INTRODUCING OUR NEW AGILITY PUPS: SAILOR THE BOYKIN SPANIEL!

INTRODUCING SAILOR!

 

We have a lot of new LCDA competitors and club members who are in the training stages. Some have made their debut this fall and others are getting ready. We've all seen most of them at the field for trials or classes, but this series of blog posts on LCDA's Tips, Tricks, and Training will give you a chance to get to know them a little better! This week, meet Wanda's Sailor.

TTT: Let's start with the essentials: What's your pup's name, breed, and age.

WANDA: Backcreek’s Sailor Girl AKA Sailor Bug and Sailor Doodle, Boykin Spaniel, 2.5 years.

 

Wanda's Sailor showing off her jumping skills!

 

TTT: Now a bit of the story: when, where, why, and how did this pup come to you and agility?

WANDA: I have owned Boykin Spaniels longer than I would like to admit.  I knew that I wanted a smaller dog. So I went on the hunt for a dog that came from smaller parents, but had excellent health certifications. Also, the dog had to have a sweet personality. I found a breeder that my sister happened to know. He would call in the local kids to socialize the puppies. He had Show-me Boykins and one of his dogs had just sired a litter and he was to get the pick of the litter. So, the two of us drove up in the country to Mt Ulla NC and the two breeders and I picked out Sailor. Both breeders were excited to place a dog in an agility home.

 

TTT: What's been the most difficult part of incorporating your newest family member into your household? The most rewarding? 

WANDA: I think we all forget how hard basic puppy training is. I was very lucky to have Christine be my puppy sitter during Sailor’s first six months. Then Anne stole her from me. It is an ongoing joke between us. The most rewarding is her sweet personality. She loves all people and creatures. 

 

TTT: What challenges have you faced training this dog compared with others? What did he or she excel at? 

WANDA: Sailor took a long time to mature and I just let her be a puppy. A lot of the puppies that were coming up with her were much quicker to start competing. I just felt that she was not ready and that she needed to grow up. Sailor excels at counter surfing.  Without a doubt, she is one of the best counter surfer’s I have ever known. 

 

TTT: What has your training regimen been for this dog?  

WANDA: First I taught her to play. She learned to retrieve and to swim. These are things she should have a natural ability and love for. After that, I started obstacle training and we still train obstacles every time we go to the field. Thanks to Mary Evans, she has had a lot of obedience. I am in no hurry to move up with her. I have tried to take notes after every trial of things that we need to work on. I think her worst agility skill is jumping. She has terrible form. So, we are committed to working on jump training. Both of us find it boring, but I find it necessary. Other than the obedience, Sailor always thinks that we are just playing when we are training. If I were a better obedience trainer, she would think that was play too. She and I both hate obedience.

 

TTT:  What, if anything, have you learned or done training-wise with this dog that's new for you? 

WANDA: I did not enter her in a trial until I thought she was ready. I had a definition of ready. She had to be able to perform all of the obstacles to my criteria, she had to have a start line stay, and she had to stay engaged with me while in the ring. So instead of entering at 18 months old, she was 26 months old when she entered her first trial.

 

TTT:  Share your secrets: what's one silly thing you and your agility teammate do together when no one is looking? 

WANDA: Shower together. She loves it. She does not like the soap…just the water.  She thinks it is raining in the house.

 

TTT:  One word that best describes this pup:

WANDA: Brownsugar

 

 

 

 

A TAIL OF TWO TRIALS

February was a busy month at LCDA with back-to-back trials: The Intro Trial on the 22nd and our 3-day trial (including Team events on Friday) on the 27th, 28th, and March 1st.

Thanks to our FABULOUS judges, Rebecca Schnulle for the Intro Trial and Evelyn Roberts for the 3-day event.

We had LOADS of titles earned at the 3-day trial, but no club photos for the weekend since the Pupparazzi was celebrating his birthday! Below this list of titles are some photos from the Intro Trial.

FEBRUARY TRIAL TITLES

Margaret Mills and Knox: Starters Performance Jumpers

Pat Sells (via Steve Routh) and Pan: Starters Performance Jumpers
Lisa Nurminen and Madison: Starters Gamblers
Vanessa Routh and Bogey: Starters Performance Gamblers
Anna Blanton and Hype: Starters Standard AND Agility Dog
Ken Walker and Mattie: Starters Jumpers AND Starters Gamblers
Wanda Usher and Sailor: Starters Jumpers, Starters Snooker, AND Starters Gamblers
Caroline Hunt and Magnus: Advanced Relay
Rudy Kruek and Orso: Advanced Performance Standard
Cindy Floyd and Thor: Advanced Gambler
Linda Freed and Ferrari: Advanced Gambler
Vanessa Routh and Bogey: Advanced Performance Snooker
Julie Neer and Panda: Advanced Performance Jumper
Elaine Hawes and Fergus: Advanced Standard AND Advanced Agility Dog
Ann Ferrell and Dot: Advanced Standard AND Advanced Agility Dog
Alexis Chapman and Zumba: Advanced Standard AND Advanced Agility Dog
Merritt Speagle and Jeopardy: Advanced Standard AND Advanced Agility Dog
Christine Vinciguerra and Rusty:  Performance Jumper Master
Randy Hunter and Cutter: Relay Master
Fred Parker and Spring: Jumper Master
Janet Thibault and Badger: Master Performance Gambler
Ruth Correia and Cheer: Jumper Master
Erin Queen and Jefferson: Jumper Champion AND Tournament Champion - Bronze
Rebecca Schnulle and Koby: Master Jumper, Relay Champion, Standard Champion, AND Agility Dog Champion
Ann Ferrell and Sophie: Master Performance Standard, Performance Jumper Champion, Performance Snooker Champion, AND Performance Agility Dog Champion


CONGRATULATIONS to you all, and we hope to see you back at the next trial:  April 11-12, 2015.  Test schedule available on our website and at USDAA.com


Here are a few of the pics from the Intro Trial. A great time was definitely had by all! You can see all of the pics at the club's FLICKR site HERE.  As always, a big thank you to Matt Drobnik for all the great pictures.

 

Judge's Briefing

 

 

Janet and Twisp


 



Kim and Level

Cindy and Tripp

Lupin



Sue and Brodie
















 

INTRODUCING OUR NEW AGILITY PUPS: CAM-E-O THE BORDER COLLIE

MEET OUR NEW AGILITY PUPS

 

We have a lot of new LCDA competitors and club members who are in the training stages. Some have made their debut this fall and others are getting ready. We've all seen most of them at the field for trials or classes, but here's a chance to get to know them a little better! If you are new to the club, have a new dog, or a dog that's new to agility and would like to introduce them, send Lynne a message at her email or through the LCDA website's Forum and she'll put you in the queue!

This week, meet Linda Stimson's Cam!

 

Cam (with a backgroundphoto-bomb by brothers Jack and Merlin)

 

TTT: Let's start with the essentials: What's your pup's name, breed, and age.

LINDA: Cam-E-O Performance AKA Cam is a Border Collie and is 6 ½ months old.
 

TTT: Now a bit of the story: when, where, why, and how did this pup come to you and agility?

LINDA: I had been experiencing the infamous “puppy fever” for quite some time when my friend Kathy Price’s WeBe and Voodoo had puppies. I have always loved Voodoo and the fact they were TBC’s (Thompson Border Collies) made it all the more enticing. I was not sure my husband, Jerry, was going to be in favor of another dog and was surprised when he said “you ought to get one 'cause it takes at least three to make a pack and dogs are happier in a pack." That’s all it took…I was on the computer emailing Kathy. I wanted a male so she brought the two males to LCDA for me to check out and I immediately fell in love with Cam.

TTT: What's been the most difficult part of incorporating your newest family member into your household? The most rewarding?

LINDA: The most difficult, what I thought would be the most difficult, was introducing Cam to Jack (one of my other Border Collies).  Well, I was wrong…so wrong! Not only did Cam become buds with Merlin (the other Border Collie), he became BEST buds with Jack!  The most rewarding part is he has brought such joy to our entire family. I haven’t seen Merlin and Jack this happy since before we lost Kuto, our Pompoo.  Guess Jerry was right about the “pack” thing.

TTT: What challenges have you faced training this dog compared with others? What did he or she excel at?

LINDA: Right now it’s just the challenge of training a puppy. I have been working with him on agility training equipment at home. He is also taking a jumping class at LCDA and is signed up for the Intro to Agility class at LCDA in March. I really think he is going to be a natural! J

TTT: What has your training regimen been for this dog?

LINDA: First goal is getting Cam socialized by enrolling him in classes and taking him on outings and working on a good recall…still working on that. Then we throw in a little obedience commands ie., sit, stay, etc., and finally, introducing various agility equipment for introduction and fun…he loves it.

TTT: What, if anything, have you learned or done training-wise with this dog that's new for you?

LINDA: Starting training classes early and listening to some very knowledgeable friends/instructors. They see outside the box…seeing things you don’t.

TTT: Share your secrets: what's one silly thing you and your agility teammate do together when no one is looking?

LINDA: At bedtime Cam jumps up on the bed and we snuggle for about 5 minutes then he is off to his own bed. Snuggle time has been a ritual since he was a puppy. Before he had run the house, he would get up in my lap about 30 minutes before my bedtime and take a little “snuggle nap”. Still don’t know how he knew what time it was.

TTT: One word that best describes this pup:

LINDA: Exceptional!

 

INTRODUCING OUR NEW AGILITY PUPS: LUPIN THE TAUSSIE

MEET OUR NEW AGILITY PUPS

 
We have a lot of new LCDA competitors and club members who are in the training stages. Some have made their debut this fall and others are getting ready. We've all seen most of them at the field for trials or classes, but here's a chance to get to know them a little better!

TTT:  Let's start with the essentials: What's your pup's name, breed, and age.

LYNNE: Lupin, Taussie (Terrier-Aussie mix, aka All-American mutt), 20 mos.

Lynne and Matt's Lupin

 

TTT:  Now a bit of the story: when, where, why, and how did this pup come to you and agility?

LYNNE: Matt has a 3-pet-rule for our house. When our oldest cat, Spooky, died in May 2013, we were down one. In October, I found a picture of a 10-week old Vandy, (the  name given by the rescue Carolina Hearts Aussie Rescue (CHAR)). Matt said he looked like a little werewolf so would make a good "Remus Lupin," in keeping with our Harry Potter themed names. I contacted them, but he'd already found a home, so I kept looking but we couldn't fund another dog we both agreed on. About a week later, CHAR contacted us to say he'd been returned because the adopter had allergies. I think that was a clear sign that he was meant to be ours!

 

TTT:  What's been the most difficult part of incorporating your newest family member into your household? The most rewarding?

LYNNE: The hardest part is that I hadn't had a puppy in more than 15 years, so forgot about the time and attention that takes. The most rewarding is how he instantly fit into our household. He and Muggle started hit it off the moment Lupin came into the yard, and he and Minerva are best friends--they play all day and curl up to sleep together at night.

TTT:  What challenges have you faced training this dog compared with others? What did he or she excel at?

LYNNE: The biggest challenge is helping Lupin to overcome his fear. He's very timid with strangers and in new situations. Most of you have seen him go into full-panic-attack mode at trials if he sees a stranger. We're working on that. I think we're pretty lucky because he's never shown any aggression with his fear, but a lot of curiosity. Even when he's barking, his tail wags and he keeps going back to see the person or thing that scares him a little closer each time. So, I think we'll overcome that.

He excels at being enthusiastic about those he loves--people and other animals. He might take a while to warm up to strangers, but once he does, he's a big cuddle-bug.

 

TTT:  What has your training regimen been for this dog?

LYNNE: We've taken quite a few classes already (although you might not always be able to tell!) We started with Basic Obedience with the Charleston Dog Training Club, and at the same time did an agility Foundations class with Lori Duncan--those two classes reinforced each other and were a good start. Then we did Intermediate Obedience at LCDA, and a Tricks class and "Diagnosis: Dog" class (for dealing with distractions) with Cindy Carter at Mindful Manners. We did Intro to Agility and Obstacles II in the fall/winter, and just started the 2X2 weaves class and Advanced Obstacles at LCDA. We try to practice at home in short, 5-10 minutes/day, but I'm pretty sporadic about training outside of classes, so do better when we're enrolled in a class.

TTT:  What, if anything, have you learned or done training-wise with this dog that's new for you?

LYNNE: Everything has been different with Lupin! He learns quickly, but gets bored quickly, too. I can't do anything more than a couple times before he wanders off. He's very sniffy and curious--and I'm definitely less interesting than dirt to him. We've made a lot of progress from where we were even a month ago, so I'm quite proud of him, but we still have a long way to go!

 

TTT:  Share your secrets: what's one silly thing you and your agility teammate do together when no one is looking?

LYNNE: He likes the TV, so I'll tell him, "where's the puppy?" and he'll sit up and watch, cocking his head from side to side whenever there are dogs or horses on.

 

TTT:  One word that best describes this pup:

LYNNE: Goofy!

 

 

 

Introducing Our New Dogs: Brodie the Border Collie

We have a lot of new LCDA competitors and club members who are in the training stages. Some have made their debut this fall and others are getting ready. We've all seen most of them at the field for trials or classes, but here's a chance to get to know them a little better! If you have a new, new-to-agility, new-to-LCDA, or any other new dog you'd like to introduce, contact Lynne via the LCDA website forums.

 

This week, meet Sue Tetanich's Brodie the Border Collie.

 

TTT:  Let's start with the essentials: What's your pup's name, breed, and age.

SUE: Brodie; Border Collie; ~ 17 mos (DOB 10/1/13)

Brodie in a rare calm moment!

TTT:  Now a bit of the story: when, where, why, and how did this pup come to you and agility?

SUE: I was looking for a puppy but didn't really want a young dog. I found Brodie listed on Phoenix Rising Border Collie Rescue. Spoke to the foster mom several times and finally submitted an application. When we finally learned we were picked to adopt Brodie, we were told that there were over 50 applications. That was the most PRBCR had ever received for a single dog!

TTT:  What's been the most difficult part of incorporating your newest family member into your household? The most rewarding?

SUE: The most difficult is trying to tone down Brodie's go, go, wild, never ending exuberance. The most rewarding is Brodie's loving ways and his over-the-top happiness.

 

TTT:  What challenges have you faced training this dog compared with others? What did he or she excel at?

SUE: The challenges are to get Brodie to consistently keep his eagerness in control around other dogs. Brodie has excelled at learning things like 2-On-2-Off, table, tunnels, etc. He watches Domino a lot, and I would like to think that he has learned by that concept a little.

 

TTT:  What has your training regimen been for this dog?

SUE: Believe it or not, 2 obedience classes! Then a lot of training 2O2O, foundation work, Daisy Peele seminar for puppies, everyday good manners, walking a lot around the neighborhood on a leash, and never ending trying to rein in the eagerness.

TTT:  What, if anything, have you learned or done training-wise with this dog that's new for you?

SUE: I have watched a lot of puppy DVDs and tried to incorporate more foundation training. Also, I have tried to be more patient when doing training and have a slower time-line in my mind as to when Brodie will be trialing.

TTT:  Share your secrets: what's one silly thing you and your agility teammate do together when no one is looking?

SUE: We listen to Dave Ramset on the radio (a lot) on the drives to and from the club. My dogs are very well versed on how to save money and invest it (into agility ribbons, classes, etc.)

TTT:  One word that best describes this pup:

SUE: Happy

 

 

 

 

Introducing Our New Dogs: Jeb the Weim

We have a lot of new LCDA competitors and club members who are in various stages of training and competing. Some have made their debut this fall and others are getting ready. We've all seen most of them at the field for trials or classes, but here's a chance to get to know them a little better! Over the next few months, we'll be introducing our new dogs here on the Tips, Tricks, and Training (TTT) blog, so be sure to stop by and meet our newest 4-legged members.

 

If you're new to the club, new to competition, or have a new dog and haven't yet completed the questionnaire that was sent out through the website forum, be sure to complete that and send it, along with a picture, so your pup can be included!

 

This week, please welcome Jeb the Weimaraner! introduced by his handler, dog-mom, Allison Smith.

 

 

TTT: Let's start with the essentials: What's your pup's name, breed, and age.

Allison: Jeb, Weimaraner, 2 yrs old.

 

Jeb the Weim and Allison

 

 

TTT:  Now a bit of the story: when, where, why, and how did this pup come to you and agility?

Allison: We started in the Fall of 2013. I took an obedience class at LCDA when he was just a few months old. I thought it would be fun to take an agility class later, but had no idea we would end up where we are now!

 

TTT:  What's been the most difficult part of incorporating your newest family member into your household? The most rewarding?

Allison: Our biggest challenge has just been dealing with a weimaraner! We (my husband and I) thought we knew what we were getting into with this breed, but wow!

I grew up with a very calm, eager to please lab and very low maintenance mixed breeds. I wasn’t expecting so much of a challenge. I can’t imagine a more stubborn and defiant dog!

With that being said, I don’t think I’d ever get anything else now! Jeb is so incredibly intelligent and I enjoy him constantly challenging me (maybe I’m just crazy). We both learn and grow together and feeling that connection every day is rewarding beyond words.

TTT:  What challenges have you faced training this dog compared with others? What did he or she excel at?

Allison: Jeb is the first dog I’ve raised from a puppy and trained. As I mentioned before, he is very stubborn and likes to do what he wants, when he wants. Punishment doesn’t seem to faze him either. The last lab my family had would pout for the rest of the day if you even raised your voice at him. Jeb doesn’t seem to care at all! Weims are famous for trying to convince you that their way is the right way. So I would say my biggest challenge has been breaking him of bad habits. We are still struggling with plenty of those! (pulling on the leash, counter surfing, play biting when he gets excited…)

He is great at learning though and he always impresses me with that. He picks things up so quickly. Whether it’s in agility, trick training, playing games, or even just learning routines, he is always so eager to learn.

TTT:  What has your training regimen been for this dog?

Allison: Since Jeb has started agility, I think there hasn’t been a time he hasn’t been enrolled in a class. I try to take him to the field 3 times a week, and I do some conditioning and training at our house 2-3 times a week. I would like to work in some more cardio and cross training into his regimen, but it’s been difficult during the colder months. During the summer I take him swimming a good bit.

TTT:  What, if anything, have you learned or done training-wise with this dog that's new for you?

Allison: Everything! Ha!

It’s all new to me and I’m just trying to figure out what works for us along the way.

TTT:  Share your secrets: what's one silly thing you and your agility teammate do together when no one is looking?

Allison: Oh gosh… I have a few songs that I’ve made an agility parody of that I sing to him.

TTT:  One word that best describes this pup:

Allison: Perfect! ;)

 

 

New Titles from Our January 2015 Trial

We had an outstanding weekend for LCDA's January trial--good weather, great competitors and dogs, and an amazing judge, Francisco "Paco" Berjon. Along with all of our usual fun, we had lots of exceptional runs and lots of new titles earned!

The weekend started with smiles and tears of joy as we rolled out our new special jumps honoring those LCDA dogs and handlers who have earned their ADCHs and PDCHs: Courtney and Sandy, Lori and Matilda, Randy with Justice and Circe, Anne and Hunley, and Wanda and Surfer Boy.

Commemorative Jumps for our proud ADCH and PDCH dogs and handlers!
l to r: Courtney/Sandy, Lori/Matilda, Randy/Justice and Circe,
Anne/Hunley, and Wanda/Surfer Boy.

Thank you to everyone who came out and played with their dogs, volunteered your time, and helped to make the weekend a success!  

Special congrats to those earning titles at the trial:

Wanda Usher and Sailor: Starters Standard AND Agility Dog

Mary Evans and Spring: Starters Jumpers, Starters Gamblers, Starters Relay, Starters Standard, AND Agility Dog

 

Sailor and Spring with all their trial bling!

 

Vanessa Routh and Bogey: Advanced Performance Jumpers
Diane Rutledge and Parker: Advanced Performance Relay
Karen McCray and Goldie: Advanced Performance Jumpers AND Advanced Performance Relay



Karen with Goldie and Diane with Parker:
What an Advanced Performance Relay Team!

 

Christine Vinciguerra and Rusty:  Performance Gambler Master
Randy Hunter and Cutter: Gambler Master
Elizabeth Ampleford and Kat: Relay Master
Courtney Holscher and Leila: Jumper Master
Alexis Chapman and Hula: Snooker Master
Alexis Chapman and Zumba: Gambler Master
Ruth Correia and Cheer: Relay Master AND Standard Agility Master

Christine and Rusty, Performance Gambler Masters!

Rebecca Schnulle and Koby: Gamblers Champion
Mimi Fountan and Joker: Gamblers Champion Silver
Lauren Hansen and Darci: Performance Snooker Champion Gold

 

To see more photos of our dogs and handlers from this and other LCDA trials and events, head over to our FLICKR page or Facebook Lowcountry Dog AgilityPics page.

 

Hope to see you all back at the next trial:  February 27-March 1, 2015.  Test schedule available on our LCDA website and at USDAA.com