Updating!

I have found it really funny how hard it is to train and compete with 4 dogs in agility and keep up with this blog...oh yeah...and start a business.  Our summer was so busy as the baby girls began their agility careers. Leia finished her novice jumpers and standard titles at her 2nd trial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tc3nWkR2Ggk.  She is very sassy and mouths off while she runs.  Shadow struggles (she doesn't think so) with contacts but her jumpers skills are fabulous. She is now in Excellent Jumpers http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqeKjxGwbfQ.  I'm amazed that a fast little 10 inch tall dog can jump contacts but she certainly can and does.  

In June I made the decision to break Karma's two-on-two-off and go with running contacts. That process has been, and continues to be one of the most difficult things I've ever trained. Things have progressed well enough that her Aframe is just about as perfect as I could expect but her dogwalk still needs improvement.


In addition, Keegan and Karma had a busy USDAA year as they qualified for the Cynosport World Games held in Louisville, KY October 11-16, 2011. Both dogs qualified in Performance Speed Jumping and Performance Grand Prix.   We had a great show as both dogs got to run in the finals.  Keegan even threw down an amzing Performance Grand Prix run to put us on the podium with a bronze medal.  Karma won the Performance Speed Jumping Semi Finals which put us in the first seat going into the finals.  Karma and I had an off course in the finals but I so enjoyed the opportunity to push hard in a final round with both dogs. It was an amazing expereience. The girls will be experiencing their first USDAA trial next weekend.  I can't wait!

Where have I been?

OK, yes, it's been almost 6 months since my last post.  I have no excuses other than I've just been busy.  The baby girls have grown up and are quickly approaching their first birthday, this coming Sunday.  They are running sequences now and are just a joy.  I am very anxious to see how they continue to develop.  Currently, Shadow is a speed demon that can weave as fast as Karma.  She has also developed an array of tricks including a "moonwalk" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNBtrLBqkBc. Of course with speed, comes a lot of off courses.  Additionally, Shadow likes to jump her contacts; therefore, she is still on lower boards and we are focusing on utilizing Syliva Trkman's methods.  Leia on the other hand is meticulous and also quite fast.  Her running contacts seem to be built in.  How nice is that? This video was in January when they were up to 6 inches.  They currently are both up to 20 inches and doing well.   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3fuYHl-I0U.  Leia isn't as far along with weaves as Shadow; however, I suspect she will be the first one I compete with.  They will be 15 months the end of June and I'm considering their debut at the Nebraska Kennel Club show in July.