BordrColy

Botanical Caution

2009-11-24T02:46:55Z

This is horrible. I feel so bad for the dogs and their owner.

http://www.teamk9fitness.com/mynightmare.html

Smiling Topic

2009-10-27T05:23:44Z

Photo taken by Gail Smith

More photos on his Hob Nob Border Collie page

Topic's Open 24" JWW run at TVDF

He also ran in Time 2 Beat at 24" with no dropped bars.

Jump height

2009-10-27T05:07:10Z

I chose to jump Topic at 24" in AKC for several reasons and now I'm reevaluating those reasons. They were:

1) To give myself more 'handling' time
2) To avoid having Fable and Topic running close together, so I would have enough time to cool one dog down and warm up the other.
3) I like the way he looks at 24" and he's light enough on his feet that I don't believe it is a problem for him.

but now I've realized a few things

1) The extra handling time hasn't changed much.
2) Topic is still in Open since I've cut way back on trialing and when he gets there the 20" Excellent class is large enough that I should be able to separate both boys enough in the run order.
3) Topic looks just as good at 20" as 24", heck he's just plain good looking in my eyes anyway. :-)

Therefore I'm now thinking of jumping him 20" in AKC, (he's been 22" USDAA and that's where he will stay). Too bad AKC doesn't have a 22" class. I'll try to decide by November 11th which is the closing date of the next AKC trial I hope to enter.

Plastic Plywood

2009-09-24T04:48:27Z

Anyone know anything about plastic plywood? My teeter has dry rot and I need to put a new board on it - my winter project. I was thinking of this instead of marine plywood, of course cost is another thing I need to consider.

bordrcoly @ 2009-09-16T22:58:00

2009-09-17T05:59:39Z

Here is Roy

In contact with contacts

2009-05-24T03:32:57Z

I saw a post about the AKC May Agility Judges Newsletter and thought I would read about the leash regulations but what peeked my interest was the section on judging the down contacts. It was nice to see things spelled out more clearly, now we shall see if judges follow these guidelines.

Judging Contact Equipment Exits

Upon exiting a contact obstacle, a dog whose front feet hit the ground first, prior to the hind feet coming to rest within the down contact zone due to momentum, should not be faulted for failing to step into the contact zone. Additionally, a dog's performance should not be faulted for a wrong course for retouching the contact zone if the dog's back feet briefly lift off the contact zone without all four paws contacting the ground, then back onto the zone as part of the dog's stopping action at the bottom of the obstacle

Agility Judges Guidelines, Chapter 5, Section 3 states:

Non-faulted descent: A dog that is descending a contact obstacle would not be faulted for placing one or more paws on the ground prior to placing a paw in the contact zone, as long as the movement is in the dog's natural stride. This may occur with larger or long-bodied dogs that, with their natural stride, move over the majority of the contact before a rear paw engages the contact zone.

Therefore, a dog whose two front feet hit the ground first and whose hind feet (or foot) then come to rest or push off the contact zone is considered to have successfully performed the contact obstacle and shall not be faulted.

Conversely, if the dog has left the contact with all four feet now being on the ground, then reaches back and places one or more feet onto the previous obstacle, then the dog should be faulted for a wrong course action.

CAT in July

2009-03-18T00:29:50Z

This question is for any of you going to the July CAT trial in Carlton, do you know what dog friendly hotels are located nearby?

Facebook

2009-01-30T05:02:28Z

Is Facebook really all that? I don't have any idea what Facebook is like but I've received several invites, many from my LJ friends. I really like you guys but I barely have time to post on LJ so please don't be insulted if I don't join Facebook.

Last person out please turn off the lights

2009-01-29T07:12:13Z

I still can't believe the RHR trial ran as late as it did on Saturday. I left shortly after Topic's Advanced Snooker run, I looked at the clock in my van it was 9pm and they still had Starters Snooker to run. I can't say why it ran late except the large number of runs but there were moments when things seemed to be going along very fast and then screech to a halt.

I haven't counted Qs for Fable or Topic, just know that I was pleased with most of their runs. The mistakes were mine. Fable did get a Steeplechase Q. Topic broke one startline in Adv Gamblers so we left the ring, he was solid on the start line after that. His contacts were nice, the table was not. On Sunday when Topic wouldn't down on the table, I whispered some bad words in his ear, thanked the judge and carried him off course. We will be working the table a lot.

Big Thanks to 3bluentru 's brother, a snooker master for sure. While I was getting ready to run Fable in Master Snooker they were walking Advanced Snooker, the gate steward wouldn't let me move Fable up so I knew time would be tight to figure a course for Topic. I saw 3bluentru 's brother standing ringside, I gave him the Advanced Snooker map and asked him to create a course for us, his only question was how are Topic's weaves to which I responded good. So off I went to run Fable, I came out of the ring, handed Fable off, got my Advanced Snooker course briefing, went to walk the course and the judge whistled people off to start. I told her I just ran in Masters could I just walk Advanced once, she gave the okay so one time thru and off to get Topic. What a nice flowing course he designed for Topic and I, we made it thru the opening and in the closing the weaves were just a bit too tempting as I took one step to far sent Topic to the weaves instead of the tunnel - whistle, but I left the course feeling good. 3bluentru please thank your Bro, he's awesome!

Pairs with both dogs was fun, Topic ran Advanced with his brother corgi2bc 's Steam and Fable ran Masters with his gal pal csagility 's Windy. The trial was over earlier for me on Sunday but not for the workers. If csagility or agilepawz weren't running a dog they were at the score table, thank goodness because without agilepawz Fable might not have his Steeplechase Q. I also got an email today saying that Fable may have gotten a Super Q, not sure how as we dropped a bar in the opening and I responded saying so.

No trial this weekend, just some much needed rest and oh yeah, table training.

Rose City Wrap Up

2009-01-20T21:31:47Z

First I have to say that csagility and her baby girl Roo are great roommates. Of course Fable and Topic thought Roo was the cutest girl ever.

Seeing so many LJ friends running their dogs was a blast. Everyone seemed to be having wonderful runs. Fable handles the surface fine but I have to remind myself how I can get places on the rubber that I can't usually be so it took me a day or so to adjust. Topic did okay on it but I can see in the video he was slipping some but it didn't help that my timing was late. The crowds don't bother Fable and Topic seemed to thrive on the cheering which is good, I saw some dogs who definitely didn't want to be there and in Novice some dogs that shouldn't be there. We had a discussion what their instructors would say or think of these people showing their dogs in this particular venue when it was clear that they were no where near ready to compete to begin with. I blew my budget and purchased a water color of Topic but I couldn't resist, it was his first professional agility photo. It's 11 x 17 so I could only scan part of it.

As usual by the end of Day 4, dogs are a bit tired (except Topic ;-) and this handler a bit impatient with the general public. We came away from the weekend with 2 (back to back) QQs for Fable - YAHOO!! And 3 First place Novice Standard legs to earn Topic's NA title so we are in Open/Open. I am so glad to be done with 6 weaves, at least in AKC.

Here are videos, they were recorded in HD but I couldn't get YouTube to upload them in HD.

Topic's runs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejTVK5LgpBs

Fable's runs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RacF-xsDfw

Thinking the snow was going away

2008-12-24T23:59:12Z

I let the dogs have a long play time in it today. Topic started playing hide and go seek and it was funny because Fable would tell me where he was every time.

First one ear, then two and then the head pops up as I ask Fable, "Where's Topic"

Finally they decide to take a break in the snow

One of the cute but not so innocent Topic

What should I train today?

2008-12-21T22:16:27Z

Contacts, jumps or weaves - probably not . My neighbor from up the road came with his tractor, it had chains on, I didn't know tractors needed chains. He cleared my driveway, not that I could drive down our road, but it was nice to see cement again even though it was very temporary with more snow falling.

It's official I'm tired of the snow

2008-12-21T03:06:39Z

I never thought I would be tired of snow, I like snow, it's pretty, makes everything so quiet and peaceful, the dogs love it but now I just see myself surrounded by white coldness. It's been snowing here again since about 10am, now my power is flickering off and on. I called around to find out about studded tires for my van, everyone I called is sold out of the size/type I need until at least Tuesday, one place wasn't even answering their phone. I have a set for my blazer that I purchased two winters ago but of course those aren't the right size either, anyone want to buy a set of barely used 235/72R15 studded tires? ;-) Perhaps it's a good thing because I don't have the $600 to spend on tires anyway but I can't stand another day knowing I'm house bound. It's no longer pretty! Of course the dogs still enjoy it. A friend sent me this photo, maybe I should try this tomorrow.

Unofficial Snow Measurement

2008-12-19T21:05:55Z

We have had some melting today, go figure with freezing temps, because when I measured yesterday we were over 12" but I didn't take a photo.

More Snow Photos

2008-12-19T06:18:06Z

I didn't want csagility to think my boys were sissys and wouldn't stick their faces in the snow ;-) Everyone was out long enough today to get snowballs on the feathers, tummy and feet.

Snow Photos

2008-12-18T19:48:55Z

We have about a foot of snow, the dogs of course love it as do I for the most part but I'm getting a little cabin crazy.

HD Video editing

2008-12-14T19:40:33Z

I'm seriously thinking of going HD, not the big $$$ camera but the same manufacturer (Aiptek) as cflyrun and if I do, I need to find HD editing software. I currently use Studio 12, have used various versions of Studio for a long time so I am familiar with it but I will need to upgrade so it works with HD. Is there something easier, better, smarter to be using? What does everyone else use? I looked at reviews http://video-editing-software-review.toptenreviews.com/ but would appreciate anyones personal experience with their editing software.

Saturday Training and Fun

2008-12-07T02:34:34Z

Since I didn't go to the trial this morning, I slept in, made myself a latte and read the paper. The BC boys were very patient but they let me know it was time to do something about 10am, so we went outside to work - you guessed it sit stays. Also did contacts and weave entrances. We started with some box jumping which I hadn't done in a long time, Topic had to sit and wait behind a short (10") garden fencing which he did very well while I worked Fable and then they switched places. We moved onto weave entrances using 6 poles I sent each dog from my left and right sides while I stood in the middle, we tried this in Topic's class and he wasn't very successful but at home he did well and so did Mane Man Fable. I'm planning to add more odd and difficult weave entrance practice because as Cflyrun pointed out, it's the hard entrances that cause the problems and the crazier entrances we work on then the ones we see at a trial will be easier - duh, now why didn't I think of that. ;-)) Next up were contacts, worked some race game to build up the drive down and then threw the toy and asked for 2o2o. Topic had fewer problems with this than I expected, he only came off the DW a couple times without being released to the toy. I'm still trying to figure out Topic's teeter, he will drive to the end but it's almost a flyoff unless I give him his 2o2o and then he stops a bit short. I think I'll adjust the teeter so it drops a different points and see if that makes a difference. Soon it was time to come in, but not before some table work and down practice. About 30 minutes later I loaded the BC boys into the van and off we went to Fido's Farm where Topic had a lesson and Fable came along so he could work sheep. Herding is such a soul touching experience for me, there is just something about being in a field with your BC and some sheep that makes me smile inside and out. Time flew by, when I loaded Fable in the van, I had been at Fido's Farm over 2 hours. Now the BC boys are content..... until sunrise when they will be ready to run again.

Climbing up the slippery slope

2008-12-06T06:20:37Z

I've upped the ante with Topic's sit stays, and while this isn't trial tested and I know we aren't there yet he has progressed. He will line up and sit very readily, I leave him and can throw toys and food around him, towards him and away from him, I can toss a toy and run for it. I can play and tug with the other dogs, and even brought the garbage and recycle bins down from the road with him in a sit stay - that was probably one of the hardest so far as he enjoys herding me and the bins down the driveway. Tomorrow we go herding and then we will work on more sit stays. I hope in the coming week to be able to leave Topic in a stay while I do some agility with Fable. I have noticed his sit change from a vulture sit to a more relaxed and upright sit. I haven't increased the distraction level until he is ~ 90% successful, meaning butt down and NO foot movement. I've also been working on a fast down since that was another issue at Trails End and some attention heeling - neither one of those is ready for prime time yet.

The Argus Formerly Elma Trial

2008-12-05T04:59:26Z

On Saturday there are 400 runs scheduled to be in the one ring arena, a very large match was already scheduled at Argus and is using the obedience barn, and main agility building for obedience, rally and agility plus the earthdog club is having a fun day match and meeting in the south pasture. Exhibitor parking is in the far south field and I just picture lots of dogs, cars and people vying for space. Fable is in the first class of the morning and Topic is in the last class of the day this will also make for a very long Saturday. With all this in mind, I decided to pull my entries for this trial. Here is my question, I realize that the trial secretary is probably pulling her hair out by now but shouldn't she respond to my request to cancel and refund my entries that I sent yesterday? I'm getting ready to send her another email, I don't want to annoy her but I want to be sure she received the email prior to Saturday.

I'm hoping to spend the day hanging Christmas - ooops I guess they are Holiday - lights and doing some herding, then Sunday I can sleep in. :-))

Puppy in a basket

2008-12-01T23:34:45Z

I just came across this. I have no idea why you would put a 3 month old border collie in a basket but the photographer thought it would look cute. The facial expression says a lot.

Yes that is Fable.

Training Day

2008-11-23T22:40:37Z

Started the day with training at Dog's World with csagility and corgi2bc . I ended up taking a round about way getting there, I was talking and missed the exit, the main reason I get lost is because I'm talking - huh who would have guessed ;-))) which is why I have GPS. I got some good startline practice with other dogs running around. Topic is back to not downing on the table so I'll have to add some table drills back in this week. I really like training with others, csagility has such a good eye and I always like the input. The Dog Walk is coming along but he is doing more 'lawn darting' on the Aframe. Thinking about it, it seems that he does it more when I give his 2o2o command later, I wonder if he's not shifting his weight to the rear until I give him his 'look' and that's why he lawn darts. I'll have to keep an eye on that and ask those around me for their observations. After practicing agility in a nice clean building it was off to Fido's Farm for some herding. There is something about sheep and BCs that touches my heart, except the slipping in mud and poo part. Roo looked good, very calm, listening well, she is such a talented dog. Slider got to gather lambs which I know he had a good time doing (I had to leave before seeing Steam on sheep). Topic and I did well for not having been on sheep for many months. On the drive home I tried to figure out ways to get some more herding in, while sheep trialing is NOT my thing, training, working and just moving sheep around gets in my soul and I feel a need to play Heidi in the Hills with my trusty dog at my side. After a quick bath, Topic is sleeping on the couch, looking so sweet and innocent - that is until he opens his eyes.

RAT USDAA

2008-11-20T05:13:40Z

I had a grand time at the trial, or at least I think I did. I was busy with Masters, Starters and Team classes with two dogs. I don't know how some of you do it. Fable was his Fabulous self and thanks to my teammates corgi2bc with Slider and csagility with Windy we ended up placing 1st. Topic's team with his brother Steam and our friend Cindy with BT Tory did a nice job, no team Q but I don't think we do so bad for a baby dog team. Topic and I did better on the Team courses than Starters and two of his best runs were Team Gambler and Snooker, I was pleasantly surprised. He hit all but one of his contacts so I know he's understanding, now I have to be patient (or so I am told) and his speed will continue to build. His startline stays needs some work ;-)

Here is Topic's first photo from an agility trial.

Dog Food - any thoughts?

2008-09-19T03:58:53Z

So here I am debating my dog food choices. Both boys are on Canidae, I was feeding EVO until Topic came home and when I emailed the company about feeding it to a puppy they were hesitant so I switched both to Canidae which has been fine. But with the change in formula (which I'm not happy with) and hearing about the GI problems I'm thinking of going back to a no or very low grain food again. Any suggestions? Please don't suggest raw, it's not for me, while I have no personal problem with it, I know I can't and won't follow a recipe close enough to be healthy for the dogs. And I hate packing up a bunch of stuff that needs to be kept refrigerated. Plus I barely cook anything for myself.

I've been looking thru my choices, anybody feed these or have any experiences with these foods? Or any I've missed and should consider?

EVO www.evopet.com
Orijen www.championpetfoods.com
CORE www.wellnesspetfood.com
Instinct www.naturesvariety.com/instinct_dog

Home from Missoula

2008-09-17T07:13:56Z

I've hardly had any time to reflect on Topic's debut. There were many good things and some not so good things but nothing bad so I'm pleased about that. Most of the not so good was me, my handling or the doubts I would let creep into my head. We did get a Q in every games class with placements in three of them but that's not what this trip was about. It was about getting our feet wet, I had no expectations which meant I didn't know what to expect and that may be why I had a bad case of nerves on Saturday . By Sunday I realized that Topic really wanted to do agilty and do it with me, that I needed to relax and just handle him. Thank goodness for people like </a></b></a>csagility and agilepawz who were there, they kept me laughing, gave good advice and much needed support.

Here are a couple of our runs:

Jumpers

Snooker

I made the judge scratch her head on our snooker run because after makeing the 7's and closing thru #5, I left the ring, the AF was #6 and our contacts are not prime time ready.