Pooches fitness!!!!!!!

I've been starting to think about getting the boxers fitter for the summer. As you know Jess is breed to go all day and manages 2 day shows easily. But i am wondering how the boxers are going to cope especially Diesel. Diesel is always the last one to get up in the morning and some mornings just walks next to me in the field unlike Gemma and Jess who don't know the meaning of walking anywhere in the field!! I can't wait for the lighter nights so we can start jogging at night with the dogs. I'm sure Gemma will cope with the 2 day shows but it won't harm her getting her fitter and Diesel needs all the help she can get. Hopefully I'm going to invest in some weaves and Ian's going to make us some jumps and then we can go up the school a couple of times a week to get the boxers jumping fit. It will be great to have abit of my own stuff to tinkle with as i think you learn alot more about how your dog clicks on your own and trying new things out!!!

Rare moments of Jess still in the field!!!!!!

Can you spot Jess!!

Gemma as usual waiting for me to hurry up!!!!

Apparently me last night watching grand designs, obviously very interesting!!

Jess's glassware!!!!!

On saturday Ian very kindly put Jessicas shelf up for her glassware and it looks wickard. I'm really pleased with it and theres plenty of room for more. Although it does mean that everyone has to look at it when they come in as i'm very proud although Jess has got over it and is concentrating on getting the next one!!!!!

The day Gemma nearly drowned!!!!!!!!!!!

The start of the week i have been walking my grans dogs as well, so I've been walking two lots of dogs. This morning my mum very kindly offered to come this morning so we could walk them all together and also meant we could go alot further. My dogs have been left on there own alot more than usual this week although they don't seem to care probably glad to have some piece and quiet without me nattering on! So i thought as a treat we'd take them for along walk. We ventured out into the wind and rain and were soaked in about 5 minutes but he ho the dogs didn't mind, they seem to do more running in the rain. Due to the rain the stream was running very fast and was quite high, put it this way the dogs would have had to swim once in. They normally have a little paddle in the shallow areas but it was to high today. Usually i have to watch Jess as she tends to jump over and on to the other side and then jump back, but today it was Gemma. She did it in exactly the same place as Jess got stuck (although we didn't realise Jess was stuck and had to walk back for her) Bad parent that i am. Gemma took a huge leap over the stream and only jut made it and then decided she didn't want to be on that side and had no run up and just leapt back. She didn't make it, her front paws where on the bank and she was desperately trying to jump out so her mummy had to rescue her. This is one reason why dogs should always wear collars they come in very handy when pulling dogs out of water, a lesson to everyone! To be fair it wasn't that deep but i saved her, bless what a moose hopefully shes learnt her lesson!

As promised this is what Diesel does every night when i get home, she wants me to smack her bum, what a freak and i am for doing it for her!!!

Pooches playing!!!!!!!!

Diesel getting ready for a bum smacking!!!!!!!!!

More bum smacking!!!!!!

Gabby after her walk and after actually having eaten ssome food!!!!

Grrrrrrrrrr aaarrrrrrrghhhhh!!!!

Yesterday Gabby decided to eat my Lee Gibson dvd so i was very annoyed with her but have to keep telling myself at least its not the laptop!!! So today Gabby came for her normal walk with my lot and then i am dog walking for my Gran so decided that she can come for another walk to hopefully tire her out as she is starting to be naughty when shes left. I am going to get another cage for her which she can't trash although we will probably have to attach it to the wall as she likes to move herself from one side of the room to the other, freak she hates the cage but if she doesn't start behaving shes going to have to go in it. Last night we went agility training and it was much better as we did alot of combinations instead of dragging my boxers round a course. They were much better and enjoyed themselves and Gemma was flying. They are so much more confident at the flat tunnel know and absolutely love doing it know I've even starting using the technique that Emma showed me with Jess as it makes them faster through it and keeps them straight otherwise they do tend to send me flying. Jess wasn't great last night but there was alot in the class and she gets bored of waiting and switches off. At least we had a frost this morning we didn't come home covered in mud!!!!!!!!!

Tired pooches!!!!!

Yesterday we went to Markfield to do Flyball with Diesel and Jess. They were both really fast in the morning and very excited. Diesel was definitely the most consistent in the team and she had a great time and really showed people that boxers can do flyball. Me and Ian are still learning how to run them and learning to get that feeling when they are concentrating and when they won't to get the ball. They both definitley won't go when there not ready so we've got to learn how to make them tick. Poor Summer got very spooked by a different dog going down her lane as she was coming back up, it was such a shame as it wasn't a particular nice dog either. We also had Kody in our team which kept our spirits high as hes so fast and we all happily moved out of his way. Kody's Daddy was very funny and he really makes us appreciate its all for fun and even to win one leg we were all very pleased with ourselves and it was an achievement, believe me!!!!! We had a wickard day and really had a laugh, we knew what we were doing more and it was easier as it was a starter competition so there was netting up. A few of us decided to go out for a meal last night and it was good fun we must do it again. As you can see today my dogs were very tired so i decided not o go training this morning as it would be a waste of money as when Diesel is tired your best to leave her alone and then hopefully she'll be back to full strength for agility tomorrow!!!!!

This week.....

Well i have finally dug out Jess's Kennel club record book, i must say that was the first time i've ever looked through it. Yes that does mean that i havn't written any of Jess's points down but new year, new years resolution, to write them down. Although i will deinately be writing them down for the boxers as its there only chance of any hope although i know Gemma is going to be quick but not collie quick. We practised the flat tunnel with Gemma the other night which was very much so needed and she know finds it a fun obstactle so we've got to keep it that way, thanks Emma for your help. It must be a bit harder for the boxers and other dogs with flat noises as they have nothing to push the material up with, bless!!!!!!! All the agility shows are starting to come up with there schedules and i'm getting very excited about this year, i can't wait to go camping although does mean that we've got to start looking for a caravan. We've started doing abit of research of what we want and what we need, so if anyone knows of any cheap caravans for sale give us a shout. This week has gone rather quick and all the dogs are coming home covered in mud which means my house is a complete state, i suppose like normal then. Tommorow we are going to another flyball show and were in the starters so there will be netting up so Diesel and Jess should be better. They are being very good compared they havn't trained for a very long time but i'm finding hard to get to training at the weekends, role on the summer....

Yippeeeeee Winning out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What a fab day, the alarm went off at 4am!!! I started the day running Gemma in a graded agility, she was abit nervous and didn't like the look of the judge but once she got going she went really nicely and finished well. Then i ran Jess in an Olympia qualifier which was 1-7. Me and Amy walked the course and where very confused and it was very hard definitely a grade 7 course. I only walked it twice due to the fact that i really didn't think Jess would get very far but i wasn't going to worry about. Unbelievably she went clear with a really nice round, i was shocked and it all went to the plan i had formed. I ran Diesel in the agility class where she had a lovely time at my expense but never mind she got all her contacts!! I next ran Jess in a jumping class which she did in 25 secs (quick for her) and she went clear and came 3rd i was thrilled. I did Diesel in an agility course where she started crap and then it all started to click she she finished really well, i also did Gemma who went really well with just faults, I'm really excited about her this year shes going to be really quick. I then did Diesel in the jumping round where she went really well just going under one fence otherwise she would have gone clear which is quite exciting, she really enjoyed herself and looked the best she has ever jumped. I then did Jess in her agility where she went clear but she did have a little sniff so i didn't think she was going to be very quick. We were queuing with gemma when they announced the medium results and i heard my name so gave Gemma at someone and went to get my prize, i hadn't realised where i had been placed though so it was a lovely shock. I was so pleased with Jess she has gone so well today getting 3 clears and its all very exciting. My boxers got so much better as the day went on and really starting enjoying themselves which is the whole point. I am so pleased and with 10 days into the new year i can't believe my luck, i must thank my pooches for being wonderful i'm so lucky!!! I'VE WON OUT YIPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Amy and summer!!

This weekend!!

It was so dark this morning when we went for our normal walk, i could only see Gabby and occasionally Gemmas white bits blasting past me. In the woods it was even worse and then the dogs play who can creep mummy out the most by coming out from nowhere, there obviously very loyal and stay round me to protect me!!! Ians been at the autosport show for the past 3 days so the dogs have been having loads of cuddles with me!!! Tomorrow we are going to Preston, all my dogs are entered and it will be Gemmas first time at jumping at full height. We haven't really done enough training on single poled fences and she does tend to go under so i will just do what i do with Diesel and chill and walk her round concentrating on trying to get her over the fences!! I must also insist on my contacts as i did notice although Diesel was getting her contacts it was all very rushed last time at a show and i know they both have very good contacts its just i panic and then start to get in there space and they think they have to rush. I think all in all i just need to take a breath and relax and i'm sure my dogs would go much better, its all practise though, wish us luck!!!!!

Fantastic start to the new year!!!!

What a fantastic day, the alarm went off at 5am and car was reading -4. We met up with Emma and Amy for the journey down to Wimbledon at 6am. I was excited about going as it was our first flyball competition but abit dubious about what my dogs may do as they haven't trained for well over a month!! We got to the venue let the dogs out for a quick run and got Jess measured and then we were down to business, it was -6 I'd like to add. I must admit me and Ian were very blown away by the first races and really weren't sure what we were doing but trying to help everyone. Our dogs each got ago and both ran down and then noticed the other dog running on the other side and got abit distracted and missed jumps on the way back. They have never run with another dog on the otherside but i am very pleased that neither of them actually went over to the othersides lane. The second time we where abit more clued up and Jess had another go although we were on the other lane she had seen Ian earlier bring the box in from the other lane but hadn't realised he was know with us, so she went down got her ball took a wide curve looking for Ian and came back. Emma had realised the other team were also having problems and kept shouting send her again so after another 5 attempts i sent her down and then she did it perfectly and somehow we still won. I have no idea what we'd won in the morning or anything but was enjoying it. We helped out with the bandits team holding dogs, it was a real eye opener and we learnt loads from it especially with the lights. The afternoon came and me and Ian were feeling a little more positive understanding what to do more. Diesel was once again in a race in the afternoon but ran down and had a good time, Ian was running her so i asked Amy if i could have ago and she said yes, so i sent Diesel down she got her ball but went wide missed a fence and i really shouted her and stood at the top of the lane of fences and she saw me and i knew she clicked, we were doing flyball and she came back to me perfectly over the last two fences, silly moo!!! The last race the team put all there best dogs in to win the first 2 legs and then Jo very kindly said to put one of mine in again for experience as we'd won it anyway. Amy asked which one and i voted for Diesel we were determined as someone had mentioned to Emma that she only knew 2 boxers that did flyball and she obviously didn't think much to Diesel having a nice little jolly. I knew she'd clicked in the last lot of racing and was praying that she'd do it. We took our height dogs out so the fences went to full height which Diesel has never done. She was first to go so i had time to get her wound up (well she doesn't really do wound up) Emma was screaming for her, i could feel she had really locked on to the ball. Everyone was shouting the lights have gone and luckily because i hadn't sent Diesel the other team hadn't sent there dog but i was waiting for all her concentration, and then i let her go, she ran down flying over all the jumps. She dropped the ball but in a way it was better as it rolled in line with the fences we all screamed for our lives and she got her ball and did all the fences, it was amazing everyone was so pleased that Amy forgot to let the next dog go. I was so pleased, Diesel proved that boxers can do it even her. She really lifted everyones spirits as boxers are hard work and it was such an achievement i am still on such a high as you may be able to tell, I'm so proud i have the best boxer. That was defiantly the highlight of the day and we even won that leg with her in the team. Somehow the team finished 2nd (have no idea how)its all very new to us but we had an amazing day and small achievements like that are the best feeling in the world. Congratulations to brickyard bandits who won there division what a fantastic day, thanks to everyone who helped us we learnt so much in one day and sos to everyone who had to listen to me go on about how great Diesel is but she is!!!

Couldn't resist a photo of Zippy this was the 5 minutes Amy wasn't cuddling him!!!

Doggies achievments 2008!!

Thought i would reflect on how much my dogs have achieved last year. I'll start with Jess, she started agility December 2007 and started competing in April. We've had our ups and downs with sniffing but shes taken to it like a duck to water. She is consistent and i am really starting to trust her in the ring and daring her to do abit more on her own it will only be time before shes winning out. Shes a very funny dog to run as when you've done your round training or competing you can throw a toy at the end but all she wants is a treat bless her. I am still learning how to make her buttons click as she likes to change her ways every know and then to keep me on my toes. She has also learnt flyball but when she chooses to do it quick she will and if she doesn't want to do it quick she won't typical spaniel. I think shes done really well and i'm really looking forward to our second season of competing this year, its very exciting and great when it all goes right!!!
Diesel is a very special girl in her own rights and for all you people who have boxers will understand how difficult they are at times. You have to make them think they are wonderful which Diesel is and she hates being told off so she tries her hardest all the time. Her biggest achievement is learning flyball, granted it has probably taken her 8 months of going down the lane for a treat but she is know there, and one day you never no she may be quick at it, although she is consistent and knows what she has to do. She started agility in July and really tries hard and loves it. Shes not the most natural at it but she loves it and she makes it fun and i love running her as you know shes really trying for you and i am always pleased with her. She is such a lovely dog and a joy to own she is never a problem and she is my little girl and what ever anyone says shes mine and i know she always wants to make me happy!!!

Gemma is my other very special little girl who is very much a one on one girl (although she does love Amy aswell). Everyone who knows her knows she can be difficult but when it comes right its amazing and i know we have had to really work at it but we've done it. I am taking very small steps with her as i know she will take a while but once we've got it shes going to be great. She stared agility in July and i never though she'd ever pick it up, at one point i nearly stopped as she really wasn't enjoying it and i was forcing her which is not the way to work her as shes very sensitive. And then i had a private lesson with Clare and Anne and Crafty so she felt confident and learnt everything quietly as she gets stressed with other dogs around. And know she has totally shocked me as i thought she would only ever do anysize but she is going to be better than Diesel!! I'm really proud of her as she has a special place in my heart and can be incredibly difficult when she doesn't want to do anything as you cannot tell her off as she looses the plot completely. I've had to really change my ways with Gem as you can't treat her like Jess but its fun learning and you never stop learning. We tried flyball we her but she was very nervous and couldn't get over being nervous so we have given up, but i do plan to try again next summer as she would be very quick, (sos Emma). Gemma just needs time and you can't just be Gemmas friend you have to give her time and space and show her what shes missing out on. I can't wait to start competing her in agility as shes got so much potential she has come so far but we've still got alot more to come!!!

Happy new year!!!!!!

Happy new year guys hope its a great one for you all. Last night we had Gabbys first sleep over at ours due to her mummy and Daddy having a few drinkies to bring the new year in. She was very well behaved and even slept most of the night down stairs with her parents. Jess on the other hand was gutted another boxer, going to have to get her a new friend. We woke up late this morning fortunately all the dogs were tired so let us sleep and have breakfast before our walk. We all scrambled into my car after making room and set off intent on a long walk to burn a few calories to start the new year. We set off and after so long decided that we weren't going in a circle back to the car but going further and further away so turned back and decided to go a different way back to the car. So annoying when you know where the car is but the footpaths don't take you there. But we managed it and even had a close encounter with some deers fortunately only Diesel noticed then but i was quick enough to call her off them although once again Ian wasn't quick enough with the camera. I'm feeling very positive this year and am going to get help and training from wherever possible. I have even enrolled on a puppy course so i can train other people and plan to do more home courses to learn more and get some dog qualifications to help me.

Jess is very hungry after her walk and is currently sitting and falling asleep waiting for her tea to be fair she does alot more in the field than everyone else. Jess has a couple of hours to wait. My brother is on the sofa cuddling Gemma and Gabby with a sleeping bag over them all, Nicola is cuddling Diesel with a sleeping bag. Ian is preparing a roast chicken for us all later which we are all looking forward to especially the dogs. Where having a lovely afternoon and whats better than having really tired dogs at your feet and watching a good film, how lucky are we!!!