AKC outdoor trial

Mendel and Jeff had their second agility trial of 2007 on a windy and frigid September day. We wished we had brought hats and gloves, if not coats. There were 3 AKC events.

In the first event, Mendel made a disqualifying error in a jump, but thank goodness, he did not leave his tasks or jump on people.

In the second event, Jeff made at least 2 disqualifying errors, but Mendel followed all instructions well. Mendel earned the hearts of the crowd, when he conquered an unexpected equipment failure, and continued on. The "Table" (a 24-inch high platform) was not properly staked into the ground. Mendel took his jump onto it enthusiastically, and this upset the whole contraption, which tipped halfway over, to about a 45-degree angle. Somehow, he managed to stay on it, upright the table and do a beautiful sit, while onlookers cheered.

In the third event, both Jeff AND Mendel did well and qualified for first place in the game, "Fast". It does not mean anything to get first place, as he was the only dog in his height category and experience level, but still, it was a clean run. They got a ribbon, and Mendel earned a toy.

Now there are no more events until next year, but at least Jeff and Mendel got a taste of the trial experience.

First agility trial!

Jeff and Mendel entered 4 Novice-level NADAC runs, or games yesterday. The first two were disasters, with Mendel leaving his course 4 times, to visit bystanders and jump on all four of the judges. The second run was the worst, because instead of doing the final jump, be jumped into the judge's lap, and did not finish the course! Mendel also had trouble with his weave poles. Jeff was really ready to give up.

In the third event, Mendel stayed on course, but he knocked a bar down, so he was disqualified. Actually, they got a 4th place ribbon for it, but that doesn't count. Still, Mendel's weave poles were good.

By the fourth event, Mendel was finally calm enough to concentrate. It was Novice Jumpers, and they got first place in Mendel's height class (20 plus inches). I completely forgot to turn on the video recorder for that one, though.

Canine Academy

Mendel canine academy [agility]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hz1suhnsn6w

Remembering Moja

Eleven year old Moja died suddenly last week. We knew he was slowing down but stoic Moja never let on how sick he was. Sonia wrote this nice memory of Moja that captures his loyal, steadfast personality.

I know why I miss Moja so much. He was a 24 hour dog.
Mendel is a 12 hour dog. He is smart, talented and cuddly
but steals our food, devours our slippers and barks demands.
I look forward to the time he relaxes into his crate for the night.
Moja was appreciated at all times of day and night
patient, though eager to eat, when I awoke late
grateful to play fetch any time I had a spare 10 minutes
polite in greeting us at the door
easily entertained by vegetable chopping, scraps flying into mouth
tolerant when 3 consecutive muddy, rainy days meant no outdoor adventure
calm when thunderstorms made me jump
comforting when sleep would not come at night.

There's no longer a need to leave the bedroom door ajar
but perhaps I will.

Mendel at 10 months

Mendel is now 10 months, strong, active and 60 pounds or so; neither fat nor skinny. He is no longer scared of every new sight and sound.No longer barks at us, but he does bark at Moja. No longer slow to eathis kibble (but does counter surf and steal people food). In the woods, Mendel dashes about independently, looking like a tall, fast fox. He loves agility and had his first fun match. He is very alert to different smells and sounds, birds and squirrels. He's still crazy about people, but unfortunately, he nips and jumps on them if they do not pet him immediately. We are quite surprised he generally will not retrieve. He runs after things, but loses interest before bringing them back.

Mendel's fears

Three month old Mendel is afraid and will react to everything new. On walks he is disturbed and will react to anything he has never seen before: a blue mailbox, a parked motorcycle, a a bicycle left on the sidewalk, loud traffic, novel lawn ornaments, a blowing bag, a tall man, etc. We are also concerned about his stamina and lack of coordination. He tires easily and we often have to end up carrying him. Our breeder wrote to tell us that he is young and will soon outgrow this stage:

" Gradually expose him to strange things. Remember, he lived on a farm where he didn't hear traffic, city or town sounds. Go easy on pushing his with his endurance. Trust me, he will be athletic, but now he is growing at a rapid rate and this is taking his energy. He is also constantly learning to adapt to a new body, (longer legs, bigger feet, etc). He heard plenty of adult dog barking here as I have 16 adult dogs. He didn't hear lawn mowers, but heard plenty of tractors going by on the road. "

Mendel copies Moja

Mendel copies Moja's every action. If Moja chews on a stick, Mendel follows his every move.