The Spiritdance Dog Tracking and Sheep Herding Blog

Visit to Scott and Jenny Glen and Ben's first time on sheep!

2012-02-01T09:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I visited Scott and Jenny Glen to work dogs and put Ben on sheep for the first time. Jenny took this beautiful picture of Ted working in the large area behind their house. She also took a million pictures of Ben for me. It was Ben's first time on sheep other than seeing them on a leash last fall. Thank you Jenny!

Here is a slideshow including a few scenics showing the area - and look, no snow!

Ben is only 6.5 months old and he was a wee bit babyish in the beginning, so I had to use a bag to keep him from being too much of a mommy's boy then help him focus on the sheep. I've always said he was a very thoughtful, serious puppy. He had moments where he raised a bit of hell (which we allowed) but mainly moved around "puzzling it out" as Scott put it. He liked his right side much better than his left - hmmm. so do Ted and Jet! He needed a bit of help with ewes on the fence too. Overall he was calm and moved around pretty well for a start. We put him away for an hour, and the second time he came out, he began to do complete cirles around the ewes and he changed directions - and just when Scott was happy with things and said to call him, Ben decided to go for the gusto and I had to catch him! Up to that moment I was so proud of his recalls - but Scott said we could forego a recall for that much keen interest at the end, leaving Ben wanting more.

My favourite shot of Ben, not such an action shot, but he has focus and such a nice mover - like his dad Ted

Jet continues to be her good self. I am so proud of her. I am finally at a point with Jet where I can tweak things to improve our performance rather than fight with her little strong head. It's been a long road with her between her being a tough beginners dog, to my moving out west and having a hard time landing on my feet here where the Border Collies are concerned. Scott has given my my homework, meaning I need to find somewhere to work all the time, to work on our teamwork and advance. That means I am going to get really determined and hit up on everyone I know!

This is the only picture of Jet - on the drive down the driveway to the farm - she woke up and knew something was up!

Same goes for Ted - he wants so badly to please and has a lovely manner about him, so powerful and athletic, (and very handsome hahaha). He and I need to get our act together and this can only come through regular work, of course.

And of course, selfishly (haha) I can see that I am still losing weight when I wear this old North Face jacket. It is now so big on me, but I still love it. Scott very diplomatically (and wisely, haha) told me I was wasting away - no kinder words can be said to me right now! :))

It was so great to have Scott and Jenny meet Ben. And also to visit and see their crew, including 13-year old Pleat! Scott talked to me about Ben's bloodlines and how other dogs in his pedigree have started - dogs like Pleat, Dan and Sweep. Though Jenny says Ben definitely has Maid's look (and Ted's size). It is so valuable to have people who know your dog's bloodlines to see your pup and tell you how he looks compared to his ancestors. All in all, my head is spinning and I am so happy!

It was an 800 km round trip (500 miles) and worth every bit of it to work with Scott Glen - he is the best! Period!

Here are some beautiful mountain scenes I took on the trip down... I never get tired of looking at the mountains! This is looking west towards Crowsnest Pass -

That's Alta-Pete Farm on the horizon!

POSTSCRIPT

Jet says "can you somehow make this more about ME?"

LOL - next time Jet! You were a good girl.

Sprucing up the old church with dog friendly flooring

2012-01-29T09:51:00.002-07:00

I am in the throes of making more improvements to my little church house by covering up the old church flooring. It is very soft fir and scratches easily. It will still be there under my new laminate for anyone who wants to sand and stain it in the future. Yesterday I had laminate installed and it will be so much better for the dogs! I need to paint the trim, and the flooring guys have recommended tile for the little kitchen area and bathroom laundry. I LOVE tile, so decided to put it in the front vestibule as well - so will need to save my money and make that a future project. In the meantime, I can spend hours fondling tile and choosing the right one.

Below are some photos of the new floors, with my lovely models (the dogs!) This was just done yesterday. I feel so proud of myself. Since moving into this old church, I have done so much to update and improve it - from adding fencing and a driveway, dogruns, blinds, closets (yes, there were none), exterior outlets, a front garden and a Japanese garden in the back. I just love this house. I would love to lift it up and put it on 20 acres. If I find the right property it will be hard to leave it, and someone will get a real treasure here.

Caden and River - notice the lack of ornaments etc. - I think I will leave it like this and go for a more serene feel here. And yes, I need a bigger TV, hahaha. But I so rarely watch it, it is more in the background and not that crucial to my lifestyle.

Ted, Ben and Jet. The glove on the floor is their prize for staying! I have created an art corner by the French doors where I can work on my book and my art. That little cactus in the background came from Thunder Bay where it was a dead little stick. I have lovingly brought it to life over the years.

River and Caden on my strategically chosen "sable" coloured furniture! Look at the great new floor! I have also made eating less of a focus in my life. The table is against the wall and I took out the center so it is smaller. I am debating a bigger carpet.

The little Border Collie family. Ben just LOVES tracking gloves. I have really imprinted him on the value of articles for his tracking career. Jet is in her spot. Such a little Queen, she is. Below - same view - old floor...

Poor old church floor was really worn out. This was taken yesterday just before the work began.

The BC family ate in the front vestibule this morning. This area has very red carpet that attracts dog hair. A great place for tile! They are so good - they could easily jump in but know to give Caden and River their space to eat in here.

Old floor. Lovely, lovely fir. Beautiful tone, but the wood is so soft it was just not good for dogs.

This is the little kitchen area where I may put tile as well, though the floor here is not bad. It is the 'stage' where the Minister once stood. Whenever I am in here, Ted and Ben play like this around my feet. I am just used to it and work around them.

That is, until Jet steps in to break it up! She is so bossy.

Ben's Birthday Walk - 6 months old!

2012-01-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

Running through the field.
When I see him run like this, I imagine a future Ben working sheep

Ben turned 6 months old on January 21. It's hard to believe this was the little pup I carried around on one hand! He is fast and smart and nearly as big as Ted, but with Jet's leaner profile. Here are some pictures from his birthday walk. He sticks close, but is getting a bit more brave to go further away - always keeping an eye on me.

He just loves to run in this field. I am sure it is a genetic thing - get into a big field - run in sweeping arcs. I tried to get good shots, but it was pretty cold and my fingers were frozen. He drags a little leash, just in case I need to grab him, however, I didn't need it except for the group shot at the end of this post. He's very obedient and just loves to run to me, full tilt - for a 'that'll do whistle!' He is an awesome little pup.

Sitting for a moment to see where everyone is!

Joyful running

Serious recall

A very handsome profile of Ben through the trees.

He stopped once in awhile. Here he is looking up at a plane.
Ted in the background.

Artsy shot! You can see the others in the background.
Ben was popping out of the bush where he was exploring.

Left to Right
Ted, River, Ben and Jet - looking at the stick I was waving...

(Caden stayed home - he will have his own private walk later!)

Catching up with random photos, and introducing Blackthorn Big Ben!

2012-01-15T12:07:00.000-07:00

I am not sure where the month has gone. Well, yes I am... work has been very busy (I *do work full time, haha) and I've been busy walking the dogs and training because we had such a great warm spell over Christmas. Today it is -22 C and being stuck inside, I thought I should catch up on blogging. I hope everyone else out there has had a pleasant start to 2012!

These are just random pictures and captions of the last few weeks with my gang. You will see some walking shots, portraits, obedience training and tracking training - plus an updated pic of me taken last week as I continue on my weight loss journey.

First of all - may I introduce BLACKTHORN BIG BEN.

I just love this photo of the little family, Ben, Ted and Jet. This was on Ben's first big offleash walk. His little Picasso face markings are so interesting! He seems to have Ted's nice build and Jet's personality (though more of Ted's eagerness to please) - I am very excited about Ben as you can imagine.

After a great deal of thought, I have registered a different kennel name with the Canadian Border Collie Association. BLACKTHORN was my GSD Thorn's name. It is also very Celtic. *I know that 'Big Ben' is a mouthful for a Border Collie, but I loved that horse, and have dreams of that partnership with my little pup. Sorry, border collie friends. It may be the only pup I ever breed, so I had to go with it :))

Thorn was part of a 'plant theme' litter way back when. I was searching for something masculine and a biologist friend mentioned the Blackthorn Willow. As fate would have it, it is a favoured wood for Shepherd's Crooks. I own Blackthorn Willow crook from Scottish Stickcraft in the UK. It all made sense. For CKC tracking, Ben will be registered as Spiritdance Big Ben as the name Blackthorn is in use (for GSDs, no less).

On Ben's walk, we practiced recalls. He was always in front! He is one fast little guy.

Pa Ted teaches Ben about the value of a good stick. Ted is amazing with his pup.

Ben took the lesson about playing with sticks to heart!

River came along with the Border Collies. I caught this shot of her in the sunset (around 4 PM, sigh). She still walks for up to an hour a day and is in great shape for 11.5 years old.

River trucking along with the Border Collie gang. These walking trails feel like home in Northwestern Ontario with the trees - though the tree species are different from home.

Caden goes for his own special walk with just me - so I get the exercise of two walks! He needs all of my focus when we walk, plus he enjoys the 'me time.' He is going to be 4 years old this month and is a beautiful boy in his prime.

I created a downstairs office space in the old church hall (I live in a renovated church). IKEA closet takes up half of the hall. The other half is now my bookshelves, computers, printer and the pullout couch for family visits, plus my TV and treadmill. And of course, my awesome bathroom with the soaker tub. Now, my upstairs space is computer free and a peaceful place to write.

Caden is always lying at my feet. I love the loyalty of a GSD and how peaceful he is when he's in the house. This dog comes with such great drive but also, such a nice sweet personality. I don't know how to describe him. Every day I am glad I have this dog. He seems to be what a German Shepherd is meant to be - everything just seems right about him - and he is every bit as clever and athletic as the Border Collies making it a great (and challenging for me) combination!

I've been gradually getting Caden and Ben used to being together. Ben has a downstairs expen for cold days and for eating and time outs. In all the months Ben has been in our lives, Caden has never shown anything but curiousity towards him, accepting him as one of the pack.

Here is the big HAM, Ted. What can I say about Ted - he is smart and sweet. Ted never really liked tracking (reminds me of my Thorn dog in so many ways). What he wants to do is either be beside me, or work sheep.

I feel very sad at times I have not found a place closer, or a place to buy yet (land is SO expensive here, and I just can't live in a trailer, sorry)... it is so clearly Ted's life to work sheep - so I am busy hatching a plan for the coming year now that I've met Leanne Huber in Airdrie, who has been awesome about letting us come work at her place, just over an hour away, north of Calgary... thank you Leanne! I have some goals for Jet, Ted and Ben for stockdog trials and mostly improving my own handling, plus learning to whistle (finally).

Ben on the other hand, is showing so much promise as a tracking dog (yay!). He is the first pup I am starting with SchH style footstep tracking. A student took this picture for me, of Ben on Jan 7 during our warm spell, doing a footstep track. I think Ben will be his Mama Jet's boy on this front.

Here is Ben doing his article indication. Good pup!

Ben also did a short zig zag track on Jan 7. I videotaped (it was after I taught a tracking class) and was able to catch some good stills. I had previously done this track with Jet - about an hour earlier, so I wanted to see how he handled it - Jet's scent being a great motivator. He did very, very well! Here he is on the first leg, and as you can see, this is a college field with a ton of footsteps - so he had to stick to the ones with MY scent (and Jet's). Jet was dead on for most of this track, and I never left the track, so it was OK to run it again. If I had wandered around off the track, I would not have used it again. (just by the way...)

Here is Ben trucking it right out there. I love this photo because it clearly shows he disregarded a lot of footsteps crossing my track. What a great shot, and I was really excited following him - his mama's boy for sure - he has a great work ethic for tracking. And he's only 5 months old!

Here he is at his article. On the track, I just sit the jackpot on it - I am not asking for indications until they are solid off the track. I caught this photo with my regular camer after videotaping his little track. I felt quite proud of my puppy. Note he is tracking on a buckle collar like a SchH boy.

Caden did a short demo track for a few students showing how to be creative in urban locations. On this day, snow melted away from the curb so I laid a track walking on the snow/grass edge. Caden did a lovely job, and as usual was very intense. By the end he was just foaming at the mouth from working so hard. This year, Caden will be going for some field titles in tracking.

I am very grateful to one of my students for taking this. This is the track I did with Jet that Ben re-ran later. Jet is the most brilliant tracking dog. I was trying to demonstrate line handling on turns. I deliberately laid some weird, tough corners for her. She took the first one with no issues. The second one was really hard, and she did overshoot it and had to refind her track - that was the demo I wanted to do. I ended Ben's track before that corner - by the way... I went in to the end, and put an article down for him, then looped around and out to re-run it for him an hour later.

This year, Jet and I are aiming for a TDX and a UTDX. Wish us luck! It will mean driving from BC through to Regina and Thunder Bay for three different tests in a month... as there are so few tests out west. But it will be worth it. I will also try River, and Caden in these tests (crossing fingers to get into them all).

I taught another tracking class on Jan 7. I will blog about that on the Your Tracking Coach blog later today. I am so excited about every single dog and handler. What a great group of committed people. I see some new TD dogs this year. This is Lynn and Quila the Golden. Look at that dog, and Lynn looks so calm - nice handling in behind. I just love to teach tracking - and to see the teams grow this way. It is a really great feeling for me.

Ben is learning his basic obedience commands now. He will be 6 months old on January 21. I am doing SchH puppy obedience with him. He has learned a very good sit/down/stand and recall. I know that this will carry over to his stockdog future. In this photo, his tail is wagging so hard it is a blur. PS don't look at my floor - the previous owner did not stain it properly with a protective coat. I am re-doing the floors in this house this spring. For now I call it 'old church ambience!'

Here are Caden and Ben at training night with Dan Waters (our guru) and another friend named Jim with his GSD Decker. Ben comes every week now to hang out and do obedience. Caden was doing a long down here.

In this iPhone photo (apologizing for the quality), Caden does a long down while Jim tosses a tug for Decker. Dan sits close by, so I can be on the other side of the room from Caden. You can see Ben absorbing this all in his crate. That box on the floor is for doing sit and down out of motion and recalls - to make sure your dog gets used to always aligning their body in a straight line. Dan made it. I love to train with Dan - I learn so much - especially watching him with his dogs Ali, Bronte and Cila. Ali is the SchH Club of Canada 2011 Canadian National Winner.

River watches me leave to go training from the window. Nothing gets past her. She is doing great and I hate to leave her behind. It is hard to explain that when it is cold, she should not just sit in the cold car at night while I train Caden... this tugged at my heart that night for sure! And what is funny is that she is really going deaf - but I see her in the window like this when I come home too. Maybe she watches for car lights - or maybe she just checks every so often. It is interesting though.

And just a little bit about me.. I am still losing weight. It is a lot of work, but as it goes along it gets easier and easier because it is very motivating. I had my hair cropped and took this photo in my mirror last week. The Border Collies of course, thought it was all about them.

Here is the tally - from January 2011 to January 2012 - -

Down another 40 pounds for a total now of 110 pounds lost. I have 30 to go.

Into a size 12-14, down from size 22-24 when I moved here 4 years ago. The last time I wore a size 12 was in high school...

Lost 9 inches on my waist so far and 12 on my hips.

And - most of all - feeling very healthy and happy!

Christmas Dogs

2011-12-25T22:30:00.000-07:00

Today it was plus 6 C and everything was melting! I had such a fun day hanging out at home and visiting with my awesome neighbours (where I had Christmas Dinner). I groomed all five dogs today and took these photos. River is 11.5 years old and as hard to groom as when she was 1 year old. She hates it! It's such a chore to hold her down, give her a break, and get it done. But when it's done, she always struts around and you can tell she feels pretty.

Below, she is posing with a stuffed toy I've had since the 80s - it is from The Bay in Winnipeg, from one of many shopping trips there in another life. Look at how River is smiling here. She is like a stuffed toy herself.

And here are River and Caden. Notice how big her stocking is? Caden is always so cheerful, he doesn't compare. To be honest, it took two tries to get him lying here - his waggy tail kept knocking ornaments off of my little purple tree which is normally up on the counter (see below).

And here is the Border Collie family, Ted and his son Ben, and Jet with the stuffed toy. This was about my third attempt at this photo. First Ben stole the stuffed dog. Then Ted just refused to look at the camera. I had to accept this one, even though Jet is partly hidden. Ted apparently inherits an aversion to having his photo taken (soul stealing phobia according to Jenny Glen)...

Gotta love little Ben's Picasso Face!

Santa came! They have bones on their stockings! This is River "pre-grooming" job. Or should I say 'pre-bonsai.' I often sit Caden up on that bench when Ben runs around, to help Caden get used to Ben. It's very cute because Caden has a very good sit (thanks to SchH) and Ben will jump up on the couch and they touch noses. That is how I was able to get the group shot a few days ago (see my earlier Merry Christmas post). I sat Caden first, then Jet and Ted, then called River in. Ben just naturally jumped in and I took the photo!

Christmas Eve out West

2011-12-25T09:19:00.001-07:00

I went to my friend Michelle's (Sufat Sheleg Canaan Dogs) for Christmas Eve. We had East Indian food and wine, then took a million pictures. It's always fun to be with a fellow 'dog person' who thinks like you do. "OK, enough chit chat, let's take pictures..." Both of us are on our own, and we never get pictures of US with our dogs. It's a great treat.

I love these pictures because they show me with Ben, and also because I can see my cheekbones! It really shows that I am losing so much weight. 105 pounds in four years (45 this year) and 40 to go to my goal weight. I don't recognize myself sometimes. It is hazardous of course, because I am buying clothes all the time and enjoying the new sizes - this is my biggest Christmas present to me - health and happiness.

Merry Christmas to everyone and best wishes for a wonderful 2012!

Me with Big Ben, who is getting very heavy

Benny gives me a Christmas kiss

Ben gets a present and a cookie

Sunset looking west towards Caroline and Sundre

Jet, Ted and Ben in the sunset

Another view of the Christmas sunset

A creative farmer made a snowman from his haybales near Spruce View

Ash the Canaan Dog Ash the amazing tracker) tells Ben to sit still for a treat

Cybelle does her famous salute... we hoped to get a picture of her and Ben saluting together, because he will do this - but he was still waiting for a present, LOL.

Michelle with Ash, big puppy Rook and Cybelle, who has just about had it with goofy puppies! What a lovely home and lovely dinner we had - and such a good time. Thanks Michelle. It is a blessing to have good friends.

PS you can see Michelle's version of the evening here, with more pictures of Baby Ben playing and some lovely pictures I took of her with her Canaan Dogs... it will take you off this blog so please come back to visit more!

Ben and Ash played so hard that this picture turned out transparent! I think it's kind of cool though. He held his own and she was very gentle. He slept like a log and this morning he is getting treats from Santa!

Merry Christmas from Spiritdance

2011-12-23T11:43:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas. Thank you for visiting the blog and thanks to everyone who has been part of our lives here in Alberta - out training and having fun with the dogs. It is a blessing to have so many good friends - near and far. Hello to friends we haven't met but talk to through blogs and Facebook, and love to friends and family at home in Thunder Bay. Here's to a great 2012!

Believe it or not, this was the 'first take' of a group photo last night. Ben is almost as big as Jet but he is all legs right now. It is hard to believe my little pup is 5 months old now. He's the very first 'Spiritdance' puppy - Spiritdance Big Ben (yes, named after the horse who I loved so much). River is 11 1/2 and doing just great - the Matriarch of the group and my best, best friend. Caden isn't the baby anymore, he will be 4 in January. Jet and Ted are 6 - so hard to believe. What a GREAT group of dogs. And great friends!! Cheers.

My Christmas Angel

2011-12-18T19:25:00.005-07:00

Four years ago at this time, my 10-year old GSD Thorn was near the end due to hemangiosarcoma. I had his spleen removed, and it gave him nearly 3 good months before the Cancer spread somewhere else. He was so up and down, and I nearly made the big decision, but he WALKED into the vet wagging to see everyone, and I could not do it.

My vet said that he would likely die over Christmas when they were closed, and was I prepared for that. I said yes. I was just separated, and it was so devastating to be losing this gentle dog on top of that. Looking after him kept me going for those months after my husband left. The vet said that a death from internal bleeding is very peaceful, and described it to me. So, I sat with Thorn all by myself for two days - I spent Christmas alone, and he died at dinner time on Christmas Day.

This is my last picture of Thorn (above). We were alone, so I took it by myself. River sleeps on that bed every night. I actually left the house to go to a friend's for Christmas dinner - I knew I should not have left him - but he seemed to pull through every day and I thought - just for a few hours... and he died when I was gone. Some people say dogs, and people, tend to hang on when you sit with them, and by leaving, I gave him a chance to relax and leave that big old body. I cry and tell him I am sorry to this day that I left. I remember pulling over to the side of the road thinking 'what am I doing?' but I was not thinking clearly. Looking back, I believe it was at that exact time that he died.

When I look at the picture above, he looks so sad and I think - how could I have left him. But it's what happened and over time, I have learned to live with this story and know that Thorn probably just fell asleep and died peacefully. He was such a great dog, and in many ways it was sad that he died at such a sad and lonely time - when he should have been surrounded by everyone who loved him - but I gave him everything I could. By spring, I had Caden, and by summer I was here in Alberta living my new life! And thanks to Caden and my other dogs, I have met so many new friends. Below - Caden with Thorn's ball, April 2008.

It was, at the time, the worst Christmas ever. But now, looking back, I think about how peaceful and special it was to sit with him that way. We were able to let go together. Every Christmas I think about Thorn and how we went through his Cancer together - just the two of us. He would sit in the snow outside to cool down his body, and the day after he died I saw his impressions and they looked like snow angels. That day, I let go and cried so hard I thought I would faint. River went up and down the driveway sniffing the snow angels. This picture is of Thorn, about a week before he died in 2007.

One of the vets at my clinic met me on his own time, to take Thorn's body. He told me that right before Christmas, a lot of people put their old animals to sleep because it is hard to have them around during the holiday. It is one of the busiest times for euthanasia of old pets. I was shocked to hear it. He said that even though it was hard, they admired my love for Thorn and that I chose to give him a dignified, peaceful death at home.

I miss Thorn so much at this time of year. He was not much of a tracking dog, but he was so kind - he was a therapy dog, and just a great, great friend. I often wonder about his getting Cancer right after my marriage ended, as if he truly was an angel taking my mind off of such a sad time in my life. Thorn was the first dog I brought into my life after my mother died, and he helped me through that too. He actually picked me out when he was a puppy - as though he was a puppy from God.

Below are pictures of Thorn playing and making snow angels in the week before he died. He just loved this big white ball - and River took to sleeping with it after he died. The top right photo is of River sniffing a snow angel. The bottom right photo is one of the last I took of Thorn.

That is why on my blog I say he was an Angel. Merry Christmas my Thorn. He was CH Lindau Spiritdance Blackthorn TD TT JHD St. John's Ambulance Therapy Dog, 1997 - 2007.

Bad boys Thorn and Shaman in their younger years. I am sure they are together with all of my other dogs, waiting until we are all reunited.

Ben's Little Circle Track and Article Indications

2011-12-17T20:32:00.000-07:00

Today I met some friends to track and laid a cirle track with articles. My friend Michelle took these pictures of Ben working his way around the track and indicating articles. He did a great job - I love when someone else can take photos because I get to see what he looks like in side profile. I've been working on his article indications at home.

Today I had wood and plastic in the mix and he stopped at the wood and said "really?" (below). But with a little piece of kibble he was persuaded to lie down. Ben's working style is so much like his Mama Jet's. It is very exciting to see him grow up - he will be 5 months old this week.

Above - he hesitated at wood - but with convincing he lied down at it too - and got a treat.

I am also working on his 'positions' (sit, down, stand).

Below is his 'Salute' - I've been working on a few tricks and he loves to wave his paws around, so I am going with it. It's very cute, but check out his super serious face! I love Ben, but he is not one of those wiggly silly puppies, that's for sure.

And here I am luring him into a stand - I really want him to learn a good stand command. Last fall working with Calvin Jones in herding, he convinced me a stand is a great command for working sheep. I watched the World Champion Sheepdog on YouTube for 2011 - from Ireland - and he uses a lot of 'stand' and 'stand there' and I liked it. Ben does a passable down, sit and stand now and is learning better on-lead manners too, so he will foos like a SchH dog eventually, and I can 'walk to the post' with him off lead - I have a dream! He's a serious enough pup I think he will take to this all very well.

Grandma River and Baby Ben

2011-12-07T00:01:00.001-07:00

Tonight I was on the phone and looked over my shoulder to see this.

River has raised every dog in this house, aside from Ted who she befriended when he came here to live at the age of 2. Maybe that's why she is best friends with Ted, but bossy with everyone else!

Ben just adores his Grandma River. He is 4.5 months old and she is 11.5 years old. What a beautiful sight. They slept together on the bed for about an hour. Lucky little Ben.

It's funny. These are the two dogs that need the most help from me now. Ben because he is a baby, and River, who is going deaf now and starting to show her age - although she is definitely still the boss. Even over Caden!

PS Note the tracking glove on the bed with them :)

Ben catching snowflakes!

2011-12-06T19:37:00.005-07:00

I tried so hard to capture a photo or video of Ben catching snowflakes tonight! But he saw me in the doorway! Video is below.

Ben catches snowflakes. Love the purple shadow!
Ben is a puppy, and the shadow looks like a Wolf.

I caught a few seconds, it is very cute...

This puppy just fills my heart with joy... dogs are so wonderful for the soul!

River sets Baby Ben straight on this glove business

2011-12-02T21:55:00.001-07:00

I'll explain this once kid.

The tracking gloves?

They are all mine.

Perhaps one day you will be a great tracker like me, if you play your cards right.

See the post below where Ben is leaning about tracking gloves!

New Post on Your Tracking Coach - featuring Baby Ben

2011-12-02T19:45:00.000-07:00

I was home sick today - but that did not stop me - I decided it was time for Ben to get started on his article indications - since he has mastered the command 'lie down~!'

http://yourtrackingcoach.blogspot.com/2011/12/ben-discovers-glove-shaping-article.html

The Pack - Snow Day

2011-12-01T07:59:00.000-07:00

When you live with five dogs, I think it qualifies as a Pack. Here is a group shot of them. So peaceful and good - after a day spent playing in the snow!

Caden is so good with Ben. I always watch as Ben can be a bit silly at his age, but since he was born here, Caden view him as one of the pack. Notice that Jet is pretty unconcerned in behind.

River lies guard over the steps to the kitchen where the cookies are kept.

Ben copies Jet in everything she does. I will have to teach them to squeeze over and make a spot for me - since usually Jet and I share the couch!

Ted is the most amazing dog. He was great with Caden when Caden was a puppy too. I put Ted out with Ben and they played for hours. I just love Ted's happy demeanor. Ted loves having a playmate. And this time, it is his own pup!

Ben went for a walk to the Post Office today. He is such a calm guy. He greeted people and chilled while I mailed some Christmas stuff.

Then he guarded the house while I shovelled snow

No wonder he was so tired after the big snow day! My sweet pup

Ben's first Christmas photos - and learning to 'stay!'

2011-11-30T12:50:00.001-07:00

This is my favourite so far - all eyes are open and Rudoph is in the background!

This is how it started - Ted loves to pose with toys on the couch - and Ben was copying his dad

It really is hilarious - they are like muppets on a stage. I laugh so hard when they do this.

Ben is only 4 months old, so stay is not his strong suit. Jet was getting really annoyed (note the princess face) and Ted just gave up on posing for awhile, while Ben squints really hard as he tries to stay still. Hilarious. Note my little tree up high - this year, no real tree - with a puppy around!

Ben looks at Jet as if to say - do we really have to do all this for one cookie?

Jet says 'Ben, your dad will do it all for one pat on the head!' (it's so true, Ted is a dream)

This picture makes the cut because Santa is in the background, and I think Ben looks like a little stuffed toy. Is it obvious Jet hates to pose?

I will get some of the GSDs next time. And then, will try a group shot of course, for 2011.

Doing God's Work - my little rant about Dog Rescue

2011-11-29T18:28:00.000-07:00

http://www.wimp.com/researchdogs/
(this video can't be embedded, so if you click the link, it will take you away from my blog - click the back arrow to return).

This is a wonderful video of beagles that are released from a lab and a life of being research animals. They are taken by a rescue group to find homes. The video shows their first experience in the sun and walking on grass.

I admit I don't know much about this kind of thing, but they don't look physically too bad. Mentally I am sure they have not done well, but I am a bit surprised at their calmness and trust in people. The video advocates we buy products that have not been tested on animals. I would do that - if labels were clear to me.

This is not a sad video - it is very touching and actually will lift your spirits. I don't normally post this kind of thing and would not post it if it was over the top "emotional blackmail."

I do think it is worth sharing because the people who do this kind of rescue really are doing God's work in my opinion. I hope someday that I can rescue a dog or two, and pay them back for all of the goodness they have shown me in my lifetime.

I have breeder friends who tell me that EVERY dog needs a good home - including dogs brought into the world by breeders and this is very true. However, most of these pups do have good people looking out for them for a lifetime. Dogs that need rescue were born into a bleak world where no one has their back. Who knows what the circumstances were behind them. I just know they are a dog - much like my own dogs - and we can't stand by and let them suffer and die.

Yes - others argue - we should be putting our money and effort into helping children or the homeless. And I agree that people who do this are also doing God's work. Some people rescue horses. Some rescue reptiles. Others try to save old buildings.

Everyone who has a passion for doing something that is positive and with compassion raises the consciousness of the world we live in, making it a better, kinder, gentler and happier place for everyone. It is all tied together. If you save a dog, you make the world a better place for everyone in the big picture. When we work together to make our own corner of the world better, there are many, many benefits to our community and to society.

Some day the circumstances and the dog will present themselves to me and I will join in the rescue fraternity. For now, I can only rant.

And I will make sure my own dogs watch this video tonight, to know how lucky they are!

Big Ben - my "Picasso" puppy has a day out

2011-11-27T08:52:00.000-07:00

Ben is starting to live up to his name! At four months he is now 30 pounds and all leg! He runs just as fast as Jet and Ted now, and is quite a jumper too. My friend held him yesterday so he'd put his ears up for a couple of photos. I just love his ears right now - they are huge like Ted's, but are both up, more like Jet's giving him a nice alert expression.

He has Jet's head shape and facial expressions too - with this very, very serious look mastered. But his markings are so funny - I tell everyone he is my Picasso pup - it looks like Picasso painted his face into some abstract version of a Border Collie, blaze askew and nothing matching.

Here he is standing... he is sort of like a leggy little colt right now...and all of his tri markings are very visible too.

Here I am holding my Big Ben pup. It's hard to believe I carried him around on the palm of my hand last July.

I gave a tracking class yesterday morning and Ben did a little serpentine. You can see he already knows he is about to use his nose as he approaches the scent pad. He is all business like his mama.

At the scent pad, he laid down on his own, it is not something I asked him to do, then he strained to go forward after lying down in the scent. Honestly, what a smart boy!

Below, he is going from footstep to footstep. He's such a calm, serious puppy. I love working with him!

Later, he tried to follow a track I had run with Caden. If I had him on a longer line, it would have been fun to let him try it out... but I was cold and damp by this time (3 hours of teaching!)

It is so fun to get out with Ben now. Of course, I wish I had some sheep for him, but we'll be making sure he gets to sheep when the time is right. This pup will be a stockdog!

Happy 4 month old Birthday Big Ben!

2011-11-21T19:34:00.001-07:00

Happy 4 month old birthday Ben! Only 4 months, and can't picture being without him now. He did a down stay for this picture. And, he does down, crawl, left paw, right paw, sit, stand, come to a recall word and whistle and is tracking too! Plus has seen sheep a few times. He's got a busy little life. I can't put in words how much I love this puppy - Spiritdance Big Ben!

With Mama Jet and Pa Ted

The Bone Collector - my little pack observed

2011-11-10T07:11:00.000-07:00

The Bone Collector

This morning Ben is trotting around with a little bone - head held so high and proud, covertly taking it to a corner to chew. Jet and Ted are just letting him have it but he thinks he's the big man on campus. It is so interesting to watch them interact! My heart just swelled watching him. What joy they bring to our lives. I have such a lump in my throat, I nearly cried - from the happy feeling of it all.

Good Jet and Ted, just watching him. Mind you, these bones are 'hollowed out' so they don't care a lot. If they had all the marrow, it may be a different story! Jet and Ted watch him. It's like a pack and they are tutoring their pup. So interesting to see Jet sometimes offer him toys and bones. Jet - the self centered girl - such a good mama!

PS notice the mangled tracking glove. It's all ready to be used as an urban article now... no one will pick that up!

Ben's Big Week - getting out into the Big World

2011-11-09T22:45:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Ben had his final shots. Tomorrow he turns 16 weeks old! Parvo is bad in our area - it was even reported in the media - so I have been keeping him pretty sheltered at home and to rare visits to friend's farms only. At the vet yesterday, he was pretty funny. He is a serious, analytical little guy.

Our vet got called to attend to an emergency, so I sat with Ben in the exam room, but with the door open so he could survey the lobby. He was so excited when one of the vet techs came to say hi! Up to now, Ben has believed there were approximately 10 people in the world. By the time our vet visit was completed, Ben recalculated, and now believes there may be as many as 30 people in the World!

WOW! Did I meet you when I was born here? Ben just loves people - he is a sweet pup, taking after his dad Ted in that department. He nearly knocked this vet tech right over, he was so ecstatic to meet her!

Ben is also very serious, like his mom Jet. He sat like this in the doorway of the exam room for an hour, watching the vet techs work, and watching people come and go. I get such a kick out of his serious side. He strikes me as such a thinker.

Here he is, revising his count... hmmmm... that lady around the corner makes 29 people in the World... (serious, serious face, eh? hahaha). One day, he'll be counting sheep this way. That's two shed off of five! Good boy :))

At one point, there was a mother and daughter just sobbing in the waiting room as our vet worked to save their dog's life. Ben was so interesting - he observed them quietly and if they looked his way, he would pin his ears back and smile and wag at them. My heart went out to these ladies. I was also intrigued by Ben's reaction to it all. He is such a neat pup.

So tonight... Ben came to our training session - I meet Dan Waters and some other GSD trainers once a week. Dan brought this box which we used for straight sits and downs. I brought Ben over and he had no hesitation at all to go in it for treats. He also did some parlor tricks for "Uncle Dan" - he showed his down, sit and stand. Dan told me to work on how long Ben holds them! So I will raise the bar (that's why I train with Dan - the only option is to expect excellence!)

Into the box for treats! This box was used by Caden and other GSDs who have to do straight sits in motion and downs from a heel pattern. Dan built it and brought it today.

And so, Ben can now come out into the World and really start life! I am so proud and excited.

Sadly, my camera battery died or I would have taken pictures of Caden tonight, his obedience was pretty good and using the box was really a good exercise.

A Useful Dog - in his puppy mind :))

2011-11-07T21:50:00.000-07:00

I just moved my bike from the upstairs porch to the basement. Little Ben could not decide if he should head the bike off by blocking it on the stairs, or threaten to bite the tire from behind. In the end, I think he fully believes the bike is now downstairs thanks to his help.

He was so proud of himself and let me know it! I caught one photo - he looks so serious! He truly is a serious guy, looking for work...

And Ben is on to new adventures, now that the bike is finally sitting still. He says "My work here is done!"

New Post on Your Tracking Coach

2011-11-04T22:06:00.000-06:00

Just to let you know - there is a new instructional post on Your Tracking Coach about progressing beyond the serpentine...

http://yourtrackingcoach.blogspot.com/2011/11/progressing-beyond-serpentine-and.html?spref=tw

Sweet Dreams of Sheep tonight for Little Ben

2011-10-30T02:04:00.000-06:00

Today at Leanne Huber's I worked Jet and Ted (thanks Leanne!) Then I took little Ben in on a line to see the sheep. It was cute, he bounced in, not really noticing them, as they stood very still by the fence.
I slowly walked forward and suddenly he saw them - and froze in this position!

It was easy to take a picture, as he lowered his head and creeped forward. To me, it is quite amazing to see this instinct kick in. Also, it is so pretty to see this pose. Jet does it a bit - Ted not at all. I was pretty excited and sent the photo to Jenny Glen who said hmmm, maybe he will have a little style on sheep!

The sheep stared back at Ben, sizing him up.

Ben is a thinker. If you read the post below, you will see that I describe him as a very serious puppy. He barked, and when they didn't move, he sat down to study them. He never shows fear in a situation. He is such a neat little guy. I could hear the wheels turning.

Then Ben stood up, and took a few steps towards the sheep... watching with his ears up as they suddenly turned away and began to trot along the fence....

And just like that, they headed out to the big field to munch on some grass on a beautiful October afternoon. Ben watched them go... frozen with wonder! You can see them - white dots heading into the setting sun over the Rocky Mountains in the distance.

Don't worry little Ben. One day, you will be Big Ben and you'll know just what to do!

Sweet dreams tonight, little guy.

Update on my weight loss journey

2011-10-29T11:19:00.004-06:00

Today I officially broke the 100 pounds lost mark - 101 pounds lost since Fall 2007. It's taken 4 years but I have never put it back on over that time since it's been slow. The experts say if you keep it off for 5 years, you will never put it back on.

It has been slow because as a Cancer Survivor, I know my metabolism is slow and this impacts a lot of things. But by reading Wayne Dyer - Change your Thoughts, Change your Life and Excuses be Gone - I have realized that you can harness incredible mental powers for amazing change. I also love Jorge Cruise's Belly Fat Cure - Fast Track.

I have 12 weeks to Maui-time, and 45 pounds to my goal. I might make 30 pounds by Maui in January - and I'll save money on food there because I AM NOT GAINING ANYTHING BACK~ ! Fish and fruit diet only!

I can't wait to see Wayne Dyer again in Maui, to tell him and show him the new me. I have a picture of me with him from October in Maui last year that I will bring in January to his retreat - and I am going whale watching with him and the group too! It's a goal that keeps me going.

I really want to run seriously next year. I admire the running culture and think it would be a great addition to the things I do with my dogs.

Soon, I will post a 'before and after' shot. Not yet though. Maybe at Christmas. And one more thing - I have lost 19 pounds since the picture of Caden and I (sidebar menu) was taken! My face looks so different! I can see "me" again in the mirror.

But you know what? I was always inside. And that is important to remember.

Serious Play - Jet teaches Ben a few things

2011-10-28T21:43:00.000-06:00

Serious puppy - serious play! Between Jet's hardnosed ways and her puppy's serious nature, play takes on a whole new meaning. Ben is just not one of those silly puppies, probably because he had no littermates. He struggles to keep up with Jet and does a good job of it. Ted flies around on the outskirts too. He's a good boy but really doesn't want to be nipped by Jet so he's careful of his distance.

When I watch Jet interact with Ben it is so fascinating. She urges him to take the toy and gives him lots of opportunity to get ahold of it to tug. She lets him tug it and sometimes even lets him have it. He stalks, and lies down, and runs in big sweeping circles around her. I see so many of the behaviours I expect to see in a Border Collie puppy as he gets a feeling for his body and his mind starts to click.

It is so cool to watch him develop - I just love it!

Ben in stalk mode - eyeing up his momma Jet

Dogging Jet hoping for a crack at the toy

This is the above photo - you can see Jet enticing him!

Another shot of him putting his head down to eye up Jet. This is always followed by a burst of speed!!

Ben says he'll just sniff the ground, rather than confront Jet. Ted hangs back too.
Girl Power!

Jet tells Ben to lie down!

Jet invites him to tug. I can learn from Jet. She controls the play - yes or no.

More tug! She tosses him around... see the video - he is so determined!

And of course, Jet wins and the chase is on! They twist and turn, he is getting so fast!

There are some things I wish Jet would NOT teach Ben, hahaha.

Caden and River and I are on the GSD side. The GSDs want to be with me. We all observe the Border Collies at play. I do mix them together under supervision but do it more in the house when they are calm, rather than when they are outside and over-excited about toys.

Ben's Ears - 14 weeks old

2011-10-26T17:33:00.001-06:00

Yesterday, Ben's "other ear" came up! He'll be 14 weeks old tomorrow. Suddenly, with both ears up, he is looking like quite a young man. He doesn't have his mom or dad's head at all. It's a big, all boy head. I am going to go through pics in his pedigree this weekend to see who he may favour, at least in appearance. And, he is just one tough, serious pup. I *NEVER* hear him cry. And he is quite silent and very determined. It's so interesting to watch him grow up!

You can see his Ma and Pa in these pics, and their ears.

Today's Tracking Class - new post on Your Tracking Coach Blog

2011-10-22T21:43:00.000-06:00

Today was so fun. I taught another class and we are forming a great group. It was freezing though... thanks to Kristine and her son Brian for the coffee!

Here is the link to the post - I am trying to move my instructive posts on tracking to the coaching blog.
http://yourtrackingcoach.blogspot.com/2011/10/todays-tracking-class-line-handling.html

So on the Spiritdance blog, you just have to put up with my own personal stories and experiences.

And on that note, I was just so proud of Caden who was handled on a short track by Kristine.

And Jet did a 3.5 hour old urban track with a very close gallery. Awesome experience for her!

Ben's puppy track, and random photos of a nice afternoon

2011-10-16T20:27:00.000-06:00

Today, Ben's track went very well. Caden and River also did tracks, while Jet and Ted stayed home. I missed herding this weekend and owe Ted a nice walk on his own. I need to figure out my time with five dogs that are ALL in training. Some days I swear I feel like superwoman, working, running a house and training these dogs, plus fitting in a social life! (that is my pat on the back to me).

Here are a few random shots of the day

Today Ben's track was textbook! We used dried liver and he was very good (video below).
An hour later, I played around with him on the grass and he sniffed the area where we had tracked.

I found a treat and called him over. He is so serious, this puppy. Like Jet.

Ben sat and watched some people in the distance. I think he marvels at the number of people there really are in the World! He thought it was maybe five or so. Now he believes there may be hundreds!

Video of his footstep track. PLEASE forward to 1:30 because I set the camera on a concrete parking barrier and didn't realize that it was not aimed properly (embarrassed, ha!)

Caden also did a track today. Today it was all field unlike his urban track yesterday (which will be on the coaching blog). He did well but I didn't video as I wanted to focus on handling. This is our shadows just prior to starting!

Here he is at his article. It was a 500 meter track and 1 hour old so he worked very hard.

River also did well on an 800 meter track. She blew me away today. I am uploading video. I missed filming the center portion of her track, and the parking lot turn. I cried over that. I stopped to take this photo and forgot to hit record again. Waah! She is such a special girl. I just treasure her and it felt so good to be behind her.

Tonight at home, tug o war with a tracking glove.
Jet says "I am the tracking dog!"
Ben says "no, I am the tracking dog!"

Ben's First Track - What a Serious Puppy!

2011-10-15T23:58:00.000-06:00

http://yourtrackingcoach.blogspot.com/2011/10/puppy-ben-starts-tracking-humility-and.html

If you read this link, you will see the title of the post is 'humility and improvisation...' which is how best to describe the tracking session with Ben today!

Spiritdance Big Ben - the first puppy to have my kennel name - so exciting!

2011-10-12T22:23:00.000-06:00

Well Ben now has his shots and is micro-chipped. I can actually register him with the CBCA now, and the CKC for tracking only of course. I'll be sending in the registraton papers for Spiritdance Big Ben! It is so exciting - the first puppy ever to have my kennel name on it.

My vet says they are seeing a ton of parvo right now and to keep Ben under wraps until his final shots. Scary! I want to start him tracking this weekend, so may have to find a remote field somewhere.

Stay tuned for Ben's intro to tracking this weekend. I can hardly wait, as I plan to journal every moment in photos and video.

Getting re-aquainted with Jet and Ted on sheep

2011-10-10T20:56:00.001-06:00

I went to Leanne Huber's today to work Jet and Ted, and of course Ben came for the ride. I feel like I am getting re-aquainted with both dogs now that I am working them more consistently. They have both aged a little and are a bit different than the dogs I remember. Calvin Jones told me I need to work the dogs I have *today, and let go of the past and old memories. Of course this makes sense, but when I work them it is hard to do. Today I felt like I made that breakthrough and worked the dogs more in the moment. They are both 6 (Jet turns 6 this week) and have a few years of trialing ahead of them still... and Ben is the rookie who will be my next generation. I am so excited!

I have no working pics of the dogs, but took a few when we were done. Following Calvin Jones' advice, I worked Jet first. She was just wonderful - again! She is getting so easy to handle and is trying so hard to work with me - you could blow me over with a feather. Her outruns are very honest and there is no cutting in like when she was a hot-headed youngster. She stops, she drives, she takes every flank... and I feel so relaxed with her.

She really is a gift, in herding and in tracking - I have never had such a brilliant dog. By the time I finish working Jet, I am tuned up and ready for Ted. I just pray I can practice enough to trial this dog and keep a head on my shoulders, and even move up to Pro Novice. It is truly a testament to Scott Glen's training that she remembers everything so clearly. Now I really need to learn to whistle, seriously. I am motivated!

Jet watches a little while Leanne works her boy

Ted's big thing is that he is so keen to work and he is a powerhouse with his size and speed. I need to be fast to handle him, and ask for a stop before I need it, or he overuns four steps - and those steps push the sheep too far off my line. Ted is pushy! He wants to come on fast, and works fast. He is a joy, really, because he wants so badly to do everything so it's just a matter of slowing those Teddy feet down. He is such an athletic dog - and today he had very nice turn-offs on his flanks - and I love to see how he runs. Somehow his body language is much more exaggerated than Jet's. She just looks like a snake in the grass most of the time as she runs very low and flat.

Ted soaks and watches the next dog work.

Thanks so much to Leanne for letting us come work her sheep and for the handling tips. It is such a great opportunity to practice.

Leanne with her 14 year old boy Jake, who adores her.

Ben came out of the car to meet a couple of young cowboys who were going to deliver a mule to Leanne's. Yes, in Alberta you call people cowboys - it is what they are and it's an everyday term. Ben schmoozed them up.

Then, Ben watched sheep. I opened the gate for a minute to get this picture - he could not take his eyes off the sheep in the distance. That is Leanne and her dog Rick, with one of the young cowboys watching them work.

Ben says, if he wasn't on that dumb leash he could have helped!

More sheep watching by little Ben...

I held him up so he could see better. Such a serious little face! He is getting more and more like Jet, his Mama, in personality. But those are definitely Teddy's huge ears, hahahahaha!

Taking my own advice - motivation track for River

2011-10-10T00:29:00.002-06:00

I just wrote a post on Your Tracking Coach about motivation and keeping things fun plus keeping your dog's confidence up by laying frequent, easy motivation tracks. I showed the 'casual stroll' idea where your dog gets to track another dog's track to keep their interest high.

Today I had to take my own advice. Yesterday River floundered a bit as she gave what should have been an easy urban demo. I don't know if it was the conditions or her age catching up with her. I suppose that I will have to expect more inconsistency as she is 11 but I did get quite choked up as she had some trouble and simply DID NOT seem to locate the wood article.

So, today, I took her out and let her run a track I had previously run with Caden. So it was nicely laid, twice, and he tracks almost dead on, so had no weird bobbles. As you can see, she did really well today. So who knows? All I do know is that it was devastating to be behind your long-time partner and see her show her age - and wonderful to follow her today.

Nancy Thornton has a professional level Nikon. She was getting a lesson from me with her Parson Russell Terrier (see Your Tracking Coach). She took these photos of River, who looks better than I thought, but I am so used to her being so ON.

Happy Girl! She still had fun, and was not as stressed as I was about the track yesterday.

TODAY

I did a track with Caden and then let River run it. As you can see there is a long straight leg, then a sudden curve around a tree. This is throwing in a short serpentine to ensure your dog is right on track and not zoning out.

Here is Caden running this track. Remember, my goal was a motivation track for River. So I only aged this 10 minutes for Caden, wanting him to run it as accurately as possible so River would have a nice heavily laid track to follow. But I wanted him to also have a great experience. He is not exposed a lot to hard surface and I was very happy with how he sorted it out. I LOVE his turn and transition onto the parking lot in this video:

River did this track beautifully. I felt so happy today. I hope I am still tracking when I am River's age! she is nearly 80 in people years!

The 'casual stroll' game - new post on Your Tracking Coach

2011-10-09T11:29:00.001-06:00

FYI folks - New post on Your Tracking Coach blog - http://yourtrackingcoach.blogspot.com/2011/10/two-new-dogs-in-training-progression.html

Tally the Parson Russell Terrier's first time out tracking, following Caden's demo track 'casually' and tracking up a storm!

Sheep Sense a Conspiracy - too funny

2011-10-08T19:55:00.002-06:00

Thanks to my cousin for this one from the Truth Justice website. Very funny!

My little pack of 3 Border Collies and 2 German Shepherds

2011-10-07T22:31:00.001-06:00

I can't believe that Ben is 11 weeks old! He is reminding me more and more of Jet as he gets a bit bigger, in his expressions and mannerisms. I wonder if it is because he spends the day outside with her now, in a dog run. He has never cried once. He is such an accepting little pup - he just takes life as it comes. I love his personality... the Old Soul!

I took this looking down from the deck. Ben is like a remora on a shark, always attached to Jet!

Check out his perfect "collie" ears. He has huge ears (like Ted). Amazing they are up at the base.

Oh yes, he is in Jet's hole here, but he also is working on his own, which is behind her. Isn't it great what she is teaching him? Because of all the rain this year, my poor grass had no chance, so I gave up on the yard for this year and will nurse it back next year if the weather cooperates.

Yesterday, behind my back, Ted must have cuffed Ben a good one. I heard a YELP! But when I turned around, wiley Ted had this bland look on his face like "I have no idea what happened there..." Ben ran to Jet, who ignored him. So I ignored him too, even though I was dying to pick him up. He was just fine but for the next little while, would RUN past Jet, then bow and scrape past Ted. It was just hilarious.

I always forget that Caden knows how to open my door! But he's so good - here, he tossed out his ball as an excuse to poke out his head. "Can I come out?" For now, I am cautious of Caden and River with Ben and supervise them. Jet seems to be quite protective of him when River is around. Caden is very curious but has been very good with him but Ben is too much of a baby still and so I make sure they all have good pack manners.

Sometimes, I have two packs, as I separate the Border Collies and the GSDs. But then, for good measure, I will toss River and Ted out, or Caden and Jet, to play, and I let Ben be with the other dogs in the house with me. It's been a lot of fun, even though it is a lot of work too and I never seem to 'RELAX' !!!

So here they come. Uncle Caden and Grandma River. Also part of the little family.

I've been so proud of my dogs since Ben was born. It is such a neat experience to bring a newborn pup into the group and see how he fits himself in and how they accept him.

Ben's New Ears on The Backyard Channel

2011-10-03T14:47:00.001-06:00

I am home sick today - and tuned into The Backyard Channel. Most recently it featured Ben and his new ears. It's a reality show. His ears are coming up! And, I can leave him out to play with Ma and Pa, Jet and Ted (I supervise from the glass doors).

THE BACKYARD CHANNEL

And even after all that play, in his sleep, one ear is up... too cute!

What a weekend! Working sheep, talking dogs

2011-10-02T20:07:00.002-06:00

Michelle Harrington *(Sufat Sheleg Canaan Dogs) and I had the best weekend working dogs with Calvin Jones from Wales. I worked Ted five times in a week, and Jet three. And today, Caden saw the sheep too! Honestly, this was why I moved to Alberta! I hoped to find places to work sheep and get trialing. It was like a dream come true to spend all day out in a field with the dogs. Thanks to Michelle for the great photos!

PS I just realized I have no pictures of River - she was there and visited with people, and hung out. Sorry River for not taking pics of you. I can hear her snoring right now, which reminded me to mention her :))

The last two times I worked Jet she literally could not put a foot wrong. Calvin says she has matured and that having a puppy worked it's magic. He also wondered if it made Jet see me as more of a partner, as we did raise Ben "together" since Jet had a rough time with some of her motherhood stuff, so I was always there for her.

She was meeting me 50-50 on the field, really trying to help me and being so responsible. Her work was so beautiful I did burst into tears yesterday. I have always known she had it in her, but lack of practice has made me rusty in my handling, and I am a novice to begin with. Calvin said I need to let go of the past and just look forward because this is nearly like having a new dog! Of coures, my challenge now is to keep it up with Jet and Ted. Leanne Huber has offered for me to train at her place. I am so happy. This weekend was truly a turning point for me with my Border Collies.

Ben watches Calvin work a dog. Ben was just quivering in my arms watching!

Caden got to meet the sheep too. The sheep were not sure of a GSD - too much like a coyote, they said. I made sure to work his obedience in a calm voice. A down, the just asking him to walk HERE as I walked in front of the sheep. He watched them steadily, and I didn't ask for him to watch me, I wanted him watching the sheep. You can see him turn in on his own in the second photo.

Caden was very good and obedient on a loose line, until the sheep bolted for the barn! I could not possibly let him chase them, as he has not had enough exposure to sheep.

Here is a picture of me with Caden. He is so handsome!

Jet doing what she loves most - driving!

Setting up for another drive. Jet did some nice big outruns early this morning but by the time Michelle caught up to us, we were working on driving. We worked Jet fast, and short this morning. There was no need to work her long as she did so well.

As Calvin and I discussed things, Jet kept watch on the sheep without being asked. She is now keeping a very consistent distance off sheep on her own. It is lovely.

Turning the sheep around me. Jet also turned them up around the telephone pole - a nice "tidy" tight turn! It was magical for me to witness.

And driving them back up

Jet close up

Jet bringing them in on a fetch and keeping a nice distance and pace

Jet again!

And here is Ted, also doing a great job as long as I hold up my end. I have to remember that Jet and Ted are very different, and adjust my handling to each dog. I love this photo - he is so handsome!

Ted

Calvin showed me how to open Ted's flanks right up so Ted was doing these beautiful turn-offs on his flanks.

Ted fetching the sheep up out of a dip, and from up on the hill. It is a great property for neat little challenges and obstacles.

Teddy gets a 'good boy' from Calvin Jones.

Now the hard work begins.

Thanks to Michelle for the photos!

Check out Michelle's website for photos of Rook the Canaan dog at work too.

Scroll down to 'news' in the right hand menu bar for the link

Calvin Jones introduces Ben to sheep today

2011-10-01T17:11:00.000-06:00

Ben says, well hello sheep ... as Calvin Jones introduced him to Leanne Huber's flock. Calvin said he kept his tail low and tense and was not silly or shy - which bodes well for future training. It was a brief introduction before the sheep ran into the barn. They had worked for awhile and deserved the break.

Ben stares at the sheep! Moments later the sheep said, "Wait a minute, that's a puppy! And ran home to the barn."

Good boy Ben.

Mmmmmm.... sheep manure.....

Later I walked Ben around the field and past the sheep (which Michelle's dog Rook pushed out of the barn). Ben was pretty casual, and was really interested in the speeding cars on the highway... oooohhh, motion! And, he peed, and I swear he lifted his leg. I should have taken a picture. I swear this dog is an Old Soul and has been reincarnated several times at least :)))

More sheepdogging with Calvin, all weekend!

2011-09-30T23:15:00.000-06:00

More herding with Calvin this weekend! This is Calvin and me.
I guess WE are crossing! LOL. Ted waits in the grass.

Happy 10 week old Birthday Ben!

2011-09-29T18:07:00.002-06:00

Where have 10 weeks gone? He has grown so fast! In this little clip, you can see him do a little crouch herding pose. He is a Momma's boy, even though he looks just like his dad Ted - mannerisms, expression, coat, size - all Ted. What a stamp he put on this puppy! Including Ben's cheerful demeanor.

The pose is at 14 seconds~!! Below is a photo, the video is underneath it :)

We hope for some of Jet's uncanny brilliance though. Sometimes, I see glimmers, plus this puppy fears nothing. I have yet to see him react extremely to anything. He figures stuff out and never really cries. I've been taking him back and forth to lessons with Calvin, a 3 hour round trip, and he curls up and sleeps in his crate. He's just so easy!

Another great evening of training Jet and Ted with Calvin Jones

2011-09-29T01:26:00.003-06:00

What a great evening working the dogs with Calvin Jones, World Judge from Wales! I worked with him last spring, and honestly feel it has turned me around in my pursuit of working stockdogs. I had nearly given up on the 'dream' of coming to Alberta to work dogs, because it is so hard to find anywhere to work sheep. Something motivated me to attend the clinic last spring and I remembered how much I love this work, and felt so positive about it again - thanks to Calvin's encouragement of me, great instruction and compliments about my two wonderful dogs - so different but both very nice in their way.

Tonight, my third time out with Calvin in a week, and I felt a lot more confidence. I had been working Ted, but decided to pull Jet out after her stint of motherhood.

JET

I am so proud of Jet, my Maid daughter from Scott and Jenny Glen. She is my first Border Collie and is everything I could have hoped for, plus just gave me the most beautiful puppy, Ben! Jet is a sharp dog, brilliant, eager to work and has been a tough dog for a beginner to stockdogs like me. She nearly 6 years old - so hard for me to believe. Maybe Jet is like wine - or maybe I am - one of us is improving with age at any rate! Thanks to Scott Glen for his amazing training - Jet doesn't forget any of it, and this shows when I toss her in with sheep whenever I have a chance, and she just goes to work like it was yesterday that she worked last. I can't help but wonder where we would be at, if I had sheep.

Jet was so thrilled to be working sheep. And, she did a "very tidy outrun" (in Calvin's words). In fact, for her entire session, she really didn't put a foot wrong. I am not sure I have ever felt so calm and confident working Jet. Not because of her - she is awesome and Scott Glen trained her - but because she is like driving a Ferrari. And tonight, I drove the sportscar pretty fearlessly! Of course I had Calvin, my driving instructor, at my side. I botched up a little on her second session. The sheep were way out in the corner in the dark, at the farthest spot on the field. I sent her to get them, and she ran out in the dark, did a nice outrun and ran her heart out to keep the sheep in control. I panicked because I could not see and could not remember the lay of the land, and thought they were heading for the road (there IS a fence - d-oh!) So I stopped her in the middle of her beautiful, responsible work. Bad me! However, it was a great lesson to trust her, and put our past behind us.

Here are some pics of Jet. As you can see, she loves to drive sheep, but also did nice outruns and flanks, nice stops, nice walk ups, all in all, I could not have been happier. At one point Milton Scott watched for a bit (he lives across the road). Thanks to Leanne Huber for her place and her sheep. And thanks Michelle Harrington for taking these pictures! Check her website for some info on her sessions with her Canaan Dog Rook. Hit the back arrow to return to this blog.

Jet soaks in the tub after a great session with Calvin Jones

TED

This was Ted's third session in a week. Ted is also from Scott and Jenny Glen. He's a Pleat son and he is Ben's sire. Scott could not have been a better matchmaker where Ted and I are concerned. I adore this dog... but maybe a bit too much because Ted knows it, and I need to be more business-like on the field! Oh Teddy, do you really take advantage of me? I am crushed! :) He may act goofy, but he is a very smart dog, and perhaps a little wiley too.

Tonight he opened right up with big outruns and better flanks. Ted has these, but it is my handling that impacts him greatly. With Calvin's help I adjusted my voice and commands, and my timing. These seemingly small but subtle changes make our teamwork so much better. Ted also felt more calm and began to show how he could help me and be a great partner when I was holding up my end. Ted is easier to read than Jet and I can learn so much more from handling him. These are some pictures of Ted at work tonight, thanks again to Michelle. Michelle then worked her Canaan Dog Rook out in the big field, and Ted kept watch to keep the sheep from running too far off. I was really excited to do this and so proud of Ted! At one point, Calvin even told me my drive line with Ted was 'spot on!'

Good boy Teddy

And thank you Calvin!

Some new stuff about Ben!

2011-09-27T22:18:00.001-06:00

He has grown! He will be 10 weeks old this week. He now weighs 14 pounds. And I think he is pretty good looking. I admit I have a strong bias ;)

His ear is coming up, so he looks like his Pa, Ted! I don't care, let the ears do as they please!

I caught him doing a little weed - kids these days! LOL

Much to Jet's dismay, he can now jump on and off of the couch

He is holding his own more with Jet - but she is still amazing with him, allowing him to take toys and tugging gently. Good mama! I never would have guessed Jet could be so 'selfless!'

He's starting to compete now. That's me, trying to sit in the last of the sun for this year...

TUG! He's one tough cookie! And fast too.

The little family - Jet, Ted and Ben

Extended family - Uncle Caden and Grandma River

Handsome face! I love this picture.

Busy day, he fell asleep in the dappled sunlight. He is now staying outside during the day in a kennel with Jet. Not a peep from him, he is such a good pup, never makes a fuss, just accepts things as they come along. That's how he rolls!

River is 11 and next week Ben will be 11 weeks so I will get a portrait of them together.
My precious River, she is my best girlfriend. Still doing great.

Ben sees sheep at my Calvin Jones lesson today... (from afar)...

2011-09-25T19:18:00.002-06:00

Michelle and I headed down to Airdrie today for another lesson with Calvin Jones who is here from Wales for a week. Ben watched for awhile. He was fascinated by those white things! He said, "Hey, what are those white things out there? I LIKE them!"

And, he is completely silent. He just watches. He's the most calm dog - he takes everything in. I call him an Old Soul. He hangs with the older dogs, so he is not really puppyish.

How do I get in there?

Michelle introduced her 8 month old Canaan Dog Rook to sheep. He was great, gathering and heading them, bringing back ewes if they split off. I am sure Michelle will post pictures and video I took with my iPhone on her website, which is on my list of handy links - Sufat Sheleg Canaan Dogs of Raven Alberta.

Here is a little video of Rook working in the pen

Ted worked today too, but we got no photos of him, as we went way off into the upper corner of the field, which was too far for the iPhone, and my memory card on my camera was full! :(((

As usual, Calvin was great to work with. Thank you Calvin!

Urban problem solving post on Your Tracking Coach Blog

2011-09-24T22:36:00.000-06:00

One happy boy road home with his paw on my leg!

http://yourtrackingcoach.blogspot.com/2011/09/urban-experiment-with-caden-problem.html

Read it here!

Tracking Classes Starting October 8 for 6 weeks

2011-09-24T16:02:00.003-06:00

Tracking Classes start October 8 and run for 6 weeks - every Saturday. Your choice - 9 to 12 AM or 5-8 PM (time to be adjusted for the later class). Urban or field. Contact me privately for details at spiritdance@shaw.ca or through blog messaging. Individual coaching and small classes.

Classes will be in the Red Deer and Olds area.

Ted and Ben - lesson with Calvin Jones

2011-09-23T23:38:00.003-06:00

Ben meets Calvin Jones from Wales.

Well, it was really me who had the lesson. It was so great to see Calvin again! He just arrived from Wales - and just judged the WORLD TRIALS! Won by someone from Ireland. You can read about that here where you will see his name as one of the judges. Calvin is one of those types who knows so much but is not boastful and will share with you, what you need to get some good work from your dog.

Above, Ted with the sheep and below, Ted and Jet's puppy Ben with Calvin Jones

I attended Calvin's clinic last spring and really enjoyed it. At that time, Jet had just come into season. Now I was going back with Mr. Ben to show him. Calvin liked Ben's tail! He liked the length and said it was a great tail. Something to do with the length of it related to how dogs will move and their attitude about how they carry it. Ben took everything in stride including the drive down and back - nearly 3 hours of driving! And dinner along the way - with my friend Michelle (thanks for taking pictures Michelle!)

Ted walks up

Ted and I started out rough - it's me of course, I need to set my expectations right away and be firm because this is a job. Since I don't have a lot of access to sheep, I lean to giving Ted a bit of slack. But the thing is - he knows what to do and ends up being too fast or not listening. The moment we laid down the law with him - with not much more than a firmer voice - Ted was out wide, and turning away nicely. I need to keep a distance with him, and enforce his downs, or he will bear down too fast on the sheep. When he is wide and a bit back, there is a lot more control - he's a big boy and has a lot of presence, but the sheep are very accepting of him as he is so kind.

The lesson gave me some good reminders - hopefully there will be another chance for a lesson in a week!

Holey Poses Ben-Man!

2011-09-22T22:39:00.001-06:00

Instinct and Genetics are so amazing. As Ben has been growing, he keeps adding to his repertoire of Border Collie behaviours. Today he began to crouch in a classic pose as Jet was retrieving a ball. It was Ben's game called "You be the Sheep, and I'll be the Wolf!" These are just a bunch of photos of Ben posing over and over.

I wish I had been at the side for the picture below - I love his lowered head.

Honestly, such serious business! He's very intense.

He would sometimes lie down, the fly at Jet. Sometimes he had a mouthful of her hair!

And he would often try to block her in a corner. So interesting! Of course, she just treats him like he is some kind of annoying fly buzzing around.

Love the head down pic below

And below - a GRIP!

Below: Fun eh Ma?

Below, at noon, the three Border Collies in my backyard.

And, the German Shepherds are out!

Lie Down (Platz) practice, Jet and Ben are in the ex-pen

And River is very pleased to have her picture taken!

More pictures from the GSD Club of Manitoba Tracking Test

2011-09-21T22:18:00.001-06:00

Resting between laying tracks. Me, Debra, Rita, Laurie and Jackie

Barb and Jackson *new TD (see description and names in the post below)

These pictures could be on the African Savannah!

ARTICLE!!!

And below, Leon and Kime (pronounced Kee-may), new TD (see post below for names)

Leon with Kime and tracklayer Laurie - and the article - a GSD head leather cutout

Lunch, graced by oldster GSD Cedar

Jackson Ribbon presentation

Kime Ribbon presentation

Raavi - Rita's new puppy. Raavi means River! Love it. Very pretty pup from A J Singh, a Sch breeder on the west coast.

Now that is a tracker's van!

In fact, it is Diane's van - Diane made the leather articles for the test!
She and I have 'talked' because she has emailed me and follows my blogs!
She was not in the test, but I got to see her boy track afterwards. Very nice dog.

My very first tracking test - as a judge!

2011-09-19T21:35:00.002-06:00

Left to right
Back row - Me, Jill Dickin (photographer and test secretary), Angel, Debra, Rita Torpey (test chair and fellow SchH trainer), Jackie Nelson, Charlotte; Front row: Leon Flannigan and new TD Kime Vom Jacinto, Laurie. Kime's tracklayer, Barb Howard and new TD Jackson - River Dance One Starlit Knight CD, and Val, Jackson's tracklayer. Thanks to Jill Dickin for the photo!

In Winnipeg the GSD Club of Manitoba held a tracking test on the weekend for TD and TDX and I was the lucky judge. Winnipeg had a horribly hot and dry summer and the grass was literally crackling when we walked on Friday and Saturday, it was so dry, but that didn't stop people from training and trying out for their titles. I commend them all and was impressed with how the dogs did in those conditions.

At the end of the weekend we have two new TD dogs by first-time handlers!! Golden Retriever male Riverdance One Starlit Knight CD owned and handled by Barb Howard, and a sable GSD female Kime Vom Jacinto and owner - handler Leon Flannigan.

Here are the details:

Day one, TDX day. I wished I could wave a magic wand to stop the crazy Prairie winds. The dogs and handlers did such a great job and were so enthusiastic. Tracks were laid by Rita Torpey and Jackie Nelson - lots of hard work in winter jackets and strong winds! Thanks to crosstrack layers as well, Diane and Roxanne.

TDX 1 - A Papillon worked her way through to leg three - over a crosstrack, and the first article. However, she got tangled around a small tree, then went offtrack to another tree where she found the crosstrack layer's path and seemed to get caught up in it never getting back to the track.

TDX 2 - A female Golden Retriever did nearly the same thing as the Papillon after a great start and first turn - getting tangled in a branch after checking out the crosstrack, then taking the crosstrack. This was on an alternate track, as her first track was unfortunately trampled by horses and riders who came at full gallop out of nowhere across the first corner.

TDX 3 - This was a young Golden Retriever male who ran the track. On the second last leg he went off, possibly with the wind. He came back to find the track and worked at his last corner but sadly chose left (wind direction) when it went right.

Day two - all four entrants were first time

TD participants, so way to go and welcome to tracking! They did a great job and the dogs tried very hard in the conditions. The day started out damp with no wind after a light rain overnight of all things! It really helped the dogs, but the wind did pick up again mid-morning. The TDX entrants all stayed to lay tracks for the TD dogs for day two, along with Jackie Nelson. Thanks to all of them.

TD 1 - A young male Golden Retriever did this TD with barely a waver off the track, in 4 minutes flat and a down indication at the article. Pass! Congratulations to new TD Riverdance One Starlit Knight CD owned and handled by Barb Howard.

TD 2 - Female Shetland Sheepdog worked her heart out through two corners but sadly wandered off on the third leg.

TD 3 - Golden Retriever male had a lovely start and after casting at the first corner, continued straight, when he should have turned left. By this time the wind was up again.

Td 4 - Since it is the GSD Club it was fitting to have one GSD entered, and she passed! She did a solid track all the way, except when she stopped to bark at me and the tracklayer, telling us to 'back off!' But it was right back to work for Kime. She did a slight bobble on some ATV tracks but carried on to do a nice down indication on the article. Big congrats to new TD Kime Vom Jacinto and owner - handler Leon Flannigan.

Articles were leather, handtooled by Diane Matuszewski, with impressions of footprints on some, and final articles all GSD heads. Lunch was enjoyed at a picnic site both days provided by Donna Cameron and Kathi Mackinnon. It was so good and I stuffed some cookies in my purse and ate them on the plane later.

Funny, my very first tracking test ever was in Winnipeg in 1990 under Marguerite Charter, and that is where my first assignment was too. Jill Dickin, the test secretary, was at that test in 1990, and she was one of the organizers at this test - it was really neat for both of us. Jill and Rita did a great job.

It is so wonderful to see Winnipeg hosting a test because they do such a great job and the people are so committed. Plus, the dogs entered were all multi-titled and such a treat to watch. The teams that were were not successful this weekend will be soon. I loved the experience, even though I wished for better conditions for everyone for their test! Like true trackers, there were great attitudes and lots of cameraderie and support.Thanks for letting me part of it!

Ben 8 weeks old, a little obedience for Cheerios

2011-09-15T19:26:00.003-06:00

This is hilarious to start, because I didn't know my camera was filming and I didn't know he was sitting so beautifully until I watched the video later! He is so patient with me, LOL.

There is a knock at the door which ends our little session!

A typical evening in videos...

2011-09-14T21:17:00.001-06:00

These videos pretty much show you how I spent my evening... It's a typical evening here, life with five dogs~

Some obedience with Caden... he came downhill so fast he tried to stop and ran into me!

Took River and Ted for a walk (no video :(( )... but here she is giving "the look" when I got home with Caden...

A little yardwork (emphasis on "a little")... Ben helps...

Watch Jet and Ben play tug... (as Caden complains from up on the deck)...

Watch Ben stalk Jet... as Caden and River add some commentary from the deck... and Ted swoops around behind me...

And at 8 weeks old, Ben is still nursing!

Ben enters a new phase in puppyhood - from nursing to playing!

2011-09-11T18:25:00.001-06:00

Ben is going from nursing to playing now. He is 7.5 weeks old and 11 pounds. Sometimes, because he has no littermates, he seems like an old soul. But then he bursts into play and is so cute!

Look out Jet - he is crouching to pounce!

Look, Ben can fly!

Love Jet's face! Ben is nearly 11 pounds now... that's a lot of oomph!

Play play play!

Jump jump jump!

Jet says "I'm outta here!"

Then she stops so they can play again.
By the way, that is "TED's FACE" on Ben!
He has his father's very willing, happy personality too.

Another cute expression on Jet's face, with her eyes sqeezed shut!

Ben says, "HEY, IT'S MY TRACKING GLOVE!"

When they came in, Ben nursed for a minute. I think nursing is coming to an end.
I'm sad about it, because I love watching him nurse.

Here is what happened within a minute of nursing...

Yes, he is now 7.5 weeks old and we are moving on to a new phase of puppyhood.

Oh PS - here is a "puppy boast" - yesterday morning Ben woke me up with his constant whining. He was leaping at the expen and Jet was sitting staring at me. I thought she needed to go out, and he wanted to nurse. I let them out so she could go to the bathroom, but it was BEN who wanted to run to the back corner of the yard to go poop! OK, if you have ever had a puppy, you can appreciate how AWESOME this was! LOLOL.... and yes, I took a picture when he did it again this morning... but I won't make it "LARGE" - small size is likely enough information :))

This just in - Dan Waters and Ali WIN the SchH Club of Canada Nationals~!

2011-09-10T15:31:00.003-06:00

I JUST HEARD IT'S OFFICIAL! DAN WATERS WITH ALI - #1 AT THE CANADIAN SCHUTZHUND NATIONALS, WITH HIGH SCORE OBEDIENCE!!! CONGRATULATIONS DAN THE MAN!!!! GO GSD SCH CLUB OF CALGARY!

http://www.gssccnationals2011.com/final-trial-results

I am so proud to call Dan and Susan Waters my friends, and so privileged to know Ali, a wonderful sable female. Good girl Ali!!

90 pounds down - here's what it looks like in my old jackets!

2011-09-07T22:33:00.000-06:00

This was my very favourite jacket. It is a 1997 GSD Club of Canada jacket. I think I even used to wear it unzipped. It is like a tent on me now! I am so, so proud.

Below is another pic from the front.

And below, is an Asics warmup jacket that I bought at an Ironman race in Lake Placid - at any rate, I used to wear it teaching tracking. Now it just hangs on me. Awesome!!!

Jet says - way to go momma!

And... I am not done yet!

These pictures need captions!

2011-09-05T23:34:00.001-06:00

These are some random photos I took tonight that just crack me up. Ben looks so tiny with River and Caden in the background!

Bev Sommers writes "I didn't do it!" (on Facebook)... hilarious!

Heather Anderson writes "Carrot? What carrot?" (on Facebook).

Too funny! Thanks!

Labour Day at home with the dogs. Ben's 'lie down' kicks in! Hilarious...

2011-09-05T19:22:00.000-06:00

Today Ben was doing a 'lie down' constantly... it is an instinctive behaviour for Border Collies and he would practically play dead sometimes, then spring to life! It was hilarious. I am only sharing SOME pictures, he did it over and over all afternoon...

And spring up... and

ATTACK!

Uh-oh... someone better watch out. That is a serious face...

Ben crouches for the attack - look out Jet!

And, lie down... again! ...

And attack! No, he didn't get tired of his little game...

But then there was another game he tried out called...

GET THE MONKEY! and RUN!!!

Ben has never run like he ran today, either. Full tilt. Sometimes he fell but he just picked up and took off again. I NEVER see this dog ever cry or yelp. He is very tough and confident I think.

Jet in hot pursuit of the Monkey...

Jet has to work at it now, Ben put up a pretty good fight to keep it...

But of course, Jet rules! Look at the look she is giving me, LOL. She was not impressed.

Here they are with balls - he has a small Baby Ben sized version. Hilarious! He copies Momma.

Suddenly, everything stopped. Ben hit the wall.

Ben, fast asleep. Jet with the Monkey, joining him.

When he fell asleep, I brought him in. He nursed. Bless Jet, she is so awesome when he nurses. He will be 7 weeks old on Thursday and still nurses, plus eats puppy food. He's 9.4 pounds today!

This will be Ben and Jet's pen. Ted will move to the new pen under my stairs. Everyone gathered in the shade. It was so hot today. A great Labour Day!

They love this tub. I put fresh water in it for them to play in.

Ben is curious. I keep a close eye on this!

River and her trasures. Note - three toys. She is the Queen here! She's wet from being hosed down.

Ben flies by the guys! Check out his hilarious ears. Those are his father's ears.

Caden seeks refuge on the deck when Ben is causing chaos!

Here is what it looks like when I try to write outside... hahahaha. Caden lives for this ball. We have a green one but he knows which is the yellow one. He's had this ball for years. God forbid we ever lose it.

Ted says - really, you would rather throw my ball than write, wouldn't you?

I hope you had a great weekend too!

Ben-Ben-Benny-Boop! Now that's a serious stockdog name...

2011-09-02T07:35:00.000-06:00

Ben thinks his name is Ben-Ben-Benny-Boop! Or maybe he even thinks his name is Boop! That's all he comes to. And when you say the BOOP part, he leaps with his front paws, then runs to me. He actually waits for it. *sigh*

Hard to believe he is 6 weeks old and 8.2 pounds now! I took this photo at noon yesterday.

Living near the Rocky Mountains

2011-09-01T21:08:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I forget how close the mountains are. They are about an hour west of my little town of Penhold. We had rain for two days, and at this time of year, that means two days of SNOW in the mountains. They are just white against the skyline, so I took a bunch of photos to show them to you.
The arrow in the photo below shows the neighbourhood I live in.

This is highway 42 that leads west off of highway 2 that runs north to Edmonton and south to Calgarly.

Below are just a few more shots. The town is small and surrounded by farms. Beautiful at this time of year! Seeing the mountains makes me want to go there this weekend - but I can't because of my puppy Ben, I can't be away from him for more than 5 hours - and he has not had any vaccines yet.

What goes around comes around - Jet and Ben as puppies

2011-08-30T22:08:00.000-06:00

When Jet arrived in late 2005 she immediately took to Thorn because Jenny Glen had a German Shepherd at the time - so Thorn was familiar to Jet. She would climb over him and slide down his side... I wish I had a picture of that. Thorn was the sweetest, most gentle dog and he and Jet were great friends (Thorn died on Christmas Day, 2007). Jet is about 8 weeks old here.

So, now, Jet has a puppy... and he is going to be 6 weeks old in two days. Guess what he is doing?

Yes, you guessed right! Ben is climbing over Jet and sliding down her side! I had to catch a picture.

I just love the look of pure joy on his face.

So far, Ben reminds me of Ted, his sire, through and through. This was the first time I saw a glimmer of momma...

First 'group photo' of the gang, a great swim and Ben's first tracking glove!

2011-08-28T20:35:00.000-06:00

Ben poses with an old tracking glove he found in the yard!

Today Ben ran with the gang for the first time, supervised. Everyone was very good - but he ended up climbing on Jet to nurse, and that ended it abruptly.

I called them to lie down and we got our first 'group photo.'

First group photo of Caden, River, Ted, Jet and Baby Ben

River is a very powerful swimmer, even at age 11. Caden looks behind as she gains on him!

In the heat of the afternoon, I took River and Caden for a swim. I went swimming yesterday at the local Enmax Wave Pool. It was so fun - so today was their turn. River is a great swimmer even at 11. Caden is not as strong a swimmer being more of a Prairie boy. But he is young and strong. Sorry about River's barking - she is getting quite deaf and I don't think she hears herself, and I need to really yell or do hand signals to her now!

I had to separate them, because Caden would not 'out' the toy when River was hovering, and who could blame him? River got a chance to swim in peace after Caden retrieved for nearly 20 minutes!

Good boy outs his toy

For me the day started out a bit lonely - trying to figure out what to do, and it was so beautiful out! By the time I was finished with my outing with River and Caden, I felt so joyful. Dogs are so amazing and such great company.

This evening, Ben had another runabout outside. The house it TOO SMALL for him now! He found an old glove (not a set-up, honest!) and he claimed it. It was priceless - such a treasure!

I hope these videos make you smile like they made me smile and laugh.

That thing on the floor...

2011-08-25T22:55:00.003-06:00

Ben had another full day... but Jet is not happy because she is going to lose her hiding place up on the couch soon...
Today Ben is 35 days old and weighed in at 7 pounds. I can't get over how much he is learning in 35 short days.

Ben is learning to prop himself up on his back legs... what a cute face!

Well hello there

Jet's trying to keep the monkey away from Ben!

Haha says Jet... oops, the monkey fell on the floor!

I caught Ben in the laundry room attacking the blue blanket that I usually hang on his crate to block drafts

When Ben wakes up, he goes and rings the bells I hung in his ex pen. Isn't that clever? I think he is training me! Sorry this is dark - it was very 'spur of the moment.'

Impromptu nursing session while Ted, Caden and River look on

Hi Uncle Caden, I like your yellow ball...

All these toys, and today he discovered my slipper

I'll get you out!
I love River and Ted's glowing eyes.

Tired puppy, sleeping close to his daddy - River's eyes still glowing back there...

New Post on Your Tracking Coach - Scent pads

2011-08-24T22:42:00.000-06:00

Finally... there is a new post up ... I've been a bit pre-occupied with Ben, but am getting back 'on track' with the coaching blog!

http://yourtrackingcoach.blogspot.com/2011/08/thinking-about-starting-my-puppy-this.html

Visit me over there for tracking advice for beginners!

Ben's first shed - one month old :)

2011-08-24T16:59:00.000-06:00

Angie Driscoll, Kinloch Sheepdogs is having a fun photo contest on her Facebook Wall. People are asked to submit pictures of their dogs working sheep (no grips). So of course, I sent this one of little Ben... Angie is the Webmaster and PR person for the World Trials. She and Kelvin live in Wales and I am proud to call them friends.

Baby Ben's first shed

Oh dear, that's a grip for sure - his mother's son... (this picture did not get submitted, of course)

Learning to come through

Away to me, good boy! (a little tight, but he's just one month old)

"My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet..."

2011-08-23T22:07:00.000-06:00

I have been working on the computer (including the post I just added below), and I looked down to see this... it reminds me of the great quote in the title, which is from Edith Wharton.

Ben masters the Play Bow, and Good Momma Jet

2011-08-23T21:35:00.001-06:00

Ben has learned to play bow and Jet is starting to play with him like he is a puppy dog. She is a great mom. I took him outside after work today and captured a bunch of pictures. He looks a lot like his dad Ted, and has Ted's very happy nature, which is awesome.

Jet is looking away because she is disgusted with me for telling her to stay!

Ben creeps forward and bows again. Such a stealthy herding dog...

Mini-Ted

Bow to the tuft of grass

Once again, I am saying STAY and Jet is incredulous that I'd say that, ha ha!

New dog run, and Ben's outdoor afternoon

2011-08-21T20:40:00.001-06:00

Today was so HOT! I spent most of the day writing, then assembling a new chain link dog run all by myself. I am so proud of how far I got - and my friend Dan Waters is going to come help me with the chain link part using a come-along. The new run will be for Teddy, and Ben will go in with Jet once he is ready to be outside. Not for awhile yet - but I want to be ready for it.

Ben came out today and spent time in the shade in an ex-pen with Jet. The other dogs are accepting him as part of the pack now. It was so nice out today, the air was so warm it reminded me of Hawaii! It made me think - hey, only 5 months until I go back to Maui. Does time fly! Still, nice to get a little bit of summer here, we need it - we have not had much of it this year in Alberta.

Here are today's pics.

This will be Ted's new digs once it's ready

It's too bad I can't fit this beside the house, but I do not want to put it near the right hand side of my yard where it's just too close to the neighbour kids. River and Caden's run is around the corner of the house on the left - in this awesome nook. I love my backyard!

Ben nurses while Caden and River sit in the shade.

River shows Ben her special Giggle Ball. I guess I will need to buy another one for him.

Momma and Baby Ben are wiped out from the hot weather and fresh air! I just cracked up when I saw him flaked out on his back like this. Hilarious. He is getting to be quite a character.

PS..... thanks to Pam Prescott who came to visit Ben last night and brought him the zebra you see above. He loves it! He is playing with it in the pic below - and Jet is eyeing it up too, haha.

Ben says Writing is Really Hard Work!

2011-08-21T10:26:00.000-06:00

It's a beautiful sunny morning, so I brought Ben out onto the deck again, and thought I would work on my book... but of course, he is just so distracting... for some reason he had to go OVER the box of books and not around it! And he is so determined!

Herding 101 - Ben gets his broom, and first visit to the back deck

2011-08-20T09:41:00.001-06:00

Ben was out on the back deck for about 15 hectic minutes this morning. He spotted the broom (below), so I did some 'herding 101' and let him chase and catch it. He was pretty tenacious. I don't know, is that good? Or should I be worried, LOL

Here are his first steps onto the deck. He has been obsessing over the window and screen door. So this was a red letter day in his books.

Here he is sniffing Uncle Caden's nose.

Uncle Caden brings the ball up to show off to little Ben. Ben was suitably impressed.

Ben looks down at his Pa Ted and Grandma River (who as you will notice, has Caden's ball now).

I will have to block these guys into the yard. There is a lot of interest in meeting Ben but he's too tiny for any real interaction yet. I don't make him the 'forbidden fruit' and let them see and sniff him for now.

And as I type this - Ben is wiped! Notice his 'big boy' enclosure now - I am removing the vari - he was just running circles around it. How fast they grow!