Dogs of Greece

Hi all
Sorry for no posts-I've been on vaca in Greece. We went to Athens, Santorini and Crete. Before I went, I had read in my guide book that there are lots of stray dogs and cats there. I was pleasantly surprised-there were dogs and cats on the street, but most of them had collars and were looked like they were pretty well fed, so I didn't feel too bad for them. Usually at each monument there were one or two lounging in the shade. At a few places they collected money to pay for the care of stray animals. It was hard not to interact with them because they all seemed friendly, but I didn't want to risk bringing back any parasite or something to my own two waiting at home.

Act-Up Agility trial at Canine Mastery in Seekonk MA

Today Shelby and I entered the Act-Up agility club's CPE trial at Canine Mastery in Seekonk MA. We almost didn't get to enter because of the incident in Jan. The owner of the other dog told the trial secretary he didn't feel safe with Shelby there. Can you believe that? Thankfully I got to tell my side of the story, and there was only one instance where we needed to adjust the running order to keep us apart.

Anyway, we were entered in 2 rounds of Snooker level 1, Wildcard level 2, Fullhouse level 2 and Standard level 1. We Q'd in 1 round of Snooker and in Wildcard. I was so excited to get the Snooker Q! During the second round of Snooker we did the opening no problem but then had an off course at #4, so we ended up being 2 points short. For our Wildcard run, everything was perfect except I cued one jump too late, so Shelby took it the wrong way, but we are allowed one off course. Also, they forgot to put the jumps up to 12 inches, so us and 2 other dogs ended up jumping at 8 inches. They said we could keep our Q or run again. I'll keep the Q, thanks! Not going to press my luck.

Then we had Fullhouse. We did all the requirements, but then we were finishing up and Shelby entered the tunnel under the A frame, and for some reason stopped inside, then came out the entrance, so we didn't complete the tunnel, just the A frame and then time was up, so we were short 2 points for our Q. Bummer!

Then finally it was time for Standard. We were second in the level 1 class. The dog ahead of us pooped in the ring (twice!) and then was zooming around and they couldn't catch it. Shelby's prey instinct kicked in and she was focused on the other dog. I set her up and I thought I had her attention, but then she ran off, so I grabbed the leash and got her back. We didn't even get one jump in. Another bummer!

But I am so glad I went. Everyone was nice, there was no drama, and the weather cleared up in the afternoon. But it was a long day and I'm glad to be done. :-)

A video of our friend Reece learning Earthdog

I came across this video of Reece, a daschund, training in Earthdog with Carolyn at Gemini Dog. It's a long video, but it gives you an idea of the progress and how you go step by step with getting used the tunnel, then adding length, then adding rats and finally putting it all together.

First earthdog practice of the season

On Saturday the GBAEC opened the training and trial site at the Gardner Fish and Game Club. I was planning to get there around 9, but slept in and got there around 10:15. By that time, all the tunnel digging was pretty much finished! I was surprised so many people showed up since it was cold and rainy. But they had finished the IQ, Junior and Senior tunnels by 10:30.

I had brought Shelby with me just so she wouldn't stay home alone, but when I realized that it would be a while until Senior, so I tried Shelby in IQ. She had shown a little interest, so I wasn't sure how she would react in the field. She was excited just seeing the other dogs going for the rats, and hearing all the praise. When it was our turn, I had them move the rats to the end of the first section of tunnel so she could see them. That went well-she was pawing at the cage, etc. So then we tried the whole tunnel. At first she didn't to make the turn, but I was mean and stood in the entrance so she couldn't get out. She turned back around and found the rats at the end and started scratching. And she actually whined and barked! I was so surprised. She didn't work for long, so I ran her a few times and tried to take her out while she was still excited. So that was a nice surprise and not something I expected to get from the day.

When it was Spot's turn at Senior, we tried the whole shabang, figuring he would do well since we had been practicing. Spot ran to the entrance and it was at an angle, so he kind of bounced out again and it seemed he wasn't sure if he had done the right thing, so I had to encourage him. In a trial, that would be a disqualification, since you can only give one command at release. But he went back in the entrance, then got stuck at the false den. He came back out the entrance and back to the false den again! He ran back in and finally made it to the rats just under time. He worked like a champ, just like always, and did a nice recall, coming all the way out to me. Other people were jealous! So it was actually a good day even though I didn't want to go in the morning. I'm kind of sad I won't be able to go to the trial on the 11th.