March-Busy Dog Trainer

As you can see the month is almost over & I am just getting around to blogging about dog training. Just a little on the busy side! We have the UKI trial coming up this weekend at the Lazy E. What can we do in 3 days to be ready?! Here are a few things that I do before trials. First I will do very little in equipment today & tomorrow. The day before any trial I don't do any equipment. It is my thought that before a big game day you should rest up. Yes, I exercise my dogs & play with them but I do it in the form of walks and games. Second, I will spend more time on the basics such as stays to make sure they are GREAT at the trial. I will also give out more treats/toy these next few days for circle work, stays, recalls and crate work. Why? Well, since I am giving high reward now when I get to the trial it is more likely that my dogs will stay with me & not do other things when in the ring. This will be Wicket's first trial and since he is very green I don't plan to get any ribbons. We may run every run with a toy in the ring! My one goal for him this weekend is for him to stay with ME in the ring. I am going to do all I can these next few days to make sure Wicket does just that. Last of all make sure you have a warm up routine for your dog before going to the trial. This not only gets my dog ready but also helps me to be in the zone before going into the ring. Good Luck to all! -Heidi

A Spring Morning

I took these pictures last week on one of our beautiful spring days.

Ellie & the dogs love to spend time outside!

This makes me laugh...

I can't help but laugh when watching my silly girl. I enjoy her so much!

6 months old

Ellie is now 6 months old. Where does the time go? At her 6 month doctor visit Ellie weighed in at 14lbs. 3 oz. and is 24 3/4 in. long. Ellie & Mommy
You talking to me?!

Hey, hey, hey

Yum, sweet potato

K9 Kids

The K9 kids during the last snow. Wicket
Chloe

Reese

Seida

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.