Rally-Ooooh.....

So I've been saying for YEARS that I would get into the performance ring...somehow. Herding? Nothing close. Obedience? Too picky. Agility? Not sure what happened there... Rally-O? Ok, maybe I could give that a try.
After way too many failed prospects - I finally decided to try the Princess - Robby's dog - Skye Bear - the Diva - the dog who will literally walk by and glare at me. Yea...

Knowing she can have a mind of her own was fun. Some days she would give me a look that said "You want me to do what?! I don't think so...I'm going to bed." Other days it was "Oh! Anything for food!!!" And then still, there was the "Ok, I know I have to, but I don't want to, but just to make you happy, I guess I'll give it a 50% effort."

Despite all of this, it was fun watching her catch on to stuff. She still tries to throw in her own variations, which is hilarious - because you can see that she knows what she has to do, but it's one of those "But, I'd rather do it THIS way!"

We went to Wichita Falls this past weekend for a long, boring day...and a match. So glad mom went with Skye and me, or else who knows how much worse it could have been. I was able to watch several dogs through all of the class levels (Novice, Advanced, and Excellent) - plus the various stages of training each dog was in. I knew Skye wouldn't be as bad as the Sealyham who couldn't keep his nose of the ground and was eventually excused. But I knew she wouldn't be as good as the Dobe who scored a 99 (out of 100), ack!

The match didn't go as planned, but I was still able to get her in a ring setting and work on some commands. I now know that she won't be bothered by the mats, or the ring gates, or the cones...she wasn't distracted by the people outside the ring, either. But, I also know not to wear her out with the laser pointer before we go in! I thought it was going to be awhile longer before the match started, so I took her out and let her play around with the laser. Not 5 minutes later they were calling us to the ring, oye! Nonetheless, she did good. Her stays had a little to be desired...but her heel work, which had been a problem at times with her forging ahead, was great!

I dropped off the entries today for her first real competition. April 2nd & 3rd in Oklahoma City at the OCOTC shows. There's two on Saturday, and one on Sunday. Three shows....she needs three "legs" or qualifying scores, to get her Rally Novice (RN) title. Maybe? Just maybe it'll happen.

I've scattered in some pictures from the weekend. It was fun. My first foray into performance...very different from conformation...and I felt a little lost...but it was fun. Let's see how long it takes before I catch the performance bug, hehehe!

Starting off 2011

Well, it's been a good start so far, I think. I've not been exercising like I should...or at all...but otherwise, good!

Staying incredibly busy with the pet sitting business. I have an adorable new training client, "Ruth" who is a Jack Russell Terrier. Probably picking up a standard poodle puppy next week, as well. I dare say it seems to be picking up steam...don't want to jinx myself, though!

Robby & I are both back in school. I'm taking 18 hours this semester (spread out over two sessions...so 9 hours each 8 weeks.) Let me tell you, it's a mess! It seems I just finish one paper and I'm off to write another. I keep telling myself I only have one year to go...better not stop now (again!) Robby is only taking 3 hours right now just to finish his associates. He'll enroll at UCO for the summer or fall semester to start finishing up his Bachelor's.

Dogs are all doing well - Daisy is a little fireball of energy sometimes, but then she just cuddles up and is oh-so-cute! Skye & Cloud take turns chasing birds (and airplanes). Lexi went through a week long mopey period. She was sure fussy! V is well, old, nothing new on her. She likes laying out in the sun when the weather is nice, otherwise she's at the door barking to come back inside, whether she has her jacket on or not.

The bull horns we got for Christmas have yet to be hung. We've made two failed attempts. Back to the drawing board...They're currently sitting on the floor in the nursery. Maybe we should just hang them over the crib? naah....

Oh, and "Snowball" the dwarf hamster we got during the winter olympics last year is still doing good. He's so fat! Looks like a little grey & white roly poly, haha. But, he runs on his wheel every night. He has the funniest little tunnels going to his houses from the wheel and the food bowl.

I renewed my CGC evaluator certification, so I'm good to go for another 2 years. I have fun doing them, and they just started allowing harnesses again, so that'll help some people out...especially the bracheo breeds (pugs, bostons, etc....short noses!) It's so hard for them to wear a collar and still breath good!

And as far as renewals go -- we also renewed our zoo membership. I'm hoping to spend more time out there this year, especially when the elephants make their way back out.

Guess that's all for now!