Best Puppy

Last Saturday Ruger was a star at Darlington, getting Best Puppy in Breed and Reserve Best Dog (not as grand as it sounds as he was the only puppy in his class!!!!!) the main thing for us was that the judge commented on how good his temperament is, that means alot, and I am so pleased with the way he behaved in the ring.

Ruger's First Breed Show

Some good news about the Guide Dogs Open Day from last week is that apart from raising a good amount of money for this worthy cause, 6 needy dogs were rehomed by the Dog Wardens who had a stand there, fantastic, and also guide Dogs have recruited some much needed volunteer puppy walkers.

Yesterday Ruger had his first show at Richmond Champ Show. He was so good and stood nicely for inspection, but his handler (who could that be?) forgot that although agility is about speed showing isn't, so I sprinted round the ring with Ruger bouncing up and down, it was so much fun, I was given a second chance and the judge was so nice about it. We came 2nd (out of 2 entries) but well done to Jan and Caper, he is stunning and went on to get Best in Breed and the dog CC, well deserved.

Today I set off to Wigan Alsatian for a day of agility with the girls, but after walking the courses I was in two minds as to if I would run as it was so muddy , I had plenty of tine to decide as I had high running orders, however the show committee made the difficult but right decision to cancel the show due to safety.

Guide Dogs Open Day

We have had a fantastic day, at the new Guide Dog Training Centre in Manchester. They asked if we (K9 Skool) could do an agility display, so I asked how many people at training would like to take part and found we had a good team. It was good to see a mixture of breeds taking part, Alfie (Lab), Penny (GSDxLab), Kenzie (Lab), Whistler (WSD), Zara (GSDx), Molly (Weimeraner), Candy (Boxer), Archie (Cocker), Charlie (Springer), Charlie (Cocker), Raddlie & Saffie (Min. Schnauzers) and Mawgan (GSDx Groenendael), all the dogs ran well with a large crowd, we thought it was going to be quieter, but it was all good practice for those who compete! Simon kept the crowd entertained on the mike, I don't know how he does it. Thanks everyone for a lovely day and also to our ring party Ali, Christopher, Judy, Sarah and Tayler. There were lots of lovely dogs and cute puppies, I hope that Guide Dogs raised lots of money, their new training centre is fantastic, especially the enrichment areas for the dogs to exercise and have fun in.

LLancaiach Fun Dog Show

For the bank holiday we headed down to South Wales to visit Simon's parents and the Barking Mad Dog Show, in aid of Hope Rescue at Llancaiach Fawr, what a lovely weekend, good weather and a lovely show with a good friendly atmosphere. In previous years this was a small show with have a go agility, and we always enjoyed it, this year BHC agility put on a limited show, so 50 agility dogs were there and hundreds of other dogs. My first class of the day was agility, Mawgan broke her stay so I left the ring, little Zara did a lovely clear round and took 2nd place. Then I took Ruger into his first ever class, best puppy under 12 months, there were about 70 puppies in the class, and some real cuties (especially a cute fluffy little GSD) so I was very happy that Ruger was picked out for the final 15 and then took 2nd place. Zara was picked out for the final 15 in prettiest bitch and best crossbreed but unfortunately didn't get placed (even though she was the best LOL). In jumping again Mawgan broke the stay and I took her out, Zara didn't let me down and went clear, no place this time but lovely round. Then for the steeplechase, the challenge was to remember how to get round the tunnels in the middle, it was a very clever course, not actually difficult but you had to concentrate. Breakthrough of the year Mawgan gave me a 2 second stay, I didn't push for too much but she didn't move until I released her, I was so pleased with her, and then she went clear and came 5th. Zara ran very well but got distracted in the corner added in a stride and took out the wing (at least it wasn't a pole), so I pushed her for speed and she actually cleared everything else with pressure, so she is getting more accuracy. It was a lovely day apart from all three dogs getting places, they really enjoyed the day out it was a good socialisation opportunity for Ruger and he was so well behaved in the ring, I fell more confident with him for Richmond show next week.