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.

Another excellent training night

Flash did really well again tonight. His heelwork was pretty good and enthusiastic, his retrieve was good too once I got myself into gear... I also did a send away for the first time there. I have of course practiced this before for the Top Dog party trick, which was a disaster during the filming. But tonight, he did it beautifully... I was really proud of him. Good little chap he was.

Perfect Retrieve

Went to training class with Flash last night as always on Thursdays... He worked very nicely, though was not quite as attentive on heelwork as normally (was a bit wide at times).

The recall was really nice, no problems.

When we did the retrieve, he totally blew me away... it was absolutely perfect - first time ever! I was speechless! What progress! I am so happy about it!

At the end of the session, Vanda (trainer) said that Flash was coming along nicely... that's good to hear.

1-2-1 Walks and new pictures

Flash has not had any further problems when jumping up, I still have no idea what it was...

I have taken him on a couple of individual walks on Sundays and this seems to have improved his general behaviour and in particular recall on walks with the other walks. I will try to do this every so often to keep things improving.

I have taken all three for individual walks yesterday and they were a total joy to walk, apart from Dylan briefly chasing a young boxer cross. I am quite proud of my crew.

Today, I had all three with me and here are some pictures

Flash in pain

Last night when I came home from work, Flash jumped up on me as usual to give me a kiss. But this time, he screamed, got back on the floor and screamed for another few seconds. I thought I had tred on his feet or something (though I couldn't remember even touching any part of him). He jumped up again and the same thing happened again. I then went to check him over from top to bottom, stretching and folding the legs, squeazing his tummy... nothing. He didn't react to anything. He didn't limp or show any sign of pain either other than being quiet.

I then brought his front legs up to check it out further and he screamed again when I was about half way up. I just could not work out what it was.

I decided not to take him to training class last night because of that and see how he was today. Last night when I got home after training, he was still a bit quiet and didn't jump up on Cornel either when he came home from work.

This morning however, he is as right as rain. He hasn't jumped up yet, but he has been playing with Jesse and Dylan and seemed absolutely fine. The test comes tonight when I get home from work...