"Do you know where your heart is?
Do you think you can find it?
Or did you trade it for something
Somewhere better just to have it?
Do you know where your love is?
Do you think that you lost it?
You felt it so strong, but
Nothing's turned out how you wanted"
"Do you know what your fate is?
And are you trying to shake it?
You're doing your best and
Your best look
You're praying that you make it"
" Whenever the end is
Do you think you can see it?
Well, until you get there
Go on, go ahead and scream it
Just say it"
-One Republic
I'm tired of feeling like a failure and I don't know how to change it.
Had a really tough weekend once again. Katie just gets so stressed and once she's done she's done. The whole weekend I was getting her ready for her snookers run hoping to use the other runs to get her ready for it... But Katie did one jump and was done. I cried. I felt like a failure. I've tried everything, short sessions thats are all fun, but she just wont. I frustrates me to see that she can do masters and Nationals courses, but a straight line at a trial is too much. I guess I need to look at it this way, I get stressed too. But I just don't know how to fix it. So, Katie's going into temporary trial retirement. We will be working on Backyard Agility and stress work.
I'm tired of hearing "Bad Dog" and getting people looking at Katie funny. They don't blame me, but I still blame myself... Katie's NOT a bad dog, she's a STRESSED dog. When people say that to her, all I hear is "bad trainer". I trained her, so some of it has to be my fault. I just wish it was different, she has so much potential.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
I'm the one who Understands you.
I've been thinking a lot lately.. I know I always start my blogs like this.. But really I don't know how to start them.. I just cant come up with ideas for my blog! haha... Welll....
I've been struggling with Katie since I've met her.. and no one really understands that like I do.. or have see us grow as a team. So here's the story from the beginning... Its of our struggles and how we continue to over come them..
3 years ago, I walked into the SPCA to look for a dog for my Grandma.. Yea I know a lot of you have already heard this story time and time again.. But please listen.
I vaguely remember that day, so please understand my lack of details. I remember the walk into the shelter, looking outside at the dogs, there was this one.. It had "the look" I can't really explain that look, Grandma looked at him, I insisted, but we kept going. We then walked into the shelter and a grey car pulled up.. I looked into the car, two dogs were in the car, The lady came out with one, I saw the dog and instantly got on the ground to go face to face with the dog... I remember petting her.. kinda being in a trance, I asked the name, The lady said Katie.
I remember the lady caring alot about Katie, I remember her paying extra money so that she could go to the perfect home... I remember looking at Katie's collar, it was pink with a red heart tag on it that said "Best Friend". I remember My grandma signing the papers that day..
A week later, we went to the vet to pick Katie up.. I remember her being very tired from the spaying operation. I remember it was myself, my auntie and my grandma. I remember getting in my Aunties White car and Me holding her while we drove to Grandmas. I remember getting to my Grandma and Just watching her.. I stayed at my grandma's three nights and just watched over her while she recovered... I remember my Brother saying she wasn't very tough, that she wouldn't play with him.. I remember her proving him wrong. ;) I remember once I left my grandma's that I still went over there everyday to see her. I remember the day we lost Katie's "best friend" Tag, Maybe it was a new beginning.
I remember going online and seeing the Pawsitive Steps agility camp and asking my mom about it. She agreed, I remember sending my form in. I remember being excited for summer so I could go to camp. I remember the night before, thinking about who else was thinking about the camp.
I remember being the only junior at camp. I remember feeling left out, I remember sitting by Katies crate and eating lunch while everyone else was in the gazebo. I remember getting really excited for every day. I remember the end of Camp and taking the photo.
I remember going clothes shopping with my cousin and begging her to go to Pet Cetera and seeing the Agility Kit and rushing to the phone to call my mom to ask her if I could get it. I remember buying it. I remember the day that Katie finally was weaving. I remember showing off to my family. I remember being SO proud.
I remember going to the club. I remember mistaking Leslie for Linda. I remember trying the equipment.. I remember when Katie would run off and get into fights.... I remember going home crying.
I remember Katie not being aloud to come over because of the cat. I remember trying SO many things. I remember rubbing a towel on the cat then the same one on Katie. I remember Katie and the cat interacting through the door. I remember treating Katie every time the cat was in the room. I remember the break through I had when they started to get along.
I remember preparing for Katie`s first trial. I remember going to practice and then her getting Kennel Cough. I remember my mom telling me that the Vet said we shouldn't go to the trial. I remember going to watch the trial without Katie. I remember hearing Katie`s name being called and crying.
I remember preparing for Katie`s real first trial. I remember telling Linda that we were going to beat her. Haha. I remember Gamblers, I remember her running out of the ring and then coming back.. I remember her getting the Gamble but some ladies told the judge that I stepped over the line. I remember getting first and being SO happy. I remember Katie getting her First Q in Jumpers.
I remember Katie`s Second Trial, I remember Katie just going Nuts and not listening. I remember crying and wondering why. I remember our last run, Almost Qing.. Wow. She really knows when to kick in.
I remember Making Jumps in my backyard with my mom. :)
I remember Katie getting AWESOME in my backyard. I remember when we trialed it all fell apart. I remember getting our Gamblers Q. I remember trying harder and harder. I remember trying Obedience and trick training to try to get focus. I remember going to winter camp.
I remember going to trials and wondering whats going wrong.. and I`ve come to a conclusion... Katie has stress issues.. She stresses from environmental changes. I know so many people would have given up on Katie, and I know I`ve though of it. But if I give up, Katie wouldn`t be the same dog, she needs me and if I give up I`m losing the opportunity for Katie to teach me.. Katie is what I need. I can learn so much from her. I already have. I love Katie SO much. She means everything to me. She continues to teach me new things.
Thanks Katie! Every tear I cried was a new lesson and I wouldn`t take it back. Ever.
I've been struggling with Katie since I've met her.. and no one really understands that like I do.. or have see us grow as a team. So here's the story from the beginning... Its of our struggles and how we continue to over come them..
3 years ago, I walked into the SPCA to look for a dog for my Grandma.. Yea I know a lot of you have already heard this story time and time again.. But please listen.
I vaguely remember that day, so please understand my lack of details. I remember the walk into the shelter, looking outside at the dogs, there was this one.. It had "the look" I can't really explain that look, Grandma looked at him, I insisted, but we kept going. We then walked into the shelter and a grey car pulled up.. I looked into the car, two dogs were in the car, The lady came out with one, I saw the dog and instantly got on the ground to go face to face with the dog... I remember petting her.. kinda being in a trance, I asked the name, The lady said Katie.
I remember the lady caring alot about Katie, I remember her paying extra money so that she could go to the perfect home... I remember looking at Katie's collar, it was pink with a red heart tag on it that said "Best Friend". I remember My grandma signing the papers that day..
A week later, we went to the vet to pick Katie up.. I remember her being very tired from the spaying operation. I remember it was myself, my auntie and my grandma. I remember getting in my Aunties White car and Me holding her while we drove to Grandmas. I remember getting to my Grandma and Just watching her.. I stayed at my grandma's three nights and just watched over her while she recovered... I remember my Brother saying she wasn't very tough, that she wouldn't play with him.. I remember her proving him wrong. ;) I remember once I left my grandma's that I still went over there everyday to see her. I remember the day we lost Katie's "best friend" Tag, Maybe it was a new beginning.
I remember going online and seeing the Pawsitive Steps agility camp and asking my mom about it. She agreed, I remember sending my form in. I remember being excited for summer so I could go to camp. I remember the night before, thinking about who else was thinking about the camp.
I remember being the only junior at camp. I remember feeling left out, I remember sitting by Katies crate and eating lunch while everyone else was in the gazebo. I remember getting really excited for every day. I remember the end of Camp and taking the photo.
I remember going clothes shopping with my cousin and begging her to go to Pet Cetera and seeing the Agility Kit and rushing to the phone to call my mom to ask her if I could get it. I remember buying it. I remember the day that Katie finally was weaving. I remember showing off to my family. I remember being SO proud.
I remember going to the club. I remember mistaking Leslie for Linda. I remember trying the equipment.. I remember when Katie would run off and get into fights.... I remember going home crying.
I remember Katie not being aloud to come over because of the cat. I remember trying SO many things. I remember rubbing a towel on the cat then the same one on Katie. I remember Katie and the cat interacting through the door. I remember treating Katie every time the cat was in the room. I remember the break through I had when they started to get along.
I remember preparing for Katie`s first trial. I remember going to practice and then her getting Kennel Cough. I remember my mom telling me that the Vet said we shouldn't go to the trial. I remember going to watch the trial without Katie. I remember hearing Katie`s name being called and crying.
I remember preparing for Katie`s real first trial. I remember telling Linda that we were going to beat her. Haha. I remember Gamblers, I remember her running out of the ring and then coming back.. I remember her getting the Gamble but some ladies told the judge that I stepped over the line. I remember getting first and being SO happy. I remember Katie getting her First Q in Jumpers.
I remember Katie`s Second Trial, I remember Katie just going Nuts and not listening. I remember crying and wondering why. I remember our last run, Almost Qing.. Wow. She really knows when to kick in.
I remember Making Jumps in my backyard with my mom. :)
I remember Katie getting AWESOME in my backyard. I remember when we trialed it all fell apart. I remember getting our Gamblers Q. I remember trying harder and harder. I remember trying Obedience and trick training to try to get focus. I remember going to winter camp.
I remember going to trials and wondering whats going wrong.. and I`ve come to a conclusion... Katie has stress issues.. She stresses from environmental changes. I know so many people would have given up on Katie, and I know I`ve though of it. But if I give up, Katie wouldn`t be the same dog, she needs me and if I give up I`m losing the opportunity for Katie to teach me.. Katie is what I need. I can learn so much from her. I already have. I love Katie SO much. She means everything to me. She continues to teach me new things.
Thanks Katie! Every tear I cried was a new lesson and I wouldn`t take it back. Ever.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Trying not to lose my Head.
Where do I begin? Everything has just been hitting me insainly...
Last week was crazy for me. Thank god Savannah could take my shift. I love you Savannah!
Monday:
Worked. Was mad because it was agility night.
Tuesday:
Took Envy and Katie to agility at the feild. Katie wouldn't listen, so I played with Envy most of the time working on watching other dogs play and not reacting and teeter bang game.
Wednesday:
Worked
Thursday:
Reesa and Heather were in town. We had a great time. I got to meet Jayde. Envy had a great time playing with both. Katie was different, it took her along time to get used to others in the backyard. So we worked through it. The dogs had a great time playing. We then Had Dinner and then ran Katie, Katie had a great time! Then we ran Rosco and Jayde! Jayde was crazy fast! Rosco was feeling sick.. poor dog. We then walked Katie home (Poor Reesa had to walk Rosco and Envy!) and played on the schools equipment. Then we ran the dogs to see who was fastest.. Envy's herding instinct messed it up when he ran after Rosco. Ha ha! We then were on the computer and then watched a movie.. Reesa fell asleep and Heather and I talked till Reesa got up.. then we talked some more and went to bed at around 3.
Friday:
Raced the dogs again. We hung out for a bit, then I had to get ready for my trial and then eventually Laura showed up and we went to the Hotel for the night.
Saturday:
Trial
Jumpers:
Tried something new, Katie runs off to look at a sand bag, I run off we are done. No second chance
Snooker:
Stupid Handler! Katie was SO focused. We could have Q'd! We finished the opening but Stupid handler forgot the rules and went into the closeing before finishing the opening....
Standard:
She was going so good! Had great speed on the Dogwalk and got her contacts.. then when she was on the table she looked behind her and there was a dog there, I released her from the table to keep going.. but she went to look at the dog. Heather ran Jayde and they did amazing! Great girl Jayders!
Gamblers:
She was done for the day.. Wouldnt listen
After that we ate dinner, I was pretty down.. I've tried so many things and they just aren't working. I dont know how to help Katie's ring stress!
We then had fun games, Katie sat out of the hot dog eating contest and the frisbee one because she eats like a lady and likes to watch the frisbee fall to the ground. Ha ha! So Katie partisipated in the "Best Trick" contest. We watched other tricks like walking throw legs, playing with soccer balls, and roll overs. Then it was our turn, so I did the jumping over my back trick. Katie won best trick. :)
Sunday:
Woke up in the tent.
Gamblers:
Not focused. She was going good, but they had to restart the time.. and it messed her up.
Standard:
Saw some people who were watching, turned around and barked at them.. I lost it.. I cried. We were encouraged to run the course... but she wouldn't listen.. I cried more.
Snooker:
Course wasn't as flowy, so when I took my eye off her so got distracted..
Jumpers:
Wanted to end the trial on a good note. So we did the last four obsticals. Great focus baby :)
I then ran Nestle the Lab in Advanced Jumpers! FUN dog!
Over all, tough weekend.. I think I'm going to have to back chain for a couple trials.
I came home to Envy being sick.. I was so worried.. I cried, I asked to take him to the vet but mom said to wait it out. He's doing good now. Poor baby.
Everyone thinks its so easy...
~Alyssa
Photos Copyright to David Greenburg. Great photos David!
Dreaming about the day when you wake up
And find that what you're looking for has been here the whole time
If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along. So why can't you see?
You belong with me
You belong with me
~Taylor Swift You belong with me
Last week was crazy for me. Thank god Savannah could take my shift. I love you Savannah!
Monday:
Worked. Was mad because it was agility night.
Tuesday:
Took Envy and Katie to agility at the feild. Katie wouldn't listen, so I played with Envy most of the time working on watching other dogs play and not reacting and teeter bang game.
Wednesday:
Worked
Thursday:
Reesa and Heather were in town. We had a great time. I got to meet Jayde. Envy had a great time playing with both. Katie was different, it took her along time to get used to others in the backyard. So we worked through it. The dogs had a great time playing. We then Had Dinner and then ran Katie, Katie had a great time! Then we ran Rosco and Jayde! Jayde was crazy fast! Rosco was feeling sick.. poor dog. We then walked Katie home (Poor Reesa had to walk Rosco and Envy!) and played on the schools equipment. Then we ran the dogs to see who was fastest.. Envy's herding instinct messed it up when he ran after Rosco. Ha ha! We then were on the computer and then watched a movie.. Reesa fell asleep and Heather and I talked till Reesa got up.. then we talked some more and went to bed at around 3.
Friday:
Raced the dogs again. We hung out for a bit, then I had to get ready for my trial and then eventually Laura showed up and we went to the Hotel for the night.
Saturday:
Trial
Jumpers:
Tried something new, Katie runs off to look at a sand bag, I run off we are done. No second chance
Snooker:
Stupid Handler! Katie was SO focused. We could have Q'd! We finished the opening but Stupid handler forgot the rules and went into the closeing before finishing the opening....
Standard:
She was going so good! Had great speed on the Dogwalk and got her contacts.. then when she was on the table she looked behind her and there was a dog there, I released her from the table to keep going.. but she went to look at the dog. Heather ran Jayde and they did amazing! Great girl Jayders!
Gamblers:
She was done for the day.. Wouldnt listen
After that we ate dinner, I was pretty down.. I've tried so many things and they just aren't working. I dont know how to help Katie's ring stress!
We then had fun games, Katie sat out of the hot dog eating contest and the frisbee one because she eats like a lady and likes to watch the frisbee fall to the ground. Ha ha! So Katie partisipated in the "Best Trick" contest. We watched other tricks like walking throw legs, playing with soccer balls, and roll overs. Then it was our turn, so I did the jumping over my back trick. Katie won best trick. :)
Sunday:
Woke up in the tent.
Gamblers:
Not focused. She was going good, but they had to restart the time.. and it messed her up.
Standard:
Saw some people who were watching, turned around and barked at them.. I lost it.. I cried. We were encouraged to run the course... but she wouldn't listen.. I cried more.
Snooker:
Course wasn't as flowy, so when I took my eye off her so got distracted..
Jumpers:
Wanted to end the trial on a good note. So we did the last four obsticals. Great focus baby :)
I then ran Nestle the Lab in Advanced Jumpers! FUN dog!
Over all, tough weekend.. I think I'm going to have to back chain for a couple trials.
I came home to Envy being sick.. I was so worried.. I cried, I asked to take him to the vet but mom said to wait it out. He's doing good now. Poor baby.
Everyone thinks its so easy...
~Alyssa
Photos Copyright to David Greenburg. Great photos David!
Dreaming about the day when you wake up
And find that what you're looking for has been here the whole time
If you could see that I'm the one who understands you
Been here all along. So why can't you see?
You belong with me
You belong with me
~Taylor Swift You belong with me
Monday, August 3, 2009
A little Over my head?
So, I was FORCED to write an entry by the amazing ShayLee of the "Going for 'Good Dog!" Blog, Check her out! :)
I really have nothing to write about.. Hrm.. Let me think, whats been going on lately? Lets step back to July 20th.
July 20th, 2009, Reesa (DogTrainingGirl101 on Youtube) came over! Awesome time. We went to go pick up Katie, but Katie was in her "crazy dog" stage. Where it takes her about an hour to cool down. After that, Katie was ready to do agility! :) I ran Rosco, and Reesa ran Katie. We then went to go see Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppies! So cute! Reesa had a great time throwing apples for Chime! Reesa and I, then stayed up till 3 am.
July something or other 2009, We went out to the creek with Envy! :) I love this dog, SO much. Gosh, he listens like theres no tomorrow. He hung out with the other dogs while we swam. Made some great friends :) OH gosh, He's such a goober, When he first gets into the water he has this expression like "ewww" and then he's fine.
what Else, what else? When Reesa left she lent me her book "Control Unleashed" and I started reading it. Wow! great book, I've been making great progress with Katie. Katie also went to the reactive dogs class at Kim's Camp... when she didn't feel like reacting, go figure? So I've come to the conclusion that Katie doesn't like the slight changes in her environment. The little things set her off, a bark, a new person being added, etc. So I'm working on that plus her reactivity to certain dogs, Its only certain dogs, go figure x2? So I took her to the one she reacts the most too and work her slowly by. If she freaked out, we'd step back until she was calm. I can proudly say that we made it past the dog :). Good girl Katie. Trial this weekend!!
Much Love
~Alyssa, Katie & Envy
I really have nothing to write about.. Hrm.. Let me think, whats been going on lately? Lets step back to July 20th.
July 20th, 2009, Reesa (DogTrainingGirl101 on Youtube) came over! Awesome time. We went to go pick up Katie, but Katie was in her "crazy dog" stage. Where it takes her about an hour to cool down. After that, Katie was ready to do agility! :) I ran Rosco, and Reesa ran Katie. We then went to go see Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever puppies! So cute! Reesa had a great time throwing apples for Chime! Reesa and I, then stayed up till 3 am.
July something or other 2009, We went out to the creek with Envy! :) I love this dog, SO much. Gosh, he listens like theres no tomorrow. He hung out with the other dogs while we swam. Made some great friends :) OH gosh, He's such a goober, When he first gets into the water he has this expression like "ewww" and then he's fine.
what Else, what else? When Reesa left she lent me her book "Control Unleashed" and I started reading it. Wow! great book, I've been making great progress with Katie. Katie also went to the reactive dogs class at Kim's Camp... when she didn't feel like reacting, go figure? So I've come to the conclusion that Katie doesn't like the slight changes in her environment. The little things set her off, a bark, a new person being added, etc. So I'm working on that plus her reactivity to certain dogs, Its only certain dogs, go figure x2? So I took her to the one she reacts the most too and work her slowly by. If she freaked out, we'd step back until she was calm. I can proudly say that we made it past the dog :). Good girl Katie. Trial this weekend!!Much Love
~Alyssa, Katie & Envy
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Sometimes Goodbye is a Second Chance.
Well, I haven't posted on Blogger for sometime now...
Next month is Dally's 11th Birthday... I can't get her out of my mind! Every little thing I do reminds me of her... When I go to the cupboard and bang its door, there's no basset hound waiting for a treat... When People come to the door, theres no bark... and when I go to bed, I call one name, not two...
The last few months of Dally's life we became closer than ever. She inspired me. This year she was suppose to trial in Jumpers.. I remember looking at Katies course and thinking, would Dally have Q'd? Gosh Cancer is so horrible...
What else is going on in my life? Envy had puppy camp July 15th, 16th and 17th. He's a good boy. The instructor ask us to show our hand targets and we did them along time ago, so I didn't think he'd remember.. but he did :). He also did an awesome job shaping. He was so tired after the camp, good boy Enner Bean!
and katie? Katie needs alot of work.. But its all my fault. Why does she act out durring trials? Because I've trained her wrong, not enought renforcement to make Agility more fun then sniffing. Katie has a Top Dog trial coming up, She had a fun trial there so lets hope for the best.
I was just about to go get the lyrics for Shinedowns Second Chance and one of the Songwrighters names are Bassett.. funny how that works out, hey?
"To make them realise
this is my life
I hope they understand
I'm not angry, I'm just saying...
Sometimes goodbye
is a second Chance
Heres my chance
This is my Chance."
Next month is Dally's 11th Birthday... I can't get her out of my mind! Every little thing I do reminds me of her... When I go to the cupboard and bang its door, there's no basset hound waiting for a treat... When People come to the door, theres no bark... and when I go to bed, I call one name, not two...
The last few months of Dally's life we became closer than ever. She inspired me. This year she was suppose to trial in Jumpers.. I remember looking at Katies course and thinking, would Dally have Q'd? Gosh Cancer is so horrible...
What else is going on in my life? Envy had puppy camp July 15th, 16th and 17th. He's a good boy. The instructor ask us to show our hand targets and we did them along time ago, so I didn't think he'd remember.. but he did :). He also did an awesome job shaping. He was so tired after the camp, good boy Enner Bean!
and katie? Katie needs alot of work.. But its all my fault. Why does she act out durring trials? Because I've trained her wrong, not enought renforcement to make Agility more fun then sniffing. Katie has a Top Dog trial coming up, She had a fun trial there so lets hope for the best.
I was just about to go get the lyrics for Shinedowns Second Chance and one of the Songwrighters names are Bassett.. funny how that works out, hey?
"To make them realise
this is my life
I hope they understand
I'm not angry, I'm just saying...
Sometimes goodbye
is a second Chance
Heres my chance
This is my Chance."
Friday, May 22, 2009
Everyday you seem to amaze me <3
So tomorrows the weekend! School will be out in a couple of weeks and I'm excited!
Katie's improved DRAMASTICALLY! No one really knows or understands how different she is. When I got Katie everyone was not impressed with her. She ran away constantly, she pulled on the leash and couldn't come over because she'd attack the cat.... Well, a year later, Katie is coming back 70% of the time, is better on the leash ( My hand isn't bleeding by the time I get home -_-), and is best friends with the cat.
I've changed my perspective on how to get her to come. I've retrained it and when she comes back to me it's a party and a half. When she runs away, I take her back and we do it some more then leave. And this has worked like magic!
Probably 4 months ago Katie received a gentle leader. Before it I had tried everything... Choke collar, pinch collars.. they did kind of work, But I didn't like it. So She has a gentle leader... the fact that it looks like a muzzle and when she lunges at people to go see them makes me laugh. Now, we still aren't 100%. She knows how to take it off, so I need a new one, and at this one house that this dog attacked her before, she goes crazy... Katie likes revenge...
AND THE CAT! WOW! Seriously, if you seen her now with the cat you wouldn't think anything of it. When I got Katie I was very aware that the reason why she was put into the SPCA was because she hated cats and it wasn't until Katie started to come over that I realized this. She would lunge at the cat every time she seen her. Tecarra started hanging out upstairs after that. So what did I do? I introduced them slowly. One day it was rubbing a towel on Katie that smelled like Tecarra, the next interaction through a door or crate, then it was treating her every time the cat was in the room, even if she didn't know. Then it all started to just piece together. In the beginning I wouldn't have dared to leave Katie alone with the cat.. But now I have no reason to doubt.
Though all the tears from these events and Katie... She's made me a better trainer because of them and I am thankful for every minuet of them now <3
~Alyssa & Katie.
Katie's improved DRAMASTICALLY! No one really knows or understands how different she is. When I got Katie everyone was not impressed with her. She ran away constantly, she pulled on the leash and couldn't come over because she'd attack the cat.... Well, a year later, Katie is coming back 70% of the time, is better on the leash ( My hand isn't bleeding by the time I get home -_-), and is best friends with the cat.
I've changed my perspective on how to get her to come. I've retrained it and when she comes back to me it's a party and a half. When she runs away, I take her back and we do it some more then leave. And this has worked like magic!
Probably 4 months ago Katie received a gentle leader. Before it I had tried everything... Choke collar, pinch collars.. they did kind of work, But I didn't like it. So She has a gentle leader... the fact that it looks like a muzzle and when she lunges at people to go see them makes me laugh. Now, we still aren't 100%. She knows how to take it off, so I need a new one, and at this one house that this dog attacked her before, she goes crazy... Katie likes revenge...
AND THE CAT! WOW! Seriously, if you seen her now with the cat you wouldn't think anything of it. When I got Katie I was very aware that the reason why she was put into the SPCA was because she hated cats and it wasn't until Katie started to come over that I realized this. She would lunge at the cat every time she seen her. Tecarra started hanging out upstairs after that. So what did I do? I introduced them slowly. One day it was rubbing a towel on Katie that smelled like Tecarra, the next interaction through a door or crate, then it was treating her every time the cat was in the room, even if she didn't know. Then it all started to just piece together. In the beginning I wouldn't have dared to leave Katie alone with the cat.. But now I have no reason to doubt.
Though all the tears from these events and Katie... She's made me a better trainer because of them and I am thankful for every minuet of them now <3
~Alyssa & Katie.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Growing up to FAST!!
It seems like so long ago I was in the midst of BEGING my parents for a puppy. My obsession with Shelties... Wow.. My friends still think I ended up with a sheltie! I love the breed but in the end I was turned to a certain dog.. A dog that was ment to be mine.
Envy came into my life to teach me new things and about myself. He's a crazy puppy, but in the end I couldn't be more thankful for him. The dogs picking up words like crazy. My mom tells him "Go find your mom!" and my little puppy comes straight to me. Envy's my miricle.. I wouldn't be the same without him. He's helped me with the craziness with Dally in which made our bond stronger. He was always there when I was crying and always made me feel better. Im so excited for our future... he's showing many promises. Even if we never compete, Im glad for this dog. :)
AND WOW! He's grown up SO fast! He's ALL legs now. Crazy dog ;)
~Alyssa and Envy
Envy came into my life to teach me new things and about myself. He's a crazy puppy, but in the end I couldn't be more thankful for him. The dogs picking up words like crazy. My mom tells him "Go find your mom!" and my little puppy comes straight to me. Envy's my miricle.. I wouldn't be the same without him. He's helped me with the craziness with Dally in which made our bond stronger. He was always there when I was crying and always made me feel better. Im so excited for our future... he's showing many promises. Even if we never compete, Im glad for this dog. :)
AND WOW! He's grown up SO fast! He's ALL legs now. Crazy dog ;)
~Alyssa and Envy
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Change in Life.
So, I decided that I haven't been bloging much. I actually really like to blog, its lots of fun. :)
So whats new in my life? Nothing very excited. My dogs are amazing though. Agility started again and I have such a busy week!:
Monday: Agility at LN's
Tuesday: Agility at the feild.
Wednesday: Work
Thursday: Tracking
Friday: Sleep over! I get to see Savannahs new puppy!
Saturday: Work
Sunday: Sleep over! Happy belated Birthday Brandy
Which brings me to the topic of Friday. Savannah my friend just got a new puppy Monday! His name is Gus and he's a Labradoodle. Savannah might go to agiltiy camp with me too! Im so excited to have a friend in agility. I hope she likes it. So tonight, Tuesday, I have agility and Savannah's coming. She'll run the monster of all monsters.
Envy's training is coming nice, for sometime now he's been doing front crosses and jumps on the ground. He loves it :) He's such a fun dog and has changed my life. I love my dogs!
~Alyssa, Katie and Envy
So whats new in my life? Nothing very excited. My dogs are amazing though. Agility started again and I have such a busy week!:
Monday: Agility at LN's
Tuesday: Agility at the feild.
Wednesday: Work
Thursday: Tracking
Friday: Sleep over! I get to see Savannahs new puppy!
Saturday: Work
Sunday: Sleep over! Happy belated Birthday Brandy
Which brings me to the topic of Friday. Savannah my friend just got a new puppy Monday! His name is Gus and he's a Labradoodle. Savannah might go to agiltiy camp with me too! Im so excited to have a friend in agility. I hope she likes it. So tonight, Tuesday, I have agility and Savannah's coming. She'll run the monster of all monsters.
Envy's training is coming nice, for sometime now he's been doing front crosses and jumps on the ground. He loves it :) He's such a fun dog and has changed my life. I love my dogs!
~Alyssa, Katie and Envy
Friday, May 1, 2009
Rest In Peace Dally
On April 29 2009, Dally had finally hit the deep end. She had been suffering from a painful bladder infection weeks before, but by this time it was spiraling out of control.
On the morning of April 29th Dally was frantic. She had to go to the Bathroom really bad, but nothing happened. When she'd come in the house she immediately wanted to go back outside. She was scared. I then went to school and mom took her to the vet. Dally had a tumor and cancer on her bladder. It was about 4 times the size of her bladder and if she didn't go into the vet that day, her bladder would have burst. The vet tried to save her by taking all the cancer out, but was unsuccessful. My mom said good-bye to her.
When I can home from school with Savannah, I went down the hall and found my mom and dad sitting on the couch. They looked completely sad. I asked my mom where Dally was because I noticed the house was really quiet and no Basset Hound greeted me at the door. My mom just shook her head.. she couldn't say anything.. I didn't know what to say. That's when I knew.....
Dally was a great dog. She lived 10 happy years. I remember when I was little and we went to pick her up. I wanted to call her princess and I'm glad we never did. My mom named her Dally. I remember that there was three Basset hound puppies, I wanted a tri one and my mom wanted the black and white one... In the end we choice the odd one out.. and never looked back. I remember when we finally went to pick her up in that parking lot behind the mall. I gave her my pink blanket and she rode on my lap home.
Dally was a perfect puppy, well in my childish mind I thought so. I used to pick her up and carry her around. I'd play childish games with her. She was my detective dog or police dog in many of them and for some strange reason I made her eat her dog food in a bowl of water. "Breakfast Time!" I'd tell her.
Dally was a very active Basset Hound, she was one in a million. She loved the out doors, she loved walks, and camping. I remember she'd sit in the camper and wait till we left and wouldn't leave her spot. She never wanted to be left behind on camping trips.
On walks, she always trotted around. I always found my arms spread apart as far as they could go. Katie on the front end, PULLING as hard as she could, and Dally trudging along in the back, her collar jiggling, smelling the ground, I regret not being able to start tracking with her.
I never really had problems with Dally, The only problem was her nose.
Dally loved Carrots and potatoes.. I remember that Dally used to run to the garden when the snow was gone and the ground was still hard and eat the left over carrots... that couldn't have tasted good. She'd do anything for that orange treat.
Dally started Agility in May of 2008. I didn't know it then, but Dally started to teach me a lot about handling and how to do it properly instead of just flailing my arms around. I knew I wanted to compete with Dally some day. She showed everyone that any dog can do agility and love it. She showed everyone not only Border Collies can do agility, that even if your slow and accurate you can win the race. That's how Dally got her name CanDream's Slow N' Steady....
I really miss my Basset hound... My Dally Lomma, my Sat sat. She taught me a lot about life, to live it to the fullest. I hope she taught other things too. She was a teacher and a great dog. She did anything for anyone, but with the stubborn Bassetness. I will never forget my Dally, or what she did for me. She was a one of a kind dog that could never be replaced. I don't know if I could ever own a Basset Hound again because of the impact of Dally.
So here's to Dally! I miss you Dal! You were so amazing...
Rest In Peace Baby Girl!
~Alyssa
Picture from the earlier times when I used to dress Dally up:
On the morning of April 29th Dally was frantic. She had to go to the Bathroom really bad, but nothing happened. When she'd come in the house she immediately wanted to go back outside. She was scared. I then went to school and mom took her to the vet. Dally had a tumor and cancer on her bladder. It was about 4 times the size of her bladder and if she didn't go into the vet that day, her bladder would have burst. The vet tried to save her by taking all the cancer out, but was unsuccessful. My mom said good-bye to her.
When I can home from school with Savannah, I went down the hall and found my mom and dad sitting on the couch. They looked completely sad. I asked my mom where Dally was because I noticed the house was really quiet and no Basset Hound greeted me at the door. My mom just shook her head.. she couldn't say anything.. I didn't know what to say. That's when I knew.....
Dally was a great dog. She lived 10 happy years. I remember when I was little and we went to pick her up. I wanted to call her princess and I'm glad we never did. My mom named her Dally. I remember that there was three Basset hound puppies, I wanted a tri one and my mom wanted the black and white one... In the end we choice the odd one out.. and never looked back. I remember when we finally went to pick her up in that parking lot behind the mall. I gave her my pink blanket and she rode on my lap home.
Dally was a perfect puppy, well in my childish mind I thought so. I used to pick her up and carry her around. I'd play childish games with her. She was my detective dog or police dog in many of them and for some strange reason I made her eat her dog food in a bowl of water. "Breakfast Time!" I'd tell her.
Dally was a very active Basset Hound, she was one in a million. She loved the out doors, she loved walks, and camping. I remember she'd sit in the camper and wait till we left and wouldn't leave her spot. She never wanted to be left behind on camping trips.
On walks, she always trotted around. I always found my arms spread apart as far as they could go. Katie on the front end, PULLING as hard as she could, and Dally trudging along in the back, her collar jiggling, smelling the ground, I regret not being able to start tracking with her.
I never really had problems with Dally, The only problem was her nose.
Dally loved Carrots and potatoes.. I remember that Dally used to run to the garden when the snow was gone and the ground was still hard and eat the left over carrots... that couldn't have tasted good. She'd do anything for that orange treat.
Dally started Agility in May of 2008. I didn't know it then, but Dally started to teach me a lot about handling and how to do it properly instead of just flailing my arms around. I knew I wanted to compete with Dally some day. She showed everyone that any dog can do agility and love it. She showed everyone not only Border Collies can do agility, that even if your slow and accurate you can win the race. That's how Dally got her name CanDream's Slow N' Steady....
I really miss my Basset hound... My Dally Lomma, my Sat sat. She taught me a lot about life, to live it to the fullest. I hope she taught other things too. She was a teacher and a great dog. She did anything for anyone, but with the stubborn Bassetness. I will never forget my Dally, or what she did for me. She was a one of a kind dog that could never be replaced. I don't know if I could ever own a Basset Hound again because of the impact of Dally.
So here's to Dally! I miss you Dal! You were so amazing...
Rest In Peace Baby Girl!
~Alyssa
Picture from the earlier times when I used to dress Dally up:
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Katie's 4th Birthday!
Katie had her 4th Birthday on April 26th. So we don't know the exact date that Katie was born because we rescued her from the SPCA. so what we did was we back tracked using how old she was when we got her and I picked the 26th! Katie has been so great! I love this little dog, no matter what obstacle she's always there for me. I made a video of our memories but it wont let me upload on Blog spot, so I'll have to try again. Katie is amazing, and I know she had a great birthday! I was planning on taking her to a fun trial but had to work, so we played Agility in the backyard when I came home.
-Alyssa & Katie
heres older pictures of me and Katie starting out in agility:
-Alyssa & Katie
heres older pictures of me and Katie starting out in agility:
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Inferiority, 2x2's and a tracking Border Collie?
So I'm sitting in Planning 10 right now... Wait for the lunch bell to ring...
We just did an assignment on Eleanor Roosevelt's quote :
"Nobody can make you feel inferior
without your permission."
Now, at first glance I was so confused. But I read it again and thought to myself what it means. Nobody can put you down or make you feel bad about yourself unless you let them... Now, your probably saying "If someone told me that my nose is dumb, then yes, I would feel bad about it.", But to me if you don't let it get in your way or into what you think about yourself then really Nobody can harm you mentally or make you feel bad about how you look. Now seriously this got me thinking, I shouldn't care what other people think or say about me because it makes them the "Bigger man" and all in all gives them power. I can be me and not let anyone stand in the way with the right set of mind. Now, I don't mean overly, You can have good self-esteem and not be all obsessed with yourself. I just think with the right mind set, you can do anything you want too.. Anything. You can't let people tell you "No you'll never get to Nationals" or "Your dog is worth nothing." Because they really wouldn't know. It's just interesting...
Now, for Easter, I received Susan Garrett's 2x2 DVD, and LOVE it. Wow, I seriously would not have thought to train something that way! She's amazing! Once I get a set of 2x2's Katie's going to have her weaves retrained and I'm so excited to get started! It's a great method. Once Envy's growth plates are closed I'm planning on doing 2x2's with him too.
Speaking of Envy... we have been doing tunnel for awhile as something fun. I love tunnels because they can relieve stress for a dog. So, I got out the big 20 foot tunnel and we did some tunnels. HE LOVES IT! I think he'll be a great distance dog. He just loves to work away from me. He rushed to the tunnel and comes out the other end with a GREAT smile on his face! That's my Beaner! :)
He's also great on a leash! I've been working really hard to make sure he's good on the leash, I've tried so many methods to try to get Katie to walk nice, but I'll have to keep thinking, I don't know what happened before I got her, so I'll have to figure out a new method on my own. But really from what I've been doing, I already see progress. Envy's only problem on leash is when cars come.. He tries to herd them! Now I have to get into HERDING! WOO!! I'll have to talk to my dog friends. :)
Speaking of other dog sports... This Thursday, Envy is going to learn tracking! YEA! I've wanted to try it with Katie and Dally and once I learn it myself I can teach them. So I'm meeting Tania at the high school behind my house and we are going to do some tracking! I'm really excited to learn different sports. I love it.
So, My friend says I've wrote too much, Shows how much Caroline knows. ;) Ha ha. She's on kid's pix coloring. That's usually what we do with all this free time or I check my e-mail. But Facebook and Youtube are blocked.. dang. It sucks. I'm so excited for what the future holds. I truly love my dogs, and that's what matters.
~Alyssa, Dally, Katie & Envy
We just did an assignment on Eleanor Roosevelt's quote :
"Nobody can make you feel inferior
without your permission."
Now, at first glance I was so confused. But I read it again and thought to myself what it means. Nobody can put you down or make you feel bad about yourself unless you let them... Now, your probably saying "If someone told me that my nose is dumb, then yes, I would feel bad about it.", But to me if you don't let it get in your way or into what you think about yourself then really Nobody can harm you mentally or make you feel bad about how you look. Now seriously this got me thinking, I shouldn't care what other people think or say about me because it makes them the "Bigger man" and all in all gives them power. I can be me and not let anyone stand in the way with the right set of mind. Now, I don't mean overly, You can have good self-esteem and not be all obsessed with yourself. I just think with the right mind set, you can do anything you want too.. Anything. You can't let people tell you "No you'll never get to Nationals" or "Your dog is worth nothing." Because they really wouldn't know. It's just interesting...
Now, for Easter, I received Susan Garrett's 2x2 DVD, and LOVE it. Wow, I seriously would not have thought to train something that way! She's amazing! Once I get a set of 2x2's Katie's going to have her weaves retrained and I'm so excited to get started! It's a great method. Once Envy's growth plates are closed I'm planning on doing 2x2's with him too.
Speaking of Envy... we have been doing tunnel for awhile as something fun. I love tunnels because they can relieve stress for a dog. So, I got out the big 20 foot tunnel and we did some tunnels. HE LOVES IT! I think he'll be a great distance dog. He just loves to work away from me. He rushed to the tunnel and comes out the other end with a GREAT smile on his face! That's my Beaner! :)
He's also great on a leash! I've been working really hard to make sure he's good on the leash, I've tried so many methods to try to get Katie to walk nice, but I'll have to keep thinking, I don't know what happened before I got her, so I'll have to figure out a new method on my own. But really from what I've been doing, I already see progress. Envy's only problem on leash is when cars come.. He tries to herd them! Now I have to get into HERDING! WOO!! I'll have to talk to my dog friends. :)
Speaking of other dog sports... This Thursday, Envy is going to learn tracking! YEA! I've wanted to try it with Katie and Dally and once I learn it myself I can teach them. So I'm meeting Tania at the high school behind my house and we are going to do some tracking! I'm really excited to learn different sports. I love it.
So, My friend says I've wrote too much, Shows how much Caroline knows. ;) Ha ha. She's on kid's pix coloring. That's usually what we do with all this free time or I check my e-mail. But Facebook and Youtube are blocked.. dang. It sucks. I'm so excited for what the future holds. I truly love my dogs, and that's what matters.
~Alyssa, Dally, Katie & Envy
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Pink Paws?
So, the dogs were really good the other day and so mom thought that they should get a treat! When she went shopping she came back with bacon treats for Dally and Envy. Envy likes to hold his treats in his paws and then eat them. We've never given these bones to the dogs before so, me and mom sat there and watched the dogs. Mom started noticeing that Envy was turning pink! OH NO! So we kept watching just incase, and sure enough when he was done he was pink. Not getting these treats again! Silly puppy had a bath after! :)
~Alyssa & Envy
~Alyssa & Envy
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Welcome to PureEnvy's Blog!
So alittle about myself? I'm a junior Handler of a Sheltie/terrier mix who I rescued from our local shelter. We compete in Agility and are in current training for Rally-O. I also have a 10 year old Basset hound who occasionally does agility.... or just for the food? And of course I'm getting a puppy soon, who I've taken to call "Envy". Why would my blog be called PureEnvy? The meaning of Katies name is "pure" and My puppy's name is Envy. :D
Katie currently lives with my Grandma. I've been training Katie in agility since 2007. Although I don't see Katie very often we still have gotten very far in our agility carrier. With Katie being my first agility dog, we have had some complication which we are currently working on. Katie never fails to make me laugh, she's a good hearted dog who is amazing to work with. She has truly changed my life and I'm entirly greatful for her. She has a bright future. :)
Katie's Twist of Fate. "Katie"
Katie currently lives with my Grandma. I've been training Katie in agility since 2007. Although I don't see Katie very often we still have gotten very far in our agility carrier. With Katie being my first agility dog, we have had some complication which we are currently working on. Katie never fails to make me laugh, she's a good hearted dog who is amazing to work with. She has truly changed my life and I'm entirly greatful for her. She has a bright future. :)CanDream's Slow N' Steady "Dally"
Dally has lived with me for all of 10 years. She's a good hearted soul. Who, like every Basset Hound, is obsessed with food! Dally is my first puppy ever. She's grown up loving life, esspecially the out doors. This is one of the reasons Dally loves Agility. She started agility when she was 9, Dally does it just for fun, every once and awhile. :)
HillCrest Gettin' Jealous? "Envy"
This fella will be joining me at the end of March. I'm so excited to see how his future comes out. He comes from the amazing HillCrest Kennels and is currently 5 weeks old. I'm so excited to meet him!
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