"Inspirational Quotes For Sport and Life"

This great little video was created by our friend & long time instructor, Susan Garrett. I hope you will enjoy it as much as we do!






The video kicked-off the launch of Susan's fund-raising effort (details below!) for the 2010 Canadian IFCS Team, of which she is member. The IFCS World Agility Championship takes place on May 14-16, 2010, in Cleverdon, U.K. (Click on the link to visit the 2010 WAC website.)

We join in wishing Team Canada the best of luck at the competition!

If you are interested in the agility training e-book and/or helping support Team Canada, click the link to visit Susan's blog at: http://susangarrettdogagility.com/2010/05/the-big-kick-off.html for full details!

I'm proud to give special recognition to my husband as one of the contributing photographers for this video. He contributed the picture of the soaring eagle and the cover shot of the e-book, with Susan and her (then) puppy, Feature.


Happy Training! It's About Love!

Fun in Finnish trial!

Here is a video of Bungee's half-sister Fun running clean in 2 Finnish Agility Trial runs. Fun is a very young girl too. Here, Pirjo & Fun are doing a beautiful job handling these very challenging courses, the Finnish way. We send them big congratulations on their success!








Our sincere thanks to Pirjo Yli-Juuti for sharing this video of her & Fun with us!

Happy Training...It's About Love!

Bungee - Master Jumpers FEO

Here's Bungee running in her 2nd AAC trial. The class is Master Jumpers. She was entered as "FEO" (for exhibition only), as she has not qualified through all the necessary levels to run in Masters, the highest level, for points yet.






This past month of March, I have kept Bungee & Guinness very busy in training and classes, and at long last, starting to work on our own field at home! Hoorah!!! The snow left a bit early this year! The ground is not really ready for us to run on yet, so we are still a bit careful about where we work and how much equipment is left out.

Meanwhile we're due for some rain now, which perhaps will thaw the ground, and cause us to stay off a bit this week as we don't want to damage the turf. But, after being away with the dogs trialing, performing & working the last 5 days, including working 38 of the last 48 hours, and coming down with a chest cold as of yesterday, I have not been out on the field yet this a.m. to see where it's at. But I still see no snow and that's a beautiful thing for a trainer, even if the grass is still brown! Today is rest & relaxation for all of us, and maybe tomorrow too!

Happy Training...It's About Love!

What is Qualifying?

Among all the congratulations & great messages Bungee & I have received since I posted the video & results from her 1st trial, was the question: "What is qualifying?"

This question is in regards to Bungee's trial results Sunday where she earned "2nd place with a qualifying score" in her 1st Starter Jumpers round.

Note: Qualifying in No. America is often referred to as a "Q"

What qualifying means is that a competitor must earn a set number of qualifying scores (Q's) in any particular class in order to earn a title in that class and move up to the next level, and eventually earn their agility championship.

But, one need NOT win in order to earn a Q, a title, or move up in class. To earn a Q one only needs to "run clean" with no faults, within the standard course time.

Here in Canada and also in the U.S., our agility systems are described as "Q-based systems" vs. U.K./EU's "win systems". The Q-based system is also sometime referred to as a "title system" or "titling system".

Bungee earned 2nd place because she was the 2nd fastest dog in her height division in the Starter Jumpers class. In Bungee's case she was the 2nd fastest dog out of all the dogs in all the height divisions (the whole class :-))).

However so long as she did not "E" or "DQ" (eliminated or disqualified) she could have had 7,000 faults and still earned 2nd place as placements are made according to time!

So, when one looks at the rest of the world, and compares Canada and the U.S., where you can earn a 1st place and not have the best run or win, it's clearly a crazy thing!

Here, one can place and not qualify, or qualify and not place, or in Bungee's case - do both, place and qualify! But only the Q's count toward titles - not the wins and not the placements!

OK...the bit about 7,000 faults, is a big exaggeration, but a dog could have a lot of faults and as long as they didn't E or DQ they'd still be marked in placement order according to their time.

Many competitors train to be very competitive and always play to win with both fastest time and clean rounds. This is the way I like to play agility.

Others just want to be clean and run within the allowed time, (often quite generous time at that) basically playing it safe, so they can get their dogs the titles they are after and the ribbons that go with it. It's actually a big divide within the organization in some discussions that come up, but the titles & ribbons crowd probably outnumbers the "play to win" crowd by a lot. I have friends across the board and am just happy to see so many people out enjoying their dogs in the sport. My own opinion is there is plenty of room for all of us.

One of the biggest differences between a Q based system versus a win system is the way many of the handlers choose to play the game. Handlers can choose to hold back & play it safe and never really run a fast dog and still earn agility championships, or they can play to win and really push themselves to keep bettering their best. In my mind there is a 3rd area of teams who run "non-typical" agility breeds such as Bulldogs, Basset Hounds, or dogs not typically built or bred for agility or speed or who cover ground much differently. Our organization allows room for them to play too. It is no easy to task training some of these dogs to be skilled and competitive enough to earn titles. I really see these folks in a bit of a class by themselves with lots to be proud about. I'm glad our organization makes room for them too as some of them are our best friends. All in all, you see plenty of handlers who manage to earn championships in spite of their skills or speed, while others earn every Q they get because of their skills and speed. As the sport evolves here in Canada so does the competition.

National champions & Regional champions are quite a different situation, they are winning with the best runs all the way to the podium at each event and those are very prestigious wins, as they should be.

But regular titles are earned by Q's. In a Q-based or titling system, all you get out of having the fastest time is your own personal satisfaction, the fun of competing at the top of the game in your own backyard, and of course, leaving the door open to be competitive in agility at the national level or in other places too. While running "clean" (not making mistakes) is what gets you your Q's & titles. Quite a big difference to a win system.

Our regular, local, A.A.C. trials average cost to enter is about $17.00-$17.50 a run. C.K.C. is more expensive at $25.00 a run. Regionals & Nationals are a lump sum figure about $125.00+ per dog. Regular trials are almost always 2 days and some time 3 days. With all the standard, games & steeplechase & challenge courses in any given day (maybe 8 - 12 classes a day or more if there are 2 rings going), it's easy to rack up hugely expensive entries for just one dog, much less if you run 2 or 3.

That may have something to do with people wanting to play it safe and get those Q's!
Add to that, we don't have clubs in this area anymore, so training is never free either. You pay per training session or set of classes and the prices are pretty dear. Not as bad as Japan but still, it all adds up way too fast!

Hope this helps explain what qualifying is and a little bit about how we play here in Canada.


Special thoughts & prayers go out to our own dear little National Champion friend, Gabby!
God Bless Sarah & Gabby tonight.


Happy Training....It's About Love!

Bungee's 1st Trial

There were a few ways to handle the start, I was the only one in the entire class to chose a Lead-out Pivot, (LOP), partially because it's starters, but even the few who might consider trying LOP's on some courses opted against due to the perceived "risk" with the chute at the start. I had no such feelings.

On the contrary - we've waited a long time for this day, so why start our career compromising on all the good training we do? That said however, good thing we video, I did not realize how much I was leaning, and even stepped out to the side - yikes! Note taken... I didn't need to talk to Bungee as much as I did as she stayed on her line nicely. Her focus was GREAT right from the start. When we first arrived I wasn't so sure what would happen, as she was focused - but on only one thing - what was happening on course! However when it was her turn to run, she was ready to go and just as focused on me.

The DH thinks she's slow off the start and takes her speed after the 1st obstacle. He may have something there. We have done an awful lot of control work to have a good start line. So, there's definitely some work to do there to get blasting off, as we can't have that! The judge thought I was "holding back" a bit...I do tend to manage her FC's a bit. Of course we lost time at the crooked line out of the chute, and the head checking with my poorly timed rear cross to the finish line. But, I told you we needed more work on Rear Crosses. But didn't she recover on that LOP beautifully? I was thrilled with Bungee and I had so much fun too!

I was really happy that the course was as tight as it was, taking up only half the field. Most of the Starter Jumpers courses I've been on or seen were 15 - 18 obstacles spread out to the whole field. Those big wide gaps make them very hard to get a fast dog around if it's not really strong on driving a line, unfortunately when they are they are often weak on turning. Bungee turns very well and is improving on driving a line all the time. All will come in it's own time. But this was about the nicest paced starter jumpers course I've seen. We're both very proud of young Princesse Bungee.

We also want to thank our friends who stuck around to the last run of the weekend to see her 1st run, and our friends who made a special trip over just to cheer us on! We are so blessed with good friends in the dogs and a marvelous agility community to play in. Thank you all so much! It meant a lot to us to have you there! I couldn't imagine a nicer way to come back to the game myself! Many thanks.

Happy Training...It's About Love!

Surviving Canadian Winter

With A Little Help From Our Friends!

Gabby - showing the youngsters how it's done!

I don't know why this picture looks so over-exposed. Straight from iPhoto it looks perfect, uploaded to the blog it's completely changed - weird.

We got these pictures 3 weeks ago when Sarah & I took the dogs for a walk behind Tamsu one day and the DH (dear husband) could come along with his camera. Sarah's dad was already out back with his training buddies doing some field training with their dogs, with the usual stack of dead birds at the line and other birds laying out in the field for the dogs to find & retrieve. We were heading east, where we'd let the dogs have a good run in the open fields as we make our way across into the bush (Canadian woods) for trails not nearly as nice as Finland!

Gabby, unable to resist the bird-doggin' fun off to the north of us, veered off on a fast line disappearing out into the field, only to come running back, clearly happy as a dog can be, holding this big duck, and looking stunning in her purple coat too (!! :-) ...much to the chagrin of the "field people" I'm sure - who had been muttering just loud enough so we could hear them about ALL our dogs in coats, Hah! Clearly this grand Golden lady was showing their youngsters how it's done right!

Vince had come along to take pictures for us, but did so only as far as his long lens would allow him to follow us... :-)) But he managed to get this one of Gabby - what a perfect shot! You can double click on it to enlarge.

Below, Bungee, Guinness & I heading for the trails, with Bungee pretty interested in the "bird work" (field training) going on off to the side. I can guarantee her she doesn't want any part of what they're doing over there.



Below: Sarah, Gabby (purple coat) and her gang


Off in the distance, Gabby's gorgeous son, Cutter, doing what all good bird dogs will do, finds a spot a bird was laying (during earlier training that day) and rolls in it with exuberance!


Here's the whole gang, heading for the trails. See ya' in a few hours.



Surviving Winter - A Mental Reflection
Thank goodness for good friends, warm fires & home theatre! It's turning out to feel like a long season already. It's been 3 years since we have stayed home with no solid plans to get away and enjoy southern latitudes. We both want to but so far things just haven't been right. Clearly, I'm out of practice at this winter bit. Lately I've had a small case of the "winter doldrums", just a combination of things I suppose not the least of which was the news about Gabby, (diagnosed with lymphoma 2 weeks ago), the lack of outdoor warmth, sunshine, or the fact that some of my most favorite training camps & fun trials were going on down in the Florida sunshine without us. Though in my heart I really shouldn't feel that way as I know there are bigger and more important reasons we were meant to stay home. On that note we are both very happy that we are here for those reasons. Still, the last week especially, I've been pretty blue about this grey, blah, winter condition.

Then we had a near-blizzard and death-defying experience to drive 90 km. home in from our running clinic last night, complete with raging winds, walls of snow & white-outs. My goodness we were glad to see our house! Waking up (alive!) to this morning's peaceful landscape, even with a new layer of snow, suddenly seems pretty good!

Meanwhile, as we make our way through this winter, (at times one long day at a time) I'm LOVING the training we're doing, and Bungee's progress! Her contacts are coming along brilliantly and I'm just loving what we're producing now. Thank goodness for families, great coaches, great dogs & good friends!

Today we send out a very special prayer ~ God Bless Gabby!
We love her dearly and send her kisses & kisses & kisses & more meatballs!

Happy Training...It's About Love!

2009 Contacts & Weaves & Trials

Welcome 2009!
I hope everyone survived their New Year's Eve celebrations without feeling too badly today! I'm starting off 2009 very excited about the prospect of seeing Bungee in trial in a couple of months.

Contacts & Weaves Camp
As you may recall, one of my Christmas presents was attendance for Bungee and I at a Say Yes workshop called: "Contacts & Weaves". The timing on this camp was perfect for us. I was really looking forward to going, and it didn't disappoint. It turned out to be just what we needed. I love it when training opportunities exceed my expectations. I have to admit I loved this camp!

First, each of our skills were evaluated in a number of areas that are necessary for good contacts & weaves. Bungee was on top of the curve with everything, with contacts themselves being our weakest skill, in my opinion. From that point a plan was set in place for each of us to get where we wanted to go with our skills. The rest of the weekend was spent working our buns off with one really fun session after another, reviewing what we just did and working again, with lots of instructor help, mixing up contacts, weaves and the complimentary skills associated with perfecting each. As camps go, this one goes on the list as one my favorites.

Contacts
I was relieved to have Susan's nod of "good" for her initial evaluation of Bungee's contacts. We were not as far off as I thought, always nice to hear. However, though technically "correct", I found then average, lacking drive and boring - definitely not the way any of us would like them to stay, especially me! This is also why I have not had Bungee working full pieces of equipment yet.

The camp information was terrific. What we learned has already improved her contacts a lot and filled in gaps for me too. I'm confident it will be a short road from here to the equipment.

The 1st "Aaaaha" Moment
The target cue should create ACCELERATION (not brakes) to the target! This was a real epiphany for me. I've always used the word "target", for my dog's contact "end-zone" cue, so I'll use that as the example here, but it doesn't matter what cue you use. But the end result should be the same, you give the cue and the dog pushes harder. I've always pictured the opposite, the target cue as brakes on the dog's speed over the contact.

But here it is, when I say the word "target" it should cue the dog to accelerate to the contact!

Upon hearing the cue to "target", the dog should ACCELERATE into the contact!

How did I get such backwards thinking all this time? I suppose I just pictured it that way from the start. Lucky for Bungee she will now be the recipient of my new and improved understanding, which will really help. First giant gap in my knowledge of how to get from what I had to what I wanted closed by camp info! Awesome!

In truth, I had actually backed off training contacts recently. I was not happy with the results I had and not sure how to get the ones I wanted. Meanwhile when I did work them, it seemed I was forever working through various learning curves of my own regarding the many herding & stalking type things that a clever little Border Collie can present to you in training contacts! It's not often one of my dogs will lead the parade in how we use our training time but leave it to Bungee, she was doing just that. To say the least, our contact training time did not seem very efficient!

I am really pleased to come away from camp being able to make short work of Bungee's contacts now, they're already so much better.

Weaves
Bungee's weaves were already just rocking before we went to this camp. I've always been proud of the awesome weave skills I've been able to teach my dogs, using Susan's 2 X 2 weave method. The method has always served us well. But now Susan has expanded the training insights to allow greater proofing and create even stronger skills. So how great is it when you go through a camp and get 2 really big "Aaahaa" moments? The 2nd came in the weaves department, and it is going to help us create even stronger skills.

As for Bungee's weave skills now, she is running 12 poles brilliantly, but we backed up to 4 poles a while back to really push the envelope for entries and find every point of failure we can to train through. Once we work through this stage we will move up to 6 & 12 again and focus on handling.

Unfortunately we're in the middle of winter and coming up on our coldest season. At this point in time our only weave training limitations are brought on by deep snow, super cold temperatures and conditions that require us to wait for barn-time to get some work in on them.

Guinness


Ketch


Bungee


Can you believe a new year is here already?
I'm really getting excited about the prospects of being ready for agility competition in 2009. I believe Bungee could handle a Jumpers or Jumpers with Weaves course now. But I intend to finish working through the new 2 X 2 program we revisited first. We'll also have to see where we're going to be for late-January, February and March trials before we go entering any. Warm beaches, green agility fields and big fish are starting to call our names once again, but at this point, no solid plans yet. With any luck our dollar will start gaining it's strength back as the first week of the New Year gets going.

Click here to see if you can spot Bungee's many appearances in the video clips Susan posted to her blog from camp!



Until the next time, Happy Training! ....It's About Love

It's a Family Tradition!

Happy New Year Everybody!!!

Lately I have really been enjoying Jenny's latest videos. It's clear where our Kvarkin "Champagne kids" get one-half of their large talent!! So we just can not let 2008 get away before we get a chance to brag about brother, Ogin, and compliment the fantastic work he and "mom" Jenny Damm are already doing in agility training & competition! So, what better way to brag about them, than bring you directly to Jenny's latest YouTube video of Ogin & Elvis right here! And now...drum roll for Ogin, Elvis & Jenny, prepare to be impressed!



Congatulations Jenny & Ogin on your awesome debut! Congratulations also to "papa" Elvis on his continued success! In a word: Wow! You guys are looking awesome! We are tickled to see these videos and looking forward to many more! Meanwhile, I'll be filing this video under "inspiration" and Jenny's latest weaves video as well! (We've been keeping a little busy in that department too, but another time-this one's for Ogin!)

Between Mia & Ogin, it seems Sweden is off to an early start with a monopoly on the competition market for Kvarkin kids!!! Ho Ho Ho! Good thing we love them! Go Sweden!!!!! :-)))

I have some lovely photos & nice video clips of Jenny & Elvis relaxing in the park and showing a few of Elvis's many tricks, on a break during FCI AWC 2008. I'll be putting them up very soon!!

You can learn more about Kvarkin Kennels and our dogs, or Jenny Damm, Elvis & Lotus Education by visiting the "Family Links" to the side, the link to Jenny's YouTube site is also listed to the side under YouTube channels.

Signing off today to again wish you a Happy New Year! We raise a toast of champagne to all for a wonderful & prosperous 2009!

Luv & hugs from Bungee & family...XOXOXOXXXOOO!
Happy Training, It's About LOVE!

Excellence In Weave Pole Training

EXCITING NEWS FOR AGILITY ENTHUSIASTS!

A fabulous new training tool for weave training has hit the e-market and we have had the privilege to preview it! Hold on to your hats folks - this one REALLY is outstanding!

It's Called: "Excellence in Weave Pole Training - Phase One"
It's By: Susan Garrett
Available at: www.clickerdogs.com Read more about it below!

Here's Bungee learning her weaves with 2 X 2's this past fall!


Above, Bungee is building her weave pole skills the way all of our dogs have, with Susan Garrett's 2 X 2 weave pole training method. Susan's 2 X 2 system has produced such fabulously fast, reliable and independent weaving skills for each of our dogs that I just don't think about using any other method. The shot above was taken by me, one hand to reward with a toy and the other for the camera on about her 15th day of weave training and that was actually a set of 12 poles.

Now Susan has really outdone herself (yet again!), creating an absolutely fabulous new 2 X 2 Weave Pole Training E-book called:

"Excellence In Weave Pole Training - Phase One"

Available on Susan's website at: www.clickerdogs.com

I am thrilled and proud to be one of the first to have a preview of this fantastic new training tool and to be able to share in announcing it's launch with all of you. When you see the quality and content for yourself I'm sure you'll understand why I'm raving about it!

I cannot wait to get started working through it. That said, I think there is about 6 months work there if one diligently trained 5 days a week, which in my book is great value for the money. But, set your calendars to get it fast! It launches off Susan's website listed above, November 26, 2008, and it will ONLY be available until December 10th, 2008, when Phase Two is launched.

Even with my previous success in teaching beautiful weaves with 2 X 2's, I am blown away by the content and the quality of Susan's new e-book and the potential it holds for taking Bungee's skills to the highest level attainable. I am not kidding or just throwing adjectives around folks - this workbook is a MUST HAVE! I'm really impressed by the enormous amount of information and the quality that Susan has put into this as well as the value that is to be gained by any team who works through it from start to finish.

I have no doubt that the "Phase One" workbook will take Bungee's (and any dog's) weave pole skills to a world class level if followed systematically. But for trainers and/or dogs new to the method, the workbook starts you at Step One for a dog that is seeing a weave pole for the very 1st time and brings you along with instructions for producing as nice of weaves as you want to have.

Get this book while you can, it's a GEM! I myself can't wait to start working through it. I wish we didn't have a foot of snow on the ground already but that's another story!
Kisses home to all from Bungee!!

Happy Training...It's About Love!

So what have you been up to?

Bungee At Training Camp



Training progress this week
Focus on serpentine handling, distance & motion challenges on contact training, moving up from 6 to 12 poles, and speed circles of 5 jumps mixed up with 3 sets of 2 X 2's to create entries with speed. I will also be adding poles after tunnels & out of chutes for the same thing. We found some weakness in one particular kind of 180 situation for both Bungee and myself when we went to work with Sarah yesterday so we have that going too. I learned at camp that Bungee only understood a 270 for a limited distance (maybe with jumps up to 10-12 ft. apart?). When jumps were set on square 18' - 20' (ft.) apart, she really needed a lot of support to stay on her outside line and not come through the gap. So we'll work on that too. Lots of the work is mine to do, to find the sweet spot between the how-to & amount of support she needs and not getting myself stuck, flat-footed in a gap when I really need to be moving down a line. As always we finish any box work or technical sequences with simple speed circles of 7 - 10 jumps (heights & sets always in flux, never the same twice) just to let her open up and release a bit after technical work.

On a personal note
I have been feeling so cut-off and frustrated with our still-dismal internet situation. I was pleasantly surprised to be able to upload one medium-sized picture of Bungee to my blog this morning without timing out - amazing. The line-of-sight internet company told us they are planning a new tower for our area early in the new year. No solutions now :-( Meanwhile my husband was in touch with our county office as they are also doing a high-speed upgrade project for several areas, however our road was not included on their mapping!! When my husband contacted the county administrator in charge of the project, the man asked my husband if he was one in the same as the person that authored a certain whitepaper on MS Exchange. When he found out that indeed my husband was the same individual he really got excited telling him our county is in the process of deploying that same architecture now and he's the architect in charge and agreeing how much we REALLY need the bandwidth and how happy he was to meet him and so on. Maybe we've found a new ally who can actually come through with high-speed for us - fingers crossed. In the meanwhile, I am still stuck with going to an internet cafe for out-bound high-speed or a friends house. Both are possibilities in the near future the trouble is just finding the time.

But moving on to more positive subjects, fall is here in all it's splendor and it's just gorgeous to be outside. Fall days are so fabulous, especially here in Ontario. I don't know how some Canadians can take this season for granted to go about their days in the same hum-drum fashion as always. I never get used to what must be the most beautiful fall color to be seen on the planet. I really just love this time of year. I wish I could put up so many of the beautiful pictures I have been taking here at home. The temperatures have been perfect for working dogs, the colors are glorious, the sunshine is brilliant, this year the grass is plush from the wet summer, it's just hard to stay inside.

Of course Bungee would like to train 8 hours a day in any weather, so she's really all for any day when I'd rather be outside than in! In between training sessions I can find endless odd jobs to do, all the business of being a "good squirrel" and getting ready for winter. Somehow fall always creates an urgency in me to take advantage of every spare minute of sunshine. Perhaps it's the days getting shorter, or recognizing that every day of green grass is a gift this time of year that creates a desire to pack every minute of a training you can into day.

I may only get one picture up at a time but I can make many short notes to the blog when I have uploading success. Videos are still just out of the question from home but I'm looking for alternatives all the time.

Happy Training! It's About Love!

Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

Greg & Laura Derrett Seminar

Bungee and I had the good fortune to attend 4 seminar workshops with Greg & Laura Derrett, during their latest visit to Say Yes Dog Training here in Ontario last week. We took our RV to stay in at the school. I am very disappointed to again report there was NO high speed for us to use the entire time. There is quite a lot of construction going on there and nothing was available with the temporary interruption of all the work. This was disastrous for my husband who had planned to work, and frustrating for me, looking forward to spending spare time in the evenings uploading videos. We had to come home Thursday & Friday for my husband to be able to work, but we returned on the weekend for two more days of training.

I was concnerned that all of it would be a stretch for Bungee who has never done any sequences that size before. But Susan and Laura assured me if we hit areas that were too advanced we'd just break the work down. That was very encouraging. I knew going in that Bungee would hold her own with all the skills she's learned to date and her attitude for the work.

Bungee worked full days in "Double Box Day", "Lead Out's & Positional Cues", "Driving Lines & Cueing Turns", and "Deceleration, Acceleration & Turning Cues", the last being a sort of culmination of the whole week's training as well.

We had a great time in the seminars. Bungee was the yougest dog there and was holding her own very well. Her turns are excellent and her talent is obvious. Finding & driving lines was/is a needy area for her progress and acceleration & deceleration is a needy area for me to work on. I have to improve my running. We shot lots of video and took some pictures too, soon to come.

Now we are again overloaded with agility homework plans, besides the on-going weaves & contacts, but it's great work we will enjoy. The fall season is upon is and it may be the most beautiful time of year in Ontario, the colors are incredible and the warm temperatures and sunny days have been glorious.

Happy Training...It's About Love!

To Sarah & Gabby

Please note this blog will be on hiatus from Sept. 22 to Oct. 1, 2008.

A Special Tribute
This is a little retirement tribute to Tamsu's Special Angel, "Gabby". It's especially fitting to post Gabby's video as I depart for the World Championships, as it was Gabby and Sarah who 1st introduced me to world-class agility. They have inspired so many things in our lives, it was a special treat for both of us to be there for Gabby's last trial - The 2008 AAC National Agility Championships! Gabby, now 10 years old, excelled at every run, winning 1st place in the aggregate scores from the Veterans class, and taking 2nd place from the Veteran's class at the Steeplechase finals. What an awesome weekend for such an awesome girl, this one's for her! We love you Gabby!




Happy Training...It's About Love!

OGIN!

How exciting!!! New YouTube videos from Jenny & brother Ogin!

Just have to love the internet! How lucky we are to get to see all the great family photos & videos. We have some new photos of sister Mia to put up also, perhaps after class tonight! Looks like Ogin is maybe a few weeks ahead of Bungee on weaves but not much more. Ogin's doing an awesome job here - wow!






Happy Training! (certainly looks like Ogin's getting plenty of that!!)...It's About Love!

Susan Garrett & Encore & "The Journey"

Susan Garrett & Encore's winning run at the 2008 AAC National Agility Championships, Steeplechase Finals event.






The 2nd video entitled: "The Journey" is very special.
As the agility world prepares to come together in Helsinki, I can't think of a more fitting time to highlight the tremendous message of Susan's video: "The Journey". I will be filing this one under "Inspiration" to be sure.




The story behind the video:
Susan was invited to be the keynote speaker at the 2008 Agility Association of Canada (AAC) National Agility Championships. Her program included this magnificent creation: "The Journey". We were so moved by her presentation that we urged her to share it on YouTube and even someday as a published pocket book of inspiration. "The Journey" received tremendous applause and recognition at the Nationals Banquet & Awards ceremony, with nary a dry eye left in the house, as the message touched one heart after another. It has now received huge acclaim on YouTube, as it SHOULD! Yesterday it passed the 50,000 viewers mark on YouTube! Wow! Richly deserved!

Susan Garrett owns & operates Say Yes! Dog Training Center, Inc. in Alberton, Ontario, Canada. (Bungee's 1st Canadian school :-) Click on the "Say Yes!" link above to visit Susan's website, tell them Bungee sent you!

Happy Training...It's About Love!

Toys, Toys, Toys - Agility Training Update

Sept. 12, Training Update...Can you believe it's already the 12th of September?

Toys
The over-riding elements in all of Bungee's agility training right now, be it as reinforcers or challenges, are toys. Toys have tremendous value to her. So rather than use toys less, since she has to work hard to be correct in the presence of certain toys, we leave the toys where they are and let her work through the distractions and challenges until she can be correct, even if it means breaking down the work, enlisting the aid of a coach or friend to help, and adding a lot of screw-up cookies to keep her motivated that she can still win this new version of our training game. Bungee has always had to work through toy distractions, but they are proving to be big challenges in contacts and handling, which is great information!

Most of the time we set up a small sequence to be run one of several ways so that we can put the pressure on, then let the pressure off. This also helps keep Bungee in the game and highly successful despite the increased difficulty of the work.

The circle work we did has created incredible responsiveness in Bungee. I have been amazed since the beginning of her sequence work at the obvious result. Her understanding of Greg's system is already phenomenal with what part of it she has been exposed to since we started working small sequences. We know she understands her Reinforcement Zone (RZ), and thus my Blind Cross Body Line (BCBL), we know she understands a Front Cross, we know she understands deceleration. So, the challenges we create with toys are fair challenges.

The reason we know these toys create big challenges is by pushing the envelope and putting the most desirable toys exactly where they will be potential stumbling blocks. Embracing the weaknesses rather than avoiding them. That's exactly what you want in a training challenge - one where you've really accomplished something big when you work through it. How better to prepare the dog for the thrill of the competition field?

Bungee loves training agility, no matter what it is we are doing, but she loves her toys more. As Sarah said yesterday: "Right now toys are the most valuable thing to Bungee, but as you continue to train, eventually the jumps will have the same value to her as these toys." So, much to Sarah's credit, we use these toys to their full potential, not just as fabulous rewards, but as challenges to grow by.

Contacts
Nose touches are really nice now. Turning up the heat with toys, motion and/or distance. Putting teeter games back into the picture with nose touches. Still undecided on frame.

Weave Poles
Working 4 straight poles w/ 2 X 2's. Working 6 straight poles with 1/2 of a regular set of 12. 3 sets of 2 X 2's and 2 sets of 6 poles are set up in various places on our field now. So she's seeing a lot of poles! Her speed & desire for the poles is beyond adequate, but I am intentionally using food more than toys on 6 poles to develop 1-step footwork. Letting her race through as she would prefer, she switched to 2 paw pulling in a moment. Obviously needing to correct that immediately, we slowed her down to food rewards for correct footwork. Right now entry variations and correct footwork are the emphasis. Since I last posted at any length on poles Sarah helped us create proper bending at the 3rd pole so as to avoid popping it later on with fast, angled approaches in couses.

Jumping
Haven't done any big session of grids lately, we're definitely due. I keep a set point jump set up as a warm-up jump on my own field, and one grid at almost all times. I change the one grid I leave up frequently so she does see a variety. She has been introduced to my new double & spread jumps at competition height, in a very simple setting here at home. In small sequences at competition height she is keeping the bars up nicely, handling now being the critical component to that picture too.

Handling
We're working on small sequences, 3 - 6 pieces. Each little sequence is "handling heavy" with the emphasis on learning to read turning cues and various parts of Greg's system. FFW continues with Crate Games being particularly usefull.

Overall Work
Excellent! Bungee is an awesome dog to work with and very impressive to watch. That said, Bungee would probably tell you she's teaching me more than I'm teaching her and that's probably right!

Happy Training...It's About Love!

Bungee's Winter Vacation - 2008

This will be a little bit of a repeat for our Blog readers, but it is new to our YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/bl0art, which has been in dire need of updates. Content: Winter training & a little R & R, lots of relationship building. Enjoy!





Happy Training...It's About Love!

Training Update - Aug. 27

Vacation homework
We each packed what equipment we could in the RV's. Our combined efforts yielded: 2 sets of 2 X 2's, 12 weave poles, portable chute, jumps & jump bumps, travel planks, crates & toys. With Sarah overseeing things, we put some great training together in the campground for our 10 canine traveling companions.

Agility
Back at home Bungee is working on small sequences for handling, jumping to height now (22 inches) some of the time. Most sequence of even 3 or 4 jumps offers an off course possibility to something attractive such as tunnel. Then working the sequence both ways, 1st to include the attractive line, and 2nd to run past following a different sequence with the same start and same attractive line, now an off course. Clear as mud? Well Bungee usually aces this one - that circle work is proving to have been worth it's weight in gold. Suffice it to say she will never have a problem turning.

We are also working on poles, table, and contacts. I still have not decided 100% if I would like to teach Bungee a running frame or not. But teaching the contact performance is a lengthy process, especially at the rate we're going with holidays and trips to the U.S. & Finland! Clearly it will be awhile yet until she see starts performing her contacts on equipment and so I still have time to make that decision.

Obedience
This week her performance suffered by lack of attention. She was easily distracted throughout the class and there were only 2 dogs present! ACK! Her skills were very good when she was paying attention, but there was not enough of that to make do. So since Guinness's Tues. night agility class has been moved to an earlier time, I have started slipping quietly in to a busy Beginner II obedience class with Bungee after Guinness's class ends. Bungee & I just work on the side and work attention, nothing else. We work 1 - 2 min. out on the floor and about 5 min. in the crate, and alternating on & off through the hour like this. We actually only get about 45 min. in after I pack off bag & crate from Guinness's class. What a world of difference even one night of such attention work made!

In obedience, Bungee's heeling is a little troublesome with preference for forging close to the front of my left leg. She wants to see all of me every second I think. We're adding U-turns now and we're also working on keeping her in place not lagging slightly. If it's not one thing it's another :-)) Other trouble spots are going down on her long sit, but her long down is good. Everything else is coming good.

Bungee's regular, group agility class is tonight and tomorrow a.m. we have a standing semi-private. Looking forward to both and what new little things our teacher will have for us tonight.

Parting thoughts
I am so lucky to have Guinness and Bungee. It's always a happy time running this black & white girl! There was a time I doubted I would ever enjoy training this much again, but the joy has surely returned to me and to Guinness too. He is really running like a million bucks again and we are having so much fun together too.

I know we have a very special little angel keeping her eye on us and cheering us on too. These moments with our dogs are just so marvelous. Guinness's class last night was just an absolute blast to see him turning on the juice and powering around with me. I came in from running Bungee this morning, and I was absolutely overjoyed with the fun we had. What a thrill to see your training coming to life as you share such a big love between you. Whatever would we do without these big-hearted dogs?

Happy Training...It's About Love

Cutter Joins Our Blog

Sarah Mairs-Heaslip & her young, male, Golden Retriever, Cutter, making his Nationals debut.





Following the video a few photos from the beach at one of our vacation stops together after National's. Bungee & Guinness are in a group shot at the end near a lobster trap we found washed up on a deserted beach on P.E.I.

Sarah runs the agility program at Tamsu Learning Center, where we train 3 nights a week and some time more. Sarah's father John, runs the obedience program as well as owning and founding the school 20+ years ago. Tamsu is like our 2nd home, at least I'm sure all the dogs think so!

Back to Mr. Cutter...I think he is Bungee's favorite playmate, after her "brother" Guinness. He was our stud of choice in our early hopes for Ketchy. He is a phenomenal dog. Starting his agility career running 7 y.p.s., the sky's the limit for him. Our biggest congratulations to Sarah, Cutter, Gabby & Jiggy on all their successes at National's. Great as he is, the big 1st place silver bowl in the awards pictures actually belongs to Cutter's mother, Gabby, who won her division!

Fantastic job on the video Sarah! LOVE that song! :-)) It really speaks for Cutter: "put me in coach! I'm ready to play! today! Look at me! I can be...Centerfield!" I think Miss Bungee is singing that tune to me too! Speaking of which, I better get her back out to our "centerfield" right now!!! :-)))


Note: When you see Sarah doing what may look like "weird distance handling" these are Gamble runs. On the ground there is orange tape staked down as lines or boxes, you cannot always see them in the video. In a gamble course you earn as many points as you can in your opening sequence which is a course you design for maximum points, according to the obstacles given to you in the opening area. The opening may include "mini-gambles", which offer higher points if you can get them. To get any gambles you cannot cross the line on the ground the judge has laid, you must send the dog to the gamble, and handle from a distance which may vary, but which is always behind the line. At 40 seconds into the opening sequence, a whistle or horn blows, and you must proceed to the main gamble and complete it in the remaining time allowed. Usually you have about 20 seconds or less to complete the main gamble. If you complete the main gamble it doubles your opening points. You must earn a minimum # of points in the opening sequence and complete the main gamble sequence within time to earn a qualifying score. Highest points with fastest time of those qualifying wins. Gamble courses are very challenging when you are trying to be consistent with your handling (for your dog's sake back in regular standard & jumpers classes)!

At AAC National's each dog gets 2 standard rounds, 2 jumpers rounds and 2 gamble rounds. There is also an optional, separate Steeplechase event with elimination rounds to a final selection round, which is often a money round with a cash prize.

Happy Training & Hugs to the dogs!...It's About Love!

Contacts #3 - Salmon Brownies!

Bungee's Favorite Treats!

Salmon Brownies - pictured cut & ready to feed.
It takes longer to cut them than make them! EASY Recipe below.


Why do I like these treats best for training Bungee contacts?
Because she loves them and they seem to dissolve in her mouth instantly! They hold up nicely in my hand for using them in training too.

You may have to know Bungee to appreciate what a slow, slow, SLOW eater she is. She can chew a single kibble longer than any dog I've ever known. These brownies seem to melt in her mouth so fast, we can make great transitions to tugging for a stress-break and/or release off the contact.

The Recipe:

Salmon Spelt Brownies - Bungee-style

Ingredients:
1 Large Can Salmon (400-450 gm. or 14-16 oz.)
2-3 Cloves of garlic (peeled & diced fine)
1.5 - 2 Cups Whole Organic Spelt Flour (any whole wheat flour will do)*
Parmesan Cheese for a topping - optional

Instructions:
Peel & dice garlic fine or peel garlic and dice in food processor.
Add salmon (entire can including liquid) & food process.
Add spelt flour to food processor & mix that all up.
Spread the batter on a lightly oiled cookie sheet.
Sprinkle the batter with parmesan cheese if preferred.
Bake at 350 F. or 176 C. for 10 - 15 minutes.

If you want them to melt in your dog's mouth a little softer is better, (baked about 12 min.?) they will still hold together nicely in your hand in training.

Pictured below what I use to make them: food processor, cookie sheet, oil & brush to spread on cookie sheet, spoons to spread brownies, organic spelt flour, canned salmon (more shown than needed for 1 batch) & parmesan cheese



It may surprise you when the batter winds up looking like this big lump inside your food processor, but keep going, that's just right.



*I have also made them with organic chick pea flour and "Canine Life" formula base (click on this link to read more about this food). But any regular flour of your choice would probably work.

Here's a finished batch with parmesan topping:


The DH adds his tip: cut them with a pizza slicer! A knife works just fine too.


I take them to class in a little plastic container. I toss them in the freezer in between classes or training sessions.


From Bungee's house to yours, Enjoy!

Happy Training! ~ It's About Love!