Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone!

We hope you all have an awesome day!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

Earl and Ethel had so much fun in the snow we had last week, just in time for Christmas!

We have our paws crossed that we get some more snow this winter!

Who else has had snow where they are?

Dog Vegas - 09/12/2017

I had an awesome day at Dog Vegas running Kelly on Saturday! She may be a challenge, but when she listens to me, she's amazing to run and such a fun little agility partner! Getting her consistency up isn't a quick process, but with hard work and never giving up, I can feel us improving the more we work together. It's onwards and upwards for us, and I always feel honoured to have been chosen as her longterm handler.

Kelly and I in front of the giant annual Christmas tree at Oakridge arena.

We won one of our jumping classes with an awesome clear round, which was quite a pretty tight course but really enjoyable to run! Kelly listened to me really well and didn't put a paw wrong, and I couldn't have been happier with her!

We came 4th in our other jumping class, which was a very smooth course and ideal for a speedy dog like Kelly. I loved blasting round the course with Kelly, and we were less than half a second behind 2nd place! She listened really well again and clearly had a whale of a time! Now we just need to push even harder in an attempt to lose those precious couple of seconds that kept us from the win!

We also had a very close helter skelter run, which is basically a jumping course minus the weaves, and usually follows a circular pattern. We gained an unlucky 5 faults when Kelly burst out of a tunnel, took a jump and was unable to slow down enough for a sharp turn and skidded past the correct jump! I brought her back and sent her over it, and we continued the run gaining no more faults. I was really happy with the run, however, as she was really speedy and mostly consistent.

One of her agility runs was awesome, and would've been clear if I hadn't have put her back on her a-frame contact. She got the contact, but I'm sticking to criteria with her and making sure she always stops in the 2-on-2-off position on every contact. Not long ago, she wasn't getting any of her contacts whatsoever, and now she's getting just about all of them thanks to sticking to criteria and making sure she knows what is expected of her. Now to continue putting this into practice with the goal of getting her to stop of every contact on a consistent basis. I believe we're not too far off that point!

Our other agility run was slightly crazy. Strangely, it felt as though the old Kelly had returned! Kelly wasn't listening to me like she was in all her other runs, but I understand that dogs will be dogs and she's bound to have some runs, and even some days, like this. I kept her going and completed the course in the end. Sometimes you have to take one step back to take two steps forward, and when I look at the big picture, we're definitely taking those forward steps. Luckily this wasn't the last run of the day, and we managed to finish the day on a high note.

I just love Kelly's drive and enthusiasm for agility, and running her is helping me to be a better handler and dog trainer, and for that I am so thankful. She's helping me learn about running a very fast dog, and running a different height to small. In a similar way to when I used to run Earl as well as Ethel, I also have to switch both physically and mentally from Ethel mode to Kelly mode when running both at the same show, as they're both so different to run. Overall, I've seen a huge improvement in Kelly's agility since when I first started running her, and I'm beyond determined to keep the improvement going with her! Onwards and upwards!

YKC Junior Agility Team GB Tryouts Day 1 - 02/12/2017

We had an awesome time at the first day of the YKC Junior Agility Team GB tryouts the other weekend! I'm really happy with how Ethel ran, despite her little aversion to tunnels, haha!

Little Ethel the superstar looking as sweet as ever!

Our first run was the jumping. This was a fairly challenging and tight course, and it was really fun to run! Our run was going awesomely, until I lost communication with Ethel at a german and she failed to see my change of hand, resulting in her dashing into the wrong end of the tunnel! I quickly corrected this and we carried on, and apart from another slight miscommunication at a ketchker resulting in Ethel wrapping round the wing the wrong way, which I corrected, the rest of the run was fantastic and I was really happy with it! For a young dog on a pretty challenging course, she was awesome.

Our next and final run was the agility. This was a pretty spread out and flowing course that really let Ethel and I run for it and push ourselves! I couldn't of asked for better contacts from her, they were awesome! Our hard work on them is definitely paying off, and I feel like we're finally cracking them! The run felt fantastic to me, and so speedy! We were clear up until the last couple of obstacles, where a rear cross into a tunnel unfortunately confused Ethel and she popped back out, gaining us 5 faults! I sent her back in and she successfully went through the tunnel without any issues, and I'm pleased that she completed it. She's usually fine with rear crosses into tunnels, but I think she got confused and assumed she'd gone wrong when I sent her in and then moved backwards to get to the next obstacle. I did this in order to block her from taking a jump very close to the tunnel entrance. Next time, I'd either stay on the other side and pull her away from the jump, or I'd rear cross the tunnel in the same way but run up to the tunnel exit afterwards to encourage her to continue through. Overall, I was very happy with this run!

There are lots of positives to take away from the day and plenty of things to now go away and work on in order to improve. No matter what the results, Ethel never fails to make me proud, and she's just so much fun to run! We always leave the ring buzzing!

Huge thanks to the Team GB management team and coaches for holding such an awesome day, and to the judges for setting up such fun and challenging courses! It was lovely to catch up with and support some awesome friends and watch everyone run, everyone did amazing! Every competition and event that I go to reminds me of just how grateful I am to be within the world of agility!

Now to wait and see if we gave enough to make the second day of the tryouts, fingers crossed! In the meantime, we'll go and train hard and practice the areas that we had some difficulties with on the courses so we can come back even stronger next time! See you in the next post!

Where We've Been Recently...

Hey guys, sorry for the recent inactivity around here, we've been super busy! To make up for it, I thought I'd give you a giant update on what we've been up to since you last heard from us back in October. Just a warning, we've been up to quite a lot!

Chippenham - 07/10/2017

Ethel was awesome at Chippenham, despite the awful weather that we had to run in! We went clear in both the YKC jumping and a regular jumping; she's always been a natural at jumping classes.

Dog Vegas - 11/10/2017

What an awesome way to start the winter series of agility! I couldn't be happier that both of my clear rounds with Ethel at this show were in agility classes! One of them got us 3rd, even with (beautifully) held contacts! Kelly also went clear in two of her classes, an agility and a jumping, and held her contacts awesomely too! The improvement in both of their contacts was huge!

British Agility Championships 2017 - 21 & 22/10/2017

Ethel, Millie & Dime

Ethel ran awesomely at this big event getting several clears, including 2nd in the Agria Brillo Bounce agility round, and qualifying for both the Agria Brillo Bounce and championship finals! We came 6th in the Agria Brillo Bounce final, despite a couple of misunderstandings from Ethel, and both Ethel and Kelly went clear in the junior speed jump off final! Such a fun weekend with awesome company.

YKC Newark Weekend - 28 & 29/10/2017

Millie & I

What an amazing weekend qualifying for Crufrs 2018 a whopping three times! I won the agility dog of the year qualifier with Ethel, came 2nd in the same qualifier with my friend's Mini Labradoodle Millie, and on top of all the agility success, I qualified with Earl in the groomer of the year qualifier! I simply can't wait for him to make his Crufts debut! March can't come soon enough!

European Course Running - 05/11/2017

Millie & Ethel

It was an awesome opportunity to train with one of the YKC Junior Agility Team GB coaches and practice running some European courses. Ethel was on fire with 3/3 fast clears! We really enjoyed it and I learnt a lot, with lots of information to take away and things to practice before the Team GB tryouts in December. It was also awesome to catch up with so many of our friends!

Dog Vegas - 11/11/2017

Kelly & I

Both Ethel and Kelly ran amazingly for me at this show and are looking super cool! I couldn't be happier with Ethel's contacts! I finally feel as though they've just about completely clicked and it's an awesome feeling. Kelly's listening to me really well, we just need to tighten up those turns and she'll be well on her way to many, many wins!

Fame On Fetch

I'm absolutely honoured to have been chosen to have my cover design printed on the latest edition of the YKC Fetch magazine! I love this magazine and still can't believe my artwork is on the front cover of everyone's copy!

Well, now you've had an update, I vow to stick with you guys and give you regular, on time updates from now on! We have some awesome stuff coming up, including the YKC Junior Agility Team GB tryouts for next year's trip to the European Open Junior Agility Championships 2018 in Holland! Keep your eyes peeled for the next post, and I'll see you then!

Wilton - 01/10/2017

Wilton may have been weeks ago now, but I'm super happy with how Ethel ran there! I feel as though we've experienced a breakthrough as far as her consistency goes; most of her runs were clear and she's feeling awesome to run! Now we just have to start pushing for speed and really fighting for the top places in each and every run we do!

As the journey was quite a long one, we only did one day, the Saturday. We were asked to join an adult Crufts team a few months ago, and the qualifier was at this show on this day. We put in a lovely clear for the team and we all ended up with a pretty fast combined time, however, one of our other team members gained an unlucky 5 faults for a missed dog walk contact, meaning we missed out on qualification. However, I'm super happy that we proved ourselves to our new team!

We also went clear in another agility class and two other jumping classes. We're finally starting to see some contact consistency and it feels awesome! And, of course, she rarely lets me down in her jumping runs!

Ethel definitely proved herself as far as accuracy and consistency goes, and I couldn't be prouder of her! Onwards and upwards towards those higher places we go from here!

Crufts Official Shop Border Terrier Gifts Review

Recently, we were kindly sent some super cool Border Terrier gifts from the Crufts Official Shop! We received a Border Terrier tea towel and a Border Terrier apron, which we've found are perfect for cooking and baking your dog some treats! As you can see, Earl and Ethel highly approve of them!

Firstly, we have the Border Terrier tea towel. This has the same design as the apron and is ideal for drying dog bowls in style! Again, it's of excellent quality, thin enough not to be bulky but will withstand use without getting ruined. The material is slightly less shiny than the apron, making it more effective for cleaning and drying.

You can view the tea towel through this link: https://www.cruftsofficialshop.com/collections/tea-towels/products/border-terrier-tea-towel

Next, we have the Border Terrier apron. Printed with a beautiful image of a Border Terrier and an extremely accurate description of the breed, it's perfect for all Border Terrier lovers and admirers to wear while cooking! It is of excellent quality and easy to put on, off and tie up. The material isn't bulky but at the same time feels sturdy and will take wear without spoiling, ripping or breaking. There's a certain shininess about the material, making it very comfortable to wear.

You can view the apron through this link: https://www.cruftsofficialshop.com/collections/aprons

Huge thanks to the Crufts Official Shop for sending us these gorgeous gifts that we highly recommend to all Border Terrier lovers! Check out their official website and treat yourself or a dog loving friend or family member to something special through this link: https://www.cruftsofficialshop.com

Dog Vegas - 23 & 24/09/2017

It's been a brilliant weekend at Dog Vegas for us! Both Ethel and Kelly have done me proud, running awesomely and picking up several places! I'm especially happy with Ethel's contacts; they're getting more consistent with every show and the improvement is huge! She's managing to go clear in several agility classes now, whereas not long ago it was mainly jumping she excelled at! Obviously it's still a work in progress, but I couldn't be prouder of her for how she's come on! And as far as Kelly goes, we're connecting more and more and the results are proving that! She's a challenging dog and it takes time, but we're getting there!

Ethel sitting proudly with her weekend's winnings

Kelly and I with our weekend's winnings

The weekend began with Saturday's competition. Ethel and I came 3rd in agility, 4th in jumping and 8th in another agility. Her contacts and consistency was fantastic, as well as her usual speed, and I couldn't be prouder of her! Unfortunately our other run was ruined by there being rabbit droppings all over the ring, which the majority of the dogs in the class went off to sniff (and eat...), but she came back and finished the run very well! Kelly and I came 4th in jumping, despite a very random detour on Kelly's part, but it was still clear which is awesome for Kelly!

Today's competition went well, too. Ethel and I had a 4th in jumping and a few very close runs, and despite seeming a little tired after yesterday, she ran well for me and her contacts were super once again! Kelly and I came 3rd in agility, this run being Kelly's first clear agility round in a year, and I couldn't be happier that I helped her achieve this! Just like Ethel, we also had a few close other runs, but we're improving as a pair and her lightning speed makes the experience so thrilling every time!

Overall, it was another successful weekend for all of us, and both dogs managed to bag lots of points and have lots of fun! Now to look forward to Wilton next Sunday, where Ethel and I will be competing in a Crufts team qualifier among other runs!

North Derbyshire - 09 & 10/09/2017

Awesome weekend spent with some awesome friends at North Derbyshire! This year's show brought us success, fun, laughs and, most impressively, Crufts qualification, meaning we can look forward to competing in not one, but two events there next year! Roll on March!

The highlight of the weekend was definitely winning YKC Teams with our amazing team, the North Derbyshire Young Guns, and qualifying for the final of the event at next year's Crufts! I couldn't be happier with Ethel, who put in a fantastic clear for the team! I can't wait to compete with Ethel and our awesome teammates at the world's biggest dog show next March!

After training the previous week away with multiple sessions on the contact trainer, our hard work paid off and Ethel's contacts were fantastic at the show, getting her a very respectable 6th in a big agility class! These newfound contacts remained for the champ classes and, despite the rain, she ran really well in them!

Kelly and I also had two awesome clears in jumping over the course of the weekend, one of these being a 2nd in the junior speed jump off, qualifying us for the event's final at the British Agility Championships in October! This means I'll be running both Ethel and Kelly in the final!

Overall, it was a fantastic weekend, especially as far as qualification goes! Now to look forward to the events we've qualified in!

Agility Nuts - 02 & 03/09/2017

Awesome weekend at Agility Nuts with Ethel and Kelly! Both dogs ran amazingly and came home with this giant haul! We also enjoyed meeting up with several of our good friends and their dogs and cheering them on!

The highlight of the weekend was becoming Triple Team champions 2017 with our two awesome teammates! After qualifying for the final all the way back in July, it was amazing to come and win the final! Ethel, Millie and Rory make a brilliant little team!

Ethel also won grade 7 jumping, came 4th in 1-7 jumping, 5th in 4-7 jumping, 6th in 1-7 agility, 7th in another 1-7 jumping and 8th in 4-7 agility, all clear rounds! She was working brilliantly and was really consistent over the weekend! Kelly also came 3rd in 1-7 jumping and 7th in another 1-7 jumping, working really well for me again!

A very successful and enjoyable weekend for all of us again!

Dog Vegas - 23 & 26/08/2017

This show was a little different from the others that we normally do. While I usually run Ethel and sometimes Kelly the Staffie for her owner, this time, I only ran Kelly as I forgot to enter Ethel! Nevertheless, it was a fun and successful show for Kelly and I, plus I got to give Ethel a few runs in the training ring, so she didn't miss out. This also proved extremely beneficial for her, so a major positive came out of forgetting to enter her in the competition!

As you can see, Kelly and I did really well, with a win and two 2nd's in grade 7 jumping! They were near flawless runs with tight turns and Kelly's usual power and speed! I haven't been running Kelly for that long and I don't train with her away from competitions, so her owner and I were especially pleased! Our partnership is improving with every show and I'm looking forward to a successful future running Kelly!

I also took Ethel for a few runs in the training ring over the couple days, mainly to train her contacts as she's been having some issues with them in competition recently and jumping off them too early! Well, she did them all perfectly every single time, proving she can do her contacts properly when she puts her mind to it! Our goal is to get them just as solid as they were in the training ring in actual competition and I'm determined to make it happen!

Despite the difference to our normal competitions, overall it was a very fun, successful and beneficial couple days for us all! I can't wait to get back to running Ethel (and not forgetting to enter her...!) and improving even more with Kelly at the next show!

DINAS 2017

Yesterday was our first ever time competing at DINAS and we really enjoyed the show! It was a big show and another one with a lot of very tough competition. However, we got to meet up with our friends again which was very fun. Despite losing her head in a couple of runs during the day, Ethel did some lovely work and gave me a better idea of what I need to work on with her. She's such a star that I often forget she's still young and we still have lots to improve on. It's all about enjoying the journey, having fun with the highs and working through the lows!

She pulled off a lovely flowing clear in grade 7 jumping which I was very happy with! It was our final run of the day and a brilliant one to finish on. She's always excelled in jumping and they're always so much fun to run with her!

She also had a very close YKC agility run, with a naughty dog walk contact right at the end! It was going so well up until then, too! It looks like we need to work extra hard to perfect those contacts! She will have consistent and reliable contacts one day, I'm determined to make it happen!

This little girl makes me work for sure, but a challenge is always a good thing and will help me become a better trainer in the long run. Come on Ethel, let's get to work!

KCI 2017

Wow, what an amazing couple of days we've had at KCI! I absolutely love the buzzing atmosphere of this show, it always makes for so much fun both in and out of the ring! Due to the show's ever-increasing popularity, it's always insanely busy and it gives us a super opportunity to see all of our friends and their dogs that we don't always see at normal shows. I had so much fun running with Ethel and she was once again awesome, even in such huge classes with such tough competition!

You can't go to KCI and not get a photo on the prestigious podium!

Our first day of the competition was on the Thursday. Upon arrival we had to make our way around the whopping 18 rings and find our bearings! We then went clear in grade 7 agility and came 14th/112, which I'm very happy with considering the size and standard of the competition in this class!

Our next and final day was on the Sunday, and this was YKC day. We went clear in both YKC classes and came 3rd in the jumping and 4th in the agility! These courses were so much fun to run and I felt like Ethel and I were perfectly in sync for them. She's never performed so fantastically, I'm over the moon with her!

Overall, KCI 2017 has been amazing and a huge success for us, and we cam't wait for next year already! I'd also like to thank our awesome friend Rebecca Colley for taking the podium and action photos for us! Now to look forward to DINAS this Saturday!

Our Partnership In Pencil

Have you seen our most recent post, titled Pawsitively Barking New Bows? If so, you'll know we recently won a giveaway on Instagram. Well, another one of our prizes was a personalised pet portrait from JJ Art Handmade on Instagram! Joanna even chose to draw my favourite photo of Ethel and I and it looks amazing, I love it!

Isn't it fantastic? It portrays my partnership with Ethel perfectly, and of course, I just had to frame it!

And, when you look at the photo it was drawn from, it's hard to tell the difference!

I love it, thank you so much Joanna! Make sure to head on over to JJ Art Handmade on Instagram sometime and check out all the amazing artwork!

Pawsitively Barking New Bows

We recently won an exciting giveaway on Instagram and one of the PAWsome prizes was a bow from Pawsitively Barking Designs, a small company selling beautiful canine accessories on Instagram! I was given the opportunity to choose the bow and I ended up choosing the rose velvet bow as it caught my eye and I knew how well it would suit Ethel! We were also kindly sent a turquoise velvet and faux leather bow for Earl, which was a lovely surprise when they arrived!

As you can see, Ethel and Earl look pawsitively barking in their new bows (pun intended!) and there are so many other beautiful canine accessories available from this amazing company for any and every dapper dog out there! Check out Pawsitively Barking Designs on Instagram and treat your pooch to something stylish!

Take Us Back To Luxembourg

The EOJs in Luxembourg - one of the very best experiences of my entire life so far. I feel privileged to have been given the opportunity to experience the event as a competitor and Team GB member and make such incredible memories that will last forever and keep the experience alive. Along with the memories, I have these amazing photos of Ethel in action to remember the event with!

These photos capture the thrill of the moment and what it was like to run in such an atmosphere brilliantly. As you can see, Ethel had an absolute blast out there, as did I! There's no better feeling than blasting round the course with my furry little sidekick, that's for sure!

I'd like to thank Pics4dogs Fotografie for taking these amazing photos! Be sure to check them out sometime!

Derbyshire - Crufts 2018 Qualification - 29/07/2017

Wow, what a day at Derbyshire! We had success in the Crufts qualifier, pairs and normal classes; all in all, an incredible day for us!

The day kickstarted with pairs, which we did with a friend and her dog. We both went clear, and ended up 2nd overall, beaten by a pair of large dogs! Fantastic considering the number of entrants and the fact that it was an all heights combined class.

The next class was the main and most exciting class of the day, the YKC jumping Crufts qualifier! We went clear in a very fast time, and won the class! This means that we'll be off to Crufts 2018 to compete in the final next March! I couldn't be more thrilled with Ethel, this'll be our second time in a row qualifying for and competing at Crufts! Amazing!

Our other runs went well, and considering I used them to push her and train her contacts again, I was very pleased with their outcomes. We went clear in grade 7 agility and ended up 8th overall, which isn't too shabby considering the number, standard and experience of our competitors.

Ethel, you're awesome, and I can't wait to compete at Crufts with you for the second time next year!

Dog Vegas Finals - 23/07/2017

The Dog Vegas Finals show was a huge success for the duo and I. Not in winnings, not in rosettes and not in trophies, but in personal goals achieved, limits tested, boundaries pushed and fun had! In fact, it's the best Ethel and I have ever ran together!

As both Earl and Ethel had a spot in the final (Earl qualified and Ethel was pulled in as a reserve after an unlucky jumped contact in the qualifier last year), I was hoping I'd be able to get them both round clear and compare their times. Pushing them for the fastest times possible gives me a thrill and they enjoy it the more I go for it and run like mad! The time differences between dogs fascinates me as it's always so close between them, especially in the high grades!

Ethel was up first and ran the course perfectly. I was pleased with my handling and her speed was fantastic! To make the experience even more fun, it was live-streamed along with commentary and it was awesome to hear the commentary as we ran! However, she unluckily caught a pole and knocked it down, meaning we gained 5 faults. If it wasn't for the pole, we would've come 2nd overall! I couldn't have been happier with her and she did me proud, especially for her first time in this final!

A few dogs after Ethel's run and it was time to queue up with Earl. He qualified for a ran in last year's final, and went clear with less than a seconds worth of time faults, which was unfortunate, however, he did me proud! I was hoping to beat last year's result this year! We went clear, and he ran really well for him! We ended up 6th, which is where we came last year, too! However, this year, he wasn't even close to having any time faults, showing how much he's sped up in a year! I couldn't have been happier with him, either!

Ethel's other runs, the normal classes at the show, went amazingly, too! I used them all to really push her and see how much I could get out of her, and the agility classes to train her contacts. And boy, did she perform! It's the best we've ever ran together; we were both really going for it and flying round the courses! Going for it and running like mad is so much more fun than playing it safe, and at this stage, we really do need to push to get the most out of ourselves!

All in all, it was one of the most fun and successful shows I've competed at! It's shows like this that excite me for the future with my awesome little dogs. Roll on more shows and more opportunities to run my dogs like I stole them!

EOJ 2017 Luxembourg

The EOJs in Luxembourg, what an incredible experience! I can't quite believe it's been and gone! It's certainly left behind lifelong memories I'll always remember, full of awesome people and dogs in such a beautiful place! And I couldn't be prouder of little Ethel for running her paws off and giving me her all; she truly is awesome!

The excitement of the event kickstarted with our arrival at the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle, who kindly sponsor the junior and adult GB team. Even the unfortunate 3 hour delay wasn't enough to dampen the mood!

Sharing a photo with our good friends and fellow Team GB members, Becca and Millie

When we finally arrived in Luxembourg that evening, we were all pretty tired. We checked in at our hotel and hunkered down for the night in our cosy room, in the hope of resting up for another busy day to come.

The following day was the first time the full team had all come together in Luxembourg. After a quick catch up, we all headed down to the competition venue for a vet check and team training. The vet check went smoothly and everyone performed well during training; GB was looking awesome and super promising for the competition days ahead!

The next day was the long-awaited first day of competition and everyone was in good spirits! To celebrate, we took some team photos.

Team GB Royals, made up of small dogs

It was then time for the opening ceremony! We made our grand entrance and proudly stood our ground among the other countries. It was crazy and packed, but certainly fun and a fantastic way to kickstart the competition!

With the opening ceremony done and dusted, it was officially time for the competition to commence. The first run was team jumping, and, despite a small mishap in our run, I couldn't have been happier with it! Our next run was individual jumping, which was another beautiful run despite a crazy moment leading up to the weaves on Ethel's part! All that remained were our two agility runs. First was team agility, and we put in a lovely clear for the team! With only one run left, we knew this final run was one to be treasured; no one wanted the event to end! Our final run, individual agility, was a lovely course, and we went clear! What better way to wrap up the event than with a solid clear round? Overall, I couldn't be happier with our runs!

It was all so much fun! Now to prepare for the EOJ 2018 tryouts! If we make the team again, we'll be off to Holland in the Netherlands! Paws crossed!