Monday 21 February 2011

New Website

www.laurachudleigh.co.uk

Running contacts

This weekend I got my friend Sammie to video some of Rodney's running contacts (mainly dog walks) I wanted to look at his body and feet positions as he runs the length of the dog walk and when he hits the contact. I am very happy that he is doing everything I ask for criteria wise, however nice to just double check every so often. I slowed all the videos down to look at this properly, I am very happy that Rodney does exactly what I want 98% of the time, I say 98% because at the end of the day he is a dog, not a machine, hes allowed the odd mistake, just as long as its not at a big competition ;).

Below are some snap shots I took from the videos.


Going to pick my puppy in two days time, very scared/ excited.

xoxo

Sunday 13 February 2011

7 Months

…since my last post.

The main reason I haven’t updated my blog in so long is because of my spaniel Phoebe. In my last posting in July, I had wrote that she had just had an operation but was starting to get better, after that she took a turn for the worse and had to be put down. Think I can say it was the worst day of the life. I still cry and find it so so hard. As an adult, sort of, I would hope I would be able to deal with things like this by now, obviously not… I am not sure you ever can.

A lot has gone on since July, I could type for hours, but I won’t. May as well cut to the chase. What can I say apart from Rodney is fantastic!! He has to be one of the most successful young dogs there has ever been. From my last posting in July Rodney has won Day 2 of Olympia Semi Finals in September, won the Semi Finals at Oiympia and then went on to win the actual Final on the 18th of December. He has also qualified for the Cruft Singles next month and is running for Great Britain in the International event at Crufts. We also just got enough points to try out for the European Open Team in April. How many dogs have done all this before the age of 3. To say I am pleased with Rodney is an understatement, I am thrilled with him! He just does it, just does everything I ask.

Below is a video thanks to Dave Leach and Candice Robinson of Rodney and I winning Olympia 2010. The Kennel Club Olympia Stakes was in association with Joint Aid for Dogs.



As I have written before, Rodney and I are sponsored by Natural Instinct (www.naturalinstinct.com) I made a slight mistake last month in an interview with Kenny Spotiswoode (Agility Zone) where he asked about what food I feed Rodney, I accidently put natualinstinct.CO.UK rather than .COM which takes you to a very different website, I am still slightly embarrassed about that one.

At the moment Rodney is in lovely condition, this is mainly down to his food and exercise, still could do with him a bit fitter, but I am working on that. Another reason I think Rodney is in such excellent condition is because of Joint Aid, I have been feeding Rodney it since the summer, mainly for prevention of injury more than anything. I can honestly say, I know Rodney is only 3 years old, but he has only ever been lame once, and that was because he broke his dew claw. Its sad to say, but not as many people as there should be can say their agility dog has never been injured by the age of 3. This of course is usually down to bad training/ handling or over training. Of course some is just bad luck by the dog slipping over or falling at some point on a walk.

I am very pleased to say Rodney is now also sponsered by Joint Aid for Dogs. (www.jointaidfordogs.co.uk)


Lots to look forward to over the forth coming months. Obviously Crufts, Rodney and I are there on the Friday and Saturday competing. On that same weekend, I am picking Rodney’s little brother up :). If you go to Linda Hutchingsons blog you will be able to see the puppies.. http://www.hutchinsonagilitydogs.com/blog.php I will have to pick in a couple of weeks time, I am scared, hate decisions like this when I want them all. Lets just hope I don’t cry when I have to decide like I did when I picked Rodney :P.

I feel a lot more back in the game now and up for the agility season to begin. Just need to make sure I keep on top of my blog :D

xoxo

P.s below are some pictures from the last few months.