2015 ASSA or Bust...

[fuzbuttsheltie]

Dani, how fabulous! I will be sending you and Rush the happiest vibes this weekend!

Thanks, I'm going to need the good vibes! My responsibility with Rush is to ensure she has a great time in the venue and in the ring. I have my bag of tricks laid out just in case she begins to stress. I know whatever it takes, she is my partner in this journey and I refuse to let her down. Keep sending the good vibes, please!

I owe my new spark in getting to be a better trainer to you, I am inspired by your journey with Davina

If you get a chance, read Suzanne Cothier's article, "The Habit of Excellence". If you're going to spend years training your dog and yourself, you should set your standards high. I believe judges become judges because they love giving back to the sport, but they also want to judge the best of the best. I am sure it's heartbreaking for them to watch team after team fail or offer sloppy performances. That's not the road I will travel.

I want to be the best I can be with my Justus puppy. I can't let a day go by wishing Bobby were still here, I have to get over it and be the best coach for Justus.

It's very true, I wish I had set my standards high for Derrick and Dalton.
Dalton has since been diagnosed with multiple health issues and Derrick has had two TPLO surgeries. Derrick could have easily finished an OTCh title but his legs were severely damaged before I fostered and then adopted him. Hence his CD title and the lower jump heights for Rally. Heartbreaker, I tell you heartbreaker. Bobby would be proud of you for stepping up to the plate for Justus!!

What books or seminars have helped you the most? I do not have a local trainer that I respect or trust enough to pay for private coaching.

There are so many instructors and books that it's difficult to recommend any because they all seem to do something that I'm 100% against, even Denise Fenzi. I am scheduled to attend a Lori Drouin (OTCh sheltie trainer) seminar and her book is excellent and only $35 but once again I won't follow through on everything she teaches with each sheltie. A classic example of this is the difference between Davina and Rush...two opposite ends of the spectrum in the sheltie world, so I don't use the same methods to train them. Both Davina and Rush are quick learners but I strongly feel if a trainer only has one method of training, then that's not the trainer for anyone!

Dani
OTCh Staymat Magnificent Journey UDX, OM2
Blackmyst Poker Face CD, RN
Armitage Dazzling Spun Gold CDX, RAE
Double Dare Derrick CD, RAE

 

[2GoodDogs]

Lori Drouin has been great on the lists I read, she has posted some you tubes that are very helpful too. She will be at Cape Fear DTC June 7 & 8. I am very tempted to go!

I have just about all the books, and more than one set of DVD's, and more than a bakers dozen of seminars attended.

It all boils down to getting it right in my head, so my timing is right and I know what I'm looking at/for... but I can't really do this alone. Will try to find someone I can listen to...

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Training log:

Last night articles were great. I do remember one time having to give a 2nd command to get out the article pile. I think I can point and say "find it" - will need to look at regs to see if I can command/and signal, like I can with the gloves...

Gloves last night, I confused him by trying to put the send to his spot with the glove retrieve.... I had him sitting with the gloves behind him (should have moved his front thingie behind the glove line) and we worked through it but had a little confusion, which I was totally responsible for.

Heeling was better last night, I'm going to get my armband on and have him refocus to the elbow/armband holder as that will keep him in my new perfect heeling spot.

 

[fuzbuttsheltie]

I hope you get the opportunity to see Lori. Yes, her posts are amazing and 99.9% of the time she nails exactly what I was thinking or the words I needed to hear. She offers the very best advice.

I,too, have plenty of books, DVDs, VHS, etc. but I prefer to attend seminars. What is usually covered in the written material is not at the level I wish to compete. Wow, that sounds snobbish, but I just hate watching sloppy.

You asked about a second command for articles....I take it you are turning/ sitting and then sending? I know for a fact that if you use this method, you can give a second command but I believe it's either verbal or signal. I have watched teams give the command as in sending for the glove but not with a verbal as well.

I worked the broad jump and heeling with Rush very early this morning as I like to give her a day of rest before a trial.

I worked ball exercises with Davina, some stretching, and then we walked briskly for 2 miles with another 2 miles in two sessions. We worked the moving stand and had a lot of fun doing this exercise. Teaching Davina to jump as she flys by me to offer the finish and I can see this girl smiling. I don't think I will ever tire of watching her.

 

[2GoodDogs]

The weather has been great, too nice to be inside so I'm going to ball fields, parking lots, anywhere where I can to get some new distractions and environments. The tennis court is my favorite. I love using the painted lines to keep us heeling in a straight line...

We are having some good results, mixed results and actually taken a step back or two. Seems the directed signal retrieve (UKC) is confusing his directed jumping just a bit.

Meanwhile, we are looking for an out of the way trial to go see if our first AKC CDX leg can be found. He's doing better on the sit stays, we practice those alot more in everyday life now.

 

[2GoodDogs]

Productive last night, had a 15 minute session with Justus at the training building, did both UKC glove exercises, signals, scent articles - all went very well. Then stopped by the open air farmers market, it was closing up and did heeling in close quarters by all the food vendors. We met several people and small children, practicing our "stand for examination" informally at every opportunity. We had a passenger train provide alot of distraction, if the beef and sausage vendor giving out samples wasn't enough..

I've been so hard on myself lately, that we aren't good enough. Today I'm giving myself a break. I do the best I can do and when I know better, I'll do better.

Justus gave me a real nice exercise but ended with a crooked finish... I decided to let it go and was real happy about his directed retrieve... the truth is I'm a "principal parts" trainer and hope that somehow I morph into a better trainer who can get the details... maybe next dog? (very excited that Justus' sister has been bred!)



I'm mailing my entry for the UKC trials, bust or not, I am willing to give us a chance.

.... had to add that Justus saw ponies last night. I think this was his first exposure. They had the circle thing with six saddled ponies. He was curious and quiet.

 

[2GoodDogs]

Nice run thru for UKC Utility this morn g, all the principal parts and some terrific fronts. Finishes a bit sloppy...