Crufts glorious crufts!

Given how many people travel overseas just to visit crufts, I couldnt turn up the opportunity to go when it was a 2hr drive each way. So on the sunday I headed down to Crufts and spent the day wandering with a few friends. What an experience!

I got there earlier than expected but unfortunately the cattle dog judging was already part way through by the time I found the ring. I got to watch some though. Very different to what I am used to given the rings are quite small with seating around the edge - meaning that people were literally sitting in the ring with their dogs whilst waiting for their class. I do admit to being a little disapointed that I hadnt entered Hollie - I only discovered her Aust Ch title qualified her for entry after entries had closed - but on the other hand it was nice to be able to walk around without having to worry about any dogs.

Best of breed ACD:

The rest of the day was spent wandering through the multitudes of dog-related stalls..you can only imagine them all (all 5 halls worth!!).. and watching the agility at the main arena. Somehow I managed to restrain myself and not spend as much money as I anticipated, only getting Hollie a new bed, but did come with a list of things to get. The venue was very crowded and getting through stalls involved alot of hustling, yet I have it on good authority that that it was quieter than previous years, so I can only imagine it then!

Something to aim for next year!!!

ACD agility day

I spent my well-earned day off on sunday travelling down to Daventry to catch up with fellow cattle dog owners and do some agility training. What more can you ask for!
We had all levels of dogs there ranging from Tooheys and Miah who are competing, to those nearly ready, and then the young dogs just starting. Unfortunately the lameness bug seemed to be contagious with several dogs (Hollie included) injuring themseles.
It was a relaxing day, at beautiful facilities. Many thanks to Stella for organising the day, and to Brenda for coming down & teaching.

There was a moment of worry when I arrived and saw the paddock full of sheep ajoining the training field, and that worry turned to panic when the sheep all drifted down to our end of the paddock to investigate. I could just invisenge Tooheys catching sight of the sheep and going through the fence when he was supposed to be doing agility.
I was truly amazed then as I left him on a sit stay at the start line he caught sight of the sheep, had a moments hesitation as he looked like he was about to take off, then instead focused on the agility sequence. I would never have thought agility would win out over sheep at close range!! Its one way to train distractions!

Photos of the day taken by Adam can be seen on the ACD society website as I was too lazy to take my own!