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.

X-mas Party

Last night, it was the SEDTS Christmas Party. I brought both Flash and Jesse along. Unlike in other years, each members had to think of a game. I was first up with my Ball Pool game (dogs needed to retrieve as many numbered tennis balls as possible), which everyone seemed to enjoy. There was also a recall through two rows of sausages, musical chairs (without the chairs), find a treat under plastic cups, "apple and spoon" game and a dressing up game.

Flash and Jesse did really well and I was well proud. Flash won the dressing up game and finding the treat - the latter took just 7 seconds for Flash to find the piece of apple. Jesse came third with about 12 seconds. Jesse won the apple and spoon game!

We had a great time and really enjoyed ourselves. Flash and Jesse were shattered when we got home and went to sleep after their dinner.

Obedience Show Culverstone

Yesterday (Sunday) Flash and I went to a limit indoor show in Culverstone.

I was really looking forward to it as I thought that he might do really well (he did last time in that hall).

First of all, it took me ages to get there because of the stupid satnav system that didn't work properly. But I got there in the end.

Flash didn't work particularly well. Even the recall which is normally 100% spot on went wrong. Both times, in Pre-Beginners and Beginners, he came back lovely and I was pleased, but went past me at the last second... No idea why... very strange.

But I was quite pleased that he did a fairly good Retrieve, eventhough he did drop the dumbell. It was the first time he retrieved nicely... and it was actually the first time I worked him in Beginners.

So although I am a little disappointed because I know he could have done so much better, there are many aspects that I was happy about.

Excellent Training Session

I took Flash and Jesse training today (normally it would be Dylan's night, but he was out of action due to the chiro treatment yesterday). Flash was amazing. He was so enthusiastic, loved the heelwork, did lovely retrieve and recall... We even did beautiful send-aways and slow recalls... I can't wait to do the competition on Sunday, 18th November, in Culverston!

Wow - first voluntary cuddle

I sat on the sofa today after I got back from the chiropractor and Flash came and sat next to me and cuddling into me. Now for Dylan and Jesse, this would be perfectly normal, but Flash has never done this before. I am so happy and pleased, it is yet another mile stone he has passed! Love you so much, my baby.