Caoilte Wins Grade 3

It is ages since last update so I will try and bring you up to speed. Monkey had a wee set back as usual due to me not trusting her and not intilling confidence in her. However we worked through it. Our partnership started coming on nicely. We went to Ireland for a holiday to see her sister and do a couple of shows. Well yeeha Funky Monky WON Grade 3 Agility in 28.27 secs. She looked a bit confused when she was getting hugged and kissed to death and at the same time getting her wee face all wet with tears. She had 3 runs and 3 clears and we had not walked the jumping. Her last agility run was a combined 1-7 so trained the contacts had a lovely run. You could have knocked me down with a feather when I was told her mum Rhu had won the class. She also had 3 clears that day. So have attached the wining run of my Funky Monkey. Such a lot of hard work had finally paid of.

Oh Funky Monkey!!

Although Caoilte had been a bit more boisterous at show and made occasional contact with my hand at the past couple of shows it was due to me using the wrong hand or being out of position. I thought we would work through it as in training she continued to be good. Nothing prepared me for the performance at Weardale show at the weekend. On the Saturday I was a bit tired and the show started later so walking dogs rings and doing runs was a bit hectic. I still made sure she got extra exercise before going into the ring. She started of with a jumping round, doing a lovely wait then every turn the old Monkey was back barking at me, jumping in front of me and looking at me but worst of all despite keeping my hand up and giving clear hand / arm signal reinforced with GO her mission seemed to be to get my hand. The higher I took my arm out of her reach the higher she jumped to grab me. I put her in a down calmed her down calmly and quietly tried to run again. Her behaviour continued. In hind site I should have put her in a down thanked the judge and calmly left the ring. However when in that situation it is very difficult to know what to do, especially when I was shocked at the old Monkey's return. I tried to be as helpful and consistent with her as possible. To no avail. I made sure we had one to one time tried to get rid of excess energy on the Saturday and Sunday morning. I put it down to being tired and was so looking forward to friends seeing the vast improvement in my wee lass. I could not have been more relaxed on the Sunday, prior to her first run we were sitting chatting at the champ ring she was curled up on my knee almost asleep. We stood in the queue I had her lead on one finger and expected nothing from her only hoped she would work with me. Again did a recall over the first jump, she took the lead over the long jump into the cloth tunnel, I command her to turn left then the demon appeared she jumped in front of me, then leaped jumping at my face whilst I froze. I had no idea what she wanted me to tell her I gave her as much help as my now shaking knees would allow, I had to try and keep my hands out of her reach. The judge was standing at the weave and I gave her her command she gave the judge a funny look and backed away a wee bit, I just repeated the command she did a nice 12 pole weave and tyre to finish came out the ring appeared to be the wee Monkey I love to bits. All the hard work I have put in over the last year was gone, we were back to square one. I was really upset and at a loss of what to do. She does not do it in training. The only thing I can think of is in training the jumps are wider apart than at shows and she has more space, when at shows my position could be wrong as I am used to the wider course and am not positioned where I would be If the jumps and distance between obstacles was the same as at a show. Her graded and combined classes are not straight up and down and there is an element of close work round the jumps needed, or directional change which she can do on a wider course cause I can not run very fast. On a standard course I my position is different perhaps she is confused. I am racking my brains to try and find the solution and can only hope we understand each other one day. As a dog trainer I have always been able to help solve others problems and don't have a problem within my own pack they all know and respect me as leader. But oh ma Monkey is testing me in the ring. I have a knowledge of psychology and using techniques are often useful and solve many a problem but this one has got me beat so far. But she is a joy to have and to run when we get it right so our learning curve continues. So will just have to stock up on the Kleenex again LOl

Agility update

Things have been a bit hectic, did a training week with Logan ah boy does he have the bug. Every time Kenny was praising or motivating another dog in the group my arm nearly came out of the socket, he broke out of the garden to try and get Kenny to play jumping. Kenny came up with a fab idea of doing the 2x2 entry to continue teaching the angles then into the training weave. While Kenny was talking to me about it, Logan thought he would go and do the channel weave without any help from us, what a dog. So we are now working on bringing in the poles which has been done quite quickly to try and slow him down a bit and teach him to respect the weave. I still have not given it a command other than go, when he finally can weave consistently then I will add the weave command. He still has not the A frame other than play tug on the contact and the dog walk so we have a long way to go but boy am I enjoying training him He is like a wee sponge takes it all in his stride.

Poor monkey I have judged one of the days at the last two shows and not really been very focused on my agility. Had a cracker of an agility run with her and I got lost with 3 jumps to go!! If she could work this computer would have put me on eBay "Failed dog handler free to bad home". She was really cheeky in the ring on Saturday her face was a picture when she hopped of the dog walk headed for the next jump I was in prime position so just ran to her picked her up, her face was a picture. I put her back on the contact thanked the judge and left the ring laughing, continued to laugh all the way back to the van. Over the last year we have progressed so much I can cope with silliness as I know there is a wee star waiting for the right course with her handler in the zone.

Funky Monkey

After SKC came Avon show. I also spoke to Emma about fitness after discovering she had been an athlete and competed in the Commonwealth games, wow. So the plan was to eat a banana and drink loads water before our first run. Considering I never eat breakfast especially at a show as I fret to much about missing walking courses and exercising the dogs ensuring they are warmed up and happy. However I stuck to the plan and whey hey WI the monkey came 3rd in Agility, guess what I had for lunch? A banana roll and a bottle of water, came 8Th combined 1-3 agility. On the Sunday more bloody banana's got her 5Th in agility and I missed walking the course 14Th in jumping which was a bit disappointing as she only had one wee stutter, the energy was a wee bit low and running up the hill to finish I was a bit slow. I could not help remembering the same show the previous year, when I left the show in tears as I was unable to channel her energy to focus on agility so she was biting and barking at me and was so frustrated I made the decision to pull her from competing at shows until we got sorted. What a difference, it became the turning point for our relationship. Again have got to thank Kenny for changing our relationship and his patience in going over and over my handling of ma Monkey increasing my confidence in my ability as a handler, which created the Funky Monkey.
Our last show was Weardale and she had some good and not so good runs. Mucked up her weave a few times and I was staying behind her walking in case she skipped in the middle or missed the last pole. I have worked on this since we came home as she needed to learn my position was irrelevant to her completing the weave. I had changed my command to saying Yes when she entered and go when she finished. Now I say Weave and let her concentrate on doing it while I run ahead or away. It is the only time I reward her with her motivator in life her Ball. Any way she got 13Th in Agility and didn't get placed in jumping!! OMG I was thinking I have a slow sleuth instead of a Monkey. But after looking at it walking at the weave, made a difference to her time. In the jumping which was comb 3-5 when we came of the course the judge shouted down well done and the the lady doing the leads said that was fantastic (she weaved great) so bit deflated at not getting placed.
Felt good putting new style of handling into practise in the ring where before my competitive streak would have went for a fast clear. Some of the things she did were awesome.
Her sister in Ireland has had her own challenges and won 1-4 combined agility so moves to grade 4. I am so proud of Rhu and her pups and long for the day we wave bye bye to grade 3 as she is a capable wee Monkey and needs to move on.
Rhu has been doing really well this season my change of style is easier to practise with her she is like a remote control press the button an you get what you ask for!!
Logan is going to be a big boy next week and do his first agility break. Am a bit apprehensive as he has not done the A frame or see-saw yet. Still at same stage of 2x2 weave. He is 14 months now and am scared I muck him up. Think the break will be good for him. I had got loads of wine stashed away, and loads of things to catch up on so a nice relaxing break with loads of sunshine is hoped for. TTFN

Shows

We have been really busy lately and not had much time to update our story. So much has happened at the shows so will update soon. Keep checking in for more antics from our mad mutts and sane owner or is it the other way around!!!

SKC

Been really busy so bit behind with the updates. SKC was a good show shame about the handler. Monkey's first run was an Olympia qualifier and was a really nice course, I thought she would get round. Well was I wrong. Did the first bit lovely then pinged of the dog walk!! then didn't stop on the A frame after coming out of the weave consistently after ten poles I thanked the judge and left the ring OH Funky Monkey!! So spirits down she made a meal of it. Rhu tried hard getting two nice clears but did not get placed. So when home heavy hearted. As per norm I start to analyze what went wrong go over and over it in my head. Did I keep my hand up and change at the right time Eh no. But took no responsibility for her mucking up her weave, well until Kenny pointed out that she is still relying on me to help her and I am not helping her. She needs to learn now she goes in and stays in, so need to practise. I blame hubby (got to blame someone) for not doing enough to give me some free time to train!!! Any excuse to make me feel better. Also thought long and hard about my fitness and lack of stamina. I weigh out all their food each mealtime, don't give human food, all dogs eat toast and butter don't they? Am careful with amount of treats, hugs are nicer. Vary exercise level no less than 3hrs a day, on top of going to the field as all the dogs don't compete. Always ensure they are warmed up before they go into the ring. What do I do? Eat rubbish!! no time so it's the good old Mars bar and packet of crisp diet whilst on the hoof. So it is time to look at my own fitness and make some changes to be able to have bursts of energy when I need it most and still be able to breath. I have also been working hard on being more aware of my handling not doing things at top speed but trying to have a flowing run. The change in attitude of Monkey towards agility is phenomenal, even thou she can be a Funky Monkey sometimes.

Monkey and Logan 1-1

Had a training session which really made me look at the way I was handling Monkey and bad habits I was teaching Logan. I have a dreadful habit of dropping and pulling in m hand despite the rationale for this I can not fault her for checking with me, coming into make sure she is doing the right thing. Also not helping her is using both hands to guide her as I am giving her mixed signals. I know I am guilty of stopping waiting for her to complete e.g a star, but what I have taught her is when I stop you check with me before you go on like her Mum she is extremely sensitive to body movements responds accordingly. Kenny has now got me keeping moving but turning my body the way I am intending to go but using the hand nearest the dog to keep her moving. It is kind of hard to explain and I found it really difficult to do at first. But the idea was firmly lodged in ma wee nut so with new ideas and a refresh of motivation planned to go to the field to practise. However like the best laid plans of mice ad men we did not get to the field to practise but I did keep running through scenarios in my head. So, did we manage to put it in too practise at the show on 17th?




Show report in next blog as I am up at 6am tomorrow and it's time to have a glass of wine before going to bed.

Fair City Show

Saturday morning of to the show inthe rain! Monkeys first run was in agility and it was a straight forward course. Had a pole down on the slalom but got her weave so was pleased as she has been skipping pole 3. She became really naughty in her next two classes deciding she knew the course better than me. Skipped in one weave and came out headed to the tunnel for the big E. Her jumping was worse. Sunday she behaved herself and was 10Th in 3-4 agility and 11th in grade 3 jumping. Looking back all the errors were as per usual mine. None of her runs were smooth as I either stopped or dropped my hand. The weave for some reason she has been skipping a pole near the start or coming out on ten. However I am not going to change anything just going to train out the mistakes, I believe the reason so many have a problem with the weave is if they go wrong a new method is used which really confuses the dog.

Rhu was brilliant think she sensed I was a bit peeved and tired pulled out all the stops to cheer me up. Saturday she had two runs in agility and two 7th places. Sunday she was 2nd in agility and 11Th in jumping.

I was chuffed to bits but oh my handling lets me down, so it's back to 1-1 training with our agili guru Kenny.

Logans New Collar

After searching Sammy's stall we finally decided on a burgundy collar with a black edging to match the coat he got at crufts. Sammy was winding him up big time had him barking and jumping like a loony not that he needs much encouragement. I told Logan that if he loses this collar I will staple the next one on or get a ring put in his neck!!! He christened it with a splash about in the river, instead of being like normal dogs when they go deeper they swim not Logan he lets the toy go and heads sharpish for the bank running in the water like a right numpty he is so funny. Rhu was totally disgusted as the toy disappeared round the bend. I had to remind her she was the very same till I ventured into the water with her. Show report tomor so stay tuned.

Logans Collar

Off to the park we went in the pouring rain this morning hoping it would brighten up before we went to the show. The thought of putting the awning up in the wind and rain was not a pleasant one. Logan has been good in that he always comes back when shouted until today! Think I'll rename him Lord Lucan. One second he was following me the next he was gone. Obviously chasing deer was more exciting. I called shouted whistled nothing. My heart sank trying no to panic after 15Min's which felt like 15hrs a friend shouted that he was down the hill on the bottom path!!! he had been running up and down looking lost not sure what way to go. Well when I went to put his lead on his collar was gone so he either gave it to Bambi or there is a posh Rabbit running around in the park. Got them home fed and watered left them to sleep. Of to the shops to get goodies for the weekend and thought I best get some food for the other half. Wished I hadn't bothered went to put stuff in the freezer we bought just before new year and it was defrosting!! All the blessed food soggy,keep calm I thought be time to go to the caravan soon. Ha was I wrong again just finished getting organised to get a text saying ground was to wet if not necessary don't bring the caravan which I had already packed. Oh never mind I thought will go to Tentsmuir forest for a nice walk so found another collar for boy wonder. It was lovely and Logan only made one mad dive into the trees must have remembered getting lost came dashing back. What a good boy no sooner had I thought it than the little cherub found the muddiest puddle came jumping out as black as early hells waistcoat. Gets back to the van dried him of again no collar!!!! Still the good news is the show might go ahead which means I will be able to buy him yet another collar.

Agility!!

We went of to training on Thursday although it is not a puppy class Logan gets to practise his 2x2 weave and sits on the end of the contacts if not being used. The atmosphere is good for him. Funky Monkey was fab let down as per norm by me forgetting to direct her with my hands. My excuse is its a learned response from the bad old days when she used to bite me. Like her Mum she takes no prisoners and if I am to far behind she turns and comes back to me!! when I speak at the wrong times. Don't think I will ever learn ma wee lass is full of surprises. Had been working on straight lines and simple turns to right and left at the field with her, she was working four jumps in front and turning on command. Go training and jump jump to right she pretends she can't do it think she just likes me getting shit for it lol.
As yet we have not many comments on our blog, comments good and constructive will be well recieved, my shoulders are getting bigger and bigger to carry the load!!.

The grade 3 Agility Course

I had a brain wave printed the course then scanned the course into the
computer then added it phew!! wonder if Microsoft would employ me. Anyway above is the course that caused a stir. I did feel for the judge as you try and make courses to please the majority and generally all you hear is moans. Even I have learned to zip it when walking courses put myself in the judges shoes. The course is not exact as I am worse at trying to replicate courses than I am running them.

Whey Hey Wi The Monkey!!

Well Caoilte went to her first show a couple of weeks ago and boy was I proud of her she had a 6Th place in jumping on the Saturday despite the rain, I was not feeling well. Out of the six runs over the two days there were no eliminations just nervy handler errors. Oh and my old habit of admiring her contact on the A frame then putting her of when I laughed at her staying on the contact as I didn't say go did not go down well with her so we picked up 10 faults. She was brill she seemed to come into her own know what her job was and was getting on with it.

So was it a one of!!

Of course not I trust her now and have learned to read her and her me thanks to Kenny's patience in teaching me.

Our latest show was Scottish Border Collie in some ways I was not looking forward to it as it would be the first time since losing Glen that I would meet up with Dora, Glens breeder and see his sister Corrie.

Our first run was 1-3 agility a lovely straight forward course with a box which I need to make a strength to handle as I never do them well. She almost went to the jump to the side instead of straight on but did a fab run on the home straight came out of the cloth tunnel as I got to the entrance and on hearing go go go completed the last jump. My wee legs were like jelly but I played tug with her all the way back to the van. She got 14th place.

The next run was grade 3 agility and the course seemed to be causing a stir.
I walked it and walked it the only real time waster for me was the position of the weave. We have been working on various entries I did not want to dent her confidence in the ring. I decided to recall to heel bring her round my left leg straighten her up to help her get the weave entry. I ended up a tad close to the 2ND jump and dropped my had said heel before her furry feet were on the ground so down came the pole and I went into confident handler mode. Wow ma Monkey was awesome. Her face was a picture when I did a front cross in front of the A frame to be where I wanted to be. When she crossed the finish line I was so proud told Kenny she did him proud. She was in heaven cause she got cuddles from him.

I felt for the judge as there was only one clear round in the class. I thought I might be lucky to get a place. On the way back from a long walk with five mutts in tow I hearld "3rd Colette Braid Glenalco's Celtic Connection" I ran all the way to pick up her rossette. I still have a large grin every time I think of the course and her achievement.

I have drawn out the course but cant get it to copy to put on the blog. Blog it!!!

I might be able to e mail it though. What a fab day and the sun shone too. I saw Dora and had cuddles from Glen's sister, said sorry to Rhu for not concentrating on her courses and only helping her get One clear run. Will do better next time.

Back online

Hi Folks
My poor computer was in hospital for nearly two weeks! Had to use my phone for e mail and internet and it just was not the same. Have loads to update as have done two agility shows. But it will need to wait another day as I have got my obedience class tonight. It is great fun we have a rottie pup, two labs, a staffie and a labadoodle and a couple of jack russells join in as only terriers can yap yap bloody yap!!! lol. Check back tomoz for show updates.

Logan 2x2 Weave Lesson 3

It was such a lovely day just had to go to the field for a wee practise. Decided to take the camera and placed it on a stool to record what we were doing. Well as norm the wee man was fab working hard to get the ball. In training I usually use his tug toy so that I am the source of the reward, however I am crap at throwing never mind in a straight line. So his favourite is his ball and I reckoned even I could nearly get it landing in the same place once he had gone through the poles. Although it looks a bit squint on the video !!! I didn't have as much success with his jumping did a wee video but not got time to write about that just now so that is for another day.

Isn't he magic? As for me well am gonna stop eating sweets when I am driving they seem to be increasing the size of my backside. Don't you dare go back and look! LOl

Logan Training Session Saturday 14th March

Kenny wanted to see what we had been doing with the dog walk. So I put Logan on the lead and he ran over the dog walk but as per norm I was not fast enough to control the all important contact. Kenny just shook his head, he has the Patience of a saint!
As I had clicker trained Logan and He is is always offering behaviour to gain free food or a toy Kenny had a plan.
Logan would learn to offer the correct behaviour starting on the contact. This was a similar way I taught Rhu (got something right!!) to do her contacts.
The lesson began and Logan picked up the behaviour in no time. Occasionally needing a little help. I began to feel more confident that I could control him on the contact. The criteria would be two on two off the behaviour I was rewarding was a down. Initially I was luring Him with food which was not correct he had to work out what I wanted before the reward came. Kenny was correcting my handling which Logan responded to. At the end of the session Logan was trying various things while we were talking touching the plank and looking for reward. We also started training the 2x2 weave and once Kenny had explained it shown me what to do Logan began to weave!!! It took Logan a while to realise to get the reward he had to go through two weave poles squarely from the same side. The wee man was Fab he offered some funny behaviour but once he got the idea he was awesome. I wanted to keep reinforcing what we had learned so it was off to the field the next day. Claire and Mark joined us and Mark did a great impression of David Bailey. I have uploaded the video. Sent the video to Sue and she is teaching Billy Logan 's brother the same way.

We had another practice today Logan was really working hard the wee scone. He got to play with the ball for half an hour for 5mins training. Owe and 1/2 smoked sausage for completting the correct behaviour on the dog walk. Not a bad life.

Crufts - The Experience

Wow nothing to beat it stalls stalls and more stalls. OMG R wants a chihuahua so she can dress it up in clothes, must be a teenager thing! Apart from shopping the other events were superb.

Kenny our Trainer had three fantastic clear rounds with Nike and ended up 8th. Nike is only three so there is loads more potential, he was really stressed out after his final run. Nothing to do with the screams from the crowd. The team events were good too. Was so proud of Erin Logie who at 10yrs had two 1st two 2nds a third and 6th place in the team agility. The so called dog lover protesters were throwing red paint and eggs , flour at the dogs. If we did not love our furry friends why the hell would be spend hundreds of pounds on things they don't really needs!

The fly ball was fantastic, TT Agility got into the final and were 4th this was their first time at Crufts. Broxburn after 8yrs won the comp. How cool was it to have two Scottish teams in the final. The excitement and Atmosphere for the agility and Fly ball was electric. Can't think why I strained my vocal cords!!

Sunday came all too soon and it was time for a quick shop before the long drive back. This time I knew where I was going an did not stop at Abbington! After 5hours driving was back home with my best pals barking at me in excitement and licking me to death. Poor Rhu was shaking like a leaf. Typical Jaffa got a whiff of the treats I had brought home stood at the bags stamping his feet till the treats appeared.

Crufts- The Journey

Finally organised picked up Rachael started the journey. We were due to meet Eilidh and Hannah at Abbington services at 11.30. I saw a sign for Abbington checked the mileage and had around 10 miles to go. Instead of paying attention just kept on driving, after passing Annandale Water services a wee panic set in, yip I had missed Abbington!! Stopped at Gretna which was only around 67 miles further down the road. Eilidh had thought there was something wrong as I am always early, phoned just as I pulled into the car park. When E&H arrived it was so funny, explained that I had not included it in Sat Nav directions LOL. Leaving the car park proved even more of a challenge Stop! says R there is a kerb in front of you well we were all of laughing again as I jammed on the brakes followed by the reverse lights. Back on the motorway things were looking good making good time. Next stop Knutsford services, I had given E&H a copy of the route and highlighted Knutsford as a stopping point. Pulled of the motorway into the services at Knutsford, but guess what missed the turn into the car park and ended up in the petrol station. E decided to play safe and fill up just in case I made any more mistakes, as if. So a quick stop back on the road, I had a combination of the printed route my own route in my head, decided I knew better than Sat Nav pulled of the motorway. Bring bring H calls says where are you going! We pull in only 25 miles to go. E decides she will take over the lead and we should follow her, H would navigate using the printed directions. We arrive at a T junction sat Nav says right E goes left then does a u turn asks me to go in lead as she doesn't know where we are going!! So I take over 5 miles to go Oh no I miss the turn of for Aston Cantlow E takes it, this time it's us that did the u turn. Hooray we arrive at the caravan site get parked up on the way in with our things get attacked by the site geese. E is terrified I can't stop laughing shoo away the geese with a carrier bag. Journey over time to open the wine and heat up the meal R mum had prepared for us all. An early night on the cards for an early start to get to Crufts.

At last have finally got orgainised to go to crufts tomorrow, leaving about 9am! Rachael has never been before and is so excited. I have not left Rhu since she was a baby, never left Logan or Sweep so won't be putting any mascara on. Have been nightshift the past two nights and had only a couple of hours sleep today so am ready for an early night.

Funky Monkey

After yesterdays crash into the wing poor Monkey is limping a wee bit. So she is having lots of TLC and is loving the Reiki. Sure she will be fine but will keep a close eye on her.

Rhu

Rhu was her usual brill self at the show today, her agility was perfect, however I did my usual changed how I had planned to run the course. So instead of pushing from the dog walk to the jump I wanted I changed sides and tried to pull her guess what she took the wrong jump. She is so tuned into my body language my shoulders were pointing the wrong way for her. OOpps sorry Rhu got you big E. Another E in her jumping as I was facing the wrong jump. At last we got a clear in her last jumping although a bit messy as I knew she would head for the tunnel despite being told to weave. i brought her round the jump the long way and I was right she was heading for that tunnel but decided to weave after a no you weave! So how do you get rid of tunnel mania? What a girl she has so much potential but I do think she is is enjoying my new calmer approach. At the end of the day agility is a part of our life but we share so much more.

Funky Monkey

Nervous at going to our first show since retraining we had a brilliant training session with Kenny on Friday. Re thinking about the contacts realised althougth she has an idea of what to do Kenny picked up she relied on my voice and I had noticed she was becoming slow at reaching the two on two off position as I had allowed her to stop before offerring the correct behaviour. The same theory applied to jumps and again Monkey relied on my verbal commands. So the plan for the show was to train the contacts aim for a down before releasing her.

Previously before going into the ring I was nervous trying to push her to get the course right as I knew she could do it. Well today I went to the ring with no expectations, was not nervous, no pressure on any of us. Wow what a difference we had a fab time. In agility she did get all her contacts and I held her although not in a down, but hey Rome wasn't built in a day. She ran under a jump towards me as I froze and didn't give her a clue what to do. She was flowing over the jumps, looked like she was enjoying herself. She also had a choice of weave or A frame again my old brain reacted to slowly, she opted to A frame. That said it was the most positive run I have had with her in a long time. She did not show any signs of frustration or stress, not biting, jumping at me barking or spining at my feet.

She had a nice jumping run very focused working ahead well maybe a wee bit too far ahead or I was too slow to tell her to turn before taking that extra jump. LOl We had a great tug game at the end, I went to swing her on the end of the toy which she loves, she lost her grip amd I landed in a heap almost in the next ring! It was so funny she just stood there, pay back time.

Her last jumping run she took the third pole but then drove into the tunnel over the long jump and had a cracking weave. All was looking good, before the last jump she shot behind me, despite my lead hand out to guide her, there was little space between me and the jump at my back and in an attempt to jump crashed into the wing and almost knocked me out of the way. This is something she tends to do is shooting of behind me so will need to work out why she does it in order to change the behaviour. Help with this one gratefully received.

For her first outing she did exceptionally well. Am fair proud ma Funky Monkey. It is true that "Until one has loved an animal part of the soul remains unawakened".