I always have fun photographing pups, but I have to say I don't think I've ever laughed as much as I did with Waldo and Olive! These two were sooo much fun...seriously, between all of Waldo's snorts and grunts and Olive's boings(!), they were just fantastic to work with.
I think this first picture about sums it up - NOT posed - these two just know how to work the camera!
Waldo is as cute as he is funny...
And here is little Miss Olive sporting her rock star collar...she's just too cute!
Big thanks to Waldo and Olive's mom for providing such great entertainment! :)
Peyton had four runs today at the Baldwin NADAC trial in Ocala...I can't say they were *pretty* runs, but I do think they were a *big* improvement over our first trialing attempts. My goals for this trial were to have fun, make the most of my time in the ring, and try to stick to a plan...overall, I think these goals were accomplished. I do think that my biggest challenge has little to do with Peyton, but rather my ability to think on my feet and try to make the good decisions when running...and while spots are flying all over the place. :)
We started with novice regular (standard) - I was really pleased with this run...even though Peyton was a bit squirrely, I think I took my time and worked through the most important parts. We did have one really ugly moment where I was really late in my front cross and we almost crashed, but otherwise there were some really nice moments.
Next was jumpers - a wild run! Not much to say except we were all over the place...a nice finish though. Our third run was chances and I think he actually did pretty well. We missed the weaves at the end, but at that point I didn't think it was worth trying to correct. Finally, our last run was novice weavers with a tunnel/weaves opening - very tough with a running start. It took us three attempts to get the weaves, but after that he nailed the other two sets. I'm really glad I took the time to work on the weaves...I think it was good for him to really *think* about what he was doing.
So overall, I'm really proud of how Peyton did, especially being at a new location. No Q's, but we did manage *not* to get completely eliminated on our final run. :) My only worry was that he seemed to get a little anxious after our first couple runs, but we also noticed that there was a lot of gunfire in the distance so I'm guessing that played a big part. The fact that he was even able to run after our recent gun shot incident was huge!
Here's a little video:
Sadly, Indy did not have a good day...we had some clean runs, but were over time. She's just not running with her normal enthusiasm. I know the new location was an issue for her, but I also don't think she's very happy about sharing *her* trials with Peyton. We have another trial coming up here in a few weeks and since it's closer to home, I'm hoping she'll be a little happier.
On a different note, after 9 runs today I'm *exhausted* - and sporting quite the farmer's tan (sunburn)...I don't know how people who trial multiple dogs in NADAC do it! :)
The spring 2009 edition of The GulfCoast Dog magazine is now available online! In addition to the usual nice articles and pretty pictures, this edition features....spotties! Yup, there is a nice little article about Simply Spotted Photography and several pictures of my spotted celebrities...or shall we say celebriwannabes! :)
There are some pretty cool products featured this month too, including a "pets eye view" camera that attaches to the front of your dog's collar. I'm thinking that might be kinda fun to play around with...I wonder if it would take decent pictures of a certain spotty running agility? Hmmm...
Anyway, I have to give big thanks to GulfCoast Dog for being so supportive of SSP and the entire Southwest Florida dog lovin' community! To access the current issue, please click here.
I've entered Peyton in a NADAC trial up in Ocala this weekend! He's improved so much over the past few months that I think I'm prepared to give it another go. And actually, I feel pretty good about it - well, except for the fact that they changed the trial location after I entered. We've never been to this location, so it should be interesting...for Indy too!
At this point, my only expectations are for us to have a good time and to use this trial as a great training opportunity. I feel like I learned quite a bit from our first trial attempts and this time I have more of a game plan - which is always a good thing. I'm going to try my best to take my time and try to keep the ring experience positive. I don't expect perfection, but I do expect a little more focus this time around - and if I don't have it, I'll need to adjust my plan. Easier said than done, but we'll see!
We've had a lot of fun in class this week! Peyton is doing so well with a running start - I can't say I enjoy it as much, but if it keeps him happy, I'll keep working on it.
Here's a video from tonight's class which included a tricky Excellent jumpers course from the trial this weekend. Once I figured out how to run a straight line without getting lost or running over Peyton, it went pretty well! :)
And here's a little video from last night's run...yee-haw!
It's been a busy weekend! I spent a good part of it at SOTC's agility trial - not competing (yet), but hanging out with good friends and watching some great runs. I didn't take many pictures, but here are a few...
First, is Zoey - *love* this picture of her...
And Zippity...check out those eyes!
Here's Riley...
Who apparently has decided that the teeter makes a great runway! :)
On a somber note, I learned that the Dal community has lost one of their most accomplished spotties. "Smokey Seymour Spots" passed yesterday morning, just 3 months shy of his 14th birthday. I remember seeing him run several years ago at my first agility trial, and was so excited as I had been told Dals were generally *not* cut out for agility. Such was not the case for Smokey, as I think he hit at least MACH 5 (along with multiple titles in obedience and road trials) before retiring a few years ago. Quite an accomplishment for any dog, let alone for a "non-traditional" breed.
I wish that I could have known Smokey in his younger days, as I've been told he had quite a few Peyton-like qualities. I'm really thankful to his dad Charlie for sharing some wonderful stories, and giving me some much needed laughs and encouragement for running my wild spotty boy. Hug your spotties (and non-spotties) tonight...just another reminder that our time with them is much too short.
Indy and I will be participating in the 2009 Paws in Motion Walk-a-Thon next weekend to benefit the Manatee County Humane Society. The event is next Saturday, March 28 and will be held at Adventure Park in Lakewood Ranch. We had a great time at last year's event, and I'm just hoping that the weather will be a little cooler this year! I am sad to admit that I have been a very bad fund raiser...this event kind of snuck up on me, and I'm convinced that I've somehow managed to lose a whole month somewhere. Seriously, it's like I woke up and realized March is almost over...and what happened to February? Bad, bad, bad. Now I have just one week left to raise some money for the Humane Society and I'm going to try my best. I know that times are tough, but any and all donations are appreciated...the dollars really do add up! As a little incentive, I will be happy to offer a free photography session to anyone (local) who donates at least $50 via my fundraising page, which you can find here: www.firstgiving.com/agilespots.
To my non-local supporters, you will all receive virtual "thank-woos" from Indy...who is really excited to be participating in this event. She's convinced that anytime there is a crowd of people, they all must be there just to see her. A little conceited, yes, but we love her anyway. :)
To learn more about this year's event, please visit www.humanesocietymanatee.org/pawsinmotion.asp. And if you are in the area, and want to join in on the fun, it's not too late to do so!
Many thanks in advance for your support - $5, $10, whatever...it will all go to help the homeless animals of Manatee County.
Just a few more Mozart pictures...these were too cute not to share. I think he kinda looks like a seal in the first shot and I *love* the big smile in the second! :)
While many were partaking in St. Patty's Day celebrations last night, Peyton and I were playing in agility class...in the (light) rain. At the time, it really didn't feel like we were having a very good night, but after looking at the video, I don't think it was quite as bad as it felt.
I'm not sure if it was the weather (he hates rain), or maybe he just thought we should have been home drinking green beer, but Peyton seemed to be a little out of sorts last night. I'm not sure what was bothering him, but we were able to pull it together enough to have a few decent runs. I've decided that I'm going to commit to a running start with him for now and only work in some start line stays when I think he's in the right mindset to actually stay. We'll see how that goes, but in the meantime, I think it might help any stress issues he's having.
Let's see...other challenges this week? Definitely convergence - I'm really looking forward to an article on this that should be coming up in the next edition of Clean Run. I also think it's about time that I really start working on the table - although he's getting a little better about not using it as a launch pad!
On a good note, there were some really nice things happening in our runs last night. His contacts were great - and I especially loved the line from the tunnel to the a-frame...what great speed and control! :)
I'm also happy to see some little signs of consistency in our runs. That is always one of *my* biggest challenges...how do I handle the Peyton I'm running this week vs. the Peyton I ran with last week. It's hard to be consistent when his level of focus and drive is always changing. Fun stuff!
ps - I've not been very happy with Blogger video so I'm giving YouTube a shot...please let me know if you have any issues. Thanks!
Mac is Mozart's older brother...he's a really great dog and also happens to be a rescue. He's just as sweet as Mozart, but a little more mature and laid back. No offense to Mozart, but did I mention that how enthusiastic his greetings are? :)
If I could give an award out for the most slobbery kisses, I think it would have to go to Mozart. Luckily for me, I'm used to his slobbers since he happens to be in one of the agility classes I teach. :) Seriously though, this guy is so sweet and full of personality...he is quite the character, and a wonderful ambassador for the breed.
And a few more fun shots of my favorite Rottie boy!
I stopped by Big Lots today to see if they had a computer cable that I was on a hunt for...they didn't, but while I was there I browsed through the pet section since they occasionally have some good stuff, amidst a lot of really nasty dog food and other junk. :)
I was so excited to find the cloud star brand of treats that I get for Peyton for $2.50 each...normally I pay close to $6 for a little bag. Woot! I ended up buying 8 bags of their sliced apple treats, which he really likes. And then while driving home, I decided to stop by another Big Lots and they had even more than the first store...this time I got 4 bags of the carrot slices and 4 bags of the sweet potato variety...and a cute little stuffie that squeaks and rattles for $3.
All together I saved over $55, and needless to say I probably won't need to buy treats for a while. I'm so excited...these are one of the few commercial treats that I use for Peyton since he has had some allergies in the past. These treats are great...limited ingredients, all natural, and made in the USA.
Just though I would share in case anyone is looking for a deal. Oh, and here's Peyton with all his goodies... :)
I was going through my files yesterday and realized that I never posted these pictures of Strider, a border collie friend of the spotties...who also happens to be a rescue (horray for rescue pups!). And since he's quite the character...I thought I'd highlight his cartooney (is that even a word?) personality in these shots. :)
This has been a pretty good week for Peyton in agility class. Tonight he was a little flaky, but not terrible, and in his defense it was warm and he was pretty hot before we even started running.
His start line stay is still bugging me...and it's not the fact that he's breaking, it's the fact that I know it's causing him some anxiety and I'm still not sure why. The only thing I can think of is that he really just wants to run and he's soft enough that it makes him worry when I stop him for breaking...so much so that he doesn't even want to go back to the line. Once we get going, he's fine...I'm not seeing any signs that he's anxious running - it's just the start.
Sooo, I'm still debating what the best approach is to fix this little issue. I definitely have to change his picture of the start line, but I'm not exactly sure how since everything I've tried up to this point has been less than successful. In the fall I experimented with a running start, but quickly found that I got too far behind and that was not the best option for maintaining a connection on-course. I'm thinking if I train a slingshot type of start that might help a little for now, but long-term I really think that we're going to be better off with a solid stay and longer lead outs. So I'm not sure if I should just go with it for now and see if I can get him back to a happy place :) or if that will cause some confusion down the road. Thoughts?
I do want to thank all my friends who keep reminding me how far he's come. It really wasn't that long ago that we could barely do anything off-leash...and now we're running full courses. They might not always be *pretty* runs, but for the most part I think we're starting to look like a team. So while I'm sure it sounds like I'm obsessing over the start line (which yes, I suppose I am), really I just want to make sure he's a happy spotty. Here's this week's video - Peyton has added his comments...I'm sure you'll enjoy. :)
I'm convinced that the spotties can read the clocks. Whenever I'm home in the evening, Peyton usually lets me know it's time for dinner by attempting to crawl in my lap while I'm working on my computer. And even though we woke up at our normal time yesterday morning, Peyton was letting me know at 8 pm it was time to eat (which would have only been 7 pm the day before). I don't have any other explanation other than they know how to tell time. Now if only I could get used to the change...although I'm not complaining as it's great to have the evening light back!
Here's a few more pictures of my senior spotty. I just love these shots of him. :)
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