Got all of Usher's ribbons

The ones on the left are from Sat. & the ones on the right are from Sunday. Guess Usher did better Sunday- no red. LOL.

I was pretty low before my lesson today, but now I've perked up- thanks to a pep talk from Kelly. Here's bragging rights for Mama and Kelly did all the work.

The ASCA Trial

I chickened out and let Kelly Orr run my dog. Sure glad I did as I fell a couple days before, hurt my knee and my head, which brought on a dystonic attack. For those of you at the trial, you were lucky enough to see one. Not fun.

I came home right after Usher's run on Sunday. So, I don't have his ribbons for Sunday. All the girls did real well. Hopefully at the Couch's trial, we can see more of each other.

Kelly did such a good job. I skipped this Tuesday's practice. Still too shaky. When I pick up Sunday's ribbons, I'll post more pics. I would not have this many if I ran him myself!!!!

It was nice there some ran trained dogs, some ran their own dogs, and I had my dog ran for me. I think everyone had fun. Did I say thank you Kelly? LOL.
Just 9 the first day ~smile~

A little of this and that

I haven't blogged for awhile. Haven't fallen off the face of the planet. Just busy. I'm hoping that Usher is ready for the ACSA trial, but since I decided I'm not running him, I don't feel like throwing up all the time. Wondering if it's just me that gets nervous weeks before a trial.

I had a much better lesson last Tuesday. I STILL get mixed up with my byes and aways. The only real trouble with that is Usher really takes a command well and it shows what an idiot I am. Gotta keep reminding myself that my dog has only seen sheep maybe 45 times in his life. It's not like I can go out the back door and practice.

Since some BC trials are coming up, I need to get to Dianne's and refresh myself with the rules. Why am I more comfortable at these trials?

Now for the bad news. It won't be a very happy Mother's Day here this year. My daughter-in-law is 5 months along and was cramping and spotting. She went to the Dr. yesterday and there is something wrong with the babies heart. She will be seeing a specialist ASAP and they will be doing surgery through Mama to the baby, so any prayers or mojo much appreciated.

My puppy was born today

I still haven't made up my mind. I don't want the border collie board to rule my life. I go there for opinions. But, you know what they say about opinions, they are like a$$holes, everyone has one and some of them stink. LOL. I really like the BC board. Like a nice discussion, but don't like arguments. Anyway, there were 12, count 'em 12 in the litter. WOW.......is about all I can say. I am used to seeing 5-6. I wasn't sent any pics, he is waiting to make sure they all make it. That's a big litter.


My last training day was a disaster. It's depression week here. My trainer noticed I was shaking more and he got "on my case" about how I was handling Usher. Know what? He was right. I was going to back out of the ASCA trial, but he said he would run Usher for me. So, Usher is doing Sat. AM & PM sheep & cattle and Sun. AM & PM sheep & cattle. If Kelly runs him, there's no reason for a DQ. That's MY job!

I thought being away from them for a time being, would be like riding a bike, just get back on and it all comes back to you. I'm sure I am the most frustrating student Kelly has. Bless him for putting up with me this long.

Don Couch Clinic

This was a great clinic, just built for Usher and myself. The sheep were pretty light in the morning but got heavy in the afternoon for the maltese cross. Sorry no pics of that. Usher was pretty amped, as usual. We only used a 3 sided pen. Here we are "reading" the sheep. Noticing which way the heads and ears are turned.

Once the sheep are in the proper position, it takes little work from the dog and the handler to get the sheep penned pretty easily. Patience is a virtue.

Here the sheep are all the way in. It paid off and Usher's hard work and my listening worked well. It is nice to live in an area where so many good trainers are out there.

Thanks Don. I learned a lot and it was fun.

April 15, 2009

Usher and I had our lesson. Isn't it sad when you forget your camera? Kelly had to change it a day because he had a corgi trial, he did very, very well - got reserve High In Trial. Missed High in Trial by 5 points. Usher and I worked on a few outruns getting further and further away, then it was back to penning.

Just for fun, he let out 6 head of cattle and Usher really amazed me. He did a nice outrun and fetch and brought them right to us. FUN FUN FUN!!!!

This week-end I'm headed out to Don Couch's for a penning clinic. I'm glad Kelly's been helping me so we don't make TOTAL fools of ourselves. Who am I kidding? We will anyway. On the way home, I made sure I knew where he lived. I get lost a lot.

Kelly ran into someone I once knew and were talking strange names of dogs. She said I once knew a gal who named her dog Migraine. He said, you mean Dianne, well she's a student of mine. Small dog world.

Tuesday's lesson

Kelly and I worked very hard on penning and re-penning. We had Usher in a pen with some tough sheep, non flighty and not afraid of dogs. We moved Usher around in the pen moving the sheep until he got his confidence level and would work quietly. It was a good lesson.

We are still going to the Don Couch penning clinic, basically so I can watch other dogs. Kelly's the guy for me. I really like his patience with me.

AHBA Trial

This was Usher & my first trial. I haven't trial a dog in many, many years. It showed. I had fun, did most of the course. I entered a lower course than I was going to- thank God. That way I could help my dog if he or I got into trouble. Here he is bringing the sheep around me. Oops, you missed a few Usher, but we had time to go get them.





This is the look I get on my face when everything goes blank. It's lovely, isn't it?

Here we are going through the L shaped pannels with an assisted drive. Whoops, wrong side, buddy.

There we go and make it through.

Over to the other side for the one panel wear or drive

Then we had to put them through a shoot and pen them. Now here's where the trouble started. Usher hasn't had much practice penning or taking stock out of pens. He penned OK. Getting the stock out was much more difficult-we DQ'd. He was a little rough. Same thing happened the next day only worse.

I'm not giving up.

Yesterday was fun!!!

I started off at Kelly's. We didn't want to work Usher to much because when he gets over worked he gets this glazed look over his eyes and decides it's up to HIM to do the job and I don't count.

Then Kelly went with me to Dianne Deal's. It was freezing there. Didn't help I forgot my big coat. I realize when things happen bad, I just freeze up and stare at my dog while he runs wild. I can't think fast enough to take time to think. Dianne had me use w a l k u p very slowly. That helped.

I'm going to TRY and take these lessons with me to the trial this week-end. Don't let anyone fool you. The upper levels at AHBA trials are not easy. Much more difficult than N/N. If you go, I'll be the shaky one.

I realized something.......

I suck as a handler.

It's been too many years between training dogs, maybe it's old age creeping up. I should have stuck with it from the beginning. I'm about 2-3 seconds too slow. By that time, when I say my command, the sheep have already moved out of the position I wanted them. The trial will be a mess. I'm looking forward to it and on the other hand, thinking of withdrawing. I need help! Only one more lesson to go.

NEVER GO TO SHOW OFF

Sorry - no pictures of this disaster. I took Usher over to Don Helsley's place after my lesson and got one from him. Usher wouldn't even lie down! He took the sheep all over the place and it was a very humbling lesson. If you're reading, I'm sorry, Don.

Dianne Deal Clinic

Usher and I had a blast and met a lot of nice people at the Dianne Deal clinic. We also learned quite a bit. You can check out pictures of my boy and the others at http://gemstateherding.blogspot.com/2009/03/dianne-deal-clinic-wrap-up.html

Usher with cattle

There ya go!





Hey you- Get in there!

While Usher was away for 2 weeks, Kelly tried him on some dog-broke cattle. He did quite well.

Dominic's 2nd b-day

This is Dominic's cousin Braxton. They are expecting another in September. Here is me, my Mom, Dominic and my oldest Granddaughter Jessica

I really like this one of Dominic!!!

This is my youngest Grandson (so far) turning 2. Blowing out candles is tough.

Haven't blogged in awhile

There's a couple of reasons for that. I was in the hospital. First time in many many years. Seems when either the neuro or the pharmacy mixed me up 6 months ago, they really messed me up. I have Pancreatitis. Most people get that from drinking, but mine was pill induced. I had hardly no potassium, so now I am on a bunch more meds.

I was very glad Kelly was in town when I wasn't feeling well and took Usher for training for 2 weeks. I didn't have to worry about him. Usher is learning, Kelly even let his daughter work him for a bit so he wouldn't forget a woman's voice. He's pretty smart-that guy.

No pictures, because I'm not there. I pick him up next Tuesday. Sure miss him. I'm trying real hard not to call too much (worried mom) I've never been apart from him this long, but feel he's in good hands.

25 things about you- got this off the BC board

1. I am afraid of dying.2. I don't think I have a "purpose" in this world.3. I invite my 83 mother over for sleep-overs.4. I have more border collie statues and stuffed animals than you could ever imagine.5,. I have someone in my life I would like to be friends with that hates me.6. Every other friend I have known since grade school has kept in touch with me- especially dog friends.Even, when their wives die.7. My disease = I hate it.8. I love my children and grandkids and feel I am blessed.9. I want "Monkey"10. I had a pug named "Chang" when growing up.11. I collect pug things for my mother12. I play "Pogo" under 2 names and I "cheat"- LOL.13.. I danced in the rain in Hawaii with my ex-hubby- I thought it was the most romantic night of my life.14. I want to return to a simple 5-10 acre farm one day. 40 was too much.15. I fear that I will turn into that "dog lady" instead of the "cat lady" at the end of my life. LOL.16. I sleep too much17. My life is run by dogs and grandkids.18. I have watched "The Incredible's" 15 times and still like it.19. Nicolas Cage is my favorite actor- hubba hubba20. I'll take John Travolta next.21. I am afraid that I am Overdosing on Meds, but I take less than prescribed.22. I'm afraid of snakes- even on TV23. I could watch Seinfeld reruns all day24. I grow very close to my trainers- both obedience and herding-25. I am very fond of this board and all the people on it.

If you want to read others- go to.....http://www.bordercollie.org/boards/index.php?showtopic=22704&st=0&#entry281555

Lesson 1-27-09 and so fine-driving dog

The driving dog- yes he is here. I was a little shaky and let Kelly do most the work. Couldn't ask for a better trainer. Yes, we zoomed in- he is doing some mighty fine driving.

Hope you enjoy the adventures of Usher- I sure do and if no one reads this - I don't care. It's just a diary for me and my dog.

Usher's lesson today 1-20-09

We used some lighter sheep today, which was good for Usher. This was our best lesson so far. I am so pleased how quickly Usher is coming around. That furry guy loves to drive, he pretty much knows his flanks even when off-set, but his out runs are the problem at this point. Not real trustworthy.

I really enjoy my Tuesdays. I wish I could afford the time and money to go out more. I'm sure Usher would be trialing by now. Kelly is a great trainer. Here I thought "I knew it all" and it turns out I knew nothing.

the other woman

This is "the other woman" I hate her. She is going through about this time until November. The guy in the pic is my BF. I love him dearly, but HATE this car. The grand boys love it. Oh wow, Tommy's cool. I spend a lot of time in the pits. I really don't mind, but now that "dog days" are coming up.........it's going to divide us- dog vs. car. PLUS he has another car- he wants me to drive- LMAO. Oh, I can see that happening. I have trouble getting INTO the car. Special car seats, fire suits, mine would have to be pink- PLUS- dog's for dystonia on the front. Sponsors are few and far between. The "doggy bar" sponsors Tommy. Little Dutch Garden.

I would have to complain. Girlie stuff, then I don't know if I'd have enough "balls" to get in the car. Many women have- but they are much better than me.

I think I should stick to one sport at a time. Thank you, honey, for trying to get me to race. I'm too chicken. Also, thanks to the BC people for reading this mush.
Dianne

ok- I messed up