Cleveland Specialty

This past weekend, we went to the IX Center in Cleveland for the dog show. 

On Friday, I only showed Moon.  He was excellent in the ring, and was awarded the Select dog (2nd place), which gave him a 5 point major win towards his grand champion title.  Just 2 more points to go. 

Saturday there was a keeshond specialty, so I entered all 3 dogs - I must be crazy.  Grooming 3 dogs on a rainy day is insane.  At least Heidi and Moon aren't in full coat right now, so it was easier.  First was sweepstakes, for the younger dogs.  Heidi was excellent in the ring, and received 2nd place in her class.  Tug also got 2nd place in his class - way to go Tug.  My friend Rick showed Moon in Best of Breed, while I showed Izzy.  Neither dog got anything, but they were very good in the ring.  I was very pleased that Moon did so well, since it was his first time being shown by Rick. 

Heidi doing her triangle in sweeps



Moon also showed on Sunday, and again didn't get anything, but the judge was really looking at him.  In the end, she gave the Select dog to Moon's father Kuniva.

Flyball Practice

Took the girls to flyball class.  They're crazy for it.  I was going to start with Heidi, but Izzy was so excited in the car, I let her go first.  Izzy is very focussed on the ball and very motivated.  After Izzy, I went back out to get Heidi.  Izzy was mad that it wasn't still her turn.  Heidi was so excited, she could hardly stand still to get her collar on.  Got her in the building, and let her try the full 4 jumps with the box (up until now we have been either working on the box by itself, or the jumps without the box).  We put some gates up by the far jump to help guide Heidi into the jump lane.  She was crazy fast. 

Izzy showing her moves

Heidi's first full run

What can you do with 2 boxes?

What's better then one box?  That would be two boxes.  Now I'm sure that the box is better then the gift.

Agility Weekend

Hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving.

After over-eating on Thursday and Friday, we headed out to an agility trial for the rest of the weekend.  Moon & Izzy were entered in an AKC trial.  Moon had some nice parts to his runs, but messed up the weave poles, so no qualifying runs for him.  Izzy had a fabulous weekend.  She qualified all 4 of her runs to earn 2 double Q's and a bunch of points toward her Mach title.  On Sunday, I was stunned when we got to the start line and she actually sat while I led out one obstacle.  In class she always does this great, but when we go to a trial, she forgets how to wait and makes he run for it.  She also sat on the table when I told her to - again, she does this at class, but never at a trial.  I almost keeled over with delight.  In my mind, those 2 things alone made for a successful day, but in addition, she also nailed her weave poles (another area we mess up in trials), and she ran the course clean.  I think I was the happiest person at the trial. 

Herding

Today Izzy, Moon, and Heidi were entered in a Herding Capability Test (from the American Herding Breed Association).  This was a keeshond only event, and 9 dogs were entered.  Our Judge and Trainer Denise Teal was awesome.  She was patient with the dogs that weren't quite that interested in herding sheep, and was very good with the ones that were a bit over-anxious with them.

The first part of the day was a talk about what they look for during the test, followed by a couple demo's.  First was Denise's border collie, Hope, then a demo by Toni (keeshond).  Both dogs moved the sheep around the ring, but with very different styles. 

After that, each dog got to go in the ring for around 10 minutes to get acquainted with the sheep.   Izzy spent most of her time sniffing around the ground and eating sheep poop - I guess that's a real delicacy.  She did have some glimmers of herding instinct, but then got distracted by the wonderful smells and trying to find mommy.  Moon went in, and was showing real interest in the sheep.  He would move them around but then get distracted.  Then was Heidi's turn.  At first, she was like - what the heck are those things, and can I get them to chase me. Then she decided to bark at them to see if they would do something.  The she realized that if she got behind them and got close, they would move, and if she moved fast, they would run, and that was totally fun.  Denise then had to explain to Heidi that she needs to not move so quickly, and stop barking in order to keep playing the game.

After lunch it was time for the actual test.  Izzy went in first and had no interest in playing this game.  She just wanted mommy.  Moon went in the ring and would just start to herd, and then turn off.  Denise noted that he just needed to take one more step to get around the stock and he would be on his way.  Well, 2 non-passes so far. 

Heidi bounds into the ring and says - hey I remember this game.  First I bark at the sheep and then Denise explains to me that I'm not supposed to do that.  Then I run after the sheep, and Denise explains that maybe that's a little too much.  Then we're good to go. Heidi passes the instinct test first leg.  Denise said she's a spitfire, and noted on her form that she is very enthusiastic with good potential. 
(The whipping noise that you hear in the video is just that - a noise.  Denise isn't whipping the dog, she's whipping in the air to make a noise to either slow down the dog or to re-direct their path).

Heidi and the sheep

Heidi finishing the test - and passing.

Congrats Tug

Congrats to Tug who got his first point in conformation today.  I'm sure Crystal will be posting some new pictures soon.

Happy Birthday Puppies

More pictures of the birthday kids.

Smokee (seems that he got all the coat)

Heidi and Tug on their puppy play date

Heidi, Mama Izzy, and Tug

Heidi & Tug with their birthday hats (can't believe that let us put them on and take a picture)

Happy Birthday Puppies

It's Heidi's Birthday.  Hard to believe that a year has already gone by.

For her birthday, I let Heidi sleep out of the crate.  Here's how the night went.  Jumped on the bed, licked me in the face.  Laid down on my pillow, trying to squeeze me out.  Stayed there for 10 seconds.  Licked me in the face, walked across me to lay next to me.  Stayed there for 10 seconds.  Walked across me and laid on my chest, lick me in the face.  Stay there for 10 seconds.  Move back to the pillow location, sniff through my hair.  Stay for 10 seconds.  Tunnel under the covers.  Move around a few time.  Stay for 10 seconds.  Move back to the pillow location.  Move to lay against Moon.  Moon does the smart thing and moves off the bed.  Finally settles down.  Numerous times during the night, wakes up and tries all the locations again, with a face licking at every station.  Maybe we'll try again when she is more tired.

For her other birthday treat, we setup a puppy play date with Tug.  We met down at the agility building where there was plenty of room to run.  Crystal brought doggie birthday cakes shaped like bones, and birthday hats.  Crystal took some family pictures, which hopefully will show up on her blog.  I took video.  They birthday kids had a great time, and so did Izzy and Moon.

Izzy, Heidi, and Tug playing chase with the ball

Tug stealing the water bowl

Jim and Gail promised some birthday pictures of Smokee, so will post them when I get them.  We decided that Smokee got all the hair, and Heidi got the speed.

Heidi and the packing paper

We got a package today, a large box filled mostly with packing paper.  Being a puppy, the package is always more fun to play with then the actual gift.

Heidi hiding?

Smokee the Caddy

Smokee has been assisting Jim with golf lessons.  Let's see how they're doing...
 

Smokee stopping the ball from getting to the hole.  I think it would have been a hole in one.

Smokee stopping the ball from going out of bounds.  Did Jim teach him to take it over and drop it in the hole?

Smokee spotting the ball - it's over here.

 At the end of 18 - waiting for someone to bring him a drink.

11 Months Old

So, once again, I haven't taken pictures or posted anything in a while - luckily (again) Jim & Gail provide nice pictures of Smokee.  All I can say is wow, what a hansome boy (and, I can also say, from visiting with him, that not only is he handsome, he's also sweet and fun).

Smokee - 11 Months

OMG, he's so fluffy, you just want to go over and squeeze him.

Smokee - are you looking for a golf ball?

Canfield & Smokee Visit

Heidi and I had an excellent weekend.  We went to a show, and got to visit Smokee, Jim, & Gail.  It was like a mini vacation for me. 

I signed up for a show that is nearly 3 hours away, then found our that our ring time was 8:30 am.  I was not looking forward to getting up at 4:30 in the morning to head up.  Jim & Gail were super kind in offering to let me and Heidi stay with them overnight, since they are just minutes from the show site.  So, we headed on up on Friday evening.

Friday evening was puppy play time - all evening.

Smokee showing Heidi how he uses his paws to play

Heidi showing Smokee who's boss

Smokee trying to show Heidi who's boss - I don't think Heidi believes him.

So, did they recognize each other?  It's hard to say, but I will say this, they had a wonderful time playing together.  We went outside, so Smokee could show us how he chases the little golf balls, but he was only interested in playing with his sister.  Smokee looks so much bigger then Heidi.  Smokee has an awesome full coat, it's lovely.  And, he's such a good, handsome boy.  Heidi, not so much coat.  Heidi looks like a midget beside him. 

Thanks again to Gail & Jim for letting me stay with them.  It was sooooo nice.  The puppies had a great time playing, I got a good nights sleep, and Gail had brownies for me for breakfast - what could be better.

Madison Show

It was a hot day up in Madison (that's Madison Ohio, not Wisconsin) for the dog show.  Heidi did great in the ring, while I was sweating my you know what off.  Heidi got to go in the ring 3 times, once for puppy class which she won (OK, fine, I admit it, she was the only one in the puppy class).  Then back in for winners, and back in for keeshond puppy, where she was beat out by her brother.  Good job Mr. Tug.  I was really pleased that Heidi didn't seem to be stressed at ringside, and she didn't seem to mind going back in 3 times. 

We're very excited to about plans for the upcoming Canfield show and meeting up with Smokee.  Will Smokee and Heidi remember each other?

Heidi trotting around the ring

Smokee Update

Here's some summertime photos of Smokee. 

Smokee getting his big boy coat

I'm the luckiest boy in the world - got my own pool, and a towel boy to dry me off

Ahh, life is good

Disc Dogs

Happy 4th of July.

For the holiday, we decided to play a little disc dog.   Izzy just loves to chase and catch.  Heidi has 2 different play modes with the disc - the chase and catch and the leap in the air.  I find the leap in the air much more entertaining.

Heidi the leaping dog

Heidi and Izzy play disc dog

Lima Show

I was told that I was being negligent in posting to the blog.  Of course, the person that said it was correct. 

Heidi was entered in a show at Lima today.  The drive over to Lima it rained, but by the time we got to the show it had cleared off.  Originally the was forcast to be extremely warm, but we lucked out and had wonderful temperatures until the afternoon. 

Heidi picked up her 2nd point, getting winner's bitch, best of winners, best of opposite sex, and best keeshond puppy.  She then went to the non-sporting puppy group and got a group 2 placement.  A very good day for the little one.

Since the weather was so nice, we took some time to get some photos.  It was a bit windy, but I think that just adds flowiness to the photos.

What a good girl, standing still for the camera

Heidi looking happy

Heidi's show pose

Heidi in the non-sporting puppy group ring

Puppy Match

Heidi and I went down to participate in an all-breed puppy match in Cincinnati on Sunday.  Heidi got puppy best of breed keeshond, and then went on to get a puppy non-sporting group 2 placement.  She was excellent in the ring, except at the very end when she would sit every time the judge came around.  Our frield Lisa was nice enough to drive, and take pictures (after she showed her 3 month old Podengo puppy - who, in my opinion should have won, and is just cute as can be).

Heidi ready to go around the ring

Heidi stacked up for final selections

Smokee update

Got some new pictures of Smokee from Jim and Gail.  His color and his big boy coat are really starting to come in.  He has really fluffed out.  Smokee's head and Heidi's head are so similar.  At the national, in speaking with Betsy (Jordy's owner), she noted that Heidi's head is very much like Jordy's.  I have to agree with her.  And, looking at the pictures of Smokee, his head is very much like Heidi's.  I think Smokee is definitely going to have his father's good looks.

Smokee in the backyard

Smokee playing in his pool (what a lucky boy to has his very own pool)

National

What a month.  The KCA National has come and gone.  It was so hectic leading up to the national, working on hospitality bags and grooming the dogs and packing...

My sister and I made the hospitality bags (quilted backpacks) for the event and stuffed them (other people got the donations).  In the end we only needed 250 bags.  Heidi helped stuff the bags.  Here's Heidi's definition of helping.

Definition 1 of Helping: Get into the box with the dogfood samples, sniff them, generally make a nuisance of yourself.

Definition 2 of Helping: Lay across the row of hospitality bags that needs stuffed, and put your head in as far as possible to sniff out the good stuff.  When you get shooed away, walk across the bags to wrinkle the papers.

Had a good time at the national.  Izzy and Moon started the weekend competing in agility.  Izzy qualified in 6 of 7 runs.  Moon qualified in a few runs.  All the dogs showed in conformation, and my nephew Alex showed Moon in Junior Showmanship.  Alex took 2nd in his class.  Although my dogs didn't get any placements, Tug did get 3rd in his class on National day.  On the final day of showing Moon made it through all the rounds of cuts, down to just 20 dogs in the ring, but then didn't get any ribbons.  I took Izzy and Heidi to a Flyball demo and mini training.  Izzy was crazy for it.  Heidi didn't quiet get that she needed to get the ball and bring it back - but Izzy sure picked up on it.  At the end of the short session, Izzy was running, jumping 2 jumps, grabbing the tennis ball and coming back over the 2 jumps. 

Also, at the National got to see Jordy - I think he gets more handsome each time we see him.  And, he's as sweet as can be.  Also got to see Ellie's (littermate to Izzy) puppies (she was also bred to Jordy).  They are a couple months older, and looking quite nice.

Heidi's second show

Heidi had her first show last weekend in Columbus.  She was good and bad in the ring.  Part of the time she moved and stood nicely.  The other part of the time - not so much.  A bit wiggly, and a bit distracted.  But, overall, she did well for her first show.  She got 2nd place in her class.  She also had some crate time at the show, and she seemed quite relaxed. 

Today, Heidi had her second show.  She did much better in the ring.  She stood still most of the time, let the judge look at her bite, and moved nicely.  She took winners bitch for her very first point, so had to go back in the ring during BOB competition.  Since I had Moon in the ring, Crystal took her back in.  Heidi wasn't so good this time - she isn't used to someone other than her mommy handling her.  Crystal finally got some focus at the end.  Heidi then also received Best of Opposite Sex.  I think she's just a cutie patootie - but I might be a little biased. 

Heidi hanging out in the backyard

More Frisbee & Flips

Heidi hasn't quite learned when to jump and how high when going for the frisbee.  

Crazy Puppy

Frisbee

Finally had a dry enough day to go out and play frisbee in the yard.  Heidi enjoys the frisbee, and I think she enjoys bugging Izzy even more. 

Like Mother Like Daughter

Tuesday, April 19

Time flies by.  Izzy and Moon have been at agility trials for the past 2 weekends, so I haven't had time to update the blog or to get pictures.  This coming weekend Heidi has her first show, so it was bath day today.  Right before her bath, she was laying outside in the mud.  Hopefully I'll be able to keep her out of the mud until the show (fat chance).  Tug will also be showing, as will my nephew's vizsla puppy, Ash.  Should be a fun day.

I've been bad about getting pictures, but Jim & Gail have been great about sending Smokee pictures - so here are a couple.  My favorites, the first picture was taken in December, and the second picture was this past week.  Looks like his nice little hiding place isn't working out so well any more.

Smokee in December

Smokee now

 

Monday, March 28

I'm sure the question on everyone's mind is this - What do you do with all that fur?  The answer, according to Heidi, is you pickup leaves. 

Heidi loves being outside.  The last few weeks, Ken has been doing a lot of work out in the yard.  Heidi likes to be out there with him.  When she finally comes in the house, she either has a nose and paws covered with dirt - the little digger, or, she has leaves in her fur.  The Viburnum leaves seem to have a special  quality that makes them stick right in the fluff, and makes them difficult to remove. 

Heidi has also started playing frisbee, but only when Izzy is in the house.  When Izzy is out, there's now way she's going to let a frisbee go by, so Heidi is content with running and getting in Izzy's way, which irritates the heck out of Izzy.

Heidi the leaf picker-upper

Monday, March 21

Well, it's been a busy couple weeks.  I have temporarily misplaced my camera charger, so no photos.  But, since Jim & Gail sent photos, you can see Smokee.

As for Heidi,
Last week we had our first agility class.  It was a preview class which introduces a small tunnel and the A-frame set low.  Mostly it's an evaluation to make sure the dogs and owners are ready for agility class.  Heidi did great through the tunnel, and was good at the obedience items (suprised me).  The first time over the A-frame she was a little reluctant.  After that, she went over it, but was still a bit unsure.  Official classes start next week.  We're very excited.

After class ended and all the other people left, our friend Mary Rose, who was one of the instructors for class, got her boxer Malcolm out.  We let them both off leash to see if they would play.  They instantly started the chasing game, using the entire building space to run.  Once around Malcolm would be chasing Heidi, the next round, Heidi was chasing Malcolm.  Next time around, Heidi runs up and over the A-frame during the chase (so much for being unsure about that obstacle).  They ran and ran and ran.  Malcolm is Heidi's new best friend.  We're hoping for more play time in the future with Malcolm. 

Smokee update from Jim & Gail:
We had a very busy week for losing teeth. Smokee lost at least 8 teeth since last Sunday!! He has I think only one puppy canine left on his left upper to lose.

We are teething most of our middle teeth but I think they are all coming in. No wonder his focus last week was so bad!!

Smokee after being fluffed

Smokee all tuckered out from class

Monday, March 7

Stumpy

Heidi was outside playing today, and came back in with a bloody foot.  After a quick exam, I found that she had broken a toenail.  Of course, it was dangling, so off to the vet we went.  The vet had to trim the nail back to the break, and since it was bleeding, she got a bandage wrap.  I was told to try to keep her from chewing on it, and they gave me a special plastic thing to keep it dry.  So, what does little Heidi do as soon as we get home, she chews part of the bandage loose, and then sticks it in the water dish.  Hope the bandage can stay in place at least until tomorrow - we'll see.

Why didn't they wrap it in pink?

Saturday, March 5

Puppy Play Time

Here's the video of Tug and Heidi playing after the puppy match.  Sometimes it was hard to figure out which was which, they look so much alike, and they were moving fast.  At the end of the video, it was Heidi who decided to go play with the bigger puppies in the other ring. 

Saturday, March 5

Puppy Match.

Today was Heidi's first show.  Our club sponsored a puppy match for keeshonden only.   Heidi did great.  First, she got to have some play time with about 5 other puppies, which she quite enjoyed.  Then was meeting time.  Heidi was a bit peeved that she had to stay in the crate the whole time, but she endured.  Then, finally, it was time for the match.  After some grooming, she entered the ring in the 3-6 month puppy class.  She won her class - OK, so I admit it, she was the only one in her class- still, she did great in the ring.  She even let the judge look at her bite.  Then she got to go back in the ring to compete against her brother Tug, who won the 3-6 month puppy dog class.  Heidi won best junior puppy (sorry Tug).  After showing completed, Heidi and Tug got some play time (video on that later).

Tug also did awesome at the match - he's such a handsome boy.  Crystal showed him, so it was the first show for both of them.  We'll have to wait and see if Crystal gets hooked on showing. 

Heidi's first show

Wednesday, March 2

Time just flies by.  It seems harder now to keep up to date and to get pictures.  Could be the number of classes in the evenings - one night Heidi has reliability, one night Moon has agility, and one night Izzy has agility.  Or, it could be that making quilted backpacks for hospitality bags for the upcoming keeshond national is just sucking up all the time. 

Anyway,
Congratulations to Smokee for graduating from puppy class.  Not sure how they got this photo, I doubt that Heidi would sit still with a graduation cap on her head.

Graduate Smokee with proud papa Jim

Sunday, February 20

Bath time.

Seems like it's bath time all around.  Jim gave Smokee a bath.  Smokee doesn't seem to happy about it.

A not very happy boy.

Jim with his dry & fluffy Smokee.  I think Smokee is smiling in this picture

Saturday, February 19

Just got back from a mini vacation to Colorado.  While we were away, the dogs stayed with my In-laws.  Grandma and Grandpa love to spoil their grand-dogs.  Since little Heidi didn't know where to signal to go outside, she had a little song that Grandma sang to her - I'm a little pee-pot...

Before our trip, Heidi got a bath and fluffing.

Heidi - not very happy with me

Heidi after drying out and fluffed

Tuesday, February 8

Baby Teeth

Oh, I forgot to mention - Heidi has lost her top 2 middle baby teeth. 

Tuesday, February 8

4 Months Old Today

Heidi is 4 months old today.  Time just flies by.  We have come a long way over the past couple weeks. 

The jingle bells were taken off the door, because they just became another toy.  I think they helped with potty training for about a week.  Heidi now goes over to the door and barks (her little puppy bark) when she needs to go out.  We have only had a few accidents in the house recently, and those have mostly been upstairs. 

We have started a new set of classes at Dog Talk on reliability.  The class is very small, and tailored for each individual student.  I like that I can get away with just Heidi to work on training.  It's much harder to work on training with 2 other dogs in the house that always want in on the treat action.  We are good at sitting, standing, and shaking hands.  We're also pretty good at downs and waving a paw.  Also working on spinning in a circle and walking on a loose leash.  We can do come, but only reliably in a quite location - not so good outside yet. 

Heidi loves to jump.  She can easily jump on the couch and she can now jump into our laps when we're sitting at the dining room table.  We've started working on training for jumping into my arms - this will take some time, since she can't jump that high - yet.  When she isn't sleeping, she's a little ball of energy.  She gets the zoomies practically every day, and all you see is a blur of fur shooting past and she races through the kitchen into the living room and onto the couch.  I can't wait to get her into agility classes.

Heidi about to show her new trick - lift a paw up to wave

Heidi hanging out on the couch

Sunday, January 30

How many ways...

How many ways are there to drink water?  According to Smokee there are 2 ways.

The first way - stand in one dish, drink from the other

The second way - when you're too tired to stand, lay on a shelf and drink

By the way, Smokee lost his first baby tooth.  Maybe the tooth fairy will bring him a new toy.

Sunday, January 30

Darcy Update

Darcy now has his own blog.  Check it out at http://www.dancingdarcy.blogspot.com/.
Or, click the link on the right side of this page, by Tug and Lucy's links.

Tuesday, January 25

Lucy Update

Lucy has her own blog.  Check it out at  http://lucy-lucy-lucyslife.blogspot.com/.
Or, click the link on the right side of this page, by Tug's link.

Sunday, January 23

Ups and downs.

Just when you think that potty training is going so well, you find it, some poopy in the house, hidden upstairs.  Heidi is a sneaky little thing, you think she's right behind you, but suddenly she is gone.  She can be really quiet when she wants to.  She can also be really noisy when she wants to - normally when she is trying to egg on Izzy to play with her. 

I put the little jingle bells on the door to encourage Heidi to signal when she needs to go outside.  It didn't take her long to figure out the bells.  Now, whenever she wants to go outside, she rings the bells.  The problem is, she wants to go outside all the time, not just to potty.  She goes outside to potty, comes back in, rings the bells, goes outside to play, comes back in, rings the bells again, goes outside to dig in the snow, comes back in, rings the bells....  So much for the bells. 

Heidi out in the snow

Wednesday - January 18

Smokee Update.

Smokee started puppy socialization classes this week.  His instructors sound awesome.  Smokee spent a bit of time hiding under chairs, but I'm sure he'll come out of his shell to play with the other puppies in the coming weeks.

Smokee taking a little nap - does this look comfortable to you?

Smokee after an outing in the snow

Monday - January 17

Darcy Update.

Suzie sent some new photo's of Darcy - who's looking all cute and fluffy.   The puppies are all getting so big.  Darcy started puppy socialization classes, and is signed up for puppy obedience in February. 

Darcy playing in the yard - I'm wondering where all their snow is?

Darcy smoozing for the camera - I think he's smiling

Monday - January 10

Heidi is growing up so fast.  We've been going to puppy socialization classes, which have been great.  She loves playing with the other puppies, and the little activities have been very helpful.  It's nice to get away from the house for one-on-one time with the little one.  We have also been working on shaping, which Heidi has picked up on quickly.  She's great at Sit, Down, and Give me 5.  Also working on standing and walking (for conformation), which is going well, but still have work to do.  We also still have a lot of work to do on come (come works when it's quite, but it's totally not proofed for outside).  We have also just started working on spinning in a circle.  We have played many shaping exercises with the box, including going into the box, going around the box, and stepping on top of the box. 

Potty training has been going pretty well.  We're not 100%, but getting there.  We don't have a clear signal for needing to go out, so I've decided to use jingle bells hanging on the door.  We just started it, so we'll see how it goes.

Heidi's favorite place to nap - in front of the door, with Moon as a pillow

Friday - January 7

It was a snowy day.  According to the dogs, it wasn't cold out, it was just right.  Perfect for running and wrestling.  Snowy days are outside play days.  Moon and Heidi love to gang up on Izzy.  Moon says that it's only fair, since Izzy usually picks on him. 

Moon & Heidi taking down Izzy in the fun wrestle game

Moon bounding back into the game

The three running dogs

Big, Medium, and Small.