Pie-in-the-sky goals

[BostonRott]

Due to time and financial constraints, I have pulled from all trials this Spring/Summer. It was a VERY hard decision to make, but I know it was the right one. I've also stopped all of my training classes b/c they just don't fit my schedule (Em is too active to drag around, and G is not home in time in the evenings for evening classes).

So......I've refocused my thinking and am looking at getting back to obedience work with all 3 younger dogs. Vik was fairly close to being ready for a CD at one point, though not now. Ban needs to learn more heeling, especially with distraction and Xcel needs to learn just about everything. His stays are good (including his stand stay), but not one of these dogs knows a finish. Egads!!

It's amazing how much you realize goes into the CD and the BH when you have NOT done the work yet. HA!

So......there are trials in Sept and Oct (USA) that I would like to enter, and POSSIBLY do 2 or 3 AD's and maybe 2 BH's. It will all depend on how much trianing I can get in and when the girls are in heat again (they are due for October some time).

Keep us in your prayers that somehow I can find the time to pull this all together, they certainly deserve to have the titles, as the work ethics, drives and intensity are stronly present. Now.....to figure out how to manufacture hours in a day so I can get this done............

[Miabella]

I would also like to know why they can't make days 36 hours long?

I actually think that CD-level training is the easiest type to incorporate into your daily life. So say you are taking Em and one of the dogs for a walk. Occasionally stop for a second, leave the stroller on the sidewalk, and step into the street for a minute of heeling practice (since I believe your street doesn't get much traffic). Use a long line to practice stays on walks, while you are in your front yard pulling weeds, as you unload groceries, etc. Bring a dog crated in your truck when you head to the store, and take him out for one minute of attention work in the parking lot before you head home. It might not sound like much, but these kind of exercises can have a BIG impact on your training program!

[frontierrots]

Boy do I know how that goes!
Our plan was Bea's RAE, AD, TD and Annie's RN, CGC and maybe even a leg or two on her CD

We had 23 trials + an AD + the tracking trial scheduled for the year. We did 3 trials and the tracking test but have totally renovated the rest of the schedule due to buying this house and the accompanying finacial mess that creates.

We may not get to the AD at all (and can't even grasp the time being created to train for it right now) and as for the trials, we'll be lucky to get to 1 or 2 a month if that for the remainder of the year and will likely not do anything with Annie as far as her CD goes as she is just not ready mentally for those stays, not with the small amount of time we have to practice

[flyballmom]

Gretchen I don't have a baby and I can't keep up with all I want to do! (Much less get the time off, or afford it ) I've decided to postpone a few of the things I wanted to do this summer/fall too. Nuttin' wrong with that...I wish we could do it all, but........

[BostonRott]

Originally Posted by Miabella

I would also like to know why they can't make days 36 hours long?

I actually think that CD-level training is the easiest type to incorporate into your daily life. So say you are taking Em and one of the dogs for a walk. Occasionally stop for a second, leave the stroller on the sidewalk, and step into the street for a minute of heeling practice (since I believe your street doesn't get much traffic). Use a long line to practice stays on walks, while you are in your front yard pulling weeds, as you unload groceries, etc. Bring a dog crated in your truck when you head to the store, and take him out for one minute of attention work in the parking lot before you head home. It might not sound like much, but these kind of exercises can have a BIG impact on your training program!

VERY cool ideas!!! We will work those in and let you know how it goes. Em is still napping, so in addition to getting my front garden planted, I just worked Ban on some jumping (ooopss......wrong sport!!! Old habits die hard! ) and Xcel on some "heeling for your frisbee." Boy, once he settles, he's FUN!

Vik is my worst "stays" dog, so she will have to start coming on walks and working on stays, I really like that idea alot, thank you!

[Sharon Marples]

I'm with you! There needs to be at least 36 hours in the day!

I have three youngsters (9 mos - 22 months) at home that all need work for their CDs and BHs. I just can't fit it all in. At least the oldest one knows how to sit and down Along with a complete remodel of our kitchen presently going on, time is tough to find!

Wishing and hoping for a longer day

[spoiledbabies3]

Originally Posted by Miabella

I would also like to know why they can't make days 36 hours long?

I actually think that CD-level training is the easiest type to incorporate into your daily life. So say you are taking Em and one of the dogs for a walk. Occasionally stop for a second, leave the stroller on the sidewalk, and step into the street for a minute of heeling practice (since I believe your street doesn't get much traffic). Use a long line to practice stays on walks, while you are in your front yard pulling weeds, as you unload groceries, etc. Bring a dog crated in your truck when you head to the store, and take him out for one minute of attention work in the parking lot before you head home. It might not sound like much, but these kind of exercises can have a BIG impact on your training program!

I hope it's okay if I also borrow these ideas. I think they will be wonderful and I don't have a little one at home...I just don't do well with planning my time... Thanks for the help...and BostonRott...I admire all that you do and your compassion for the breed.

[SaranBear]

Gretchen,
I have even more respect for you because of this. It takes a strong person to do what you are doing. You can only fit one pound of sugar into a one pound bag..Any more and your bag bursts, or you spill alot! There is nothing wrong with reorganizing. Good for you!!!! I have to confess I am a little in awe of all you do.... and all of your knowledge....LOL is it nice on the pedestal?..

[Bucky's Mom]

Gee three dogs a garden a baby and a new canoe - I see NO reason why there isn't enough time in the day

[Mojave's Mom]

Boy do I know how you are feeling! We're building a home, a store, and two other businesses to keep running....and trying to get an NA, NAJ, TD, CDX, and all the Rally titles on two different dogs. There are days I sit back and go WHAT are we DOING!? So what's worked for me is to focus on just one title at a time. I was trying to train three different sports every week but my schedule got so crazy, I had to cut back.

Miabella described exactly what I do in regards to obedience. It's amazing how much practice you can actually get in when you just incorporate it into your normal daily routine. And the dogs love it

I will keep sending postive thoughts your way...but ya know, someone as driven as you is never held back so I have no doubts you'll always do well and meet your goals!

[GraceAAA]

Gretchen,
There are priorities...and then there are priorities...and yours are right where they should be with your beautiful daughter and family. I have no doubt you will reach your goals, in time. And, I completely understand the mixed feelings you must be experiencing in not being able to trial/train now since it has been such a big part of your life.

I took over 5 months off with Joy while I was in school...then my big plans to resume trialing with Joy starting finals week...didn't schedule in training time! Duh...what a brilliant idea to start trialing in the midst of finals!!?! I thought I was planning ahead having no clue what finals entailed!! And I figured I would fit in trials right after the semester finished...not remembering summer school starts one week later! And, of course, not planning on Mum's continued decline...nor the numerous crisises suffered by the myriad of rescue animals here at home. I was at a trial last weekend...and someone said..."your lucky...you just have one dog to care for/train/work"...and I nearly fell over! Try 8 dogs...4 horses...2 ducks...2 chickens...10 birds...a family run business, possible relocation, etc. etc. And, thank goodness I don't have a boyfriend...as there would be no time for him! But a handy-man would be nice to have around!

Again, you will get back out there...and you will accomplish much with your dogs...but first and foremost you will be a fantastic mother!

[Rottlva]

Gretchen, working dogs up to competition level with a child takes on a whole new spectrum. As Laurie said, encorporating training into your daily routines is how to go. Keeping training sessions short, but highly motivational, keeps the heeling sharp, and makes the dog coming back wanting much, much more.

Always remember the dogs don't care about the trials. They care about time spent with you. It's hard to forget about the quest to title, but in the grand scheme...it isn't as important as the relationship.

[frontierrots]

Originally Posted by Rottlva

As Laurie said, encorporating training into your daily routines is how to go. Keeping training sessions short, but highly motivational, keeps the heeling sharp, and makes the dog coming back wanting much, much more.

This is what we do. Everytime we go out for a potty walk we do some heeling, sits, moving downs and or turns. Feeding time is stays (either sit, stand or down) and sometimes a recall

[LynnS]

The majority of our training is squeezed in the way that Miabella and Mojaves Mom do it. Kepps it more interesting for me and the dog. sort of...LOL