Botanical Gardens

Took a little stroll at the local USF Botanical Gardens at lunch yesterday. I managed to get these before my camera battery died. Will be going back to see what else I can practice on.

I love the statues! I think I'm obsessed with old garden statues.

Fair Photo Post

We went to the fair last weekend and I thought I'd share some of my favorite photos from the day:

While eating this Red Velvet Funnel Cake, a guy came by the table I was sitting at, found his wedding band on the ground and put it back on. He was so relieved.

This lady had so many stories to tell!

Photo Post

NADAC Agility Trial Summary

This weekend was Basil's first competition with the agility venue called NADAC (North American Dog Agility Council).  It was his second agility trial ever.  He did very, very well overall.  Photos first!  Obviously I didn't take these myself, I bought them at the trial and edited them in Lightroom when I got home.  I also purchased videos but I don't have those yet.













Results:

Packing

Bunny Butts Jump Cute

If you've ever been to a dog show you've probably watched people tug carts full of stuff to a crating area and then unload.  Conformation show people have even more stuff since they need a grooming table and grooming tools on top of regular show equipment.  Agility trials need lots of stuff when you're taking even just one dog!  one of the reasons I got a Honda Element was to fit all the stuff.  Here is a taste:

• Crate(s) - typically need one or two depending on if you're using a travel crate or a wire crate.  
• X-Pen - optional but some people prefer this to a crate.  I don't use one since Basil moves x-pen sides with his teeth.
• Crate fans - if it gets hot at all you will need fans to keep the doggie cooled off.  Some people freeze water in 2 liter bottles to put in the crate for the dog to lay against in the middle of summer.  I don't do many summer trials since my dogs have double coats so I have a crate fan and a cooling element that snaps to it to help cool the air off.
• Dishes - water/food
• Water - both for yourself and your dog.  I like to bring water from home that the dog is used to drinking already.  A couple of gallons at a minimum comes in handy.
• Ice - optional but I find that it is nice to have.  I usually get enough ice to last each day of the trial.
• Chair - something comfortable that collapses.  Mine has a cute little side table with a spot for your water.  Also has pockets which come in handy to hold cell phones, course maps, pens/pencils, dog toys, leashes etc.
• Rug - I'm finding lots of use for having a rug at the trial site.  In the morning when the grass is wet it is nice to have a dry spot.  Some people buy those large RV rugs to cover their entire crating area.
• Tent - I don't have one yet but they sure are nice to have on those hot or rainy days when you need cover from the elements.  
• Treats - bring several different kinds.  I like to bring cut up hotdogs, rotisserie chicken and some dry treats like Charlee Bears for variety. 
• Shoes - If you compete in turf shoes or cleats, you'll have to bring those on top of comfy shoes to wear in between runs.  Also recommend extra socks.  I will run in cleats if the ground is wet and I need extra grip.  I have a great pair of kangaroo Adidas cleats.  
• Leashes - I have 4-5 leashes I'll bring for different things.  I have several martingale slip leashes and a few snap leashes.  Something can always break so it is nice to have a backup.  Dogs can't run with a collar on in most venues so a slip on leash is a must.
• Human Food - Not all venues serve food so you're safer if you pack your own.  Most trials last from 7AM - 5PM anyway. 
• Sunscreen - I have super fair skin so this is a must along with a hat.
• Cart - to carry all this stuff to your crating area since oftentimes it is a distance from where you parked your car.  

There's lots more involved but that is just a little bit of it!  Also lugging along my camera bag to get some photos and hopefully video this time of us doing our runs.  Can't wait!

Rally Bound?

He's good at lounging
on the couch

I'm an agility person, through and through.  It is one of the main reasons I got a corgi because it looked like so much fun on TV.  Come to find out, it's harder than it looks.  I love doing it though and my dogs are so happy playing with me on this fun equipment.

There is another sport out there that lots of people compete in called Rally-O.  AKC puts it on and it is described as "fun obedience".  When Bernie started having issues with her left shoulder I considered doing it with her but she is way too barky when I do obedience drills, they are apparently beneath her. 

So I'm thinking of doing Rally with Byron as a good foundation for agility while he's learning baby agility stuff.  Apparently you can start competing at 6 months of age!  It isn't cheap though and there is a lot of waiting around for one rally run in the ring.  Just the practice would be worth it to teach him some useful behaviors and have fun while doing it.

Here is an example of a rally course (this is my agility instructor competing with one of her Border Collies): 

There are signs on the floor telling you what to do like Halt, walk around the dog while the dog stands still, "call front" where the dog moves to the front of you and sits down, heeling, walk fast, walk slow - etc. The beginning levels are done on leash. Once you've earned your Novice title you begin off-leash work.

Byron is pretty focused now that he's a bit older so I'm hoping to start some foundation Rally stuff and see how he does. Waiting for his next growth spurt! He's getting better at keeping up with the other corgis as they run around the yard. Once he grows into himself he is going to be quite a fast little guy.