Sophie: a Super Dog in the making?

Last Wednesday night, Sophie and I had our last beginners agility class. It was only a 5 week course and we are starting the next level right away.

During the 5 weeks, we worked on clicker training, shaping behaviours with clicker training, targeting objects, and a basic introducing to most of the agility equipment (tunnels, chutes, jumps, tire jumps, dog walks, a frames, and a wobble board.) By the 4th classes we were able to do 2 or 3 obstacles together. On our last class, we practices 2-3 obstacles together then joined all of them. There were 11 in total, 7 tunnels, an a frame, and pause table, and a dog walk. It was set up to be very basic and by no means did anyone or their dog do great, but we all had fun. We did it twice each. The first time Sophie and I went, she did really well, but stopped between obstacles to rub at hear gentle leader which I left on her. The second time I was told to take it off her, and well....her concentration went as well! But like I said, all-in-all I think she get a wonderful job!

Beach Day

Last Sunday, I went to Grand Beach, one of the best beaches in Manitoba. In fact, it was once voted in the top 10 beached by playboy! But of course that's not the reason I'm talking about the beach. The real reason is, I took Sophie with me. It was her very first time at the beach. In the past I had tried to get her into water and to like it, but with not much success. I knew if only I could find a beach and encourage her to follow me in to the water. By the end of the day she went into the water a few times, all on leash. She didn't protest but she wasn't overly eager to get wet. All in all, I think she did an amazing job and I am so proud of her.

(Sophie and I posing for the camera in the water)

(OK, everyone out of the pool!)

The only thing that didn;t go our way, were the flies. Sand flies. They bite...a lot! No one was exempt, especially not Sophie. We ended our day a few hours earlier than planned becasue everyone was getting eaten alive. Oh well, part-in-part of summer I guess.

Canada Day

July 1st is Canada Day and the parties can be epic! There are of course fireworks coast to coast to celebrate our fine country. This year was no exception. I went to the Forks (locally meeting spot where 2 rivers converge together) to watch the fireworks. I took Sophie with me.

Now here I will just add a quick side note. Every year, dogs run away during fireworks. This is from fear of the loud noises and large crowds. The noise is very loud for a dog and may hurt his ears. Or he may get scared and become traumatized or bite someone. Always take precautions with your dog during fireworks and know how your dog handles different situations.

This being said, I know my Sophie. She has no fear to noises and does well in crowds. She got lots of attention from people - until the fireworks started of course! And she actually watched some fireworks herself, seemingly curious as to what the bright loud lights in the sky were. Near the end when the finally was at its loudest I gently covered her ears to muffles the sound a bit. But all-in-all she was an amazing spectator!

Happy 143rd Birthday Canada!