tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-135833446015725432024-03-12T23:31:04.426-05:00Full Tilt Border ColliesLoretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.comBlogger856125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-87547868146118003702017-03-30T10:19:00.001-05:002017-03-30T10:26:54.139-05:00Enjoying Agility...All Of Us.<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">LOOK A BLOG!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There was a recent discussion on the Fenzi Dog Sports Academy Alumni list about a couple of blogs going around (don't have the links...sorry, busy morning! But it mainly centered around sportsmanship, and trial behavior (for humans).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The discussion was excellent, lots of really good points. I ended up responding to this thread. I thought I would post it here. I haven't blogged in a long time, I know that. And I hope to blog more :) So here is my response:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Being that I have to coach people on their behavior now and then on World Teams (Assistant Coach IFCS 2014--Coach WAO Team USA 2015-2017 and I am re upping my contract for the next two years...I think?? ;-) I have maybe a different view of things.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">World Team competition is a pressure cooker of expectation…we all have sides that come out when the heat is on. I feel mental management is very crucial to the success of an individual and a team.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Do they have more pressure than a person who just wants to compete on the weekends? I cannot say that. I think we ALL have challenges that trouble us. We all have goals. And we want to meet those goals. So this “us versus them” mentality…I think that creates divides. I do not like separation. I think every time a team steps to the line, they are all facing challenges. Who am I to say that someone’s challenges are BIGGER? I am not.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So here is some food for thought about behavior/sportsmanship/supporting others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The things I tell people to ask themselves and think about:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If someone came to the trial and knew NOTHING about this sport, would they be ok with your behavior? If there is any doubt in your mind, assume your behavior is inappropriate and stop it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Does you behavior resemble a toddler age child in ANY WAY other than pure joy and happiness when you exit the ring with your canine teammate? If so, stop it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If you need to “process” please go somewhere that you can do that freely. AWAY FROM OTHERS. I have no issues with disappointment, but emotions do change those around you. And that includes your teammates/friends/dogs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>TEN MINUTE RULE: After a not so great run, you can go process for 10 minutes…if you need more time, take more time. But do not come back to the group until you are done processing and can emerge. LET IT GO. You have to or it will cause issues in your next runs. Work on getting that processing time down to 10 minutes or less (mental management).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Please PLEASE leave people alone after their runs. Give them time to process, to be with their dog (because what is agility without a dog?) and if they come to YOU and ask YOU…THEN you can talk to them. But unsolicited comments are not needed. Please refrain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If someone doesn’t follow this rule (usually because they want to try to help a friend)…just nicely explain to them you want to spend time with your dog. I do this a lot and people completely understand. For the "thieves of joy" well...just understand that, their behavior is a reflection of them...not you. Still be kind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>BE KIND. ALWAYS BE KIND. To yourself, to your fellow competitors, to your dog, to the ring crew. BE KIND. You do not know what others are struggling with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Your dog is the reason you are here competing. NEVER FORGET THIS.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These go for any competitor as far as I am concerned. We all want to have fun. It just requires some changes in behavior for many of us (myself included—I am human too!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Agility is made of lots of new folks and people that are wanting to have fun. I love that. You should too!!! These people are the next stars! The next supporters of the sport! The next teams for World Teams! It starts with fun. So support each other. Be a community! When it starts becoming “it is all about me”…that is when our agility community suffers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">NOW…for the other part of the discussion…the “at the top folks”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Here is what I tell my team members: If you are in the spotlight (one of the top folks as many are saying here in this thread) it is YOUR JOB to set an example. EVERYONE is watching you. And the price you pay for being at the top is that you MUST HOLD YOURSELF TO A HIGHER STANDARD. That is reality. You can accept it, or you don’t have to, but negative behavior from a person at the higher level will be scrutinized so much more. ALWAYS SET AN EXAMPLE. That is YOUR job. Not someone else’s.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now, I will go back to getting ready for my next Fenzi Class AG 120: Agility Basics 2: Handling, click below to check it out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/courses/2985">https://fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/courses/2985</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> It is going to be a blast!! FDSA is a really awesome, supportive online dog training school! </span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-23721795735883198882016-11-08T07:36:00.002-06:002016-11-08T07:39:51.839-06:00What do YOU want??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> OK so now that we have that pesky housekeeping out of the way, time to get to some fun stuff.</b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>If you are just checking in, go check out the previous blog post, <a href="http://fulltiltbordercollies.blogspot.com/2016/11/what-heck-happened.html">What the Heck Happened</a> so you can get caught up a bit.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>I want to know...what do YOU want me to talk about? Ask anything in the comment section please! Then I can take those ideas and run with it! I think this could be fun.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQa1Ni0m5boNCiOGzZNL8V54MjPWex0xBpo5vjoGrWflTDVhmU5fuqVK-9TanQ0-jsYGZrGoonqtUZCmk5TscXNOTgU1IQGQNq895ExcXtZFW_BqI8-qqaHrv9eKgKh071TK4waMqCQsE/s1600/Gator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQa1Ni0m5boNCiOGzZNL8V54MjPWex0xBpo5vjoGrWflTDVhmU5fuqVK-9TanQ0-jsYGZrGoonqtUZCmk5TscXNOTgU1IQGQNq895ExcXtZFW_BqI8-qqaHrv9eKgKh071TK4waMqCQsE/s640/Gator.jpg" width="451" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>© Loretta Mueller 2016. All Rights Reserved. Do not use without permission.</b></div>
<span style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "open sans" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 15px; font-weight: 700; letter-spacing: 0.4px; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Apparently I have to put that on all my photos now as there is a person on Instagram who has been stealing my photos, and putting them up as her dogs. With some very interesting stories! Lynn is blind and her name is Secret, and Even is deaf. WOW...and here I am doing AGILITY with Lynn! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I mean...LOOK AT THIS ABUSE!!! Forcing a blind dog to jump a tire!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZwRRuDwZJ05UGWiPP-qJwPPC1HCEKSA3zdhdsPZU2p59LjhxrS4MC5UsMX-UqSwVgQYw4LGk3i4-Y0ESNKFidg9GfGz0bAnyZFmbuH9YG3PsJSIZUuu5t5mIQTqdRxAQNST08DRV5Lk/s1600/LynnJump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGZwRRuDwZJ05UGWiPP-qJwPPC1HCEKSA3zdhdsPZU2p59LjhxrS4MC5UsMX-UqSwVgQYw4LGk3i4-Y0ESNKFidg9GfGz0bAnyZFmbuH9YG3PsJSIZUuu5t5mIQTqdRxAQNST08DRV5Lk/s640/LynnJump.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>© Great Dane photos 2012. All Rights Reserved. Do not use without permission. Just in case...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I mean, how did this dog win a regional and run at Nationals?? ;-)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Does this mean I have made it big when people steal my dog photos and post them as their own? Not to mention she has been entering contests with the photos. AWESOME!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>So I guess I have arrived...I think that is the lesson here. Or something...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>So...I am looking for your questions! Pertaining to dog training of course :) ASK AWAY! I am excited about what you all come up with!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-16964082158725308022016-11-06T10:09:00.002-06:002016-11-06T10:11:17.136-06:00What The Heck Happened??<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So...it has been a VERY LONG TIME since I last blogged...why you ask?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well...LIFE. Life happened.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And not just normal life, but IN YOUR FACE, DO NOT IGNORE IT life...that kind that really makes you stop, center yourself, and BREATHE THROUGH IT because that is all you can do.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFG30j7BIlCQtoHbXJw6MZ8xORw5sxGVCGoViEXM24vp74A8CtLRzKHDjPudNeSKsdYnMlNJa8MSoHgcLpY7bKywrLGeUYTA47gNM02XiZH8cL3DIbHtUuHV0Hs5rwk6pK8KLMujboTg/s1600/Fall+Dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="380" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirFG30j7BIlCQtoHbXJw6MZ8xORw5sxGVCGoViEXM24vp74A8CtLRzKHDjPudNeSKsdYnMlNJa8MSoHgcLpY7bKywrLGeUYTA47gNM02XiZH8cL3DIbHtUuHV0Hs5rwk6pK8KLMujboTg/s640/Fall+Dogs.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These kids don't care...they just go with the flow.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Fear is only temporary. Regret is forever."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This has been a time of change for me...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I faced my fears, I jumped when my brain told me "NO" and although a tough road...I am finally feeling like I have things in some kind of order.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now that life is a bit easier...I am hoping I can blog more. So let's start.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I haven't competed with my pups this year, after being involved in a car accident with Gator, Lynn and Gig, it took many months for everyone to come back. Then Lynn cut her foot badly, damaged an ligament, now healed. And Gator...he had some major back issues...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gig, she wasn't ready. So no trialing for us.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But in a way, that was a good thing...I explored my teaching more, I explored my coaching more, and had time to really evaluate my life. Which was very needed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I miss trialing now...I really am excited about going! The dogs are all healed, Gig is ready, so forward we go!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I live in a new place...which I really like...it's ME. And I am happy about that.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Now onto agility...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I would like you to ask yourself, if you had ONE YEAR where you could not do agility...what would you do? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Would you take up hobbies, travel? What would be your answer? I would love to know in the comments section if you have time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This year off has really changed my thoughts on competition, training and just the dogs. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Because really, it is all about the dogs right?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My dogs have enjoyed training. The trialing is for ME.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LijRxdIM7Lmq096HJG3SmTMqZXwiI_OnKAzDBYLrGltQO90ggQFwezUiDT_FiEKj3WJYb59dcuXEbUKB218WEVKSB_H6VaTBh3DXhPJyp__gfDnRNegRIoaUMSijsdwaIPzinPGf6ZE/s1600/lorettaM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4LijRxdIM7Lmq096HJG3SmTMqZXwiI_OnKAzDBYLrGltQO90ggQFwezUiDT_FiEKj3WJYb59dcuXEbUKB218WEVKSB_H6VaTBh3DXhPJyp__gfDnRNegRIoaUMSijsdwaIPzinPGf6ZE/s640/lorettaM.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am staying busy teaching seminars, online classes, and my weekly students who I adore.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But for me...it is time to come back to something I missed but, it had to be put on the back burner for awhile.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So HI EVERYONE! I have missed you all! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I also have a new website up! It is still being updated, but I thought I would share!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="http://fulltiltagility.com/">http://fulltiltagility.com/</a></span><br />
<div class="yiv2909920701MsoNormal" id="yui_3_16_0_ym19_1_1478446368017_6518" style="-webkit-padding-start: 0px; background-color: white; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, "Lucida Grande", sans-serif; font-size: 13px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-25423308622356113842015-01-26T14:14:00.000-06:002015-01-26T14:18:06.701-06:00Threshholds and Gig<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It has been a VERY long time since I have blogged!!! It has been a very busy summer, fall and winter here in Full Tilt land. Many seminars, and working with my puppy. It feels great to get back to blogging and I appreciate your patience in my absence!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have started teaching classes for Denise Fenzi!!! It is a BLAST!! So far I have done some Basics of Handling classes and a Foundation Jumping class. It is a blast and I am so inspired by my students! You can see the class I am teaching this session starting Feb 1st!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/courses/2030">http://www.fenzidogsportsacademy.com/index.php/courses/2030</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There are also many other classes available! Go check it out!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ok back to Gig!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sadly Gig ended up getting her leg caught in a wire kennel while running around like a crazy dog and tore her Supraspinatus muscle in her right shoulder. 4 months of rehab, and now we are working her back up. She is doing GREAT! We are just working on getting her back to her full potential in regards to fitness. Thus...this didn't leave me much I could do in the training department. Which then brings me to today's blog post. I was asked by a person on FB how I approach problem solving this type of issue with a dog. So here goes!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKsv_aAJNHPr2Ijc-Y1Z0IwEZQJqlAAN_bmai1uoj17__5iX-LqXon4Grt-uIoH_BhJavEE5LC941hIxlYVp5AQSYzjFt9qC4YU_8QFJ3yZI5Han2Cfh8vALKlxjXR-y9gdrZu1xsymQ/s1600/IMG_2225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeKsv_aAJNHPr2Ijc-Y1Z0IwEZQJqlAAN_bmai1uoj17__5iX-LqXon4Grt-uIoH_BhJavEE5LC941hIxlYVp5AQSYzjFt9qC4YU_8QFJ3yZI5Han2Cfh8vALKlxjXR-y9gdrZu1xsymQ/s1600/IMG_2225.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gig is 10 months old. She is totally sound now, and is taking walks with the pack. She is a VERY motion sensitive dog...which is normal and expected for a herding bred Border Collie :) Unfortunately, I normally get this under control as a young puppy, but I guess Gig didn't really time her injury so that I could get this dealt with :) SO...Thanks Gig :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gig's main issue we are currently working on is getting her brain to engage on tasks OTHER than finding motion in her environment. When she is working on skills by herself she is WONDERFUL, focused and awesome...as we introduce distractions she is GREAT, until we get to dogs :) Gig spent most of the past 4 months in an x-pen. She didn't get to play with dogs and I couldn't allow her to even walk with the dogs on leash as she would go crazy...she is super friendly and loves dogs. Great!!!! BUT...I need that connection to me when they are present.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So as you can see in this video...she can for sure recall. But then wants to redirect to the pack.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Ia5Wv-g8bs8" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Which is normal her breed has been bred for HUNDREDS of years to work motion. I am asking her to go against instinct! Tough choice for this girl!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7E8WJJChsxynvrg4UGSmgoLP7J5orjsTmLaFmgk3qXOtcrclcXrPUcQ2nR8pDbS2_nzHP_4GLnNxQO0WHQRryS0G2hTne3VSXr9KO-UkdcMbenYxOTwCVvwBCGKd0BiU6ZlyQHf2-Zg/s1600/IMG_2238.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7E8WJJChsxynvrg4UGSmgoLP7J5orjsTmLaFmgk3qXOtcrclcXrPUcQ2nR8pDbS2_nzHP_4GLnNxQO0WHQRryS0G2hTne3VSXr9KO-UkdcMbenYxOTwCVvwBCGKd0BiU6ZlyQHf2-Zg/s1600/IMG_2238.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I break her behavior into levels of thresholds that she can or cannot manage, this is how my brain processes every issue I have with a dog (they all have issues BTW)...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The definition of a threshold is: the magnitude or intensity that must be exceeded for a certain reaction, phenomenon, result, or condition to occur or be manifested---in this example, for Gig's grey matter to ooze out of her ear canals. Figuratively speaking...I think :-)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDuqFQ6c94yYDF6fcVQCysw_CZOg4j6_9vghW6ywNPcpM26sXo4iu6uUUNenEbYKYu8QL-Sv1HWPOArDnZnkHoDb12O1V-MYzBKVAIy7vEkczhNYWx36G8pd5WPeRR88086G9mFVIM38/s1600/Other+Dogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoDuqFQ6c94yYDF6fcVQCysw_CZOg4j6_9vghW6ywNPcpM26sXo4iu6uUUNenEbYKYu8QL-Sv1HWPOArDnZnkHoDb12O1V-MYzBKVAIy7vEkczhNYWx36G8pd5WPeRR88086G9mFVIM38/s1600/Other+Dogs.jpg" height="302" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
NOTE: Red Zone here does NOT be aggression!!! It means that she just is mentally so immersed into the motion she cannot take ANY rewards and doesn't have a clue I exist!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So the diagram is showing you were we have started (so boring dogs and then rewards). We are now going to the GREEN ZONE...or a variation of this. The rewards I have available (for the sake of me taking video of this myself and trying to reward I have not used a tug toy) cheese (HIGH REWARD) Zukes (medium reward) and kibble (lower reward). I can use this to see where Gig is mentally. If she takes the low value kibble, she is in a very focused and happy state. If she stops taking the kibble, I will then up the reward because we are getting into the threshold that starts bothering her (aka the motion is too much and she wants to disengage). If she stops taking the medium then I know I am really starting to push those boundaries (necessary at times!!!!) and I will go to a high reward. IF I am in the high reward circle, I have to be VERY careful to keep that short!!! If she won't take anything, I have pushed her way too far. I need to back up. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
NOTE: Because I have 7 dogs, I will say my dogs name before commanding them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Btscd8z4XXM" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is an example of Gig's M.O...motion happening, she KNOWS she needs to come when called...but likes to take the treat and then IMMEDIATELY disengage...but THIS TIME she actually makes a HUGE step forward!!!! Doesn't leave AND then actually gives me a slight wave!!! Think in terms of the "Smallest Change, Slightest Try"...she gave me a TINY wave, I need to acknowledge that!! If I don't she will just not engage because she is TRYING SO HARD TO BE RIGHT! GOOD GIRL GIG!!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqlIJyzzCmTz1yKXcU4g1ati_WQ159oNA1g_T8YP0CPAjICLKxUtMX3Z5rl7aHZSyiy8rJBh7cazrBJhQOPAVLoO-zh2vqfIK5omlrnkQcd3BfxlwXt4DhDKVCIQPAACwY9_9nTSnlqA/s1600/IMG_2244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNqlIJyzzCmTz1yKXcU4g1ati_WQ159oNA1g_T8YP0CPAjICLKxUtMX3Z5rl7aHZSyiy8rJBh7cazrBJhQOPAVLoO-zh2vqfIK5omlrnkQcd3BfxlwXt4DhDKVCIQPAACwY9_9nTSnlqA/s1600/IMG_2244.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Remember after all these little decisions, she is released BACK to the pack. So she starts understanding that this not only gets her high rates of reinforcement, but it also gets her permission to engage back with the pack!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here is a good example of me putting Gig way over threshold and also being a bad trainer and missing a try. There are dogs running around...she is doing all she can to stay engaged.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/raXcqgyDxYg" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
AND, I should have been happy with that, but I wanted the wave, asked for it in fact (where as before I was wanting her to offer it)...no response but her trying to stay connected to me. I SHOULD have rewarded that! I upped the ante here, went into a higher threshold point and she couldn't handle this. She then offers me a TINY wave and I did not reward!!!!!! I MISSED THAT MOMENT! BAD LORETTA!!!! GOOD GIG!!! We all make mistakes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Zy4WAidDEIY" width="420"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Luckily for me she offers that slight try again :) And the stupid human rewards :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So I back off all the motion...and go back to a place where she can function. I do say the word NO here...but for my dogs that just means you won't get a reward :) It doesn't mean evil things :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/swmPV6GBWB4" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yes I do believe in JACKPOTS!! Her entire demeanor has changed :) She is focusing, she is offering. GOOD GIRL GIG!!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtpnkvXtpr-NSj1UXFt-S1n0xOFn2UfmLFGEO-t8JycG-_1R1FFjenWQTU_puPdElbohPrQnvQdJK_pynzfy6W7WdF6AwkOpVpmii9mEUUqqAGW6HtiFo6Aq7Xr_Su_cZuNqwpsqZGIw/s1600/IMG_2235.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJtpnkvXtpr-NSj1UXFt-S1n0xOFn2UfmLFGEO-t8JycG-_1R1FFjenWQTU_puPdElbohPrQnvQdJK_pynzfy6W7WdF6AwkOpVpmii9mEUUqqAGW6HtiFo6Aq7Xr_Su_cZuNqwpsqZGIw/s1600/IMG_2235.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So now I am getting the focus I need...I then will up the ante a bit as you can see. Gator does this for me and Gig cannot catch treats while focusing her energy towards following commands :) That is OK. You can see how she focuses, then as I add movement from the other dogs...she loses it for a second. But regains it :) GOOD GIRL GIG!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9vcumOQCMv4" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
She is thinking through all this and working on centering herself! I love this process and seeing all those little changes!!!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1u4WYn2BqT0" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This was just on one walk...using cheese and zukes (the kibble would not have been a hit here).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Sometimes I will use toys, in that case the toy breakdown is: HIGH LEVEL (ball on a rope and tugging), Medium level: This weird stretching armed toy (tugging) and finally Low Level: squeaky toy. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The idea is to observe and react to what your dog is saying. I LET her tell me what she is capable of. What she can do mentally. If she gets overwhelmed we back off and then work up again. THE DOG CONTROLS how we proceed. She has only been able to go on walks with the pack for about a week. And we have already progressed to the Orange level! Just by working her thresholds. Yes my other dogs are behaving well and that does allow me to work on this with her. But all my other dogs have went through the same things as puppies. Fortunately for them, they got this understanding EARLY in life, rather than 10 months like Gig.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Those of you who are familiar with the Full Tilt Pups will notice Crackers isn't included in this equation, there is a reason. LITTLE WHITE TERRIERS are so freaking amazing that if we get focus in the room with the terrier still, it is a good thing. SO NO NEED to try to add him to this problem :) Someday he will be integrated into these sessions! But little white terriers are THE MOST AWESOME THING TO STARE AT EVER. Little steps :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTWQuTw8VAAx0OWZnIDRG09T2zyQCLQavhy654fhvBkk6CgIRJAspQ-LKoHqCbWva_WtRX8_4giHtIur5CZ9jqzARuZFfOB1ujkPDcJht1nloJH-Yunn6jjDPrRzKHcK1LHt9AVWS-o4/s1600/IMG_2225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTWQuTw8VAAx0OWZnIDRG09T2zyQCLQavhy654fhvBkk6CgIRJAspQ-LKoHqCbWva_WtRX8_4giHtIur5CZ9jqzARuZFfOB1ujkPDcJht1nloJH-Yunn6jjDPrRzKHcK1LHt9AVWS-o4/s1600/IMG_2225.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I will be attending a trial this weekend and bringing Gig. Agility is the MOST AMAZING thing ever, even though she doesn't know it. Dogs running FAST!!! Working thresholds again with this environment can be even tougher! So I break the behaviors down even more. See below:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7vvNewQszk1KaHQR4AKnldD96nVD1Ln-sUoTcYaf7hxhsaIIW2fQ42gyQHZBDrxFX7dmFAnE1HZT2ZopUJcce-YXhfmIBYXipoOEbFlVpv6xKHSYfUkAof5_kfqJUD7-NLj8mfflaN8/s1600/Threshold.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih7vvNewQszk1KaHQR4AKnldD96nVD1Ln-sUoTcYaf7hxhsaIIW2fQ42gyQHZBDrxFX7dmFAnE1HZT2ZopUJcce-YXhfmIBYXipoOEbFlVpv6xKHSYfUkAof5_kfqJUD7-NLj8mfflaN8/s1600/Threshold.jpg" height="302" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This has been updated several times since the first trial she attended. Because the red zone just used to be GIG AT A TRIAL. We have moved on from that :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Again, RED ZONE doesn't mean aggression, it means I am useless to get my puppies attention :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In this example, I am only able to work in the Salmon level. She cannot go up to the ring with a dog running. The noises made scare people and other dogs. And it is useless to keep her there. In the salmon level...she can only do this for about 6 minutes. I will not take her past this level until she can work with me, doing tricks etc...very important. Yellow can be about 10 minutes, Green and Blue for as long as I want (max has been about 15 minutes as that is a LOT to deal with mentally!!!) I will give her breaks often and when she tells me she is mentally done, I will call it a day and let her rest. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I have High, Medium and Low rewards, so I can gauge her arousal level. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope to get some video of this during the trial this weekend! So stay tuned!!! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I hope this helps some of you that are dealing with motion sensitivity, it CAN be worked through. Think small steps!!!!</div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-8036123382165685952014-06-05T07:15:00.004-05:002014-10-07T11:21:30.143-05:00Dog Agility Blog Action Day----Success<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Another awesome Dog Agility Blog Action Day topic!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Success</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts--unknown</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">My mind stewed on this subject for many weeks actually, as it is really tough to define what success means to me. Do I have ultimate goals...yes I think?</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I always tell people, I am for SURE not a Type A, more like a B+ in personality. I want to do well, on those things I care about, otherwise, I am content at sucking at stuff if that is how the chips fall :)</b><br />
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></b>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Maybe that sounds weird, but that's how it is. My psyche is that of a person who is really passionate about a few things...and I throw my energy, my heart, my soul into those passions. If it is not a passion...meh :)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmRfxjZbZTJIBmKdZiUJoT9npTQ6Q3TeP8n-tTwbpCrZmtEhG91m-_Wdj7fvXi_CPTc80-nBmms5josWh9vICEf259NpGvGlnc5uxA264d4fp9KvCFXyjTjx0zeTFUB8Rv1pPiRefua8/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTmRfxjZbZTJIBmKdZiUJoT9npTQ6Q3TeP8n-tTwbpCrZmtEhG91m-_Wdj7fvXi_CPTc80-nBmms5josWh9vICEf259NpGvGlnc5uxA264d4fp9KvCFXyjTjx0zeTFUB8Rv1pPiRefua8/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" height="348" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I think success, like we as humans, is constantly evolving. It's a living, breathing entity...which can either feed our souls, or destroy us. A very wise herding person once said "there is no room for ego in dog training"...and that is very true.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We also, in turn, either feed the success by CHOOSING to see the good in things, or feed that lack of success by focusing on the bad. Things must always be in balance...that is life, homeostasis really is happening in ALL things. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>One of the things that we, as humans have a tough time doing, is self assessment. We want to believe we are wonderful, that we have all these amazing strengths, and we are going to win. Am I saying that we aren't all wonderful, nope! But we all have things to improve to </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">become a better person. Sitting down and being honest about what you are, about what you want, and the toughest, what you are NOT happy with (that usually can be helped with a glass of wine ;-). I want to wake up every morning and become a LITTLE bit better than I was yesterday. In agility, in herding, in LIFE. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>So I do self assess...I look at myself as if I was an outsider...and there are times I see things that make me very disappointed in myself...I failed. Whether it is in agility with my dog, my communication with someone, how I handled not getting that last GP Q I needed. I failed. But I reassess, and I tell myself I will do better. And I let it go, I don't stay in that mindset (I try to really mimic my dogs in that thought process). Failure is not fatal. Failure is feedback, failure is a chance to start again, fresh, with a new plan.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>In return I forgive others who have failed in their quest. Many people are fighting battles way worse than dog training. Sometimes it seeps into a trial with them. We are all human</b></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwssQ-KlWgsytekdQBaTyXe2RR2UbV5zBaNb6iEjTvKjdId9hj1bzFPKF8DXqtKWYaYRXraEDpmtEoKQiSShlLgOlV2VFKNOo4bqs-SyAaMdAENgTMWPLMP9eXZDMv_j068Vqj-yTEw8/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQwssQ-KlWgsytekdQBaTyXe2RR2UbV5zBaNb6iEjTvKjdId9hj1bzFPKF8DXqtKWYaYRXraEDpmtEoKQiSShlLgOlV2VFKNOo4bqs-SyAaMdAENgTMWPLMP9eXZDMv_j068Vqj-yTEw8/s1600/photo+(4).JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lynn is a saint :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Success is not final...what a very true and honest statement. There are so many paths to success for so many people, so many stepping stones to that level...it would do us ALL good to be able to embrace each others goals of success. So that we can support each other, instead of tearing down progress. I see people who are working through issues, sometimes met with a lot of resistance...please let the judge in the ring do the judging. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Think twice before you speak, because your words and influence will plant the seed of either success or failure, in the mind of another--unknown</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Failure is not fatal...THIS one has taken awhile :) Having measured success in Q's in the past, it has taken me time and experience to understand it isn't ABOUT those things, it's about that connection and those amazing runs where you and your dog felt like you were one. When I started on the path of training the running dog walk, I had people that wanted me to fail, said it couldn't be done. And for awhile I wanted to let them win. What IF I fail at this? Will people see me as pathetic? Will I be viewed as a failure? There were many times I told myself I was a failure during the training process. But I wanted the experience, I wanted the challenge, so I stuck with it. Even when people chose to tell me when she jumped, but never cheered for us when she nailed a contact. I told myself this is my journey, and I want it. I wouldn't trade it for the world. In many ways I failed and then picked myself back up and became that much stronger. I found my courage to continue.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I have realized that sometimes my best isn't going to be good enough. That sometimes just being able to just take my pups on a walk is the success of the day. I've learned to be happy with what I can give, and not beat myself up over it. My dogs don't care, those that care about me don't care. And that's good enough for me :)</b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Always remember success comes in many forms. And don't expect the world to celebrate your success! You celebrate it! You embrace it!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>When I was asked to be the assistant coach for the IFCS team this year in the Netherlands, that was a great time for me. Helping the team, being there with Andy...to me that was a wonderful experience. I love teaching/coaching, to see people blossom, change and evolve into better handlers and trainers...it's what I live for. It is a huge success point in my teaching career. And it was unforgettable. I cherish that.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>But...now my success is getting Gig to take treats when a new dog is around, or teaching a student how to teach and use verbals. The focus is always changing.</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-3hXfhBdS4LaiORP9Co6fNtlGaQEueYEM9puiH7nybnqcGRN7wJGO-LzJVIl-RxD_uR22IgmQQiepQkLFJBneZp-N-LvJERfrRCxYMmvJ_Dt1oZQsjyb_bO4oLYvJragDyK0vXndOJo/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik-3hXfhBdS4LaiORP9Co6fNtlGaQEueYEM9puiH7nybnqcGRN7wJGO-LzJVIl-RxD_uR22IgmQQiepQkLFJBneZp-N-LvJERfrRCxYMmvJ_Dt1oZQsjyb_bO4oLYvJragDyK0vXndOJo/s1600/photo+(5).JPG" height="387" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And for ME, the biggest change in success has been, I look INWARD for my successes, instead of OUTWARD.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Outward: Q's, Ribbons, Titles, Medals, Placements, others opinions of me, of my dog, of my handling and training.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Inward: Connection, handling to the best of my abilities, challenging myself, being loving and fair to my dogs, being a better person, giving that knowledge to my students so they can succeed, LETTING GO OF THINGS (huge huge huge) etc.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>If the inward is at peace, the rewards of good handling, good training will happen. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Are medals and ribbons nice? Sure, they are a picture of that moment in time you had the best run. But they are not the be all. While sitting in a briefing a judge said something that will FOREVER stick in my head "No one will remember who won Grand Prix at this trial, but EVERYONE will remember who was an ass to their dog". So very very true. </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have become very much like my dogs in regards to life and success, if I don't like it, I ignore it :) If I like it, I embrace it!</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The courage to continue on, to step to the start line with our dogs and be OK with whatever happens. To not worry about the "what ifs" and "how will I look" but to just be there with my dog, running...that's my success.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Go visit the other blog postings on this topic! Lots of great stuff!!!</b></span><br />
<u id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401969737705_982" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; text-align: left;"><a data-rapid_p="1" href="http://dogagilityblogevents.wordpress.com/success/" id="yui_3_15_0_1_1401969737705_981" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">http://dogagilityblogevents. wordpress.com/success/</span></b></a></u></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-80641060676444978262014-06-03T20:44:00.001-05:002014-06-03T20:57:03.365-05:00Giggity Update :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Miss Giggity is growing up up up! She will be 13 weeks this Friday! And she has really learned a lot in the past few weeks :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>First off...she has a neck...a VERY LONG neck :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9JzgK49cc76dlYiKhhpm7X2fx36w9qmTZRYHdyJ0yD0cV_nijAgFo7QjP0uLQxLX4UrCyEpuUacwBFV-rDoST1Zwikt17u_4g52qN2zR34XKlVsfjtOoLVIItZd2GOSXftBjUYdwQ3g/s1600/IMG_1808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH9JzgK49cc76dlYiKhhpm7X2fx36w9qmTZRYHdyJ0yD0cV_nijAgFo7QjP0uLQxLX4UrCyEpuUacwBFV-rDoST1Zwikt17u_4g52qN2zR34XKlVsfjtOoLVIItZd2GOSXftBjUYdwQ3g/s1600/IMG_1808.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And she is getting lots of leg :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApGE_UPiwylZSW3rfYF7Nu6A1LkP0yvUSfQypLLcCI-F1IaDHzXAb_T3Wtx7PBDruF6Yl_d4sdHNaIyZlp-APgQj_hTmU1yz94dnZFhBVk82VuS_rQAySaRKvqW0NGdq5kcrESY4btL0/s1600/IMG_1812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApGE_UPiwylZSW3rfYF7Nu6A1LkP0yvUSfQypLLcCI-F1IaDHzXAb_T3Wtx7PBDruF6Yl_d4sdHNaIyZlp-APgQj_hTmU1yz94dnZFhBVk82VuS_rQAySaRKvqW0NGdq5kcrESY4btL0/s1600/IMG_1812.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Gig and I have been working the past few weeks, I had goals for her and I. I think we did very well meeting those goals.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Things we have been working on: </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>RECALL: with or without the dogs around---very very good. The only issue I am having right now is if the other dogs are running like crazy, but she will get to that. I am impressed with how solid she is already! She has done recalls very well at lots of different locations, with distractions, etc etc. Love it!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5C1SABNZYbAF8wDcxzs2eGMXd8AhyVzkaMaoYNwy4-8gR3Je0S5_hj-4R5tHS4x7ZAke-7QDLx70qemQkwSAdJ7ad0YWvoZy2XvnZKD8szpCTqWa9jHxtPC4gNyqdGxWbPv1wmopSVMM/s1600/IMG_1813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5C1SABNZYbAF8wDcxzs2eGMXd8AhyVzkaMaoYNwy4-8gR3Je0S5_hj-4R5tHS4x7ZAke-7QDLx70qemQkwSAdJ7ad0YWvoZy2XvnZKD8szpCTqWa9jHxtPC4gNyqdGxWbPv1wmopSVMM/s1600/IMG_1813.jpg" height="492" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Crate games: ok...well MY version of crate games...get into the crate and wait while the door opens...that's really all I do. But she is ROCKING it :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Retrieve (see below for proof): Miss Gig didn't believe in retrieving a toy, she LOVED chasing, but the returning part she thought really sucked and was useless...but now she has really made some huge strides in that realm :) She is bringing back her toys quite well!!! YAY!!!!!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzBDxUEqeszHZWL1wCnksztUgFihs6HhIHwU9rnhfqwM3JKbe-v6kK5GvyD-eeU4Ie5BAq5hHWg5stfH-gR2yjo7d4Iqxd8amO7Z81gdu9n57aOIfVvl3DaubrdNQOp-ActYt_kHSWm0/s1600/IMG_1814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzBDxUEqeszHZWL1wCnksztUgFihs6HhIHwU9rnhfqwM3JKbe-v6kK5GvyD-eeU4Ie5BAq5hHWg5stfH-gR2yjo7d4Iqxd8amO7Z81gdu9n57aOIfVvl3DaubrdNQOp-ActYt_kHSWm0/s1600/IMG_1814.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Biting (rather NOT biting): yeah, um...it's getting better :) Little victories!! I will be so happy when those little puppy teeth fall out!!! She is doing better when she WANTS to bite though...she is starting to grab toys when she gets the urge. My ankles are grateful for that :) </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>This little girl knows how to get what she wants :) She has figured out the toy is the key to controlling the pack. Bugger ;-)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/0LJ82oXOt3k" width="640"></iframe>
</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>She's like...YEAH DUH!!!!!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovBwi91vIIG57KaFewGBqg44vfJSN5lyIaLANiW6EVNmGeUXbTCQjEhtNSYUafUTaN-xvi1bG-wuKuDMNWIoPIU56JutggUmIKGcEQsfglVa3X6Ke0a0TDS1mlwSxjIQO6NHizZtnCUk/s1600/IMG_1819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgovBwi91vIIG57KaFewGBqg44vfJSN5lyIaLANiW6EVNmGeUXbTCQjEhtNSYUafUTaN-xvi1bG-wuKuDMNWIoPIU56JutggUmIKGcEQsfglVa3X6Ke0a0TDS1mlwSxjIQO6NHizZtnCUk/s1600/IMG_1819.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Handling: No not agility handling, I would be doing that for a LONG time...more dealing with restraint (I teach my dogs to be restrained in a positive way---makes vet visits super easy) trimming nails, touching paws, checking teeth etc. She is doing awesome with all that. SCORE!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGAcRMjl4Bo8GWcb-1goiJQzCgj6Gyh52UPkeSbeJ6JQmc87MNPgQ3C3Bib-FpvSKWiG7ilbcRoB3PET57QZVmqWOZ75QuisleLDcGvJ5zjo5iIK7XpJ2fq7Ol1053gQGS0bmjsKROnI/s1600/IMG_1826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGAcRMjl4Bo8GWcb-1goiJQzCgj6Gyh52UPkeSbeJ6JQmc87MNPgQ3C3Bib-FpvSKWiG7ilbcRoB3PET57QZVmqWOZ75QuisleLDcGvJ5zjo5iIK7XpJ2fq7Ol1053gQGS0bmjsKROnI/s1600/IMG_1826.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Experiencing the world, check...she doesn't care about anything really, lawnmowers?? So? Crowds? So?? Strange dogs and people?? Yeah....big deal? Loving her solid temperament!!! </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Settling: I have 7 dogs in the house, I don't like dogs throwing toys at me...there is a time for drive to be engaged and a time for it not to be. So she has been taking naps with me in the bed, she is chilling in her xpen or crate during training sessions with the other dogs (she thinks that sucks and vocalizes a LOT but is getting better!) Just learning how to STOP...as she doesn't want to stop...EVER :) I admire it! But I want her to understand that it's part of life. She settles WONDERFULLY now in the car for trips. I only ask her to really settle right now when she is mentally and physically tired :) Makes it much easier for her.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjmt_Qpyi4mgpeQiWXYY_UHcn7XUdL4brrEZmfh4D5sjut6wrD2W9ftXLtqha2Pu6jsJNSvKSvJczNqJKJ5uAFdsbuqqSrIL8LTuVTvFsyQmlVveHq3CIuzapUPlQjEbqnFi6S2YCiYg/s1600/IMG_1828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKjmt_Qpyi4mgpeQiWXYY_UHcn7XUdL4brrEZmfh4D5sjut6wrD2W9ftXLtqha2Pu6jsJNSvKSvJczNqJKJ5uAFdsbuqqSrIL8LTuVTvFsyQmlVveHq3CIuzapUPlQjEbqnFi6S2YCiYg/s1600/IMG_1828.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Relationship: She has a very independent nature and is a headstrong little girl (I am IN LOVE!!!!) So she wasn't choosing me all the time. The past week she has come a LONG LONG way!!! She is choosing me every time over the pups!!! She is engaging me! She is seeking me out. I am beyond happy about this! She is such a go getter in life, which I love, and I want to make sure she includes me in the equation ;-) She is PERFECT in that area now!!!! I will for sure keep on rewarding this! I think she is really bonding though...not just because there is food, or toys involved...she is seeking me out for petting (petting...who had time for petting!?!??!?!?!? she had the world to conquer!) which I think is great. She is for sure my puppy...loses it when someone else has her and I leave. It's neat seeing that happening!! What I am MOST excited about!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Grabbing the collar, sit, down, backing up, tugging (no issues) and food drive (pretty good but she does love her some toys!!!) restrained recalls, tug-sit-tug, shaping getting into a box etc. Lots of little things.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>But to ME, the big things are looking amazing, the connection, the life skills, etc. Those are the most important to me at this point. She is really settling in. I absolutely adore this puppy...she has a lot of heart, she is damn smart, she is just so amazingly cool.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>She was made for me, loves her picture taken..and never wakes me up in the am, what puppy loves to sleep in?!???!??!?!?!? MINE!!!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRofwcszI4XLxR6SpZZzW3xJLwN16QRWkzVamn27xjsNYHmtbhiXWS-OiKCvMdJQJpXbGV8pbgNYFaKoe4GRPtsotRFXSIchNYQRXOkDEnrDGVR9U3h9yTAimFqAdIA1IA4D5_4pjMbEc/s1600/IMG_1834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRofwcszI4XLxR6SpZZzW3xJLwN16QRWkzVamn27xjsNYHmtbhiXWS-OiKCvMdJQJpXbGV8pbgNYFaKoe4GRPtsotRFXSIchNYQRXOkDEnrDGVR9U3h9yTAimFqAdIA1IA4D5_4pjMbEc/s1600/IMG_1834.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Just so brilliant...I know I know...she's just a puppy, but she is more than that...I don't know where this journey will take us, but I am excited about every morning when I get her out of her kennel. She stretches out of her kennel, comes up to me all soft and sweet (as she is still asleep) and she cuddles for 5 minutes...kisses my face, snuggles in my neck. It's one of the most amazing things in my day. As she saves that JUST for me. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And then she starts biting, game on Loretta :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How do you not absolutely fall in love with that??</b></span></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-82674001015778224832014-05-23T14:25:00.003-05:002014-05-23T14:27:36.427-05:00Giggity---11 weeks old :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Miss Gig is 11 weeks old today! What a fun week or so it has been! It's nice to be back from Europe and spending time with my puppy!!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpx9dQ9JY2p0udrjZab37KQOUIS2P3FQMySa7By8_h-pDkNm8Hk0lXrx3VJUueJEwURzeJqXNS4KitLHBBaz3ajkXWOZtDHsU40YWYtajvRw72LJuM8eNBGxZ6-QsKQ5smTDM8k3uQOs/s1600/IMG_1765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZpx9dQ9JY2p0udrjZab37KQOUIS2P3FQMySa7By8_h-pDkNm8Hk0lXrx3VJUueJEwURzeJqXNS4KitLHBBaz3ajkXWOZtDHsU40YWYtajvRw72LJuM8eNBGxZ6-QsKQ5smTDM8k3uQOs/s1600/IMG_1765.jpg" height="392" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><b>We have been working on things, lots of life skills stuff...and socializing her to lots of new places and people. She is very naughty and also has an independent streak :) Which I having a wonderful time working with.</b></b></span><br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUKW9HFIUyp31eNTL1bafSrAPvi5K8ZUIq61J_2EooBJgZJJ_LBQprwheHaZ_xTuAgpvlIKdgQQ1hKkU6I0KhqZXnIBVj_12MutJzeJTFB2MPprW2YMMRXcyY-wCJ0dVMrgb_PVinL3c/s1600/IMG_1767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhUKW9HFIUyp31eNTL1bafSrAPvi5K8ZUIq61J_2EooBJgZJJ_LBQprwheHaZ_xTuAgpvlIKdgQQ1hKkU6I0KhqZXnIBVj_12MutJzeJTFB2MPprW2YMMRXcyY-wCJ0dVMrgb_PVinL3c/s1600/IMG_1767.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>She tugs, she bites, so toy play is rockin...she is working on a fetch...but she has her own ideas on where the toy should go AFTER she gets it :) So toys are on leashes right now. Gotta love the naughty!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUs7Xf1zhsqcvTryxiWwpWhLl44vb5fKryykwAoJ7ww3IHrnhCKiiQgoqGBk-NLjvbmOiWxOs7_ukCvY39gJyf8d-ikkIszl-y9jOHFkCIT5vqWeO2QJPEmHjEOTq2o6gS26JwSwjKUSk/s1600/IMG_1782.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUs7Xf1zhsqcvTryxiWwpWhLl44vb5fKryykwAoJ7ww3IHrnhCKiiQgoqGBk-NLjvbmOiWxOs7_ukCvY39gJyf8d-ikkIszl-y9jOHFkCIT5vqWeO2QJPEmHjEOTq2o6gS26JwSwjKUSk/s1600/IMG_1782.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Her recall is going very well, she can recall in the pack of dogs already, which is great. She loves her some cookies :) She sits, she kennels, she is starting a stay, sends to toys, potties on leash, all that boring stuff that is necessary :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTexfMj8GHRu5olPaDHkfIakFhQbgDSmZrBrKg5jXVkke_Shc58i82_3tPZdtxkdnBbOSvyhbYwLcfbZd9OEMJDj9CCksvAvlrlebdePtDPANzvjkFoscruJBSlzWJLGim4IK5a6Idbk/s1600/IMG_1786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiTexfMj8GHRu5olPaDHkfIakFhQbgDSmZrBrKg5jXVkke_Shc58i82_3tPZdtxkdnBbOSvyhbYwLcfbZd9OEMJDj9CCksvAvlrlebdePtDPANzvjkFoscruJBSlzWJLGim4IK5a6Idbk/s1600/IMG_1786.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And we are just spending a ton of time together. She is taking in life...nothing has spooked or bugged her, she is a very confident little bugger :) Loves any and all people, all dogs, all noises, all of LIFE :) </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How do you not fall in love with that? This girl is so damn fun.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWrHJnMW4AiJuoFXqpAqMPKSFArei9GGWA8pLgFLLA72rIAdksLV-tH22gmUTnTGtTht5j_6Kg7sM27UGr9kElfEVulLkCOSKbjXmjg8ZBn_w_3JSs3l8ERMkcoY9PN7_gDV0GGYLal8/s1600/IMG_1790.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxWrHJnMW4AiJuoFXqpAqMPKSFArei9GGWA8pLgFLLA72rIAdksLV-tH22gmUTnTGtTht5j_6Kg7sM27UGr9kElfEVulLkCOSKbjXmjg8ZBn_w_3JSs3l8ERMkcoY9PN7_gDV0GGYLal8/s1600/IMG_1790.jpg" height="640" width="574" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>She wants to herd the sheep, and cars...which we are working on :) </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpFHK3BNZ9zMt22Tp0Co79xk2jaoVj-Iu6dwujVH-8hFZ5YSgaDkwrMIZ0opWG3Zs_LEghfxr0sqQapVmPK6_NlIZJllniAl3HY2P-ytHz4aZ9WAvYw1Xo0wTu2G075tOrUIe39VSvuQ/s1600/IMG_1800_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpFHK3BNZ9zMt22Tp0Co79xk2jaoVj-Iu6dwujVH-8hFZ5YSgaDkwrMIZ0opWG3Zs_LEghfxr0sqQapVmPK6_NlIZJllniAl3HY2P-ytHz4aZ9WAvYw1Xo0wTu2G075tOrUIe39VSvuQ/s1600/IMG_1800_1.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Will be starting more trick training...but the life skills need to be solid :) She rocks her x-pen skills, barks to get out to potty, otherwise has figured out how to play with her toys without constant attention :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jJmvSU1npvu1kuQuCVCrgeUBoq_U2ksrkd7DyHw95yZHogQ-ZjnV9jlX3Ti2ot3N4sE6JOfmtAnxgpc1DV0tQhM9iMdNHbI1jYgv66Ts2ZcU7LctvsiwHPd9f26NiuUCilb62g6R-48/s1600/IMG_1802_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1jJmvSU1npvu1kuQuCVCrgeUBoq_U2ksrkd7DyHw95yZHogQ-ZjnV9jlX3Ti2ot3N4sE6JOfmtAnxgpc1DV0tQhM9iMdNHbI1jYgv66Ts2ZcU7LctvsiwHPd9f26NiuUCilb62g6R-48/s1600/IMG_1802_1.jpg" height="410" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Right now it's about getting to know her, letting her see and absorb the world...and for me personally, letting rules develop and happen when needed. </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJXxhoQyTrBoqfMRC4p9PnTY_7G0YcLnUcspTqkUhOcLVIUvDabi9UvfBdyml0sFPWl8FRfz_UiSt2LdQNuMb-ZQr7JVJYwC5h5V4HoEV1MlXq2CuOK8KcnPaCof8D1cBynrufSWXohI/s1600/IMG_1803_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZJXxhoQyTrBoqfMRC4p9PnTY_7G0YcLnUcspTqkUhOcLVIUvDabi9UvfBdyml0sFPWl8FRfz_UiSt2LdQNuMb-ZQr7JVJYwC5h5V4HoEV1MlXq2CuOK8KcnPaCof8D1cBynrufSWXohI/s1600/IMG_1803_1.jpg" height="640" width="632" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Such a raw being right now, full of curiosity, only doing what seems natural. We can learn so much from them at this age. It's fun just sitting back and letting her show me all she has :)</b></span></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-64028424862667831512014-05-20T14:22:00.000-05:002014-05-20T14:22:50.733-05:00Always Behind :)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Life isn't letting me update the blog...I keep having guilty feelings about it...but I am now realizing that it's OK. The blog will happen as it happens...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have lots of blogging to do...Assistant coaching the World Team...my travels to the Netherlands and Italy...Team Crackhead's amazing World Team medal stuff etc etc....Team USA is amazing...I will leave it at that for now :) </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>If you are friends with me of Facebook, you know about the Introduction I am going to make...if you don't, here you go!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Introducing Gig :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWd0rX2wKjtJ7_b5TwFhO-A7jpor5m0DqtgV7KnJbFXkgqz3LUkaf_lsZrxUWJyuwWxvmTG6iLvvbsDKp653Xa2pACYMTBdahHIq4nlOzxJMANM_pBxTQKuiwIQ2wt2s7WupUpq7Qx_U/s1600/IMG_1707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXWd0rX2wKjtJ7_b5TwFhO-A7jpor5m0DqtgV7KnJbFXkgqz3LUkaf_lsZrxUWJyuwWxvmTG6iLvvbsDKp653Xa2pACYMTBdahHIq4nlOzxJMANM_pBxTQKuiwIQ2wt2s7WupUpq7Qx_U/s1600/IMG_1707.jpg" height="385" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I'll admit, I was looking for a boy...and I wanted her to come about a year later...but, well...it's very common for me to get puppies at a bad time. And this fit perfectly :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>SHE decided I was hers, and wasn't taking no for an answer...so here she is! I got to spend 3 days with her before heading off to do World Team stuff :) My wonderful friend/student D took amazing care of her and all my other pups...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Gig is pretty damn amazing...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxODM6AegGnWYkb3H0o8dNqaqixtvFDJhDp7ftiWHS5DAw9tEIMN7DkllgUBEY5F1YQCwWn8FqsSq_JmnKmyah0h-uxphXzfNd4Q-3jqHQEFHc41s6pZkpyxw0CS5wFZ5Yl-AqWZofIbI/s1600/IMG_1692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxODM6AegGnWYkb3H0o8dNqaqixtvFDJhDp7ftiWHS5DAw9tEIMN7DkllgUBEY5F1YQCwWn8FqsSq_JmnKmyah0h-uxphXzfNd4Q-3jqHQEFHc41s6pZkpyxw0CS5wFZ5Yl-AqWZofIbI/s1600/IMG_1692.jpg" height="458" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>She will be 11 weeks old this Friday...so these are pics from today, I will post pictures of her younger weeks as I get time...LOL So maybe when she is 1?? </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWlpgmc6mw0PvQPjxFfz251wl9_Ys4sSCm_WBYeFTOQFcJYSyI4dUJOUReUpFWGgyqVJFVQPgDDpE75iEGtCjNeuDAsaKSqWcGsOfR1UY9ClAS_yJdHo4F6Of1tJiRSJGI-0qxEeHRG4/s1600/IMG_1705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfWlpgmc6mw0PvQPjxFfz251wl9_Ys4sSCm_WBYeFTOQFcJYSyI4dUJOUReUpFWGgyqVJFVQPgDDpE75iEGtCjNeuDAsaKSqWcGsOfR1UY9ClAS_yJdHo4F6Of1tJiRSJGI-0qxEeHRG4/s1600/IMG_1705.jpg" height="624" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>She's really a brilliant, driven, tough little puppy...reminds me a lot of Zip as a pup...really looking forward to our journey :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfGcwrK_ec3Nez1mnuOC5sM5SWpjezSDhsfGphOMmdQqkItmCqKlnv7vNmQFiCLjnpnzhLCLvJKhCH2NuiUVCs0d26I0Ud33Hmclvi94d-gdMzxzuOGjAn96TPFwrWNYRyX7doE-TMdk/s1600/IMG_1698.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUfGcwrK_ec3Nez1mnuOC5sM5SWpjezSDhsfGphOMmdQqkItmCqKlnv7vNmQFiCLjnpnzhLCLvJKhCH2NuiUVCs0d26I0Ud33Hmclvi94d-gdMzxzuOGjAn96TPFwrWNYRyX7doE-TMdk/s1600/IMG_1698.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>She's playing with toys, bites a LOT, draws blood a LOT, and is experiencing as much of life as possible. Taking it all in stride. </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qDpQIWN0XC0-vNlJJF-KTytRQ1y-401KyCzZdQmKT7eeaKnpR2SkzCy5RTY1nayqZ4eTrkvacidq49HBxoTXAqQO2U3mtFf6JMB6aCK3_FEMP3wL1Jo64HutOELxLxIuqcBOZSpydRw/s1600/IMG_1703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6qDpQIWN0XC0-vNlJJF-KTytRQ1y-401KyCzZdQmKT7eeaKnpR2SkzCy5RTY1nayqZ4eTrkvacidq49HBxoTXAqQO2U3mtFf6JMB6aCK3_FEMP3wL1Jo64HutOELxLxIuqcBOZSpydRw/s1600/IMG_1703.jpg" height="640" width="552" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The gal who has Lynn's brother also got a sister...I will post photos of her when I get some...lots of big ears in this litter :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheXOPcDFRfPdjGyg6_4IhwMF9tygtk5ZKBO4Kc5QRv4vlcSrCecmnj9iLAcE8nrSSdBysfiLtv-nLZm5fXShkntj8vbwm4EAtkYYqt9KIgCZpAwuG52lFZEjK_3CJpI6XneWAPgnYBJY/s1600/IMG_1702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiheXOPcDFRfPdjGyg6_4IhwMF9tygtk5ZKBO4Kc5QRv4vlcSrCecmnj9iLAcE8nrSSdBysfiLtv-nLZm5fXShkntj8vbwm4EAtkYYqt9KIgCZpAwuG52lFZEjK_3CJpI6XneWAPgnYBJY/s1600/IMG_1702.jpg" height="528" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Here's to puppies...that fun, raw happiness and wonder :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Welcome to Full Tilt Border Collies Miss Gig, aka Giggity, aka turd, aka cray cray :)</b></span></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-37156709459043165092014-03-05T12:31:00.002-06:002014-03-05T12:40:49.800-06:00Starting Your Puppy--The Art of BEING<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">My TOP TEN THINGS TO DO TO ENSURE YOUR PUPPY IS AN AGILITY/HERDING SUPERSTAR!!!</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ok...not really...does that SERIOUSLY seem like me?</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Because I am more of a" guidelines "type of gal. Rules are great, but lets me honest. My dogs have all proven to be an exception to one rule or another. It's the art of adaptation in dog training that makes it challenging.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">People want A + B = C</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Guess what folks...every dog has a different, A + B</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And every dog has a different C as well.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So...what do I do with puppies?</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Being that I am from a scientific background...I OBSERVE.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I observe a LOT. </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Do I train 175,000 tricks? Nope. Does that mean they are bad? Nope.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But I choose to bond and observe in different ways. I take my puppies with me places, I spend quality time with them NOT WORKING THEM, just BEING...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Is that a hard thing for many of us to do? Just let them BE.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Let them BE weird, BE confident, BE curious, BE unsure...just BE.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I have watched many herding people, they let their puppies just BE...the puppies do their thing...explore, go through weird phases...and the people are there, to just make sure experiences are safe. Then the pups go to sheep...and that magical relationship happens...why? Because it's NATURAL...instinctive. It is in the dogs blood.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I have tended to go back to that mentality with my puppies. I see if they are independent, biddable, stubborn, happy go lucky, serious, whatever. I want to just hang with my puppy and observe what they are. RAW material...they are so raw at this age. And I find it really fun to just interact with them on their level...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I will admit, my puppies are pretty much hooligans for many, many months. They know basic things like RECALL, wait at the door (I have 6 dogs so I hate having to not get ran over) and kennel up. They play with toys...they learn to fetch...things like that. But I make sure my number one goal is to spend QUALITY time with them. Just playing with them like a puppy, snuggling them, letting them bite me maybe just a LITTLE too hard :)</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I see how they learn from the other dogs, I see how they deal with new things, how they cope with stress. I let them take in the world at their own pace...and I don't make them "face their fears"...I just let them BE. </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">They go on hikes with my other dogs, they go a ton of places with me. They take naps on my lap, they are with me when I am doing things around the house. Sure we play, sure we are learning things as we go along...but it's more of a leisurely form of learning rather than a CRAM session so many people tend to make puppyhood. You know what I am talking about...putting so much information into the puppies brain because we have to get them trialing ASAP.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Maybe that seems lazy of me? But I have found with my dogs...less can actually be more. </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Through the art of just being, I have found my dogs bond more with me when I am laying with them in the grass and we are playing bitey face (ok so they are, I am using my hands). Those moments when I am petting them quietly as they are sleeping...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">When I see my puppy run up to me and play bow...and I have nothing on me to reward them with but ME. And my puppy thinks that is the best thing ever.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lynn is a prime example of the art of "Being"...she was a very independent dog (still is on some things, but I am HER PERSON)...I spent tons of time with treats and toys and leashes and all that stuff rewarding her for being with me...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And it kind of worked...but something was missing...there was a connection between us...but I knew there was more that could be there.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So I observed...and you know what I found out. If she gets to sleep in bed with me, our connection blossoms. Just the act of being next to me, in bed...is enough for her to really want that relationship with me.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Another thing that really keeps Lynn connected to me, is, she for some reason, likes to lick my hands (which I will admit I don't particularly enjoy) but it is HER way of connecting with me. These are things she does during those quiet times when we are just together...being who we are.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Because lets me honest...there are more times that my dogs and I "just being together" than times we are training. And I am totally fine with that. </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As I am sitting here typing this blog, Even is on one side of me---her paws on my leg, I reach over and pet her and kiss her on the forehead (something she adores!) and Lynn is on my other side, snuggled up to my side...sleeping away., she prefers to touch me if she can. Klink is under my feet and I will reach down and scratch her nose (one of her favorite things). Gator is on the other couch...and he likes it that way :) Zip is on her bed in the sun, I tell her I love her and she thumps her tail...and lets out a ROO ROO but doesn't move from her spot.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Being...all of us, together but comfortable with what we need or want.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If I want to work them, they are all instantly ready...but those moments are nothing in length compared to the times we are just sharing space...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I don't expect my dogs to fit into a mold...as I would HATE my life if that was the case. Expectations to me are just pressure, pressure, over time, can either build up or break down something...it must be used wisely. I have seen too much pressure cause issues.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">My dogs accept me for who I am, faults and all...and there are many. In return I have really starting enjoying that process of finding out about my puppies...what makes them tick.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I don't want a perfect dog...I want to learn about and cherish the dog I have. </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Food for Thought :)</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Please read about what all the other bloggers have to say about this topic!!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><a href="http://dogagilityblogevents.wordpress.com/starting-your-puppy/">http://dogagilityblogevents.wordpress.com/starting-your-puppy/</a></span></strong><br />
</div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-28562091773764225852014-02-21T19:37:00.000-06:002014-02-21T20:06:53.304-06:00Please Help Raya!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Every little bit helps...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Earlier this week a wonderful student of mine, Kim, had an emergency. Her awesome Doberman Raya ended up in the vet clinic late at night with a very serious medical emergency--Raya was bloating.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPita5GsQhH4wCF8czIU82dA-MlNjTCItk_eUA14INUsRxNHVH14E9fowgDEklqQ6SEE6scpzwKpBW4-5MyDBme4uZheelnA8FL6HSFhyphenhyphene9cvUx7kmD70MDPRstYm4D4T1AI9tlLXaCyc/s1600/CD_17144_220887_rayaSchwendeman_a2188313.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPita5GsQhH4wCF8czIU82dA-MlNjTCItk_eUA14INUsRxNHVH14E9fowgDEklqQ6SEE6scpzwKpBW4-5MyDBme4uZheelnA8FL6HSFhyphenhyphene9cvUx7kmD70MDPRstYm4D4T1AI9tlLXaCyc/s1600/CD_17144_220887_rayaSchwendeman_a2188313.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>For those of you familiar with bloat in dogs...it's a life threatening issue. On top of almost losing her life, the surgery is very expensive. For those of you not familiar with this issue (of which Dobermans are known for having issues with) click <a href="http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/dog-care/bloat">HERE </a>to learn more about it.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsg-dmHjY4uShnG4EvzLdHmXmvC499Nf-yCnZzkogX82SnmQE8fH8U-StSXR5gUJQS1VeoqgzJcL4bdxwCzr-PCGCgt-c6KsVA9wTy_rKdL3ylw6U3faH4k5FHmAB73IBBk7fX2o1SXs/s1600/CD_17144_220887_rayaSchwendeman_a2190249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtsg-dmHjY4uShnG4EvzLdHmXmvC499Nf-yCnZzkogX82SnmQE8fH8U-StSXR5gUJQS1VeoqgzJcL4bdxwCzr-PCGCgt-c6KsVA9wTy_rKdL3ylw6U3faH4k5FHmAB73IBBk7fX2o1SXs/s1600/CD_17144_220887_rayaSchwendeman_a2190249.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For those of us who have the pleasure of knowing Raya, she is absolutely a hilarious dog. Full of energy, a bit goofy, a tremendous athlete, and a great teammate with Kim. They are very connected on the agility course and Raya is always at Kim's side. </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">During lessons Raya is always at my side...leaning on me, asking for pets while Kim walks courses...I can't imagine MY life without Miss Ray Ray as I call her :)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYD7N_ZclcDzbJoU-pvKgrvK9VaZOo1wiGNOl7DL9W5gaFM6iniMlvdX-2Wu0vb14OmLpUOZRhxclgVc5fq7g_Is0hf1tQ2bFIo7nsFRctGbSAAuqgHep50UM04UMZH6SASBHTS5WIQX0/s1600/CD_17144_220887_rayaSchwendeman_a2190259.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYD7N_ZclcDzbJoU-pvKgrvK9VaZOo1wiGNOl7DL9W5gaFM6iniMlvdX-2Wu0vb14OmLpUOZRhxclgVc5fq7g_Is0hf1tQ2bFIo7nsFRctGbSAAuqgHep50UM04UMZH6SASBHTS5WIQX0/s1600/CD_17144_220887_rayaSchwendeman_a2190259.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Raya made it through surgery...it was a bit scary but she is now home. And it will take awhile for her to recover, but we are very happy she is back with Kim.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Bloat surgery is expensive enough...much less adding on the extra cost of emergency care. So I thought, why not reach out to people to see if we can help Kim out a little. EVERY DOLLAR COUNTS!!!! </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>You can donate below! Please help any way you can!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<embed allowscriptaccess="never" height="224" src="http://pitchinbox.com/widget/widget.swf?id=4683859532" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="320" wmode="transparent"></embed></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>If you are accessing this site from an ipad/iphone/cell etc </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="http://pitchinbox.com/redirect.php?id=4683859532">CLICK HERE TO DONATE!</a></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thank you all!! I hope we can raise enough funds to ease the expense of saving this wonderful dogs life!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>C-ATCH RN, AX, AXJ, OF, MR, MG, MJ, MAD, SAM Raya</b></span></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-31216735329547346522014-02-20T08:44:00.000-06:002014-02-20T08:52:40.882-06:00When You Have Nothing Else...<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Still absorbing from the One Mind seminar...and it's amazing all the things I picked up (and probably more amazing all the things I missed!)</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I don't get to be a student very often...and I rarely have anyone watching me train my dogs. Just the nature of where I live. Out in the boondocks.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So it really was such a wonderful thing to be a student...and I could sit here and tell you that I TOTALLY knew it all, and TOTALLY nailed it, but I didn't. I had my share of issues (luckily for me so did everyone, even the groups that had worked with them before...it was somewhat pleasing to see everyone struggling to some degree--misery loves company right???)</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The format was great, learn techniques, then apply them in very challenging courses :) </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Which seems easy enough right? I can do challenging courses...my dogs are very good dogs, they run clean a lot and fast at that!!! </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Yeah...so...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I like me some verbals...let me rephrase that. I LOVE me some verbals...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">No verbals allowed except dogs name...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I think I almost peed myself...WHAAA??? NO VERBALS??? HOW WILL I COMMUNICATE??</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Why? Because my body wasn't always in tune with the verbals...I was using the verbals to get the behavior (which my dogs are obviously damn good at) but my body needed to match up...and it wasn't.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">This really threw me for a loop...I use a lot of verbals--we have gamblers and my dogs all are good gamble dogs...I love left, right, out, with me, and of course my DW verbals...kind of caused some mild anxiety on my part. I will totally admit that. I am not saying I am running around courses like ST saying LEFT LEFT LEFT, RIGHT RIGHT RIGHT RIGHT etc...but I do like and I have trained my verbals well. To the point that when Jaakko said LEFT LEFT LEFT to Lynn and I was doing a rear cross where she should have turned RIGHT...she turned left. Yes...I train them THAT well. Good girl. Except...HELLO LYNN?? Like WHEN HAVE YOU EVER been ran by a man? And a man with a Finnish accent? Seriously...we need to talk :)</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Go Lynn---you love verbals too. We are a match made in heaven :)</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Did I mention I loved verbals? Because if I didn't...I'd like to mention that I really love my verbal commands. As in, we are married and have children and a huge house in the burbs type love.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So my first love I can't use...I felt as if someone had chopped off my arm...I basically handled silently the entire time...because I know if I didn't this long line of verbals would erupt from my mouth...yes folks...I was silent. Mark it down. First time ever in the history of life.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Speaking of arms...yeah. Someone really does need to chop them both off...they get in the way of the actual BODY LANGUAGE I NEED TO SHOW. Plus the new terms, for stuff...some I knew already, some I didn't...I was alone in the world of silence...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So I had just my body...and that was just not a happy place for Loretta. </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It was new...and foreign...and for me, tough. BUT...fun stuff happened.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lynn read everything wonderfully--her skill set is really good. Yay me!</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I finally, by the beginning of day two felt like there was a chance I could remove my head from my ass and figure out which hand to use and not keep thinking in terms of verbals and obstacles, but rather lines and what my chest needed to be doing.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Any idea how hard it is, if you have been running a very specific way for years and suddenly...someone asks you to use different arms? Yeah...it's not easy. There were others struggling with the very same thing...so at first I thought I was SUPER DUPER SPECIAL...but there were others just like me :) We could form a support group, I like to use my off arm and look at the jumps (insert f bomb HERE).</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So when you have nothing else...you have only your body. Which is why this handling works...Janita's dog was deaf...she didn't have verbals. She had her body. That was IT.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">By day two I was no longer looking at jumps (ok for the most part)...it was getting smoother, life was good, it was making sense and Lynn was REALLY responding to it. She likey :)</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I might have screamed explicatives several times during the two days...but so were others, some so loud I could hear them in the other ring...It was MAGICAL :)</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Finally clicking on the second day...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I was running, I was connecting, I was getting the hell out of there. It was working. I was using the correct hands...my chest was in the right direction...and it was just damn cool.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I even accepted a hug...cause I needed it! LOL Proof below!</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152183322094280&l=2109831714284865065">https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152183322094280&l=2109831714284865065</a></span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I got home...after the initial shock to my system of the cold and snow...and the stages of grief I had to go through to get back to realizing this was my life again...I have been working things. Small pieces. Making sure my footwork is right, making sure my arms are not even in the equation right now...cause they have a mind of their own and they are staging a revolt against this new stuff.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And it is working :) I am already getting comfortable...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I worked on it with Gator---lovely, he got it and turned even tighter...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I worked on it with Klink--same thing.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I also worked on it with Even--she only knows to take a jump...she nailed it.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It makes sense...natural, they get it.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm getting it. Agility is super fun again...agility is challenging...I am learning...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Gosh this stuff is fun!!!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">PS--I will not be abandoning my verbals...just as an added note. I just will be really paying attention to my verbals and if my body matches them. I am not using any right now...so I can really focus on what I am telling my dogs.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-54832163804669544462014-02-18T12:13:00.002-06:002014-02-18T16:07:17.490-06:00One Mind Seminar with Jaakko and Janita<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What a WONDERFUL past week I had! Lynn and I headed down to Florida to work with the One Mind crew!!! First off...the weather was LOVELY!!!!! I mean PERFECT!!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACHpzpWHvjmhxE08bA6ibancR568Nq5TbcZeaRjYQTf_bifZ5avuhum2hqxoCJz5Pio_r7_upHOT9YUYMUUGiCy7AofddSeickeoAnp5YNR_5PMe3mYNS5eluSCeeahKEljRaQy2nDqY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACHpzpWHvjmhxE08bA6ibancR568Nq5TbcZeaRjYQTf_bifZ5avuhum2hqxoCJz5Pio_r7_upHOT9YUYMUUGiCy7AofddSeickeoAnp5YNR_5PMe3mYNS5eluSCeeahKEljRaQy2nDqY/s1600/photo+1.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We played on the beach, we enjoyed the sun...and just took in what I would call summer :) It was nice to get away from the cold and snow of Minnesota. I'll admit I wasn't ready to go back home after just a week!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The seminar was wonderful...I really got a LOT out of it...I am a firm believer if you are going to go to a seminar...you need to really immerse yourself in the handling. I am from a LM background more so than anything but I kind of do lots of stuff...so I had to go against my instinct on it, but by day two I was getting there :) Lynn did wonderfully...perfect in fact. Good good dog!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HFlK61yzXbhDg2qJEp0FdgKMsViIa8AwH93pGVMkXk78fs7lYHhRGvfdHQmiEeTzPrKrWnB-QVbuhKRczD1svLrimiJIYUEXCmP_lXEth6VVg7mXU8Tdd53w9KJrJdpa4pqkEq_e_f0/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HFlK61yzXbhDg2qJEp0FdgKMsViIa8AwH93pGVMkXk78fs7lYHhRGvfdHQmiEeTzPrKrWnB-QVbuhKRczD1svLrimiJIYUEXCmP_lXEth6VVg7mXU8Tdd53w9KJrJdpa4pqkEq_e_f0/s1600/photo+4.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>For me the hardest part was which hand to use...I think for those of you that are into some of the Derrett stuff...it would be a much easier transition in that regard...seemed that way to me anyhow. It really started flowing for me on day two. I soooo wish I had been able to have at least one more day with them.</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The moves were very natural, the dogs read them very well...and it started to really make sense. If I had it to do all over again...I would have audited the first two days. Hindsight is 20/20.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The thing I really enjoyed about all the work, is that it really helped you get down stream on the courses. Very technical courses...the hardest I have ever ran I think...challenge after challenge after challenge. Wonderful for my mental game and great to get you really working on the moves.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrhXV0kT6Vv0f3y6FI3yGOPUj-aasDfbxQ1M0Fsvbcz-IzV_Rup5YTux0pKiOPZ59C-ILi2jrpQDIPabVZd66wXUX8sYwmGduDibDFBgwnB-sTuyf84jlclX367RgC9HILuaKAuqVFW0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtrhXV0kT6Vv0f3y6FI3yGOPUj-aasDfbxQ1M0Fsvbcz-IzV_Rup5YTux0pKiOPZ59C-ILi2jrpQDIPabVZd66wXUX8sYwmGduDibDFBgwnB-sTuyf84jlclX367RgC9HILuaKAuqVFW0/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I went home with a LOT of homework...and how to apply it to what I am currently doing. There will be lots of moves I want to perfect...and the nice thing about it is, you don' t need a ton of jumps, just 4...to work on things. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>This seminar was out of my comfort zone for sure...it really pushed me. I didn't do everything perfectly, but that is what I want. I need to be able to figure things out. And it was perfect.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></b><br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8VfFk4HQQ4zNyRgUnqKfdJ1A0NgFXU9_NFBUKz9NI_4e-3oP30RDXFb0WdGMzm5-BMT7TL2pDHLHhKFwO6cwLRNYI8inK-2tf2bou93yJyHQ0kAR4uKVLhv2x4YRB5fke6oKH3IU6YU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig8VfFk4HQQ4zNyRgUnqKfdJ1A0NgFXU9_NFBUKz9NI_4e-3oP30RDXFb0WdGMzm5-BMT7TL2pDHLHhKFwO6cwLRNYI8inK-2tf2bou93yJyHQ0kAR4uKVLhv2x4YRB5fke6oKH3IU6YU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>For those people that think they have "reworked" stuff from previous "inventors"...I challenge you to work with them. They want clear communication. Their instruction is very well put together, they explain things to a very high level and it makes sense. There are different spins on stuff, a different way to look at coursework and your dog...if you haven't worked with them one on one...you can't base an opinion on any foundation. They really opened my eyes to many things. MANY MANY THINGS.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It was also a ton of fun training along side others...I don' t get to train with other people very often so it was great to have people helping each other. I miss that part of dog training...soooo much. Talented people getting together and tackling challenges...amazing. Really motivated me to get better!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Here's just a TINY bit of video that I got from the seminar of Lynn and I working...lots of great stuff...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/xxgyq2bbVRw" width="480"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Did I get home and sign up for their premium online content? Yep! I did...very good instruction...what TO do and what not to do...gives you a great visual picture.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Would I work with them again? In a heartbeat!!! No doubt. I left the seminar recharged, ready to train my dogs...I haven't felt that in a good while. I had tools to increase the communication between us as a team! As well as helping all my students and seminar attendees. I plan on immersing myself in more of the methodology...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I wasn't at all ready to come back to the cold of MN...but a week was all I had. Next winter I think I am going to plan some longer trips south...I need that to keep myself sane up here in the cold.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKBRfe8MV1jtHiPfvzKiMTAGzI70hJXbGADnBMQM1zTuMXFVf2FepmuokboFzibf_HnhRYwTruyOlVN2OU-nenB9HM3HhOdrLYHoJfUl0y03r9ZwZhoXiwxXueHzWe14nefaLZKKh4-c/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwKBRfe8MV1jtHiPfvzKiMTAGzI70hJXbGADnBMQM1zTuMXFVf2FepmuokboFzibf_HnhRYwTruyOlVN2OU-nenB9HM3HhOdrLYHoJfUl0y03r9ZwZhoXiwxXueHzWe14nefaLZKKh4-c/s1600/photo+5.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I am already missing this...when can I go back??</b></span></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-62203748808681694692014-01-29T12:01:00.002-06:002014-01-29T12:06:08.557-06:00WOW January!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>This month has been INSANE!!! I know, I say that a lot. But this month has already been a really fun start to 2014 :)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I head off to North Carolina for 3 days of teaching this coming weekend :) Looking forward to working with everyone! The fun part about coming back to the same place each year is I get to see the huge changes in the teams. Just wonderful!</b></span><br />
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I LOVE teaching...I really do. It's the most challenging and rewarding thing in my life.</b></span><br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>There seems to be similar questions across the board in regards to seminars...so I thought I would answer a few of them. I am just speaking for myself (as that's all I really can do) but I do believe other seminar presenters would say close to the very same things.</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1--The seminar presenter expects you to know everything already...</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Why would you be there if you knew it all? I don't have those kinds of expectations...we expect learning to happen. If there is no learning, I'm not doing my job!</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b></b></span> </div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2--If I don't have a Border Collie/sheltie/etc etc, I am not welcome at a seminar...</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I love working with all dogs, ALL DOGS, I don't care if it is Bassett hound, a Whippet, a Border Collie, whatever! It's DOG training :) Not "insert breed that is PERFECTLY suited for agility"...really :) I love all dogs...why I do what I do. Why I have so many approaches to different situations. Dogs that haven't been bred to work with humans need something else than a dog that worships the ground we walk on. It's not better or worse, it just is :)</b></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3--I don't want to be on the World Team...so is it worth me even going?</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Of course it is! Do you want to be able to communicate with your dog better? Become a better trainer? Then YES! A VERY SMALL sector of the agility community actually wants to aspire to be on a World Team! And lets be honest (having a husband on two World Teams this year!) ITS PRICEY! Goals are goals...I want to help you get there :) So you can tackle them and move onto bigger goals for YOUR team!!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>4--I have to be able to run to be in a seminar, I have (bad hips, bad knees, bad ankles, fast dog etc etc). </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I don't agree with that. A good clinician will be able to work with each team's strengths and help with their weaknesses. I want people to be able to improve their communication with their dogs...that's my goal. Regardless of what your speed is.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Of course there are some presenters that mesh with individuals moreso than others...that is a personal choice. But I do think seminars are a wonderful place to learn.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>If you are hesitant to try a seminar...I would suggest at least auditing one...This way you can get an idea of how this particular person teaches and how they adapt to every team :)</b></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Speaking of seminars, Lynn and I will be flying to Florida mid month to work with the One Mind crew! A working spot opened up and I took that opportunity! I am looking forward to being able to learn from them and find out more about their training! Feeling very lucky!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I also got the news recently that I will be the Assistant Coach for the IFCS World Team! Very excited to be helping Team USA however they need me! Going to be a fun fun time in the Netherlands!</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Here's to a great 2014 so far!!!</span></strong></div>
</div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-53858270197425999242013-12-31T08:10:00.001-06:002013-12-31T08:10:23.765-06:00Contentment...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Andy, myself and all the pups went to a USDAA trial this past weekend.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I haven't trialed in what seems like FOREVER, and in reality...because it hasn't been over 0 degrees F for a month practically...the dogs were going to be a bit rusty. But why not right?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I went to the trial needing a GP and Steeplechase Q for each pup so they could play at the Regional in April. Due to my teaching schedule...I am gone somewhere each time there is a local trial, sadly...so we hit the road for Milwaukee :) Nothing like an almost 8 hour drive one way! LOL</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>This was my first time back in the ring with Miss Klink...who, for a long time we thought would never step foot back into the ring again...so it was a very special time for me. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It was great to get to catch up with everyone...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I was sitting on the sidelines, watching people compete, the good, the bad, the happiness...all of it...and I sighed a happy sigh. Contentment...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I missed trialing...haven't been able to say that. I missed running my 3 pack. It felt complete again. Klinky was with me again.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Team Crackhead was wonderful of course...lots of good runs, he is already all Q'd up for CA. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Klink was amazing...all weekend, she Q'd in everything except one Standard run...despite me being very late on some things LOL!!! I cried after her runs a lot...I'm sure that probably freaked some people out as I'm not normally a crying person! But, when my dogs, and those close to me are concerned...well, it happens. I missed the smile on her face, her bark, how she always has a rock solid stay, kissing her on the head before I lead out...all of it. I felt complete again, running my fuzzy loud mouthed girl. She picked up both tournament legs she needed for the Regional, 1 std, 2 gamblers, 1 snooker super Q, 1 jumpers...She was amazing, it felt so good to run her...have that connection again. Klink at home, and Klink at a trial are two completely different beasts. I missed my adrenaline rush :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Gator was as usual his amazing self...he had some issues adjusting to the turf on Saturday, so a bar in the two jumpers classes...and wasn't collecting the best all weekend...but other than that, he just ticked along. Hard to believe he is 7 years old. He ended up getting all his Tournament Q's as well (can't remember placements), 1 Gamble Q, Got two Master Challenger Standard Q's with a 2nd and 4th. 2nd and 3rd in Standard, pairs Q's, Snooker Super Q...had a perfect day on Sunday. Whatta kid. He somehow popped a rib and a toe out on Saturday (thinking him falling on the turf and a bad DW load)...he was lame...I was worried...but a dear friend was able to figure out the issue, another friend lent me her laser, and he ran wonderfully on Sunday, Q'd in all classes in fact :) Grateful for good friends...people willing to help out :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Miss Lynn...what can I say about my 19.5 inch little bugger...DW's?? CHECK! Straights and a hard turn that she nailed with all four feet! Jumping? Wonderful (she had to figure out the turf as well! But that's to be expected!). She won Standard both days...2nd place in Challenger Std even with a slip and fall on the turf!! Two Gambler Q's, a pairs Q, and a master Challenge jumpers run that was SMOKIN...one bar that she slipped right on take off. Sunday she ran perfectly...no bars, she had it all figured out :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I had my three dogs back...it felt complete...trials haven't felt that complete in a long time. I was finally CONTENT again. It just didn't feel right just running Lynn and Gator. Klink LOVES agility...and she is sound, and healthy and her Lyme titers were LOVELY. I hope there isn't a relapse!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I feel so grateful that I have three dogs that feel like an old pair of shoes, we have trust, we have that connection, each dog is a little different, but each just as special. I wouldn't trade my dogs for ANY dogs, not a dog that could run faster, not a dog that could turn tighter, not a dog that is taller and has a bigger stride, not a dog with better anything. I love my dogs. I want to run MY dogs. I don't care if we win, I don't care if we place. I just am content running my 4 year old, 7 year old and 8.5 year old :) I am content knowing that Klink is running agility completely sound and at 16" because she can stay sound and healthy at that height. I am grateful that Gator is running so well with little to no injuries at 7 years old. I am grateful that Lynn enjoys the game, kicks some butt and is confident in her contacts that I don't even think about them anymore.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I could run these three dogs for the rest of my life...I really could. They may or may not be the best agility dogs ever, but as far as I am concerned...they are the best because they're perfect for me. We are connected, and they give me 200% even when I am a little rusty :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I picked each of these dogs with my heart (actually ALL my dogs are picked with my heart)...I have always followed my gut with a puppy...if the connection isn't there, I don't get one. And I am happy with what I have found. I wouldn't personally pick a puppy JUST on structure (not saying those that do are bad people...that's just not my thing). Gator is a bit straight in the front end...yet he has the heart and is an amazing athlete. Lynn could use more back and also more angulation in her rear...but she is such a little dependable work horse. Klink is built pretty darn perfectly...but is hard on herself...and gets injured more than the other two combined! LOL But she never gives up. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It was a great weekend, filled with seeing friends, LOTS of laughing, lots of great courses (not easy--challenging but fun!), the judge was super laid back about things (nice nice nice!!!) and I had my pups :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Content...that pretty much described my attitude this weekend. Nothing really mattered but just running the pups. This weekend I head off to Calgary to teach for a couple of days. I am excited!!! Then a weekend off, then another trial, then a weekend off, then another seminar in NC :) Makes the winters go by much quicker!! And I really enjoy working with all different people.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I hope everyone has a safe and HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Here's to 2014!!! Lets hope it goes well for all of us!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-51044669433899930632013-12-24T21:37:00.002-06:002013-12-24T21:37:34.267-06:00Happy Holidays!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">From our home to yours :)</span></b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqml4Gxa3oQfwS-apsDDUAGwciMeQaQdx5hukyAScs-SSWrrfpCv0oYrqiTmj6Yvv57Vj43hass1fxeA0-xWcdBUeO8WUgXbgrzIAjlcOgQK97w9Z_nvdR6DJKXWZ4C9LgO6TBlsPsUfU/s1600/IMG_1465.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqml4Gxa3oQfwS-apsDDUAGwciMeQaQdx5hukyAScs-SSWrrfpCv0oYrqiTmj6Yvv57Vj43hass1fxeA0-xWcdBUeO8WUgXbgrzIAjlcOgQK97w9Z_nvdR6DJKXWZ4C9LgO6TBlsPsUfU/s640/IMG_1465.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here's to a wonderful 2014 for everyone! </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It's a cold and snowy Christmas Eve for all of us. The drifts are high, the temps are LOW...and it feels good to be in the warm house.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjID_71iHorxgTzVdxncNn1hb_hnX1I8Zbk5tm9B0dV96CcmDqau_BTlM_JTBfndXpfCxO7aUdIZG0Flc_3UAOG10o_ym_txV05vecLp46sFt7463mGlI0WfISOGSdf7WGHc3B5lJcu8b0/s1600/Tree1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjID_71iHorxgTzVdxncNn1hb_hnX1I8Zbk5tm9B0dV96CcmDqau_BTlM_JTBfndXpfCxO7aUdIZG0Flc_3UAOG10o_ym_txV05vecLp46sFt7463mGlI0WfISOGSdf7WGHc3B5lJcu8b0/s640/Tree1.JPG" width="268" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>One really nice thing about Minnesota...we are pretty much guaranteed a white Christmas. I'll admit, I really like a white Christmas :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbehfgpIHesQIb2c_gh_b31hVvnHYCmAEAd-KYr1l-wR8Idrslzg2HSnvQFEZr5a8dGv3uKDX4u54i3WCY1UFBN44HjLdGJrl0RvD6ig9T__4L63eF3lmydJBK6EbTiX7HHNU9-tkmeg/s1600/Tree2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHbehfgpIHesQIb2c_gh_b31hVvnHYCmAEAd-KYr1l-wR8Idrslzg2HSnvQFEZr5a8dGv3uKDX4u54i3WCY1UFBN44HjLdGJrl0RvD6ig9T__4L63eF3lmydJBK6EbTiX7HHNU9-tkmeg/s640/Tree2.JPG" width="402" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I did the usual group picture of the pups...but I thought, to help myself get in the Christmas mood...I'd take some individual pictures too :) I liked how they turned out :) Like a friend said, their personalities really shine in these.</b></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xTnvMFp9yzyH2wfHKiBbeSXExDbDqcnPXI4CXF8yNWWinOmQ8ybIdDkewaA31so0oYtun3Hm9lIYKvX6_s42SVmPbbrx-MO3XOh80yhwPd9z9HilwFq4P7_3bJjfSUEHzJT_oUiGYok/s1600/IMG_1520.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xTnvMFp9yzyH2wfHKiBbeSXExDbDqcnPXI4CXF8yNWWinOmQ8ybIdDkewaA31so0oYtun3Hm9lIYKvX6_s42SVmPbbrx-MO3XOh80yhwPd9z9HilwFq4P7_3bJjfSUEHzJT_oUiGYok/s640/IMG_1520.JPG" width="504" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Zip and her impish eyes :) Up to no good. Hard to believe she will be 11 this January!!!! She is still as ornery as ever :)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Miss Even...on the back of the couch...surveying her land to make sure nothing fun is happening without her! She has to be part of it all :)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpayYv3gnGZqY_yCszQdxMzQiJIDTXUP4kT6wchGRYxgtQABW-UPYkjnKiSdFFEEtUNfpxDHLuNZyyN8Yve2wehdtytuj-Hcz9HlJ8otRgtxDC0XCi7K1H0ok5jcW88aO97tLfFWOJbww/s1600/IMG_1434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpayYv3gnGZqY_yCszQdxMzQiJIDTXUP4kT6wchGRYxgtQABW-UPYkjnKiSdFFEEtUNfpxDHLuNZyyN8Yve2wehdtytuj-Hcz9HlJ8otRgtxDC0XCi7K1H0ok5jcW88aO97tLfFWOJbww/s640/IMG_1434.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">And Gator...wondering why we have to do this every year...</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_Saxyvy0GnHn2bhJj537rkfylIba70UrrBvuVZpkCND_TptWXLprsHoKxU0sIUNVHxr_Dpw9JTpvEXPGl6VkGxGuqWO-ZOPFvnLIoxX4noU1PRmp8LLu4Yfyi58buzZR5B_Z2JAtYgI/s1600/IMG_1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_Saxyvy0GnHn2bhJj537rkfylIba70UrrBvuVZpkCND_TptWXLprsHoKxU0sIUNVHxr_Dpw9JTpvEXPGl6VkGxGuqWO-ZOPFvnLIoxX4noU1PRmp8LLu4Yfyi58buzZR5B_Z2JAtYgI/s640/IMG_1523.JPG" width="518" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lynn...being all regal and serious :) Like she has everything under control.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02xRqbGX5SQJU5Dd0EDwPmPDvS9Exd7Frt9SeG1pQcFKm3vw88x_7cFBJh8a4aeAM7iOo9XpOrOdboaycx8Ishec8VyxrnbN4cCWxeZNQafu_kwMAhNicZKNAiLgtr2h2yp_AP56RxDo/s1600/IMG_1526.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg02xRqbGX5SQJU5Dd0EDwPmPDvS9Exd7Frt9SeG1pQcFKm3vw88x_7cFBJh8a4aeAM7iOo9XpOrOdboaycx8Ishec8VyxrnbN4cCWxeZNQafu_kwMAhNicZKNAiLgtr2h2yp_AP56RxDo/s640/IMG_1526.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Miss Klink...which such joy on her face :) She absolutely LOVES photos :) She cracks me up!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6r-LEH_3F0DF0KTJyogXe-hkTWStg8Qxpua1_AtoZ-1QPP-jmy5HKyibBdlDEdVluBtgEabiIcirB4zFn9peFiYI4uQ_Y00ZQCgf1JYErqXU3-KprFH8Gqj5E4WvTM2YvsSSECkQPn3k/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6r-LEH_3F0DF0KTJyogXe-hkTWStg8Qxpua1_AtoZ-1QPP-jmy5HKyibBdlDEdVluBtgEabiIcirB4zFn9peFiYI4uQ_Y00ZQCgf1JYErqXU3-KprFH8Gqj5E4WvTM2YvsSSECkQPn3k/s640/IMG_1529.JPG" width="386" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And of course, Mr. Crackers :) All inquisitive and cute :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2E03CP2RwQRMlyZyK_nkZCB_4cTeF3F47WTmkYbRdbS0wuObVXn5pWjbNcI9UF5iR_dd6pPIOq_CKGOHcP4QlYx4e9WKMKNxvPqre0vvjskHy3xIRsEElY3pg968rcoDNayT-ccms1AY/s1600/IMG_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2E03CP2RwQRMlyZyK_nkZCB_4cTeF3F47WTmkYbRdbS0wuObVXn5pWjbNcI9UF5iR_dd6pPIOq_CKGOHcP4QlYx4e9WKMKNxvPqre0vvjskHy3xIRsEElY3pg968rcoDNayT-ccms1AY/s640/IMG_1548.JPG" width="460" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I hope all of you have a WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON!!! Whatever you celebrate, however you celebrate, enjoy your time with family and friends. Cherish those that are close to you and hug your pups!!</b></span></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-72996012086266351172013-11-23T12:07:00.007-06:002013-11-24T12:19:15.895-06:00To All Novices :)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>During my travels giving seminars and trialing, I encounter lots of novice teams. Being a novice is NOT easy, I remember it well...the nerves, the mistakes, the "what ifs". BUT...if I could write a letter to myself, it would contain some advice that pertains to agility as well as life :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>So here goes: Self,</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Here are 20 things (I am sure I could think of 100 but lets start with 20) that I wish I could have told you (and you were probably told, but you were not in the right place on your journey to actually hear and understand).</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>1--You have MANY years of competing with your dog, many trials, many Q's, many mistakes...don't treat each run as it is the most important one of your life. Ace won't like it, Zip will bite you and well...it's not worth the torment :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1mE2On2-v6NUH8lj8YkiGVrGLMAQVlulZLpnz2FsgJQVarQaZxp2CZm4UCUhqzO7Plg8KBzKSwzM4e7ttgowbHyUE4Hr_NeXOvT-GgxQj7ki2w4YyRNglpOcfC41yN3UFYNHGSEWk48/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1mE2On2-v6NUH8lj8YkiGVrGLMAQVlulZLpnz2FsgJQVarQaZxp2CZm4UCUhqzO7Plg8KBzKSwzM4e7ttgowbHyUE4Hr_NeXOvT-GgxQj7ki2w4YyRNglpOcfC41yN3UFYNHGSEWk48/s400/25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: x-small;"><b>Photo by Ami Sheffield</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2--Novice is important...not as your first trial, not as your first Q, but as that starting place for all the training you have done to continue into the dogs later career. No matter how much you want to Q, you need to really focus on handling and testing the skills you have.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxp92ESq3eCVErLuNtha9xJc0LhHeXjbzEYA1hROMGY9zJNhB-9LLcQCJTTe6YIlMwZEkGK3PwvNSoS-hZ2-etG-ne5PIKNYr0A4T-y5zWXMh4jfKHCNPbK8qMl1w-2MKJd0cGh22448/s1600/CD_15753_182437_gatorMueller_a1061846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlxp92ESq3eCVErLuNtha9xJc0LhHeXjbzEYA1hROMGY9zJNhB-9LLcQCJTTe6YIlMwZEkGK3PwvNSoS-hZ2-etG-ne5PIKNYr0A4T-y5zWXMh4jfKHCNPbK8qMl1w-2MKJd0cGh22448/s400/CD_15753_182437_gatorMueller_a1061846.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>3--If you fail at a course, instead of obsessing about it. Realize that trials are a test of our skills as a team..take it as a learning opportunity. It's not a personal failure...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>4--Sometimes dogs make mistakes...it isn't a "training issue" it could just be that the dog isn't quite there for that run. Learning when to let go is a skill you will really need.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>5--Plans don't always happen...you slip, the dog slips, you get lost, whatever. Course recovery is a great skill. Practice it if something bad happens. Get your head back in the game.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>6--IT'S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD, NO ONE WILL DIE if you handle the threadle incorrectly, or don't have perfect timing, or your dog misses a contact, ...promise. It's just a dog trial :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>7--You are the only constant to your dog at a trial. Different footing, different people, different dogs, different equipment. Loretta--please focus on being as normal as you possibly can. See #6</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LU37chDe-J1fy8C0Dyo-8-FIdMGa6vsPi1SHJqORhn7z9eA026stFGbMNlo-UbuJBP2dGe9u8pj8tKPeQc8o59nkqQhQXbcJlCkV32MpG2nmzubGc3BleuiLfmAgigJHTLYHvm_TNkA/s1600/CD_15753_182529_lynnMueller_s0042544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4LU37chDe-J1fy8C0Dyo-8-FIdMGa6vsPi1SHJqORhn7z9eA026stFGbMNlo-UbuJBP2dGe9u8pj8tKPeQc8o59nkqQhQXbcJlCkV32MpG2nmzubGc3BleuiLfmAgigJHTLYHvm_TNkA/s400/CD_15753_182529_lynnMueller_s0042544.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">8--Surround yourself with people that are more talented than you, people that are going to lift you up, help you succeed and be there to congratulate you when you reach a milestone. In return act the same to others.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>9--BE HAPPY WITH YOUR DOG--you trained him. If they know their job, once they get over the whole "trial atmosphere" you will have the dog that you trained. Don't get upset, be patient, enjoy this journey. Remember that time Ace pooped on the teeter and you were mortified...yeah...that wasn't as big of a deal as you thought it was :) Or that time you got nailed in the boob after a great run?? Yeah...that was just a stepping stone for Lynn :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>10--If you go to a seminar, and there is a person working a dog that "you don't have"...realize you WILL someday have that dog :) It's called karma honey :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cgbYE3dH5pchdelGLXEJLwBP1u4u7ORbvhl5QOyD8LwHudp2E775XwAXMwS9VS2fjdnAB_Nx6H7-Dcemb_jlfUq7JPuFRCzjPG55NK50ViuXQsWRrQ8zpGXNCw3mHc27RdsshQHzYmc/s1600/CD_15753_182478_klinkMueller_a1061406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2cgbYE3dH5pchdelGLXEJLwBP1u4u7ORbvhl5QOyD8LwHudp2E775XwAXMwS9VS2fjdnAB_Nx6H7-Dcemb_jlfUq7JPuFRCzjPG55NK50ViuXQsWRrQ8zpGXNCw3mHc27RdsshQHzYmc/s400/CD_15753_182478_klinkMueller_a1061406.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>11--People do weird stuff when they are stressed. Don't take it personally...it's their thing. Just as when you are wigging out because you forgot to walk your novice JWW course and you were PRETTY FREAKY...tis life. Accept and move on.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>12--The less you try for Q's...the more you will get them. GOSH I WISH I KNEW THIS A LOT EARLIER</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>13--Lead out, take a DEEP BREATH and smile at your dog...they love you, they adore you, be the person that is deserving of that love (I've fallen on my face so much on this one...wish I had a million do overs!!!)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVILU7AIUkPI2jmX80XHbxpNNHkf9KBBs3QLCNGB51HW6oQaFQUAvPAgq6uZwZ2riHp9JmtXERTmoeo-j_NV2SEDriCi_-JFJ_W9xg_zMOysMyXfhNS_76GNkcZgU4BqbPQpgOFH2F1xU/s1600/CD_15753_182370_crackersMueller_a1053916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVILU7AIUkPI2jmX80XHbxpNNHkf9KBBs3QLCNGB51HW6oQaFQUAvPAgq6uZwZ2riHp9JmtXERTmoeo-j_NV2SEDriCi_-JFJ_W9xg_zMOysMyXfhNS_76GNkcZgU4BqbPQpgOFH2F1xU/s400/CD_15753_182370_crackersMueller_a1053916.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">14--If a person is mad at you...and they won't tell you, there's nothing you can do about it. If they choose to tell you, then the lines of communication are open. Same with dogs...keep that line of communication open...if there is something your dog is doing wrong...SHOW them how to do it right...works great for dogs and people :)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>15--KNOW WHAT YOUR CRITERIA IS FOR EACH AND EVERY OBSTACLE...know it, own it, DO IT. If you are not clear with criteria (Ace and his contacts Miss Loretta) you create confusion and worry and someone (you or the dog) will get upset. Probably both!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>16--There is only room for ONE CRAZY on the course...work hard to let it just be the dog. REMEMBER THIS WHEN YOU GET KLINK :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAu1qTK1TuUpaFgrfbTvLRK-kJ7kjjT_o3-2Im9nksRb7iO7qQTiKwjaGux58q9zXWIcwKZFZvy_CdS7WTudV_EErPlK6GWpDpXb4bkX7_jNWWRxQRTNJ8JcKTqz2SSQTJWzL8FaqCGl8/s1600/IMG_2822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAu1qTK1TuUpaFgrfbTvLRK-kJ7kjjT_o3-2Im9nksRb7iO7qQTiKwjaGux58q9zXWIcwKZFZvy_CdS7WTudV_EErPlK6GWpDpXb4bkX7_jNWWRxQRTNJ8JcKTqz2SSQTJWzL8FaqCGl8/s400/IMG_2822.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">17--When you are getting ready to run, it's just you and the dog...not your friends, or your trainer, or your spouse. When you are done with the run, play with your dog, reward and go on a walk...don't ask what happened, don't talk about it, just enjoy that moment with your dog. This has really changed the way I see every run...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>18--DON'T GIVE UP ON YOUR DOG---don't stop handling because you NQ'd...keep running. It was probably your fault anyway...just assume it so you can enjoy the run.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkVeyBVY8maNsF0WnlY4DBY2v0Q6fdJyF16dwYLIhSeEWZ3PI_NkhY-oOh8_PSWPz2-_1r6nyNlbiNb9MCVzUcgVhjqrNQ5J3qkNnz7pnWS_7D-QOLNXh7P5qOWh9oTVT73ol9Iwd85w/s1600/CD_15753_182529_lynnMueller_a1040987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwkVeyBVY8maNsF0WnlY4DBY2v0Q6fdJyF16dwYLIhSeEWZ3PI_NkhY-oOh8_PSWPz2-_1r6nyNlbiNb9MCVzUcgVhjqrNQ5J3qkNnz7pnWS_7D-QOLNXh7P5qOWh9oTVT73ol9Iwd85w/s400/CD_15753_182529_lynnMueller_a1040987.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">19--TAKE chances. You will never know what you can do until you do it. Start with runs you have NQ'd on...try something you wouldn't do at a trial but would do in training...be a bit of a risk taker :) Start small and work up to bigger challenges :)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>20--REPEAT AFTER ME...IT'S THE JOURNEY, IT'S THE JOURNEY...ENJOY THE JOURNEY.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>JOURNEY JOURNEY JOURNEY JOURNEY....</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2g5oEz-udQQhE8k-MDUuayBUdn2JsUnC6Px1VeG51cGHNjStiedSIK9x7DmXh8uC2LZaQ_Bnb3JYmuxN6yJgBEooeUkpCNarqCDYICLfxghAXIb4wygFgPNSuRNnDdpJhluD-nO4kBc/s1600/Ace.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2g5oEz-udQQhE8k-MDUuayBUdn2JsUnC6Px1VeG51cGHNjStiedSIK9x7DmXh8uC2LZaQ_Bnb3JYmuxN6yJgBEooeUkpCNarqCDYICLfxghAXIb4wygFgPNSuRNnDdpJhluD-nO4kBc/s640/Ace.JPG" width="640" /></a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This post is dedicated to you Acer pup...you were the first, the one that I did all my learning on. Special, special boy. Thank you for sticking with me :) The Cheetos I am sure helped sometimes in that regard :)</b></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-92048105826859338322013-11-20T13:50:00.000-06:002013-11-20T13:50:38.472-06:00What a busy busy month!!!!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's been pretty amazingly insane...seriously.</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am just now getting my dogs back into agility...they have been on a break (I do this every year) I think breaks are a wonderful thing. The dogs however, think I am insane and lazy :)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">They are VERY happy to be back to working again...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Just got back from a fun seminar in Colorado...a good reminder for me to take care of myself. I think I had a bit of altitude sickness while I was there. I had HORRIBLE headaches (thank you Excedrine!!) but the teaching was still fun. It was warmer, and the sun was so strong. Great hosts, great people, great seminar, great dogs. What more could I ask for??</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Lynn didn't get to go...she was NOT happy. She knows there were several times I needed a demo dog...she didn't appreciate staying with the husband. She informed me of this as soon as I got back.</span></b></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sgYQVY4GcAUKTxLVJCFDdtTwDZhaFp3cqFQzrFuhlD1KCTMED8KRFUiZMMFzaE12k6_BPbbxhUfWjx4dSAGr_ig_WtOmPnT3t8f0iWTwrnoOq6WW3JCKq4Rc5iYyj-4AoIledGe3ofA/s1600/1467298_10151982245919280_1884513913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2sgYQVY4GcAUKTxLVJCFDdtTwDZhaFp3cqFQzrFuhlD1KCTMED8KRFUiZMMFzaE12k6_BPbbxhUfWjx4dSAGr_ig_WtOmPnT3t8f0iWTwrnoOq6WW3JCKq4Rc5iYyj-4AoIledGe3ofA/s640/1467298_10151982245919280_1884513913_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And she plans to not let me out of her sight :) Sorry Lynn...going to Canada next month...you are not coming with on that one either :-(</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It was good to get back home, to my own bed, to my own students...the husband, the dogs. I enjoy traveling...but there really is no place like home :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It will be nice to get back to working the pups again...I am missing it! There are so many courses I want to run, work on skills etc.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I am planning on flying to Florida in Feb to work with One Mind...very excited about it...working on things I learned at a recent seminar and it works so well. I like the level of communication I can give my dogs.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I think always continuing to educate yourself is really important. There IS a possibility I could get a working spot. That would be AMAZING!!! But if not, I will just enjoy auditing :) And the Florida sunshine!!!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Time to get going for trials...time to get qualified...time to get hoppin' ;-)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Klink is going to get to run in Performance this year! She is staying sound and looking good! I am so very very happy about this! I miss running my crazy fuzzy MOUTH :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Along with that, are the holidays....we have family coming up. Which I am super excited about. I travel enough I'd like to be able to stay home a bit...I am grateful for awesome sisters :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>2014 is going to be a busy year :) It is officially full with seminars...no more spots available. I am limiting because of other things that encompass my life, like seeing my husband, training and trialing my own dogs :) All that fun stuff!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I still don't get why people want to take a seminar from me? I really don't...still find it really odd. But it's fun!!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Now that things have settled down a little....I hope to be able to post a bit more. I know I always say that...life really gets busy. </b></span></div>
</div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-33283738029591638522013-10-30T14:02:00.001-05:002013-10-30T14:02:42.165-05:00Nationals Withdrawal...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Did I miss Nationals?? OH YES...watching the runs, watching the finals, watching Team Crackhead running and doing well...my friends kicking butt...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>OH yes. It was tough. I stayed busy with my job and friends...but yes. It was hard to not be attending.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I wanted to run those courses with Gator and Lynn...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I wanted to see how far we would have gone, how our times matched up.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Was the Regional success enough to make me content staying back (like I thought it would)...nope :) LOL</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It was tough. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>BUT...worth it :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I got to enjoy myself, doing what I love, and on top of it I got to add some music to that list. So life is good.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Team Crackhead did very well :) Team ended up 2nd, Won Biathlon. Won Snooker, 2nd in Jumpers, and placed in Standard I don't remember what exactly :) Made it into all 4 finals...so good stuff :) 3rd in Grand Prix with an AMAZING FLYOFF the teeter (seems like he was in good company with that) and in Steeplechase sadly an E. But....he got into Steeplechase finals which has been a bit of a curse on him. So it was nice that he has gotten to run in Steeplechase Finals :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Very proud of my boys :) So very proud of them!!!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I really, more than the competition, missed seeing everyone, and teaming with my friends on really awesome teams. I didn't miss the long days, the cold barns, and for some reason the thought of running Steeplechase finals on a Sunday just seemed....well...kind of like blasphemy? Am I the only person that thought that? LOL</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I am hoping I can go to CA. I always loved Scottsdale...the sun, the warm...it has always been the place that felt like Nationals...so I am hoping that is what CA will be for me again :) Already have teams for the Regionals...hoping my dogs run well and I handle them well this season :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Onto the next qualifying season!!! :)</b></span></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-70313969951017601042013-10-03T10:35:00.000-05:002013-10-03T10:35:33.763-05:00Time Management....wowza<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>One doesn't realize just how much time they let waste away on the computer until they cut back. AMAZING.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The amount of stuff I am getting done is astronomical...like almost adult-like...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>SHUDDER</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I'll admit I have been on FB a little...but not much. And it's easier and easier to not bother with it. Focusing on my own life has been wonderful and freeing. </b></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The dogs are enjoying it too :)</b></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsIHinUxayLW7eZRtlghd6ATAZK2AUSu-QVPeTUYEgrXFY6BhX1D-9FDBzhGcjY1HgDmz_g3CFZR10nF0-j_YZK7me4GwSFPP4-VXgJBHuvJ4s4g1QjxmS6KDz1PbnEc8E7H3Pl9I79I/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxsIHinUxayLW7eZRtlghd6ATAZK2AUSu-QVPeTUYEgrXFY6BhX1D-9FDBzhGcjY1HgDmz_g3CFZR10nF0-j_YZK7me4GwSFPP4-VXgJBHuvJ4s4g1QjxmS6KDz1PbnEc8E7H3Pl9I79I/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="566" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>SHE JUST KEEPS TAKING US ON WALKS!!! Oh the humanity!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It's funny how I always thought blogging opened one up to judgement (based on the fact that the more people know about you, the more you put yourself out there in the world..the better chance you have of people not liking your opinions). But FB I would say is much, much bigger...I like the blogging better. A bit more intimate. If that makes any sense?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Less phone/FB/etc has also given me time to connect with friends...not via the internet, but REALLY connect, like....IN PERSON. Doing things... mountain biking, hiking, kayaking...can't beat actually PHYSICALLY SEEING PEOPLE!!!! Novel idea right??</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmQ7LkB6LhgQrMuY1xmQ_yQNfYskY-n2mGaQk1EikMWTuQpGMuqkGShwVC_6tJAmj6KcZKDW93mt6EqhIXP9vnLHjRgTcW-GDN60wz5gEQHk4jNCDfS84qS2QzlYSnSJW9Lc4WyQ5XDk/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAmQ7LkB6LhgQrMuY1xmQ_yQNfYskY-n2mGaQk1EikMWTuQpGMuqkGShwVC_6tJAmj6KcZKDW93mt6EqhIXP9vnLHjRgTcW-GDN60wz5gEQHk4jNCDfS84qS2QzlYSnSJW9Lc4WyQ5XDk/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I don't care about your friends...throw the damn chicken :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have a lot of really great people here in MN that have taken me in. I know, I know, in the past I have commented about how it can be a tough culture to get into...and how I've hit some snags in figuring it all out. But I think, looking back (why I blog I guess) I realize that I let a small set of bad experiences taint my outlook. During the MEB seminar I started seeing the flaws in my thinking. People from all over MN came together, cheered each other on. It was very supportive, and very fun. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I've been here 9 years now, and as I look back I have had a lot of really supportive people in this state. People I would really, really miss if I had to move away. People that have stuck with me through thick and thin. Accepting, forgiving people. </b></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's pretty phenomenal :)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The husband has always said I need to just ignore what I don't like. And I hate to say this, but...he's right (mark that down honey!!). I do it with dog training, why not with life?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Amazing how life helps you see things more clearly isn't it? Many times we end up in a completely different place after some time and experiences. We are always changing, always evolving. I hope I am evolving into a person my Grandma Evelynn would be very proud of :) Still have a VERY VERY long way to go, but I'd like to think I am getting there.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>For those of you that have helped along the way...you know who you are. Thank you :) For your patience, for your understanding, and for telling me things I sometimes didn't want to hear ;-)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFz9Rz6RiY2yfuKAe9Y8L6bF2SZuREboX4DlYxxp_r4utSkcyXIrJmk3uADn6jqkri84YvnkftJf7Mja_wnfqXmk0XonIkJQvSVPpowFT_vBQXt53r8ALAZIsIcQMTZu-kqy6cq3WuoY/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGFz9Rz6RiY2yfuKAe9Y8L6bF2SZuREboX4DlYxxp_r4utSkcyXIrJmk3uADn6jqkri84YvnkftJf7Mja_wnfqXmk0XonIkJQvSVPpowFT_vBQXt53r8ALAZIsIcQMTZu-kqy6cq3WuoY/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>They were lambs once...WOW</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>This week hasn't really turned out how I originally planned. The goal was to head down with the pups and enjoy two days of Jenny Damm kicking my ass. Sadly...the universe decided that I wasn't going to do that. So it figured making me sick with Strep throat would do it! Yup...pretty much.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>So the husband is enjoying three days of Jenny Damm...and I am home. At first pouting quite a bit...then I realized, I kind of get to enjoy my pups and have some down time...OK, outlook changed :) Thanks for the break universe...or rather, evil bacterial infection. Stupid Strep throat.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>He better share his notes ;-)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAF89ZRE2my-31qoyii80b_WGmwnfKldlGK60HFY9uDiIgFuVdJKR9DpveBQZ8RBoo_b9-LOEP7-uev5gt2HyPHqB0M7TYNu-A2rnrUmVkGQX1iepRvPG8HC1pZQXYRytcvHk7DwKoal0/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAF89ZRE2my-31qoyii80b_WGmwnfKldlGK60HFY9uDiIgFuVdJKR9DpveBQZ8RBoo_b9-LOEP7-uev5gt2HyPHqB0M7TYNu-A2rnrUmVkGQX1iepRvPG8HC1pZQXYRytcvHk7DwKoal0/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We are all waiting to read them!!!! :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Getting things together to head to Iowa next weekend to teach for 3 1/2 days...a very fun group that I gave lots of homework to ;-) I always love going back to see the changes in dogs and handlers!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I am still holding out for Nationals...but it doesn't look good. I am starting to no longer be in denial. The world will not end if I can't go...I guess!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have been working on this evil backside of the jump thing that Lynn and I failed MISERABLY at during the MEB seminar....will try to get some video of us successfully doing it. Note I said TRY...and SUCCESSFULLY. This might take awhile ;-)</b></span></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-58024028618653628162013-09-25T18:07:00.003-05:002013-09-25T18:09:25.522-05:00Because...<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Little, white, Jack Russell Terriers are the cutest things ever...</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Little, white, Jack Russell Terriers doing running dog walk work is even better...</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>VERY NICE WORK Sarah and Fitz!!!</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/__B6tLqJ8WM" width="640"></iframe><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I've been working with this team for awhile via emails and youtube :) A fun fun team to work with and as you can see Sarah does a great job with him. It's so fun to see a young dog SO HAPPY to work!! With distractions too :)</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Fun how the internet allows me to work with people all over the place...everything in moderation right??</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Still enjoying non-phone time. Getting a LOT more done. Feeling accomplished. This is a good thing :)</b></span></div>
</div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-57425652584649003042013-09-24T15:00:00.000-05:002013-09-24T15:15:35.938-05:00Shutting down the noise...<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>There's so much noise in cyberspace...</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It's constant bombardment of information...of emails, of Facebook things, of texts. It can really be overwhelming.</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thinking I need to simplify stuff.</b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmhi2Dea9wGxrN_ZpdbedJy1v8vQEyaapZyA6cQgcqd9Gjc-BUrRxNZbwVqs3-Hmh5Tp51T7ND706ooBRorD0UENt6etWib2biAmd5UYkGp_qA_p94HIeGnSzkwCFsSRVZdUO164NyEM/s1600/Post1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMmhi2Dea9wGxrN_ZpdbedJy1v8vQEyaapZyA6cQgcqd9Gjc-BUrRxNZbwVqs3-Hmh5Tp51T7ND706ooBRorD0UENt6etWib2biAmd5UYkGp_qA_p94HIeGnSzkwCFsSRVZdUO164NyEM/s640/Post1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Ruse thinks I should totally simplify stuff...like all the way down to, THROW THE FRISBEE...let me fetch it...THEN THROW IT AGAIN!!!!!</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Little changes. Like turning off my phone more. Which...is an issue for some (I guess I have been VERY VERY available to everyone for a long time)...says a lot about me doesn't it. Glued to my phone...not saying I am judging anyone (hello glass house! LOL) I just need a break I think. </b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It will give me time to focus...no distractions.</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>At first it was a huge issue for me...seriously anxiety producing. And then I realized...WOW...that's really insane Loretta...it's a PHONE. Seriously. TURN IT OFF. </b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRwBYRKRzgx-E78HCdneLZwwNPXSkYf7AZFyON_ddsMHgvYxjesKxf3__U1FWsZu-m1A-ZlQ11HDuxDqZtYMqqKrlXnbeNFar6XAe-gPD-vRXmIrH9CRZosjJPnt5TmU7txj0nhjMB4A/s1600/Post2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPRwBYRKRzgx-E78HCdneLZwwNPXSkYf7AZFyON_ddsMHgvYxjesKxf3__U1FWsZu-m1A-ZlQ11HDuxDqZtYMqqKrlXnbeNFar6XAe-gPD-vRXmIrH9CRZosjJPnt5TmU7txj0nhjMB4A/s640/Post2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I turned it off for almost an entire day this past weekend. And I have been turning it off a lot this week. The pups thought that was super cool. I thought for awhile they were jealous of my iphone 5...guess not ;-)</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I hiked, I fished, I camped, I trained my dogs, I ran, I took in nature...all without beeps and buzzing...</b></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It...felt...peaceful.</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Free...</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I liked it.</b></span> </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhki7JXHoJ_zWda7DPeIAZYzR2X6haByPvluleHn0EtPzElpD8uqzmo9-ToXPXun4DUxGSKpwUnLdVfPi6NBrC74fI972AERED01TBrlhhWzHA0ATewchQaYHCKtX7YygJyKvv6Ys6rnkQ/s1600/Post6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhki7JXHoJ_zWda7DPeIAZYzR2X6haByPvluleHn0EtPzElpD8uqzmo9-ToXPXun4DUxGSKpwUnLdVfPi6NBrC74fI972AERED01TBrlhhWzHA0ATewchQaYHCKtX7YygJyKvv6Ys6rnkQ/s640/Post6.JPG" width="480" /></a></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I am going to work at more days without the noise. Sure, I will still answer emails etc. But it will be once a day rather than whenever they come in. I hope people understand. Because you miss stuff like this...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbYZrCBM_fbXIFgsSN0sJQ_QRzpdonxrYgI1Jw_kAKKCZzGCW5WPEtEXx4OMavpe5eoVvELuOM3v3uH5rkLL-Z8ADb85Z8ojVCl4OHrGUFabXIrNZV9o7o27oMFRJSjWNj2OaDSlH4YI/s1600/Post3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhbYZrCBM_fbXIFgsSN0sJQ_QRzpdonxrYgI1Jw_kAKKCZzGCW5WPEtEXx4OMavpe5eoVvELuOM3v3uH5rkLL-Z8ADb85Z8ojVCl4OHrGUFabXIrNZV9o7o27oMFRJSjWNj2OaDSlH4YI/s640/Post3.JPG" width="480" /></a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> And this...</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Actually thinking about shutting down my Facebook account as well...I have a personal one, and one for the business. Will probably leave the business one...but cancel the personal one. Really on the fence in regards to that. Not ready just yet...will not be posting much though...baby steps right?</b></b></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Probably should just delete it...like ripping off a bandaid :) But..yeah. Lets start with the phone.</b></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Less noise can be a good thing.</b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQYQn7RB-VcwH3OOmtZiuDOY1oqofEQ7DgQunHFkZIwsSH49ce6lYHeGSVjm48IWvtZrvbz8DcfuBHZw8_aSHtnixgccl_8cHoyQnbYx5hJVs_Gd-Xq3xo5BJEoQUSDd1XiCB8F9v7Ew/s1600/Post5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQYQn7RB-VcwH3OOmtZiuDOY1oqofEQ7DgQunHFkZIwsSH49ce6lYHeGSVjm48IWvtZrvbz8DcfuBHZw8_aSHtnixgccl_8cHoyQnbYx5hJVs_Gd-Xq3xo5BJEoQUSDd1XiCB8F9v7Ew/s640/Post5.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Ruse does not agree with this logic...THROW THE F***ING FRISBEE!!!!!</b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Life is too short to miss things like this...way too short :)</b></span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpbprvlj12xedDhhAL3SKpNQdb9cu6uIiuyj1xNf6vSw3vYeXBU1EpO5AFddE0OSqvCuozFOUWr4H4_iAL7dQFXcYq-VdOVnE1qJxKgGkCCJ17wyob6aU_beSN7-4b0Uv1A6PAqxF18M/s1600/Post4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQpbprvlj12xedDhhAL3SKpNQdb9cu6uIiuyj1xNf6vSw3vYeXBU1EpO5AFddE0OSqvCuozFOUWr4H4_iAL7dQFXcYq-VdOVnE1qJxKgGkCCJ17wyob6aU_beSN7-4b0Uv1A6PAqxF18M/s640/Post4.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The irony of this blog IS...almost all these photos were taken with my iPhone...crap. I guess I will be breaking out the big guns from now on ;-)</b></span></div>
</div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-77422479687394458802013-09-21T08:53:00.001-05:002013-09-21T08:53:12.846-05:00MEB Seminar yadda yadda yadda :)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>You know how some things really change how you view dogs? You're just going along with your life and things are great...and then something really hits you upside the head like a brick and you are like OMG?? WTF just happened?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Yeah...that's kind of what the MEB seminar was for me. First off let me say that working with her was super mega awesome. And that she has the patience of Jobe. The weather, up until 24 hours BEFORE THE SEMINAR was gorgeous!!! 60's and sunny! YAY!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Then the rain started taunting us. So....we kind of had a mixed weekend of being outside, then inside. MEB handled that with no issues! Thank you girl!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It was a weekend of Masters/International handling...I made a point to switch between Lynn and Gator depending on their weaknesses. I'm always working on Lynn's commitment and sending...and Gator's issue (well rather MINE) is his stride. That massive thing that I have to try to collect all the time :) So, two dogs, opposite issues we work on.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>MEB brought some amazing things on how to work with Gator and his stride...he's here to make me an even more proactive handler...and also to push me out of my comfort zone in regards to what I have to do to get that collection and turning. Different moves, setting lines more with shaping...etc. Gator was turning SUPER tight. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>MEB said something that made a lot of sense---she had an instructor tell her about her EZ dog "you have to learn to understand her" and that is so true. Gator is a lot like EZ, big strided and can be tough to handle, but I am learning to understand him. This weekend was a HUGE leap in that direction :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Always something isn't it?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>First it was the aframe--check :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Now it's the turns--we are working on them :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Gator is so biddable, so athletic and such a good boy. I could see the changes instantly...and that is what it is all about.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I love that MEB is so freely sharing of information. Yes I know, we paid her to come out, but some people you can tell they just are going to share about 95% of it...she shares all she has. I like a presenter that also addresses other things that she sees in the dogs, not just the handling...and MEB does that. I like to do that as well when I am teaching. If there is an issue (say dog is stressing, etc I feel it is my duty to address it!! I just have to!)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We also had a great group of folks there...supportive, cheered each other on. That makes a great seminar. It really does. Environment that is suited for learning is important...Good Good stuff.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>With Lynn I found a major hole in her training that I need to build upon, her sends to the backsides of jumps REALLY needs work. Commitment with motion isn't there, and it needs to be. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Learned some new moves....and had a fun week of teaching, sharing those moves with people.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I was sitting there watching MEB teaching and I said to myself...I realize now, that I don't care if I ever am on a World Team...or anything like that. I want to be THE BEST TEACHER I can be. I want to be able to explain this dance we do with our dogs, help that communication, help that connection. THAT is what is most important to me. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Teaching...it's what I love...and any way I can become a better teacher, I am there. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I have also learned this week...what I want in a teacher...I want someone that isn't just interested in my for that hour I pay them for. I want someone that is invested in my success. I am fully invested in my students...I WANT to know how they do at trials, I want to know if they are struggling. I am their teacher but I also really, really care about how they are doing with their dogs. It's not about just teaching a dog and handler the game. It's about all the other stuff in the equation. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>If a person is a GREAT instructor, but won't hardly even claim me in any other part of life (aka at a trial if they ignore me---or brush me off) or in public...or whatever...I'm not interested.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I want that teacher that goes above and beyond...in agility, in my guitar lessons, in horse back riding lessons, whatever you pick. I need that relationship...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I'm not saying I need someone to be my best friend, but when I have a question, I want it answered. I get that people are busy...but being ignored isn't the way to go, at least not for me.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I try very hard to be a good teacher, I try very hard to make sure I have a connection with my students that is past just their hour of lessons...it's really important to me. Sometimes life gets busy, but I feel that is part of my job. And I want that in a teacher as well. </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Not really sure where I was going with this...anyway :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>So the next few weeks are a bit settled...which is nice. I have two weekends in a row I am home!! :) </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Then I spend two days with Jenny Damm in Chicago. An interesting situation with that. I will drive the pups down Monday...then attend the seminar Tuesday and Wed, then FLY back Wed Night...while Andy flies IN Wed night...and he attends on Thursday....and then he will drive the pups back. It works...kinda screwy, but it works :) Fingers crossed all goes OK with the flights!!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Very excited about the seminar, I really enjoyed MEB pushing me out of my comfort zone, and I expect that from this seminar as well :) I like that, I enjoy the "how in the HELL am I going to do that??" that rush of excitement! So FUN!!!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Then a seminar in Iowa...then MAYBE Nationals (sadly we are about 80/20 that I WON'T be going---but I am trying the optimistic approach right now!)...if not nationals then a great opportunity for a wonderful job.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Now, off to hike with the husband and pups. And maybe take a few photos along the way :)</b></span></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-38022801401608495562013-09-10T16:06:00.001-05:002013-09-11T10:17:26.383-05:00Experience Has It's Positives...<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I was going to write a blog post about aging...but I just decided that, well...I wanted to go swimming with the pups instead...sigh. Summer is fading fast and I want to soak up as much as I possibly can. So I am late...the story of my life :) </span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Better late than never...right?</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">A great weekend with music was what happened this past weekend...and it made me really think of aging...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Then I read this blog by<a href="http://www.hippiedogs.com/?p=7136"> Tori</a>, and it really hit home for me...aging...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Not in a fatalistic sort of way (yes I am aware we are all going to die)..but more in a "wow how sad people just toss themselves away due to their ages" type of way.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I've never really been a hugely great judge of age...mainly because it doesn't matter to me and I really don't like when it's used as an excuse. Sure, we are all getting older...but with that age, comes the experience that those younger don't have quite yet.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Even though at that age I so thought I knew it all :) Sigh...what was I thinking??</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Age isn't a reason...it's just a number...</span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I run into people that are older who don't think I can help them at seminars...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I always joke with people who tell me during seminars "WELL YOU CAN RUN"...and my response??</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I don't run fast, I run SMART...BIG DIFFERENCE. Watch my you tube videos. Seriously. Run Smart...that's the key if you are drastically slower than your dog.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Whenever I get an older student...I actually get super excited! Because I can help them communicate on course the best way available to get their runs to be flawless, YES IT CAN HAPPEN!!!! I don't look down on people for being older, I look at the possibilities, and when teaching people in this category...I wish they would give themselves more credit!</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Back to the weekend...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I sat watching an amazing group of musicians...like seriously amazing, playing together (many having never played music with each other). Most were probably 20 years my senior or older...and several of them I had heard in the past say they were "too old" to play music anymore...blah blah blah (can you see the eye roll??) They were using the excuse of age... </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">My question was...to justify what?</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I wasn't sure...what I was seeing was a group of kick ass musicians...making some amazing music...perfect timing, perfect playing...experience and a LOT of hard work...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">You could tell it, you could hear it, you could feel it.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I didn't think twice about what age they all were...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I didn't care. Because they knew their stuff. I can't say anyone else gave a crap either.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And those musicians...who complained about their age, about the gray hairs, etc etc...were having a blast...making music...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As far as I'm concerned, they were all 25. Full of passion, energy, with amazing talent...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I know of an 80+ jazz guitar player....amazing....and he doesn't give a crap he's older...he's doing what he loves...I have so much respect for him it's insane...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's amazing as we get older, we start seeing ourselves somehow as "less". When in reality...we really are more. More experienced, more patient, more knowledgeable about everything. We have learned from our mistakes (and mistakes of those older than us!) and I think it's sad to see people give up, or limit their passion just because of the excuse...I'm older...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We might change how we do things, or even find a completely different niche with our passions, but giving it up because of the excuse of "I'm too old for this"...well...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I think that's just crap. </span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And to people who use the phrase "Well they're just old...who cares" remember...always, you are getting older EVERY SINGLE SECOND OF EVERYDAY. Karma...just sayin'</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I cherished my grandparents...they taught me so much. I have had the blessing of having several "parental figures" that were not actually my birth parents (aka we moved to college and then later to MN and I was kind of adopted by some) and I am grateful for their wisdom and support. I have learned so much from those older than me...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">They were the reason I went to college, they were the reason I made a difference in this world. They were the reason I didn't make more stupid mistakes...thank you.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I try to also pass down my knowledge as much as I possibly can...That's how life goes right? The hardest part for me is seeing a younger person going down a bad path...and trying hard to keep them from making the same mistake you did...but then I remember how I was at that age...and yeah, I didn't listen well either :)</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Like Tori said in her blog, encourage these people...they are the future...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Speaking of ages for young people....I have met MANY amazingly mature 19 year olds....and some amazingly childish 24 year olds...again...age really doesn't play into things...it's what's inside that matters. Age is just a number...</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I can be a VERY immature 34 year old...seriously...like worse than some 13 year old girls (add in a very perverted mind and BAM...scary!)...yeah...it can be bad ;-)</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sorry for that aside...anyway.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">For those of you thinking you are too old...please give yourself credit, give yourself value. You are enough, you are amazing and have some awesome talents. Just because you can't run a 4 minute mile doesn't mean you can't be an amazing teacher, or knitter, or dog trainer or musician.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Never stop learning, never stop doing what you love. Regardless of your age.</span></strong></div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div align="center">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Life is short enough! Make your own damn music :)</span></strong></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-58164893282794839872013-09-04T13:51:00.000-05:002013-09-04T13:51:11.847-05:00Yeah I know....I know...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I said I was going to blog more...well...yeah. I am not doing that apparently. Thank you guys for sticking with me! LOL Life gets in the way a lot of the time so I am once again playing catch up.</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So what have the Mueller's and their kids been up to? We both trialed a bit, at different places...LOL He went up to Canada, I to Chicago :)</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I just did a one day trial before teaching for the Contact Sports Agility camp. Gator was flawless, winning and placing in lots of classes...Lynn was...um, well...feeling her oats!!! Naughty dog broke some start lines! EVILNESS. But it's better than the alternative I guess ;-)</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Glad she saved it for that trial and not the REGIONAL :)</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Speaking of regionals/nationals etc...I am sending in my entries...no guarantee I can go...but why not try? Otherwise I guess the regional is my nationals...which I am pretty happy with then! In the medals with both dogs!! Yay!</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Still can't believe Lynn won it...and I got all my semi-byes in one regional...</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's annoying having everything up in the air...</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I don't like being annoyed...</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sigh.</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So I am going to cheer myself back out of annoyance by randomly putting in quotes that I like along with pictures...they may not even remotely be related...but that's OK, I am sure the quotes can still inspire you :)</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I have also been doing some "mental health activities"...which I feel is necessary...like fishing :) No I am not mentally ill (by doctors definitions that is...those that know me understand well I am not totally right in the head). One needs an escape...if you don't have one, that is something to work on.</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I know what you are thinking right now...</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">NICE BASS LORETTA...</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x1wB9zuvMX7N9LFuoFqIXeaz83tbHPmTlrrNFLFGPSYK7yyWrQ_0ofVCkk4luJiTXiuBE0xyVTPT-nhvzJQZhzPeA8FMDgbnfdYj2UOCkgZa0YpXkng5w2VfpYzblrc0GxSGOpLuW90/s1600/1003528_10151787422189280_643812765_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0x1wB9zuvMX7N9LFuoFqIXeaz83tbHPmTlrrNFLFGPSYK7yyWrQ_0ofVCkk4luJiTXiuBE0xyVTPT-nhvzJQZhzPeA8FMDgbnfdYj2UOCkgZa0YpXkng5w2VfpYzblrc0GxSGOpLuW90/s640/1003528_10151787422189280_643812765_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thanks, I've been working out :) (I can thank my friend Jim B for that one)...</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Hiking and fishing is my sanctuary...quiet, peaceful, just...yeah. An introverts dream :) </span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I need those times to recharge...will talk more about that later...</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"We don't need to shift our responsibilities onto the shoulders of some deified Spiritual Superman, or sit around and wait for Fate to come knocking at the door. We simply need to believe in the power that's within us, and use it. When we do that, and stop imitating others and competing against them, things begin to work for us"--Benjamin Hoff</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">OH!! And!!!! Meet JUNE BUG!!!! Our new scamp!</span></strong> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1BvwD8lVk6pcNTHeLt0flpiffrh7ebZvOG3fvpqiO6edjojgBbbMdyDPytcoNxNR1N5Y6yYfYslvlaYW7LOAsDH0rHVoMivqza52CZFcdHqsTHzghUuSQLbb8l6lxi30bI6_-kBywkk/s1600/1174545_10151798850814280_627201881_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie1BvwD8lVk6pcNTHeLt0flpiffrh7ebZvOG3fvpqiO6edjojgBbbMdyDPytcoNxNR1N5Y6yYfYslvlaYW7LOAsDH0rHVoMivqza52CZFcdHqsTHzghUuSQLbb8l6lxi30bI6_-kBywkk/s640/1174545_10151798850814280_627201881_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Right now is when, if you have been following the blog long enough...you go, WTF didn't you OWN A SCAMP before? Yup, a 13' one...and it was tiny. So we got the HONKIN trailer...and it was huge and a PITA (pain in the ass--not a greek bread). So, we just sold that one and found this CUTE little camper, 16', perfect size, with a/c :) Loretta is mucho happy!</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">She's seriously adorable :) And I will be taking her out this weekend :)</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">You're jealous of the plaid, go ahead, try to hide it :)</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsPSNSx5z09IdM-IEqJesMLA4z7qFtoAZktsIm-kI-lfqrABy780yFzWL6udTlL50dmxhpPht1DNubt4LK4jkZHnySnTTnlvyBuxgXVl8ZoFpJ0QT7lPo_osHoU3GU8g-fucTNtjYl_M/s1600/1175060_10151798863439280_968830839_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicsPSNSx5z09IdM-IEqJesMLA4z7qFtoAZktsIm-kI-lfqrABy780yFzWL6udTlL50dmxhpPht1DNubt4LK4jkZHnySnTTnlvyBuxgXVl8ZoFpJ0QT7lPo_osHoU3GU8g-fucTNtjYl_M/s640/1175060_10151798863439280_968830839_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Getting back to the needing recharging time...I am normally a very social person...I like talking to people, I like engaging conversation...</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">But then...there comes a point. Where Loretta HITS A WALL...</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">People...too many...too much talking...battery on EMPTY.</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I noticed that yesterday evening when I went to go pick up June Bug...and the salesman kept talking...</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I am not exactly sure about what...but my brain was screaming STOP TALKING!!!!!!! LEAVE ME ALONE!!!!!!!!!! And I wanted to run away, flailing my arms and screaming...possibly throwing things at him as I was exiting stage left :)</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">OK maybe I thought about stabbing him...</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So that is still throwing...knives...right?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">;-)</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">As my father raised me correctly, I know I can't do that...it's against the code of manners or something like that...but it was a good sign that...</span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Loretta needed some downtime :) </span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Luckily, I can get that this week :) I missed my dogs so much! It's nice being back and having the quietness that being along allows :)</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">And now you all think I am weird...GGGREEEEEAATTTTT...I hope some people will be able to understand what I mean by all that. No I don' t want to kill people, or injure them...but when I want downtime, I want downtime :)</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Practice Like You've Never Won, Perform Like You've Never Lost"--Facebook Random Picture :)</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The seminar was amazing, this is my second year teaching for Diane's camp and she does a great job of organizing and putting this thing on. Which is no small feat! I got to teach alongside Lori, Tori and Kim...great gals. I didn't get to spend much time with any of them, but we did do dinner. Good times :)</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The students were great, they all really worked hard, and were awesome to work with. Always up for new challenges, I love teaching people like that. I am a firm believer in, you get out what you put into a seminar, aka if you are just there for your run, and don't pay attention to anything else, you won't get much out. BUT...if you watch the rest of the teams, you will learn SO MUCH! These "kids" as I call them, did a great job with that :) </span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32Ode6ZScVG7YM9Z2sFiLyqNloJzWTxAWUI1nDVkGXBpnc9nOK_1JK6WIDTzPDKo-xvgtgeG4oWpfj-usdzH41N7THrd3vthaTTVcxNQxY2xAnLgqII-3eaKjK1PNE_I05AAqv_c-lXw/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi32Ode6ZScVG7YM9Z2sFiLyqNloJzWTxAWUI1nDVkGXBpnc9nOK_1JK6WIDTzPDKo-xvgtgeG4oWpfj-usdzH41N7THrd3vthaTTVcxNQxY2xAnLgqII-3eaKjK1PNE_I05AAqv_c-lXw/s640/photo+(3).JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I really enjoy this format of a camp...you get to work with so many more people than if you were just giving a day long seminar. </span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Plus, teaching for Diane is awesome...she takes such great care of us :) </span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Talented dogs, talented handlers, challenges, it's what it's all about :) Plus there were some amazingly off color comments that had me barely able to breathe, much less speak :) EPIC :)</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Lynn and Gator think seminars kinda suck...but they get to hang with friends afterwards so all is good :) </span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6C03OtIr1MthLKlUZDZtYQLriWu_Z-W4pTNoIGvE1NmbUVld5XBHm8uAA0b3-FCti7BjZCawaL-vuc3Mcx3-kJY-keEDyvBKxsHETiexwEsRfT-_J_Ah0EMjfbXFY3YMZCwb8aQTMNbc/s1600/1271836_10151796547314280_275268246_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6C03OtIr1MthLKlUZDZtYQLriWu_Z-W4pTNoIGvE1NmbUVld5XBHm8uAA0b3-FCti7BjZCawaL-vuc3Mcx3-kJY-keEDyvBKxsHETiexwEsRfT-_J_Ah0EMjfbXFY3YMZCwb8aQTMNbc/s640/1271836_10151796547314280_275268246_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They were very disappointed that THE Miss Rev wasn't with Tori though...I told them they might be able to get her autograph...sigh. Sorry kids, maybe if we make it to Cynosport :)</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Ok this quote kind of cracks me up: "Imitation is the highest form of flattery, but clones kind of get it wrong because we are promoting individuality, and being proud of being yourself"--Brian Molk0</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Be YO-SELF folks :) </span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">So now, it's back to the normalness of life :) My students (who I really miss after a horrible hot spell which made Minnesota and the surface of the sun very similar, I haven't seen them much!!!) I miss them!!! My house, my dogs, my husband (although I don't get to see him much, we have a date night this Friday!! WOOT WOOT!!)...I like normal :)</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">"Beauty is not in the face. Beauty is a light in the heart"--Kahlil Gabran</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">We are gearing up to have everything ready for MEB to come visit is the 14 & 15th. Super excited about working with her again, great group of folks signed up to be challenged :) Hoping for great weather so we can run outside!!! FINGERS CROSSED! This is the first person we have brought to Full Tilt Agility, and I hope this is just the start of bringing in some amazing people. </span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Then Jenny Damm 1-3 of October in Chi-town...so lucky to get to work with her!!!!! THANKS DIANE!</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Seminars in IA, CO :) Nationals, Halloween, etc etc :) Trials maybe here and there :)</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Life Happens. Be Present right?</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'll leave you with a quote I saw this am: "Music is the strongest form of magic"--Marilyn Manson</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Not to be confused with Charles Manson :) Both freaky...but one can for SURE needed to be incarcerated. </span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Off to enjoy the silence :) Over and Out!</span></strong></div>
<br />Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13583344601572543.post-49628463380957989532013-08-21T22:56:00.000-05:002013-08-21T22:56:02.384-05:00What a Weekend...<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I am not even sure where to start honestly...the trip down to Missouri was pretty straight forward. Andy snacked all the way down there, and listened to CNN...I knitted and peed way too much :) Just how it is :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>But before we headed out...one last little training session :) Fun fast lines...why not? Klink was there for moral support...not on her own ideas...but she still enjoyed barking at them :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgca_uPdbMlrMBJ5VzcRBr9ro9UKgo8qZgWHpI_o1l96EGVu_aIA17NHRvUiM7QqVoFCO12lIH7sWyF-7BLGx-9ZJ3sTws8dlTGU6WWv6YD00VdkMUWQEb_gS8GOgfB0RoTbjfDv6iat1k/s1600/Reg3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgca_uPdbMlrMBJ5VzcRBr9ro9UKgo8qZgWHpI_o1l96EGVu_aIA17NHRvUiM7QqVoFCO12lIH7sWyF-7BLGx-9ZJ3sTws8dlTGU6WWv6YD00VdkMUWQEb_gS8GOgfB0RoTbjfDv6iat1k/s640/Reg3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We finally made it to Missouri...where the buffalo roamed or did roam or whatever :) Giant metal buffalo? Can you say PHOTO OPP?</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>We thought so too :) I mean, they are awfully cute!!!! Right??</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewH86DZBtVMCE-4JzIREVpXGH4MSe-ugS4tQTa14PWpE1X4gzSCGOtRYuNsHRzh6rdYVo81YvTq_5lcF3N-wL8FX4xvgz0r85xpAypXuQ_fYEcYV3nUxLPtL6OxgFy0FzbvvhUM5JQwo/s1600/Reg2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhewH86DZBtVMCE-4JzIREVpXGH4MSe-ugS4tQTa14PWpE1X4gzSCGOtRYuNsHRzh6rdYVo81YvTq_5lcF3N-wL8FX4xvgz0r85xpAypXuQ_fYEcYV3nUxLPtL6OxgFy0FzbvvhUM5JQwo/s640/Reg2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><b>OK...so maybe close up they look like they all have an attitude problem...</b></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-ZHSaJ35wmI4_RSxm5zAnmNAh4lc3O7FSQmk-xcusFqw58BZ_P1j6DOMXZaPYNN0ZPTMC6TC7V0St8R9JqNRNBu1wS7BBsbk4ust7-rOegFP5aGP4496lL1g28M04wUIhuxe-wh719s/s1600/Reg1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4-ZHSaJ35wmI4_RSxm5zAnmNAh4lc3O7FSQmk-xcusFqw58BZ_P1j6DOMXZaPYNN0ZPTMC6TC7V0St8R9JqNRNBu1wS7BBsbk4ust7-rOegFP5aGP4496lL1g28M04wUIhuxe-wh719s/s640/Reg1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Klink: This is just RIDICULOUS</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Even: MUST NOT BREAK MY STAY...FOCUS FOCUS FOCUS</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Crackers: So tired of this crap...</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Zip: I sit here, they give me cookies, that's all that matters</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Gator: CLOSING MY EYES TO MAKE IT ALL GO AWAY</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lynn: I am better than this sh*t...and better than all of THEM... </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Got to the hotel and chilled...after walking the pups so they get tired...because they didn't really appreciate being in kennels all day. It's hard to feel scared with this in front of you while walking ;)</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UzydIYm8A_CbKjc1-NVcqVMmjgxH4DCFiHGmlksHsjV7a4eTEP4NCacjGj_oQSSc7fYEVobhdSnxrV39WhQHNJlifePYZ8USQ5nXbF5FXyGwkCjBOZL6RtSo6fbhyphenhyphenFGhcuQ_qqe5P3M/s1600/Reg4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5UzydIYm8A_CbKjc1-NVcqVMmjgxH4DCFiHGmlksHsjV7a4eTEP4NCacjGj_oQSSc7fYEVobhdSnxrV39WhQHNJlifePYZ8USQ5nXbF5FXyGwkCjBOZL6RtSo6fbhyphenhyphenFGhcuQ_qqe5P3M/s640/Reg4.jpeg" width="480" /></a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> Got everyone settled into the hotel...Lynn was super pissed because she couldn't crawl under the bed. Yes, it freaks me out, yes it grosses me out, yes I put her on leash so she can't crawl under the bed and find whatever the heck is under there...very grateful for those boards that block her...shudder...So she decided to completely hog my bed for the weekend. Thanks Lulu!!!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23UCoOKLvB9rpnD2MC-DWWy0h-RxIEYexRKruB0C3ypqVG3W16GlwD4-6FpwmhX0Ozeup1K9WicIYOe9bRhf2EIM-5YmuAn1i3W8SDYvLQvmfUMjvbfRfBu6V0Tg4nme3_r2oQA77khE/s1600/Reg5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23UCoOKLvB9rpnD2MC-DWWy0h-RxIEYexRKruB0C3ypqVG3W16GlwD4-6FpwmhX0Ozeup1K9WicIYOe9bRhf2EIM-5YmuAn1i3W8SDYvLQvmfUMjvbfRfBu6V0Tg4nme3_r2oQA77khE/s640/Reg5.jpeg" width="480" /></a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> It really was an amazing weekend for the Full Tilt crew...we came into the regional needing both GP and Steeplechase byes for all three dogs...</b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I could go into details, but you know me! I have VIDEO :) Lets just say they were all amazing. Lynn didn't put one foot wrong, I swear. She was the most amazing little girl ever. What am I saying? She IS amazing...</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Nqa5q6uLKSg" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;" width="640"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I absolutely love running this dog...she gives 200% and she has so much heart. She's running so well, and I just love stepping to the line with her. Such a fun little girl!!!!!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN0PD-7lKf0nVHOsA-Bg6dNqmbFnY6Buu9loiEQ1ODzouuaXtwK054iBSlCBjxuJVNvv842jzoRUDYWL56u7QbthyHxlVO19PBi5wPhQT8Cg4Yhz5BD5RXkHTdYY-VazikvmJqbM8HVg/s1600/Reg6.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN0PD-7lKf0nVHOsA-Bg6dNqmbFnY6Buu9loiEQ1ODzouuaXtwK054iBSlCBjxuJVNvv842jzoRUDYWL56u7QbthyHxlVO19PBi5wPhQT8Cg4Yhz5BD5RXkHTdYY-VazikvmJqbM8HVg/s640/Reg6.jpeg" width="480" /></a></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> Poor sleepy pups!</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Gator and Crackers were also just awesome...the turf as a bit slick and they really worked hard for us all weekend. I didn't realize just HOW much they did...until I started editing videos...wowza. Poor pups. Luckily I massaged them a lot this past weekend, no one seems to be sore. Thank goodness.</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SJqnxBcHCHk" width="640"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>REALLY please with Gators aframes...all weekend he hit them, some were just AMAZING, some were a bit creepy, but still faster than two on two off! It's nice seeing his times being more competitive. He's really a fun guy to run, USUALLY just does his job, sometimes he gets a little "on the bit" so to speak :) But he was an awesome dude this weekend :) So hard to believe he will be 7 this November. I wish I could clone him...I really really do.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Of course Team Crackhead was their usual stellar self :) It's so fun to watch these two...my boys :)</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8-N_tr2C0B8" width="640"></iframe>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Just seems so weird...still can't believe Lynn actually won 22" Grand Prix...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lynn...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Stewart Little...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Lulu...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LQoVXWIOwaKrsgl_rGCOanCPXo60ZvwQrWaTXKPaoRqXGYq6Tkmk7y2TgIeNcRg1SrYwlKg070yaQDNvHJxNqV_Sz4ZO-k7R3oBmNk3oeix85OcumpQktoCksT4mOvGQJjr9LfRJ0zA/s1600/Reg8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9LQoVXWIOwaKrsgl_rGCOanCPXo60ZvwQrWaTXKPaoRqXGYq6Tkmk7y2TgIeNcRg1SrYwlKg070yaQDNvHJxNqV_Sz4ZO-k7R3oBmNk3oeix85OcumpQktoCksT4mOvGQJjr9LfRJ0zA/s400/Reg8.jpeg" width="400" /></a></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Pretty phenomenal...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I've know for awhile there was something special about her. She just has something about her, I can't put my finger on it. I've wanted to connect to this dog more than any other dog I've ever had (and it wasn't always easy). But she is my shadow...we have a really special connection. And I think that shows in our runs...I trust her, she trusts me. We are genuinely having fun out there. I hope people see that.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I had a gal that I've known via the internet for awhile tell me that Lynn's story has really inspired her with one of her dogs...I think that is just so great :) Actually made me tear up a little! That this little split faced dog has touched so many people's lives just like she has touched mine :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It's been so much fun letting her teach me...she's been a great teacher, even when her student wasn't the easiest to teach :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>She's just so darn cute too :) But that's me, I am probably very biased.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>So Lynn...she's now a Regional Grand Prix Champion :) Crazy...may not mean much to some people, but it's pretty amazing to me. </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I really focused on just running my dogs the best I could...and enjoying my friends. It was a fun trial. Lots of familiar faces, some new ones...but I enjoyed myself. It was a great weekend...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvVAmhatd5LyIrrwC8QCB4xVq9s4cNJkZCmpU7F5CBqhLcWkcRKH5mn92cuF5nKBG8CCTSOQADbpx7y4SXj9z02JGBQ-FbXP-Q5ad1eXjLxpg6DiyMoBAIwNZmw4wVgVUOI2_yJKF2Vs/s1600/Reg7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvVAmhatd5LyIrrwC8QCB4xVq9s4cNJkZCmpU7F5CBqhLcWkcRKH5mn92cuF5nKBG8CCTSOQADbpx7y4SXj9z02JGBQ-FbXP-Q5ad1eXjLxpg6DiyMoBAIwNZmw4wVgVUOI2_yJKF2Vs/s400/Reg7.jpeg" width="400" /></a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The two little champions :) Just chilling before pictures :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Gator with his 3rd place in Steeplechase Finals :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b></b></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50OyTk1Rbxjr2ZXku7afjrwjIzW43JPe0Tn-zkTq1M-HMlT0sWK3NxvnxB586qoAfmZUQXUtP-OB59ysk6vfwSSgjaehjJ-Y4zmwxFjV8TdPhxDyo3YcSEzMqP_Ku5Tv0naz4hxdcX9A/s1600/Reg10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50OyTk1Rbxjr2ZXku7afjrwjIzW43JPe0Tn-zkTq1M-HMlT0sWK3NxvnxB586qoAfmZUQXUtP-OB59ysk6vfwSSgjaehjJ-Y4zmwxFjV8TdPhxDyo3YcSEzMqP_Ku5Tv0naz4hxdcX9A/s400/Reg10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Team Crackhead Steeplechase Champs</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSTx6sKarAuj1DvSmDj_N9YU0gWrg6nO1KfaIaLyS6spJ96povzDrWWM6RJpKkJ6wrv-PIT-5ogk3C9Wcqe64UcIimhZmjX4GQ_e-pmILi3D4tZDTBLhT59jztaAPquCmoauB8-eAoNY/s1600/Reg9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEizEy2ubjbE6z9N82bFRu-bnITv0uGi8LOezK8LCK91eoISiBfF99TF6i8zVug-Ezj7w5_VwEHlPZ3BkJh0b3k88pdbji6qpxTNzMEGWFPL9Mvf5s-nklHT6fVMUOyIX_N9cJ17Qfy0/s1600/Reg11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEizEy2ubjbE6z9N82bFRu-bnITv0uGi8LOezK8LCK91eoISiBfF99TF6i8zVug-Ezj7w5_VwEHlPZ3BkJh0b3k88pdbji6qpxTNzMEGWFPL9Mvf5s-nklHT6fVMUOyIX_N9cJ17Qfy0/s400/Reg11.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>And Grand Prix Champs :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pVstVvnx9f035a9b94F1d0VzxGr6sVmLFjoIL04ZoDCBzGQVg3o_XWX9jRpxXhcbRSvqFm775oNHx8t3TKhyphenhyphenlbdM82grGigsj47SAEtlpH9Gv-kj86WM-RNEARt7KhPr-VWUdx87ktY/s1600/Reg12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9pVstVvnx9f035a9b94F1d0VzxGr6sVmLFjoIL04ZoDCBzGQVg3o_XWX9jRpxXhcbRSvqFm775oNHx8t3TKhyphenhyphenlbdM82grGigsj47SAEtlpH9Gv-kj86WM-RNEARt7KhPr-VWUdx87ktY/s400/Reg12.jpg" width="315" /></a></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Just an amazing weekend (yes I know I keep saying that! LOL)...got all the semi-byes for all three dogs. Got lots of bling...but for me it was just that I handled my dogs well...gave them good cues for the most part (and when I didn't they REALLY saved my butt!!!!! WOW DID THEY!!!) This weekend gave me another level of appreciation for all the dogs do for us...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSTx6sKarAuj1DvSmDj_N9YU0gWrg6nO1KfaIaLyS6spJ96povzDrWWM6RJpKkJ6wrv-PIT-5ogk3C9Wcqe64UcIimhZmjX4GQ_e-pmILi3D4tZDTBLhT59jztaAPquCmoauB8-eAoNY/s1600/Reg9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXSTx6sKarAuj1DvSmDj_N9YU0gWrg6nO1KfaIaLyS6spJ96povzDrWWM6RJpKkJ6wrv-PIT-5ogk3C9Wcqe64UcIimhZmjX4GQ_e-pmILi3D4tZDTBLhT59jztaAPquCmoauB8-eAoNY/s640/Reg9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>I had a few weird heart moments...but for the most part held up well. I have an appointment with a specialist...fingers crossed all goes OK. These annoying times with my heart racing for no reason is starting to worry me. I've never had one happen during an agility run or activity...but during Lynn's final GP run, as she loads onto the DW you can see me check up a bit...it was my heart just doing this stupid racing thing...I was completely out of breath after her run. This is NOT normal for me (I ran three dogs in the 22" classes all the time!!!) And you can see with Gator's GP run after that I wasn't running as hard...I was out of gas...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Frustrating...and irritation is motivation. So...appointments are made. Time to figure out whats going on.</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Scared, worried, angry...but...I need to just get this done. I'm sure it's something fixable!!!! </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>This weekend is about resting...I need it. The pups have gotten a break as well...we are just swimming and hiking :)</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The following weekend I get to head to Chicago to teach a camp with three other great ladies :) Should be a fun fun time!!</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Focusing on the positive :) Screw the negative. What a great ride this weekend was...sharing these moments with my dogs, my husband, my friends (that includes all of you!)...makes it tough to be sad or worried about much :-) </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Whatta ride!!!</b></span></div>
Loretta Muellerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08197255610605412423noreply@blogger.com5