Sue & Waldo

Well I have a double trial tomorrow and have not done much training for 10 days. I have been away and also had a shocking cold. I have discovered that Cindy's drops are lost and SFE broken I suppose it is worth the 1.5 hour drive early tomorrow (Note to self- I do this becasue Cindy and I enjoy it )

I had my last boy doing everything I asked of him (sit, drop, stay, come) and was just about to start classes so I could look into competing, and he passed away My current boy is almost 10 months, I have put limited training into him, and he sits, drops, has a bit of a recall and shakes... So yes, I think it can be done... In the states I think htey are very competitive, I heard a Westie was top obedience dog a few years back This is not making my decision any easier. I just love the breed but I don't want to fit them to me if it is not a good fit. Can't even work out if I want a second dog (which is why I am reading all these threads)

Thanks for this advice. I was going to see them at the Royal but couldn't get there. I will keep exploring.

I am curious as to how Westies go in competition obedience? I am trying not to get a second dog! lol

I also think this is the most important thing too! Which is why I am soooo lucky to be able to have handling practice with Ptolomys kids WA is so far away though :D

I think I'd teach myself to be a better handler and catch up with my dog.

You can buy it by the meter at camping/outdoor stores.

Just to let you know about this trial - the advert was left out of the Dogs Vic magazine Open Obedience Trial Trial date : 17th October 2010 Entries Close : Friday 8th October 2010 Trial Venue : Simpson Park, Cochrane Street, Mitcham (Melways 49 A11) Please be aware of our new venue Registration : 10am to 10.45am. Judging commences at 11.00 am sharp Judges Community Companion Dog : Mr Weng Lim, Ms Y Ross Novice : Mr M Klecka, Ms D Ayton Open : Mrs S Stephens, Ms L Piper Utility : Mrs L Klecka, Mr F Brueckner Utility Dog Excellent : Mr D Hutson Entry fee : $12.00. Cheques to be made payable to ESODC Inc. Entries to be sent to : Mrs Andrea Sciberras, 11 Ottawa Avenue, Blackburn, VIC 3130 Ph 9887 1528 (no calls after 9:00pm). Exhibitors please note : The committee reserver the right to subsitiute judges if the entry is excessive. Awards: Trophy and sash for each class winner. Sash for second and third placings. The web site is http://esodc.org.au/index.asp?ID=13

Bugger! Can you have hear wear a jacket that has a belly flap like the Chilly Dog ones? When I put her coat on she freezes and looks at me with sad eyes as if to say "why are you making me wear this-I look silly". She hates it so much that she will not even walk to me for a treat-not even fresh frankfurt. It is so funny!

Thanks. I didn't have nerves in the pm trial at all Huski. I nearly left the ring after the heeling and before the SFE and recall. The judge asked me if she was that scarey I had to run away. I looked blank and then remembered. Huski I so understand-I am a basket case.

Well we had great fun at the double trial today. #rd both times but no Q. First up the grass was too wet so she wouldn't drop. Score or 82 in CCD but no heeling pass. In the pm trial she was stuffed and didn't want to work so lagged. The positive was that I enjoyed myself and in both trials she only lost 4 points excluding heeling. 10/10 for SFE so I was stoked since we have had trouble with that. She also heeled very well off lead in the recall. Her stays were great-no fidgeting. In the am trial I was very happy with my handling and we worked well. The PM we were both tired. I may only enter one trial per day. Not sure.

I've heard the ground is in good condition so fingers crossed. Might see you there, I'm only entered in the AM trial. Good luck Good news about the ground condition. We may meet up. What are you competing in? Good luck. I just hope the grounds are still in good condition! We're in Open. Competing with a dog who looks like a light boned black Lab and will have my young dog with me - look for a black and white tornado on a lead Will do. I am in CCD (for ever I think). Look for a cream poodle x a nervous handler.

I've heard the ground is in good condition so fingers crossed. Might see you there, I'm only entered in the AM trial. Good luck :D Good news about the ground condition. We may meet up. What are you competing in? Good luck.

Thanks! Just hope the ground isn't too wet as the little darling only likes mud to sniff not to drop in! Little Princess!

Well I am very nervous but have entered a double trial on Sunday with the aim of one heeling pass. Cindy is doing very well but the more nrevous I get the slower I walk so her heeling goes belly up :D and we fail. She has done so well with SFE after her initial problems! Her stays and recalls are great. IF ONLY THE HANDLER CAN GET IT RIGHT!

Hard to know what to say but I used this book with my kids when we had to have our young dog PTS - Saying Goodbye to Your Pet: Children Can Learn to Cope with Pet Loss by Marge Heegaard It might help.

Good work Thanks-I am still thrilled. It is great to see some results after a plateau!

At class on Sunday I got 4 minutes of focused heeling form Cindy with no treats and a loose Dane running through the class I could hardly believe it! Boy did she get praise and jackpots after that effort! She even dropped in the mud.

I visit with Cindy through PALS-the Lort Smith run it. I love it and so does Cindy. We are very short of volunteers so PM me if you would like to know more. The link is http://www.lortsmith.com/NetCommunity/Page.aspx?pid=358

I found this pattern http://www.simplicitysewing.com/projects/p...mpered_Pets.pdf for a dog chew toy. I used a replacement Kong squeaker and it worked well.

Well guess what! I think at long last! The training ground is wet and very muddy. I have been working hard at getting Cindy's drops and heeling position. Thought about not training because Cindy H-A-T-E-S the wet and mud. Collected jackpot treats and went. To my absolute delight (to be honest more total amazement and shock) she nailed the class. Dropped, heeled, even did a perfect SFE & COP! Gotta love training break throughs! Now just to work out what I did to get there?

lamb does it for Cindy-she becomes a weapon of mass destruction

Bad luck Huscki-I understand your nerves though! I am a nervous wreck at trials.

So glad he is OK. What a scare!

If you want to arrange a "play date" PM me-Cindy is very placid and calm in situations like this. She has had other playdates for the same purpose.