We had a very nice weekend. Very relaxed trial, outside in the elements. Hot Friday,and Saturday and sweatshirts on Sunday. Yazzie was successful with 6 qualifing runs.

This was Ryder`s first outing in a year due to illness. No “Q`s” (qualifying runs) but he seemed to enjoy himself, and he did come close to qualifing, hopefully he is back to being a healthy dog.

We had fun and you can too. Try our free online Dog Agility Training Class.

dog agility, Memorial Day Hide

With a busy weekend of fun activities with our dogs, we decided not to get together for dinner. Here is an update on how our dogs did  on the camping trail and at agility trial!

Diane takes Hunter and Maggie to Compete in Agility

Hunter had a 40% success rate. My goal is always 50%. He and I are just not connected right now. I think lack of practice is our problem.

Maggie had one perfect Jumpers run, but in all other runs, she shut down. Still the lack of confidence rears its ugly head. Practice, again, at home and in other locales.

The good news is that my arena is now open for classes and personal practice. Today I included my own training with my dogs in my weekly schedule. If you don’t schedule it, it doesn’t happen.

Brianna and Aaron Take Rankine Camping

Although we did not trial this weekend, we had a wonderful time in Estes Park. Rankine was excellent all weekend, he was a pleasure to take camping (ok RVing) because we have invested the upfront training time for reliability off-leash even withstanding the urge to chase after wildlife.

Rankine managed to get pet by several dozen small children, most of whom asked permission before approaching him. Interesting side note, he’s still a little skittish around 3 to 10 year olds. He has grown used to the younger ones and will take an untold amount of abuse. I suppose this will change as our baby gets a little older. We also discovered that our baby knows what the phrase “give Rankine a hug” means. Very cute!

Suzy and Kalee Stay Home

While I did go on a hike, Kalee stayed home since her old body can’t handle the heat any longer. Instead, we went for a walk around the neighborhood once the sun went down and the temperature dropped.

On both walks, I noticed many people out enjoying the holiday with their dogs. Unfortunately, some were breaking leash laws – consequently scaring off the wildlife in the state park – and failing to pick up after their pets – making the walk a bit hazardous. While out enjoying your dog in public spaces, please remember to keep your dog on leash and pick up so that we may keep the privilege of taking our dogs along on hikes, camping, and to the local parks. At parks where off-leash dogs are allowed, make sure your dog has a really reliable recall – like Rankine above – before unclipping that leash.

agility, Dog Training Tips, Holidays, Memorial Day Hide

It’s that time of year! Looking back on the past 12 months we know there are things we should have done differently. Now is the time to look to the future and make that promise that we will do better in 2010! Our pets are no different. When we asked the Online Dog Coach dogs for their new year resolutions, this is what they came up with:

1. Stop eating  shoes
2. Eat more slowly
3. Kiss the baby more often
4. Stop pulling on the leash
5. Watch more Online Dog Coach video lessons
6. Exercise at least 30 minutes or more each day to keep my puppy figure
7. Bark at the neighbors less; bark at the solicitors more
8. Learn to carry my own poop bags
9. Stop leaving muddy paw prints when counter surfing
10. Shed less cuddle more

All of us here at Online Dog Coach think this is a great place to start. Please share with us any resolutions your own dog has made!

Best wishes to you for a happy, safe, and successful year for you and your dog. Happy New Year!

dog, Holidays, humor, new years, resolutions Hide

We hope your holiday is bright and filled with warmth, love, and lots of slurpy kisses.

Christmas, Holidays, humor Hide

We hope your holiday is filled with small miracles.

Hannukah, Holidays Hide