Flash is working beautifully...

When I train with Flash at the hall as well as outdoors, he is concentrating so well and working absolutely beautifully! It is such a joy to see him enjoy himself! I hope so much that we are going to get placed at the Culverstone Limit Show in January - Flash has worked so hard, he deserves a rosette too!

Limit Obedience Show, NorthWest Kent

Flash and I went to his first obedience show this season in Culverstone. It started off great as Flash was just so relaxed; not a single grumble or anything when we walked into the hall!

We did a Beginners round and Flash worked beautifully... until the retrieve, which he only did after lots of commands... So we lost 6 points on that. It was such a shame because if he had done it nicely, we would have been placed high up. He only lost 1 point in heelwork on lead, 2 points off lead and 1/4 on recall! The judge commented on his beautiful heelwork.

It would have been lovely to earn Flash's first rosette, but it wasn't to be! But I was just over the moon how relaxed and chilled he was throughout! Amazing!

New reading from Marie

I have asked Marie to do a reading again to see what Flash's state of mind is. I am glad that it confirmed my impression that I had that he was much better, much more settled and pretty happy.

Okay so beginning with Flash.... first image is one of him lazily stretching out.. muscles rippling. I feel a half smile from him... i get words almost spoken in a drawl...'Heyyyyyyy. yes, big big changes'. An even keel.
Metabolism - much more settled, much more able to metabolise his food... to put it to good use.. instead of it reacting with him. In the past the word 'reactive' would have summed Flash up in lots of ways I get an image of a roast dinner type meal without the meat and then a laugh. ... and then I'm shown a food with a royal purple type wrapper. I'm shown skin that looks sore and inflamed - irritating - followed by an image of skin of glowing health and shinng fur. 'Just look at me now' A man is almost in awe of what your dedication has achieved. He gets plenty of exercise... needs it... then the idea that this is a bit of an obsession for someone... has to happen. He has worn a muzzle at some point.... this has been taught by an older dog, an older dog has taught him to use his mouth.... stemming from rivalry/rough play gone wrong. Words...'... I'm cool with life now tho. Image of him running round happily playing with a small brown dog.
Something about him occasionally getting a little 'twitchy' at the back.
Next I hear a click and Flash reaches out with his nose. You and he have a telepathic type bond. There was surprise in the past re an activity relating to this... I hear 'He's good at this'...
Something annoying about a click (this could be another dog... that short sharp sound that a clicker makes irritates somone... it's too abrupt).
Each time I have thought to start Flash's reading I have had a feeling of something stretching too far (maybe something in the future).
I get the word 'sausages' repeated.. a joke I think... not sure why. His ears prick a little .... lifting out of place... a comment re curls. You lifting up his ear flaps to see. He races round and round - big circles - a picture of health. An individual.
Image of Flash sitting up but resting his head on something soft. Patiently waiting. Looking longingly up.
Play with cloth... an item made out of material that gets hidden... put under things and then scented out.... he is watching this happen seeing rather than scenting.... then laughter again and a long slow tail wag ending with a quick shake.
He gives paw. Lifts his paw towards me but becomes a little unsteady There is a young man connected with Flash... a very earnest person..
A message for you Vera.... 'Your love has set me free'.... and the start of a song in the background to sum up your beginnings with Flash....'You raise me up'


Here's the comments I sent to Marie (within text in Italics):

Okay so beginning with Flash.... first image is one of him lazily stretching out.. muscles rippling. He does that on the sofa, using the whole sofa for a good stretch and roach. I feel a half smile from him... i get words almost spoken in a drawl...'Heyyyyyyy. yes, big big changes'. An even keel.
Metabolism - much more settled, much more able to metabolise his food... to put it to good use.. instead of it reacting with him. He rarely gets allergic reactions now, only if he gets hold of large quantities of animal products...
In the past the word 'reactive' would have summed Flash up in lots of ways I get an image of a roast dinner type meal without the meat and then a laugh. Yes, our dogs get Sunday dinner from time to time... Flash of course without meat LOL ... and then I'm shown a food with a royal purple type wrapper.
I'm shown skin that looks sore and inflamed - irritating - followed by an image of skin of glowing health and shinng fur. 'Just look at me now' Flash's coat is extremely healthy and shiny now. No dandruff, no itching.
A man is almost in awe of what your dedication has achieved. Not sure whether this is referring to hubby, though I doubt it... No idea who that is really, though recently someone was totally in awe of him and he commented that he was in excellent condition, this was a stranger though...
He gets plenty of exercise... needs it... then the idea that this is a bit of an obsession for someone... has to happen. Yes, Flash needs exercise otherwise he goes mental. It's his obsession (being a saluki) and mine of course too to make sure that he remains physically and mentally healthy.
He has worn a muzzle at some point.... Yes, he is muzzled on walks when off lead because he goes over the top with nipping and scruffing dogs when trying to play with them if they run. this has been taught by an older dog, an older dog has taught him to use his mouth.... stemming from rivalry/rough play gone wrong. It was Dylan who plays very rough and nips when playing, Flash didn't use to do that when we first had him. He learnt it quickly... and unfortunately took it to a whole new level... argh...
Words...'... I'm cool with life now tho. I am glad that he is overall happy, he seems to be pretty relaxed and settled these days. Image of him running round happily playing with a small brown dog. That's got to be Jesse...
Something about him occasionally getting a little 'twitchy' at the back. He does get tight around his shoulders and has recently seen our chiropractor for it. Has been fine since.
Next I hear a click and Flash reaches out with his nose. Yes, Flash loves clicker training and does an excellent "touch".
You and he have a telepathic type bond. There was surprise in the past re an activity relating to this... I hear 'He's good at this'... Could be the agility, in particular the weave where he totally surprised me how fast he got very quickly...
Something annoying about a click (this could be another dog... that short sharp sound that a clicker makes irritates somone... it's too abrupt). Could be in training class where one or two dogs aren't too keen as very noise sensitive...

Each time I have thought to start Flash's reading I have had a feeling of something stretching too far (maybe something in the future). Not sure what that means... I hope I am not expecting too much of him and over stretching him in that sense?
I get the word 'sausages' repeated.. a joke I think... not sure why. I call our dogs "big sausage" or "little sausage"... LOL I'm glad he thinks it's funny too...
His ears prick a little .... lifting out of place... a comment re curls. You lifting up his ear flaps to see. His ears and tails are the only thing that needs brushing occasionally, particularly the ears as his fine long hair there mats occasionally.
He races round and round - big circles - a picture of health. An individual. That's Flash all over.
Image of Flash sitting up but resting his head on something soft. Patiently waiting. Looking longingly up. That's how he asks for a cuddle and attention, resting his head in our lap or arms.
Play with cloth... an item made out of material that gets hidden... put under things and then scented out.... he is watching this happen seeing rather than scenting.... then laughter again and a long slow tail wag ending with a quick shake. We do scents for obedience training with cloths... He does it rather well himself as well as watching Jesse do it too.
He gives paw. One of the HTM exercises we have recently learnt. Lifts his paw towards me but becomes a little unsteady There is a young man connected with Flash... a very earnest person.. No idea who this is...
A message for you Vera.... 'Your love has set me free'.... and the start of a song in the background to sum up your beginnings with Flash....'You raise me up' THANK YOU! Flash is a very special boy!

Flash and Jesse attacked on way home

Last night, Patricia did not come to training, so it was just Jesse, Flash and me. Because of that, I decided to walk home along Portland Road and not through the green.

As we were walking along Portland Road, suddenly a staffie appeared out of a driveway and went straight for Jesse. I tried to get the dog off, but couldn't gain control because I had to hold on to the two leads to prevent Flash and Jesse from running out into the busy road. I tried everything to get Jesse away from the dog and Flash tried to get away too. Flash eventually slipped the harness and ran out into the road, but because Jesse was still being attacked and trying to get away too, I couldn't go after him and just called him. By then, the dog went after him and chased him around in the road... Cars had to break and stop to avoid an accident.

I eventually managed to pick up Jesse when I couldn't get hold of the other dog. Flash tried to come back to me a couple of times, but every time the dog chased him back into the road. I was terrified that Flash might get hit or would bolt... luckily he didn't and kept coming back onto the pavement.

After what seemed an eternity of chaos and me trying to get control of the situation without success, a door opened and some people came out and called the dog. By then Flash was back on the drive way, the dog came after him again and Flash finally turned around and growled at him, with that the dog went straight indoors.

They told me that their fence had a gap that was to be mended the next day... I told them that their dog went for mine and that they both ended up on the road with cars having to stop because of it. She appologised and asked whether my dogs were allright, which they were - at least physically. Perhaps Jesse's long coat saved him, I don't know.

I was shaking and crying on the way home, it was terrifying! I am still really tense inside because of it becaue of what could have happend. Flash could so easily have got hurt on that road or worse, killed; and I am so glad that he was confident enough to stay near me and not bolt! He was however worried on the way home too and walked with his tail tucked under.

This morning, they both seemed fine on their walk with other dogs, but time will tell. It really isn't what I needed with Jesse, that already has a problem with some dogs when he is on lead!

Flash scared me to death today... he screamed...

I was getting ready for our monthly meeting tonight and was tidying up in the kitchen just before 7 pm. All of a sudden, I heard Flash screaming like mad. I thought Troy was shaking him or something... But when I got into the sitting room, Flash was on the sofa, still screaming for another few seconds. None of the dogs were near him.
He eventually came off the sofa and I called him to me. He came, very rigid and scared!

I think he must have hurt his neck whilst fooling around on the sofa... his neck/shoulder felt very tense right after the incident!

It really scared me so much that I cried. I was in shock. Luckily Flash is perfectly all right and he recovered fully from whatever it was within a few minutes... God, I never want to experience anything like this ever again!

Muzzled

I have decided to muzzle Dylan and Flash for a while again... They are normally muzzled when I take them out at peak walking times or to places where I don't know the dogs. In the mornings when I know everyone and the dogs know everyone, I didn't muzzle.

However, on Friday, Dylan bullied a lab. He never liked him much since he was hassled by a lab a while ago that wouldn't take "no" for an answer until Dylan had to get quite nasty to get rid of him. Since then he has been a bit full-on with some labs, though never injured any (and I always made sure I'd call him back before he ran up to them). However, on Friday, said lab suddenly appeared from behind without me noticing it (with owners, so no-one's fault). Dylan charged over and - unlike all the other times - the lab ran off and Dylan chased and nipped him, which made the lab yelp. The owner then told me that he'd been attacked two weeks ago and is a bit more worried now! Fair enough... so Dylan is muzzled now until we gain a bit more control again and things have settled.

The same Friday morning, another lab appeared literally out of nowhere with no owner in sight... I did hear a faint voice of a woman calling presumably this lab... from about 200 yards away or so. Flash wasn't happy with him (the lab had a challenging body posture which Flash doesn't like) and nipped him too... again, no injuries, but he kept at it as the lab - yet again - wouldn't leave us alone (even after being nipped). It took minutes until we finally managed to get rid of him!
What worried me though was that Flash's teeth kept chattering for quite a while even after the event and I didn't like that. I think it is because he got hold of meat/meat juices during the previous few days which my husband leaves out and doesn't bother to put away. Flash is allergic to animal protein and one of the symptoms is behaviour problems including lowering of the aggression threashold, less self-control and less bite inhibition! So apart from telling hubby off and get him to tidy up after himself, in particular meat food, I have also decided to muzzle Flash for a bit until things are under control again.

Top Dog... the TV show was finally broadcasted

On Friday, 18th April, the show with Flash and me was finally aired. Unfortunately we did not have sky in the cottage and couldn't find anyone that had. But last night, Sandra in the training classes, brought me the DVD which she had recorded.

Cornel and I watched it last night and it was most strange to see myself and even worse hearing myself talking... Although Flash didn't always do what he was supposed to do, it was lovely watching him. And they did show a lot of footage of him running, bless him! It's what he does best and he looks stunning.

But I am very proud of him; six months earlier, he wouldn't have been able to cope with this scenario! My boy did well and I will always cherrish the beautiful record I have of him now!

All the people I talked to that saw it loved it, eventhough Flash came last with not that many points (but he had some... ha ha). It was after all entertaining to watch!

Our holiday in Wales 12th - 19th April

We drove to West Wales on Saturday, 19th April. It was a smooth ride, the dogs were fine and we arrived at around 3.30 pm.

First of all a few pictures of the cottage Swallow's Dance, where we stayed

The front of the cottage

The back of the cottage

The huge garden which we all loved

The living area downstairs

The sitting area downstairs looking out into the garden


Saturday, 12th April - ARRIVAL

On the day of arrival, we just settled in and relaxed. The dogs had a good inspection of the house and garden and then started to play and run around in the lovely garden.

Dylan, Flash and Jesse playing


Yay, I can run here... Dylan going mad!

Troy patrolling the perimeter

I like it here, mummy!

Troy's favourite spot just outside the back door from where he could see all of the garden and observe the house too

What? - say Flash and Jesse

Wow, that's worth a shake...


Sunday, 13th April - WISEMAN'S BRIDGE BEACH

All of them together observing things first thing on our second day

Dylan having a walk around

King of the Castle... sorry, Cottage...




Monday, 14th April - NEWBALD BEACH



Tuesday, 15th April - FRESHWATER WEST BEACH



Wednesday, 16th April - PEMBROKE CASTLE and FRESHWATER WEST BEACH



Thursday, 17th April - A DAY OFF TO RELAX



Friday, 18th April - TENBY



Saturday, 19th April - TIME TO GO HOME

Titre Test

It was time again to do the yearly titre test on Flash. I took both Dylan and Flash to the vet. Dylan had the second blood test and Flash had blood taken for the titre. They were both very good at the vet's, though Flash was worried as usual, but coped fine.
Paul didn't have the lepto vaccine there (or rather the one they had was out of date), so Flash will go back next week to get that. I hope he doesn't need the full set of vaccinations as he is doing so well on his vegan diet and I'd hate to upset the immune system and cause problems with vaccinations.

1st Place in Culverston Match

Today, Flash, Jesse and I went to an obedience match in Culverston, which takes place every year.

Last year, Flash won 1st in his group (Primary: circle of heel, novice recall, sit and down stay). And he did the same again this year... WOW. Well done, Flash.

Heelwork was quite dodgy to start off with (though no tight lead), but once I got my hand in the right place, it was perfect! So that was all my fault.
Recall was fine until he didn't do a present... just like last year... I got him to sit somehow and then to do a finish... That's where we lost our points.
The sit and down stay were perfect, eventhough I had to do them with Jesse and Flash together next to each other. And even when the dog next to Jesse got up, they stayed put.

I am so proud of Flash. He did very well.

Jesse came third and I was more than happy with his performance as it was the very first time he was in the obedience ring.

TTouch

I asked Jacqui to come round yesterday to do some TTouch on Dylan and Flash in the hope she could help shed some light on what is going on with them. She found Dylan to have a problem in his back end... which isn't surprising really and Flash was also a bit tense at the back end and around the head. Some more TTouch and probably a trip to Sue, our chiropractor, will hopefully help sort things out in this respect.








Competing for attention


And all TTouched out

Flash is back to normal

Flash's behaviour has returned back to normal, though I have taken some specially nice treats out with me and did some additional recall training. But the last few walks have been fine... (though he is still looking down the path where the food was - I keep him on lead until we are well clear of that area).

A bit better this morning, but still naughty

The walk this morning was better, but Flash was still decidedly reluctant to come back. First time, he didn't even take any treats... VERY strange! He also had times when I called him, he looked at me... then turned round and ran the other way - just like he used to do before he was on the vegan diet. At the end of the walk, it took about 10 minutes until he returned to me! This time, I just stood still and waited for him rather than walk away from him. I guess it is the food that he ate yesterday in the park...

Flash took off

This morning, Flash really gave me a run for my money... and I wasn't well pleased.

Flash was totally off his head this morning... He took off right at the end of the walk to the spot by the tram track where some idiot leaves food for the foxes (why do people have this compulsion of having to feed wildlife...grrrr). He hasn't done it for weeks, so I wasn't alert enough to stop him in time.

Anyway, he took off, I called him and went after him... and although he left the food alone in the end, it took me another HALF HOUR to get the little **** back on the lead... I have no idea whether it was the food that caused an allergic reaction so quickly or whether he was worried about being told off (which - though I was very angry - I wouldn't have done... but he would have still sensed my anger for sure).

So he danced around me, ran away from me, came back (I always walked into the opposite direction of him, unless I lost sight of him)... After half an hour, he walked back to me, let me put the lead on and home we went!

Well, late to work as I ended up missing my train... but hey... at least we had a looooooooong walk... though the second half was definitely not a relaxing one!

We'll see how it goes tomorrow.

College

From 11th to 14th February (leaving on 10th) we went to college with Dylan, Flash and Jesse with us. They loved the Travelodge hotel and seemed much happier and settled than in Arras Farmhouse B&B... Not sure why.

There were loads of wild bunnies around the service station at night and I am sure that Flash and Dylan thought they were in heaven... LOL. Of course, they weren't allowed to chase and stayed on lead.

Miscellanious and 18th April Top Dog TV Show

I took Flash to training for the first time after the Christmas break. It was ok, but I wasn't really enjoying myself and I wasn't sure Flash did either. So I have decided to give him a break from the Thursday classes and only take him with me on Tuesdays, when he loves it (probably because I am more relaxed too). I think this way he will benefit a lot more!

On 16th March, we will have a match with SEDTS, we'll see how he does then.

Oh, and we got the transmission date for the Top Dog TV Show: 18th April. It is exactely when we are on holiday, so I am hoping that there will be Sky TV there so we can watch it.