Thinking About Handling Systems
Thursday, November 22nd, 2007 Posted in poodles | Comments OffThere are handling systems and handling rules out there. One person says "never layer"; another says "never use the off arm." (The off arm is the one away from the dog.) I have a friend who keeps telling me I need ...
“Less is More” or “Quit While You’re Ahead”
Wednesday, November 21st, 2007 Posted in poodles, training | Comments OffI spend a LOT of time formally training the dogs. (NOTE: you're always training a dog, 24/7, but when I say "formal training," I mean that you have specific goals in mind, treats/toys ready, and a plan.) Since my knee ...
Thinking About Training
Sunday, November 18th, 2007 Posted in poodles, training | Comments OffIn the days since Elly trapped herself between the deck and the house, I've noticed that she won't go anywhere near the spot, and that's got me thinking about dogs and dog training. What Elly did to herself is called ...
Stages of Recovery
Friday, November 16th, 2007 Posted in chondrosarcoma, knee rehab, poodles | Comments OffNow that I've officially finished with physical therapy, I get to move on to rebuilding the strength in my left leg. PT is all about regaining a full range of motion, but doesn't really take you through the next stages. ...
Done with Physical Therapy…
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007 Posted in knee rehab, poodles | Comments OffWell, Monday I finished up with physical therapy, with a sudden burst of increased strength and feeling pretty good... it suddenly felt like PT couldn't do much more for me, and they agreed. Of course, today I'm sore and tired ...
Dumbest Dog Move Ever
Sunday, November 11th, 2007 Posted in poodles | Comments OffOkay, so maybe Elly isn't that bright. But this is really stupid. Look at this picture: What you see there is a poodle that has gotten her head wedged between a stone wall and the edge of the deck. That's my husband, trying ...
One for Dancer, One for Elly
Sunday, November 11th, 2007 Posted in poodles, trials | Comments OffIt was a remarkably good day and a half of trialing. I had two big goals for the trial: good weaves and good leadouts. Elly got her weaves in 3 out of four runs, first try, all twelve poles. The fourth time, ...
Okay, I am a geek.
Friday, November 9th, 2007 Posted in knitting | Comments OffI think this is unspeakably cool: Okay, you ask. What's so cool about that? Look closely. It's a Mobius strip scarf. You cast on, start knitting, and the beginning becomes the MIDDLE of the scarf... you knit round and round and then ...
Goals for the Weekend Trial
Thursday, November 8th, 2007 Posted in trials | Comments OffI am writing down my goals now so I can't fudge them later: Weaves on the first pass for both dogs; I will move on if they don't get them in two tries. ("Anything more than twice is a training issue ...
Training…
Wednesday, November 7th, 2007 Posted in poodles, training, trials | Comments OffWe have an agility trial on Saturday and Sunday (at Argus Ranch). Dancer is entered in Novice Jumpers and FAST; Elly is entered in Standard, Jumpers, and FAST. I worked with both dogs today until I was once again dripping ...