Wednesday, June 29, 2011

How To Be A Versatile Maltese

Photobucket


Mandi, Rugby's predecessor (pictured above with my friend), practically grew up on a farm. She was great around the horses, and all the general farm activities. I have always been a little disappointed in Rugby's farm opportunities, and the fact that he hasn't had the chance to figure out how to be a farm-dog or navigate a barn or help with chores.

Rugby


This week has gone a long way towards fixing that problem, and Rugby is very quickly learning the ropes. One of the reasons he has gone from apartment-dog to farm-dog so quickly is his Obedience training. We went to watch a friend ride, and I was able to heel him off-lead into the barn, throw is mat down out of the way and have him 'place' there while I left him to go take pictures. We only used two simple commands, but it made me realize just how far we have come over the past three years.

Rugby and Joy


He showed off again when we went out for lunch the other day. Besides the fact that the restaurant was extremely accommodating for us (they brought out a water bowl for the dogs with our drinks... and we didn't have to ask for one!), it was another chance to use his training. We were the only dogs allowed out on the pier to take photos.

Not surprisingly, a versatile dog is a trained dog. Rugby is turning into a dog for all occasions, and I love it.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Farm Sitting

Rugby's Chicken

Rugby is farm sitting this week with me. He isn't allowed to meet any of the goats, or horses, or ducks because I am afraid he will get stepped on. He has met the chickens though. I can't tell any of the chickens apart, but there is one that consistently follows Rugby through the fence. Rugby is not interested in them at all. If he was, these two would be quite the odd couple!

By the way, do you like Rugby's new haircut? You can see a 'before' shot on the Applewoods blog, in the video of him being a jump for a 4lb Toy Poodle...
http://applewoodsdogtraining.blogspot.com/2011/06/lunch-break.html

Friday, June 24, 2011

Why Rugby Needs Bath...

Swim Trip

Rugby had entirely too much fun at Riverfront Park yesterday with the Applewoods Crew. He didn't last quite as long as the big dogs, but he came pretty close.

Swim Trip

He wasn't all about the 'deep end,' so we gave him a little help through those parts.
Swim Trip
Anya was more than happy to be Rugby's helper and kept a close eye on him.

Swim Trip

Soon, he was taking on all parts of the river by himself!
Swim Trip

Diesel didn't have to swim too often, but kept Rugby company anyways.
Swim Trip

This was our first trip to the river this season and we can't wait to go back again! 

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

June 21st

The Littles

Today was the first day of summer, and what do we have to show for it? A spring picture. 

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Delivery Dog

It started in the car. That's when we gave Rugby the card for his favorite person. 

Delivery Dog

Rugby already knew where we were and proudly carried it up the porch and into the house. 

Delivery Dog

Once inside, he wasted no time heading to where Pop-pop sits to greet him and deliver the card. 

Delivery Dog
He even gave him a close up view of the card to make sure he read it and knew it was for him! 

Delivery Dog

Happy Father's Day!

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

A little of everything

Workshop Grads

We have been super busy doing dogs and horses, a little bit of work and a little bit of the beach. Last week we were able to attend for the first time, our trainer's three day workshop. The Bedrock Basic Workshop was split into working time and lecture time, and let us really focus on the details. The wide range of dogs available didn't hurt either, and being able to work with and around them in a constructive way was eye opening. I can't wait to watch the videos!

Rugby has been taking it easy the past few weeks and we will start working regularly again tomorrow. We have some big plans for Obedience this summer. Lots of proofing, mixing and matching, demos and even using our Obedience to try some new things. 

Monday, June 6, 2011

Never Leaving

Cool Couch

We haven't seen any yet but two different neighbors have told us about snakes they keep seeing around our building. Maybe its because I don't know anything about snakes, but I am freaking out. Rugby goes outside at night basically by himself all the time, and potties primarily at the edge of the woods out back. We set up jumps and training equipment in the middle of a field across the street. With multiple dogs, they each get put on down stays while the other works. Sometimes we go out in the field to get some late-night zoomies out. There is no way either of us could see a snake early enough to avoid it!

Now I keep imagining a giant snake bitting Rugby every time we are outside for anything. I follow his every move when he goes out to potty (with the hopes that I can spot a snake quicker than he can). We haven't been out in the field to train for a couple weeks and our late-night zoomies have been replaced by heeling sessions in the parking lot. Maybe Rugby should just stay on the couch forever!

Am I being irrational? Anyone have any snake tips for us?