss does not go away…ever. BUT, it does subside with time and just like all memories, is put in a box for safe keeping.
You don’t have to talk about your loss if you don’t want to. It’s okay to say “I don’t want to/can’t talk about it.” If the person doesn’t take the hint, say ‘Please, I need to change the subject. So how is XXXXX’ If they still don’t get it, excuse yourself and walk away. It’s that simple.

So you may be asking yourself why I chose to write a blog on the emotions we experience when loosing a dog? Well, first it’s a fact of life and I’ve been there. Second, in the last few months I’ve known two wonderful people who have lost their dog in the prime of their lives due to freak accidents.

My heart goes out to them and I am very empathetic to their situation. I guess this is my way of saying (without bringing up the painful subject and intruding) that I’m so very sorry for your loss. I guess I just wanted them to know that I was thinking of them and wishing them strength. I don’t know, I guess knowing that there is nothing I can do to ease their pain or make the situation better is frustrating and leaves me feeling empty too. I guess I just wanted them to know that they weren’t alone.

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Categories : Our Dogs

Tags : Ogden Nash, Rainbow Bridge

An Update on the Pack

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)

Sunday, June 6th, 2010

One of the challenges with having 5 dogs is they’re all so different! They have different needs, different personalities, different activity levels, different training points and more.

I’ll admit, that’s part of the fun as well and here is a quick update on each of the pups.

Zulu was neutered on Wednesday and since he had one undescended testicle it wasn’t a ‘normal’ surgery. I’m thrilled with Sumner Vet and how they handled the ‘search’, which was to utilize ultra sound. This non-invasive method found the testicle clear up in his abdomin and so they were able to make two small and precise incisions which had him up and wanting to run around almost immediately. Here we are four days later and he’s doing great! The neutering was just in time because…

Rylee went into season this morning. While the two dogs (Rylee & Zulu) can’t be together at this time, I’m hoping for a bit less in the hormone drive from Mr. Z. Rylee will have a bit of a reprieve from agility training for the next few weeks since I’ve found that my girls in season can be a little moody and out of sorts. I find it easier to just cuddle with them and not to ask to much and definitely not to train new things. Rylee will be in a Conformation show next weekend so we’ll see how that goes.

Ru & Burton are doing great, spoiled as ever!

Ru can always be found glued to my side and makes pathetic sounds resembling an alien-gremlin cross if separated from me or can’t be where I am.

Burton on the other hand is being reminded of his daily manners and is doing great with that. As usual, he wants to be where Dan is.

Both dogs are now in heavy weave pole training and Dan and I are working together to get our dogs prepared for a show at the end of July. We’ve brought the channel weave poles into the house (all 12 of them) and they’re setup in our hall way. With Dan on one side and me on the other, we split their food between us and let them go back and forth and receive kibble for going down the middle of the training poles. Today was our first day and both dogs did great.

Pinky’s still my feisty girl and has no problems keeping the young pups in line. She’s definitely aged and sleeps as often as she likes, but she’s still my bright and loving sweetheart. She’s raised me well.

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Categories : Our Dogs

Tags : Ru Burton, Rylee Zulu, Sumner Vet

Rouge’s First Agility Trial

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

Video of May 29, 2010 – Nov Std Run

Today was Rouge’s first ‘official’ agility trial and I was a bit nervous.

The problem with being a dog trainer and a perfectionist is that I’m always thinking “I should do more work on (fill in the blank)”. I’m also keenly aware of the areas I haven’t trained completely (i.e. weave poles) and our potential weaknesses (i.e. her healthy curiosity).

But for once I followed my own advice and thought it wise to pick and then focus on just one goal to execute during our runs. In this case, I decided that our goal would be to stay connected and work together as a team throughout our run.

Rouge is very knowledgeable on the equipment (yes, I do need to finalize my weave training which was temporarily put on hold when her love of life disabled her ability to concentrate), and she has wonderful sit stays, an automatic down on the table, an amazing 2-on-2-off contact performance, great collection work over jumps and she reads rear-crosses like a pro. But like a lot of young dogs, her exuberance can elicit visions of a crazed mad-woman dashing around the mall on a timed shopping spree!

So our goal of working together as a team during our run was not only fitting for her, but also for me. It recently dawned on me that as her trainer, I needed to touch-base/check-in/be aware/stay connected with Rouge at a specific point between each obstacle as well. Additionally, I also needed to take a step back on the drivey portion of our run and focus on quality when in new environments.

As much as I like to run at full-speed, I had to also be aware that for the moment, the adrenaline rush that comes with running in a new heightened environment was overtaking Rouge’s ability to think clearly about her job(s) in Agility. So, I toned my running down a bit and made sure I had her attention at each point of the course, whether that was on an obstacle or between an obstacle.

For us, this was the winning formula that enabled me to keep her on task and to share continuous ‘good job’ rewards to enforce all of the positive behaviors she was offering.

Sure, we had our technical faults (a run-by to a wrong course), but what I am most pleased with was how quickly Rouge collected, returned to me and got back on track to continue the course. I’ve always said that how fast a dog recovers when a plan goes awry can be an important indicator as to where they’re head is in the game and how far they’ve come (or how far they need to go).

Let’s talk brilliant moments because Rouge had one that nearly blew me out of the water. Our Standard run (in the rain) used the short chute to the broad jump to a ‘C’ shaped tunnel. To the left of the tunnel was the dog walk (have I mentioned how much Rouge LOVES her contacts?). I was behind her and so she was left to make a choice between her favorite (a contact obstacle) or the tunnel and she did an AMAZING job of checking in and correctly choosing to drive to the tunnel entrance. I was stunned. Happily of course!

Another brilliant moment occurred on both courses when Rouge checked in with me and chose to correctly take my forward movement cue (again, I was coming in from behind) and actively sought out the last jump on the course and drove to the obstacle. Yeah for her!

After each run, multiple people asked “Did you qualify?” Gosh, I felt like I’d just climbed a mountain and our achievement was far bigger than a Qualifying ribbon. Today’s runs have increased my confidence with her and have motivated me to move toward finishing our weave pole training.

Our next trial will be at the end of July at the Chuckanut show and I’m really excited to come out even stronger and better trained there. It’s nice to have a clear cut goal to work toward!

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Categories : Dog Training, Our Dogs

Tags : Agility Novice, Agility Trial

Spot Makes the Trip to the Rainbow Bridge

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (7)

Wednesday, March 31st, 2010

We lost Spot tonight.

Funny how an average good, happy day can suddenly change direction. I mean it was still a good day, but it has ended very sadly.

While I’m shocked, I can’t say I’m surprised. I always knew in my heart that Spot wasn’t going to be the dog to last into old age years. Health issues were never in his favor and as a puppy mill dog, life started off rough and while his spirit was amazingly strong and forgiving, his body just wasn’t built to perfection.

Ah, the stories I could share about that boy. My favorite (and I mean no disrespect to anyone) is that I always said if he were a human, he’d have been a personal shopper. Seriously, I’m certain that boy was overly in touch with his feminine side and I LOVED that about him! I loved that he went to the beat of a different drummer, was thrilled with that direction and completely comfortable with it. I also said if he were a human, he’d bring me flowers every day – just because.

But now I find myself at a loss without my Spottie-boy and honestly, I wouldn’t have picked today to say good-bye. I would have picked a date far, far into the future because I want to be selfish and I still want MY Spottie here with me. Unfortunately, that’s just not how reality and life works.

I can’t help but wonder why things have to change. I mean today I was happy with exactly the way things were and then without notice or warning, they changed without my permission. Now I’m an endless fountain of tears, snot and glowing eyes from crying. Think about it, if our entire lives are about being in pursuit of the ultimate happiness, why is it that when we achieve it, that things change? I mean why is it that we can’t freeze things and just stay in that moment forever?

I realize these are the ramblings of a woman feeling the emotions of a loss, but there is also a bit of clarity that comes at times like this too. That clarity is that no matter how hard we may try to control things, we’re really left to the mercy of ‘Whatever Blows In Our Direction’. And just so you know, it doesn’t have the courtesy of scheduling itself ahead of time in our date book!

So, I’m left with reality, which is that tomorrow I’ll wake up and Spot will be physically missing from life. The reminder will come immediately as the morning ritual included him jumping up and laying next to me as I woke up. On a normal day I’d pet, hug and talk to him and he’d share small little kisses with me (he never kissed anyone else). Tomorrow when that moment comes, Spot won’t come when I call his name and I’ll remember that he’s gone…besides feeling the loss, I know I’ll think “But I wasn’t ready to let him go…” After all, are we ever ready?

In the end, I know we were so very lucky to have each other. Spotty, I will ALWAYS love you. Thank you for everything and God speed my sweet, sweet boy.

Love,

Your Momma

Comments (7)

Categories : Our Dogs

Tags : Agility Dog, Rainbow Bridge, Spot

Day 6 – It’s Rylee’s Turn on the Agility Seminar Circuit

By Lisa Selthofer · Comments (0)

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

Today was Foundation Day at the agility seminar and it was Rylee’s turn to be a part of the working crowd. She was so excited to be chosen to go with this morning and was even more psyched when we arrived at the arena.

Rylee’s enthusiasm momentarily worried me, I mean what if she ran off to visit or was distracted by another dog? Yes, even trainers sometimes worry about these things! However, this is a Foundation Seminar and I quickly realized how fun it was going to be to have a dozen baby dogs with happy wagging tails and owners (like me) eager to soak up foundation knowledge.

I chose Rylee for this seminar because I wanted her first agility seminar experience to be positive. Rylee and I have worked on most of the skills…at home, so this was a great time to test them on the road and proof them in an environment full of distractions. As for my fear that Rylee would run off, let’s just say she was a working champ! Her attention was incredible and the efficiency with which she moves her body is absolutely amazing. Just like at home, she was so excited to be working with me. It was a very comfortable, easy connection that allowed both of us to relax and enjoy the experience.

Later I was talking with Nancy and she asked me what Rylee’s best attributes were. I had to pause and think because Rylee truly has a nicely put together package! Here’s what I’ve come up with:

I love the soul-giving attention Rylee shows when we are working together. I can see Rylee is willingly giving me everything she has and it’s obvious that she is highly rewarded by our interactions together. It’s special for both of us, like your favorite pair of shoes or those perfect fitting jeans.
Rylee has an amazingly athletic body and she is so comfortable in her own skin. She is graceful in her moves and light on her feet. She is fast, but can collect herself. She is able to use her entire body to efficiently turn and change direction on a dime. She’s the perfect combination of gazelle and ballerina all in one.
Rylee is confident without being pushy. Seriously, this dog strives to be a team player and embraces her part of the program. Another bonus is that she is easy to play and be silly with – which makes training so much more fun!

Over the last several days, I’ve had a chance to observe some incredible dog & handler teams and my mind has been buzzing with the vision of where I see my dogs going and how I’m going to get them there. I’m leaving the last 6 days with solid plans for each of them. It’s interesting because each plan is a little different since each of my dogs are unique. Overall, I’m really excited that the next several days are going to provide nice weather so I can immediately start to work my dogs in the sunshine (doesn’t sunshine make everything even more fun!?!?).

As for Stacy, she’ll be back in August to check on my progress and to continue to share her infectious love for training.

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Categories : Dog Training, Our Dogs

Tags : Foundation Agility Seminar