Six months seems so significant because that's when she can be officially entered in shows and so on. Stepping up the training is working well - you can really see her thinking. We let her figure things out for herself - it's actually fascinating to watch. It's also interesting to see her change her tactics when she discovers something works or doesn't work. She will sit, stand and down on queue but not totally by command - yet but it's getting there. She has no problem doing the target stick. The other day we were doing the target stick and I would click and treat when she touched it. The funny part was she would drop the treat and go for the stick again or wait until I told her to go for the stick or follow it. I kept clicking and treating. When the exercise was done (I only do 6-12 repetitions) she picked up all the bait and ate it.
Grooming - okay - she had to get a total foot care package - she had gotten mud dried on the fur between her toes which can be damaging and/or painful. We went to my Mother's and there was some snow left so I directed her to play in it - this softened the dirt and mud so it easily wiped away. When we got home Reg held her, like a baby. He had a big bowl of treats. The idea was he would "distract" and treat her while I worked on her. Well, she wouldn't fall for any of that nonsense. She took a couple treats from Reg but after that she just put a big pout on and refused to eat. There was the odd struggle and murmer of protest but I just went to work. I worked as fast as I could. So I trimmed all the fur from the pad and between the toes then clipped the nails - using scissors and nail scissors. Cutting the fur wasn't too bad but she sure didn't like getting her nails done. Hers splinter a bit like Dogma's do and eventually I will have to get her calmed down enough so I can file or use the Dremel to smooth it out. You have to trim a springer's nails at least weekly, yes, weekly - actually every five days is even better. Dogma walks on pavement daily and digs but his nails still grow at a tremendous rate. I've accepted the fact that they click when he walks on a tile floor and figure since I do the both of them now that eventually I'll get them back to where they are supposed to be. But with Karma I have to keep them short - one if I keep on top of it - it's easier - secondly, for competition she definately can't be clicking her nails in the ring. We've been doing the "exam" quite often and she actually shrugs the whole thing off so a touch of her feet, butt and look at her teeth has become quite boring. But there is still much more to do. We figure we'll "play" grooming every day - or at least try to. I have to do her head again soon and I'd like to get used to using the clippers - but it'll be a while yet before she'll let me near her I'm sure.
We totally missed Halloween. Okay I set everything up - put a baby gate across the door so it could be opened and closed easily for handing out candy. Made sure the lights were on. The way was clear. The leads were handy. Then I looked - no candy - Reg had taken it for his students. So after all that I shut off the lights and sat down for a bit of TV. He did come home later with bags of candy and we turned on the light but no one came. @:-( I know there were a few kids in the area because Dogma would go on the alert every once in a while but not all that much. It would have been good exposure for short stuff but alas - not this year.
Update on the dominance - nothing - no evidence of even trying!
Wow! "You" noticed I was missing - thanks - to all that noticed. I had a cold and that wasn't too bad but just as I became well I got sick again - this time the stomach flu was thrown in for good measure - among other things - so to say the least I didn't get alot of training done. But let's see there is some news.
We are at the awkward looking stage - big feet - long legs - full body - tiny head - not me, silly - the dog! She's eating less now but is as active as ever! Courage in abundance. Went to the off leash park and there was quite the gathering of dogs just as we were ending the walk. I had her on leash - one never knows how another's dog will act so I keep her reasonably close and on lead so she won't run . . . it was a good thing too - even though most of the dogs were purebred and the people seemed to be "dog people" one of the great Danes felt it was a bit much (actually the "mom" thought it was too many dogs and started freaking and well, of course, the dog reacted accordingly) and decided to pick Karma as his first target -- good pup that she is when the growling started she came to me and I had her between my legs - I kept her protected with my body and prepared to push the Dane away if it got ugly - of course things seemed to calm down then - after all it wasn't the dog that was the problem. The dog was called away and finally went and we quickly headed for the van. None were worse for wear. Right or wrong I concentrated on Karma - I know Dogma can take care of himself - Reg was there to remind people that maybe it was time to call their dog - me I was ensuring that no trauma would take place. From 6-14 months is a second fear impact period. She didn't seem any worse for wear - ready to take on the world but at the same time not careless about it.
Karma is very tactile with her paws - especially when she thinks it's time I got up and let her out. Sometimes this starts out with a squawky type yawn - a loud yawn with almost a whine or quack built into it. (Aside: she has several yawns - a straight noisy yawn not much different from a humans; the growl yawn which usually is accompanied with a play bow and stretch - sounds very gutteral; a scream type yawn; and this one the squawky yawn.)Then she will either lunge or pounce towards my head or creep up. First one front paw then the other starting with my arm (I fold my arms over my face mostly for protection and partly in amusement) then she literally kneads my arm with the pads of her front feet as if I were dough. She may sneak the odd lick of my face - in particular a nose or ear - or a squawky yawn. If this fails the paws move to the face to apply the kneading procedure - hence why I must be very attentive to keeping her nails short. And yes, by now I AM up. Oh, this is irregardless of whether Dogma is up next to me or not. She will either climb over or past him or come up along my back and then come over to the front side of me to reach because there is always a bit of space between my head and arms and Dogma.
As part of the greeting ritual she will sometimes take her paws and knead whatever she can reach with them - my face, stomach, arm, leg . . . --- ah - the greeting ritual - if I come in the back door which I have only recently started she is sleeping on the front love seat which is near the front door - Dogma is usually outside. This is quite a surprise to her. If I come in the front door - well - first I'm greeted by a very happy, wiggly, waggly Dogma. We then proceed into the house which by the time I swing the front door open is a vibrating puppy usually standing on the love seat arm or occasionally on the floor near the door - we keep the baby gate up so she doesn't slip out the front door. I shed anything I'm carrying and encourage the dogs into the bedroom. There is less likelihood of things getting knocked over or bumped and there is just more room. Dogma jumps up on the bed and Karma stands on her hind feet with paws on bed ready to be hoisted up. I take a few seconds and pet Dogma up. Give him a few scratches and get a couple licks and moans in return. Then up comes Karma - who is probably more excited to see Dogma than me. She is all over the place and I quickly as I can get her to lay on her back and rub her tummy. All the time I'm speaking in moderate, slow, tones trying to settle them down. Within seconds which can seem like several minutes I have two dogs lying on the bed rather than two vibrating whirling dirvishes running around the house knocking things over and tripping me up. Now I can take off my coat. Sort of - because now it's time that I change coats and take Dogma for a walk. I try to do this because it's so hard to get back up again once seated. Especially, since I take Dogma for a walk then Karma for a short walk.
Karma loose lead walks reasonably well, especially if it's just the two of us. Even when walking through a crowd of Sunday church goers is not too big a deal. But needs a bit of work.
Visiting someone else's house is still a thrilling adventure for Karma and she takes a long time to settle down (right Fran?). She wants to explore, play and interact with Dogma as well as those present all at the same time! She can't decide what she wants to do first, or next, or now. But she does make herself at home very quickly. Oh, and she knows she's cute. The comment I hear most often, "she has sad eyes" especially when she accompanies it with a whine. I don't know
Joined two excellent sites - one on English Springer Spaniels - more of a professional site that talks more on conformation and showing - I've learned alot. Another eGroup is on conformation - based on a book called Show Me - it too has been quite the eye opener - I've cut and paste so many valuable notes and information for practice. And one last site that is excellent - it has a link in the lower left corner called, How to Dremel Dogs Nails and it is detailed and excellent - even if you don't dremel the nails (which I like to do) at DoberDawn.
Insert:
I don't think you can tire out a springer. Five minutes of rest and they are ready to go again. They always want to come and most especially they don't want to miss a thing. They will go like the energizer bunny until you literally pull the batteries (lock in the crate).
I read the puppy books about getting the puppy tired then putting them in the crate - ha ha ha - they didn't have a springer!
I took Karma to my Mom's - Karma explored and moved at full speed until we left - once home and nothing was going on - Karma finally laid down and slept. (and any other time I've taken her to Mom's it's the same thing - full speed.)
Last weekend I took Karma to my sisters - again full tilt until we got home - then Karma slept - after everything stopped moving and all was quiet (boring).
But in any case if I move or get up to do something dogs are ready to go, go, go (picture the twirling energizer bunny here).
Dogma is now 7 and he's slowed down - an itty bitty tiny bit - he doesn't follow me to the kitchen *every* single time I go to get a drink - just *most* of the time.
So now, instead of me being too tired during training classes / workshops / seminars / competitions from trying to "tire" or settle the springer down a bit - I take Dogma on his regular walk (I do two walks a day with him about 1 mile - usually off leash so it's not a regimented walk) then travel to the venue - walk him for at least five minutes (depending how much time I have) and let him have a last minute pee, etc. then in we go for class (or whatever).
I've done one set of classes with Karma and we'll be starting another set soon and I'll be doing the same thing - because I think you can't tire out a springer.
If they are too wired and get crazy in class (there were 2 classes where Karma was an absolute nut case) I take them out for a good run (with Dogma I would do retrieves with the ball) then back in again.
Dogma has learned when it's time to "work" and when it's time to lay quietly and wait until "Mom" decides differently. I've started training Karma this as well because I'm convinced you can't tire out a springer.
=== How do you train "quietly" or "settle" - any and *every* time the dog is laying quietly you click and treat - or treat - or pet - - you mark the "quiet" behaviour - oh, very important, you do this in a quiet slow voice. There was one event I was at where I put Dogma in a down and then just kept treating him and saying "settle" - this turned a formal down which wouldn't last all that long (and still doesn't) into a settle where he would lay and even, actually sleep! for an hour or more. Today I can take him anywhere and settle him down - yes, I do get alot of shocked looks - and compliments - they can't believe how well behaved he is, especially for a springer ====
If they only knew how I've got a permanent kink in my arm and back from bending and leaning over treating a "downed" dog over numerous seminars / classes /workshops to get this behaviour.
Now I've already started marking and treating the quiet and down in my 6 month old pup. The quiet - lasts - um - ten seconds - but I think I'm up to 15 seconds now! - tee hee - and the old tendonitis and arthritis are acting up - she's so much shorter so I have to bend farther - tee hee - ouch.
In between we are working on the "work" versus "play" times - that's not going so well but it's going as expected.
But that's what you get when you have a breed that was developed to hunt all day long . . . glad I don't have a BC (border collie).
Karma is in her "flight phase" of age. She loves to play "catch me, catch me" - especially if she is outside. A couple times I would be trying to get her into the house and she decided, at that minute, she would rather play catch me. GRrrr
We've got her accepting handling of her feet and ears and teeth. A considerable improvement - it's taken a couple weeks but we've accomplished alot. She's starting to learn - but it's a matter of figuring out what needs to be done and doing it.
Took Karma to the agility fun match at the Edmonton Garrison. A dog has to be 18 months because the growing pup needs their joints and so on to develop before jumping. But it's an excellent environment to expose a puppy to people, and dogs, and crates and noise and clapping and and and. I was very proud of her. She did a bit of quiet whining once in a while but generally she just watched. She really wanted to play with the border collie benched a couple spots away that was constantly barking. Every time I took her out of the pen she would do a play bow to him. She was pretty excited when out for a "walk" and was more interested in sniffing and pulling. But she's a pup and this was a training exercise. When I left her for about five minutes apparently she was a good puppy and didn't make a big fuss. Definately, not a Dogma! whom, by the way, I didn't bring because I figured Karma would be too much a basket case if I did.
Oh -
As an aside Jennifer was at the agility match and handed out some gorgeous fridge magnets of a dog portrait she had done. Another lady was showing her business cards and cards/magnets to us and they were absolutely wonderful. Very creative and different. Something of value and eye-catching for sure. Jennifer's website is Cool Dog Pics and worth taking a peek at.
Okay this is like too much fun!! Took Dogma to the chiropractor - he's so easy going - he likes the treatments so holds very still. You can really tell if something moves unexpectedly or not because he's so easy to read. Anyway, since this is mostly Karma's schtick we went to Laundro-mutt afterwards. Yes, in preparation for Larry Clark's Handling and Grooming seminar I went to wash the dogs. It may a couple days early but the opportunity was there and I've been trying to do at least a drop in there for weeks. It's on the east side of the tracks! I'm not used to approaching Whyte Avenue from the south so got a bit lost - especially trying to figure out what Gateway Street was equivalent to - sheesh.
Bathing Karma at home is an adventure - the tub surface is too slippery for her - Dogma is fine - and she keeps trying to get out of the tub - thank goodness we have shower doors. But still it's very hard on my back and tricky and time consuming - even if I get in the tub with her. This is a dog that loves water - go figure. I washed Dogma first - mostly because he is the biggest and more time consuming and also he's the easiest of the two! (Okay, so I ate my dessert before my veggies.) So Karma got so jealous from lack of attention, during the rinse stage, she jumped into the tub with Dogma! Cool! well - quick let's get her whetted down and some soap on her - hoorah!
Got the whole event done in just over an hour - yep - two dogs brushed, bathed and mostly dried. Hung around afterwards to give the dogs some pleasure moments. Fed them lots of treats from Scott, the owner, and I brought some kidney for them too. I also brought Karma's busy bee and they played around with that. Scott took a couple photo's. These two are real characters when they get going.
A second of grinning for busy bee who was ripped in half by two springers late last night. The bottom half now lies in the backyard with one rawhide piece still wrapped on the one leg. The head remains in the house and as a "bone of contention" while stuffing is strewn about the house. That bee had a lot of stuffing - every time I pick some up more seems to appear. I salvaged the squeaker before it was swallowed or more likely ripped apart. Conclusion, I'm only buying stuffed dog toys at pet stores - they just aren't tough enough when purchased elsewhere. The lambie is "alive" and well and the bone has had one seam resewn and is also surviving well.
Wish me luck at the seminar!
Okay, Good Seminar. Combination grooming and handling workshop. I didn't expect much on the grooming because I didn't have any equipment and lack confidence in grooming. Plus it definately takes two people to groom the little squiggler. Well, Larry was exceptional at helping me get started on grooming this little squirt. That was great.
The dogs represented included: Miniature Pinscher (5mo) - screamed when getting nails cut - absolutely precious "in the ring"; Japanese Chin - b/w - absolutely gorgeous, wonderful disposition; Gronendal - gorgeous dog - a bit shy "in the ring"; 2 Australian Shepherds - one working - gorgeous blue eyes; a black faced smooth haired fox terrier - just picked from the SPCA by her new owner; a wonderful 6 mo brindle boxer - owner went through alot of research to get exactly what she wanted in a boxer - Karma and this pup liked to box - yes they would stand on their hind legs and take "box" with their front feet - it was hilarious and cute to watch and a joy to behold. It really took some tension out of the me at the workshop; Irish Wolfhounds - a 4mo and 6mo dare I say - pup - these are big dogs!! even at four never mind at 6!; a wonderful Doberman was there as well - wonderful dog - great free stack; Dalmation - already doing well in the ring! wonderful owner too - thanks for loaning me the thinning shears!; a Bernese Mountain dog - love the smile on that breed; - there were a few more people and dogs but not as actively participating.
I left the seminar with some good tips on grooming and on getting my routine down to a two and a half minute presentation that will at least impress me and the crowd. No fuss, no bother, just get in their, let the dog strut her stuff, keep an eye on the judge for placements and so on and leave - *grin* as a champion of course!
Photo of Karma with Santa! Stood in line over 2 hours to get this pic. It’s one of the best I’ve gotten – last time Santa’s eyes were closed – he looked asleep – I was very disappointed. The one prior was, well, plain, compared to this one. (Click on the photo to see the others.)
A couple people said to me regarding Karma, “She really likes to play doesn’t she?” Dare I say the “best” part was when she would roll on the floor to solicit play from other dogs in the lineup! Yep, you guessed it – muddy boots drag in muddy, snowy dirt and roll one white dog in it and she ain’t so white anymore. Let’s put it this way – she is one stress free pup full of attitude – unlike me. The hard job for me will be keeping her clean – I’m figuring I’ll have to teach her to wear a body suit for the shows.
She isn’t afraid of other dogs no matter how big they come. But she’s polite (right now) so she doesn’t get in trouble. If she doesn’t like the manners (read – lack thereof) of another dog she has learned to sit between my legs – or in extreme emergency between any human’s legs. She’s learned that safety lies between human legs. It was pretty easy to teach and I’m glad she sees it that way. Initially, she would just run in huge circles in a panic and not really sure of what to do. But now she sits between my legs and “smiles” – I’m sure she’s making rude comments to the aggressor. I have no doubt she will be dominant when she becomes an adult.
Why do I think this – besides the attitude she puts out? She copies everything Dogma does and he is very particular that young dogs have manners toward older dogs and he takes no nonsense. Except from Karma. There are times when he is telling her to behave herself around him and then there are other times you can tell he’s teaching her how to be “top dog.” The other day Dogma was teaching her how to growl it was the funniest thing to watch. He would growl, then she would “growl” then he would – they were short exchanges between the two. What really twigged was when the growls sounded almost identical in pitch and pattern – then I knew this was not just a casual rope tug game. It was shortly after a couple of identical growls that they both dropped the rope and went about their own business. While he can defend himself in a fight and he has had very few (one maybe two) while it can sound horrible he has never hurt another dog. I trust him totally, although generally speaking Karma and Dogma are rarely alone or unsupervised together. It’s worked out where Dogma’s “territory” is pretty much the front yard while Karma has claimed the back yard. She will seek safety in her crate and Dogma hates crates (some very traumatic experiences so it’s highly unlikely he will enter any crate). So they don’t fight over territory. Food and/or toy guarding is not an issue. (Actually, it was really great the one time Dogma had coveted a rawhide bone that Karma wanted real bad but could not get – so she lay at my feet and pouted while Dogma enjoyed his chew. Then he got up trotted toward her and put the bone down and nudged it with his nose towards her.)
There are now a more than two situations where Karma has been found running free in the front yard! Good news - we know for sure she's not a "bolter" - you know - a dog that gets free and runs for points beyond. She just hangs around the front of the house - with Dogma. I was told she wouldn't even follow a lady with her dog. Bad news! Ahhhh! Scarey, yes. So I've worked on the front gate somewhat - the snow tends to push things around and so I think she figured if she jumped on it enough it would open. That's the only thing I can think of because the gate is open. Hopefully it won't do that now.
Karma loves to body check Dogma out of the way. She will push him away from the water or food dish and insist she go first. And he let’s her! There are so many subtle things going on between the two I can hardly keep up. Sometimes Dogma eats first and sometimes Karma eats first. I feed them from the same dish because they only eat half and leave some for the other – and they never eat at exactly the same time – sometimes they will switch back and forth. Sometimes Karma eats her fill and sometimes leaves food for Dogma. Dogma almost always leaves food for Karma. If he feels that there was not enough food provided for the two of them he will let me know in one of his many ways. He will actually push and flip the dish around in a very noisy fashion to inform me that it is empty and needs to be filled. Flipping and tossing the dish is something that in the more than six years he’s lived with us has never done.
Karma literally seems to float through from room to room. She now will let us examine her without fighting or squiggling around. Actually, Reg almost does a full vet check - the bite, the ears, and the feet.
The grooming is still – well – progressing slowly. This year has not been kind to us so getting some of the grooming supplies has not been easy. Larry was able to show me how to clipper her and I did a bit of work on her – gosh I gotta get a grooming table – although right now it doesn’t make a lot of difference because it will still take two to groom her properly.
December 18 to January 9
By golly time flies when you're having fun - and even when you're not!
Let's start with Christmas. What a good puppy! Yes, we went to my parents place for Christmas - with the whole thing - tree, gifts stuffed animals on the floor and much more. She was so curious but once told that it was not for puppies she left everthing alone. When she got bored I would give her a tissue or ball to play with and she was fine. Took the dogs outside periodically and they got to romp in the snow - there's a nice big back yard to play in and explore with trees and wooden figures and bushes.
It was tricky to give the dogs, especially Karma, the idea that "sleeping in" was preferred. I did get a bit of sleep in time but it wasn't easy. The pay off was we were around most of the time and they got to go with us on some of our errands. I was a bit concerned she would suffer once I started going back to work but being the pup she is she adjusted quickly.
Started doing a bit of serious training but only a very little bit. I have to develop a bit of routine.
Took her to the off leash a couple times and her "come" is improving but definately not where it needs to be. So she has to spend alot of time on leash. But then that is relative. The little "squink" has become a bit of an escape artist and has been roaming about the front yard a couple times. Day before yesterday included! I think I've got something rigged now where she can't get out. We shall see. She hasn't figured out jumping fences yet but because she can jump on the bed one of these days I'm sure she will figure it out - especially since she's seen Dogma jump the baby gate a couple times. So far so good. I'm not so worried about her running away because she's already proven that she stays fairly close to home. I'm afraid of her going on the road, someone attempting to steal her, and her eating something that she shouldn't.
"Squink" her newest nickname which is already being modified accordingly is a mix between "squeak" which is the sound she often makes for a variety of reasons and "stink" which is actually short for "stinker" as in someone who likes to get in trouble or even better yet likes to cause trouble. Now that her weight is getting up there she can really bump Dogma around. She will try to jump off the bed onto him. She will try to jump onto the bed or loveseat before Dogma and take his place. Then when Dogma chooses to lay someplace else she will hop off and lay elsewhere.
She isn't afraid of Dogma either. While at an off leash park she is very respectful and appropriately submissive her "friends" are a different story. She will try to take things right out of Dogma's mouth, pushing and shoving if she can, while Dogma growls and if she's successful, which happens, he'll give her a "snap." (In this case it's a strong growl and woof showing all his teeth - it sounds vicious but isn't - just a warning. It's usually accentuated a few seconds later with a sneeze which I find defuses any tensions that may have been present.))
Speaking of off leash - when we went last Saturday I was looking / walking one way and suddenly she charged off in another direction and it was just the right combination and "whump" there I am sprawled out on the pathway. I'm still in shock, and I'm sure my face showed it. I didn't think she could do that! Between this little event and training a large dog earlier that day who was having one of his more active days I am very sore.
January 10 - 28
By golly time flies! It's not like there hasn't been anything happening it's just sitting down and documenting it all.
Well, being so cold, and tired, but got an email about another springer person going to the handling drop-ins at the NACA center. So got home and even though she needs a bath and all that I went on the 23rd. She's such a mental case sometimes. I can handle her for about a half hour then I run out and get Dogma. I can then practice my footwork and posing without the deep down thoughts of killing a pup. There was improvement on both our parts - not that anyone there would know because they had never met us before. We've done a bit of work before and some after where I'm using the target stick to get her moving. Actually, after a few list questions I got a bright idea where I use the alley oop as the "judge" and the target stick itself to control her speed. It's wonderful except I just need a bit more room and also mirrors would be nice because
Touch stick - Home made one - take a straight stick or a telescopic pointer used for presentations - train the dog to touch the end with his nose - if you use the clicker - you would hold the tip of the stick close to his nose - curiousity dictates he'll touch it - click and give a treat. Repeat. Add the command touch. Now position the stick so the dog has to step forward to touch it. Repeat. Gradually increase distance so the dog has to move all the legs to touch it. Now you can start moving and have the dog follow it. Gradually increase the time (i.e. he follows the stick for two seconds - click treat - follows stick for 5 seconds - click treat - follows stick for 10 seconds - click treat . . . ).
"Official" touch sticks - Karen Pryor or Gary Wilkes - I have two "alley oop" (the home made kind is a plastic practice golf ball on the end of an arrow or stick stuck in the ground) and the collapsable touch stick. I use the ally oop because this encourages the dog to keep his head up rather than looking for food on the ground or the usual training tool of a plastic lid with treats on it laying on the ground (targets) - which encourages sniffing - especially for sporting dogs who like to put nose to ground in the ring - all that bait there you know.
Went to Groomers Workshop on Saturday which offers both a do-it-yourself and pro-grooming. It was pretty good - it cost me about $22 and I could take as long as I wanted as opposed to Laundro-Mutt who charges by the hour although you can rent a spot for as long as it takes as well - I can't remember the charge. I was able to borrow a coarse stripping knife and thinning shears so I could practice getting the grooming right on Karma. The onsite groomer has handled springers and was very helpful in showing me some techniques in grooming the little squiggler. Actually, she was pretty good, she really didn't move around that much - keeping in mind she is a puppy. She was on the table for two hours. Then bathed her then spent another half hour or so to dry her - she wasn't totally dry but that's okay - that's why I did the grooming first - because I knew it would take forever for her to dry.
Went to the off leash park on Sunday, there was a bit of snow and - gosh it was like -30 centigrade but the dogs love it. I'm bundled up like nanook of the north and they are as is bouncing around between the trees. Karma would spring every once in a while she looked like a great white tail deer bounding through the field. It was great - I'd love to get that on que. There was a shepherd that kind of freaked her out but Dogma kind of stepped in and she came running back to me. She recovers well.
Some of you who have read from the beginning will know that the bed is a safe place. It is also a gathering place for the whole pack. When I come home I get the dogs into the bedroom on the bed to help calm them down and also so Karma isn't jumping up on me. But what she usually does is place her paws on each of my shoulders as I stand next to the bed and she gives me a very thourough face wash. I think it's so sweet. I call it a puppy hug. Anyway, the four of us are laying on the bed. We're talking about - what else - the dogs. We talk about how good they are. Then Reg says something to the effect, "Dogma has done a real good job of teaching her. He works real hard." I say something like, "He has really saved us alot of training time by teaching her." And just then, Dogma reaches over and gives her a little lick on the face. We couldn't believe it! It was so sweet and totally unprecidented. Dogma, again as some of you may know, is very, very, stingy with his kisses. It has to be a special occassion to be blessed with a kiss. Never mind a kiss for Karma! "He likes her!"
February and March
My, my how time flies! I can't believe how quickly the weeks have flown by not without thinking about my log and getting it updated. I actually made myself take some pictures she is getting big now and I've already missed some opportunities. Her body is almost fully developed but she still has the puppy legs and the puppy head, yes, on this big body. She's self aware now. You can see her thinking and processing the information she gets. There are still things she hasn't figured out yet like when you cover the ball with a quilt she can smell it but can't quite identify the situation, she looks so surprised when Dogma digs the ball out. She's also learning to cooperate. Reg will hold her while laying on the bed and she will hold very still and lay with him until he let's her go. She's more cooperative about getting groomed although she does tire of it quickly, as do I.
Karma is as mischievious as ever. There is no end to her shananigans from pouncing on Dogma's head as he passes her on the bed or couch to taking shortcuts through a thicket while playing catch me with a corgi. She takes every opportunity to snatch a sock for her collection of toys that she takes outside one at a time. Many of her pieces are frozen solid into the snow and ice and one can only imagine the mess when the snow will melt for good. She loves the snow and has no problem with the cold. She gets so excited when she figures out that she's going out that she trembles and shakes in anticipation. While at conformation practice she was sitting with her one paw raised. I was asked, "sore foot?" I answered, "No, she's thinking." What I wanted to say is she is planning a mischievous prank which she was and did. She lifts her front paw as if to make a point. Or maybe a warning that a demand for attention is about to take place. Either way it has nothing to do with pain and everything to do with willfulness. When she's pulled her prank and solicited the usual "bad dog" response, she promptly waves the paw in the air past her nose then falls over and rolls on her back waving her paws in the air and curling around exposing her tummy, for rubbing.
Dogma is not innocent while she pulls these pranks or whines and squeaks for attention as he quietly lay a few feet away. For it's surprising how active he gets when it's figured out what the little one wants he is suddenly there to share in the bounty and attention. At the very least I'm sure he has taught her how to wake me up in the morning in the cutest way so rather than being angry while trying to sleep in we rise to a set routine of play and breakfast. One thing she cannot tolerate is when not all members of the "pack" are not up. She will whine, fuss, and squack until Reg arises as well.
Easter
Well the Camrose dog show is out of the way and I was very proud of Karma. She represents her breed well even if the handler needs work and the grooming is - well - bad. I had some help on the second day of the show when Mandy - watch for a new grooming shop opening up in West Edmonton on May 1 and drop by and give her your support - anyway, Mandy was kind enough to help make Karma a bit more presentable by fluffing up her feet and feathering and straightening the coat a bit and adding some sprays. I learned alot from this and also by looking at the grooming of the other springers at the show. But when the time came to present ourselves - the only senior puppy - I think we did fine for our first time. We were able to walk around the ring in a presentable manner. She even let me pose her a couple times. When we did our down and backs she was well behaved instead of bouncing around like a maniac. Yep, I was very pleased. Then afterwards we would walk around the grounds, she would pull a be a bit excited but what do you expect for a puppy. But we would also sit at ringside and she would lay down on the floor or sit in my lap and occassionally greet the passerby's and neighbouring watchers. She is very much a charming little pup and loves to sit or lay across people's feet. She also likes to roll over on her back on the floor, yep, what else with a dog with some white fur want to do but roll around on the floor - yes, I'm bad - I let her. I want her to enjoy herself. I want her to be happy and carefree. And in turn I want to relax as much as possible and have fun too. The idea of putting her in a bubble to keep her perfect just doesn't sound like fun to me. Yes, we will do the necessary primping but when it comes down to it I will sacrifice bits so she can be a puppy. The last thing I want is to break her spirit - although I can push her pretty far and she does have a temper but she easily moves on to what life has to offer. I could learn from her. Unlike Dogma who is currently on a diet and has a bit of a chip on his shoulder these days. He's not too impressed and borderline obedient. Yep. What does that mean? Well, he listens and does what he's told but just within the limit. He will do it slower, or not quite as accurate, or look like he's been beaten or something while doing the command.
Thanks Christine Z. for showing me some wonderful techniques and "cleaning up" Karma today - what a different dog! She almost looks like something. I do have some "homework" and will be doing my best to keep her looking good and finishing up some of the stripping and so on. But she is starting to look good. Although I really think she's got all the basics so it's pretty easy to do. A "Mom" never sees fault in their "kids". I'll feel a bit prouder to take her into the ring in Red Deer next weekend. I also have a much better idea of how to use some of those tools they talk about on the grooming eGroups and in the ESS books and sites. I now feel more comfortable about purchasing supplies that I will like because I've used them or now know how to use them.
So that's about it for the moment. Got to get on with the grooming and training - of both dogs. Clipped Dogma last night and need to finish him up. He sure wasn't too happy about that either. Poor Dogma - please say - ahhhhhh - out loud - I'm sure he'll hear it. Also, will try and get a rewrite done on the book. Stay tuned!
Last update: Constantly
Copyright © 2001, 2002 - Darlene Taylor
All Rights Reserved
Webmaster: Dogma Taylor Webmaster -
Dogma@Interbaun.com