Moreton Morel christmas show!!!

Today was a nice late start but freezing!!! all day!!! We all arrived nice and early to walk our courses, as i was running Jess and Diesel, but i had a plan for Diesel just to take it nice and slow and chill and just stop her if i have to in between fences to get her head back up as i feel she panics if i run with her at a show and she feels she has to keep up. So i took her in her first class and I'm pleased to say she only went under 1 fence probably millions of time faults but she got round and i was so pleased for her she went really well and i enjoyed it. Jess seemed very distracted today i don't know why probably me thinking that shes capable and should be able to do it, i was abit gutted with her today as she did alot of sniffing and the clear she did get she was very slow and towards the end i just left her and luckily she took all the fences and managed to put her foot down. So i made the decision that Jess was having an off day and to run her but just not take it to heart they all have bad days, probably my bad handling. In Diesels second round there was a water jump and as you can see by the photos below Ian managed to take photos of it of everyone else but missed Diesel as he was chatting to someone else with a boxer. I really didn't think Diesel would ever get over it and if she didn't do it the first time i wasn't going to force her as she is still new to this jumping high fences so didn't want to scare her. But i am pleased to say she did it first time, i tried to ignore it was there but i must admit i did close my eyes whilst she jumped it and thought she'll probably be in the water when i open them but no she was flying through the air. I think the front end could have stopped but back end was going and she had no choice. I am so pleased with her today she went really well and she got over 90% of her fences so alot better than last time. We had a great day meeting up with everyone and catching up and me and Emma tried to remind ourselves we were in a 1-7 classes so in reality weren't ever gonna to brilliantly. But congratulations to Emma yesterday for her 5th as that was amazing and her clear today, and congratulations to Jo for all her achievements and letting us cuddle Zippy her puppy as he was gorgeous!!!

How cute i want one, still working on Ian!!

Look at Maisy fly and Emma running!!

Ellen and Hamish over the water jump!!!

Ellen and Hamish!!

Merry christmas!!!!

A rare moment of Jess still!!

What a manic couple of days, we spent all Christmas eve at my brothers where we all the stopped the night. The alcohol was flowing and the dogs were dreaming of there Christmas pressies. Most of the night was spent with all 4 dogs sleeping in our room so we were abit cramped and didn't get much sleep. In the morning my brother proposed to Nicola and she accepted so the celebrating began again especially as i am going to be bridesmaid ye he, I'm very excited!!!! Christmas day we were all very pleased to be able to take the dogs for a nice long walk to make room for our tea. Yesterday we went out with the dogs and it was lovely to have time to walk and keep walking and the dogs had a lovely time and were really tired. We spent most of the rest of the day in the pub!! I love Christmas!! Tomorrow we are going to moreton morel show with Jess and Diesel to run a few calories off, will just be abit of fun especially as its a late start which has made Ian happy!!

X-mas show!!!

Diesels new trick jumping up her Daddy and i pick her up and give her a big cuddle!!

Anne and Crafty getting there contacts!!

This weekend we went to a Christmas show, but after getting back Friday night from a Christmas meal Jess was carrying her tail very strangely basically it looked like it was broke. I hoped by Saturday morning it would be fine but she was still carrying it wrong unless she was off the lead. But we went anyway as i was determined to do Diesel as this was her first agility show. Our first course was don't go in the tunnels but the rings were very small so as soon as some of the dogs had landed they were in the tunnel but it was for fun. Me and Diesel went first and after going under the first fence and straight in the tunnel, Diesel certainly reminded me it was fun and she was going to make me work. We managed to get over a few fences and then i decided that she was jumping a few more so aimed for the finish and thanked the judge very much!!! Jess went well but just got her nose in a tunnel trying to please me as normally she can't be bothered to go in the tunnels. Anne and Crafty went next but before the judge had said he was ready Crafty was in the tunnel so as you can imagine she went in all the tunnels after that, fortunately the judge hadn't noticed Crafty go the first time. Unfortunately the show was very slow so alot of standing around waiting. The next course was an agility round but with only the frame in which was abit disappointing. Diesel had lovely time (the poor judge) she managed to jump a few fences but had an ace contact then started jumping again and then decided that she was going to go under the last!! Jess just got 5 faults for going for a sniff but i didn't want to push her due to her tail but judging by the pictures from the on the day photographer shes was jumping massive so i don't think it was hurting her. Crafty did the first part of the course and then spotted her lead and went and picked it up and brought it back to her mum so I'm afraid we weren't to proud of our boxers but they had a lovely time and I'm pleased with Diesel as she didn't run off and totally disgrace me!! A few of us are going up the school tonight and get some bits of equipment out and have a practise on the things that we feel we needs more practise for us and the dogs!!

Diesel managing to actually jump a fence!!

Diesel and her really good contact and having a lovely time!!!

Jessica doing her thing!!!!

Dirty pooches!!

After a week of getting up early and walking mine before Gabby gets dropped off i decided to pack them all in the car and go for a walk where i used to ride round and i haven't been for years. This week i have been walking Gabby on her own to get her socialised and practise her recall without just luck following one of mine back to me. Shes been really good and has really seen the world from school kids to deers in the field. So this morning they where all very excited as they soon realised we weren't going on our normal walk, i like to keep them on there toys. They were very excited and its done Gabby good to walk on her own as it has taught her to play on her own without being attached to one of mine all the time and she can go and discover things on her own. They all got completely covered in mud as i hadn't realised how wet it would be apparently very!!! The dirtier they are the better apart from Diesel as she doesn't like getting dirty and will do anything to go round puddles. You would have thought Gabby would have been tired but she came home had some breakfast and then played with a tennis ball for an hour, fortunately she is asleep know!! Tomorrow we are going to an unaffiliated agility Christmas show. I've entered Jess and Diesel and it looks like it should be a really good day and hopefully the dogs will be tired when we get home as its my Christmas party tomorrow night, won't be an early walk Sunday morning!!!

Pictures!!

As you can see we put our Christmas tree up on Saturday and Diesel was very helpful playing with all the goodies on the floor that were spread around. I shall get some pics of all the pooches next to the Christmas tree he he as it will probably be recked soon. I am going to have to buy a new crate for the car as as you can see they like it rather allot in the house and can hide from Gabby!!! Yesterday we went to the clubs Christmas party in he field, which we all enjoyed although i spent most of the time running back to the car to swap dogs so they could all have a go at the games and although they didn't win anything they had a great time and so did we. It was a good social and we had a lovely hot chocolate and all the dogs were very tired. Tonight we are going agility training and after how Gemma went last week I'm very excited that shes going to keep it up as shes really enjoying it and fast. Diesel had her back done the other day and it was quite bad so I'm hoping that tonight she'll feel abit more free and enjoy jumping again without pain, and I've been shown how to help her if it goes bad again, although I'm going to get all there backs done more often know!!!

Didn't qualify!!!

After hearing that there was only 2 people in my handling class i was feeling quite hopeful and excited and planning on opening the bottle of champagne that has been in my fridge for ages if we qualify. We were up against a girl who has been doing it for alot longer than me but i was still feeling hopeful if i could just keep everything together and remember what Amy had teached me. Another girl borrowed Diesel for her age range in handling and although Diesel was abit put out she went really well and won, so well done Laura. So it was quite disappointing that I came 2nd as we were having a lovely day. Diesel was wonderful and as per usual it was me that didn't clinch it and she was just perfect, bless her!! Amy had a great day as we were all abit worried about what Summer might do but she was stunning and there partnership was lovely to watch, she just got spooked on her down stay when some kids went running up behind the line of dogs and she decided that she needed reassuring from her Mum, but we were all pleased with her so well done to Amy and Summer, don't no why we were all so worried!
We finished the day of with some retail therapy and i bought a new cage as Diesel was showing me how much she loved Summers cage so i had to buy her one as well, although wasn't bessed pleased carrying it back to the car. We had a great day i just felt i had let Diesel down as she tries really hard.
We woke up to the alarm at 5.45am this morning again to go to an agility competition but as i had been awake since 3 not feeling very well and it was pouring with rain we decided that we wouldn't go. The dogs were very happy with this and we had a much deserved lay in with the dogs who took one look outside and got back on the bed for a cuddle. We took them for a walk but didn't get far as clearly the boxers weren't enjoying themselves even with there coats on. Jess was having a lovely time but the rest of us were pretty miserable so we came home to warm back up again and find the decorations for Christmas out of the loft!!

This weeks shows!!!

This Friday i have entered another handling competition at LKA at the nec. It will be an early start as we are taking Amy with us and her dog Summer and there on early in Summers first obedience show, good luck I'm sure she'll be great!! This is our last chance to qualify for crufts so we have our fingers crossed although i don't feel hopeful and i just need to calm down in the ring and think about my straight lines, i hope my competition are all rubbish and me and Diesel will glide round!!!
On Saturday Diesel is entered in her first anysize jumping class at solihull. I am really looking forward to seeing how she will cope with the situation although I'm sure she'll be fine as not much fazes her. Jess is also entered in an agility and jumping round so I'm looking forward to that as its a while since we've been to an agility competition. I will keep you posted with how we get on and pictures!!!

Rare moments of sleeping!!!

When Gabbys round generally she is running around trying to play with anyone and everyone as puppies do. Its so nice when she gives up and sleeps and she looks so cute and all my dogs are very thankful shes collapsed. Although once she does fall asleep that does tend to be it for a while and then Ian decides that he wants to play with her, hes such a child!!!! So here's a few photos of rare calm!!!

Its wet!!!

This morning we all braved the wet weather for our walk. We were hoping for snow as its so much more fun. It was one of those mornings when you don't want to walk across a field in the ran and howling wind and cold temperatures. But as a dog owner its gotta be done although we didn't get far and decided we were all wet enough and as soon as the car door was open all the dogs jumped in which never happens normally!! Gabby was starting to get cold so she had to be wrapped up and is know much warmer and plus she looks cute!! Diesel wanted her picture to be taken as well as shes so gorgeous and i couldn't resist showing everyone else how beautiful she is!!

Morning Walk!

This morning I packed my mother and the 4 dogs in the car and drove to my Grans, where we met up to go for a walk with my grans dogs and my Aunty's dogs. It was cold when we were in the shade but in the sun it was very pleasant. The 8 dogs had a lovely time playing together and they all get on really well even Gemma... We then had bacon and sausage rolls which were perfect and a nice cup off well deserved tea!!