Questions

For all my doggy people out there...
How old should a dog be when you do all the testing (for example hips)?
What are some great tricks or games to play with your dog?

For my horsey people...
This is Izzy's full sister - 2011 version.  I've been pondering a buddy for Guinness.  Then I'd move him (and company) here.  I don't really like him hanging around with the big horses all the time.  I'd have to go look at her.  She may not be what I like or want.  But would have potential as a cutter - her grandsire would be Guinness' dad.

(Picture owned by Bar XS Ranch.)

(This image owned by Painted River Ranch.)

Or this lovely filly - not a cutting prospect but fits my color scheme... these breeders have an outstanding reputation of having wonderful dispositions in their horses. She's a 2010 version, so would not put pressure on the bank account over training all at the same time.  This filly is bred to show, not cut, but would make a nice all around.  However, there is Guinness as my all around prospect.

Well?  Am I nuts?  Or do I just need something more to do?  What would you do?

Be Still My Heart

Last night, as I pulled my truck into the garage, Diva shot out.  Cursing under my breath I parked, closed the big door, gave Ryder some love and unloaded my stuff.  My next big move was to head into the house for some highly motivating food.

Knowing Diva likes to play the "can't catch me, I'm a little #$@$^ game" I purposefully went to the back deck door.  Flipping on the deck lights I could see the little rotter sitting out there.  Perky as you please.  Taking a deep breath, trying to create positive energy waves, I opened the door.  As I pulled open the door the strangest thing happened.  Diva came bolting, full speed for me.  As she joyfully greeted me, I gave her a dehydrated fish bite.  I was slightly stunned.  Tonight the same thing happened.  And. She. Came. Running.

I must admit I've gotten so used to her being naughty I'm not entirely sure what to think.

Can I stick with it??

I've laid out my current action plan.  I'm really hopeful this may be realistic and achievable.

I'll put it into action during break as there are simply too many interruptions right now to be consistent.

Monday, Wednesday, Friday mornings - prior to work - run on treadmill.
Each morning the dogs get a short "cardio" prior to work.
Tuesday and Thursday evenings I'd like to start a hot yoga class.  (If not something else physical.)
Each evening do the subdivision loop - (2.2 k or about 1.5 miles) - with the dogs.
Each evening do 5-10 minutes of "mental" work with each dog.  Either tricks, obedience training, etc.

Weekends are free.  Meaning I can do what I want - likely some herding and hopefully some riding.  The horse stuff is out on weekdays unless I want to haul to a stable and that has it's own inherent challenges in winter.  (No light and cold weather with outside horse.)

We shall see how I do...

Goal Setting

I've become leery of setting goals with my animals.  It seems we've been spending more time on plan B than anything.  That being said, this is the time of year when I begin thinking about goals.  So here's to Plan A!

Goal One:
I want to ride more.  Even in winter, even when my horse is not in a warm cushy stable.  Yup, I need to stop being so wussy.  I want to ride bareback - which based on Bacardi's behavior the other day may be a poor decision.  I'm looking forward to riding over winter break with Jason.  I miss being around him and Chrissy.  I miss being at the barn.

Goal Two:
I will have Ryder ready to stretch out his drive and outrun come spring.  He'll know his direction commands.  I will do something, anything with Diva.  I plan to take a tracking course come spring with them.  Here's hoping one or the other (preferably Diva) likes it.

Goal Three:
I will make it to the UK and work dogs at some point in the next 12 months.

Settling In

I've been slowly settling into my new house.  My kitchen is undergoing phase two of organization as I've decided I need to move my baking stuff.  The living room now has a TV (after weeks!!), and the lone two couches.  More furniture will be purchased once I get myself a bit more organized.  The biggest accomplishment was taking Tessa's pics to the framing shop.  A couple of years ago I had professional pictures of Tessa taken on sheep.  She's ridiculously camera shy so this is no easy feat.  I'm super excited to get them back.  (The framing was more than the bloody pictures!!)

The dogs are slowly settling in.  Tessa's having a tough time.  Part of this could be winter - last winter was brutal for her.  Part of this is most definitely the move.  She's doing more "crazy" things.  Staring into space.  Putting herself to bed.  Getting confused.  Refusing to go potty outside.  (Which wreaks havoc with my morning routine and getting to work.)  It's pretty clear her hearing and eye sight has deteriorated since summer.   Ryder is such an amazing boy.  I'm blessed he made his way back into my life.  He takes the toys to Tess.  He sniffs and cleans her bum - especially after she's been outside.  When she's having a really bad day, he licks her face, and lays near her.  I've started contemplating how to tell my class she may not make the winter.  She'll be in as "guest" teacher next week for a day.  I'm also blessed my administration supports having her in my room. (I'm regularly approached by staff requesting her.)

As Tessa ages, I'm very careful with her when she's around the kids.  At one time I would have no qualms.  I need to keep her safe, especially when she's tired.  I need to make sure the kids don't maul her.  This group is really good.  They respect her and when I tell them she needs a nap they leave her be.  It never fails to amaze me how she picks the kids that need her the most to be around.  It never fails to amaze me how joyful they become with her.  I know she'll be a calming influence with the Christmas crazies quickly approaching.  (We go right up to the 23rd.)  But I also know the days are limited that she'll be strong enough to handle a busy classroom environment.

Diva has not been good with Tessa's decline.  She's taking the attitude of wanting to be Queen Bee.  This creates work for me, but we're managing the situation.  On the positive side, Diva's been wanting to engage in play more often, and seems to be developing a stronger attachment to me.  Her recall still stinks.  But is sloooooooowwwwwwwlllllly improving.  On the negative side, Ryder was a little bully at the dog park last weekend.  Clearly I need to get back to doing some work with him that way.  He was very ruffled when we were leaving.  Need to get him out more and reinforce his manners.  Part of the problem is he wants to protect me.  But he must learn when this is appropriate behavior.  (For example someone breaking into the house - appropriate for him to react.)

Pictures to follow tomorrow of my favorite house feature!

A Little Research

I've been doing some research into the whole search and rescue thing.  Diva, unfortunately, very likely wouldn't pass their tests - due to some of her quirks.  Maybe time and training will change that.  Ryder, probably would.  I emailed the Edmonton region group to get some more information.  I think to begin with I'd like to take a lesson or two with a tracking person and see what happens.  I'd like to take both young dogs and get an assessment done with a qualified person to see if they have any talent or interest.

And from there I'll make some decisions.  The SAR lady gave me an email of a person she recommends for tracking training, so that's my next step.

The Moments That Define Us

This week was a horrifically scary one for me.  One of the days after school when a wee little student should have met their mother after school, they didn't show up.  We systematically searched classrooms, and under playground equipment.  We looked through the eyes of a six year old and tried to think like one. The police were notified.  After 40 minutes had passes another parent phoned it.  A student had shown up at their house, but while they were on the phone with the school, this student disappeared.  With a neighborhood narrowed down and our daylight quickly waning, we quickly hopped into our vehicles and began searching for the little one.  With our area clear we moved on to another area, phoning it in we received the good news.  A completely different parent saw the little one wandering and picked them up.  We had our happy ending but the outcome could have been different.  It was an hour of searching for this child.  Worrying.

This was a defining moment for me.  It made me wonder if my dogs would be capable of searching for the child had the situation been different.  It's something that I may look into.  Who knows, maybe this is where Diva with her strong prey drive and athletic ability, has a talent.  Ryder I think would be too sensitive.  Something to consider.  I may have to google it and learn some more.

I know, I know.  I shouldn't consider putting more on my plate.  I really should finish training Ryder on sheep.  I should just focus on one thing.  Time will tell which road I take...