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!
16 November 2008
13 October 2008
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!
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!
1 October 2008
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!
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!
26 September 2008
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!
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!
30 June 2008
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.
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.
22 April 2008
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!
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!
21 April 2008
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
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
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