Feb-Busy Trainer

I did a three day seminar this week with Greg & Laura Derrett. It is always a great experience to learn from such successful trainers. I know Nancy will have lots for all of us to work on in class. One thing I would encourage everyone to work on is reinforcement zone. Where is reinforcement zone? Think Belly button! If you are playing tug or treating in front of you then that is where the dog will drive to. Put your dog in a stay and practice having them run to you for their reward. Take a few minutes everyday to build this up before going to class.

Urology...

Ellie went to the urologist today. The valves connected between the kidneys and the bladder is allowing urine to go into the kidneys. That alone doesn't hurt anything. The problem is when she gets a bladder infection and the infected urine goes back up to the kidneys. If untreated can cause kidney failure later in life but not a problem if caught early and treated like Ellie.

Each Kidney/valve is rate on a scale of 1-5 (five worst). Ellie has a 2 on her left side and a 3 on her right. Which means she has a 70% on the left and 50% on the right of the problem correcting its self over time. So there is a chance she can grow out of it.

Ellie qualifies for a medical study that is being done on this type of problem in children. This study would last two years. Our other options are continue antibiotics daily until she is a year and then take a look at everything again. Surgery would then be looked at as a possible option which is a last resort for us. At this point we are trying to decide to continue antibiotics or enroll in the medical study. The good news is Ellie's kidneys look very good and she is a growing health girl other then bladder problem.

Need an Ellie fix today?

When it's cold outside

As with many Oklahomans this week the Cleveland family has had to find things to do inside more then usual. Todd went to work for the first time today (Friday) which made for a long work week. :) We got to spend a lot of family time together this week which is always nice. Although I am sad about not having agility class tomorrow and dread the 6.5 mile run that I will be forced to do on the treadmill since there is still snow out. I'll let you know if I survive. All in all it has been a nice winter week.

Wicket tried to get a game of hide and seek going. The picture you see below is something he did all on his own. Glad we got a few pictures to show how silly he is.

Peek-a-BOO

There is always snuggling on the couch. Wicket seems to get in a lot of pictures he is such a diva.

Ellie practiced her singing.

If you really must there is always playing in the snow.