Leg lift trick

On wet days I find myself stuck in the house doing different tricks with the dogs.  Wicket is my advanced trick dog, since I have become better over the years at being able to teach shaping.  I tend to work on things that are a little more basic with my other dogs.  Okay, lets talk a little about the leg lift.  For years I have done balance work with my dogs & this takes it to the next level.  I don't know if this will work for you but thought I would share & you could come up with your own leg lift game.  After I taught Wicket to handstand I moved on to this trick on accident.  I set out the plunger & since he had done the back foot work recently for handstands, Wicket started offering a back foot to the plunger.  Of course the plunger fell over but I quickly rewarded seeing that this could be very useful.  I set the plunger again to see what would happen.  Wicket started lifting his leg to touch the plunger but knowing it would fall over didn't put pressure on it.  I did that several times then moved the plunger to the other side of his body which caused him to lift his other back leg.  I plan to phase out the plunger later.  This is Wicket's second session with the leg lift work.

Enjoy!

Leg lift video

Dog tricks

A few people have been interested in how I taught Wicket to do his handstand.  Here is my link that shows a short video on how to get started.  http://youtu.be/l3XwiENseyo
After you do the ground work test your dogs skills along a wall or door.  If the dog needs help start with your target object on the door.  Here is the end result.  http://youtu.be/_k03eNnw0-M

Happy dog training! -Heidi

learning...

The last couple of trials I have been doing some experamenting in the ring.  I wanted to push my team hard & see how we could handle things.  I found some interesting things.  When I let worry or stress creep in no matter the form I didn't run or handle my team very well.  When I focused on my team, running hard and didn't babysit we did some amazing things.  I was super happy with several runs.  A favorite run from each dog was the resent AKC standard run.  No, we did not "Q" but I walked away happy with how each dog did & how I ran.  Some may think it sad that we just barrly missed the Q but I like to think what fun we had & how much better we are going to do next time. :)

A Wicket video

The dogs and I went out for a show & go to practice.  Not bad for taking some time off from agility training.  I look forward to the USDAA trial coming up in a few weeks.  -H



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2SQUmxbJeA

Treibball

                                                       Heidi with Chloe & Wicket

It has been close to a year since I posted anything so I thought I'd get back into things with the new sport I have been training with my dogs called Treibball.  It is kind of like teaching your dog to play soccer.  Soccer is my favorite sport so what could be better then dogs & soccer together.  I just finished filming a mini video that gives an overview of Treibball.  Enjoy! -Heidi

Intro to Treibball

Cake anyone?

Blueberry Yogurt Coffee Cake

A recipe from the Best of Life book that I made over the weekend.  A healthier dessert that was wonderful.  It has homemade granola (also Best of Life) on top & I drizzled a little agave nectar to make it just a touch sweeter.  Definitely a keeper in our house!

December

 Being silly with Daddy.

 Eating an apple like a big girl. 

Ellie had a wonderful Christmas.  Lots of family fun and goodies to eat.  Wishing you all the best! -Heidi