Tassie

Congrats from me too - especially for bedazzledx2 and Brookie. I've had the pleaseure of seeing them work in person - just inspiring.

+ 1 - good luck from me too.

Do you train during the day as well? Most of our clubs train at night under lights so our dogs are generally more used to that ;) Yep - we train in the daytime as well - obedience and agility. The only under lights agility trial down here is at Launceston Royal - and that's a quick job to get the dogs out before the fireworks LOL. And I think the local obedience people would have a pink fit at the idea of working under lights . Unfair advantage for the Nationals!!! ;) Hey - Kirra and I need all the advantages we can get - fair or otherwise. ;) :p ;)

Do you train during the day as well? Most of our clubs train at night under lights so our dogs are generally more used to that Yep - we train in the daytime as well - obedience and agility. The only under lights agility trial down here is at Launceston Royal - and that's a quick job to get the dogs out before the fireworks LOL. And I think the local obedience people would have a pink fit at the idea of working under lights .

Plus, I figure being about 700 km away is probably a safe distance. mirawee - my thoughts entirely! And all our trials here are daytime, so we get thrown by trialling under lights. Kirra had only had one run under lights before the teams jumping in Adelaide.

Oh, yes - I forgot that little complication. You're right. Less thinking time - jsut what every handler needs - NOT

Another vote for the snack at bedtime solution (although getting the vet check is always a good idea.) Mine always have a few bits, and then part of a Bonio sort of biscuit to go to bed with - seems to help them just to have something in ther stomachs when they go to bed (but not their whole mea.)

TSD - I was having the same thought. I find it hard to pick the commitment point sometimes - but given that Kirra is experienced, I can usually get away with it. Much harder with a green youngster.

Yep - agree with Huski. More often than not I take a little time-out break with Rory part way through a class if he's really losing focus - for instance if an unruly dog in the class starts arcing up. I'll take him off to the trees for a pee, or take him up for a drink, then settle him a bit on the way back - usually he'll be fine then. I don't think instructors would think you were being rude - I'll always apologize/explain to the instructor at a suitable time, or after the class. Sometimes I'll just move away from the class and do a bit of doodling, or hand targetting or something like that until the braini drops back into gear.

Meant to say something about this bit before - forgot . AFAIK - You don't have to say 'yes', ness - you can say anything (polite) that clearly indicates to the judge that you're ready. 'Yes' is my marker word, so in agility trials, I say "Thank you" in response to the judge's question. I think I did the same in obedience trials when I was dong them with Fergus. A trialler down here says "ready" - which is quite nice, as it's an additional cue to his dog to pay attention .

RS - of course Millie is psycho - she's a chocolate, isn't she - goes with the territory. And wait till you guys hear Kirra (who's 8 and old enough to know better) when I get Rory out of the car when there's agility equipment anywhere around. Major temper tanty screams - funnily enough, she doesn't do it when he's at obedience class - she doesn't believe in obedience .

My poor Fergus sent almost every judge who judged him to the rule book at one time or another. Mind you - in his defence - it was when CCD had first come in.

Thanks guys! Yes - I am thrilled to bits with my WA boy. And my little Kirra is a Victorian girl. Hmmm - ValleyCBR might have to call on your skills to create a siggy. Need some nice pics. Am hoping Winpara will take some nice ones for me while we're over.

Naaaw - we over Easters (and in my case South-east) - just hang out in here with you - cos you're such a fun bunch - and you know that at least some of us regard WA as the enlightened dog training capital of the country. (And that was mostly serious). One show/trial a weekend - we should be so lucky down here.

Agree - and pity the poor judges, who used to carry the little blue book in their pockets

That'll make them weird every time

Beautifully said, 4Kelpies. My little show/performance bred food and toy trained BC bitch had the opportunity to learn to do some sheep work. While she was never as good as the working bred dogs, she also would not even consider looking at food while she was working. I'm sure you're right in that the work is the reward in those situations. I also usually train my dogs with a reward out at the end of the track (which I have laid), and sometimes food on the track - and have had the same experiences - once the dog 'gets' the game, it will often track straight over the food - and it always amuses me that the dog doesn't turn round and say 'found you' when I on the other end of the lead - the game/job is getting to the end of the track.

+1 My dairy farmer uncle had a great working dog called Pete. When my cousin was born, he was named Peter - but as long as the dog was alive, was always referred to as Peter-boy, since the dog had the name first.

A fabulous set of results, xena98. Sounds like you and the girls are getting it all together just at the right time. Look forward to seeing it all in person in a few weeks.

What Kelpie-i said. I was so very sorry to hear that Pepi had lost his fight - but what a great little dog he must have been. You will treasure the lovely memories you have of him, and the sharpness of the pain will fade - until you read of others losing their beloved dogs - then the tears will flow again - believe me. But you will be there to support others, as they are here to support you.

Excellent stuff - pity about the 197 though - that would have been so awesome! We have a LM Tracking Ch down here - lovely dog.

Nope missed the closing date unfortunately. Spent yesterday rounding up stuff for making my jumps. My next trial is the state trial then southern river the next weekend (both am and pm trials) then the GSDA trial the next day, then NATIONALS!!! Just posted my entries for Southern River - looking forward to meeting you guys - but nobody laugh if I lose the plot and the BC goes feral. Just keep reminding me it's all FUN!!

You will - they are a totally amazing team.

Yep I know someone with Papillons who does very well! Are you thinking of the 'pap on crack' too, Kavik! Had the privilege of seeing him run in Vic at Nationals - totally amazing (the handler too ).

Will do. I'll be easy to spot - the stout older woman with the naughty little B/W BC bitch in Masters and Open. We'll probably be the ones who do something like forget a loop of the course. I just love that photo of Ruby with her loot - nice loot! Well done. ValleyCBR At least Toby has an excuse. Kirra is just feral - although if I get it right, she can be lovely.