2009 Training/title Wish List

[The Spotted Devil]

Dear Santa

I think I will need a new Dalmatian. Mine seems to be broken. His recall is brilliant, his heel work is coming along nicely, he loves switching between both styles of 'finish', he thinks distance work is a hoot, his focus can be sensational and he's just a pleasure to work and live with Please, Santa, don't take away his madness, ratbag moments and frustrating ways as that is what makes him such a joy....no matter how many times I think to myself....."why you little %$@#%!!!"

Seriously, with some more focus work over the Summer, I hope young Zig is ready to trial in CCD in the New Year and agility before too long. Training wise, I'd like to progress from "hold" meaning "pick up toy, hold for 3 seconds, then fling across room with as much force as possible" to "hold toy"

P.S. I still want another Dalmatian ;)

So good to read over last year's goals......

Ziggy got his CCD with 3 1st places and scores of 95, 95, 97/100 so I was really pleased with that

We moved pretty quickly into Novice but only ended up with one pass (Melbourne Royal 188/200, 2nd place in a very tough environment) as his handler is a complete idiot and caused him to bomb out in 2 trials, one of which he was sitting on 196/200 in miserable wet weather It's too hot for us now so we will have to be content with that!

Agility - well, with little training we started competing in Novice Jumping....1st trial was the Melbourne Royal - why not? Zig has had an absolute hoot over his 3 runs - no passes (due to lack of experience on both of our parts) but enthusiasm to burn, clean jumping and great focus (especially for a Dally ). Aim is to train up contacts so we can start doing agility. I think my handling has improved quite a bit, which was his biggest draw back so onwards and upwards!

Training - a lot of patience but Ziggy now retrieves the dumbbell Very pleased with him as he really couldn't give a toss about retrieving! Have been having a play with the send away, out of sight stays, drop (whilst running free rather than on recall).

I am very pleased with Zig - he's not the easiest of dogs to work with sometimes but he was worked his Spotted Heart out and deserves a really good break.

Haven't got another puppy yet, though....