Saw the cute little LT at training last night. Gustavo’s rule— no socializing on the field, Monica and I were bad and broke the rule— LT was a little distracted at times because of it. But otherwise did very well. Dale and Sarah were there with Millie, their Joker – Kira daughter. OH MY! 6 months old and the heeling is beautiful, trial-ready perfect! Love it!!!
Kira is about 6 weeks pregnant so she is on hiatus from training. I miss working with her and plan to have her back out for training asap after Gustavo is back from his winter break. I am currently training Ana and Cadence. Unfortunately, at two years of age, I am starting from scratch with Cadence. Gustavo is having me go back to basics, build the foundation properly and do her training right. Ana, compared to Cadence, is a nice change of pace. She is not as strong as Cadence and much easier on the old body. 🙂
I have gone through several books lately that were just so-so including some new releases from tried-and-true authors such as Deaver, Baldacci, and Koontz. I just finished reading “Fever Dream” by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, a Pendergast novel. Ahhh, at last, a good book. Loose ends were left so another Pendergast book will be in the works.
About the only time I watch movies is when I fly and it seemed like the selections were really uninspiring, but tired of playing suduko, I watched Robin Hood with Russell Crowe and Kate Blanchard. I would describe the movie as being about the making of Robin Hood, perhaps positioning itself for some sequels? I wasn’t expecting much and found that I enjoyed it quite a bit. Maybe that is the secret to a good movie, don’t have high expectations? I also really liked the movie “Hurt Locker”. Despite winning an Oscar for Best Picture all the buzz I heard was negative. I watched this one at home…and if I sit straight through a movie at home it is a very rare occurrence… this movie I watched straight through. I think that says it all, but just for clarification, IMHO the movie was excellent.
I ran across an Albert Einstein quote that perfectly defined someone I know “The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources.” It would be a perfect epitaph for them. Musing over people, I wonder why they so frequently disappointed me? I think the best of people. I expect people to do the right thing. I live my life with the “what goes around comes around” philosophy. Mos will frequently remind me “no good deed goes unpunished.” If I change my thinking and lower my expectations—–think the worst and be suspicious…then I probably would be disappointed much less…..
All-righty then, I will quit my ramblings with another quote: “Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something. – Plato
What is considered “basic foundations” for Cadence? I am curious because we are still doing basic obedience (and believe me Nuke still needs more work on it!) but the books I’ve been reading don’t really talk about the order in which things should be done to be best taught properly. I am sure I will hear an earful when I go to the club meeting but the most recent one was canceled due to weather. 🙁
I like the blogging about books and movies! I am all out of new books at the moment, alas.
Read this describes schutzhund obedience:
https://24kgsd.com/blog/2010/01/03/schutzhund-obedience/
The type of obedience we desire in schutzhund is not what you can (with most dogs) achieve with food treats. Food can release serotonin in the brain which can have a calming effect. We are not exactly looking for calm. We are looking for animated-focused attention.
In a nut-shell, foundations we are working on with Cadence include: building desire and drive for the ball promoting correct biting behavior. She likes to be chewy on the ball and the sleeve and we are working on calmly holding the sleeve/ball. You also want to encourage close proximity to yourself as always being rewarding. Developing a good relationship with your dog is everything.
Stacy, I use to blog about every book I read, but haven’t recently. I like to hear what other people have to say about books too, even if it is just a quick opinion. recently I started listening to “Life” on audio the autobiography of Keith Richards (Rolling Stones). The book is being read by his friend Johnny Dep. Keith opens the audio book with an introduction and Johnny Dep takes over. The switch is barely discernible. The writing is super…and I find myself wondering if he had a ghost writer? And how he can remember so much and be so cognizant after all those drugs…. I guess I will find out.
Shame on you & Monica for breaking Gustavo’s golden rule! Who can resist a cute pup. 😉
Those of us on the blog would like to see a video of our new superstar model doing her heeling. She is not just a pretty face, you know.
I’m sorry that so much time and money was wasted on Cadence’s training. At least now she is on the right track and you can get her titled.
Julie – I LOVE that Plato quote! And I love your writings. You have made me think. You have made me cry (Zamp). And all of your friends from the O litter have made me laugh! Your line is wonderful (I know you know that)! I would like to share a book I’m currently reading, The Power of Intention, by Wayne Dyer. It has helped me let go of my tendency to be disappointed by certain people’s behaviors. I also love one of his most famous quotes, which I try to live my life by “What you think about expands”. Check him out if you get time!
Thanks for all you do!
Carla
I will Carla, thank you. My friend Margot always tells me similar things to your Wayne Dyer quote.
I have the Wayne Dyer “Change Your Thoughts–Change Your Life” 6-CD Live Seminar set, which I would be glad to loan out.