Doggie Swim 2009

Every year some of the local community pools have Doggie Swims where they allow local doggies to come and swim before they drain and clean the pool for the season. We missed out last year because I didn't hear about them in advance, but I've been to a few of the swims with Hexi and Isla in the past and they were so much fun.

Falkor and I headed to the Doggie Swim at the Valley View Aquatic Center last Tuesday. It was SO much fun. There were lots of friendly, playful doggies and Falkor was in heaven. I had to take Jackson with me because Mark had to work late. Jackson loved watching the dogs run and swim and play. Falkor found a Malamute doggy friend to play with and they had a blast. They wrestled and ran around like crazy. It was a treat to watch.

Eeeks we are officially entered!

Falkor is officially entered in Novice B Rally at the September trial in Des Moines. I am very excited but also very nervous. I have social anxiety disorder which in part makes me nervous to have strangers watch me do things....um yeah that is exactly what showing in obedience is all about. LOL But I also LOVE the thrill, the excitement and the chance to show off what Falkor and I have learned.

I am usually a total nervous wreck in the ring but I am trying to work on some calming techniques for myself. We'll see if they pay off at this trial.

The Friday and Saturday trial at the Varied Industries building will be interesting because that building is big, loud and very distracting. The trial on Monday will be at our training building which is great.

I can't wait and hopefully I won't throw up or pee my pants. :)

Having so much fun!

I've been trying to really put forth a consistent effort in training Falkor at least a few minutes each day. It's not difficult to find five minutes here and there but it seems like some days just fly by and I when I look at the clock it's almost bedtime! I've started an informal training journal in hopes that actually writing things down will help me stay on track.

Currently are taking beginners agility out at Seelah on Tuesday nights. We had our first class this past Tuesday and it was great. I have some homemade agility equipment that we can work on at home but I love taking doggy classes. We aren't doing any real jumping yet since Falkor is still growing but we are working on contact training, channel weaves, and directionals on the ground. I was really happy with how gung-ho Falkor was about the channel weaves right from the start! It is so much fun to train a dog that is up for ANYTHING and is so enthusiastic and happy...even when *I* fumble. :)

We'll be starting our second round of advanced obedience classes on August 29th. The classes focus a great deal on Rally which is good since I think we'll be entering some Rally trials in September.

Finally we have also started some REALLY beginners tracking which has been great fun as well.

I am also going to start video taping some of our training sessons so I can see mistakes that I am making. I have a really hard time with footwork and my body language so I know watching the videotapes will be a big help.

Oy it is HOOOOOOT here today. I think we are going to try to find some nice cool water to swim in!