SammieS

I'm off to an advanced photo course tomorrow and have had such a busy week (yay for QLD in the State of Origin), so I wanted to make sure I got this week's submission in as I know my brain will be mush tomorrow night! Week 27 - how fast is this year going? I think everyone's photos are improving from week to week, this is a great way to stretch your skills - especially now that we've half way and have to attempt something different and creative compared to the other 26 weeks that we've submitted :D Week 27/52 of Asti 2011 by SammieS, on Flickr

I love the bokeh on this shot...

I've been using my new 24-70mm L series lens and realised that I hadn't tried out my nifty fifty... I didn't think I was going to like it and whilst using it felt like I wasn't taking the best photos (plus my camera felt strange because it didn't have a zoom lens attached to the front) but whilst Asti stayed still I got some photos that I feel confident in uploading, so here's my first attempt at 50mm 1.8 pics.

You sound like you have a lovely dog. My dog Asti (2.5 years old) seems to be on the other end of the spectrum and is reactive to new and unfamiliar environments/stimiluli. I have started the "Look at that game" and have put in alot of work and still have a long way to go before we're at the 90% mark that you've found yourself at! You should be very proud of yourself! One question that I have is - how did you find the time/scenarios to put yourself in the position to always practice the Click/Treat method, it sucks being winter so when I get home its dark and no one else is walking their dogs so weekends is about the only time we get to practice. My plan is to start putting Cesar Milan on tv with the barking/fighting dogs on tv and click and reward that "looking" without her jumping off the couch - but is that the same as being "in a real world scenario"? I don't mean to hijack the thread but if Asti can achieve half of what Riddick has, I'd be over the moon!

Week 26! Halfway! Woot! Asti's one determined little dog, but her bestie Ella gives her a run for money! Week 26/52 of Asti 2011 by SammieS, on Flickr

Asti gets Deer Antlers and Fresh Breath chews... the vet is always very happy with her teeth when we go for a visit As she's a braccy breed she can't have bones/chicken necks and wings because she attempts to swallow everything without chewing!

I was feeding Asti BARF (which made her stools firm and lowered her hyperactivity) BUT we seemed to get a 'bad batch' (i.e. it had been thawed and refrozen before I bought it) and when we gave it to Asti it caused hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (very bloody diarrhea) which meant overnight hospitalisation and all sort of things!!! Since then I have stayed away from BARF. Is it possible this is what Zara had? For several weeks we gave Asti bland bbq chicken and rice until her tummy settled and then we put her on the Hills Science I/D wet food (which has to be bought at a vet surgery and is also hard to get) and Advance Adult Small Breed Turkey and Rice (because its hard to get any sensitive stomach kibble in Brisbane at the moment (the shop assistance said it's due to the floods but that was back in January!). Overall this combo seems to be working better than ever (her stools are firmer than on the BARF)... and although I think that BARF was better nutrient wise for Asti, I wouldn't want to risk putting her through that pain and discomfort again, so Hills wet food and Advance dry food it is!

Justice is gorgeous! I want to give him a big cuddle!

What did you clicker train your chickens to do? I have started clicker training again and playing some Control Unleashed games. We learnt about the clicker at puppy school but it was a pain to hold the lead, hold the treat and click at the exact right moment! However, I have started to use it again and Asti's attention and ability to respond to me has increased out of sight! My question is - at what stage can the clicker be phased out for old 'games' and only used for 'new' ones? and how do you do it or will I have to wear a clicker and a bag of treats on me for the rest of Asti's frenchie life?

I'll start off Week 25! We're almost half way :D This was Asti sunbaking in the garden... I disturbed her peace ;) Week 25/52 of Asti 2011 by SammieS, on Flickr

Eye snot is a Frenchie's specialty!!! Especially after Asti has had conjunctivitis

Don't edit them! Just post them!!!

Welcome Snook - Justice looks set for Winter! Asti seems to have recovered finally from her conjuntivitis! This week's photo was because we cleaned out our pantry and found all these dog treats that we hadn't given her! So she spent about 20 minutes searching for places to hide this massive bone! Week 24/52 of Asti 2011 by SammieS, on Flickr

I agree with trying P mode - its almost auto mode but better! that's what I set up for OH when he's controlling the camera ;)

Poor Asti was sad this week, she has conjunctivitis and its making her miserable. It breaks my heart she's been so sick, if only I can find some 'dog multi-vitamins' to boost her immune system. (pj's by itsMeg! they're fabulous!) Week 23/52 of Asti 2011 by sammies, on Flickr

Welcome to th 7D club! Don't forget to post some piccies!

Thinking of you, lilpandapie, i'd be a mess if anything happened to Asti! Our fingers and paws are crossed for you.

Its Week 22! Asti's happy face - chasing her best mate Ella around the yard! Week 22/52 of Asti 2011 by SammieS, on Flickr

I love seeng everyone's 365 challenge photos and admire you all for continuing!!! Even the 52 weeks can be challenging! You're doing well tlc and sometimes you can't carry an slr around with you! keep it up, I love seeing the photos!

It was a rainy overcast yucky weekend... this photo of Asti sums it up... Week 21/52 of Asti 2011 by sammies, on Flickr

This thread is hilarious!!! I love the squintng! I'm glad Asti's a girl... Ive never had to worry about lipsticks! it crackd me up that you put the photo in a hidden section of the post! ;) Sometimes I think I own an Asian Bulldog and Asti is really good at one position... the "put with your back to the camera and look over your shoulder" pose

Now that its cooler Asti loves warming up in the morning sun (but sitll keeping an eye on me and the camera) :D Week 20/52 of Asti 2011 by SammieS, on Flickr

Was anyone watching Channel 7? Asti was in the same shot as the pug (her best mate Baxter) :D

That was probably the ladybird people, we had plain red shirts with Dol Doggies written on the back. If you saw a Golden Retriever with a blue backpack that was me with Lexi lol You know I did see you! I thought Lexi looked super cool! I'm glad that it wasn't just me dissapointed! they could have spread out the stalls too! we didn't stay to look at the stalls as it would have been chaos to look at them! We were also thinking about making a complaint about the lack of water stations

Frenchies are known to have loose stools (something I didn't realise until I'd spoken to a couple of breeders) and that means that we are also at the vet having her anal glands done. Our vet recommended Metamucil too and we find that if we give a little bit morning and night it hardens everything up and we haven't had to go back for a 'squeeze' as often!