Twilight - By Stephanie Meyer

OK, so yes, this is mainly a dog training blog. So, what does Stephanie Meyer's debut novel have to do with dog training????? Well, nothing, in the literal sense. However, there are very few things that can actually pull me away from wanting to do some type of training or fun activity with my dogs. Actually, most of the things that fall into that category are things that I must do... such as working, chores, shopping, family obligations, etc.. There are actually very few things that I want to do that aren't related in someway to the dogs... This book, and the 3 that followed in the series, is definitely one of those things that was able to pull me away from my addiction. Stephanie Meyer is such a brilliant writer, I was captivated by her book, I literally could not put the book down.

It did not start out this way. The fascination with the Twilight story started at work, with some clients and co-workers discussing the book and the movie. I really had no interest at all in reading such a book, after all, it wasn't a dog training book! And really, vampires?????? I'm not really into that kind of stuff, if you know what I mean. So, it wasn't until a client of ours actually brought me my very own copy of the book that I felt obligated to read it. Yes, that is right, obligated. Because she had brought it for me, I felt that I now had to read this book, as she would soon ask me how I liked it, and it would be very rude to not have read it. I was so very busy at the time, getting Blaze ready for the AAC Regionals, and attending agility trials, I really didn't have time to read this book. I actually started the book on at least 3 separate occasions and stopped after only a few pages, wondering truthfully in my head, "Ok, when does it actually get GOOD?". So many people were raving about this book, and after reading the beginning of the book, I really didn't see what all the fuss was about. Then, one fatefull night in June, I decided to pick up the book again, and continue reading. I still felt obligated to finish it. Then, like some spell was cast upon me, I was hooked, drawn in so deep that I could not, did not want to, put this book down...... I was reading in bed, and my back, my neck, my arms were all sore, but I did not want to stop. I kept telling myself, just one more chapter, just one more. The time was ticking by, midnight, 1 a.m., 2 a.m., I was supposed to get up at 5 a.m. for a dog show that morning, but I did not want to put this book down. I eventually had to force myself, and I do mean force myself, to put the book away and try and get some sleep. The following morning we were late for the dog show, and of course, the book came with me. Thank goodness my husband was driving so I could read in the vehicle on the way there! Now, I never, ever read in a moving vehicle, it is not a good idea. But I tell you, I did not have a choice. I barely looked up the whole ride there. Once there, all I could really think about was when could I get a chance to get the book out and continue reading????? I considered getting it out at the show, but thought that was probably a bad idea. Then, while there, I was discussing it with one of my friends, and she said that she has the other 3 books in the series and that I was welcome to borrow them when I was finished the first book! Wow! Yippee! No break in the story. I continued to read with similar enthusiam, although I think I have to honestly say that the first book is the best one in the series. Soon after I was able to watch the movie. The book is by far better, but I still do like the movie, as it brings the characters to life. The movie does not do the best job at portraying Edward's emotions, and I think that if you have not read the book, that you may not 100% "get" the movie. Nonetheless, I really can't remember the last time a story has captivated me so much. Stephanie is nothing short of brilliant and does a fantastic job of bringing the characters' emotions alive.

Sure, it is said that this book was written for teenagers, but it seems to communicate to so many more of us on a deeper level. The only sad part is when the story ends and I have turned the last page.

Sehr Gut - Olympic's Zorro, TEC, BH, AD

I was finally able to get myself organized and get Eros entered into a conformation show to get his first show rating. This rating is necessary if you are to move on to complete a breed survey. Eros will be completing a breed survey once he is titled. I entered Eros into the Ontario Regional schutzhund championships conformation show, hosted by the Niagara Hundesport Training Club. I have never had a dog in a dog show before, and after discussing it with some show friends, I decided to have him professionally handled in the show. My good friend Denis Rzan agreed to handle him for me. He finished with an SG-6 rating, as there were only 6 dogs in his group, and all of the others were show dogs. There is no way a working dog would ever be placed ahead of a show dog... I was expecting this, so no big surprise there. An SG (Sehr Gut = Very Good) rating is the highest rating any dog can receive that does not have a working title. I was hoping for an SG, and that is what he was given. Phew!

Below is Denis with Eros in the show ring getting him to stack...



Here Denis is showing Eros' teeth


Another look at the teeth


We did not get any pictures of Eros running around the show ring, as both me and my husband had to run around the outside of the ring and call Eros when directed by Denis to encourage him to trot quicker... This is sometimes referred to as "double handling", and is allowed in the German shows. It can become a crazy atmosphere, with owners running around the ring calling their dogs' names, squeaking toys, whirling toys around while they run, blowing whistles,... the list goes on!

Arlo - TD, Tracking Dog

All of the dogs passed their TD test today, Ben & Joanne, Lianne & Brody, Myself & Arlo, Judge Sharon Smith, and Sandra with Murphy.


Myself & Arlo with Judge Sharon Smith, and Arlo's plaque, ribbon, and glove.


Me accepting our award, the plaque, ribbon, and a copy of our Tracking score sheet, with Judge Sharon Smith.


Today Arlo passed his CKC tracking test, the TD. The test requires the dog to navigate a track that is at least 45 minutes old, approximately 400 meters in length, with 4 to 5 corners, and one article at the end. Arlo has been training in tracking for 4 years, and I was very happy to have this opportunity to participate in this test. The test was held in memory of Terry Smith, a CKC tracking judge who was supposed to be the judge at this event. Terry passed away in May of this year of pancreatic cancer. His battle was long and hard, and he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. I will always remeber Terry as being happy, having a great sense of humour, and being very helpful at our training sessions and at trials. He was always willing to answer questions or explain things to those of us who were new to the sport. Tracking was his passion, and I am happy to be able to honour his memory today by by participating in this tracking test and making him proud by helping Arlo be successful.

This one's for you Terry. We know that you are at peace now, yet we cannot help but wish that you were still with us.

Blaze 2nd Place Finish AAC Ontario Regional Championships

Blaze and I with his Ontario Regional 2nd place ribbon, his Masters Steeplechase ribbon, and his National Qualifier ribbon. Thanks Helen for the photo!

May 29th to 31st was the Ontario Regional Championsips for the AAC. Blaze and I competed again this year, and finished in 2nd place in the 16" Double Drop Veterans class. We ran great, and had 5 clean runs, all well under the standard course time. In the Gamble event on Saturday, I made a critical handling error that caused Blaze to fault before completing the final gamble... He went on to complete the gamble successfully, after a brilliant opening of 55 points, but we did not get the 35 points for the main gamble because of my error. This error actually cost Blaze 1st place, the chance to be a regional champion. I was heartbroken, and so very angry at myself for doing that one split-second move that sent him the wrong way around a jump. I actually really couldn't believe my eyes when I saw that Blaze had the opportunity to be in first place at a regional event... and then, I was in even more disbelief that I actually messed this up! And, we were not in first place because of default, i.e., not because every other handler had bad runs that weekend, we were in first place because we were actually faster and clean.... WOW! So, he received two first place ribbons for his jumpers and standard runs on Saturday, an amazing accomplishment, and three 2nd place ribbons for all of his runs on Sunday. In addition to that, he earned 2 Steeplechase qualifying scores on Friday, one of which gave him his Masters Steeplechase Dog of Canada title, Way To Go Blaze! Overall, it was a great weekend. I somehow managed to keep my head together on Sunday to help him do 3 clean runs. I was so angry at myself for my handling error on Saturday, I was really struggling Sunday morning to keep my head "clear" for the day. All I needed was to be a mess going into the ring and subsequently messing Blaze up in his runs.... I'm not really sure how I managed to overcome that and have a great day on Sunday. Must partially be do to trial experience. You cannot teach experience.... words to live by.

In less than 2 months time, we are off to the Natioanal Championships in Ottawa. It is a great honour to have qualified again this year to be a national competitor. This year's theme for the Ontario Regionals was "Enjoy the Ride".... Well, that we certainly did.

Royackers Kennels Agility Trial

Blaze, with his ribbons from the trial; two firsts, a second, and a third, and 4 qualifying scores.


Saturday March 28th, 2009, Blaze and I were at Royackers Kennels for an agility trial. This was our second time there. This is a beautiful facility, very competitor friendly, with a wonderful indoor building for hosting trials. Blaze did excellent, and I was very proud of him. We did 5 runs, 2 Master Standards, 2 Master Gambles, and a Steeplechase. Blaze got 4 Q's out of 5. He Q'd both standard runs, the steeplechase, and one of the gambles. He actually completed both gamble runs successfully, with great opening points in both runs, but on the second run he was 0.74 seconds over time. On our approach to the main gamble in this run, he had to go straight out past the weave poles to a jump that was positioned slightly past the entry to the poles and jump the jump going left, and there was another jump that was positioned off to the right of the starting jump (it was actually the last obtacle of the main gamble). I must have been just slightly off in my signalling, as he took the jump that was off to the right... I then was able to direct him to the correct jump, and then he went on to finish the main gamble (jump, frame, weaves, jump), but was 0.74 seconds over time, so no Q for us there. Had I not directed him to take that incorrect jump at the beginning, he would have had a Q for that run too. Once again, "Smack the Handler!". I was just thrilled that he actually did another main gamble with 12 weaves in it.... truly a massive accomplishment for us. He also worked great in all of our runs. He did all his weave entries, again one of our main challenges over the years. I have to say that our standard runs were a bit choppy, but this was all due to my handling... I clearly need more practice. I am also happy to say that Blaze is more than capable of doing everything I ask him to do, he just needs the right information from me so that he can actually do it out there. It is trials like this that leave me thinking, "When can we do it again?"... it was so much fun.

Royackers Agility Trial

This was our first time out at Royackers Kennels, a great facility in Ariss, near Guelph, Ontario.

Blaze did 5 runs today, 2 standard, 2 gamble, and a steeplechase. He got 3 Q's, but would have had 5 if I hadn't messed him up, again. I messed him up on his second standard run, we were about 3 or 4 obstacles from finishing... and I did something I haven't done in a long, long time. He had just completed the weaves, and did them great... I was so happy, as this has been our challenge for a long time. Then from the weaves we had a 180 degree turn to a tunnel, did that no problem. From the tunnel we had to go straight ahead to another tunnel, there was a jump off to the right that was pretty close, and to the left of the tunnel opening was the frame, with the ramp right beside the tunnel opening. Well, I was so damn happy he got those weaves, and the end of the course was so close (tunnel, tunnel, jump, jump), I did a "pre-celebration" in my head, thinking that, "yes, we are going to get this one!", I lost my focus, and was totally in the wrong spot to direct him to the tunnel opening that was beside the frame, and he went up the frame.... Smack the Handler! That kind of tunnel opening is usually no problem for him, and I could tell he was confused, as he didn't immediately go up the frame, but paused, and when he did go up the frame, it was with hesitation, not confidence, so I knew that he was not sure what I wanted. I always feel bad when I mess him up like that, as I know he has the ability to be clean, and he is not clean because of me! His steeplechase run was great. I love steeplechase, as I use those as "fun runs", I go out there and I run him really fast, as he likes that, and I can practice my handling at a fast speed, which I don't normally do in my other runs. There were two sets of 6 weaves, which meant two entries.... again, he did these great, no hesitation, and I did not baby any of our weave entries at all, just kept my pace, said "weave", and let him go. He ran that course in 39 seconds, one of our fastest runs ever I think. The SCT was 51 seconds, so for Blaze that was excellent. Then came the gambles. The first gamble was tricky, but certainly do-able for Blaze. He had a great opening, getting the mini gamble twice. Then, the closing was straight out to a tunnel, then a 180 turn to go up the frame. Then, the handler had to cross the gamble line, as the rest of the gamble was on the other side of the line, and it was a jump, straight out to the dog walk, and then a final jump. Because I was near the end of the running order, I got to see a lot of runs before we ran. A lot of people were getting the gamble, but running out of time, so I thought that time must be really tight on this one, so no time to waste! When the buzzer went for us, I was a bit frazzled, worried about wasting time. So, I did not take my normal time that I take to set Blaze up for his gambles.... This is something I have tried to always be careful to do for him, as when I take an extra second to really set him up correctly for his approach to the gamble, it always goes better, and because we are in veterans now, I always think to myself.... "we have lots of time!".... Well, I was rushing, did not take that extra second to set him up, sent him out to the tunnel incorrectly, he was unsure what I wanted, took the jump (no big deal really), went out towards the tunnel, came back to me, at this point I knew we would run out of time for sure, and that Blaze was not sure what the heck I wanted anyway... he did then go out to the tunnel, and started up the frame, but then jumped off. I was mad at myself for ruining Blaze's chances at a Q. He certainly could have done that gamble. Our final run, another gamble, was the highlight of the weekend. When I first got there in the morning and saw that the last run we were doing was a gamble that had 12 weaves in it, I just wrote off that run, as although he is certainly capable of doing weaves at a distance, weaves have been our problem for a while, and for him to go out away from me to do weaves.... well, forget it. Also, he has typically been good for one or two weave entries per day, and by then he had already done 4 weave entries... so I thought there is just no way he is going to do those weaves... Anyway, the mini gamble in this one was a bit tricky, but I always try them anyway, and if there is any hint of a problem, I step in right away. This is what happened, he did not get the mini, my fault I am sure, so I stepped in, and ran him really, really fast through the obstacles, just basically hitting whatever was in front of us, I abandoned my original plan. He loves this type of running, so it really pumped him up. When the buzzer went, I talked to myself in my head.... I said to myself... "set up your dog, set up your dog...." I took that extra second to set up Blaze, then just went for it. The gamble was a jump, out to the weaves, then two more jumps, with a distraction jump closer to the handler. He went out there, did those weaves, but I did not lose my focus, and he did the last two jumps no problem, BAM!, a successful gamble with those dreaded weaves!!!!!!! Whew, I was so happy it was great. But, because I abandoned my original opening plan, which included two mini gambles, I was not sure if we had enough opening points. Not that I really cared, as I was so happy he did that main gamble, I was trying to count the points in my head afterward, but I couldn't remember exactly when the buzzer went, and because I was just doing random obstacles, I couldn't really remember exactly what I did..... I waited anxiously for the results, and sure enough... 28 opening points, yippee!!!! One more gamble Q. I was just elated that Blaze did so well, and that his only errors were my errors. This certainly gives me more incentive to improve my handling for him. And oh-so happy about all those weaves he did! It was a blast.

February Training Weekend

Mike Bauer, giving some instruction and tips to Me with Eros.

February 7th & 8th 2009, the Capital City Schutzhund Club hosted their annual February training weekend. This was my first opportunity to attend. This year they invited Mike Bauer, a 5 time WUSV competitor to come out and share some of his training insights with the group. Unfortunately, I was only able to attend on the Sunday, and missed all of Saturday along with Saturday evening's dinner and socializing. I had never met Mike before, and was very pleased with his easy going manner, and his willingness to help and point out where he thought the handlers could improve. It is always so refreshing to hear another opinion of your work with your dog, especially from someone who has had world level experience.

Mike offered me some great tips, and I was very happy to get his advice. I had been really re-thinking my whole training philosophies since our disastrous showing at the Buffalo trial, and his tips were welcome. Eros was worked in obedience and protection, and much to my surprise, Eros showed great nerve and fight in the bitework phase. Eros has never been worked in defense drive, only strictly in prey. He also has very limited experience on new and strange helpers (my fault = bad handler!). I informed Mike right at the beginning of the protection session that Eros has been, up to that point, trained only in prey drive. I was lucky to have Mike work him in the bitework phase. Mike pushed Eros more than he has ever been pushed, and that was also the first time Eros had ever seen Mike. Eros took everything Mike through at him in stride, and showed no evidence of fear, unsuredness, or lack of courage. I have to admit, I was a little surprised at Eros' performance, as I had always viewed him as somewhat of a softer kind of dog whose great drive made him look so good in bitework. This one little session proves that not to be the case at all. In fact, I was elated when Mike said more than once while working Eros in the bitework session that, "This is a nice dog!". He said it in a real genuine tone, and with enthusiasm. For this to come from a 5 time world competitor who's standards for "nice dogs" are quite high, I feel it really means something... Now, on to some serious training!

For many reasons, I did not work Arlo in the seminar. In hindsight, I wish I would've had given Mike the chance to see Arlo's bitework. I would've liked to hear his opinion, as this is what I've been struggling with for some time.

A big thanks to my friend Trish for snapping a whole bunch of great photos for me.

Mike working on a distraction exercise by swinging a ball around. Eros has nice focus, and only needed to be corrected once for looking away, and then he did not look away again.

Mike now throwing the ball past Eros... nice focus again.


Getting ready to start heeling.

Mike giving me some tips, must be important, he is very intense!

Some nice attentive heeling, not Eros' best work, he was stressed (so was I)

Nice attention.


Waiting for protection to begin.
Nice barking.


Nice bite.
Little run with the sleeve.


Hold and bark.
Hold and bark after the out, no re-gripping this time.


The bite.

Me walking around Eros during the guarding phase, normally he'll look away from the helper at me, not this time.


Eros getting pushed into the crowd a little bit. He's got some sleeve goober on his nose...
Mike adding some physical distraction...

At the end, love this photo, we are all smiling. Not sure who was speaking or what was said.