31 Days of Training - Day One

I created a training challenge on my Shih Tzu Agility blog called 31 Days of Training.  Each day, participants practice "something" with their dog(s) - agility, obedience, tricks, manners.  Just a little bit each day makes a difference and strengthens the dog/owner bond.

Today was "Day One" - here is my training session:

Louie - worked contacts (running on a board) and weaves - channel (six poles) and weave entrances.

Note to self: It's difficult to take pictures (and train).  Just don't have enough free arms.  Use the tripod and the remote.

Teddy: Worked weaves (send thru the channel weaves) using the Ready Treat remote trainer.

Annie: Couldn't wait for her turn.  Was so excited she nearly jumped off of the back of the couch into the training area.  We worked on obedience - heeling and recalls.

Day 1 = Success!  Looking forward to Day 2.

Louie - before the show

I took this photo of Louie right before we were going to leave for a "dog show" - agility trial.  He was so excited to go that he didn't want to "stay" for a picture.  I was able to get this quick one before he raced for the door. 



He qualified that weekend - was 20 seconds under course time.  Not bad for a dog who is almost thirteen years old.

Louie's Agility Run

Windy Westie Photo Day

Yesterday, during the super windy afternoon, I was able to spend some time with my friend Dawn and her West Highland White Terrier, Einstein, for some photos in the park.  We were able to get a few good ones where it didn't look like he was going to blow away to Oz!  (That's a different kind of terrier that does that.)

And here's Einstein showing off how smart he is (he lives up to his name, of course):

It's been a while since I have posted to the blog; I need to share more often.

Happy Birthday, Leapin Louie

Today is a very special day - it's Leapin Louie's birthday!  He's 12 (or three ... depending how you look at it - and that's not the first time I've said that today!)

Louie is my first Shih Tzu and what has got me involved in this "crazy" world of dogs.  I thought this would be a good opportunity to share Louie's story.

I got interested in Shih Tzu when a friend of mine bought one.  Baxter shares a birthday with me and I'm his special Auntie.

THE SEARCH ...
In 2000, when we were in the process of building our first home, I knew that we needed a dog (the cats disagreed).  I started my search in early March.  My original search consisted of a call to my vet for referrals.  This lead to a chain of phone calls which eventually led me to Louie's breeder, who was about two hours southwest of here.  I wanted a male, and she had just had a litter of three pups, one was male.  Something about this seemed "right" to me, so I agreed to put a deposit on him, sight unseen.  What a risky move!  She said that we could plan a visit to see him at about six weeks of age, and we'd pick him up a few weeks later.

It occurred to me after I hung up the phone that the breeder mentioned the litter being born about "a week an a half ago" - which was close to February 29th.  When I talked to her again, I asked the date of birth ... sure enough, leap year pups.

This is one of the first pictures I have of Louie - he's on the right.

THEN CAME THE WAITING ...

In the weeks to follow, I started planning for our "new arrival."  Pets.com had been recently launched and I did quite a bit of my first ever online shopping.  (Louie still has a toy from those initial purchases.)  

We got to go down and visit with Louie when he turned six weeks old.  I borrowed my friend's digital camera and took some pictures.  (First time I ever used a digital camera!)  By this time, we already knew that we wanted to name him Louie, but hadn't thought of a "registered" name for him.

 That's me with Louie.  Ignore my perm.

 Louie is less than thrilled about the basket pose.

 So cute - mini Louie.

 First "Smilin' Lou" photo

Cute puppy belly.

MORE TO COME!

"Is that a real dog?" -- My day at the dog show.

A group of us went to Chicago for the International Kennel Club's annual AKC dog show.  The show includes conformation, obedience, and rally (and VENDORS!).  They used to also offer agility; I showed Louie there several years ago.  I have to admit ... this particular show is much more fun to go there as a spectator rather than an exhibitor.  (Lots of walking involved to get to the show area.  I'd hate to tote all of my show stuff around there.)

This is Chase.  If he looks familiar, you may have seen him before ... he won Best of Breed at Westminster recently (and was on TV for the group judging.)  Chase belongs to a friend of mine.

One of the questions I heard a few times as Chase was waiting in the grooming area for his show time, was "Is that a real dog?"

Breakfast on the move

Normally, Teddy eats his meals in his crate, so he can't go anywhere.  However, over Christmas, he ate his meals in the kitchen.  He gets so "into" eating that he ends up pushing his bowl all over the room.

Seasons Greetings from the Shih Tzu Crew

Angry Bird

Louie got a new toy ... an Angry Bird!  It makes sounds, which Louie LOVES.

Sheltie Party!

We are dog sitting two Shelties for the weekend.  Two of my Shih Tzu, Louie and Annie are enjoying the houseguests.  However, Teddy, the baby, doesn't really know what to think.  He's not as happy.

It is nice to have some new "models" to shoot!  Just wish daylight lasted longer so I could have more time to play.