Wow! I had no idea. I met a friend at a trial this weekend who told me she was anxiously waiting for new posts on this blog Initially, I thought LR was my only reader but it seems that I acquired a second one. ; ) I apologize for being so slow and will try to improve my posting frequency in the future. I have to admit that my blog was originally written in French and I added this English blog later on to keep a kind of brag page for Jasmine's accomplishment. Way back when I was in high school, I was considered quite a writer, but my every day job requires me to write only report-like compositions, all very blah and boring.
The first blog "La carrière canine de Jasmine", was my solution to that. It would be my place to write about our adventures in different dog sports and make it interesting. That way, I would go to my original love, writing. I may not have mentioned this before, but you may have noticed by my style of writing that English is a second language for me. My first language is French and I really want to keep it alive, not only by speaking it. If any of you have heard of a very good agility blog in French, let me know. I'd like to add it to my list of "interesting links" on the French version of this work.
I started an English a few months later after the French one, but the work involved keeping both blogs updated, as well as doing the translation, was a bit too much. It discouraged me and I didn't blog at all for several months. Now, I'll make an effort to keep both running and updated. The entries might be shorter, but at least you'll have the latest news.
Thanks for the encouraging pat on the back.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Q 2 = Bye Bye Starters Jumpers
We're back in beautiful Kingston for a Spring trial. Finally, I can truthfully say I completed a run with no butterflies in my stomach. That is an accomplishment in itself. Maybe it has to do with the fact that I'm getting more and more comfortable?
Just before our run, we do a few jumps in the warm-up area, when, as we were walking out, Jasmine was attacked/lunged at by a boston terrier. This isn't the first time a dog of that breed attacks her, and I'm starting to wonder... Is this only a coincidence or is she sending out bad vibes to them? Anyways, I spent a good moment working on focus exercises with her such as sit, heel, down, stand, and rewarding her with salmon treats. I then insisted she play tug with me, which she finally did after I knelt down. I now know what to do to get her to tug for with me on deck. Usually, she does everything she can to avoid making eye contact with me.
For some reason, I did the walking/run release at the start line to practice what we've been doing in class. Jasmine is having trouble targeting when I walk or run during lessons. Maybe I shouldn't have tried this in a trial but it worked. Did I mention I'm getting too comfortable in trials?
Never thought for a moment about using my arms so the usual routine is there. I start with no arms, bring in arms in the middle, and then just run for dear life at the end. Luckily, Jasmine sees her line for the end sequence, but I kept yelling out obstacles names even so. Another behaviour she finds challenging in class and I had a flashback while I was huffing and puffing my way to the finish line.
Result? Hehehe. A Q! We've now finished the Starters Jumpers Class and we've moved up to Advances.
Yikes!!
Double yikes!!!
Interested in the run? Here is the video. Enjoy!
Just before our run, we do a few jumps in the warm-up area, when, as we were walking out, Jasmine was attacked/lunged at by a boston terrier. This isn't the first time a dog of that breed attacks her, and I'm starting to wonder... Is this only a coincidence or is she sending out bad vibes to them? Anyways, I spent a good moment working on focus exercises with her such as sit, heel, down, stand, and rewarding her with salmon treats. I then insisted she play tug with me, which she finally did after I knelt down. I now know what to do to get her to tug for with me on deck. Usually, she does everything she can to avoid making eye contact with me.
For some reason, I did the walking/run release at the start line to practice what we've been doing in class. Jasmine is having trouble targeting when I walk or run during lessons. Maybe I shouldn't have tried this in a trial but it worked. Did I mention I'm getting too comfortable in trials?
Never thought for a moment about using my arms so the usual routine is there. I start with no arms, bring in arms in the middle, and then just run for dear life at the end. Luckily, Jasmine sees her line for the end sequence, but I kept yelling out obstacles names even so. Another behaviour she finds challenging in class and I had a flashback while I was huffing and puffing my way to the finish line.
Result? Hehehe. A Q! We've now finished the Starters Jumpers Class and we've moved up to Advances.
Yikes!!
Double yikes!!!
Interested in the run? Here is the video. Enjoy!
Saturday, May 8, 2010
School is over!
At least a month has passed since the last time I posted anything on this blog but remember, Spring has arrived and much needs to be done. Does that mean I'm a garderner? No, my condo doesn't allow me that luxury. Nope, it's finally agility time!
First, let's go back to my 2 days at Say Yes! Yes, I did enjoy it. Yes, I did learn many things. Would I go back? Of course! Do I appreciate my instructor in my neck of the woods? Even more so!
During the two days, we had to keep our dogs either crated or in our cars. In my case, my vehicle isn't an option because even if I leave the windows wide open, the inside is till too warm for a dog. We were also going through an April mini heat wave and it was hot, hazy, and definitely humid outside. Jasmine was instead crated in the building and didn't like it one bit. I spent a very long two days taking notes and anxiously listening to Jasmine's clawing at the inside of her crate, and her barking, and her whining, do I need to go on?
First thing I did when I got home was to buy Jazz a new crate. Why you ask? My old one doesn't have a flat bottom, but a wired one usually used for puppies or (ahem) rabbits. She now has more space to stand up or lie down. This may I have my best purchase yet.
Second, I make sure I reward Jasmine a lot more for being quiet in that new crate. By the way, I was able to stay at a local bed and breakfast on the last day. The motel I had been staying at had no available rooms for the Friday because of a local swim meet (or whatever they're called). Here is Jasmine on the Saturday morning, just before we left. I don't think she felt like getting out bed. As a friend told me, she was flicking a dew claw at me, that's for sure.
First, let's go back to my 2 days at Say Yes! Yes, I did enjoy it. Yes, I did learn many things. Would I go back? Of course! Do I appreciate my instructor in my neck of the woods? Even more so!
During the two days, we had to keep our dogs either crated or in our cars. In my case, my vehicle isn't an option because even if I leave the windows wide open, the inside is till too warm for a dog. We were also going through an April mini heat wave and it was hot, hazy, and definitely humid outside. Jasmine was instead crated in the building and didn't like it one bit. I spent a very long two days taking notes and anxiously listening to Jasmine's clawing at the inside of her crate, and her barking, and her whining, do I need to go on?
First thing I did when I got home was to buy Jazz a new crate. Why you ask? My old one doesn't have a flat bottom, but a wired one usually used for puppies or (ahem) rabbits. She now has more space to stand up or lie down. This may I have my best purchase yet.
Second, I make sure I reward Jasmine a lot more for being quiet in that new crate. By the way, I was able to stay at a local bed and breakfast on the last day. The motel I had been staying at had no available rooms for the Friday because of a local swim meet (or whatever they're called). Here is Jasmine on the Saturday morning, just before we left. I don't think she felt like getting out bed. As a friend told me, she was flicking a dew claw at me, that's for sure.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Off to school!
Well here we are, on the eve of a Say Yes camp in a strange hotel room. This is our first time at Say Yes, and I'm indeed looking forward to it, but at the same time, a bit worried. Worried that I'll feel overwhelmed with information and worried that Jasmine and I are not to par with the other students. Oh well, I'm sure I'm not the only one in this situation so let's hope everyone is friendly to amateurs.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Flyball progress!
I've noticed that when Jasmine improves, it'll be a while before a new ability will be offered on her part. This is the case for flyball.
For the past few weeks, we've been getting the help of another team captain during our training. Even though I could cleary see much improvement in the other dogs, Jasmine was still insisting that pawing the ball out of the box hole was much easier than catching it during her turn. I do believe she may have had a change of heart.
Saturday morning, she took the ball from the hole without cheating! She did about 7-8 successful repetitions before I gave her a break. Was it a fluke? Nope! A second short session showed us she meant business. Now, the boxloader has started to put his/her finger on the trigger to keep it in place so we can phase in an activated box.
On a side note, we're now using foam balls that are sold as cat toys instead of small tennis balls. The main reason for this switch is they the only toys that Jasmine has caught mid-air. It may not make any difference, but hey, I'm striving for success!
For the past few weeks, we've been getting the help of another team captain during our training. Even though I could cleary see much improvement in the other dogs, Jasmine was still insisting that pawing the ball out of the box hole was much easier than catching it during her turn. I do believe she may have had a change of heart.
Saturday morning, she took the ball from the hole without cheating! She did about 7-8 successful repetitions before I gave her a break. Was it a fluke? Nope! A second short session showed us she meant business. Now, the boxloader has started to put his/her finger on the trigger to keep it in place so we can phase in an activated box.
On a side note, we're now using foam balls that are sold as cat toys instead of small tennis balls. The main reason for this switch is they the only toys that Jasmine has caught mid-air. It may not make any difference, but hey, I'm striving for success!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Q
Such a simple letter, but what a long road to earn it. At long last, we've done it. That long unatainable Q has finally crossed our path and yes, we grabbed it with both hands and four paws.
The trial is hosted by the Chomedey Kennel Club in Chomedey, or if you prefer, Laval, Québec. I've never been there before, but it's a great excuse to stay overnight at my big brother's place in Boucherville. Not many of my Ottawa area agility friends are there, so other victims fall prey to my unending chatter during the weekend.
Our jumpers run during day 1 is uneventful. Jasmine zooms away after a series of flicks and blind crosses from my part. I calmly decide to withdraw her.
Day 2.... Ah yes. Day 2. My two Ottawa agility buddies are very supportive, but my flicking reputation preceeds me from a Facebook post the night before. They have been instructed to help me analyse the course. Still, I'm extremely nervous. I prespire like a little piggy, and I can't feel my legs. Am I worried about a Q? No way! Not flicking my dog is more on my mind.
It's finally my turn and Jasmine allows me to do a lead-out like an old pro. The rest, dear blogging friends, is history. Here is the video.
After the run, a felllow participant came to me to announce that the judge hadn't raised her hand. That simple sentence was music to my ears and I screamed like an idiot. Yep, I screamed. A lot.
That scream represented all the work both Jasmine and I put into training for the past three years. As I'm writing this, I feel an Oscar moment coming up and this strange urge to start thanking everyone I know, including the ones I don't, for helping me get this far.
Rest assured, I will not.
You know who you are, and to you, my thanks. We couldn't have done it without you. : )
At long last, like other blogging agility enthousiasts, I can finally add Jasmine's AAC achievement page on my blog.
I'm feeling all tingly inside as I click.
The trial is hosted by the Chomedey Kennel Club in Chomedey, or if you prefer, Laval, Québec. I've never been there before, but it's a great excuse to stay overnight at my big brother's place in Boucherville. Not many of my Ottawa area agility friends are there, so other victims fall prey to my unending chatter during the weekend.
Our jumpers run during day 1 is uneventful. Jasmine zooms away after a series of flicks and blind crosses from my part. I calmly decide to withdraw her.
Day 2.... Ah yes. Day 2. My two Ottawa agility buddies are very supportive, but my flicking reputation preceeds me from a Facebook post the night before. They have been instructed to help me analyse the course. Still, I'm extremely nervous. I prespire like a little piggy, and I can't feel my legs. Am I worried about a Q? No way! Not flicking my dog is more on my mind.
It's finally my turn and Jasmine allows me to do a lead-out like an old pro. The rest, dear blogging friends, is history. Here is the video.
After the run, a felllow participant came to me to announce that the judge hadn't raised her hand. That simple sentence was music to my ears and I screamed like an idiot. Yep, I screamed. A lot.
That scream represented all the work both Jasmine and I put into training for the past three years. As I'm writing this, I feel an Oscar moment coming up and this strange urge to start thanking everyone I know, including the ones I don't, for helping me get this far.
Rest assured, I will not.
You know who you are, and to you, my thanks. We couldn't have done it without you. : )
At long last, like other blogging agility enthousiasts, I can finally add Jasmine's AAC achievement page on my blog.
I'm feeling all tingly inside as I click.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
AARF Jan. 30th, 2010
Never will I write such a long post! My previous entry tends to go on, and on, and I haven't even finished translating it for the French blog, that already something new has happened.
Yesterday was our second trial of the month and the first one ever at AARF. The facility is in beautiful historic Spencerville Village, Ontario. How I love these small communities who don't tare down their historical buildings.
During the last few days, our area has been hit by cold weather and when I started my car this morning, I could read -25 degrees Celcius on the dashboard. Good thing I plugged the thing last night because the motor cooperated and started like a charm.
As much as I try to treat Jasmine like a big dog, I do put my foot down when she's cranky, and that's what she is when it's really, really cold. Therefore, I made the poor creature wear her Winter coat, which I'm sure she considers it very humiliating indeed. However, as the day went on, the temperature got warmer to a more comfortable -15 degrees and the coat was no longer necessary. Jasmine was free to trot proudly around.
Here is the video of the Starters Jumpers Run. I chose to do a lead-out since Jasmine has always been very good at them. This time, I hold her quite securely in my arms to the startline, remembering quite well what happened at MorningStar earlier this month. Once in sit-stay, I bravely run to the third jump in the sequence (I've never done that in a trial before) and release her.
What worked well
Yesterday was our second trial of the month and the first one ever at AARF. The facility is in beautiful historic Spencerville Village, Ontario. How I love these small communities who don't tare down their historical buildings.
During the last few days, our area has been hit by cold weather and when I started my car this morning, I could read -25 degrees Celcius on the dashboard. Good thing I plugged the thing last night because the motor cooperated and started like a charm.
As much as I try to treat Jasmine like a big dog, I do put my foot down when she's cranky, and that's what she is when it's really, really cold. Therefore, I made the poor creature wear her Winter coat, which I'm sure she considers it very humiliating indeed. However, as the day went on, the temperature got warmer to a more comfortable -15 degrees and the coat was no longer necessary. Jasmine was free to trot proudly around.
Here is the video of the Starters Jumpers Run. I chose to do a lead-out since Jasmine has always been very good at them. This time, I hold her quite securely in my arms to the startline, remembering quite well what happened at MorningStar earlier this month. Once in sit-stay, I bravely run to the third jump in the sequence (I've never done that in a trial before) and release her.
What worked well
- The lead-out
- The tire (I was a bit worried about this obstacle, since Jasmine ignored it twice at the fun match two weeks ago)
- Jasmine took the first tunnel with no hesitation. In a past life, she would have gone straight outside the ring to investigate.
- Yes, she did zoom, but came back to me every time. : )
- I was suprised that Jasmine didn't try to gorge herself with the footing. This arena is usually used with horses.
- Forgot to call her after the first tunnel, even though Seebee had warned me to. I was too much relieved after the lead-out, tire, tunnel sequence, that I forgot her suggestions.
- Jasmine went straight out after the first jump of the pinwheel, something that happens quite often lately.
- She's coming at an angle at the winged jump, resulting in throwing her off her line and zooming away. I didn't expect that.
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