Stories of Spur: Dogging it in competition - michelemc's Blog - SacPaws.com http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc Spur competes in AKC obedience trials. He is a miniature schnauzer. This will chronicle his life on the "campaign trial" as he and his handler compete against dogs of all breeds for high titles. Spur competes in AKC obedience trials. He is a miniature schnauzer. This will chronicle his life on the "campaign trial" as he and his handler compete against dogs of all breeds for high titles. en-us Points or Pass? http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/368 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/368 One of the questions every obedience handler must face is the issue of whether to go for points, or whether it is satisfactory to pass a class.<br /> <br /> The answer to that is as individual as every person, every dog, and every situation.<br /> <br /> For now Spur and I have been focused on passing the utility class.&nbsp; So far, we haven't been successful - but we are getting closer with every effort.&nbsp; And as that success seems to approach, I've been thinking more and more about the quality of our performances.<br /> <br /> Of course, in order to pass the classes, we must successfully complete each exercise.&nbsp; That is Priority Number 1.&nbsp; A close second is attitude in the ring.&nbsp; Increasingly, Spur is having fun, and it is a terrific thing to see that exuberance.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> But I am also aware that we are messing up on the details.&nbsp; In Reno, Spur suddenly decided that he understood the nature of the exercises a little too thoroughly - and the result was a series of automatic finishes.&nbsp; None of those are disqualifying, but each could have cost us three or more points off our score.<br /> <br /> In Carmel, the judge praised me for a good save on the articles exercise.&nbsp; As I heeled around to face the articles, Spur failed to move an inch - evidently transfixed by some activity outside the ring.&nbsp; And so I found myself facing the articles, while Spur sat to my right, facing directly away from the articles.<br /> <br /> Under the circumstances, I gave him the &quot;Find!&quot; command, and was delighted when he whipped around, ran to the pile, and brought me back the correct article.<br /> <br /> But there's a sensible school of thought that I did not make the best decision.&nbsp; Once we achieve the Utility Dog title, we will flip up into &quot;B&quot; level competition, where passing the class isn't good enough.&nbsp; To earn points toward the ultimate title - Obedience Trial Champion - performances must be nearly flawless.<br /> <br /> More than once I have seen top exhibitors sacrifice a potential passing score in order to ensure the dog understands what is expected.&nbsp; In that school of thinking, I should have repeated my heel command.&nbsp;&nbsp; That second command would disqualify me, but would also reinforce correct behavior in my dog.<br /> <br /> The Utility Dog title is a difficult one.&nbsp; In the 12 trials I've entered so far, I've seen only two dogs actually pass.&nbsp; So the goal of passing looms very large.&nbsp; It will feel like a very hard won accomplishment when it comes.<br /> <br /> But it isn't an end.&nbsp; It's the entry point to whole new level of competition, goals, possibilities.&nbsp; At this ground level struggle, I need to keep in mind that quality is everything.&nbsp; The real fun begins at B level - and both Spur and I want to be sure we are ready.


Title: Spur takes the bar jump at a match
Caption: Spur takes the bar during the directed jumping exercise at the 4th of July match at American River College.
Credit:


Title: Spur takes the bar jump at a match
Caption: Spur takes the bar during the directed jumping exercise at the 4th of July match at American River College.
Credit:

Spur takes the bar jump at a match Spur takes the bar during the directed jumping exercise at the 4th of July match at American River College. The Campaign Continues http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/352 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/352 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The last two weeks have been crazy busy.&nbsp; We've been to Carmel for the Del Monte Kennel Club Trials, and to Reno for the Truckee Meadows Dog Training Club Trials.&nbsp; Two very different venues and experiences, all building Spur's exposure to different performance conditions.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The bad news is that although we've now been in the ring ten times, we have yet to earn a leg towards our Utility Dog title.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The reality check is that this is not unusual.&nbsp; In all the trials we've been in so far, we've seen only two dogs qualify at the Utility A level.&nbsp;&nbsp; This is one tough class!<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And the good news is that I can sense Spur is gaining confidence, and along with that, so am I.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Trainer Mary Vogler tells me this is all a part of the journey.&nbsp; There are dogs, she says, who do get three utility legs fairly quickly, and then fall apart when they move on to B level, because they have not built an adequately strong foundation.&nbsp; She says she's not worried this is taking a little time.&nbsp; Especially since I can see the progress.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; What does that mean?&nbsp; It means that Spur is having fun in the ring.&nbsp; He is an energetic performer and a delight to watch.&nbsp; This spirit will carry him a long way.&nbsp; It means that his confidence in his ability to do the exercises is growing.&nbsp; And it means that he is becoming more and more consistent in his performances.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I am also finding something new - a spirit of support among competitors that is stronger than I recall from past years.&nbsp; Helpful guidance, moral support and a sense of collaboration that is a wonderful dimension of this endearing sport.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All that said, Spur and I still face challenges.&nbsp; In Carmel, we got down to the very last exercise, and with victory in sight, I made a beginner's error and gave a very poor signal.&nbsp; Several people told me - kindly - that the failure was due to my mistake, and was not the fault of my dog.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In Reno, each day found us one mistake short of qualification.&nbsp; Spur is on his way to conquering the challenging go-outs, but distractions or exuberance caused him to miss an article.&nbsp; And he has somehow adopted the habit of the automatic finish - flipping around to heel position without my command.&nbsp; It's not a failure, but it is major points off that will keep us out of ribbons when we get to B level.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Our next show will be in Grass Valley over Labor Day weekend.&nbsp; There will be tales to tell in the meantime, and high hopes for that event.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In the meantime, it's all a journey, and both Spur and I are still enjoying the trip.


Title: Spur Is Ready for the Next Command
Caption:
Credit:


Title: Spur Is Ready for the Next Command
Caption:
Credit:

Spur Is Ready for the Next Command Matching It on 4th of July http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/331 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/331 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I start my 4th of July celebration the same way every year - at the Sacramento Dog Training Club's annual match, held at American River College.&nbsp; Some years I volunteer to help as a judge or steward, some years I'm just focused on taking advantage of a great training opportunity for my own dog.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This year it was all about Spur, and it was a terrific day.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The weather was cool, the venue was shady, the volunteers were experienced and well organized.&nbsp; A handler could hardly ask for more.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Perhaps because of current high gas prices, turnout was slightly less than it has been some years.&nbsp; There were only about a dozen dogs entered in the utility rings, and for that reason Alice Webber was able to give each of us some extra time.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For several years I trained with Alice, and her then-partner Marsha Dandridge (who now lives in Oregon and has gone on to become a fully accredited AKC judge).&nbsp; Alice is an expert, and she put us through our paces with some tough love.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Even at a match, it's all too easy to become distracted, nervous, or hurried, and completely lose the sense of what good handling is all about.&nbsp; Alice noticed that happening to me, and stepped in to set me straight with some excellent guidance that was fully in tune with the training methods I've been following with Mary Vogler.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In fact, Mary was also there, and watched us in the ring with a complete sense of approval.&nbsp; Afterwards, she was also able to add some further direction and reinforce the positives.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The biggest challenge remains the distractions.&nbsp; If I get a little nervous, a little harried in these settings - well, one can only imagine what Spur must be feeling.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And those feelings definitely show up in his performance.&nbsp; He may stare directly at me as a signal is given, and then ignore it completely.&nbsp; He may look away at a critical moment.&nbsp; He may feel uncertain.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The object of training and practice these days is, yes, to reinforce his knowledge of the exercises, but also to build his confidence.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I saw that confidence beginning to grow this weekend.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On the go-outs, for instance, I now create a little row of tubs of cookies he must run past to get to his destination.&nbsp; That has been difficult, but it is starting to happen.&nbsp; When the tubs go away - the exercise is suddenly far easier for him.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp; On Sunday, two days after the match, we were back at the park in the cool of the morning for more practice.&nbsp; Perhaps I'm delusional, but I believe I'm seeing incremental improvement.&nbsp; He seems to have an ever increasing sense of certainty about what he's doing.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This week will be very hot, and so we will not be able to get in much practice when I arrive home from work each day.&nbsp; On Friday, we head to Carmel for the annual trails put on by the Del Monte Dog Training Club.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I don't know what to expect.&nbsp; We'll do our best.&nbsp; Worst case, we'll come away a little wiser about all the things that can happen at a trial, and at least a little bit more prepared for the next big competition.


Title: Spur watches for his next command
Caption: Spur waits for his next command at the Sacramento Dog Training Club match held at American River College on the 4th of July.
Credit:


Title: Spur watches for his next command
Caption: Spur waits for his next command at the Sacramento Dog Training Club match held at American River College on the 4th of July.
Credit:

Spur watches for his next command Spur waits for his next command at the Sacramento Dog Training Club match held at American River College on the 4th of July. Keeping Perspective on Utility http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/300 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/300 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I have not been a very good blogger of late - life is very full!&nbsp; And we have been busy on the campaign trail.&nbsp; We were at two shows in Vallejo, we've been to Alan's class in <br /> Sacramento and spent much phone time and a class with Mary Vogler in Lodi.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The bottom line is that, for the moment, Spur remains a legless dog after six trials.&nbsp; One friend noted I haven't been blogging much of late, and said she hopes that doesn't mean I'm discouraged.&nbsp; I can't say I'm not discouraged, but I can say I am a realist and . . . forgive me . . . I am rather dogged about this.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; One fact that helps me keep it real comes from the simple act of observing what happens at the trials I attend.&nbsp; In six shows, I've seen just two dogs qualify in Utility A.&nbsp; Proof positive, in case I hadn't noticed, that utility is tough, indeed.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And if I'd hoped to find solace in watching the B dogs, there is little there to warm the heart.&nbsp; Of late, it seems to be fairly typical that about a third of the class entries actually achieve qualifying scores.&nbsp; These are highly experienced dogs, and recognizing how many of them fail a given class is a tremendous reality check.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are signs of encouragement.&nbsp; At the show last week, once again, Spur refused to do his goes.&nbsp; But when our turn in the ring ended, Judge Rosalie Alvarez approached me with a smile and an enouraging comment.&nbsp; &quot;This is a good dog,&quot; she said of Spur.&nbsp; &quot;He's going to get there.&nbsp; Don't worry about today.&nbsp; Utility is hard!&quot;<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Also on the encouraging side, my friend Christine Johnson and her Corgi, Pearl, just completed their Utility Dog title- after a full year of trials.&nbsp; &quot;We struggled for so long with a whole variety of issues in the ring,&quot; Christine told me.&nbsp; &quot;Then suddenly it all came together, and we got two legs in a row.&nbsp; As if it were easy.&quot;<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It isn't easy.&nbsp; It's very difficult.&nbsp; There are people who make it look easy.&nbsp; They do it with hours of practice, with total dedication, with a real focus on learning how to establish that rapport and communication with their dog, with an eternally upbeat perspective and never-say-die attitude.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I admit, this is a greater challenge than I had anticipated.&nbsp; What makes it all worthwhile is something more than the goal of earning a title.&nbsp; It's the great rapport with my dog, with my trainer and with my companions on the campaign trail.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We are a community and being part of that community is its own reward.


Title:
Caption:
Credit:


Title:
Caption:
Credit:

It's Time to Try Again http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/286 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/286 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This weekend, it's back to Vallejo for two trials.&nbsp; That means a week of focus and work.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I started with a good session with Mary Vogler on Sunday.&nbsp; She warns me that I am still &quot;helping&quot; Spur too much.&nbsp; I tend to watch him as we heel, to offer praise a little too frequently, to be too quick to haul out the Charlie Bears.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; None of those things can happen in the ring, and it's time to make my training as ring-like as possible.&nbsp; While keeping it fun fun fun of course!<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sometimes all the necessaries seem in conflict, and pulling everything together is hugely challenging.&nbsp; But the frustration ends each time I pull out Spur's special training collar and he goes wild with joy.&nbsp; He loves to go and train!<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Monday evening we went to Alan Miller's class, but not as participants.&nbsp; Instead, we set up our own ring right alongside Alan's area, and ran through the exercises - and a few fun games! - with the challenging distraction of 20 dogs racing about just a few feet away.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At one point, Alan had organized a fun chase exercise and some of the class dogs were suddenly right in our faces.&nbsp; &quot;I'm sorry!&quot; one owner called out, but Alan was just laughing.&nbsp; &quot;She wants that!&quot; he called.&nbsp; &quot;It's why she's here!&quot;<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Exactly right, of course, controlled chaos is the name of the game.&nbsp; Alan gets it, which is one reason he's so practically helpful.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Spur did remarkably well on everything, including the ever-challenging go outs.&nbsp; I began to have a little hope that perhaps we are getting on the right track.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Tuesday nite we took off to the park and found an ideal area to practice for the weekend's indoor shows - an unused tennis court.&nbsp; The distractions weren't as intense as Alan's class offered, but they were still helpful.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My plan is to visit a different locale each evening.&nbsp; The automatic doors at Raley's, the basketball players at Folsom's Davies Park, the soccer kids at Phoenix Field - they will all be seeing us.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Will there be a payoff this weekend?&nbsp; I cannot predict.&nbsp; Mary tells me this phase we're in is normal, that we are working in the right direction, and that our little team is definitely going to make the grade.&nbsp; I believe in her, in Spur and in myself.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I think!


Title: Axel and Spur like to play with toys
Caption:
Credit:


Title: Axel and Spur like to play with toys
Caption:
Credit:

Axel and Spur like to play with toys A Strategy Evolves http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/271 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/271 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The original plan for Memorial Day was straightforward.&nbsp; Go to Hangtown Kennel Obedience Trials in Placerville, and win utility legs.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Alas, it didn't work out that way.&nbsp; Based on the debacle at the Coyote Club Trials, our trainer recommended - no wait, she <strong>urged</strong> us to pull our entry - and focus on the next set of trials.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That means we'll be back in Vallejo on June 7 and 8, giving it a whirl at those indoor trials.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In the meantime, we're trying to figure out what the problems are, and be as solid as we can.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The problems, trainer Mary Vogler assures me, are nothing out of the ordinary.&nbsp; <em>Dogs are situational</em> she continuously reminds me.&nbsp; That is Point 1.&nbsp; Spur does a great job in our yard, in the park, in the class at Alan's or the Lodi training facility we visit.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Those are all places known to him, and comfortable.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Mary' has been to take him to as many different places as possible.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; That's a bit of a challenge when it means finding a new spot to set up a ring, or at least run around a bit.&nbsp; But we're doing our best.&nbsp; We've practiced heeling and signals outside the automatic doors at Raley's and in the cookie aisles at PetSmart.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We practiced go outs and directed retrieves at a Folsom park that is tucked away behind the Rotary club.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We set up our ring in Fair Oaks' Phoenix Field, and did the whole utility routine without a cookie in sight until the entire series of exercises was complete.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And in doing all this, I learned that Spur, indeed is not &quot;solid&quot;.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Which brings me to Point 2, the all important concept of Training With a True Eye.&nbsp; My true eye tells me what my heart doesn't want to see.&nbsp; Spur may look away at a key moment and miss a signal.&nbsp; He may be uncertain on the go out.&nbsp; He is sometimes over excited and brings back the first article he encounters, rather than the one that has been scented.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Nonetheless, in early June we'll give it a whirl again.&nbsp; And then we'll take a break to reassess and rebuild our mutual confidence and certainty.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So far, the challenge remains far more fun than frustrating.&nbsp; Training is therapy for me, and Spur loves to go and do and demonstrate his understanding of all my wishes.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We are a team with noteworthy strengths, and weaknesses we can conquer together.&nbsp; And the campaign trail still feels like the right place to be.


Title: Spur and his friend Shelly
Caption:
Credit:


Title: Spur and his friend Shelly
Caption:
Credit:

Spur and his friend Shelly The Trials of Spur http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/257 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/257 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On Saturday, I set out for the Coyote Kennel Club Trials with much trepidation.&nbsp; The weather was hot, and Spur does not like hot.&nbsp; I could foresee disaster.&nbsp; But it's my nature to fight pessimism, and so I set out hoping for the best.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And when we arrived, my hopes rose.&nbsp; The show grounds - Solano County Fairgrounds - were shady.&nbsp; There was a lovely breeze.&nbsp; The obedience ring was set amidst the trees.&nbsp; Everything seemed perfect.<br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But appearances are deceiving.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We wandered about to accustom Spur to the surroundings and it was clear they did not suit him.&nbsp; He did not care to practice heeling.&nbsp; He preferred not to respond to signals.&nbsp; It was only with much cajoling that he deigned to practice a few go outs at one of the conformation rings.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Uh oh.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; To keep the story brief, our sojourn in the ring was fairly disastrous.&nbsp; We failed every exercise except the moving stand.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Spur heeled acceptably, but preferred not to acknowledge any of the signals I administered.&nbsp; He retrieved the correct articles, but did not wait for me to actually send him to the pile.&nbsp; He stared directly at the correct glove, then ran out to a different one.&nbsp; As for the goes . . . let's just say he didn't.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Afterwards, I had a long conversation with my trainer, Mary Vogler. She urged me to scratch him from the Hangtown Trials Memorial Day weekend.&nbsp; Hey - sixty bucks down the tube?&nbsp; When I down he can do it?<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I was resistant to her recommendations . . . . but 24 hours later I finally accepted the fact that she is right.&nbsp; I have a dog who does all the utility exercises beautifully . . . . in a familiar setting.<br /> Alas, not too many trials are held in my backyard or neighborhood park.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And so, on the Tuesday following the disastrous Saturday, Mary and I talked again and made a plan.&nbsp; I will spend Memorial Day weekend playing a bit more golf than I had intended.&nbsp; Practicing with Spur.&nbsp; And getting ready for another set of trials in early June.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is no rush.&nbsp; There are things I must do to help build his confidence in new places.&nbsp; We'll get there.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; More on how we plan to do it . . . next time.


Title: Spur Thinks
Caption:
Credit:


Title: Spur Thinks
Caption:
Credit:

Spur Thinks A Tough Weekend http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/231 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/231 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This weekend was a challenging reality check.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; First a Saturday workshop in Vacaville, at which Spur decided that he had forgotten all the exercises we've been so painstakingly learning.&nbsp; He did the go out, but only with prolonged sniffing at the far gate, and a refusal to sit.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He stared at me in confusion when I gave him a down signal.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He ran out to the article pile and brought back whichever one he first reached.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; All in all, it was a monumental mess-up, and one which prompted suggestions, tips and guidance from people who definitely know what they're doing.&nbsp;&nbsp; Still - some of those ideas reflect a different training method and approach than I've been using.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I was advised not to put treats out for the go out, and not to follow him out for a reward on the sit.&nbsp; This represents a fairly drastic change for him.&nbsp; As I experimented with some of these ideas, I felt Spur begin to shut down. &nbsp; And so we headed home.&nbsp; While he snored in his crate, I agonized over what to do.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In our own yard, we practiced the goes as we've been doing them.&nbsp; Treats at the far gate intermittently, a treat for every good turn and sit.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sunday morning I was back on the road, this time to Lodi for a private session with my long-time trainer, Mary Vogler.&nbsp; I arrived, leapt out of the car, and poured out my concerns.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Thank goodness for Mary.&nbsp; She reminded me that she and I are on a path with Spur.&nbsp; He is four - still young for utility - and he is green.&nbsp; She is convinced our training plan is working, and I am confident she is correct.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I set up my jumps and gates in a field that is unfamiliar to Spur, and we began to put him through some paces.&nbsp; These included sending him to a post spread with cheese and commanding him to sit before finishing the treat.&nbsp; The idea being to cure the sniffing problem.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I don't expect miracles, but I'm feeling better about our progress.&nbsp; Our April failures served as an object lesson.&nbsp; To know if we are ready, we must keep trying.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I have a plan and a strategy for that, and it begins next Saturday with the Coyote Kennel Club Trials in Vallejo.&nbsp;&nbsp; We will go for one day, to take the temperature, and clarify what needs work.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I plan to take my gate to the grounds for an on-site warm-up.&nbsp; I plan to arrive early, so Spur is as utterly comfortable on the grounds as possible.&nbsp; And I plan to get out for training as much as possible this week.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This campaign, as Mary reminds me, is a journey.&nbsp; The point is to make every step a step forward - even those steps which do not appear to be fully successful.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I'm on board with that.&nbsp; And I'm looking forward to that time when Spur is right there, fully with us as well.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;


Title: Mary Vogler and Michele with Spur
Caption:
Credit:


Title: Mary Vogler and Michele with Spur
Caption:
Credit:

Mary Vogler and Michele with Spur Every Night's a Three Dog Night http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/220 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/220 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; My favorite image on this web site is the <u><font color="#0000ff"><a href="http://www.sacpaws.com/home/StaticPage/16">time-lapse video</a></font></u> of three gordon setters sleeping with their owners.&nbsp; Hey - who owns this bed anway?&nbsp; And how could these people possibly be getting any rest?<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I only know that a night without my dogs on the bed is a lonely night, indeed, but I'm talking about smaller creatures here.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Most reputable dog training books advise pet owners not to allow their pets to sleep with them on the bed.&nbsp; It's too empowering for the dogs.&nbsp; It leads them to believe they're actually in charge of the household.&nbsp; It can create other behavioral issues.&nbsp; It may not be utterly hygienic.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But what loving owner cares about any of that?&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I keep my bed covered with a flannel sheet that can be washed, well, anytime I happen to remember to do so.&nbsp; I lay a special fuzzy blanket up the middle of the bed, so the pets can spread out in between my husband and myself.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At least, that's where we start.&nbsp; But in the night they do have a tendency to migrate.&nbsp; Spur likes to get under the covers, next to me, as soon as possible.&nbsp; Axel curls up next to Don, or sometimes on my right - never my left - side.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Petra likes to force Spur further down into the bed so she can sleep on my left - never my right - side.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; For a while I thought I was developing bursitis in my shoulders.&nbsp; Then I realized it was caused by hours of sleeping on my back, each arm curled into a big &quot;C&quot; shape, with a dog cuddled on each side.&nbsp; I fixed that by learning to sleep with my arms straight.&nbsp; The dogs can rest their heads on my shoulders if they wish.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This sounds as if I am spoiling them so terribly.&nbsp; But I am the one who is spoiled.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Life is full of stress.&nbsp; I'm an entrepreneur dealing with a challenging economic environment.&nbsp; I provide services to clients and I am anxious about the quality of the results I achieve.&nbsp; I'm in the midst of wearying business negotiations.&nbsp; I'm constantly looking for more time to train, to golf, to enjoy time with my husband.&nbsp; I'm usually on a diet.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are times when these and other matters weigh on me significantly.&nbsp; In the night, even small issues loom large and tension keeps me awake.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; In those moments, there is a perfect solution - reach for a schnauzer.&nbsp; Cuddle up and pet.&nbsp; Listen to them gently snoring.&nbsp; There is no more soothing sound.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Life can be either grand or challenging, but there is always something to worry about.&nbsp; My three dog nights are a soothing solution indeed.


Title: Spur, Axel, and Petra Sleep on the Bed
Caption:
Credit:


Title: Spur, Axel, and Petra Sleep on the Bed
Caption:
Credit:

Spur, Axel, and Petra Sleep on the Bed Training: Consistency is Key http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/208 http://www.sacpaws.com/home/Blog/michelemc/208 &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Some days it is just flat tough to get out and train.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I do have a life apart from dog training.&nbsp; In that life, I own a small business, go to a lot of night meetings, play a little golf, spend some time with friends.&nbsp; Or occasionally, when I get home from a long day, I just feel like crashing on the couch.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The problem is Spur.&nbsp; He greets me with a toy.&nbsp; &quot;At the very least let's play some tug!&quot; he seems to say.&nbsp; And he is off and running, frenetically squeaking his new plush coyote critter, or dropping the tug toy enticingly at my feet.&nbsp; Irresistible.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Then there is the reality of the thing we want to do - to win recognition and titles.&nbsp; We have to train if we want to achieve that.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Years ago I ran a marathon.&nbsp; That experience taught me that I can do almost anything - within reason of course! - if I am only willing to do what it takes to get there.&nbsp; For me, the marathon meant months of long daily runs, and a 10 or 15 miler once a week or so.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Training Spur is far less rigorous, but it does have challenges.&nbsp; I must keep it fun and fresh for him.&nbsp; The minute our practice becomes rote or repetitious, I am done for.&nbsp; He will quickly realize that the dogs in the next ring, or the spectators, or the casual passersby, are all far more interesting than his boring mistress.&nbsp; <br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; So I watch the calendar and try to make sure we get out to a location away from home at least four times a week.&nbsp; At home we practice the little things.&nbsp; It's easy to practice fronts or get-backs or a back rotation for glove three right in my own living room.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; And the fact is, once I get into it, training is fun.&nbsp; In trying to make it happy for Spur, I wind up making it happy for myself.&nbsp; It's long been said that even faking a smile soon makes you feel truly smiley inside.&nbsp; I am living proof the old adage is true.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; However reluctantly or crankily I started out, I always end up feeling . . . well, just great.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Many of the people I'll eventually be competing with live full time in the dog world.&nbsp; They are judges, trainers, vets, vet techs, or reitrees who love dogs.&nbsp; They have a universe of time that isn't available to me.<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But I still think we can get in the game . . . . as long as we do what we must.&nbsp; And so . . .&nbsp; off to the park!<br /> <br /> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;


Title:
Caption:
Credit:


Title:
Caption:
Credit: