EDGE

2012-02-14T07:24:00.001-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T07:22:00.000-05:00

Sending lots of Valentine's Wishes!

Good way to start our week

2012-02-13T19:01:00.002-05:00

Mom and I went to play obedience today with all our friends. I wish we could go every week as it is SOOO much fun. We have all kinds of things going on at the same time and we have to focus on what WE are doing and not pay attention to anyone else. I am getting very good at this now and Mom is always telling me how proud she is of me. Then we do team stuff and I play crate games for 2 hours. Mom does not zip my cage and I cannot come out without permission. Well, I did one time today as I thought for sure Mom released me and I saw Pauline walking by. Every one gives me a lot of attention as they think I am handsome :)

I can't wait to go play again!!!

I AM a lapdog

2012-02-12T16:52:00.003-05:00

I really am a lapdog, just look! I love to sit on Mom's lap.

Run outside

2012-02-12T15:00:00.001-05:00

I looked really sad today and convinced Mom to take me out to run. It really wasn't too bad as the sun was out when we were running. I was so excited to be out in the snow and I ran and ran and ran as fast as I could. Mom would not let me stay out for long so we did two short trips outside. But I was so happy!! Mom couldn't take any pictures as she was all bundled up to keep warm. But I had snow all over my nose as I was snow tracking.

GOOD helper!

2012-02-11T14:53:00.003-05:00

I am a good helper in the kitchen. I could even wash all the dishes if Mom would let me :)

I am good with the potholder too!

Cookie making day

2012-02-11T07:38:00.001-05:00

Mom and I were going to go run today, but Mom said it is too cold and windy. So we are going to make cookies instead! I really like cookie making day but would really like to go run.

Maybe we can rent the building again and then I can run AND play!! :)

Mom playing with software again

2012-02-11T07:34:00.000-05:00

SNOW!!

2012-02-10T19:36:00.000-05:00

Mom and I played in the snow tonight. I really like playing in the snow, but my favorite is catching snowballs. We really haven't had any good "snowball" snow yet this year. Mom tried really hard to make snowballs but it didn't work very well.

I did run full speed around and around the back yard. Mom tried to "get my butt" as I ran, but I was faster and I could dart in and out around her. We had so much fun playing outside.

Mommy says I'm smart...

2012-02-10T18:50:00.002-05:00

but I just wanted to make sure she filled ALL my bones.

I get a frozen yogurt bone every morning when Mom goes to work. She pulled out the 3 on the counter and got out all the "bone making stuff" and told me what she was doing. I still had the empty one from today in my kennel so I ran over and got it and took it to the kitchen. Mom kept telling me how smart I was and then told me to bring it to her. I picked it up and gave it to her so she could fill it too! I'm glad she thinks I'm smart, but it was my belly talking!

Play with Gary!

2012-01-29T14:16:00.002-05:00

I was very bored this morning, Mom has not felt well and she was not going out in the cold wind for me to run. We had lots of snuggle and massage time on the couch, but I need to RUN!! Gary took me out this morning to play bumper. I was not so sure at first, I kept waiting on Mom to join us. I had to go check on her too, but I finally went out and played. I was very good and took the bumper back to Gary EVERY time so he could throw it again. I did make him work to get it back though :) He can't have everything. We played until my tongue was hanging out. I really needed to go run.

Mom and I played a couple of times inside and we had fun. We played with my new leash several times. Not sure what is up with that, Mom has something planned, I can just tell. Then we did cavalettis and disc work and bosu ball and recalls and.... We did a new exercise on the bosu ball that was really hard for me. I kept trying to change positions but Mom would catch me and make me switch back. She did help me in the beginning so it would not be so hard.

She has to work now, that is why I have the computer. And she promises we can play again later.

2012-01-26T18:41:00.001-05:00

Just to be clear!

2012-01-24T18:04:00.001-05:00

Fun day at the school

2012-01-22T18:51:00.003-05:00

Mom and I went to the school to run today. We had soo much fun. No one else was there and we ran for almost an hour. Mom chased me, I ran "zoomies," I got to hunt and then we just explored. Then when we were going to the van, I looked very sad, so Mom let me play some more. I will have to remember that :)

Mom took a picture of me running, look at my ears!! It looks like I have bunny ears.

Our new pet

2012-01-21T18:59:00.001-05:00

We have a new pet and he lives in our garage. It is a quail!! When we did bird work a few weeks ago, he decided to go back in the garage and got locked in. It was a couple of days before Mom figured out what it was. Now Gary feeds him, gives him water and he even has a fleecy blanket that he sleeps on. Gary wanted to leave the garage door open so he could leave and Mom said he was a smart quail. He has food, water, shelter and even a warm blanket, why would he want to leave?? He loves his new home. He even sits outside the door when we are in the house, I think he wants to come in.

Mom is very careful when I go to the van as she does not want me to get hurt chasing him. But I made a drive by the house door and took off after the quail. He was running back and forth under the van and I was running around and around trying to get him. It was fun but Mom made me stop.

I will get him....

WOW

2012-01-21T18:46:00.001-05:00

Pauline and Chase invited Mom and I to the "Fifth Avenue" of dog training places. WOW WOW WOW, I hope we go back soon. There is a lot of room to run and HUNT BIRDS! There is a pond and a great building. We had so much room inside we each had our own ring. They had all kinds of jumps and gates and even a big bin full of toys.

We had a lot of fun training too. Since there was so much room we could do everything and we took turns heeling too. Then we did go outs toward each other, that was very different, but I did a good job.

I crashed when I got home. After playing in the snow two times this morning and then running and playing at the building, I was tired!!

2012-01-15T18:42:00.000-05:00

First SNOW!

2012-01-14T17:10:00.001-05:00

We finally got snow!! It has been really nice to practice without the snow, but I LOVE playing in snow. Mom and I went out today and really enjoyed running and playing. Mom attempted to make snowballs to throw at me, but they almost disappeared before they even got close. It was so much fun, I hope we can do it again tomorrow.

More bird work

2012-01-08T18:45:00.001-05:00

Mom and I had one more day of bird work and then the birds were all gone... But I sure had fun while we had them. Hopefully we will get more really soon!!

Rested up and READY TO GO

2012-01-08T09:30:00.001-05:00

Tired after 2 days of bird work

2012-01-07T21:12:00.001-05:00

I am ready for bed. Think this will give Mom the hint?

BIRDS

2012-01-06T17:28:00.005-05:00

Wow - I knew it was going to be an exciting day when Mom loaded me in the van. I saw all the bird stuff and could smell them in the little carrier. We drove to Upper Sandusky to buy birds and then headed to the bird field. I was so excited I couldn't control myself. I barked and barked and barked. Mom asked me what my name was and where did "quiet Edge" go. haha Mom!!!

Mom took some birds to the field and we were off. My first point was within a couple minutes of turning me loose!!

It was hard work today as they field was rough. After my first run I was full or briars and scratches and even had a chunk of skin missing from my leg.

After Mom realized this we moved to another area of the field. But the bird went into the briars Mom, I have to go that way too!!!

more about birds

2012-01-06T17:25:00.004-05:00

We had a lot of fun and I worked a lot of birds, some several times. Mom made me hold my points even longer than usual so she could take pictures.

I was even able to retrieve some too. Mom was really proud of my great retrieve. I would go out and get the bird, immediately turn and take it right back and put it in her hand. It was fun as I got to do it again for being so good.

It is obvious how much fun I am having. I have a big smile and foaming at the mouth. Life doesn't get any better :)

If I would have known

2012-01-05T16:32:00.004-05:00

Mom and I cleaned the attic area today. WOW! Paper and bows and cardboard and boxes and all kinds of great stuff to shred. I can't believe that I did not know about all that great stuff. I sure took advantage of everything she pulled out. I made sure all the trash was shredded!!

Alum Creek!

2012-01-05T13:40:00.001-05:00

Mom and I went to Alum Creek to run this afternoon. We have not been there for awhile. She thought it would be frozen, but I still got muddy. I don't care though, it all wipes off...

The last Holiday box

2012-01-04T22:28:00.002-05:00

I am so glad we got one more box in the mail today! I love the Holidays because of all the fun boxes. The Holidays are over, but another box still showed up on our porch.... wooohooo!!!

Play Day

2012-01-04T20:17:00.003-05:00

Mom and I had a play day today. We rented the building and had a lot of fun. We took all our stuff with us and worked on all our exercises. I wanted to run agility, so we also ran a few courses. I really liked that!! Mom said I looked proud :) I even hit a really hard weave pole entry, Mom could not believe I nailed it.

We worked on all our open and utility exercises. Mom is trying to put together our goals and training log so we had to evaluate everything. Not sure why that is so important, I just want to play!!

on to Circleville

2012-01-02T21:13:00.001-05:00

After our fabulous class, we ate lunch, ran some errands and headed for massages. My legs were really bad and Mom thought it was from all our "mud runs." My shoulders were really bad too, probably more issues from mud running. Or maybe trying to help Mom by taking her pain.

Mom and I both got massages. I helped her, as usual. She is not good at releasing like I am, so I have to help her.

When we left, it was really snowy. Mom said we were going to go straight home, no stopping for dinner. no fair.. although I did have a lot of cookies at class.

It was a long day, 12 hours "on the road." But it was sooo much fun!!

Playin with the big boys...

2012-01-02T20:03:00.002-05:00

Mom and I had a BIG day today. We left early to go to an obedience workshop. We were the newbies in the group and probably the less experienced, but we held our own and had fun!! We started with a tricky heeling pattern from the National Obedience Invitational. Talk about turns!! And about turns from a stand still. Pauline talked to Mom before we started and told her to give me good cues. We did a very nice job. I had one crooked sit as we had to sit with our noses next to the dogwalk. We also had posts with good cookies and toys waving in our faces, but I knew it was a trick :) We then did 4 post figure 8s. I got confused one time as mom walked through the posts to the second set and I thought I knew where we were going. Oh, I also stole my toy out of mom's pants. Every one thought that was funny, they told Mom she was her own distraction.

Then we did a bunch of individual exercies all over the room. So there was a lot of commotion and movement and all kinds of distractions. We did go outs, we started with the medium distance and then moved to the short distance. Then we moved to the real thing. I did it! I did it!! I was having trouble running through the jumps to do my go out, but we have been working on this for 2 weeks and I did it correct today. I also did super sits on my go outs. They were "perfect."

Then we worked on signals. Mom and I went in the corner where there was not much going on and I did a great job with those too.

Next was group stays. They are out of sight, but Mom comes back to reward me. I had my "little red rocket" out the entire time (3 minutes) and when mom got back I stood up and it HURT. I couldn't move - HELP!! I screamed. Linda helped Mom, she ran and got water so we could put it back. Wow, that was scary!! Mom let me move a little -then back to work! We did our 5 minute down.

We did some scent articles and I was 100%! We worked close to other dogs and I did great with the distraction.

The last game we played was FUN!! Everyone put all their gloves out on the floor, marking them so they knew which was theirs. Then we heeled around, stopped, marked and retrieved our glove. We have been practicing really close gloves for the past couple weeks too and it really helped as the gloves were everywhere. I did everyone of them correct.

I wish we could do this more often, it was so much fun!! There were a lot of dogs and action and fun games.

Good start to 2012

2012-01-01T11:15:00.003-05:00

I started my new year with a long run and playing bumper. And chasing squirrels up trees. It doesn't get much better than that!!

Our house at midnight - can't wait!!

2011-12-31T21:45:00.001-05:00

http://www.dogincharge.net/

Getting ready...

2011-12-31T17:40:00.001-05:00

and the fun continues

2011-12-31T14:02:00.003-05:00

Mom and I went to run this morning. There were a lot of puddles and a lot of mud, but that didn't stop me! You should have seen all the water splash when I was chasing the birds. There was more water than we have ever seen, Mom even had trouble walking as everything was saturated. The best part was playing in the field, you can see how much fun I have!

The worst part... getting wiped down with towels before getting in the van. But I guess it is worth it. Now for my afternoon nap!

A Great Start to New Year's Eve

2011-12-31T09:26:00.002-05:00

My day is great so far... started with Panera breakfast and then yogurt! I got the end of Mom's yogurt all by myself. Then a great game of tug with Gary with the new leather toy from Betsey. I tug HARD with Gary and the toy is perfect for it!! Then I took the tug and gave to Mom so she could play too. Then we played retrieve with the tug for cookies. I like the games Mom and I play. Now Gary is at Kroger getting dinner and SHRIMP for me!!!

Another Christmas Present

2011-12-30T21:29:00.002-05:00

Mom came home from work and showed me a package, I like envelopes, but what is so special about this one?? Well, I found out. It was another Christmas present, it was late as it had to come from Canada (that was kind of scary :) But it was a bunny toy! A cool bunny toy, it was a big circle with a handle. It is a GREAT tug toy.

After dinner, Mom and I played with my new toy. She likes it as she can throw it really well, so it is great for rewarding when we practice. Then we played hide and seek. I have to wait in the training room and Mom hides the toy, then releases me to find it. It is a fun game!! The bunny is really easy to find though as it smells really good.

We had sooo much fun tonight. We played games and did obedience and physical therapy and just silly stuff.

Here is what my bunny toy looks like except it is purple!!

Relaxed!

2011-12-29T21:51:00.001-05:00

Patiently Waiting

2011-12-28T15:00:00.000-05:00

I am trying really hard... 60 minutes to go until we can RUN!!!!

Work from home day

2011-12-28T14:31:00.002-05:00

I am glad it is work from home day.... BUT... it is holiday week. There should be no "work" it should just be play!! I have tried really hard to get Mom to quit working, but she keeps insisting. It has earned me some bones and treats and....

She also promised to take me to run at 4:00. So I am patiently!! waiting until 4:00. 90 minutes to go....

Me AND Mom

2011-12-28T11:14:00.001-05:00

My new Kennel

2011-12-28T08:22:00.003-05:00

I got a new pillow and a Back on Track blanket for my kennel. Mom was worried about me using a BOT bed as I can be very picky about energy "stuff." So I got my very own BOT blanket for my kennel. Now I can use it when I want and push it to the side when I don't. Mom put it on the side that I don't sleep and I moved it over and laid on it all day. I love my new kennel setup. It is sooo comfy!!!

Two Toys

2011-12-28T08:18:00.002-05:00

Mom always tries to take my picture with 2 toys, but I don't stand still. So my picture is blurry, but she likes it anyways. I have 2 big toys in my mouth, two of my current favorite toys. My "big ball" that I use to tug with Gary and my new leather toy that our friend Betsey gave me. I have had a lot of fun with my new leather toy!!

AAHHHH

2011-12-28T08:15:00.001-05:00

Our new comforter is GREAT!!! You fall asleep before you even hit the bed...

Holidays are GREAT!!

2011-12-26T21:37:00.002-05:00

We usually sing the M-O-N-D-A-Y S-U-C-K-S song on Monday mornings, but not this Monday. This Monday is great as Mom is home and we get to RUN and we are grinding food so I get samples. I just love the holidays as we get to play and have company and get gifts and good food and just all kinds of special things. AND we had shrimp for dinner!!!!

We went to the school to run and Mom used her new phone. She took so many pictures, not sure they were all of me though. She was "learning" and she even took video when she thought it was a picture. It was fine with me though as I just kept running and playing.

Here are a couple of the ones that actually turned out :)

2011-12-25T07:29:00.000-05:00

Santa was here!!!

2011-12-25T07:26:00.002-05:00

I was good!! And I got a lot of good presents and TREATS!!!

2011-12-25T05:37:00.001-05:00

Merry★* 。 • ˚ ˚ •。★Christmas★ 。* 。FROM OUR HOUSE TO YOURS!!
° 。 ° ˚ _Π_。˚★ 。* 。。 • ˚ ˚ •。★
˚ ˛ •˛•/__/~＼。˚ ˚ ˛★ 。* 。★ 。。*
˚ ˛ •˛• ｜田田｜門｜ ˚
And a happy New Year... to all my Friends. Thank You and Enjoy 2012 ......

Grandma and Grandpa visit

2011-12-24T21:40:00.001-05:00

Today is Grandma's birthday and she celebrated with me!!! She came to visit and we gave her gifts and she brought me fish!! Yum! Mom tried to get me to do signals for the fish but I was too excited and would just try to rush through them (I know what to do without Mom's help.) I also got an xmas card with money!! I tried to take the money but Mom wouldn't let me have it. She said we can go shopping after Christmas.

Grandma rubbed me and rubbed my ears and then Grandpa did too. But Grandpa tried to talk to Gary while rubbing and that is not acceptable. When you rub me you have to concentrate and pay attention to ME. I got up on him and let him know that!

I am so glad they came to visit!!!

My Hero!

2011-12-23T16:15:00.003-05:00

My favorite cartoon! Mom, Gary and I read it every day! I love "The Dog In Charge!"
He is Just like me!!
www.dogincharge.net/

Early Christmas Present

2011-12-18T14:53:00.001-05:00

I even got to wear it out to play bumper today.

Wrapping Gifts!

2011-12-17T19:31:00.004-05:00

I pretended to help wrap gifts, but I was really trying to find mine. Mom told me what a good boy I was for helping :) But she fooled me, all of my gifts were somewhere else! How did she do that without me noticing??

Well, this is boring... I might as well take a nap while Mom wraps all the other gifts

PROOF!

2011-12-17T14:31:00.001-05:00

See, if it were a true snowman, I would not have all this mud on me.

More posing

2011-12-17T14:21:00.001-05:00

Mom had this great idea to have me pose with whatever this thing is. She called it a snowman, but seriously?? this is NOT a snowman. There is no snow on the ground?? This is as close as I am "posing" with the silly thing!

Christmas shopping DONE! Now on to RUN!!

2011-12-17T14:11:00.004-05:00

I am so glad all the shopping is FINALLY done, now Mom can focus on me and taking me to run and play. We went to the school today to run, it was snowing, or more like "ice" in my face, but I did not mind. It was still muddy though and we had to clean up before coming home.

FUN!

2011-12-17T12:03:00.004-05:00

I Love the holidays

2011-12-16T18:40:00.002-05:00

I love this time of year, all the boxes that come to my house are sooo much fun!

I found gifts!!

2011-12-15T18:55:00.003-05:00

Mom had a bunch of bags on the counter and didn't think I would notice - ha! Well, she left the room and I found the bag with my Christmas toys. I almost got one out and she came back in the room. I think she caught me, but I was quick to get out of there!

She fixed me dinner and then moved the bags while I was eating. Darn!! I really wanted a new toy tonight. I am not good at waiting.

work from home day

2011-12-13T18:00:00.002-05:00

Today was work from home day, and while it was a boring morning, Mom made up for it at lunch. We ate a quick sandwich (turkey - yum!!) and then went out to run and play bumper. Now this is my kind of lunch. I was retrieving the bumper and got a whiff of something good. After finding it and checking it out, with Mom's help of course, we figured out it was bunny parts. Just like I have in my freezer :) Now Mom is worried about what left the bunny parts in our yard. We were just out there last night and there were no bunny parts. These were fresh!!!

Mom tried to pick them up and get rid of them. It was funny as she was making all kinds of funny faces as she tried to carefully pick up all the innards. Then she said her gloves smelled like bunny parts :)

We had to go back inside for another few boring hours. Then we went back out to run again. She said that we could take a break and RUN before dark and before rain. I really do not care "why" we go run, I just like to. We had so much fun, we chased each other and Mom ran and made funny noises, and we danced with the bumper. It was just FUN!!! I wish we could do this every day.

And then for dinner, I had Ostrich!!! I was not sure at first, but after chewing the first bite, I thought it was great!!!

I sure hope Mom has more fun things planned for tonight... it has been a great day!!

2011-12-13T05:57:00.002-05:00

COOL!!!

Mom playing again

2011-12-11T19:44:00.000-05:00

This is an x-ray photo

Please...

2011-12-10T19:17:00.000-05:00

Hopefully this look will get Mom to play with me...

Fun Day

2011-12-10T19:01:00.002-05:00

Mom and I had a fun day today. We went to Panera for breakfast and I shared Mom's bagel and yogurt. Then we went for our massage. When we got there I met a man that I really liked and he really liked me. We bonded right away. When it was my turn for massage, I went over and put my head on his chest and told him bye. I really like meeting new people, especially "special" ones :)

Then it was my turn for a massage and I really needed it. I sat right down and presented my back. My shoulder and hip was a mess and I worked really hard to release it. I even did it without chicken!! I remembered part way through and hit the cooler to remind Mom that she was supposed to be feeding me! Luckily I was done early because Mom was worse than me. I tried to lay down while she was massaged, but she needed my help. I had to go over and put my head on her to help her release all her tight muscles. Her shoulder has been really painful all week so I helped her with that too.

I finally got to rest on the way home. Then we came home and I got to run and run in the back yard. I have not done that for several days!! I ran and played and we even played bumper. We had so much fun outside. Mom even chased me!!

We finally had to come in so that I could relax my tummy before dinner. Mom said we can go play again tomorrow. I can't wait!! Hopefully we can go to the school too!!

Day 2 Cinci

2011-12-04T11:57:00.001-05:00

We had a rough night as they "over perfumed" the hotel rooms. Mom tried other rooms and talked to them, but all the rooms were the same. We ended up leaving our door open and Mom put the chair in the door so I knew not to leave. We both woke up all congested and wheezing. We couldn't wait to get out of there.

We were the second class today, so we got there around 8:00. As usual, Mom thought we were running late, but we were really too early. We were last again because another dog did not show up. But luckily there was a conflict so one dog had to go after us. We do not like going straight from our individual exercises into sit and down as it does not give us any celebration time.

We had a hard time warming up today as people kept talking to Mom and then another dog wanted my toy. So we never really got in our zone... and Mom was nervous!! It was our turn and just as we walked in, the heater kicked on. Wow! what was that?? We were just not in our zone today and it really showed. I did an okay job, but not as good as yesterday.

We went back in for sits and downs and the dog beside us took off toward me and then ran up and down the ring gate before we even got situated. The judge asked the handler if she wanted to be excused. Luckily she said yes as she was afraid her dog would bother me. Then Mom was not prepared when the judge said to leave us. The other dog sat right on the other side of me outside the ring, so I had to keep my eye on her. It was not a comfortable situation. Mom came back and we got ready for our down. I was "busy" when Mom left, so she had to give me two commands, well, she thought she did. I heard her the first time.

We went back in the ring for our ribbon. The judge was really tough as the first place dog had a beautiful run and only earned a 193. We earned our first leg on our CD, even though it was not as nice as we can do. We learned a lot this weekend and now it is time to go home and "de-perfume" our noses!!

Off To Cincinnati

2011-12-03T11:48:00.001-05:00

Mom and I are headed to Cincinnati today for an obedience trial. Good thing we show late as she had a really bad headache yesterday. We do not show until 3:00!! We found a really good crating spot when we got there and then took a walk. That may be the best part :) We get to walk in all these new great places and check it all out.

After some practice and some games, we were headed to the ring. We are in Novice WC today and we are last in the ring. We were playing and tugging and Mom did not realize that the other dogs were choosing not to do their off leash heeling so it was our turn before we were ready. We were playing with our wing and they called us in the ring and Mom looked down and my mouth was full of feathers. uh-oh... She was trying really hard to get the feathers out of my mouth. The judge was watching. We finally headed in the ring, set up for our heeling and I could still feel a feather! The judge asked if we were ready and the saw me licking and spitting and he commented that maybe Mom didn't get ALL the feathers. I did one last "spit" and all the feathers were out. And we were off!!! Mom made one other mistake and left my toy right outside the ring. On our first halt, I was worried about that and circled her before sitting. After that I was wonderful. We celebrated and moved on. I had a great run and did my off leash heeling. We were in the utility ring and it was really big and I got up too much speed to stop for my recall. I had to do a last minute side swipe and sit beside Mom so I didn't take her out. Other than that I had a great run!!!

Mom was so proud of me. I finally did my beautiful heeling IN the ring... Mom had a few things that she can learn from, but that is what wild card is all about!!

Fun at School

2011-11-25T19:10:00.002-05:00

Turkey Day!

2011-11-24T19:13:00.003-05:00

Too much food and fun today, time to relax!

Fun Morning

2011-11-20T10:28:00.004-05:00

We got out today before the rain hit. Mom has been worried all weekend that it would rain before we go to go out and play. So what if it rains? We can play in the rain too?? We almost had to as it was sprinkling before we left. Although I don't think it would matter much, even without rain, I got pretty messy. Mom asked me if I was going to walk home? I don't think so....

This is my belly!

We did have a lot of fun, I love to go hunting. It is what I do best.

Cookie Making Day

2011-11-19T15:35:00.002-05:00

We have not made cookies for a LONG time and our freezer is getting empty. That is scary to see freezer cookie shelf is bare. I am glad Mom noticed it too!! Today we made salmon cookies, then we made buffalo cookies and then we made chicken too!

I helped with everything and was the taste tester for every step. I even took the crackers off the counter to make sure they were good before we put them in my cookies.

We played for some of the batter too, especially the buffalo cookies. I will do anything for salmon or buffalo!

Now our freezer is full again!!

Take Me Outside!!

2011-11-16T21:25:00.004-05:00

How much more of a hint do I have to give Mom?? Here are your shoes, now take me out to play!! She just thinks I am talented to carry a pair of shoes.

Edge BN Title

2011-11-15T06:16:00.001-05:00

New Game!

2011-11-14T22:25:00.002-05:00

Mom and I have been playing a new game that is FUN. She puts out all these lid things on the floor and one smells like her. She throws a cookie the other direction so she can hide hers in the pile. So I chase a cookie (yum!) and then I come back and find the one that smells like her. I pick it up, give it to her and get more cookies.

She is really proud of me and to me it is really easy. I like to use my nose, I like to retrieve and I really like to eat good treats. It is the perfect game.

Morning Frisbee Fun

2011-11-13T09:25:00.002-05:00

This morning Mom asked me if I wanted to go out and play. I told her YES!! and kept hinting to take the frisbee. Luckily she understood what I asked and away we went. We had so much fun playing frisbee outside. I am good at catching it IF Mom can throw it right. She did tell me that she was not good at throwing it. And that is very true :)

We did have some good throws and I caught them and took them back to play again. What a great way to start off your day!

Tired!

2011-11-13T08:44:00.001-05:00

mysterious blood

2011-11-12T08:20:00.001-05:00

Mom and I tried another new game today from our seminar, but it didn't work very well. She wanted me to stand on a frisbee and she used the clicker to teach me. My first foot was okay, but as soon as I stood on it, it cracked! I guess I was too big for that frisbee :) So we did something else for awhile. When we were done, I went over to play (chew!) the frisbee. And then it bit me and Mom figured out what I was doing.

Mom came over to take the frisbee and noticed a bloody spot on the floor. Of course she panicked and she and Gary came running over to check me out. Mom checked my mouth and then made me lay on the floor so they could go all over me. Then Gary got a flashlight and kept shining it in my face. Goodness you would think I was bleeding to death??!!?? They never did find where it came from and they made me walk and there wasn't any more blood on the floor. Then Mom tried to check my tongue. Goodness Mom, I am okay!!!!

Luckily they stopped poking, prodding and shining lights in my eyes at that point!!

Lunch time fun

2011-11-08T12:58:00.002-05:00

Mom worked from home today so we went to hunt on lunch hour. I cannot think of a better way to spend our lunch time. Mom thought it was nice out, but it was too hot to hunt for long. You can tell how much fun I had!!

The Fence

2011-11-06T14:30:00.003-05:00

When we were at the school, I was a distance from Mom and she changed directions and said we had to head the other way. We both turned around and headed in the same direction, but then all of a sudden I realized she was on the other side of the fence??!!

Mom was laughing at me and asked what happened?? Now, I was not worried as I am good at figuring out fences and gates. We walked along and I kept running ahead to find the gate, and running ahead and finally realized there was no gate. Mom told me to "find it" and just as I was getting ready to panic, I saw the other end of the fence. I had to run all the way out and around the fence and then back to Mom. I was very happy that I figured it out!!!

Fun Run

2011-11-06T14:15:00.008-05:00

We started our day with our Panera breakfast. I like when Mom, Gary and I have breakfast together. I play them and run back and forth and get stuff from both of them. And I get their yogurt containers too!

Then we made food. Food making is fun and I am a GREAT helper!! I taste test everything before it is put away. Mom plays with me too and I can earn special bites. We made 125# of food today, so that should last us for awhile!! My favorite is the chicken necks!!

After we made food Mom took me to run. We always have so much fun at the school, I get to run and hunt and chase birds and play with Mom. We were the only ones there so got to play for a long time.

Pointing:

FUN!!!!

RUN!!!!

And then I got HOT!! Mom and I had to go back to the van to get water.

Playing with the big boys

2011-11-05T14:35:00.004-04:00

Mom and I went to a fun match today to practice and I got to play in Open! I did a drop on recall, a retrieve, a retrieve over the jump and the L O N G jump. AND... I did sits and downs while Mom left the room. I was so good and the judge said I was almost ready to compete in Open.

Mom and I played games before I went in the ring and it was fun. We played dumbbell games and jumping cookie games and find the cookie on Mom! Mom still did not think my heeling was as good as I can do. Wow, she is hard to please sometimes. One time she just left me and I had to run to catch her. I guess she got what she wanted as I did not let her out of my sight again.

We had a great time and got to play in the ring 4 times before going home to play in our backyard.

Back to routine

2011-11-01T20:12:00.001-04:00

Well, it was a sad morning... Mom and I have been together for 4 days and now it is time for her to go back to work. We had sooo much fun and learned so many fun games. I wish we could stay home and play games today.

Mom did take me out to play when she got home from work. We did some of our new things and had a lot of fun playing together. I was still pretty tired from the long weekend. I curled up on my couch to rest. I really do like having a couch!!!

Great Lesson

2011-10-31T19:02:00.001-04:00

Mom and I got to take another long walk this morning before leaving the hotel. We packed all our stuff to go home today. I was happy! I like going places with Mom, but love going home.

We went to a new place today and Mom took my cage in. There was a girl Flat Coat that greeted me when I went in and I thought she was really cute.

We were very lucky today, we got a private lesson with Denise Fenzi. I thought she was a lot of fun and she really liked me. She thought I did really good heeling and when she put my dumbbell on the ground I snatched it up and she was very excited that I liked it that much. She gave Mom ideas to use that in the ring. I really do not know who she is, but Mom was thrilled that we got to work with her.

I liked her because she gave Mom some great games that we could play AND she knew when I didn't like something and told Mom that she should not do it that way. Then she gave her a fun way to do it. My way to learn! Mom and I both had a lot of fun and learned a lot of new things to play. And we get to play more dumbbell games!!

We headed home from our long weekend. We stopped for lunch and Mom shared her sandwich with me. Then it started raining and our drive home was interesting. We had deer run out in front of us too. We were going really fast and then Mom yells "hang on" and she slams on the brakes and everything flies to the front of the van. Good thing my cage is secured or I might have been upfront with Mom!!!

We were almost home and then ice starts hitting our van. We had to drive home in hail!! When we got home, our entire deck was covered. I had to go potty, but just stood there and looked at all the hail!

I finally decided it was not so bad and then started sliding around on the deck just for fun!!

Another day at the seminar

2011-10-30T22:54:00.001-04:00

The seminar didn't start until 9, so Mom and I took another long walk this morning. I really like taking walks in the morning. There were joggers out this morning too and they all they I looked handsome in my coat.

We had another fun day at the seminar. We played "cookie flicking" and I got to chase cookies all over. And then we played hunting games, but I "hunted" on Mom. She would hide a toy or a cookie and I got to find it. It really wasn't hard, but it was FUN! Then we played some other fun games with cookies. As long as there are cookies, I am happy.

We went back to the hotel again and it was not so bad tonight as I was TIRED!! I really didn't care that I had to get in bed early.

Mom did make me put on my BOT coat as my muscles were tight.

I stayed up for awhile with my coat, but as soon as Mom took it off, I was back to resting. Mom called this my "alligator nap."

GREAT Weekend

2011-10-29T21:52:00.001-04:00

Mom and I drove to Toledo for a great seminar. I thought we were going to a show, but this was even better. I got to play a lot of times during the day, earn great cookies and meet a lot of new friends. We did fun things too, we played new games with cookies and toys. I got a new toy too!! Mom told me it matches me because it is gray. I think that is why Mom bought it for me :) My friends Blue and Chase were there and I told Blue off for getting near my cooler. He steals my treats!! He even stole my entire cooler one time :) So I had to warn him. I know him too well, because I am just like him, I steal cookies too.

After our fun day we went to a hotel. Hotels are okay, but I still do not understand why there is only a bed. It is just dinner time and Mom tells me to get on the bed??? I really think they should have couches too.

After we both had dinner, we took a long walk around the businesses. It was a lot of fun as there were bunnies all over the place and I tried to chase them (and took Mom along for the ride.) And then we were back to the hotel to get some rese.

And Mom let me control the TV and watch good shows! I am looking forward to another fun day tomorrow.

Fun at Alum Creek

2011-10-28T14:43:00.005-04:00

Mom and I went to Alum Creek today. We thought it would be good to go during the day and we would have the entire place to ourselves. And our plan was right!! We were the only ones there. I had soooo much fun as we have not been there for 2 months!!!

I walked along the creek and smelled all the good smells in the water.

And then for some reason, Mom thought it would be nice to have a picture of me sitting by the water. We are not here for portraits OR sitting. Please let me run!!

The she got the picture (smile) and I got to run and run and run!!

And then I found critters!! They were everywhere and so much fun to track and point.

I just had sooo much fun today. I wish we could do this everyday.

Games with Gary

2011-10-28T08:59:00.002-04:00

Last night Mom and I went to bed and Gary was still watching TV. I was all snuggled with Mom and heard Gary coming upstairs. He came in the room and saw me and then went to the bathroom. I hurried over and took his spot :) I stretched all out laying like he would and pretended I was sleeping. When he walked over to the bed I looked over my shoulder at him and smiled. This is MY spot!! I like to play games on Gary.

Ready for Bed

2011-10-27T22:52:00.001-04:00

Can we go to bed now Mom??!!! Please stop working and take me to bed, I am tired.

Spooky Gloves

2011-10-27T21:10:00.003-04:00

We had so much fun at class, I got to play with my dumbbell A LOT!!! I love playing with my dumbbell. Then we played a Halloween game called "spooky gloves." When Mom would send me to one glove the other glove would slowly drag across the ground. Well, we thought the name was cute and I was the first one to go. Just as Mom sent me, we heard doorbell type noises and the door started rattling. That is odd... maybe someone is out there wanting in. Then the gate and trash can crashed to the floor by the other door. Ok, something is spooky and it is NOT the gloves. We have been going there for a long time and nothing like this has ever happened. And NO, no one was at the door!!! Well that we could SEE!!! AND there is NO doorbell to ring!

I also won money!!! The very last game was a drop on recall and we had to drop on the dollar. I was the closest so I won it!! Mom has to take me to the store to get treats!!!

Lunch time fun

2011-10-25T15:44:00.002-04:00

Mom worked from home today so we were able to go out and play retrieve at lunch time. We had so much fun but I didn't want to come back inside. I wanted to play longer!!!

Great heeling

2011-10-24T19:47:00.003-04:00

Ok, the pictures tell the truth!! What do you think Mom was complaining about, look how great my heeling was! This is from our Novice Wild Card Class.

Working hard!

2011-10-24T19:40:00.000-04:00

You can tell I am working hard to stay in position!

Look What I Got

2011-10-23T20:22:00.004-04:00

Mom is going to be so surprised. She is always telling me that it is not fair that she has to drive and I get to sleep. She especially tells me this (over and over) on early morning trips and when we are driving home after a long day. Well, now I am official!! I can drive the van. So, do you think she will let me? or just continue complaining??

Fun Day

2011-10-23T19:17:00.003-04:00

Mom and I had a great day today. We got up early, shared our Panera breakfast with Gary and then off to the school to run!! Unfortunately when we got there, there were other dogs so we went back home. The school is really close, so Mom said we could come back. We went home and ran in our backyard for awhile and then off to the school again. This time we had it all to ourselves.

I got to run and play and hunt and retrieve. We found a soccer cone that was left and we used it for retrieve games and it was a lot of fun. Mom even chased me. There were also birds and I would point them and Mom and I could practice our bird work.

When we got home, Mom had to run some errands so I stayed home on my comfy bed with a yogurt bone AND a marrow bone. I stayed really busy while Mom was gone.

We got to run again in the back yard when she got home. It was so nice outside, so we didn't want to be in the house. Later in the day we went out and practiced our obedience and I earned salmon cookies and my bunny stick. We had sooo much fun. We worked on recalls, drop on recalls, directive jumping and heeling. We finally had to go inside as Mom had to leave again.

Mom went to yoga class and Gary and I cooked dinner while she was gone. It was a big surprise and we had it all ready when she hot home.

Now for a relaxing evening with Mom and Gary before they go back to work. I have had a fun and busy weekend!!!

Big Smiles at our last sign

2011-10-22T22:23:00.003-04:00

Mom and I share a smile after our last sign before crossing the finish line in our Rally Excellent class.

Weekend Results

2011-10-22T09:24:00.003-04:00

We had a great weekend, learned to work through lots of challenges, and Mom has an idea of what we need to work on before we enter Novice.

I earned a first place in Rally Excellent and earned my RE title. I earned my second Beginner Novice leg and a third place and "qualified" in Novice Wild Card.

Not bad for my first competition in over 6 months! I think I am ready to do it again.

2011-10-22T07:40:00.002-04:00

One of my pictures from the weekend.
This is my Beginner Novice Class.

Fun and challenging (Pt 1)

2011-10-21T20:23:00.001-04:00

Mom and I got up really early this morning to go PLAY! We have not been to a competition for a long time as I have not been feeling good. Mom worked really hard to help me get better and then try to keep me sound. I get hurt a lot too :(

We knew we would have some additional challenges since we have not competed in over 6 months. But we had no idea what would be thrown our way.

We got there early to get a good crating spot and give me time to settle in. Mom took me out about 8:30 to warm up and go potty, but knew I would not compete until after 10:00 so we were pretty relaxed. Around 10 she went to walk our course, just started her walk and the steward came up and said we had to honor the first dog as we were the last in the class. We had no idea we would have to do this as they started with B dogs and we were last in A. Well, Mom knew she had to walk her course, get me all the way outside (a pretty long walk through all the buildings and across the parking lot) and get me focused a little since I had been resting for almost 2 hours. She walked 3 times and then came to get me, grabbed a couple of cookies and out we went. Just as we walked inside they were calling us into the ring.

Once we get in the ring, the judge told Mom to set up on either side of the honor sign and Mom was to put her back to the course. We got in position and Mom started to do that and realized that would put her on the other side of a sign. So she had to break connection with me to talk to the judge as that would not work. The judge apologized and gave us a new spot to set up. I don't do well in the ring all frazzled and after Mom breaks connection. Plus our new spot is not much better as the dog is coming over the jump and right into my space. We were able to get set up in our new spot and the Judge started the other dog.

I watched Mom like I am supposed to until I saw the dog headed my way. Mom said that my eyes got really big as he was sailing over the jump and headed my way. She asked me to watch and told me what a great boy I was. Then we were good, and I passed my honor station. We were released and off to celebrate.

Fun and challenging (Pt 2)

2011-10-21T20:20:00.001-04:00

We were able to warm up, go out to potty and be ready for our rally course. There was a big Doberman ahead of us and we walked up to the ring while he was competing. We were outside the ring when he started running around and around and tried to run out of the ring. I got all excited watching him, I wanted to play too!! Mom had me move behind the gate post so I couldn't watch him. Now, I don't think that is fair! Luckily (at least what Mom says) the dog was excused, otherwise he would have been my honor dog and I would have to jump into his space. I think he would have got up to play if I had to do that.

Everything was back under control and I was called in the ring -finally, my turn to play. I did a pretty good job, get almost through the course and a dog right outside the ring got hurt and started screaming and screaming and screaming. I just couldn't work while this was happening right beside me. I had to stop and see what was happening. He finally stopped screaming and I went on to finish my course.

Well, we succeed challenge number 4 for the day and it is only 11:00 and two more classes to go!

Obedience Time

2011-10-21T20:02:00.001-04:00

Our next class is Beginner Novice and it is right after our rally class. We had time to walk, exercise and warm up. Our judge was really nice and funny, but very strict on judging and increasing the difficulty of our exercises. Our heeling was okay (according to Mom) but she said that I can do better. Just like the figure 8, she said I have beautiful Figure 8 and I didn't show that. Hmm, guess she was not thrilled with those :( Next was the sit for exam, which is pretty easy. But then we had the sit stay. Our ring was very long and narrow so the furthest point Mom had to go was behind me. She left me and away she went. She does check in with me and smile as she walks around. I did great, didn't even move a foot.

On to challenge #5 for the day. Our judge had our off leash recall right at the ring gate where the dog in the next ring is doing the broad jump. We were like 6" away from the other dog. Well, I beat this challenge as I didn't even pay attention to the other ring and had a perfect, FAST recall. Overall, I did a great job. I earned my second beginner novice leg. One more for my title!!!

Novice Wild Card

2011-10-21T19:55:00.001-04:00

Mom entered us in Novice Wild Card to practice Novice in a competition. Wild Card class is not a titling class, Mom is allowed to talk to me and we can have one "free" class that we do not lose points. Mom just wanted to get an idea of where we are in Novice Competition. Well, probably not where she thought we would be. I just have a hard time doing my pretty heeling in the ring. She did learn that if she walks REALLY fast, almost running, that helps me. So I guess we will be speedX2 walking in the future. I was better in the ring than my Beginner Novice and I can do great on all the other exercises.

But then to Challenge #6. The judge told Mom to stand me and leave when ready for my stand for exam. Just as Mom was telling me to wait, the ring beside us burst out in cheers and people whistling and yelling and cheering. Mom was good to me and stopped and looked at the judge. She did not leave me with my back to all of that. The judge said we could take a minute while this was going on. A dog in the other ring earned a perfect score -wow - I would cheer too!! After they were finished, we set up and continued our class. I did great on all my other exercises and Mom lost us points (Big smile) I had another perfect, fast recall and a straight front. Then Mom gave a hand and verbal signal for my finish - uuummm, not allowed Mom. She realized it just as she did it, but too late. The judge came over and told her about it. :)

We went out and celebrated and I got cookies. There was one more dog then our sits and downs. Mom has been worried about them as we do not practice in a group setting very often. But I did them perfect!! I even fell asleep on my down stay I was so relaxed. When we were done, out of the ring (perfect heeling out of the ring BTW :) and more cookies to celebrate and we are done for the day.

LIKE!

2011-10-17T21:34:00.001-04:00

Busy Weekend

2011-10-16T19:28:00.001-04:00

We had a very busy weekend and I am TIRED! The bear makes a great pillow.

Fun outside

2011-10-16T18:05:00.002-04:00

A great day outside today. Mom and I spent a lot of time in the yard playing chase and retrieve.