Trials to date

Well I managed to get a few more trials in since the west coast challenge with the German Shepherd Club on 17/10/09. Unfortunately I’ve had more hard luck stories (or more like bad handling stories lol) than good.

As we are coming to the end of the year and agility has a wee break over the summer we only have a few trials left. I’ll post about the trials we have done since the west coast challenge on one post rather than heaps of individuals (since I’m still slack at updating this blog)

Trial: Rockingham double header, 18/10/09 – didn’t do. Ok off to a bad start but here are the ones we did do, lol.

CAWA fundraiser jumping double header, 30/10/09

Diva: zero .Mini: zero

Comments: Had a crash with Richard the judge in excellent jumping when running Mini, lol. He was running to get out of the way and it so happened that was the way I was running and yep we crashed. Richard was lovely and gave me a re-run, but I think I rushed to much, didn't give wee Mini a solid enough cue for the tunnel, I started running diagonally away and yep she came with me, got a refusal, doh!, that was her only fault though, owch! At least I got a dance on the course though, lol.

CAWA fundraiser agility double header, 31/10/09

Diva: zero .Mini: zero

Comments: Mini wasn’t entered so zero, lol. I'd pulled Mini out of agility for a few trials since she only needs one pass to get her novice title and move into excellent. Seeing she can't do the seesaw I thought I'd hang fire until the last few of the year and try and get a pass - now thinking I probably should've entered all to try for the pass then pull her out once she got her title - oh well, to late now, lol.

ACWA jumping trial, 04/11/09

Diva: 2^nd Masters Jumping .Mini: zero

Comments: Was a fun round with Diva, got pinched at the post by Andrea and Smudge by 0.02s – OMG, how close. Agility has gotten really exciting over here in recent times. The dogs are running at fab speed with great tightness. It's now down to who done a certain cross or pull or whatever that split second time quicker - and if you make a minor stuff up you've lost it. It's great to see and exciting to be part of.

Perth training trial, 07/11/09

Diva: 1^st Masters Jumping .Mini: zero

Comments: We had a chuckle about this one, Andrea beat me last week, I beat Frank this week so Frank has to beat Andrea next week and we're all square, lol. Like I said before it is sooooo close with our WA Masters dogs it's really anyones game.

Rottie Club, 14/11/09

Diva: Zero Mini: 1^st Excellent jumping

Comments: This is the only trial in my life that I have actually been really upset. Not just saying this but Diva done the most awesome run ever in Masters Agility – up until the a-frame. We were working really well as a team and she was having a run to remember – she was truly awesome. Then after the a-frame I shut down. Dunno what was going through my head. I think I panicked about nearly getting around clear and got myself way into the wrong position, stuffed up a pull through (OMG majorly) – got back on track and again was on the wrong side – we had one bar to go to get a clear and that was a jump to the left – what did I do – OMG not sure if I can relive this again, lol – I sent her over the bar to the right – WTF. I honestly wanted to go home, and I never get like that. Poor Diva, what am I thinking.

And for wee Mini she got a clear, go girlfriend - and since I was in such a huff with myself I wasn't really in the mood - gave myself a shake and went "whatever" with Diva's run - hey as long as we're having FUN that's what counts - wake up Jules and smell the roses, live in the moment and enjoy!

Albany 22/11/09: didn’t do, lol. Come on I have done heaps of others J

Southern River, 28/11/09

Diva: Zero Mini: Zero

Comments: Mini should have gotten 2 clear rounds here. If you read my other posts you will know that I have no problems at all about blaming the handler (i.e. me) for stuffing up 99.9% of the course. HOWEVER, and I say this with a grin, knowing this trial was not my fault, and no it’s not even a training issue – YAY, I can escape the blame on this one – or actually these 2, lol. Mini in excellent jumping – got almost all the way around the course – wasn’t the smoothest run but hey she’s still learning, get the straight jumps on the way home and voila we’re done. But my wee Minmin decides to do one of the 5 jumps then veer off to the other side of the ring to the start line. I actually stopped and watched in amazement – where is she going????? Hmmm, we will never know what she was thinking – was funny though. She had a sniff of my hat which was at the marshalling area at the start then seemed to be most interested in the timing gates and had a good long sniff of them before coming back to me – Mini you’re a star, lol.

What tops it off though is her agility round. Again got all the way round and had a straight line left – 4 obstacles, she done 1, then was hooning to 2, I’m running behind her and she’s getting further ahead, over 3, yes we’ve done it, I’m still running behind a little further back now and mini runs AROUND the last jump, WTF. It took her more effort to run around it that over it, lol. What a wally. She cracks me up. Not sure if it’s the timing gates or if she just really is blonde, lol.

CAWA trials I have left before January ’10.

ACWA 09/12/09,

Dobe 12/12/09,

Dogswest 13/12/09

I have 3 CAWA trials left to achieve my target which I set a while back. I have also added a new target to the list - get a clear round with both Diva and Mini on the same night, lol.

ADAA

We have 2 ADAA trials in December. Both double headers. The first is on this weekend then the other in a few weeks.

Both Diva and Mini are in the International program and both jump 550mm. Mini is in starters and Diva is in Intermediate. Both of them need one more pass in agility to move up to the next level – Mini will be intermediate and not sure what Diva’s is (still learning about ADAA) – it may be Open or Advanced??? Will have to check on that one

I love ADAA and really enjoy their trials and mostly the courses.

I also have set myself goals for the 2 ADAA trials coming up to achieve before the end of the year.

Diva to get an agility pass this weekend to gain her Intermediate title.

Mini to get an agility pass this weekend to gain her starters title.

New plan of action here - stop over thinking and go out there and have fun. Take the good with the bad but enjoy it always.

Jules

17/10/09 - West Coast Challenge (GSDA)

The GSDA West Coast Challenge is one of my favourite trials of the year.

It's a big one for me. This is the trial I remember the most about when Samroc and I first came over to OZ and started competing here.

Not only do they have spectacular trophies, they used to invite the winners from the agility and jumping classes along to their AGM which is all about the members. Boy the club really is a good one for the members. It was a really feel good night, all the GSDA presentations were done and there was food and drinks too - a real club party and real celebration of the year just gone.

Unfortunately this no longer happens. They still give out the fab trophies but no longer an invite. That's ok - I still have the memories and I think this is why this trial is so special to me.

So on the day - we get there and it's an afternoon trial as per norm. Well what on earth is mother nature thinking - it was 38 degrees. OMG talk about a heatwave.

Masters agility with my wee Diva was such a shame - again the handler let her down. She done all the hard bits and only had a short jumping sequence to go and yep - I royally screwed up. I sent her on to go though the tunnel and bolted diagonally away, trying to get into position. Now that's ok if a) I've got a much slower dog and can get there before she comes out the tunnel, b) I keep my eye on my dog coming out of the tunnel in case she comes out quicker than anticipated, c) I'm an Olympian sprinter. We'll unfortunately none of the above in this instance - and a definate ruling out of "a" and "c" for future reference too BTW. As I got into position I turned around to see wee Diva had shot out the tunnel and had already taken the tyre which was straight ahead of her path - good girl - silly handler -aaaarrrrgggg!!!!!! The dog is absolutely great - it's the handler than needs to learn to cope with such a fast dog - out of practise on the masters courses I think.

Novice agility - another oops. The 3rd or 4th obstacle was the weaves and mini missed the correct entry - aw well she waited on the start line :-) good girl mini

Excellent jumping. This was a real shame. It was a lovely course and a real "mini" course too. This was the kind of course mini really enjoys and powers through too. So what happened????? well guess who didn't walk it?? hmmmmmm - yep me. I thought it was the open jumping course (didn't enter open) - so I went in kinda blind. I came straight out of novice agility and had to bolt over to the excellent jumping ring. There was only 1 dog left to run before the luck last - mini and me. That;s not too bad I'll watch the dog go around and see where we have to go. The course had a lot of spirals in it which was kinda hard to read the numbers as you go around, lol. So the 2nd last dog goes in before us and nooooooooooooooooooo - gets and off course and retires, aarrrrggg.

I got a lead out and frantically trying to read the numbers as I'm leading out to see where I'm going - GO - we almost got it - 1 refusal, owch. I was reading the numbers as we were going and mucked up a section - I started heading off the tunnel to another jump and mini came with me - awwwwwww. Sorry mini - she done a lovely round besides that though. Shame.

So lets leave the best til last. Masters jumping. A trickey course. Had to really work it but lovely and flowing if you got it right. On the collapsible tunnel there was a massive thud - I think diva had smacked into the inside. The grip at the bottom of this tunnel is way insufficient and that's probably to do with it. I hadn't realised at first - head the noise but she came shooting out and on fire so we continued the course. She got a nice clear round but it wasn't until the run home I realised in my head what had happened back there and started freaking out. We crossed the finish line and i cuddled her and checked her out - she was fine thank God.

Well we ended up getting a first and wee diva was all fine - not injured at all. So she can stick the trophy where the sun don't shine - giving me a fright like that, lol. Well done little Div - very proud of you!

11/11/09 ACWA agility trial

Sunday 11th October ’09 we had the ACWA agility trial.

ACWA trial had individuals then strategic pairs. I love playing strat. pairs – such a hoot.

We had individuals first. This was to be Diva’s first Masters agility – oooohhhh!!!

Mini was up first in novice agility. She only needs one more pass to get her title and graduate into excellent – which has the seesaw and yep we can’t do that just yet. So there is no hurry at the moment to get out of Novice. (She’s still not “great” on her other contacts, start line or weaves either so there’s definitely no rush. We got a refusal on a collapsible tunnel – go figure, the wee scaff ran past it barking at me, lol. That’s cool though ‘cause she got all her contacts and weaves – yey minmin.

I think it was excellent jumping next (can’t remember too well) but I think she broke the start line and I would’ve made some stupid handling faux pas which I am obviously blocking from my memory, lol. No pass their either.

Wee Diva’s turn and we had Masters agility. Lovely challenging course and I stuffed up big time. Handling at one section was a crock and I made her pull down a bar. Dam it – sorry Diva. She had a close call on the seesaw and didn’t give the wait at the end I want (and it looked like she came off early too) – I stuck her back on; got the seesaw I wanted then retired. Looking back on Jens video she actually did get the seesaw but it still isn’t what I want so glad I did what I did – sorry for mucking up the jump Diva.

Masters jumping was the last of the individuals and boy if I had a gun I’d ask someone to shoot me. It was a nice challenging course and we got the pull through and just a 180 (or more like a 230) on another jump next – that’s cool – “out” would’ve probably been suffice – but what actually came out was “go tunnel” (which was in fact the next obstacle after the "230" jump) – well before I realised what I had done wee div had shot through the tunnel – what the........ OMG, good girl.

If there was a first place for the worst handling I’d definitely win the masters class in that easy. I even think I’m currently winning for worst handler of the year award, lol. I must say though I’m not entirely to blame. Some of this blame must go to Stacy P. Since she’s not been over to do a seminar this year and kick my butt then I have to put some of the blame onto her. Sorry Stace but the facts are the facts, lol. I’ll just have to keep on failing miserably and plodding along until you come over and show me what’s up with me (besides the obvious), lol. Feeling guilty yet, vbg – got your flight booked yet, lol. – Just remember to bring Jule P with you – she doesn’t know it yet but she gets to run Mini :-) Now that’ an experience and a half – you’ll thank me one day Jule (or never speak to me again) lol.

So we have strat. pairs in the afternoon. I love strat. pairs. I had done so miserable in the previous rounds that I was gonna try really, really hard. Well do my best anyway.

Mini and Dancer were on first. They are in Novice S.P’s. When we started strat pairs a year ago it included Mini only doing the a-frame and jumps, wee Dancer had to do majority of the course. Mini got to do contacts, the weaves and jumps – yay mini.

Dancer is blinding quick and was owning the course – go Dancer. Wee Mini isn’t exactly slow and was screaming too. We lost a bit of time on one of the change over’s. I was getting Mini lined up for the weaves and forgot you could hold the dog still when you’re not in play – so mini’s bark bark bark and dancer had already done the tunnel and jumps before I knew it. I forgot how fast Dancer is and I’m sure her feet didn’t touch the ground over the line of jumps after the tunnel, lol. There was smoke coming off her she was going that fast. Anyway I managed to get Mini lined up again and into the weaves, jump and a-frame. Phew!! The rest of the course was awesome for them.

This was the best strat pairs Mini and Dancer had had together (now that Mini’s getting her act together and not the spare wheel anymore, lol). They both did an awesome job.

They now just need 1 more pass to get into excellent. It’s got the seesaw in it so that’ll have to definitely be Dancer’s thing until Mini learns it and shares the burden, lol. Hey Dancer’s got an awesome seesaw anyway so that’s fine by me.

To top it off they ended up getting first place, yay girls. As you can imagine Megan and I were over the moon. They won a rosette and a bottle of wine each – yummy.

Diva and Epic were next. It was their first masters strat pairs and boy did they do their thing. Diva was absolutely on fire and I couldn’t ask any more of her than what she gave. Epic was hooning round too.

We kinda mistimed one thing on a change over which was near the end. Diva came out the tunnel over a jump, change over; epic to do the a-frame, change over again and diva do the jumps out.

This would make it flowing and quick as Diva comes out the tunnel and takes the jump in the sequence, continue over the not in play jump straight ahead of us and continue down the “in play” line of jumps home. As wee Div’ was taking the not in play jump Epic would do the a-frame.

Well didn’t quite flow like that. As I said Div was screaming and did the jump after the tunnel, the not in play jump then the start of the line home jumps in a nano second, crap, we had to pull back and do the jump again.

We haven’t done strat pairs for a year and are a bit rusty with our timing – but they had both screamed around the rest of the course and obviously made up heaps of time there because they still got first place – wooohoooo!!!

On top of the world is only a portion of what Megan and I were feeling. So we won another rosette and another bottle of wine – hangover waiting to happen, lol.

Jasmine's 4th Birthday

Saturday 10th October ’09 my wee “baby” niece turned 4. Not so much a baby anymore, how time flies.

I had spoken to my big sis’ and we were all going to AQUA to celebrate her wee birthday.

Made my way onto the motor way (oops I mean freeway in Oz, lol) and proceeded to get to my destination of AQUA. Well I thought I’d gone too far and missed the exit then came off, made my way back and ended up back in the city again – doh!!! Back on the Freeway again and Amanda (my big sis’) called to say they were about 20minutes away – also gave me tips on what exit to take, lol – thank you big sis’. I just had to go another 5 minutes from where I first turned off and would have got there – oh well. Got there second time round – where’s the GPS when you need them???

I met Amanda, Nige and Jasmine there at lunchtime and we went it. The weather was a bit drizzly but most of AQUA is indoors anyway so that wasn’t a bother.

I gave wee Jazz her prezzie outside and she was rather pleased with them. I got her a Dora the explorer wee hidey tent and sweeties, and Samroc, Diva & Mini got her (awwww) a wee shitsu toy dog that walks, barks wags its tail and is very well house trained, lol.

Wee Jasmine was all excited and loved seeing all the sharks, stingrays, giant turtles, crocs, jellyfish, etc. I think the touch pool was a big hit too. They even have a place where the youngies can colour and make their own badges (they wouldn't let me and Amanda do it though since we are too old, lol).

It was such a great day and we all had a “whale” of a time.

It was absolutely fantastic spending time with my big sis, Nige and my wee niece Jasmine.

We went to the Sorrento acrade to look around the shops and have some lunch.

The day was topped off with us hitting the UK sweetie shop - OMG, Christmas come early. Drifters, Wotsits, Smokey Bacon Walkers crisps, jelly babies, wham, whispa's, the list goes on and on.

Happy 4th birthday Jazz, not long now until you can come out clubbing, lol :-)

Perth Royal Show 2009

Well it's been a while since my last post and I have a lot of updating to do.

Will start with the Perth Royal Show.

The "Royal" is one of the big agility events of the year for me and a whopper of an "agricultural" show for Perth. I say agricultural with a smirk 'cause although that's what it actually is I think the kids nowadays go for the rides and show bags.

The agility was on Saturday 26th September and Monday 29th Sept. Teams and open were on the Sat and individuals were on the Mon.

The build up to the Royal for me was shocking. 4 weeks before Diva came into season and didn't get down training or trialling at all. The week before saw me coming down with an almighty cold - very ill. I was in bed from the Wednesday afternoon until the Saturday morning.

As Diva and Mini were in the same team (with Epic and Brynn) I couldn't very well scratch as I was half the team. I had no energy and was feeling really bad. Tom was a gem and came through to pick me and the girls up (I didn't even have energy to drive).

We got there way early and waited on the trial starting at 9am. I had already told Tom and Megan I couldn't run and Megan opted to run Diva and Tom decided to take on the Minxter.

Both had very good job considering they don't normally run them. Megan was unlucky with open jumping with a last bar - doh! and Tom done superb with Mini - she actually stayed with him most of the time and didn't run out looking for me (wee Minmin and her seperation anxiety) - well done guys.

The open came in the afternoon and as Diva had jumped off her a-frame in the teams agility round I had said to Megan I would take her and Mini in just to get their contacts and that would be that.

Wee mini went in open agility (I keep forgetting the seesaw is in it and mini hasn't reached that obstacle yet - doh!). Anyhoo we plodded along got the a-frame, walk and weaves then retired.

Diva was a wee bit after. I had mustered up some energy from somewhere????? We get on the start line and the rest is really a blur. I can remember her running into her 2o2o position on the a-frame and I gave her a quick release. I done the same for all the contacts - supposed to be proofing them my butt - I honestly can't remember much and we didn't get it taped to look back over - oh well. The highlight of my day was the little buggar ended up getting first place in the open agility - OMG what - hang on, what happened again, lol. I was very surprised and very proud - although all I wanted to do was go home to bed. Well done little Diva and thank you!

Monday had me feeling a little bit brighter - not fab but at least I didn't want to just lie down all day and suffer, lol.

Mini had novice agility first and bombed out with breaking her start line - this is dejavu from last year - little minx :-)

Mini done such a good job in excellent jumping although I nearly missed a jump and was heading off for another jump - by the time I tried to rectify it the game was all over - I wasn't quick enough and the minxter got a refusal on the jump - doh! after that I kinda gave up and just wanted outa there - well done mini, great effort wee lass :-))

Diva had masters jumping next and it was an awesome course. Fast, flowing and challenging too. We did an awesome round. A couple of very minor hiccups but nothing to write home about. We got 4th place. On watching the top 3 runs I was very honoured to come 4th to them. I'll tell you though it was a very exciting course to watch. The difference between 1st and 10th was less than 2 seconds, and watching the other 9 rounds I was lucky to come 4th too - that was also special for me - go Diva.

Our last run of the day was the one I had went to the royal for - excellent agility. I desperately wanted a pass in this. It was the final leg/pass we needed to get her excellent agility title and I wanted this bad. We're in excellent longer than I wanted so was very very nervous about this one. Diva's wee brother Maverick came over and had a word with us too about getting our act together and take out this round "FFS" or he would loose all respect for his big 'sis, lol. Thanks Graeme, this actually calmed me down a bit (just a smidge) :-))

Mav egging his big sis' Diva on It had to be said - now come on

Well she done it - CLEAR, woohoo. I almost mucked up the last jump. I ran out of steam (fatty) and nearly made her take the wrong jump. I just had enough energy to get another few steps in and keep her on track - thank the lord. I would've been kicking myself for years to come otherwise. Anyhoo to top it off we won it - yay!!! She was such a good girl (pity about the other half of the team - i.e. me, lol).


I've got some of the runs on video - unfortunately not the open agility as that was supposedly a cracker. I'll put them on my video tab as soon as I get my act together.

Other news from the Royal (yes, yes it's not all about me, lol).

Sam Weaver and Billbee qualified to run in the main arena in the 3 sheep trial. (Only the top 3 sheep dogs with accumulated points throughout trials from the year are invited too). Go Sam and Bill.

Kriszty's Jess - agility and obedience champion - had her final agility and jumping runs in the team’s event. They went out with a bang and won both agility and jumping teams.

Tom got 3rd in Masters jumping with Brynn - Royally beating mine and Diva's ass to the ground, lol.



Megan and Epic got 5th in Masters Agility.

Graeme and the awesome Maverick (Diva's wee brother) got 2nd in CD (Obedience), 3nd in Novice agility with a couple of penalties and 2nd in novice jumping with a bar down - wow. Just wait until he gets clear - watch out Diva he's coming to get ya :-)))



Well this years Royal's was one of the best ever. I really enjoyed myself (besides the cold). And will more than likely be there next year.

Diva can hold her head up high with her wee bro' Mav - well done to them both!!!

Aim for next year's Royal show:

Diva - to be a master in her seesaw and me not baby it

Mini - get a comfy lead out and get a clear round :-))

Who know's though - it is the Royal show and anything goes - as long as we have fun :-)))

Pleasantly surprised

We had a big weekend of agility last weekend. On Saturday we had a double header with Gosnells dog club and on Sunday another agility trial – fundraiser for the nationals. Yes I actually trialled - woohooo!!!!

Photo by Gillian Self -
www.flickr.com/photos/gillianself
We rocked up to Gosnells trial on the Saturday morning and our first run wasn’t until the second half of the morning so we pottered about and watched others do some spiffy runs and others doing some specky stuff but with hard luck stories, then it was our wee turn. We went into excellent jumping first. It was Richard’s course and such a lovely course too. Anyhoo, we get to the start line and Mini’s her usual “barky” self. Little scab broke her start before I was in place but she done brilliant. If her handler wasn’t such a baboon she would’ve got around clear. The novice agility again was a great wee attempt on Mini’s behalf. Vicki was judging and set which I may add a challenging section in the course for novice dogs – wee Mini managed to get it (although I nearly stuffed it up with a “late” front cross and she had to jump out the way of my fat ass, lol). The last 3 obstacles to go were “jump, spread and jump”. Mini has a problem with straight lines and will tend to run around them (she wants more of a challenge) I think it’s just a novice thing – although I’ve been told it’s a Koolie thing. So she does the jump, starts to veer off the spread, I stop to pull her back onto the line of the spread, she’s taking off and crashes the spread – why oh why did I stop?????? Aaaaaarrrrgggggg. Sorry Mini. Was way happy though – she got her weaves and contacts (which we are very novice at and need lots of practise with) – go the minxter!!

Gosnells PM trial – well I was over the moon at Mini’s performance from the morning and although no qualifier I was still on a high. We went into excellent jumping, Cindy had set up an awesome jumping course – again if mini’s handler aka me could actually handle we would’ve gotten around the course – kick me!!!! Oh well she had fun and barked all the way around.


Novice agility was judged by Nic Forde – again a lovely novice course. Wee Minmin got all her contacts, her weaves and actually got around clear – yay Mini – to top it off she won – woooohooooo!!!!! (Hence the photo at the beginning with the quail card and Rosette – thanks again to Gillian Self for the photo). On a high doesn’t even come close.


I did notice something though – Mini needs a lot of help on the course – I think after going through all that stage with diva and now having a more confident dog and well basically a dog that’s been trained lol I have been not lazy but expecting too much of wee Mini. I have to take that extra step or tell her “jump” at that point – she needs that extra helping hand at the moment. This will differ as her experience grows but I need to “baby” her at the moment. Glad to have found it out now though than stuffing her up. Feel free to kick my butt if I’m slack with Mini and not helping her out.



So we had it all to do on the Sunday again. We rocked up to CAWA for the fundraiser trial and had excellent jumping first. Cindy was judging again and set up a great jumping course. Wee Mini goes in – on the starline and “woof woof woof woof” – I wasn’t confident on the start at all. I wanted to get into a spot and do a front cross but released her and wasn’t even in the spot to do a fc so we done a rear instead (Mini’s learning rears and picking it up not too badly) – anyway she was listening to me all the way around and – yep we got clear – OMG Mini got clear in excellent jumping – guess what – guess what else – she won it!!!!!!!!! Yippppeeeeeeeeee. Way to go Mini.

We had novice agility next and she done really well up until the weaves – owwwwww she went into the wrong entrance side – she really tried though. All we had left after the weaves was table and jump – nearly Mini – she tried soooooo hard too. Great effort mini well done wee chicken.

Don't have much video footage of mini but managed to capture some on the weekend and have her runs from the classic in march (lol - if you seen it you'd know :-) ) So I'll have to put together a wee movie for Mini with her runs on it.


I'm pleased at how mini is coming along - especially with our lack of training. Mini is supposed to be a 400 dog in CAWA but we now jump 500. She can cope easily. She's obviously much slower on 500 than 400 but I have confidence that she will speed up. I'll let her do that in her own time though and make it as fun as possible along the way. Sure we're gonna have some hiccups and setbacks but that is the game of dog training. It has to be fun for her and I have to make it fun. Afterall I have to remember she's doing it for me.


Thank you Mini xxx

Contact debate

Well well well, I have to talk about contacts and a little debate I'm having at the moment.

I have taught Diva a 2020 for both a-frame and dog-walk. This enables me to have a quick release if I need it but ensures I have a reliable dog on her contacts (obviously not 100% as she is not a robot although she is a magic dog, lol) :-) The last time at training I quick released Diva every time and she nailed them - very naughty of me as I didn't go back and hold them before the session was over. Nevertheless, next time at training I will do a few quick releases but more holding them - hopefully I haven't lost them :-S She has very fast contacts and I have put in a lot of hard work and time into them so I don't want to stuff them up.

Now what to do with Mini??? She had a fast dog walk and I have been teaching a 2020 and now completely stuffed up her walk- doh!!! I think I may stick with the 2020 on the walk and work on improving it - as I am in 2 minds I don't want to work on 1 method then change my mind and ask for something else along the line - this will just lead to confusion and totally stuff her up. So I'm not sure if I want a 2020 or a running???? hmmmm. The other thing is the a-frame. We have been working on a running a-frame and when she gets it - boy she gets it. Move over Diva 'casue the Minxter is coming through. I am again half hearted in a running a-frame but she can do it sooooooooo fast and am thinking about persuing this - again in 2 minds and don't want to stuff her up. I have been slack in training mini in agility and want to get her properly going for next year. I want good contacts that I can come out the ring thinking "yeh that was nice - good job" rather than "OMG my heart skipped a beat and almost completely stopped".

Since I have been searching for Mini's best methods and what she can do quickest and easiest naturally I have been faced with another question which seems to be varied in answers - how to time your contacts and how long to hold them for? I will be working on this with mainly diva for the next few weeks. I have an idea in my head what I want to do but am I wrong?

If I am timing her contacts do I time them from the point she touches the up to the point she leaves the contact? From the point she touches the up to the point she touches the down contact? Remembering I will be holding her on 75% of the sessions? hmmmmm.

On this note do I have a standard time to hold her on? one second, two seconds, five seconds? Do I be consistant on the timing?

Do I then count the 2 seconds from the point she hits the up contact - one, two, then release her or do I hold her on the down contact, one, two then release her? To me it makes sense to hold her on the down contact for one, two, five, etc, seconds then release but others seem to be doing this a bit different?

Over the next few weeks I'll work on contacts and keep with a 2020 for the walk and running frame for now, and also diva's contact - I'll work on my own timing methods i.e. count when she is at the end "one, two, disco" and will also vary the timing length - but have it in my head before we do the obstacle. I am interested in your opinion though - what do you think about the contacts?

agility nationals fundraiser agility trial

Well we actually entered an agility trial today - wooohooo :-)

Have to say - although I had a stinker of a headache (think it was the lack of food and water) I had an absolute blast.

The weather was very kind to us - only had a couple of little spurts of rain - so can't complain at that - considering the grey clouds that were upon us.

The jumping rings were a bit soggy though - no fault to anyone except mother nature :-) Made it very hard to run and the dogs were sliding about too - poor mini and her face plant - she's all good though - in fact I think around 50 per cent of the dogs and handlers either slipped or landed on their rear - poor Erica Pope running Roy feet slipped away from her and she still got up and ran - the second slip was a bit hard to recover from - luckily she was allowed a re-run and performed an awesome run with Roy.

I didn't have luck on my side today at all - was wanting my final leg in Excellent agility - Diva managed to nail the seesaw (along with all the other contacts and weaves) - it was just a jumping sequence left - normally diva would have nailed the jumps if I could help her out and actually tell her where to go - my legs were like lead - my quads were throbbing for some reason - must've hurt them from friday?? not sure - anyhoo she went to do a wrong jump (where my body was telling her to go) - managed to push her off the wrong one and by the time she was at the "next" jump to do she was upon it and dropped it - doh!!! I stopped after that - my legs were sore and gave up - she was a good girl, and she got the seesaw - yey Diva.

Masters jumping was a bit of a disappointment too - I sent her in the wrong end of the tunnel - doh!!! it was as if I was watching someone else run and didn't work her at all - oops - again my wee diva I'm sorry for stuffing it up. We got in the correct end of the tunnel and done a rather nice round - not like a normal blitzing diva run but nice all the same - just that one thing - if only..... hmmmm!!!!

And wee mini was in too. She done her first excellent jumping - I was terrified and not sure how she would cope - must say even though we didn't come close to clear she done a not too bad round - along with a face plant. She's getting there - starting to understand the obstacles and what I am asking of her.

Wee minmin was also in Novice agility - OMG - she got 1 fault - and it was dropping the first bar - awch. I mean the round wasn't very pretty at all but go minmin. Trying to think back what happened - she was funny on the walk - didn't jump off at the end - rather done a 2o2o position but at the beginning of the contact zone on the down ramp instead of actually on the grass. I asked again and she moved slightly further down - 3rd time she done it correctly - tells me she's trying to work it out - kinda getting the idea - that's cool - indicated what level she's at and clearly doesn't understand that the position I am after is at the end of the contact rather than there abouts - she's thinking though and not just blowing me off - which is nice. She stayed on the table and let me get a bit away from her - good girl, after the table there was about 2 or 3 jumps then the weaves - still learning the weaves - have to help her into the entry (not practised them nearly enough) so I mucked about with her and got her lined up nice and easy and she done them all - yay- it was just the a-frame and last jump (think it was a spread or broad - can't remember now) - anyhoo she nailed the a-frame with a running (which is what we are doing - well for now :-) - then she went to deviate from the last jump straight in from of her - hey blondie you've gotta finish correctly - not sure where she was going but kinda went behind me or something - was weird - I called her though and like little harry potter she reappeared as fast as she had vanished and done the last jump - great effort mini - well done wee chicken.

There were some awesome runs and heaps of hardline stories too.

Megan had an awesome day - Epic got 3rd in Masters jumping with a lovely run, she also done a fab round with Dancer and won Excellent agility - well done Megan. Tom done a few specy runs too - think it was masters agility they were hooning around the course and got 1 bar down - what a shame it was a blinder too. Steve done a fab round with Spud - nailed the contacts and got a refusal on one jump - lovely contacts though. Tracey ran a great round with Makko and just got a penalty on the seesaw - owwww. Nicola ran a smashing round with Kite - he's coming on fab and with super fast contacts - as per normal for nic's dogs. There were other's too which I can't name right at this second but will remember as soon as I post this blog.

Tell you though I got a bit of a wakeup call and a motivator today when I saw Karen had her young dog Sonic in Masters agility and Masters jumping. She's doing a bloody good job with him. I can remember him and mini both being in novice together and now he's further ahead than diva who's about a year older than him. Kriszty had a bit of a laugh and said I had to actually enter trials to get qualies - yeh yeh - I know I have been soooo slack so need to get my but back into gear and back into the ring. I mean taking nothing away from Karen - she's progressed sooo quickly and so well - but she's give me a shake - thanks Karen - you've motivated me to get my butt back into the ring.

So my goals for this year (yes I am going to trial):

Get Diva her Excellent agility title
Gain 2 legs towards Diva's masters agility title
Gain 2 legs towards Diva's masters jumping title (she's got 1 so far - woohoo)
Achieve 1 good clear round with Mini in excellent jumping
Achieve 1 good clear round with Mini in novice agility

Note: by clear I mean no mucking about or babying - getting the job done and done right!!

Well that's the target for this year - now I think our next trial is the end of september (I think it's the Royal which I never have any expectations of going clear due the atmosphere so it's probably october) so we've got a lot of time for me to get my fitness up and to practice and pray :-)))

Blame it on the rain

Well here are 2 little stories I have to add – kept for a rainy day

Story #1: know your surroundings

Well since moving into my new place – a whole new area, I have found a smashing place to take the dogs for a run. Just round the corner from me there’s an empty riverbank and beyond that a large open area for the dogs to run their wee socks off ;-) On the first spell of rain we had I drove to the normal spot – parked the car up and let the dogs out – it was raining, but not too heavy like it had been earlier. I had a pair of jean on and trainers so my feet weren’t that well protected but I had a nice warm jacket on, snugly. I discovered the empty river bed was no longer empty – filled to the brim – no way have we had that much rain over night – hmmmm. Well I can’t cross here without my canoe so I decided to walk down-stream a bit to see if there was a place I could cross. Sure enough further up the road there was a wee island thingamajig I could jump onto and then get on the bank at the other side. We done our walk and just as we got near where I normally cross the heavens opened up – it was soooooo heavy rain, I was walking backwards and looked at wee Samroc who was walking beside me – his head was lowered and he was closing his eyes best he could. Stuff this, come on boy, I ran to where I normally cross the river to see if there was a way we could all get over. Diva and Mini jumped straight in, had a wee swim and over the other side. I’m looking frantically for somewhere to cross – then I spotted it. Someone had placed a largish tree branch to use as a crossing point – why didn’t I see that before? The thickest part of the branch was about a metre from the bank so I got my footing right, careful not to slip and fall into the burn – counted in my head – 1, 2, 3 – and made the jump onto the branch. Doesn’t quite end there though – the branch wasn’t actually a crossing point which someone had kindly placed – it was a random branch which had been washed up and was momentarily having a rest from its journey down stream and beyond. Now here’s me up to my waste in skanky water – freezing cold and completely soaked through. My first reaction wasn’t to scream out or immediately get out the water – my first response was to look about to see if anyone saw me – how embarrassing, then I waded over to the other side. Once I was out I couldn’t stop laughing, what a walley - even the dogs were laughing. I got in the car covered in crap that was skimming on the top of the water and went to the wee local shop – I squelched into the shop and squelched out – went home dried the dogs off and had the best bath ever – moral of the story – if you’re gonna do stupid stuff take someone along and a video camera – TV shows give you money for that :-)

Story #2: take your time

Again another poring day – I was sitting in the house with the dogs and doing some work. The back door was left open the dogs could come and go as they pleased. I had a pair of short and a t-shirt on, along with a big granny housecoat – which mum insisted on giving me – bright purple with flowers on – not very sexy but warm all the same. I had finished my last cigarette and was putting off going out to the car to get the full packet sitting on the front seat. Stuff it, if I go now then it’s over and done with. I opened the front door and saw the downpour. I used the bleeper on the car keys to open the car up – the car keys are on the same key ring as the house keys which are in the house door. The dogs all came running toward the door, trying to be fly I pulled the door kinda closed to stop them running out into the rain which would have included me running to the car with my sexy housecoat, opening the car door, all the dogs jumping in the car, me telling them to get out, grabbing the smokes, closing the car door and running back into the house – me soaking and all 3 dogs the same. So I tried to beat them at the game and kinda pulled the door shut and made a dash for it – wee mini was too quick and managed to get out – but I must’ve pulled too hard and heard the door close. I jumped in the car and went “oh no”. I’ve got a deadbolt on my door you see so it can’t be opened from the outside. I’ve got no shoes on and not really dressed for the occasion – WTF. So I had a cigarette and pondered on what my next move was. The back door is open – I could possibly jump the fence if I had something on my feet (British feet can’t handle outdoors uncovered). I looked around the car and saw gleaming at me a pair of steel toe cap boots which I like to wear at herding (sheep can’t hurt your toes if they stand on them) – so I put them on and went to the side of the house where the fence is the lowest. It was hammering with rain now – how the heck am I going to get wee Minmin over – I lifted her up and bent across the fence and lowered her as best as I could – she jumped down and barked at me – go in the house Mini – again I have to stress it was teeming with rain – she barked again – such a loyal dog, not wanting to leave her master out in the rain on her own – go on Mini, in the house your getting soaked – little loyal mini my butt – she took off around the corner and obviously ran into the house – God now the others are gonna come running out and get in my way when I’m trying to do the krypton factor and get over this fence – not a bloody sign of them – selfish buggars  So I lifted off the wooden slat thingys I put on the fence to make it higher and tossed it on the ground – right on the section I’m jumping down onto – so I managed to get up on the fence with my bright purple granny housecoat and very heavy steel toe caps, look at where I could land so as not to snap the wooden slat fency thing and make sure my housecoat wasn’t hanging over anything to get caught on and have me dangling in mid air – JUMP – I made it – whooohooooo!!! I put the fence back together and wandered back into the house – all 3 dogs are sitting in the lounge – looking at me drenched. I imagined if I was looking out my window and saw one of the neighbours doing exactly what I had just done, including wearing what I was, it would either be time to move or time to start a blog and write about it. Moral of the story – never wear anything embarrassing in case you get spotted with in on in public 

home at last

Well it’s been a long time since rock and roll and far too long since my last post – with a good excuse may I add.

The last post was about my new car (still loving it) in January. I’ve had more changes in my life since then – I changed jobs and started in February – loving that too.

I love a job where you really enjoy being there and are enthusiastic about your work. It’s a great feeling waking up in the morning and not dread going into work, but to actually look forward to it

More changes after that – I bought a house. The settlement went through in April. Such a great feeling having your own place – no more renting for me

The house itself needs heaps of work done to it and I need to get a bobcat or dingo in to flatten off the yard for the dogs and to get reticulation in to make it my agility space – will get there though. I want to get things done right rather than half heartedly so I’m in the process of saving to get the stuff done. The house itself is absolutely tiny but it’s a nice size for me – and less cleaning

It’s great having my own place – funny story too. I came around for the inspection with Ray from my old work. The house itself was filthy, smelly, cracks on the walls, windows broken and missing, every room is like a shoebox, holes in the doors and walls, no locks on the windows, front door needing replaced, nail holes in every wall (big ones at that), carpets with candle wax embedded in them or stains and holes, lino coming up and needing redone - not much of a looker.

I went out the back garden and heard the bell ringing in my head – ding dong!!!! I didn’t want to seem too eager to the agent and tried my hardest not to let my jaw drop or smile – it’s not the biggest garden by any means but it’s flat and all I could imagine was an a-frame there and a dog-walk there and seesaw probably there – could fit a tunnel there and some jumps too (may be not all at once) I could get a shed put there with a concrete slab for my agility equipment, and I suppose I could get a wee’er (lol) shed there for my gardening stuff and other stuff that’s supposed to go in sheds (think that’s all the stuff that doesn’t fit in the spare room or attic).

I had been looking for about 6 months and the quality of houses was much better – in fact, I’d go as far as saying far superior – but most of the gardens weren’t right for the dogs. Well as soon as I’ve unpacked my camera (can’t find it at the moment) I’m going to take before and after shots. As long as the dogs are happy I’m happy. I mean I’d love 10ha but 900sqm isn’t a bad start.

Do you know the other thing – since buying my own house, this is the first time I feel like I actually am meant to be here. Staying with my sister before and then renting wasn’t my own – now actually having a place where you can settle and call HOME – I actually have used that in a sentence you know regarding this place rather than saying I’m going to my house or I’m gonna go tae ma hoose, I tend to say I’m going home  silly mind thing I’m sure – not intended but it’s been a battle to get here – after all the caper.

I have to also say a big major major thank you to Tom and John who not only helped me move but helped me tidy up the rental – thanks guys you are legends.
Another wee thing – just before I moved in here I got professional cleaners in to gut the place and a gardener who removed all the debris from the garden, cleaned the gutters, removed waste, etc, a handyman to replace all the doors and locks (still to get the windows done) – 1 step at a time.

On the final move day which was just the smaller stuff – Tom and I came here and it was the first night I would be staying here – all the dogs were here – I let them out the back and all 3 of them were sniffing and peeing everywhere (could obviously smell the other previous dogs) – anyway Samroc came over and gave me a cuddle – I crouched down to him and started crying – I told him thanks for being such a great wee man and putting up with all the Sh*t for the last 6 years – for leaving a great loving home in Scotland (mum & dad) and that we had finally got our own place  (means so much to me I’m actually teary at the moment writing this). Me and my boy (and of course my girls too) have got our own place where they can do whatever they want to and have not a house or a place to live, but a home at last

The plan – I want to get a dingo or bobcat in to level both sides of the garden – Aaron (my buddy Corrine’s hubby) has made me promise to let him do the levelling with the bobcat when I hire it – I said only if he doesn’t knock down the house or fences – or any trees that may fall onto the house or fences  lol.

There are 2 sides to the garden – the bigger section for the dogs agility – round the corner from that there is a wee area where I can get my veggie patch and herb garden going – then there’s a separate section to the right – fenced off from the other area where will be my entertainment area – only small but I want to get a built in bbq (I think) a wee undercover area and may be way in the future a small pool or spa????? Would love to have a pool – coming from Scotland I’ve never had a pool and although heaps of folks say to me – “don’t get a pool they’re sooooo much work” I’d love to get one for the sake of saying (especially to folk back home) – think I’ll get in the pool today for a swim – it’s very hot here

Although the area isn’t that big (and that’s the bit where I hang out my washing) I think it may be more of a big puddle than a pool – not sure if pools come in mini size – i could always get a kids paddling pool and just leave the “paddling” part off when I’m describing it

Well since I’ve no photo’s to put on here and it’s pretty boring just reading I think I will leave it there. I want to get photos of how the place looks now (not very pretty) and what it looks like after I have done – this too will inspire me to get stuff done around the place.

I must admit though I am looking forward to making mine, Samroc, Diva and Mini’s home better - don't mid a bit of DIY and love when you look back at old photo's and say - did that really look like that :-) Oh well I know it will take a long while to do up MY HOME but it's worth it :-)

The year has already begun - Jules style

Well I had to say a sad farewell to an old friend on Tuesday. I hate goodbyes, I love the saying “see you later” instead but in this case it probably isn’t true.

My dear old friend – we have been on many a journey together. I would never have ventured to the places in Australia without you.

You have been my old faithful and for that I thank you.

Because of you I made an effort to go to many places in Western Australia – we travelled to Geraldton, Denmark, Kojonup, Bunbury, Mandurah often, Darkan, Toodyay and many other places I would never have visited without you.

Sadly our journey together ended on Tuesday and I will never forget you. But as age creeps up on us all, sadly we cannot go on forever.............

To my old white Toyota Corona '85 I have to say cheerio, you done me well.

So what’s new in the car field then????

Hmmmm, well I need something that’s economical but will also comply with all my needs and requirements – of course along with the dog’s needs and requirements (this is a must).

Well what has replaced the old faithful then, nothing too exciting really, just something small and reliable and will get me from A to B, or in my case with the dogs from A to Z.

The funny thing is it was the first car I saw. I wasn’t sure what I wanted – quite clueless in fact. I went to a yard and saw it along with 1 other of a different sort. I left the car yard and had a look at a few others – same make and a range of others too – I ended up going back to the first one I spotted. Fate if you will.
As I claim not to be a material person (after having Diva who was one of the most destructive pups known to date I learned not to cherish material things J ) I wasn’t after anything flashy with all the bling so my non-materialistic heart was won over with.................................................
















OMG I Love it - not got a "name" yet but me wee Rav 4 has made me a material person again :-)

It's worked out really well for the dogs too. When I saw it I thought the boot was really small and would just be able to fit wee Minmin in and that would be it

The back seats fold down completely flat so I can fit in at least 3 crates in the back

Well I picked it up on Tuesday and got prepared to go training on Tuesday night

No probs for the big man - what was I worrying about?










You see the other problem was Samroc has always sat in the front seat beside me - since he was 6 weeks old, a little bundle of fur who started off sitting on my lap as we drove and then eventually as he got bigger his spot was the passanger front seat.

So we drove around the block and he was absolutely fine. I think he did think at first hang on woman I've got a grate thing here blocking me from getting in the front beside you - but then the view from being higher up on the road allowed him to see a heck of a lot more that sitting in the car.

We got home and I put Sambo back in the house and loaded up the girls - it's heaps more room than I thought.

The girls seem to like it too - good.
















Emmm mum this is my spot and nope I'm not sharing with the ratbags.....
















Yeh right big man - this is the Diva car.............
















Whatever you 2 - mum said the boot was only just big enough for me so this is my spot - talk to the paw!!!!!


But what about when I take them all to the river together - will the 3 of them be able to fit or am I going to have to take out the grate, fold down the seats, put in crates - or not?????















I said I didn't want to share the back, no I said it first, well I'm the oldest and biggest so I still think this should be for me only......


They all can fit in nice - and stand up or lie down with pleanty of space to be comfy, phew.

Also Samroc jumps in and out as if it was on the ground - mega phew!!!!!
















OK then, there's heaps of room for all of us, lets share and pose for the camera - cheese :-)))

Now I can relax and drive in comfort - my year has already begun, yeah baby!!!!!!!

Fancy food or horror film prop

Well getting into this life approach in 2009 I thought I'd be ever so daring and try something new - I'm not much into cooking - can do not too badly when I actually take the prep. time and have my heart into it - on the whole though my dinners compile of random acts of food - depending on the mood of the day - not usually a proper healthy cooked meal though. I don't really like Italian food - well at least the strong tomato paste based dishes, and mexican too for the same reason - oriental is nice when you're in the mood and Indian is yum - but can't seem to find a decent take away - got an indian cook book and it provides me the means to making a flamin' good curry - takes heaps of time though (not to mention all the dishes to clean afterwards) and it uses tomato paste - but I cannot taste in these dishes unlike the sauces you get from a jar - ewwww - so the quick alternative is something quick and usually unhealthy - I do eat a lot of fruit so I believe this is a good balance :-))

So I was in IGA and they have a range of weird and wacky foods in their deli section - well coming from a background where haggis, tatties and neeps, stovies, hotpot or a stew was a regular on the table I think the range of foods is weird.

I bought a tub of pasta with the dressing and it had spinach and sundried toms, which is ok and then I saw it - octopus, it was in some marinade and I just had to get a bit. So for tea I had the pasta and octopus.

Not sure at first if I could actually eat it so I just had to take some photos of the dish first. So do I actually have enough courage to put this to my mouth, open and chew - hmmmm!!! the tentacle thingys look like they could be used to sucker onto the wall and hang pictures from - although I'm sure the aroma or old octopus would overrule the beauty of the picture after a while.

Well I ate it - I must admit it was bizarre. Now looking back at the photo's I can't believe that this actually went into my mouth, OMG. I mean am I being outright daft here? Is this a common dish to which families sit around the table eating whilst discussing their daily activities and pass the salt please honey??? hmmmm!!!!

The pasta was nice though - plain and simple. The first bit of the suckers was a bit - rubbery :-)) didn't taste fishy or seafoody - the texture was a bit slimy and sluggish like - not that I eat many slugs (or can remember as an infant that is), and the pickle it was in seemed to overrule the actual flavour of the meat (rubber). The longer thinner piece was probably the worst - I swear it was still moving as it was being gnarled and ground about my mouth.

Well now as a well cultured food connoisseur (lol) and when I hold the dinner party with your invite in the post - guess what you'll be having -

.......probably a take away from the local Chinese :-)