Training

Despite the problems with my knees and the days that it has been near impossible to walk across the room, the dogs are making progress in their training.  Lena the MWCR foster has become a nice dog to walk with the use of the Gentle Leader.  It is the first time I have ever trained a dog on one and while I wouldn't make a habit out of it, in this case it works perfectly.  Lena and her future owners can enjoy nice walks.  Her recalls are better as are her licking habits.  Now if I can get her to sit on command I will be happy.
Gus and Eli are also making nice progress.  Gus is like a bull in a china shop and is just too joyful for himself.  He is doing pretty well on getting my version of the stack and bait with some distance pretty consistently.  I think he will be a dog that needs the polish worn off of him prior to entering the ring, at least for another 6 months of so.  By then his brain should be fully engaged.  He still has some issues with jumping for sheer joy, but "off" is in his vocabulary at least 60% of the time.  And, ta-da! he can walk on a loose leash right next to me.  No more pulling, lunging or dragging.  Sorry dude-you are too big to be silly on a leash.  Your humans are too old and brittle for that! Just kidding Becky!  Eli is the sweetest boy, so much like his daddy in personality.  Eli is ready to roll in the ring as soon as the time is right.  He has grown and is maturing nicely, although definitely is more like his dad in body than his mom and brother.  I adore him and am sad that I may not get the chance to actually take him in the ring.
Ava is ready to roll as well, just as soon as Declan gets that pesky last point to finish his Championship.  She has come together and has a great body, and I do so love her head and expression.  I apologize in advance for those who will be showing her, she is a fireball and I can't train that out of her.  We started working on sit today so I can get her ready for Rally.  Rally I can handle, at least on a good day. 
Speaking of obedience, Spice and I did a quick run thru today to see where she is at mentally.  Oh how this gal loves to work!  Did a bit of polish work on her swing finish and front.  I switched up my arm position on the heel and it is working much better, she doesn't heel as wide this way.  If all goes as planned (and how much really does?) she'll be getting that CD in 2013.  Heck, I've got time, and I can still do obedience since there is minor running, maybe we will actually dink around with open. 
I have some huge regrets about agility.  I just don't know if I will ever run a course again, not to mention all the work that goes into training.  I am hoping the ortho at the U will have some answers that make that possible again.  Ava would be such a great dog for agility. 
To end on a positive note, Theo the puppy from Lolli and Reid, had a lovely and fun filled first time in a collar and on a leash today.  What a goofy boy!  He is about 80% reliable in his housetraining, 100% in his crate now and once his leash work is done he is going to make someone a very sweet, snuggly, lovable companion. 
Tomorrow Cruz and I tackle the harness...
Until next time...