Curly - Advanced Precision, Week 2

Today was the start of week 2 for our Advanced Precision class. It was a great class and I really needed it after a challenging Rally trial. I went in with the attitude that we'd do great and have fun! I think we accomplished our goal.

Curly seemed in sync with me tonight and I learned a lot about how I communicate with him. We did healing and sharp turns around cones to warm up. It was really important to ensure we had a loose leash with a "U" shape so the dogs did not feel restricted. Once we all fixed our leash and grip the dogs walked much better in a heal with us. Good job!

Next, we worked on our "sit" stays and "down" stays. This can be hard for us because of distractions. I found I was talking too much (shocker, right) and really needed to watch Curly rather than talk his ear off. When I talked less he listened more! In week 3 we will have to do a down stay away from our dogs for a period of time so you know what we'll be practicing hard on this week!!

Tonight we also worked on walking around cones. Imagine us standing in between 2 cones and then we did figure 8's around them in a heal. In week 3 we will be circling other human students, hence the reason our dogs will need to "down" stay while I act as a cone. Eeeek! We'll see how that goes. Ha!

Finally, to lighten the mood since we were being so serious tonight we went around the room showing what dog tricks we know. The first dog did "peek-a-boo" which was very cute, Curly did "touch", Wrigley did a BIG "shake", another dog did a bunch of cool stuff like backing up to beeping noise and finally our buddy Harley played dead after a "bang, bang". Ha ha ha! This was a great way to close out the class.

The start of week 2 if off to a good start with lots of practice in our future!!

Curly goes to a Trial - Cumming, GA

Today Curly and I were entered into a Rally Trial in Cumming. I had been putting pressure on myself because this could potentially give us our 3rd leg and we'd be on to advance level which freaked me out big time (off leash eeek).

We went despite the storms and it was delayed so we had to wait and got rained on. Curly seemed good and focused outside the ring, but inside the ring was a whole different story. I felt good about the course except the downs. We simply need to proof at all kinds of places doing Rally exercises.

He was not super focused on me once in the ring and did fairly well, but we did not qualify for a score due to our mistakes. Oh well, better try next time.

I know we can do it, but need to really proof to ensure the next try will be better.

It was great to see our friend Diana and 2 of her rattie kids, Stella (who did great) and Sammy.

Curly - Advanced Precision, Week 1

Curly and I started a new class after already taking Obedience, Rally and Rally Advance classes in 2009. This new class is to help us really hone in on our skills such as Rally moves and off leash practice. I love working with my man Curly because he is so eager to work.

Every time we start a new class I know my brain will hurt trying to remember what we need to practice and what is expected of us. Tonight was no different.

Tonight we practiced healing. We did a stepping process to perfect our dogs working with us and stopping when we stop. Then we practiced walking in a heal with turns to the left and right as well as the "left about" (my favorite move). This is the handler turning to their left and the dog going to the right. I have video of this on you tube. We worked on straight fronts, which we REALLY need to work on. Curly not only sits sideways or slightly sideways, but he offers other behaviors if I wait too long to tell him what to do after. He wants to go, go, go, but that is not how the game is played. Last, we worked on "sit", "down", "sit" also known as puppy push ups in a heal position. Curly is also crooked here so we'll be practicing hard.

It's great to be working on perfecting what we know and learning some new things too.

Curly Progress

Wow, it has been too long since I posted here. Curly is now in his 3rd class, Rally Advanced and getting ready to do match-ups and trials. He has come a long way and we are becoming a stronger team each week.

I can look back and think what a challenge I thought beginner obedience was. Ha! That was nothing. This week we are to be learning "Stand Stay", "90 degree turns" and practicing everything we have learned this far. Curly really enjoys learning the new skills and getting lots of treats and praise for it. Yea!

Last weekend we had a great opportunity to practice and demo at a local event. Curly did it off leash twice for the first time ever! I was nervous, but he did his job like a professional. I was so impressed with him and so was everyone else. Go Curly!

It is super amazing to do this with him and now Franky is in beginner obedience. It will be neat to see him coming up through the same training Curly got.

My rattie boy Curly and I start beginners obedience this coming Monday and we are super excited! Curly knows "sit", "down", "leave it" and "touch", but I thought we could use more of a foundation before taking more advanced classes like Rally Obedience or Agility. After this first class we will see where it takes us.

Curly is very smart, young and sweet so we should have an excellent time together. Whatever we learn in class we will train the rest of the members of the pack at home. It will be fun to see them learn new things because of what we learn.

I love training rattie kids and watching them "get it". Each dog that learns something really amazes me in their understanding and need to please their human.

Stay tuned for updates on our training adventure together.

My New Foster Boy Rafa

This is Rafa the death defying Rat Terrier. He was able to escape death at a kill shelter, Humane Society that got too full and soon heartworms.

New Rattitude heard about him through our Canadian sister Rat Terrier rescue group who could not take him due to his HW condition. I am normally pretty particular on who I bring in to ensure they will fit my pack and enjoy being a part of it. But this little guy spoke to him from his shelter picture and story. I couldn't resist.

Rafa was transported by 2 wonderful volunteers all the way from Bowling Green, KY on a Friday. This was really more than I expected for one Rat Terrier boy. When I met Rafa he was unsure of new people and his hair would go up around strangers. He quickly warmed up that night and decided I was his human.

The next day we headed to PetSmart and did wonderful! He met all dogs, humans and even a cat with grace. He showed his sweet self and took the long warm day with ease. After PS we stopped at a dog park to meet some friends and again he did great there, too! I was amazed.

Fast forward to 1 week later: Rafa fits in our pack like he has been here for years and enjoys his human time very much. He has been neutered which has greatly helped his potty training, but we are still a work in progress. He hates being crated, but will crate quietly when everyone goes to bed. He is learning to "sit" and "down" and loves working for good treats. The entire time his is in training his long thin tail keeps waggin. Its very easy to melt for this small dude.

Rafa will be getting his heartworm treatment starting April 7th and will have to stay overnight. I will worry the entire time.

Check back often for more updates on Rafa and other dogs who we have the pleasure of helping find their furever homes.

Many Updates...

It has been so busy that I neglected my blog. So much has changed and dogs have gone home. Sansha's 6 puppies have all been adopted and are getting bigger by the day per their parents reports. Where are they now?

Oola - was adopted to two great people in Snellville, GA and 4 cats
Teebo - was adopted by two great people in Buford, GA and has 1 dog bro and 1 kitty sibing
Jawa now Tebow - was adopted by a great family in Canton, GA and has 1 dog sister and 2 human siblings
Wampa now Kingsley - was adopted by two great people in Atlanta, GA and has 1 dog bro
Mara Jade - was adopted by a great lady and has a little human sister
Romba - was adopted by a great lady and has a young human bro

They grew up so fast and found just the right homes in no time. They will probably be on the bigger side with the biggest close to 40 lbs!

Sansha is stil looking for her furever family which we think will come along soon enough. She has changed so much since we first met her and is developing her own wonderful personality.