A Girl, and her Girl...

Gentle reminders from a dog............

2011-12-01T12:34:00.001+11:00

There really is nothing like the sweet gentle reminder that you really have managed to ignore your dog for a few weeks ( okay - months) while you set up a new business. Ways in which you are reminded are

1) The "I am not looking at you because you dont exist in my life" look in the eyes when you call her and she just pretends that you are made of glass. This can be coupled with a slight but gentle head turn as the nose raises to the air.

2) The " I refuse to sleep next to you on the bed - even if they are 1000 thread count sheets" which is shown when you walk in the room to go to bed and you get the look "oh - your here". She then gets up and moves over and lays on your husband instead. Now, in my mind, this is really not a bad one and can be kind of handy not having a huge horse on your legs all night.

3) You are not longer spending hours running to the front door to answer it from all the paw tapping that used to go one when she would try to get my attention to come outside and make her "flock" (Ben) run and chase the ball.

4) You take her to your agility yard and she says - "Whats that?" or even worse - take her to do club for the first time in 3 months and she runs around barking and screaming like a nob while making up her own course then barking at you as you are not following

5) When she sneaks into the chicken pen at every moment she can when your back is turned and is only caught when poor Gloria is safely clamped between her jaws.

6) She is as jumpy as a Jack rabbit which is very abnormal for a dog that was perfectly names "B Kool"

When you add all of this up, you have to think that there are one or two signs that I have been ignoring the girl and I think we can all agree that a Koolie that is not mentally and physically worked is something no one wants in there house.

So - time to get off the computer, put the business away for a while, and go and see what she can teach me today.

Today she has taught me to read the signs and preferably the first one when it happens so 2,3,4,5 & 6 dont follow suit.

One day you are dreaming of owning a Koolie, the next she is turning 2....

2011-08-17T13:22:00.000+10:00

One day I was dreaming of owning a Koolie, the next day she is turning 2. What an amazing 2 years we have had! Out of the 8 dogs I have owned, by far she is the easiest to live with and the most fun to work with ( Mickey - close your ears!). Everyday is a party, Everyday she is happy and everyday she makes me smile. I cant ask for any more than that from her.

I had made this movie when she was 18 months and if you have not seen it yet , you can see what and action packed life she leads. She is one lucky Koolie......

Bugs first 18 months - Movie.

Her Agility is progressing well with finally some real training. I seem to always be full of excuses for her but she had to take a back seat for a while so I could get my cavalier Maverick up to speed for the ADAA Nationals. Maverick was the only dog I had in the advanced level to try out for the world team to compete at the World Agility Championships in Texas in May 2012.

I am pleased to say the work payed off and I made the team and Bug was a great supporter of Mav over the tryout weekend. Those that know Cavaliers know that they need other dogs around them ( if not on them) and Bug and Mav get on so well. She would be the only person in the family that actually gets him I would say. Anyway, back to Bug. I am so pleased to say she is finally doing 4 weave poles and is really enjoying figuring things out. Now I have a whole lot of life things all sorted, I can really go out and enjoy working with my Girl.

Oh and look what she gave me as a gift on her 2nd Birthday - 4 poles! First time ever and I am so proud of her.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_cIY7esBjA

Today she has taught me that life can pass in a flash and you should take time to enjoy those moments before they go right on by.

What is really a winner?????

2011-08-17T13:15:00.000+10:00

One of my blogs from my old page.....that is nice to refresh.

Sometime ago my idealistic bubble was popped in a rather sad way. I thought that most people doing dogs sports were in it for the right reason. How naive I was after doing this sport for 20 years. I was very saddened to find that some people moved their dogs on because “they were not winning”. I guess on reflection, those people that have this attitude really don’t have the slightest Idea on what winning really is.

I think Bug is a winner. I think this because she wins when it comes to being first in for a pat. She wins for being the dog that literally makes me laugh multiple times a day ( it the Koole dag factor and those with Koolies will know exactly what I am talking about). She wins the hogging stakes in the bed having my husband complain that with a King size bed and koolie in it, he still has to hang his leg out the side. She wins when she seeks me out and just stands next to me for no hidden reason. I could go on about how she is a winner but you get the drift.

So what is winning? Is it the dog that is locked away from animal and human contact so that it will want to be with its owner when it goes in the ring and comes home with the shinny blue ribbon – only to go back in a crate until the next event? or is it the dog that is a part of your life no matter what and that makes your heart sing the winner. I know my choice and actually feel very sorry for the dogs that live with the former.

Today she taught me that the best part of winning is a run on the beach, in the sun without a cloud in the sky, and she is a girl with the biggest grin who is now sound asleep at my feet. She definitely won today

So…What do you think constitutes a winner??????????

Well the time has come to move on......

2011-06-19T20:14:00.003+10:00

yes - I am slack. so much time goes by and I just forget to post. So with the set up of my new photography business, I have moved my blog page for Bug to the same site as the blog page for the photography. so my new page is at

http://kooliegirl.wordpress.com/

please feel free to subscribe over there and my photography one if its of any interest is at

http://nataliewinter.wordpress.com/

I have already made progress with 2 posts in only a few days!

can it really be this easy?????

2010-11-21T18:31:00.002+11:00

"Wellaway"
Originally uploaded by Natalie Winter

So - the time pressed person who also is the queen of procrastination has FINALLY found a way to fit in some training on a regular basis. It goes something like this.

My new agility yard is a cut off of land at the back of the property that we had cleared last year. I loving hand seeded it and literally watched the water grow. Thats it on the right hand side behind the pool. Long story but we had to put in a 10,000 litre reticulated water supply as part of a DA. So we opted for a pool and the only place for it to go was you guess it, in my new agility yard. The yard is long but Narrow so I could ill afford the space.

Anyway, it has worked out to be a good thing. The boys have a swim each day in lieu of a bath and being the responsible parent I need to be out in the yard. So rather than sit there and stare into space ( or do something for me like read a book), I am able to spend some one on one time with Ben and Bug doing some training. Excellent use of time as its the late afternoon and the girl is always up for a work out.

Today I learned that she really can be quiet when I train Ben and she is in another yard. Maybe she is just growing up.

Today I rescued a human.....

2010-11-18T21:08:00.001+11:00

Going through my saved emails I came across this. How very very true.

I rescued a human today.

Her eyes met mine as she walked down the corridor,
peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt her need instantly and knew I
had to help her. I wagged my tail, not too exuberantly, so she wouldn't be afraid.

As she stopped at my kennel, I blocked her view from a little accident I
had in the back of my cage. I didn't want her to know that I hadn't been
walked today. Sometimes the shelter keepers get busy and I didn't want her
to think poorly of them.

As she read my kennel card, I hoped that she wouldn't feel sad about my
past. I only have the future to look forward to, and want to make a
difference in someone's life.

She got down on her knees and made little kissy sounds at me.
I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort her.
Gentle fingertips caressed my neck; she was desperate for companionship.

A tear fell down her cheek, and I raised my paw to assure her that all would be well.
Soon my kennel door opened and her smile was so bright that I Instantly
jumped into her arms. I would promise to keep her safe. I would promise to
always be by her side. I would promise to do everything I could to see that
radiant smile and sparkle in her eyes.
I was so fortunate that she came down my corridor. So many more are out
there who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved.
At least I could save one.

I rescued a human today...

hmmm....

2010-11-13T20:29:00.001+11:00

Radar lock on........
Originally uploaded by Natalie Winter

Okay, so I am discovering how much work goes into starting a new dog again from scratch. Its hard to keep the brain focused on what they dont know and not to expect that they do know.

Take jump training for example. I discovered that you need more than 2 training sessions for the logic of see a jump and take it when told to sink in. I mean - seriously - why does she not get it - after 2 sessions. lol. Some times I need a good whack over the head but I always get it eventually.

There is so much to remember. The main one that I struggle with from time to time is the positive voice and praise. I think I spend way to much time thinking about the mark etc that I forget to make it fun.

So - next challenge, jump training, with flat work and call offs - while being fun. Now that will be a challenge.

Today Bug taught me exactly how much work I really have ahead of me.

I dont believe it........

2010-11-07T22:07:00.002+11:00

yes, I have to confess. I trained my dog. I stopped procrastinating and took the bull by the horns and we did some jump training. She is a very neat little jumper and I can see why some Koolies are just out of control and overly excited. I have come to the conclusion that a calm koolie while working is the sort of Koolie that I want. Not the hyper one that screams its head off when running around and what most Koolies sadly are known for. So I shall have to throw the "tug before you train" theory out the window - good choice - or bad?????? Ill guess Ill find out later along with with "you left your dog to long to train"....

"Today Bug taught me that you dont need all the hype to get a great result".

Onwards and upwards for our training now. We are even doing some trick training!

The Queen of Procrastination still reigns........

2010-11-06T09:34:00.005+11:00

Well looking back the last post was in January which is oh well - almost a year now. So - what have I done with Bug in all that time I have had to myself with no kids about. Well - a lot - and nothing at the same time. I have taken the road of "build the bond first" and maybe even taken it a little to much to the extreme of how many months you should do that for. But although at the moment she may have forgotten how to sit, she gives good nose kisses with no tongue and is a brilliant spooner in bed . She has a great life and I have a great life with her in it.

I read friends blogs from time to time and feel oh so very guilty. I also get looks from people when they see this fully grown dog (15 months now) with little or no training and they tell me I should probably start now. Yes, they are right and I should but I am so not in a rush because I have 2 trialing dogs that are 4 & 5 and just hitting their prime. I dont want to have 3 trialing dogs as running 2 drive me insane - 3 would just bury me!

So yes, I shall start trainer her a little more seriously as I know she is looking for a job and I am sure I can provide one. I had planned on starting today but being the queen of procrastination, I felt is only right that I get onto my blog ( after 10 months) and sit down and write "how" I was going to train my dog today............

okay......turning computer off and heading to the fridge for training treats. Wonder what will jump out to stop me this time......

maybe I should be a good parent and go and watch Charlie play the Wii game......

okay.....going out the door.......Buggy.........where are you..............

First point of training - recall.

Lets see what I can learn from her today.

thinking to much could only hurt you!

2010-01-29T17:07:00.002+11:00

So with the last child about to head off to school after what can only be called a "trying" 8 weeks vacation time, I find myself in the "now" and about to have some free time to actually train my puppy. Coming up to 6 months old we have "dabbled" with some basics but with this dog ( and due to her breed) I have opted to build a relationship with her first of trust and respect rather than of "My way or the Highway".

Our relationship is fantastic. She is defiantly my dog and every day she presents me with a new challenge which I actually enjoy as well as showing me how devoted she is to me as her partner. I was reading somewhere in a book completely unrelated to dog training about something that really struck home and a way of training a dog I never had thought about before. It was a book on quilting ( yes - I am a closet quilter) and it said that in order to really make a really nice quilt, you need to enjoy each and every process. That included picking the fabric colours, cutting, sewing, basting ( no - not turkey), quilting and binding. Thats a lot of sections but once I took this on board I truly started to enjoy the WHOLE process of quilting rather than flying through the parts I didnt like.

How does this relate to dog training? Well when I thought about it I thought that is so much like dog training. You need to enjoy the foundation work but no foundation work is enjoyable if only one of you is having fun - and that is where the relationship side comes from. If its a 2 way street then you will go much further than "my way or the highway" and now that I think about it, that would be why I did so well with my cavalier Mickey. We really did work together. I think I was extremely luck to have worked with him and to have achieved what we achieved. Not because he was a one off dog, but more the fact that I now really understand what its like to have a wonderful relationship which will help us both down the track.

So now I am faced with some free time ( well after I spend a few days on the lounge asleep recovering from school holidays) and now I have to be "accountable". So the first few days of "real" training will be working out exactly what I want and more importantly exactly how I will train that behaviour. Here is where I hit the next and biggest hurdle I will face. I had read somewhere that people who have read too much on training methods are in fact their own worst enemy. Its time to shut up and put up and yes - mistakes will be made ( many) but its time to take the plunge and I am looking forward to what ever lies ahead. Hope the water is not to cold!

Food for thought.

2009-12-14T20:44:00.003+11:00

I am reading Suzanne Clothier's book called "If bones would fall from the sky" and she describes 3 types of trainers.

1) The Mechanical trainer - how to make the dog do what you want him to do

2) The motivational trainer - trying to figure out how to motivate the dog to want to do what you want it to do

3) The spiritual trainer - who try's to figure out how do we accomplish it together

I know with Mickey we were number 3 and with Maverick we were number 1. Having been really connected with a dog in my lifetime I hope that I can have that connection with Bug and that is my dream with her. To train and work to accomplish everything together.

So - Food for thought. Which one do you want to be and then when you really think about it which one are your really?

Where does the time go???????

2009-12-14T20:12:00.008+11:00

One minute the time it ticking away every so painfully waiting the arrival of Bug then all of a sudden she has been here for 2 months and I have not had time to update her page ( or do anything else due to major sleep depravation). They say that a puppy is not able to hold its bladder until its 4 months old but I did not wait that long. After 6 weeks of no sleep because between a puppy and an old 13.5 year old on fluid tablets, I was up 2 -3 times every night. This did not make for a happy person so Bug has been banished to sleep outside for the summer with Ben in hopes of all of us getting some rest. I have to say, I am very happy and less grouchy for it so out she shall stay.

What's it like living with a Koolie? Well I have had a god 8 weeks with her now and I am really enjoying not knowing anything about a breed and learning as we go along. Here is what I have learned so far.

- Not every Koolie chases a ball. Instead my Koolie prefers to chase the Border chasing the ball. I mean why waste the energy on something so silly!

- Not every Koolie knows how to jump. So far she has not attempted to jump on anything. This unfortunately includes the car, the van or anything else that would make sense. Given that she is now as big as Ben ( 42 cm) and the fact that she cant jump ( or wont) amazes me ( doesnt both me though as that will come later).

- While finding chasing the ball a complete waste of energy, her energy is much better spent attacking the broom, mop, vacuum or anything else that moves. Favourite weird toys - the hose with water coming out and the blower van in the face ( that is a truly weird one)

- Koolie's really do think things out. I can actually see her brain clicking over in an extremely calm way trying to figure out what I want or trying to solve a problem. I am really enjoying watching this.

As far as training goes we are primarily working on play both with toys and with me. She adores interacting with me and is slowly getting the hang of playing with the toys I ask her to. He favourite by far is anything rabbit fur so I am using that to my advantage. She also sits, drops and hand touches. Thats about it as we are enjoying finding out a lot about each other and in the next few weeks Ill up her training routine.

So until then, Merry Christmas and see you in 2010 when the fun shall really begin.

Bug -v- pink squeaky toy

2009-10-18T20:50:00.002+11:00

I think its safe to say she has settled in.

Things I had forgotten....

2009-10-15T20:24:00.005+11:00

Well I found the missing link. The Bug has landed and after a few days to settle in she has started to make herself at home. The boys are really excited to have her and they even had a fight at 6 am this morning as to who's room Bug is going to play in until Mummy can get her eyes open. So we are now onto taking turns to bug sit.

So at the end of day 3 here are some of the things I had forgotten about having a puppy.

1) dont wake the puppy up at 10 pm to put her out and then expect her to go into a crate for the night straight away

2) worming tablets should be on hand for when puppy comes home

3) to buy chicken wings

4) how much they can scream when they dont want to do something like stay in a crate away from you ( her record is an impressive 70 minutes)

5) the poop

6) that Maverick will never change

7) the poop

8) that even though you know so much - you actually realise that you know so little.

9) sleep is for everyone else in the world except for me

and my favourite thing I had forgotten

10) how soft and loveable the pad of their feet are and how they will roughen over time with all the miles you will walk together in her lifetime.

Something is missing.................

2009-10-03T19:53:00.005+10:00

let see if I have everything under control.

cute pink Rogz puppy bed - check

pink collar - check

pink lead - check

pink sheep toy - check

pink puppy kong - check

filling for pink puppy kong - check

lamb ears - check

puppy pen - check

puppy pen assembled in loungeroom - check

puppy food - check

pink puppy toys - check

pink water bowl - check

pink mat to put pink water bowl on - check

puppy - hmmmm......thats what is missing. 7 sleeps to go.

The Bug has been hugged!

2009-09-14T11:51:00.008+10:00

Well the Bug has had her hug and it was great to meet her. I am finally home after a long 4 day trip to visit Bug in Victoria and then compete at a 2 day agility trial at Wagga.

When I got there on Friday they were sound asleep but she woke up and after the initial greeting she came out of her shell. She was a bit perplexed to start with when she saw her band new toy ( a monkey) but as you can see from the Movie below, she got over it pretty quickly.

She could not figure out how to carry it as it had such a big head but after the video stopped rolling she went back and took it on again.

She is going to be bigger than Ben and a medium height dog I think with a thick coat and she will be jetting up on a plane to Sydney for me to collect her when she is 8 weeks old. So only 3 1/2 weeks to go and any type of sanity I may have had ( which is not much I assure you) will be gone and chaos shall quickly follow.

what do you think?

Bug at 3 weeks

2009-09-06T21:39:00.000+10:00

I am amazed at how much she is changing just in a few weeks. Her colours are more prominent and I think she is going to be a really interesting dog to watch grow. I am getting very excited as I am going to visit her on Friday and I will get to "hug my Bug". Then 4 weeks after that life in our house will change as we know it.

bug at 6 days

2009-09-06T21:36:00.001+10:00

Kerrie sent through some photos of the girl at 6 days and we are very excited. She says she has "racoon eyes" and I could not have asked for a better colour. Just perfect

Bug is Born

2009-09-06T21:34:00.000+10:00

After a very long wait of three months, I finally opened the email that I have been waiting for. Diamond the bitch I was waiting for to have puppies had 5 healthy boys - BOYS! I could only take a girl due to the house being over run with males so luckily for me another litter was born the day before with Diamonds sister Sassie and she had 2 boys and 2 girl.

Instantly, one of the girls took my eye and due to a few unusual circumstances, Bug was ours. Here she is with her brothers and sisters at 3 days old. I just fell in love with her colours and she looks "interesting". I may live to regret those words.....