Class rules.

Let me start off by saying that I LOVE my agility class and teacher. I can not imagine not being in a class, nor having with a less awesome teacher. But some things just make me SO angry. Rather than name specific situations (Because my classmates may find this, and Criminal Minds says that "The Internet is Forever") I am going to lay out the rules I try to go by and wish others would too.

1. This is my big one. WATCH YOUR DOG. Do not allow your dog to run off and be obnoxious. Do not allow your dogs to distract others. I think most of this rule for me comes from having and training a Dog Aggressive dog (Boomer) . I had to watch her like a hawk and it drove me CRAZY when people let their dog get in her face. That is a good way for your dog to get hurt. When not running, I prefer to keep my dog within three feet of me.If your dog is running about, it isn't learning. Not only that, it is stopping others from learning. Also, my dog is 60 lbs, and although not what I would consider reactive, she does not like dogs in her space. She can HURT them without meaning too. She has a very clearly defined personal space, and her body language clearly says, GET OUT.  Dogs that don't read that are the problem. Honestly, I likely make her space issues worse because I tense up when dogs get too close. This is leftover from having Boomer.
2. Dropping treats. Get a bait bag, get an apron, where something with pockets. I don't care if you hold them up your nose, don't drop them. There are several reasons, one of which being that I don't want my dog eating your nasty beggin' strips. It is also very distracting for there to be treats littering the ground.  
3. Clean up after your dog. If your dog pottys on the field, scoop it. Most trainers provide not only an exercise area, but also a scoop in case of accidents. Don't ignore it, because someone will end up stepping in it. That's gross. 
4. LISTEN. If the trainer says do this, DO IT. Don't be inventive, don't think you know better. You don't. There is a reason you are paying your trainer all that money. Especially in Agility, thinking too far ahead can get your dog hurt.
5. Do your homework. I am just as guilt of this as the next person. Sometimes weeks get to busy but if you want your dog to succeed in whatever you are doing, you have to work at it. 

That's about it. I could go on, give personal situations but I won't. I am trying to keep this anonymous. 

In other news, I fixed my sewing machine... sort of.

Look! Shots not from 52 weeks!

Hello ladies and gents! Today I bring to you some shots that are NOT destined for 52 weeks! Yay! Lola has once again broken my tripod. Shame on her. That is tripod numero dos. Damn dog. Soo... to get this shot, I took out the dictionary. Meaning I sat the Camera on top of the dictionary.



I also got some fun Boomer shots!



I have been in post processing funk lately. Sticking with a particular colour pallet,  Can't ya tell?

Foothills 25/52

Foothills 25/52
Originally uploaded by agilestandard!

My lack of inspiration now seems to be in shambles about my ankles. I LOVE my shot for this week and I have plans for the next few weeks. I don't know why I was so uninspired, but I am now fully back at it.

Check out my photostream for some other shots that I am VERY happy with!
Also, new photo posting format, What do you think? Please vote in comments. 

Agility night.

Just got back from Agility and it was awesome. Lola was great again this week. It is like some switch turned within her. She is doing really well. Her trial weekend before last went really well so I hope she continues the uphill climb!

At agility tonight we did some send-a-ways and contact work, then we worked on a "nascar sequence". That is a 180 tunnel, three jumps, another tunnel, three more jumps and back to the first tunnell. Lola was driving to her tunnels beautifully! I love to see her jump, with her ears flying. Here is an older pictures of her doing a tire.