New Title

[Jeannie]

Just a brag to let everyone know that Samantha now has her ASCA CD.

She has 3 CD titles--UKC AKC and ASCA.

We now are working toward open.

I plan to start showing open this fall. This is her last obedience show till fall. It is just too hot to show our Newfies during the summer. We have an agility trial next Sunday and Monday--if it is not too hot.
Jeannie and Sam officially known as:
UKC-CD Keepsake Precious Heirloom CD CD CGC

 

[Frank]

CONGRATS!!! I'll bet it's great to be such proud parents. I also live in ohio where are the events that you are going to. They might be something that I may be interested in going to. I have a brand new pup and I would like to get her into some kind of training. Any help is greatly appreciated! Have a great day!

 

[Lynne]

Congratulations, Jeannie! And good luck in Open. A friend used to call it "Hopin'". Utility was "Futility", in his book.

 

[Jeannie]

"Hopin" and "Futility" I Love it

I can see where he came up with those terms. I am having the most trouble with the dumb bell. Sam wants to "Play" with it or she won't take it at all. Thing are getting better. She loves to retreive, but not in a "controlled" way. Oh well, at least she is having fun
Jeannie

 

[Jeannie]

Where in Ohio do you live??? I live in Greenville which is about 1 hour north/northwest of Dayton. Most of the trials I attend are in this area. I don't spend a lot of money traveling to events because I do this just for fun. If Sam was not spay (she is a rescue) I would be more serious about it. I am traveling to Hamilton next weekend for an agility event--that will be the longest I have traveled--if you don't count the National Speciality. I will be traveling to near Cleveland in June for a drafting seminar. It is hosted by the Berner Club. Seminar on Sat and match on Sunday. I think it will be fun. I goal this year is to get a title on Sam in three different areas. This year she has already got 2 obedience titles (AKC & ASCA), and 2 legs in AKC Agility (we need one more for our NA title) and I hope to get a draft title this fall. (I am probably only dreaming, but I can still hope)

For your puppy, if you want to do obedience--work on attention. That is the most important of all. If you don't have attention you have nothing. Tell him/her to "watch me" when she looks at you give her a treat. Keep this up till you can get a one minute watch with you in heel position without talking to him/her at all. Start by standing in front and slowly work your way into heel position. Remember lots of coaxing and treats in the beginning and slowly take them away. Have fun!!
Jeannie

 

[Frank]

Thanks for the info. I live in Canton, about an hour south of Cleveland. Abby is only 9 weeks and quite the little ball of energy. It's hard to keep her attention for 10 seconds let alone for a minute. I want her to be a well behaved baby but don't really know where to begin. Thanks for any help you can give.

 

[Jeannie]

Frank,
At nine weeks of age you cannot expect attention for one minute. As I said you have to start slowly. At first she may only give you a glance--1 or 2 seconds, but that is where you start. Just hold the food up to your face and say "watch me" as soon as she looks at you give it to her. Attention is not something that is learned all at once. Starting now is the best time. You will be surprised at the results. Remember do not expect too much from your puppy. Don't make him/her wait too long for the treat. Keep your puppy happy and make it a game.
Jeannie

 

[Lynne]

Frank, you might try to find a good Kindergarten Puppy class. Your vet might be able to recommend one. That's a great way to start your puppy out.

 

[Theresa]

Congratulations to Samantha