Dog'ged Juniors

Hi all, it's been a while since I've posted here.  I've been fairly busy lately, first with school, and now that summer's here, work :)  This whole 'being an adult' thing is highly overrated, I think   Anyway, nothing new or exciting has really happened here lately (at least not compared to what others have posted lately :D ) but we have been having a fairly fun summer so far.  A couple weeks ago we went to an agility trial in Illinois-- as usual I messed up a lot, but we managed to get our first Q (and 1st place!) in Novice Jumpers.  Then last weekend we went camping in Lake Geneva, WI, and while we were down there my mom took Chopper to a sheep herding clinic & instinct test.  Anyway without further ado here are the pics (and some poor-quality video-- sorry my camera sucks).

This is the site where the trial was held.  It was a really nice day, although the weather couldn't seem to decide whether it wanted to be hot or cold.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n207/AnnieW_2006/DSCN3201.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Fundog%20NADAC%20trial%206/6/10%22%3E%3C/a%3E" />  

Smush and Chopper chillin' in the x-pen.  Chopper hasn't started competing in trials yet because he's still pretty crazy and hard to control in the ring -- it doesn't help that he's super fast and we're total noobie handlers...  he tries his best though...

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n207/AnnieW_2006/DSCN3200.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Smush%20&%20Chopper%22%3E%3C/a%3E" />

One of our flyball friend's dogs in their x-pen:

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n207/AnnieW_2006/DSCN3202.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22Shifter,%20Speaker%20&%20Skaner%22%3E%3C/a%3E" />

And a little red BC puppy that came to visit... he was kind of a little stinker, but cute (I love puppies when they're not mine, haha )

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n207/AnnieW_2006/DSCN3203.jpg%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22puppy%21%22%3E%3C/a%3E" />

And here's Smushie's fail run in Novice Tunnelers... we were doing good at first, but then Smush got distracted by the pretty pink tunnel and ran off-course... that's my boy

And here's our Q in Jumpers.  It was a really easy course, but I was worried that I would still find a way to mess it up -- I was so nervous I wasn't even directing Smush correctly, and I'm amazed I didn't trip over myself... but he did it right anyway.  I knew that dog was good for something

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n207/AnnieW_2006/th_DSCN3206.jpg[/IMG][/URL]" />

I'll post more pics in a minute, assuming I can get them to show up.

Edit: I can't get the videos to show up, so here's the links if you want to see them:

Never mind, now it won't even let me link to the videos... anyone have any advice?    Oh well, they're not that good anyway.

Let's see if this works... these are the proffessional pictures that were taken at the trial.  I'm still debating which ones I want to buy... actually I kind of want them all, they turned out really good.

Touch 'n' Go (which we failed at because Smush forgot how to hit the contact at the bottom of the A-frame)

http://www.pawprintpictures.com/p26096239/e367dec14

Tunnelers:

http://www.pawprintpictures.com/p136740489/e3e916fea

http://www.pawprintpictures.com/p136740489/e21160d2f

Jumpers:

http://www.pawprintpictures.com/p99997103/e103f29aa

(sorry it's not letting me post pictures or links... luckily the rest of my pics are from photobucket so they should work okay).

Here are the herding pictures. 

Chopper in the pen with the sheep.  I know that these instinct tests aren't really "real" herding but we had fun anyway.  As we predicted, at first Chopper was scared and had no idea what to do and kept running back to his mommy... but eventually he got it   We were quite proud of him.

More sheep chasing.  I was secretly hoping he would magically crouch down and do the border collie "eye" thing, but he pretty much just chased them in a circle.  Which is still really good for a dog with absolutely no training.  I wish we had the time and money to actually train him but unfortunately we just don't right now... maybe someday...

While we were sitting around, my mom played frisbee with Chopper to keep him occupied.  All the while he was playing, these two dogs just sat and stared at him.  They knew they weren't allowed to leave the trailer... it must have been sheer torture for them... it was rather hilarious for us though

At the herding test, we discovered that Chopper has a big, fluffy twin named Monty. Same age, same markings, same personality, same mannerisms... you can't really tell from the photo, but they even have the same crazy facial expression. When Shannon (the lady running the test) first saw Monty, she thought he was Chopper. Then she asked if they were littermates. They almost could be, but their background stories don't quite match up. Even those are weirdly similar, though-- they both came from farms in northern WI... crazy stuff, man... O_o

And finally, here are some random pics that I took when we went hiking at Chain' O' Lakes State Park in northern IL.  It's a very pretty place; it has rivers, wetlands, and lots of oak savannah.  If you're ever in the area I would highly recommend checking it out.

Thanks for looking!  The funny thing was, it was kinda cloudy all day but didn't rain... and then just after we got back to the car, it started downpouring.  OMG we actually had good timing for once!

Congrats on your Q! It really is fun seeing them figure out the herding

Thanks!  So far it's our only Q, granted we've only been to 2 trials so far.  We always come SO close and then blow it... it's way different from flyball, where little mistakes don't really matter 'cause you get to do it over again a million times anyway... I know, "welcome to agility," right?  Haha.  As long as Smush enjoys himself I know I shouldn't worry about it too much.  And the herding was really fun-- I hope we are able to try some real herding someday.  Does Queezle still herd, or are you too busy with school now?     

Love the pictures! Glad you had fun.

We haven't really done much herding in a while, though my mom is taking Tia and her Terv Hokey to a trial in July. Queezle is currently on maternity leave I must admit herding is not my favorite sport, so although I feel the herding dogs *should* get herding titles, I don't focus on it haha.

On the agility - tell me about it. Hokey and I are in Excellent in AKC, and keep having gorgeous runs but he mucks up the weave entry. Flash has a habit of taking one bar. Ah well, as long as the run is nice it keeps me coming back

Hey, so I am new to this site, and was wondering if you guys can give me any tips of herding and agility with my border, I have a red and white border. I just want to prepare myself for this before I put her through it.

She has shown great potential in herding (like most borders do I guess) . I use her for my trick shows and obedience sessions.

For herding, your best bet is to find an experienced handler to train with (and preferably someone who has Border Collies as the different breeds tend to work very differently). Herding is a very expensive hobby, as unless you have your own sheep you will need to travel somewhere and pay for lessons. It can be really neat though to see your dog doing what she was bred for!

Agility is easier, as odds are good there is a dog club in your area or an individual instructor that teaches classes. Most BCs are FAST and really intense about agility, though some are more laid back, will depend on your girl's personality. 

Both sports can be very enjoyable... good luck with your girl and keep us posted!