Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Contortionist

April 10, 2011
Athens, GA

Friends visited us today from Columbus, GA, and wanted to see a little demonstration of Tessa's jumping skills. Alas, she wasn't up for it today. This was the beginning of a bit of trouble in the right hind leg and we have since stopped jumping alltogether, for the time being at least. It was also a very hot day and by the time we met temperatures where approaching 90 so we didn't want to push it. Tessa managed to produce a few funny contortions though.

Training With Mo

April 9, 2011
Piedmont, SC

Today we drove 90 miles to Piedmont, SC to train with Maurice "Mo" Lindley and watch him train other dogs. It was a long 89 F day but it was wonderful. Mo worked quite a few dogs and while we visitors/handlers chatted between runs, he was busy catching pigeons and planting them for the next team. Mo is incredibly generous with his time, land, birds and advice, sharing it with anyone who makes the drive (or flight in one case) to his place on Saturdays.

Here is Mo working with Tessa, practicing the Stand Still command - non-verbally - while another client of his works a Brittany out in the field. This way we can teach Tessa to stand still when another dog goes on point (called backing or honoring) and to stand still through flush and shot (we were using blank pistols and homing pigeons).

I also followed Mo when he was working with other dogs, and there is much to be learned from watching him, like timing of corrections and praise.

To read more about Maurice Lindley and the West/Gibbons method, click here.

Boing...Boing...Boing

April 6, 2011
Sandy Creek Park, GA


Sleeeepy

April 1, 2011
Athens, GA

Eye To Eye

March 25, 2011
Sandy Creek Park, GA


Spring!

March 21, 2011
Athens, GA

Tessa & Rhys

Tessa & Rhys
March 20, 2011
Sandy Creek Park, GA

Tessa has such a fantastic disposition. Rhys is still a bit of a brat, but she puts up with a lot and whereas his older brother has no interest in playing with this wild puppy, Tessa never declines the invitation. Over the months I noticed that she adjusts her own playfulness to the size and play style of the puppy. Neat to watch.

2011:03:20__08:56:24


Rhys & Tessa