Monday, June 28, 2010

Savi learns to swim!




Savi had a great swim lesson with my friend, Esther, and her terrific Vizsla's Wes and Stevie. It was a perfect day and we went to a lake in Harriman State Park. We were thrilled to see that Savi is a natural swimmer and retriever but hey, she is savvy!

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Trudy at the Nationals



Trudy, Grayhart's Special Reserve, handled by Pat O'Brien, in the 12-18 mo class at the WCWDC Specialty during the WCA Nationals week, where she went 1st place in class.

Mia-belle's Show-n-Go

Nice attention at the start!
***
Mia-belle (Trixie-Zeke) and Jessica at a recent Show-n-Go, where handlers have the opportunity to practice in a show like setting and corrections are allowed. The pictures are of Mia-belle and Jessica doing a run through of a Rally Excellent course, all exercises are done off lead.
270 left
Halt, stand
Moving down, Walk around dog
Halt, Turn, Call to Heel
Halt, Call Front, Finish Right
Off set figure eight. Note the food bowls filled with toys on the floor to provide distractions. Mia-belle completely ignores them.
All done! Great job ladies!
***
What is Rally from the AKC Website:

Getting Started in Rally

Rally is a sport in which the dog and handler complete a course that has been designed by the rally judge. The judge tells the handler to begin, and the dog and handler proceed at their own pace through a course of designated stations (10 - 20, depending on the level). Each of these stations has a sign providing instructions regarding the next skill that is to be performed. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience.

The team of dog and handler moves continuously at a brisk, but normal, pace with the dog under control at the handler's left side. There should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler both during the numbered exercises and between the exercise signs; however, perfect "heel position" is not required. Any faults in traditional obedience that would be evaluated and scored as a one-point deduction or more should be scored the same in Rally, unless otherwise mentioned in the Rally Regulations. After the judge's "Forward" order, the team is on its own to complete the entire sequence of numbered signs correctly.

Unlimited communication from the handler to the dog is to be encouraged and not penalized. Unless otherwise specified in these Regulations, handlers are permitted to talk, praise, encourage, clap their hands, pat their legs, or use any verbal means of encouragement. Multiple commands and/or signals using one or both arms and hands are allowed; the handler's arms need not be maintained in any particular position at any time. The handler may not touch the dog or make physical corrections. At any time during the performance, loud or harsh commands or intimidating signals will be penalized.

Rally provides a link from the Canine Good Citizen® (CGC) program to obedience or agility competition, both for dogs and handlers. In addition, rally promotes fun and enjoyment for dogs at all levels of competition.

What is Rally?

AKC Rally is the new dog sport that is taking the nation by storm, a successful stepping stone from the AKC Canine Good Citizen® program to the world of obedience or agility. Rally offers both the dogs and handlers an experience that is fun and energizing. The canine team moves at their own pace, very similar to rally-style auto racing. Rally was designed with the traditional pet owner in mind, but it can still be very challenging for those who enjoy higher levels of competition.

A rally course includes 10 to 20 stations, depending on the level. Scoring is not as rigorous as traditional obedience. Communication between handler and dog is encouraged and perfect heel position is not required, but there should be a sense of teamwork between the dog and handler. The main objective of rally is to produce dogs that have been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs, in a manner that will reflect positively on the sport of rally at all times and under all conditions.



Friday, June 25, 2010

Jam does it again - WB/BOS!

To repeat yesterday's wins, Jam went Winner's Bitch and Best of Opposite today at the Shawangunk Kennel Club show for her eighth show point!
The weather was much nicer today, not as humid and the early morning ring time temps were in the 70's - a pleasure to show in.
In addition to Jam's win, Trudy won her class and then went Reserve Winner's Bitch to half-sister Jam. I am proud of both of my girls and how well they showed. Now, we have our sights set on Jam winning her majors to complete her AKC championship title.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Jam WB/BOS Walkill KC Show

Another point towards Jam's championship!
Jam, (Trixie-Parker), went Winner's Bitch/Best of Opposite at today's Walkill Kennel Club show under judge Terry DePietro.
It was a sweltering 90 degree day, but we did our best to keep the dogs cool and Jam still showed well in the heat.
Back tomorrow with Jam and Trudy and hope that one of them wins the point.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Chew on this

Who needs a puppy sitter when you have the world's largest trachea?
Savi loves these chews and perfect for teething pups and quiet time. This one kept her busy for hours.
We scored these jumbo tracheas at a recent show from one of our favorite vendors, Paws Up on Health. The tracheas normally don't come this large but they had just received a special shipment.
Yummo!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Summer Solstice

The first day of summer is here and we started out with a lovely morning hike before it got too hot. L-R, Jam and Trudy
Jam and Trudy enjoyed stretching their legs on one of our favorite short loop trails.
It is amazing how every time I return to this spot, it looks different based on the rainfall and season. It was delightful this morning and the green grass and leaves seemed to sparkle in the sunshine.
The girls checking back...
Trudy taking a short break as she's not used to hiking. Even though the temps were in the low 70's, dogs can overheat and it is important to let them rest and give them water. Jam is conditioned for daily runs/hikes/agility so she just keeps going, like the energizer bunny.
Back at the house, Savi and Trixie posing for a Kodak moment :)
Gotta love solid stays and Savi is learning from her momma.
Wotan enjoying the morning romp in the yard...

Sunday, June 20, 2010

Happy Father's Day!

Ron and Bravo
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Wishing all the Dads a wonderful Father's Day!

Our weekend was filled with entertaining friends and a special birthday party, including a cupcake decorating extravaganza, and spending time with my wonderful husband who is the best dad in the world!

Mirror, mirror on the wall...


Friday, June 18, 2010

Memphis at 5 months

Memphis, Grayhart's Million Dollar Listing, learning to be a show dog.
Good boy!

Memphis and his best buddy
Water toys are fun...
until they squirt...
Hey, where ya going?

Thursday, June 17, 2010

The Gray Herd and on to birds...

The pictures don't capture the excitement and joy of seeing our herd of Weims running through the fields and around the preserve. We lucked out with the weather on Wednesday, cool with temps in the high 60s/low 70s and a slight breeze - just perfect! Ready to run...Monty, Jam, Trudy and Savi.
Off in the distance...
The chase is on with Jam in the lead!
Catch me if you can!
Trudy was introduced to a chukar. She hasn't been on birds in a year but the natural ability is still there.
Working both her nose and sight
Point!

She sure had a great time and was so intense on the bird, that she wasn't fazed one bit when we shot the blank gun. A few more sessions and this girl will be ready for Junior Hunter :-)
Monty has a great nose, worked the wind and went on point from quite a distance from the bird.
Nice point and getting steadier to the shot each training session!
Jam had a good run as well and even got to retrieve a bird. Savi was not left out of the fun, we just had a camera malfunction and her pictures didn't turn out. She found the bird, pointed and then carried it around proud as can be. Still a puppy, we are encouraging this behavior and love seeing how much drive and boldness she has.