Adventures in Training the Beagles

Agility work this morning

Got up early and went over to Dog City to do some work on obstacles I don’t own.  Especially since Dulce is falling further and further behind in agility class between illnesses, etc.

Best news!  Dulce weaved on their weave poles TWICE!  I set up my channel weaves for her when I first got her.

Bad news!  I rewarded her with a new toy each time I got it.  She wouldn’t come back.  The first time, I got Macy out, and she followed Macy into a tunnel and I could grab her.  Second time, no dice.  She finally got tired and bored.

Teeter is going well with both dogs – I focused on having both of them go up the plank – and having them down.  Dulce is going all the way up, but not downing.  Macy is downing. 

Dulce is gladly going through tunnels, played a bit with tire, didn’t get anywhere.

Worked table with both dogs, Dulce is going to the table and downing automatically.  Macy has all three behaviors going – table down, table sit, and table stand – yes, I’m training that since we’re probably going to do some Teacup and that will be legal in AKC in a few weeks.

Since I discovered that the recall problem is REALLY bad, I worked in the red room with recalls and crates. 

I’ve got a massage this afternoon and class tonight – and since it was a bit cooler (only 90 degrees), we already got our walk over for today.

Back to Basics

Today, I was a bit disappointed in Macy because she wouldn’t do the dog walk at the Teacup Agility trial and I do think it is lack of confidence in me.  @alfredtwo who is not a dog person asked if it could be fixed.

I certainly hope so, because I really enjoy Macy and I really enjoy agility and I would hate to leave her home like I do Maggie.  It would also make me feel a failure as a dog trainer.

Having a new dog come in and work on the basics is making me realize that I have a lot of holes in Macy’s training and I’m trying to fill them.  it’s helped because I’m working with a very scientific trainer now.  I’m not sure how I got holes in Macy’s training, but I think one of the biggest is the fact that she doesn’t have a stay. 

Okay, it’s the biggest.

I have a few problems.  I have completely forgotten that I trained Marcie and Maggie at home.  Okay, I didn’t do MUCH training with Maggie because she gives everyone in the neighborhood a headache when we doesn’t understand something.  It’s a bit embarrassing when you see the neighbors on a walk with two thirds of your dogs and they ask which one screams (yes, it was the one I left a home because she breaks on walks).  I’ve been relying totally on training in class and wondering why I am not getting as far as my classmates.

One sign I forgot I trained those dogs – when I cleaned out the shed, I found agility equipment that is well used, but I honestly don’t remember using it.  A tunnel AND a chute.  I know I didn’t do agility at home with Patty because she didn’t DO agility.

So I’ve gone back to basics.  I’ve got a list of agility behaviors I am supposed to have on Dulce by the beginning of September, and not only am I making sure that Dulce has those behaviors, but I’m also making sure that Macy has them.  I also have agility equipment on order and coming in August – a teeter – Macy’s biggest problem and a contact trainer.  I am also kicking around the idea of teacup agility equipment but will probably wait and see what happens with the Teacup schedule with the new facility.

I’ve been concentrating on the down stay – I have been working on it with both dogs with a grooming table so that I can reward without absolute no  movement.  Macy twitches and moves the second I have a reward to give her – one of the many reasons I don’t have a stay.  Once they completely understand the stay on the grooming table, I’m going to move them further down to the floor, and then onto the floor.

I’ve also got to figure out how to deal with my knee.  At the rate my doctor’s office is going, it is looking like the insurance company is refusing the surgery – in other words – they have made no arrangements towards the surgery at all.  I have called twice since the appointment.  Will call again next week. 

Teacup Agility

We had a fun weekend.  Both of us are tired today.  Teacup Agility is at http://k9tdaa.com/ and basically scales down the agility obstacles and course for small dogs.  It’s limited to dogs 17” and under, which certainly includes beagles (who are 15” and under).

Between the fumes from the new stuff and the odd size of the obstacles Macy was put off a bit and she is a dog with not much confidence. 

However, we did have a lovely run on Saturday and I think we would do better the next time.

I also think she needs to lose a pound before the next AKC trial – not easy since she is a food thief (what beagle isn’t).  We also need confidence building.  I think having our own teeter will help that – and one is coming.

The facility is nice – but in Keller, so we won’t be there very often.  They have their grand opening next week.

Dulce and Macy updated

First allergy meds is definately the right thing for Macy. she is a much happier dog and more active.

dulce is doing great. no accidents in crate, and no blood in stool. no vomiting either. i use little envelopes to keep track of her pills and and for training last night i put her ID food into the used envelope, cut in a hole and gave her treats like you would a cake decorating bag. basically squirting it out into her mouth and went to cheese later.

i think she is getting better too.

Teacup agility

Macy and i are trying teacup agility for the first time.

we are at a new facility in Keller Texas. it is a really nice place with three real seperate rooms and the A/C actually works in the smaller room the biggest room is a bit warmer bit has a high ceiling. it is set up for trucks to drive in. it is big enough for a teacup course.

Macy and Dulce Vet Update

Since people have been asking.....

Macy eyes seem to have cleared up, so I'm quite sure her issue(s) are allergy related, since we've been on allergy meds for two day.

Dulce hasn't had an accidents in front of me.  Also haven't been seeing the small pee spots, so I think she is clearing up too.  I need to see her poop and see if she is still having bloody stools.  Her energy level seems to be coming up too.

LOVE the ear packing.  I need to find out more about it because no one at agility class at heard of it.  It sure is nice not to have to chase dogs down to do ears.

Ear packing

This has never been offered before but basically the vets office did something to their ears which puts medicine in that last for two weeks.

Beagles get ear infections and as a result get very head shy. my husband swears they "hear me" think ears and wont come near me. i think it is because their ears literally hurt.

i really like this and am hoping it helps the relationship since doctoring ears is a daily passtime.

Macy

She is due for her annual. actually moved it up a day since we were here. her ears are infected so those are packed like dulce's as i am tired of dogs running because i have to hurt their ears.

i think we are going to treat her for seasonal allergies. i am already adding local honey to her food. so we are going with 30 days of allergy meds and see if that makes her better.

she is at almost 18 pounds and i want her at 16

$500 and some odd dollars later.

Macy

She is due for her annual. actually moved it up a day since we were here. her ears are infected so those are packed like dulce's as i am tired of dogs running because i have to hurt their ears.

Dulce

Last night at Dog City, she peed pink urine and pooped loose stool with fresh blood.

no urine in blood today, elevated white count and infected ears. she has pooped blood here and peed while we are getting done. they also packed her ears and given antibotics and another med. nothing serious, but man is she elimanting a lot.

she has meds for her bloody stool.

weight is just over 15 pounds and i would like it to be around 16.

think that about covers her.

nothing a few pills won't fix.