Again-good and bad news.
Good news-we got a Q in Jackpot!!! It was a non-traditional jackpot, so there wasn't a distance test, instead you had to take a series of obstacles to get the gamble. The way this one worked, the floor was divided down the middle, with 3 obstacles straddling the line. When the gamble whistle blew, you needed to take one obstacle on your side, then one obstacle in the middle, then on obstacle on the other side of the line, and then the table. Shelby was the only dog in her class at her height to Q!
Now on to the bad, bad, bad news.
Our second run was another try at Snooker. The dog running after us was our friend (not!) Cinders, who Shelby bit yesterday. So Shelby noticed and was a little distracted. We started out shaky, with Shelby missing the first jump, but I got her over and then into the tunnel. We came out of the tunnel and then she ran off, but I got her back and over the A frame. Then I got her over the third jump, but then she saw Cinders waiting and ran over. Cinders growled, which she had every right to do, and Shelby tried to go for her. Luckily Cinders' owner grabbed Shelby and nothing happened except a lot of noise. I yelled at Shelby and took her off the course. Then of course Cinders couldn't do her run because she was shaken up, so she ended up going later.
Denielle saw the whole thing because she was gate steward. She came over later with a couple other people and told me not to be upset, that it happens, and we just need to work on Shelby staying in the ring, and in general not running up to strange dogs.
I felt horrible anyway. It's like, what happened to my sweet puppy? She's turned into a viscious cur! Of course you would never know it from the darling sleeping on my lap right now.
I'm not sure agility trials are worth it if I'll need to be on the alert all the time for Shelby attacking. I don't think I'll go back to Riverside because the set up is so tight. There really isn't much room at all at the line up. I'll have to see what All Dogs is like, or maybe only do outdoor trials.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
CPE trail Day One-Postscript
So, turns out Shelby's little altercation was more serious than it looked. She actually broke the skin on the other dog's neck in 2 places. Nothing major really, but the owners took it to the emergency vet and it got one staple in the bigger puncture.
I felt bad, but on the other hand, he was all for them playing, and those things happen when two dogs go after a toy.
I felt bad, but on the other hand, he was all for them playing, and those things happen when two dogs go after a toy.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Riverside K9 CPE Day 1
Do you want the good news first, or the bad?
Let's start with the bad. Trial starts at 8. Judges briefing at 7:45. Time needed to set up and acclimate 30-60 minutes. Suggested arrival time: 6:45. Actual arrival time: 7:30. Ru-roh.
I got there, went in to get situated and get a crate space. I think I got the last one! The crate room is crazy-dogs and people everywhere. I bring Shelby in and leave her in the crate while I attend the briefing. We are in the first class, which is Snooker, a complicated class, and I think the 5th dog on the line. There is very little room for lining up, plus people are standing all around where they shouldn't be, so it's total chaos. I bring Shelby over and try to keep her attention with treats, etc. We're are doing ok so far. Then the gate steward is telling me I'm next. But I'm not-there's one ahead of me, so we're all confused.
We finally enter the ring and Shelby is waaaay distracted. They are sharpening pencils at the judges table and Shelby won't get set up. Finally, they say, just remove the leash and get going. So I do, but I can't get Shelby to pay attention. She takes one jump, but that's it and we end up with a "no time." Super disappointing, because I knew we could handle the course successfully. Thankfully we'll have another chance to play Snooker tomorrow.
We were not entered in the next course, so I had plenty of time to work with Shelby on the warm up jump, which was in the crating area with all the other dogs around. I also took her outside for some exercise and treats.
Ok, now for the good news.
Our next class was Wildcard, which is a standard course, with 3 options of taking obstacle A or B. I need to take 2 A obstacles and 1 B obstacle. This time Shelby was much more attentive while we were waiting and once we entered the ring she was ready to go. We had a perfect run. No bobbles, refusals or mixed signals. We completed our wildcards correctly and finished under time. I thought we had a chance to take first, but there was another dog who was 10 seconds faster, which is huge! I couldn't believe it. But we got our Q and our second place ribbon. Yay!
We were on our way out when a little situation happened. We were outside and there was a guy playing ball with his small dog off leash. Shelby was interested but I was holding her back, and he asked if it was ok to let the dogs say hi. I told him Shelby doesn't like all small dogs. But they greeted each other and it seemed ok and like they wanted to play together. I didn't want Shelby off leash, but he suggested a fenced area. I was hesitant, but he convinced me. Everything was fine, until he threw the ball. Shelby and his dog went after it, and his dog got it. While the dogs were running back to us, the other dog growled at Shelby, and Shelby grabbed the other dog's ear and didn't let go! Thankfully there was no breaking of the skin or blood, but I think the other dog got a little freaked. I was able to get Shelby calmed down pretty quickly. I felt a little bad, but not really, because I told the guy I wasn't totally comfortable with them playing, but he wanted to try it out. The only issue is this dog will be running right before us tomorrow, so I hope Shelby doesn't hold a grudge.
Let's start with the bad. Trial starts at 8. Judges briefing at 7:45. Time needed to set up and acclimate 30-60 minutes. Suggested arrival time: 6:45. Actual arrival time: 7:30. Ru-roh.
I got there, went in to get situated and get a crate space. I think I got the last one! The crate room is crazy-dogs and people everywhere. I bring Shelby in and leave her in the crate while I attend the briefing. We are in the first class, which is Snooker, a complicated class, and I think the 5th dog on the line. There is very little room for lining up, plus people are standing all around where they shouldn't be, so it's total chaos. I bring Shelby over and try to keep her attention with treats, etc. We're are doing ok so far. Then the gate steward is telling me I'm next. But I'm not-there's one ahead of me, so we're all confused.
We finally enter the ring and Shelby is waaaay distracted. They are sharpening pencils at the judges table and Shelby won't get set up. Finally, they say, just remove the leash and get going. So I do, but I can't get Shelby to pay attention. She takes one jump, but that's it and we end up with a "no time." Super disappointing, because I knew we could handle the course successfully. Thankfully we'll have another chance to play Snooker tomorrow.
We were not entered in the next course, so I had plenty of time to work with Shelby on the warm up jump, which was in the crating area with all the other dogs around. I also took her outside for some exercise and treats.
Ok, now for the good news.
Our next class was Wildcard, which is a standard course, with 3 options of taking obstacle A or B. I need to take 2 A obstacles and 1 B obstacle. This time Shelby was much more attentive while we were waiting and once we entered the ring she was ready to go. We had a perfect run. No bobbles, refusals or mixed signals. We completed our wildcards correctly and finished under time. I thought we had a chance to take first, but there was another dog who was 10 seconds faster, which is huge! I couldn't believe it. But we got our Q and our second place ribbon. Yay!
We were on our way out when a little situation happened. We were outside and there was a guy playing ball with his small dog off leash. Shelby was interested but I was holding her back, and he asked if it was ok to let the dogs say hi. I told him Shelby doesn't like all small dogs. But they greeted each other and it seemed ok and like they wanted to play together. I didn't want Shelby off leash, but he suggested a fenced area. I was hesitant, but he convinced me. Everything was fine, until he threw the ball. Shelby and his dog went after it, and his dog got it. While the dogs were running back to us, the other dog growled at Shelby, and Shelby grabbed the other dog's ear and didn't let go! Thankfully there was no breaking of the skin or blood, but I think the other dog got a little freaked. I was able to get Shelby calmed down pretty quickly. I felt a little bad, but not really, because I told the guy I wasn't totally comfortable with them playing, but he wanted to try it out. The only issue is this dog will be running right before us tomorrow, so I hope Shelby doesn't hold a grudge.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
CPE Games class
Last Saturday Shelby I headed to Gemini for a CPE games class taught by Denielle. There we I think 8 or so people there. Some I knew from previous classes and some were new-but all were really nice.
We concentrated on Jackpot and also were planning to do Colors.
Jackpot is a game where you are required to earn a certain number of points, for us it's 12, in 30-35 seconds, and then you have to do a series of obstacles, called a gamble, staying a certain distance away from the obstacles, this is marked with a line on the floor. If you get your required points and complete the gamble, you win the jackpot!
It's an interesting game because the handler plans their own course, based on what they think will be easiest. In reality, the dog often makes the course, and the handler is along for the ride.
The gamble is the hardest part for Shelby and I, since we don't often practice a series of obstacles at a distance.
We are entered in Jackpot on Sunday, so we'll see how it goes!
We spend so much time on Jackpot, we didn't have time for Colors. But that's ok because colors is much easier-it's simply 2 courses which overlap in a few places and you have to choose which course you want to run.
We concentrated on Jackpot and also were planning to do Colors.
Jackpot is a game where you are required to earn a certain number of points, for us it's 12, in 30-35 seconds, and then you have to do a series of obstacles, called a gamble, staying a certain distance away from the obstacles, this is marked with a line on the floor. If you get your required points and complete the gamble, you win the jackpot!
It's an interesting game because the handler plans their own course, based on what they think will be easiest. In reality, the dog often makes the course, and the handler is along for the ride.
The gamble is the hardest part for Shelby and I, since we don't often practice a series of obstacles at a distance.
We are entered in Jackpot on Sunday, so we'll see how it goes!
We spend so much time on Jackpot, we didn't have time for Colors. But that's ok because colors is much easier-it's simply 2 courses which overlap in a few places and you have to choose which course you want to run.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Back to Earthdog Class for Spot
Today was the first session in Spot's new earthdog class. Since he got his Junior earthdog title last August, now he gets to move up to Senior class. At the senior level, the tunnel is longer, and it has a "false den" where they put some smelly rat bedding in the hope of slowing the dog down. There's also a "false exit" where the dog can come out, but again, it wastes time. Senior also requires the dog to work for 90 seconds, which is 30 seconds longer than junior. You also have to call the dog to leave the tunnel, unlike junior, where they open up the tunnel and you can grab them and take them out. Luckily in senior, they remove the rats from the tunnel before you call them, and for a dog like Spot, there's no use being in the tunnel if the rats are gone, so he naturally comes out on his own.
Spot did really well today. He wasn't tempted by the false exit-he booked it to the rats and worked them like a pro. When we removed the rats, he came right out. The only hitch is getting him to come to me, instead of looking around to see where the rats went!
Unfortunately we won't be back for a few weeks, since there's no class next week and I have an agility trial the week after.
Spot did really well today. He wasn't tempted by the false exit-he booked it to the rats and worked them like a pro. When we removed the rats, he came right out. The only hitch is getting him to come to me, instead of looking around to see where the rats went!
Unfortunately we won't be back for a few weeks, since there's no class next week and I have an agility trial the week after.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Please vote in this contest!
Hi all,
There is a contest being run by Circuit City, and the winner gets to designate a charity of their choice to receive a big donation. The Rolling Dog Ranch has been selected by one of the finalists as their charity of choice, and if they win, they get $1 for every vote, plus $50,000 for a possible total of $150,000. Please take a minute to vote!
http://rollingdogranch.typepad.com/rolling_dog_ranch_animal_/2008/01/circuit-citys-f.html
Here's an online contest that could bring in a lot of money for the animals at the ranch!
Sanctuary supporter Kim Taylor just informed us that her dog, Summitt, has been selected as a finalist for the mascot of Firedog, Circuit City's technology support service. The great news for us is that if Summitt wins the contest, for every vote she receives, Circuit City and Kodak will donate $1 to the animal sanctuary of Kim's choice -- the Rolling Dog Ranch!
The sanctuary could receive up to $100,000 AND if Summitt wins the Grand Prize, an additional $50,000! Please help the Rolling Dog Ranch and Summitt in this fun way to support the sanctuary.
You can vote for Summitt on the Firedog website -- look for the wonderful photo of Summitt swimming, shown above. Follow the instructions carefully -- once you vote, you'll receive a confirmation email and you will need to click on a link in the email to verify your vote.
If you don't get the email -- it will say "firedog photo contest" in the 'From' line -- then check your spam filter or junk mail folder. It's not unusual for these Web site-generated emails to be flagged as spam.
Please note that we are not involved in running the contest and that the voting takes place on the Circuit City Firedog Web site, so we cannot help with any technical issues with the Web site or the voting process. Although having cast my own vote today, I can tell you it's very quick and simple!
Please also let your friends and family know about the contest. You can help Summitt and the Rolling Dog Ranch win big! Cast your vote for Summitt here.
There is a contest being run by Circuit City, and the winner gets to designate a charity of their choice to receive a big donation. The Rolling Dog Ranch has been selected by one of the finalists as their charity of choice, and if they win, they get $1 for every vote, plus $50,000 for a possible total of $150,000. Please take a minute to vote!
http://rollingdogranch.typepad.com/rolling_dog_ranch_animal_/2008/01/circuit-citys-f.html
Here's an online contest that could bring in a lot of money for the animals at the ranch!
Sanctuary supporter Kim Taylor just informed us that her dog, Summitt, has been selected as a finalist for the mascot of Firedog, Circuit City's technology support service. The great news for us is that if Summitt wins the contest, for every vote she receives, Circuit City and Kodak will donate $1 to the animal sanctuary of Kim's choice -- the Rolling Dog Ranch!
The sanctuary could receive up to $100,000 AND if Summitt wins the Grand Prize, an additional $50,000! Please help the Rolling Dog Ranch and Summitt in this fun way to support the sanctuary.
You can vote for Summitt on the Firedog website -- look for the wonderful photo of Summitt swimming, shown above. Follow the instructions carefully -- once you vote, you'll receive a confirmation email and you will need to click on a link in the email to verify your vote.
If you don't get the email -- it will say "firedog photo contest" in the 'From' line -- then check your spam filter or junk mail folder. It's not unusual for these Web site-generated emails to be flagged as spam.
Please note that we are not involved in running the contest and that the voting takes place on the Circuit City Firedog Web site, so we cannot help with any technical issues with the Web site or the voting process. Although having cast my own vote today, I can tell you it's very quick and simple!
Please also let your friends and family know about the contest. You can help Summitt and the Rolling Dog Ranch win big! Cast your vote for Summitt here.
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