Happy Birthday to Hasten

Hi Folks!

This week we celebrate my crazy sister, Hasten's 2nd birthday. This means she is going to be getting an official jump height card in AKC agility. It's hard to believe she is already two!

Here is a little bit of her birthday celebration-- 1st, shopping at PetSmart:

Hasten meets the cats!

There is TOO much to focus on!!!

What is in here?

For two weeks Mom has been sneaking Hasten out and taking her to Winchester to practice on the turf at the Blue Ridge Dog Training Club...yes, I know about it! Here's a video of one of her runs and some play with Hasten on her Bday.

Click here: Hasten's 2nd bday


In other news, my little brother, Ciaran has at least doubled in his length and is having a great time in agility. (Silly boy!) He and Hasten spend hours playing and he is a nice enough little brother. Mom has been trying to take pictures of his darkness (it seems he is hard to photograph and Ciaran does mean "little dark one" in Celtic). He graduated from beginning agility this week!

Ciaran can still get under the couch and drive his sister crazy!

My parents gave Hasten a bath the other day and I had a near panic attack! I was just sure I was next. Luckily I got away but I spent the rest of the night trying to avoid them by turning my back to them.  Here I am in the kitchen. They don't exist...they don't exist...

They tricked me! No bath that night--but the Groomer on Wed!

Have a great weekend people!
Peace Out!
Barclay, Reluctant Agility Dog, Wordsmith.

Of heat, relatives and agility

Greetings people of human land!
I am writing today to catch up on our last couple of weeks.

Our grandmother came to visit us from Florida. She was hoping for some cooler weather than was at her home but she enjoyed coming to visit anyway. We didn't get to spend much time with her because she doesn't really like dogs and doesn't think they should be in a house...I don't know what is wrong with her. I always sit quietly next to her but since my sister has absolutely NO impulse control, we all had to stay in the kitchen until she went to bed every night.

The humans all went to the Massanutten ski slopes to watch fireworks and had this thing where they put the food on a blanket in the ground...which I would have liked to have been invited to!!! That sounds like easy pickin's for food!!! I think they call it a picnic. Either way, we got to try some of the food that Mom made for about 14 people!

In addition, our human sister Samy drove her 1st road trip (14 hours)--to visit us from Florida!! It was nice to see her --we had missed her and love playing with her.

This past weekend we all went to Winchester, VA to a trial. Hasten competed in her 1st 3 day trial and she earned her Open Standard title and moved to her 1st Excellent class.

It was a good weekend. We had lots of Q's --and on Sunday, I earned another Double Q! It was tough--it was so hot outside and not much cooler inside that I got to stay home on one day but I didn't even do that much squirrel hunting! The most interesting news is that Mom ran me in Standard class!!! Here is our first run together in almost 4 months---Wendy ran me in Jumpers and together we Double Q'd---NUMBER 18--as if that is important!!! Actually our Sunday runs are here:

Winchester July 2012 Runs

Hasten started feeling sickly (tummy trouble) on Sunday and although she Q'd in one class, she did not in the last class of the evening. I actually felt sorry for my little bratty sister--she was quite pitiful. (Total Q's--3 for Hasten, 3 for me!)

Ciaran was, as usual, the hit of the day. He came to the trial with us on Sunday with Dad and everyone wanted to see him, pet him and ask what he is. Someone actually asked if there were more like him available. I guess they think he is cute.

Here is two little clips of him starting agility--he really loves it--kind of crazy--I don't remember ever being that happy in class...especially in my first few weeks...er months!

Ciran's 1st class tunnel and chute

Ciaran 2nd class



In other Ciaran-related news--he has learned how to jump up on the couch--not sure how something with legs so short can do this but here's proof!

Anyway, glad things have cooled off around here--we have been on two walks and have chased several squirrels. 

Thanks for reading folks!
I have to go snark at my little brother and sister!

Of Double Q's and HEAT!
Hi everyone! I am reporting on the past week and my adventures. Tuesday was Mom's birthday and the weather here was amazing! It was only 77 degrees and a steady breeze so we all went on a very long walk in the Arboretum. The only bad part of the experience was that the creek bed was completely dried out!! Hasten and I really wanted to play in the water but there was none to be found. As we rounded the park area, we got close to the duck pond and both of us jumped in! Ciaran just had his feet a little wet--he did not understand how much fun it is. Mom was not thrilled---when we got out our feet, legs and tummies were black from the mucky pond! We had a great time though!

Later in the week the temperatures rose terribly!  I knew something was up--Mom was packing up the agility stuff and twice she snuck out of the house with Hasten and tried to distract me so I wouldn't know they were going to agility practice. I guess it's OK---I didn't really want to go run doing stupid agility when it is so hot!

Sure enough, on Friday morning the three of us (Mom, Hasten and I), went with Wendy from Peak Performance to Lynchburg, VA. That was the hottest agility trial I have ever attended. I heard Mom say that is was so hot that I was going to pack up my stuff and leave. Luckily we had this really nice air conditioned building to hang out in and mom put our cool coats on us. I ran first in FAST class but I didn't understand the directions for my Send and missed it. I was in a good mood though. When I was getting ready for Jumpers I found this man sitting in the shade and I ran straight to him. He petted me and made me do the Dancing Booty and that made me happy. Mom was cheering me on and I gave her a bunch of kisses at the start line. (I have NO idea why!---what was wrong with me?--I was in a decent mood!) I ran with Wendy in JWW's and Q'd and got 2nd place! Mom was very happy---and she and Wendy couldn't believe I made time--since it was so hot and I don't usually do well in the heat.

Later, I gave Mom many more kisses and then they took me out to the Standard class. Did I mention it was really hot. Someone said 107 degrees!!! I did NOT like the 2nd obstacle--the dogwalk--it was SOOOOO hot! but Wendy said that if I would hurry up it wouldn't be over soon so I kept going. Guess what? I Q'd and got 2nd place! Everyone was so happy and talking about that ridiculous Double Q thing again. That makes 17--whatever that means!

My sister Hasten did well too--she got her 1st Q in FAST class (2nd place) and her 1st Q in Time 2 Beat (1st place). She never once went sniffing or ran out of the ring. We all thought she would jump the fencing and go visit since it was her first outdoor trial. Surprisingly my little freak of sister did very well.

When we got home a HUGE storm came and we had no power for 24 hours! Exciting! We all got to sleep down in the basement with Mom and Dad.

I have to say that going to trials now and watching her get treats out of the special treat bag and seeing her get her own frozen "baby food" jar is quite motivating. Perhaps I will do a little more agility...if I am made to.

My grandmother arrived from Florida so she will be here a few days--that will mean we have to stay in the kitchen--because she doesn't really "do" animals. My sister is going to go crazy!!!

Here's the video of our runs. Click here: Our runs

So, peeps--who knows why, but I had a good time on Friday! Heat and all!

Peace Out!
Barclay, semi-reluctant agility dog

Danger! and Excitement!

My first real hike in 3 months w/ Mom! 

Tonight was full of excitement! Mom waited until later hoping the evening would cool off to take all 3 of us. We headed down the street and toward the Arboretum to begin our first hike on uneven ground and through the woods w/ Mom. Mom was doing really well, and then a little Bichon came running towards us---the dog would NOT back off. So, Hasten and I both got really angry. The dog was going after our baby brother and so Hasten and I yelled and warned it to leave...it did not! Mom tried to move us out of the way--but it kept following us. Finally, a woman came out and collected the dog and apologized. We both gave it a major scolding and were ready to fight! (So much for the training our fill in dog walker Felicity had been doing to desensitize us to reacting to dogs we see on the hikes...Game on Dudes! )

Mom's biggest cardio of the trip was from the fear that we would get hurt and she said she never even felt tired from the trip up suicide hill or any of the two other hills as she was still having palpitations (whatever those are) from the dog fight! 

Mom was really surprised that it was still daylight out at 9 pm!! We told her that's what happens when you sit on a couch for 3 months! The last 30 or more yards, Cirian's  little legs gave out--and mom had to carry him up the hill to the house. Probably enough walking for a 5 month old no-legged dog! 

Ciaran was a good dog!

So, over all, it was a successful walk for mom and fun for us. She made the 1st loop (at least 40 minutes) with lots of terrain changes and had no problems with her ankle (in her attractive brace, of course) but her heel still hurts! Just as we got to our driveway, a rabbit sat doing it's sneaky sit and blend-in trick--but it was near the green grass and we saw it right away! Hah!

We warned all the neighbors about that rabbit! 

I have some pictures to share of a few things that happened this week. 

1st Hasten watching Dad eat a Popsicle! 

Good wait! 

A year ago my sister would be on my Dad's head!!---She wasn't allowed to be near the humans when they were eating!! Look how well behaved she was! Weird!

Here is how our new baby brother sleeps! 

 

I told him that boy dogs should not trust their privates like that!! No telling what might happen! You won't see ME sleeping like that!

Finally, I leave you with an embarrassing picture that Mom took. I don't like my sister (or anyone really) to get in my bed (or near it) when I sleep. Mom has been chiding me about it because Hasten has even tried to sneak between the couch and the wall to get in this bed with me. I always snark and tell her to get lost. This time I let her hang out. I think I must be feeling ill. Better get extra treats or special treatment for being so nice!

At least she is respecting my space!!!

That's all I have for you...head back to camp!
Peace Out Folks!
Barclay, Reluctant Agility Dog.

Memorial Day Weekend 2012--We Rocked!

Hola!

I come to you with information about all things Agility. This is because my mom took Hasten and I to an agility trial this past Memorial Day Weekend. Our teacher and friend Wendy ran us in the trial since Mom is still broken. Sorry---hardly any pictures--just a story about our weekend and video!




Look at all our booty! Hasten can't even see out of her crate!

The Capital Cocker Club put on a really nice trial in a soccer field house in Fredericksburg, VA and we competed on Sunday and Monday. On Sunday I had a really happy run in Standard. I don't know why but from the start I just felt good. It wasn't super chilly or any of the conditions that usually make me happy but since Mom has been limiting how much agility I have to do, I think I was just ready. I did the fastest teeter I have ever done in competition and I had really fast weaves if I do say so myself!

So, I Q'd and Wendy and Mom were very happy.  I actually ran a 71 second course in 59.54 seconds...4th place! There were 16 dogs in that class...not bad for a reluctant dog!

MANY hours later in the other ring I ran in my Jumpers and Weaves class...I was not as happy--What can you expect people?...I had been lying about in my crate for at least 4 hours and didn't get to see a single squirrel!! But, I had some fun in the weaves and the jump pattern was really nice so... I Q'd in that too! One of those darn Double Q's Mom is always talking about!
Hasten ran in her Novice classes and had a very good weekend. I find it somewhat upsetting that she gets to run (and more importantly get really good treats and get her baby food jar like I do!) She ran in her JWW's class where she needed only 1 leg to get her title---it was a 41 second course--that she completed in 17 seconds! If you blinked you wouldn't see it. (It is at the end of my blog here) This was her Novice Jumpers title!  Her Standard class was good too--she had a couple of problems but stayed attentive and Q'd and got 2nd place. Her boyfriend  (and my friend first) Sully got 1st! (You can see this run in the video below)

Hasten and Barclay run

On Monday we had a good day as well, I know---shocking--who knew?

Hasten Q'd in her first Open Jumpers course and had only one mistake (good thing, since Open only allows for one mistake...she had to restart her weaves.) She ran the 44 second course in 29.44 (w/ the restart!) 1st place.

Her Standard course went well--she had a 76 second course and ran it in 38.77. A first place and a Q...and her NOVICE Standard Title! So, she accomplisher her NA and NAJ this weekend! She IS the little freak I have been telling you about for over a year now!

I ran in Standard early and it was cooler, so for a second day run (where I usually go on strike and refuse to run) I did pretty good. I Q'd! Standard is HARD and has a bunch of crap we have to do--so Qing is good!  In Jumpers I was getting really annoyed at being there for 2 days but I decided to try and I actually Q'd and finished 6th among 14 dogs. Not bad! So, yes, another Double Q! Mom says that brings us to 15. Whoopee!!

Mine and Hasten's Runs Sunday

Special Thanks to Wendy from Peak Performance Peak Performance from running us this weekend! We hope we made you proud from all the years of teaching us and the help running us while Mom is broken is greatly appreciated (even though somehow you both have tricked me into having some fun and Double Q-ing both days!)

While I am at it, I would also like to tell all my doggie (and kitty) friends about the food that Aunt Wendy sells. It is called Life's Abundance and it is yummy! There are treats and dental chews too! You can check out their high quality, yummy food at the Peak Performance site or go straight to Life's Abundance. You can have your food autoshipped to you. Ours just shows up magically at our doorstep by that annoying man in a BROWN truck!

Hasten JWW run on Sunday and Standard on Monday

That's all folks! I am on agility vacation for over a month!!! I will be blogging but NOT about agility!--At least my agility.

Peace Out!

Barclay, Reluctant Agility Dog...but pretty damn good this weekend! (Shh--don't tell anyone!)

Walking, Nosework and a Walk

Hi Folks,
I have a few things to report. I have been so busy looking for squirrels that I haven't had time to blog in 2 weeks! Squirrels are so distracting!

First, I forgot to tell everyone about my sister and I going to a nosework seminar. It was AMAZING! We were at Hunter Mountain Farms and there were lots of boxes. Some of them had treats in them, others did not. All you had to do was go look for the food! It was so easy and LOTS of fun! I did get into a little trouble. On my third try I was getting very excited and had made all the "finds." Then the seminar director took one box away that I had just found the treats in and something happened in my brain..I thought, "he is taking these boxes and there are great treats in them and my sister might find some too"...so, I did what came most natural to me... I picked up my leg and marked the box. That immediatley put me in deep trouble! I had to leave...in disgrace and I didn't get to look for the other find.

Hasten and I have been doing agility practice for at least 8 weeks now with "Aunt Wendy" of Peak Performance and our "Aunt Stephanie." Here is a little video of some of her practice sessions. Usually when Mom tries to tape Hasten she does REALLY badly! So, there isn't much evidence. She has been getting better at staying out from under Wendy's feet and is better at concentrating...sometimes--but this dog for some bizarre reason, really LOVES agility and loses her mind!
Click on the link below:

Hasten Practice

In update news, Mom's ankle is doing so much better (although she has some new problem with her heel---her doc says typical of someone who spent 8 weeks in a boot). She took us all 3 on a walk --here is footage of Walking and a Walk. Click the link:

a walking and a walk

Finally, I will leave you with some video of the new baby. I am getting used to the fact that he is probably not leaving. Oh well. A dog can dream. Click the link below:

Collection of Shorts and Ciaran's 1st 2 weeks

Chow!!!

Barclay, Relunctant Agility Dog

Updates on puppy and mom's ankle

Greetings People!

Mom wants me to talk about some recent updates. We haven't had much to do around here. We have had no one to take us on walks but tonight Felicity took us for a good walk----that was fun!!!

Mom is still wearing the boot. Today she went to her "vet "and although she thought she had one more month in the boot, she found good news for all of us. She has two weeks to wean herself off the boot and adjust to a new ankle brace she was given. This is exciting news. We don't have to dodge the big giant boot much longer!!!! She can start walking on the even floor of the house and eventually get to walking around the neighborhood. She was also told she could maybe start to ride something called a stationary bicycle. I think you write letters on that? I don't know--not something in my dog world or my dog vocabulary--and I have GREAT vocab skills for a dog!

The difference in how her foot looks is pretty amazing. Here it is at 5 1/2 weeks. All you have to do is scroll down to see what it looked like before and how much swelling has gone down!



ooh wee---a much better look!



The new brace.

On another front, I guess I have to talk about my new brother. He has taken some getting used to. Hasten plays with him constantly and to me, that makes him have major cooties!

He seems to be fitting in nicely though--he doesn't seem to matter at all if I growl at him or ignore him.




Watching hockey play-offs with Dad



He steals Hasten's antlers...and she really doesn't mind!



Mouth wars!!



I guess you could call him CUTE.

Tonight--he was completely initiated into our family. Dad complained that Ciaran (Kieran) had rolled into something "bad." Now, folks, "bad" is a relative term. What us dogs thing is "bad" is really good! You should try it! Anyway, he got his first bath. He seemed a better sport than I . When they dowse me with soap and water, I shake and run away if I can... he was either really brave or stupid! If I start talking to him, I will tell him.

I hate to admit this, but since there is actual proof....on Saturday, I did actually get caught hanging out with all my siblings. Paparazzi is always around...snooping in my business!  Yes, I admit it, that is me with both Hasten and Ciaran.

I

Yeah--what of it?

Oh, we thought you should see what Ciaran's lineage is like. Here is a picture of his mom and dad.
HE won't be going to any of those fancy confirmation shows!!!

His Dad



His Mom



His sibs

I will also admit that he does one thing really well. Tires out my sister---so she isn't bothering ME all the time!!

Alright folks, I am outta here!!! I have opossums to hunt down in the backyard!!!

Peace Out!
Barkster, Reluctant Agility Dog