The Grey Beastie's Blog

2 years old today!

2007-09-09T18:30:00.000Z

Here's our handsome boy on his second birthday. Happy birthday to the rest of the Hollieseast 'P' litter - where has the time gone?!?!?

2007-07-04T06:36:00.000Z

OMG, how slack have I been recently with this blog? VERY! In fairness though there's not been a great deal to report. In fact the other weekend I realised as I was on my way to visit Jet's breeder with my camera (to take pics of the puppies...more on that in a mo) that I hadn't actually taken his picture in ages. Shame, shame, shame on me! To make a change it was a nice sunny day (seriously...what is going on with the British weather?? Think we've had more thunder storms than I've had hot dinners in the past few weeks!) so I was able to get some nice pictures of the best boy.

Jet's half sister Kiri (same mum, different dad) whelped her second litter just over three weeks ago (I was there! It was amazing!) so in addition to the four adult weimaraners at 'Hollieseast' there are no less than ten, yes TEN beautiful grey babies! Just look at the cuteness!!

There's lots more pics of them on the website - click here if you fancy a look-see.

Jet and I are off to a water training day in a couple of weeks, and then the following week we've got some HPR gundog training so should have more to report soon.

Until then...take care x

HPR Grade 1 Assessment Result

2007-05-25T17:40:00.001Z

Our treck to Loughborough today for Jet's HPR test was well worth it - he achieved an overall score of 88/100 = MERIT! The only shame is that he was just 2 points short of a distinction! The things he was marked down on were just down to his general enthusiasm so although we've got a few bits to work on I'm chuffed to bits with him :) Plus, our assessor is a Field Trial judge and knows what he's talking about and looking for, so to score so well under the circumstances was an extra bonus.

The breakdown of Jet's assessment scores (graded on many different aspects), were:

Obedience: 35/40 (his heel work score was 9/10!! Yay!!!!)
Retrieving: 34/40
Hunting: 19/20

The assessment is part of a new scheme run by the Gundog Club who have launched these tests that are tailored to the different types of gundog, e.g. Retrievers (labs and the like), Spaniels, and HPR's (the hunt, point and retrieve sub group of gundogs which includes Weimaraners, German Shorthaired Pointers, Vizslas, Italian Spinones etc).

So - next stop....Grade 2! I also plan on entering some GWT's (gundog working tests) with Jet at a novice level to see how that goes.

-x-

Narrowboat weekend

2007-04-24T20:05:00.000Z

Well, once again, long time no post...! Today, however, I have some pictures to add to the blog from our weekend spent tootling about on the local waterways on a narrow boat. Random yes, but it was the brain child of my mother-in-law, which actually turned out to be very enjoyable, relaxing and good fun. As you can imagine, spending an entire weekend on the water - Jet was in seventh heaven! I was really luck to catch this shot of him in mid air flight, in hot pursuit of his floating kong as it was launched into the river...

He spent the majority of his time standing on his hind legs, peering over the edge of the boat into the water, thus:-

After a quiet spell on the show front, we've got two Championship shows coming up over the next few weeks, so - as always - keep those fingers crossed! x

Fantastic Critique!!

2007-03-23T14:28:00.000Z

I was very excited to see this write up from Hitchin and District CS, where Jet was awarded his first Best of Breed, in this week's Dog World newspaper....

"Vincent's Hollieseast Polarkreis. Showed like a seasoned campaigner, excellent throughout and not overdone in any way, just what a judge is looking for from head to tail, brilliant movement. Should easily become a Champion. Best of Breed."

(Judge: Mark Pooley, Marvach)

Dog World: March 23rd 2007

Now that is one glowing critique!!!! Lets hope that future Judges will share his vision for the future ;-D

BEST OF BREED!

2007-02-09T09:02:00.000Z

Last Sunday we had our biggest show win to date - at Hitchin & District Canine Society open show, after winning the Junior Class, Jet went on to be awarded Best of Breed!!! I am still grinning like an idiot almost a week later ;-) We had a fabulous day and the BOB was the icing on the proverbial cake. We are so proud of our clever boy. The judge was really taken by him so we're looking forward to reading his critique in the paper. A good start to the new show season, I hope to have more news of success to post here over the coming months.

Show off!

2007-01-07T15:12:00.000Z

Doing a spot of training with a pheasant from yesterday's shoot - the last of the season. We came home like a pair of drowned rats from spending four hours in the torrential rain! Joy! Still had a good day though :-)

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T16:09:00.000Z

Hi all,

Hope you've had a lovely Christmas - Happy New Year from all of us :) I've been so busy these past few weeks I've been neglecting the blog (shame, shame, shame on me!). SO, in response to my nag-bag of a cousin (Matt, you had better leave a comment!) - here's a bumper new year edition with all the news since my last post...and there's quite a lot of it - are you sitting comfortably?...

First of all our clever lad passed his Silver test (part of the Kennel Club's Good Citizen Dog Scheme) on 30th November 06. He already has his puppy foundation award and the Bronze certificate and in fairness he's been ready for the silver test since the age of about 9 months, but it was the first time the examiner could make it to the training club. Now we plan to work towards the Gold test - we can tick the boxes for most of the criteria with just a couple of things to work on so that'll keep us out of mischief.

We went to our first shoot on 9th December near Cambridge. We had THE most fantastic time, I still grin like an idiot when anyone asks me about it! I'd geared myself up for a slightly 'frosty' reception as because I was taking a Weimaraner rather than a labrador or a spaniel, but the people on the shoot couldn't have been nicer or more welcoming :) Our young lad was a little superstar - he certainly surpassed my expectations and really turned some heads. (I dread to think what people's preconceived notions were before our arrival on the scene, as they were even impressed at the fact that he sat whilst I tied my shoelace without me having to stand on the lead....?!?!? ). Anyhow, first of all I asked if we could go and pick up behind the guns so we were sent into the woodland for the first drive. Now given Jet's reaction to cold game (i.e. dancing and bouncing around a previously frozen pigeon and doing everything bar actually touching it) I had prepared myself to swallow my pride and to do whatever it took to encourage him to hold a bird in his mouth. Bless his heart, he saved me from the humiliation - he went over to the first pheasant and picked it up as though he'd been doing it all his life! I was completely stunned but sooooo thrilled! He was a little reluctant to bring the bird to me, but I figured it'd be best to let him parade around with the pheasant as it was obviously such a novelty. He picked up two more during that drive - I couldn't in all good concience say they were 'retrieved' per se, but he carried the birds so I was happy. As he's so good retreiving dummies when training etc, I worked on the basis that the retreiving of game will come with experience, when carrying a freshly dead bird isn't such a huge novelty.

For the next couple of drives we somehow ended up in the beating line..which I didn't think was ideal for our first outing but he didn't let me down - probably ranged out a little too far than would've been ideal (but then HPR's do range out further than e.g. spaniels), but he was hunting well and in a field of rape he went on point - steady as you like and remained steady as I aproached him and then flushed the bird on command. Because I'd obviously been concentrating on Jet, I was really shocked at the end of the drive when I realised all eyes had been on us - so many people came to speak to me about the grey beastie and were so impressed with the way he'd worked and his pointing. I remember one chap's comment in particular - he was shooting and had two impeccably behaved labradors but he told me how much he'd enjoyed watching Jet work, how great it was to see a dog under such good control and that seeing the point had..and I quote...'made his day' and then he thanked me for bringing him!! Sorry to ramble on but I was really quite taken aback!

Other parts of our adventure included hitching a lift on the back of a pick up, (with me having to hold on to Jet as he couldn't steady himself properly - I had visions of him slipping off the back as we drove through the field, lol! ) and riding about in the back of a transit van sitting on straw bales with the rest of the beaters, a lab and a spaniel. Jet saw his first fox on the last drive before lunch and looked to give chase as it bolted out of the woods but he was easily recalled - phew! Temptation crossed his path again soon after when he was working along a hedgerow and a rabbit ran past him only inches from his nose. I told him 'no' and he left well alone! Hurrah!!! I stayed for lunch and had a chat but then dicided to call it a day. I'm sure Jet would've been able to carry on if I'd asked him to but he was starting to look tired on the way back to the farm in the van. As he's still only 15 months old I thought that the 4 hours of work in the morning was more than enough for our first outing, particularly with all the things we encountered in that time! All in all, I left after lunch feeling as though we'd actually been relatively useful rather than just tagging along (which is what I'd originally planned on doing). The other members of the shoot hoped that I'd be going back again after xmas and I definitely plan to (all I need to do now is convince James that me taking the dog to a shoot on his birthday weekend in January is a good idea.... !For Christmas we went back to Cornwall to stay with my Grandad. Jet and Pip (the cat) came with us and had a great time. On Christmas day, after the lunch time indulgence, we took our nieces and the Jetster to Maenporth beach which was great fun - look at these happy faces:

Back at Grandad's, here's feeding time at the zoo...

Now we're back at home and today my trusty assistant 'helped' me in the garden. In fact, his head was almost planted on more than one occasion because his face was constantly in the midst of whatever I was doing!

Et voila! Now you're all up to date! New year's resolution no. 1 - to update the blog in a more timely fashion! ;-)

xxx

Seasons Greetings!

2006-12-22T16:37:00.000Z

Merry Christmas to you all from all of us xxx

p.s. To Nana Eve - thank you for my vet bed! Love from Jet x

Edinburgh pics at long last

2006-11-18T19:26:00.000Z

Good grief, it's really not like me to be so slack with updating the blog but things have been very busy and this is the first free moment I've had! Anyhow, as promised, here are some photos taken during our weekend in Scotland, starting with the Championship Show.

Like father, like son....

You would be forgiven for thinking this was a picture of Jet, acutally, I had to look twice - it is in fact a photo of his dad! He was at the show too and it was lovely to see him again. Now I can see where Jet gets that guilty/sadsack expression from..! (Although I think his lovely mum, Klara, may have contributed also...especially when a camera is pointed in her direction!)

Here's us doing our stuff in the ring. This was the Junior Dog class. I'm still chuffed to bits that we were placed 4th - it was a strong class of 10 dogs so we did pretty well. (Eve, if you're looking at this picture, don't worry, I readjusted his front feet!!). And lets not forget that we won the Novice Dog class : )

Amazingly, the horrid weather passed over by the time we left the show venue, so it was a nice afternoon for us to go to Holyrood Park and climb Arthur's Seat. Apparently Holyrood Park covers around 650 acres and is slap bang in the middle of the city! Here's a wee history/geography lesson for you: Arthur's seat is actually an extinct volcano and has had its name since the 15th Century. I have to say that I'm glad it is extinct - the experience was hair-raising enough due to the strong gusts of wind that almost knocked me over from the top on more than one occasion..! The view was beautiful though - the Edinburgh skyline, the castle, the Pentlands, the Forth Bridge...

James, Rachel and myself climbed up to the top of Arthur's Seat, whereas Jet must've whizzed up and down at least four times. Where does he get all that energy?!?! (Forget caffeine, perhaps eating dog food is the way forward..). Here's the beastie - being a poser - as usual!

I think the following picture conveys how bl**dy windy it was at the top!

Having descended from the would-be mountain, (and gone to the yard to get the horses in) we went back to Rachel's flat, where Jet and I flaked out and watched Rachel and James cook. Yes, that's right, James was in the kitchen AND assisted with food preparation which was definitely cause for a photo in case I thought I'd dreamt it!

We had a brilliant weekend and hope we can go back and do it again some time (if Rachel will have us.....) x

Our weekend in Edinburgh

2006-11-13T09:45:00.000Z

Just a fleeting post to say that we were at the Gundog Breeds Association of Scotland on Saturday - Jet was placed 4th in a strong class of 10 dogs in Junior Dog and then won the Novice Dog class!! Am really chuffed! After the show we went on an adventure climbing Arthur's Seat in Holyrood Park. A full account of our weekend plus pictures to follow...

-x-

Remembrance Sunday

2006-11-12T09:33:00.000Z

The puppy wearing his poppy with pride.

What's yours is mine....

2006-11-03T09:39:00.000Z

Now I really have seen it all... To think that when we were getting the house ready for the arrival of the wee beastie, we considered putting the cat's food bowl on a raised surface so that the puppy couldn't get at it.

Ironically, even though Mog is still fed on the floor, Jet never touches her food, yet she will quite happily tuck into his if he's not quick enough. Neither does she seem to be deterred by the fact that it his bowl is up on a feeding stand. Clearly this is what her diet rations have driven her to!

On point

2006-10-26T13:34:00.000Z

I'm afraid the quality of this pic isn't too great as I took it with the camera on my mobile. Still, better than nothing I guess. Here's our boy doing his thing at lunch time today..

More counting

2006-10-23T10:37:00.000Z

Just thought you'd like to see some pics from our second game count on Sunday (thanks to Archie's owner, Chris for the third photo). It was on different ground to last week's. We trapsed around the countryside for 4 hours and counted just one poxy bird! ONE! And it wasn't even a partridge, it was a hen pheasant! Still, we both enjoyed it, despite the rain, and Jet got some more experience of different working conditions - I sent him to a woodland ditch at the edge of the field which he had to work without me being in sight. Bless him, I thought he'd panick when he realised he couldn't see me but he was evidently 'in the zone' and hunted the area before coming back to me in the field. We also had to pass a pen and cover crop that the dogs weren't allowed into under any circumstances. This was a real achievement as the scent of birds in this area would've been very strong but I told Jet 'no' and he did as he was told. It's all going so well I keep waiting for him to turn into a disobedient monster comensurate with his age and 'teenager' status but so far, so good (hope I haven't spoken too soon!). Here are some photos from the day, starting with Jet working a hedge with two vizslas and ending with me looking like some sort of bag lady. (I've yet to find a way to combine dog training with glamour).

A wonderful end to a great weekend

2006-10-15T16:27:00.000Z

Weimaraner Club of Great Britain - Open Show

Hurrah! Just when I thought this weekend couldn't get any better after yesterday's efforts and praise, we've come home from the WCGB open show with 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes (Maiden Dog, Junior Dog and Novice Dog) and the Silvermist Weimaraner Trophy for Best Maiden Dog! My face aches from smiling so much!

[pictures to follow]

All in a day's work

2006-10-14T16:36:00.000Z

Today we did our bit for the Game Conservancy Trust and went along to a partridge count near Market Harborough. We've walked miles! There were 5 dogs in the group to begin with, joined by another 4 after the first two fields. Jet was the second youngest there but worked very well, he's becoming quite a stylish little hunter - quartering the ground and doing some lovely pointing. In total he sent up one french partridge, 4 hen pheasants and 3 cock pheasants which was very good going!

Jackie, the trainer, was really impressed with him (and also my handling apparently...not bad for a self-taught novice, eh!!) and couldn't believe how responsive he was to the whistle for a dog as young as he is. Needless to say I've come home looking like the Cheshire Cat! I'm very proud of him (feeling quite pleased with myself too, truth be known!) and we had a great day.

I was also amazed to see Jet continue working even though there were lots of other dogs bounding about. By the time we reached the end of the first field he'd really got his head down and concentrated on the job in hand. The only time he was distracted was when two female vizslas came dashing over to play, and later two GSP (German shorthaired pointer) bitches did the same thing - it seems all the girly dogs fancied Jet (and should be commended for their good taste!).

When we were standing around waiting for the others to join us, Jet played really nicely with a young puppy bitch (8 months old) who was very timmid and lacked confidence. You could have bowled me over when I realised how gentle Jet was being with her - usually most dogs get slam-dunked, but not Grace, she managed to bring out his gentler side which just goes to show what a good natured boy he is :)

All the other handlers there were very friendly so I'm looking forward to the first formal training class we attend, which will probably be next month. It'll be slightly different to the classes we went to before, in that this will be specific training for HPR (hunt point and retrieve) gundog breeds rather than the generalised class from a few months back that helped us get to grips with the basics. Watch this space for more news on our up-and-coming Field Trial Champion (well you've got to aim high, haven't you!).

Synchronised swimming

2006-09-27T11:26:00.000Z

Here's Jet and Max enjoying the water yesterday, bless 'em!

The curse of the ball on the rope...

2006-09-24T11:47:00.000Z

Something like losing a ball on a rope wouldn't usually be an important enough event to publish a post about, however, over previous months, we've managed to lose no less than FIVE of the blummin' things, all in close succession! A small ball on a rope is great as it's little enough to fit in my pocket when we go for a walk if I'm not taking the bag or dummies and other training kit. The first one was lost up a tree (yes, up a tree...don't ask..). Undeterred by this we purchased a second one which was subsequently lost at sea in Cornwall (again this was blamed on my throwing - but how can I help it if the waves took it?!). The third one was lost beneath the reeds and stinky mud in a scummy pond (Jet's fault, not mine). The fourth one had a narrow escape - it was almost lost in a grass and mud filled ditch (read trench - we have deep ditches around these parts!) thanks to my best friend's fiance, but just as we were about to give up hope, we spotted it. Jet was sent in to retrieve it and in the process got covered (and apart from the top quarter of his body, I do mean covered) in mud. Still, I was relieved to have got the ball back, thinking that perhaps our run of bad luck was finally changing. As Jet was completely filthy, I took him down to the river for a swim to clean him off and guess what...... we lost the ball in the river! AARRRRGGGHHHH! As James had purchased ball number 4, I felt guilty that it'd been lost (but not a bit surprised) and so went out to buy ball number five. Foolish Girl. On the first throw, the ball somehow detactched itself from its anchor so I was left standing with a poxy piece of rope with nowt on the end of it. God alone knows where the ball went. Think we'll have a rethink for another toy to take out with us.

Show critique (East of England)

2006-09-14T11:49:00.000Z

We seem to be on a roll of Jet's critiques going to press at the moment :) Here's today's instalment (Dog World 14/9/06) from the East of England championship show, where Jet won the Novice Dog class under judge Alan Hampshire:

"1. Hollieseast Polarkreis, well off for bone, masculine head, good length of ear, kind expression, clean neck, level topline, nice depth, straight front & good rear quarters, moved well."

So that's another good addition to the school report!!

We've got a couple of shows coming up this weekend so keep those fingers crossed for some good placings.

Birthday Edition

2006-09-09T20:34:00.000Z

I think it's fair to say that I haven't a clue as to where this year has disappeared to, but the grey beastie is 1 today! Happy birthday also to Kenzie, Skye and Jet's other brother (Ronnie) and sister (Klara), wherever they may be.

Achievements

Aside from being the bestest puppy in the world, what else has Jet been up to in his first year of his eventful life? Here's a summary...

Obtained his Kennel Club GCDS Puppy Foundation Award at 5 months
Qualified for Crufts 2007 at his first Championship show at the tender age of 6 months
Obtained his GCDS Bronze award at 8 months
Awarded Best Puppy in Breed at 4 shows
Winner of the Flimoric Trophy for BIPB at Mid Herts Gundog Club
Won 1st place at 6 shows, both at open and championship level
Took to the water and swam at 8 months
Moved up to the compeition level class at obedience training at 11 months

Here are some photos taken today of Hollieseast Polarkreis, aka 'the Jetster' on his 1st birthday.

"The sun is shining, the postman's been...."

"Where'd it go??"

What a handsome lad :)

2006-09-09T20:30:00.000Z

"I know what's up here...."

"...Ta-da!" (This lake is our best kept secret!)

"Just throw the damn dummy"

Jet is pictured here demonstrating "the look", which combines that not-so-subtle blend of disdain and superiority common to all weimaraners

"The Hiroshima", Jet's favourite dive technique

(What a stealthy gundog he's becoming..!)

Waterbaby

There are lots of things that Jet enjoys but I think swimming has to be his most favourite pastime

Latest show critique (Leeds)

2006-09-09T08:43:00.000Z

This is Jet's latest critique to appear in the Dog Press (Our Dogs 8/9/06) from Leeds championship show back in July. Jet came second out of 9 dogs in the puppy class, and second out of 6 dogs in novice. This is what judge Margaret Holmes had to say about him:

"..2. Vincent's Hollieseast Polarkreis. Already very male. Well balanced, good reach of neck and straight front. Not the depth of brisket of (1), but movement is very good, coming, going and in profile."

After the battle I've had with getting him to move nicely, this has made my day :)

Glowing report :)

2006-09-01T08:14:00.000Z

The judge's critique from the East of England Ladies Kennel Society open show, where Jet won the puppy class and was awarded Best Puppy in Breed, has been published in the paper (Our Dogs 1/9/06). It reads as follows...

1. Hollieseast Polarkreis. Mature 10 mnth d who appealed to me for his all round shape & his super temperement. Liked his head proportions, correct bite, gd nose & ey pigment & correct ear length. Forechest developing well & brisket has already dropped. Gd height to length ratio, well muscled quarters & correct tail set. Excellent coat colour, consistent with his breeding. Liked him a lot, BP.

Anyone for skittles??

2006-08-29T11:30:00.000Z

What a start to the working week. This morning I was completely bowled over by the pupster...in the most literal sense of the term. I recalled him, and he came whizzing back to me at an alarming speed. The problem, however, was that the beastliest of grey beasties didn't deem it necessary to slow down on his approach, ran straight into my knees and shins and sent me flying 'base over apex' into the mud!! What else can you do when lying in a most undignified manner in a muddy field neighbouring the cycle path but laugh?! Usually when James or I sit on the floor at home Jet climbs all over us but this morning he seemed to realise the gravity of the situation and skulked around until I got up and reassured him that it was ok. Perhaps he was nervous because he didn't recognise the words that came out of my mouth as I hit the deck..! Ahh the joys of dog ownership! Still, it was a lightening quick recall so I should be pleased about that and turn a blind eye to the aches and pains in my arms and legs and the mud that is currently coating my trousers.

What do you do....

2006-08-28T10:57:00.000Z

...when you're stuck for somewhere to walk the dog? James and I were in Poole at my youngest cousin's wedding last Sunday. In the break between the wedding breakfast and the cutting of the cake in the evening we popped out to take the hound for a run. The only problem was that we were at a very posh hotel and all that was surrounding us were other hotels, the road and the sea. Not to be deterred by such details, James suggested that we get on the ferry that crosses the entrance to Poole Harbour between Sandbanks Peninsular (where we were) and Shell Bay in Swanage!

We embarked the ferry, still dolled up in our best wedding attire, with the grey beastie doing his level best to make me look as daft as possible, tottering along in my high heeled sling backs and strapless dress! (To be honest I think he did a pretty good job of it too judging by the looks we were getting)!!

Once safely on the other side we set off towards the beach that luckily for us was dog friendly. At this point I was having to carry my shoes as their design wasn't exactly conducive to walking through sand and climbing up sand dunes. Stange that. Anyhow, the main thing is that Jet had a great time jumping about in the sand and running around as though his life depeneded on it.

This is the view of the beach from the ferry...

It was probably quite fortunate that we had to turn around and make our way back when we did as we later discovered that further along the bay is a nudist beach!! On the return ferry journey we stood next to a chap who told us he liked dogs. Good job really as Jet decided to copy what the man was doing and promptly stood on his hind legs, put his front paws on the edge of the ferry and looked over into the water, then back up at the chap standing next to him. It was quite comical to watch and when I turned around I saw that the people that were sitting in their cars were smiling.

Ahhh, bless!

2006-08-25T10:49:00.000Z

Despite being 11 months old, it would seem that our boy is still just a big baby.

Wellies in Wales

2006-08-24T20:10:00.000Z

As we we'd entered the WKC champ show in Builth Wells, we decided to make a bit of a mini break of the weekend trip and booked a pitch at a campsite near the show ground at Fforest Fields. What an entertaining stay we had! The first night it rained so hard it sounded like rapid machine gun fire as the water droplets hit the tent, the wind was howling and to top it all off, our noisey neighbours (see below) kept breaking into choruses of baaaa-ing. Believe me, if we'd taken a BBQ there'd have been lamb chops all round!

Jet had the right idea...(yes that is a sheep bone he's got in his mouth...)

We awoke on Sunday morning - the 20th August - our first wedding anniversary, and the day began like this (just passing were you Jet?):

Actually...that's not strictly true; to say that we "awoke" would infer that we had slept and I'm fairly certain that's not the case! When we left the show we went for a lovely walk in the hills surrounding the campsite. The photo below shows one of one of the smaller ones with Jet and I at the bottom for scale. To some this may not seem much, but to a family that lives in the notoriously flat and hill-free Fens, this was a veritable mountain!

The appearance of a patch of blue sky was enough to warrant a photo as it's the only bit of sky we saw that wasn't covered by rain clouds for the entire day!

Wellies in Wales - part 2

2006-08-24T20:01:00.000Z

The following day - Monday, the day we were due to leave the campsite, low and behold, the weather was glorious! Are we surprised? Not a bit of it. Anyhow, at least it was dry to dismantle the tent and pack away our gear. Here's Jet taking it easy in his camp bed..

Later in the day, after a trek on horseback across Pennybont Common, we drove down to the Brecon Beacons - what a beautiful part of the country. Needless to say, Speedie Gonzales (aka Jet), the fastest and most intrepid explorer in the East, had the time of his life whilst we tootled along behind taking in the spectacular scenery.

How is it, by the way, that our dog can detect water or mud, or even better - a combination of the two, where ever we are - even half way up a hoofing great hill?!!

He must have a built-in 'how-to-get-dirty-as-quickly-as-possible' radar. Infact I have a feeling these come as standard in all weimaraners...

Welsh Kennel Club Champ Show

2006-08-22T20:04:00.000Z

On Sunday Jet was placed 3rd in Novice Dog at the WKC championship show. It absolutely p'eed it down with rain, the ground was like a bog and we had to show the dogs under cover. What better way to spend your first wedding anniversary..!!

Come on, let's go!

2006-08-19T23:49:00.000Z

Yikes!!

2006-08-19T20:55:00.000Z

Just look at the expression on Jet's face! Ha! It looks as though he's just realised how big Max's teeth are and that they're headed straight for him!

Weimaraners á trois

2006-08-19T12:04:00.000Z

Bunny Weims

2006-08-19T12:02:00.000Z

Just look at those ears! This is Jet with his best mate Max, having a good old game yesterday.

Beautiful Skye

2006-08-14T15:04:00.000Z

Look at Jet's gorgeous sister! This is Hollieseast Primaperle, known to her family and friends as Skye. Isn't she a sweetie! Thanks to Mike and Adehl for the photo :)

What a dummy...

2006-08-13T10:16:00.000Z

Just thought I'd share this with you - one of those situations that's really annoying at the time but you can't help but look back and laugh...

I took the boy out for a walk when we got back from the show and the long old drive home from Bournemouth. It was blowing a gale, but no matter - our little man had behaved very well at the show, strutting his stuff in the ring and doing us proud, so donning my winter coat and boots to venture into the great outdoors was the least I could do in return. Jet, being a true gundog through and through was of course completely undeterred by the inclement weather, leaving me trudging along the footpath against the head wind to get straight into the river. I'd brought along his newest dummy and since he was so keen to be swimming (mad animal!), I decided to do some water retrieves with him. Now James is always taking the mickey out of my throwing abilities (or rather lack of them..), but on this occasion it would've been with good cause. Whilst aiming for the middle of the river, I somehow managed to throw the dummy into the reeds near the bank. Jet went leaping in to the water in hot persuit of said dummy, expecting it to have gone further out and unwittingly pushed it beneeth the reeds in the process, rendering it no longer visible. To be honest I was fairly thankful of the weather conditions as it meant that I was on my own and no other dog walkers were about to witness the ensuing struggle to retreive the dummy from its underwater prison. After much gesticulation towards the site of the dummy saying "fetch it" on my part and much swimming around in circles in bemusement on Jet's part, I decided that the only likely sucessful course of action was to get the s*dding thing myself. Of course, as you'd expect in such a situation, the dummy was just out of arm's reach - and can a stick be found when you need one? Like hell it can! So there I am, crouching down, literally teetering at the edge of the riverbank, prodding at the dummy with a piece of reed that just kept bending in a very uncooperative fashion, the spineless plant! After a good deal of patience and perseverence, slowly but surely the dummy was brought closer. I made one final reach to get it and ended up immersing my foot and indeed my right leg in the water. Please note than when I said I was wearing boots, I mean the walking sort as opposed to the wellignton variety. Naturally...

Anyway, despite my soaking foot and jeans I'd got the dummy back so it was a worthy cause. I recalled the dog out of the water, made him sit on the bank and wait whilst I threw the wayward dummy back into the river (properly this time) and it went a good distance. What I had failed to realise was that there must have been a rip in the material, as no sooner did the dummy hit the surface of the water, it bl**dy well SANK!!!!!!!!!!!! Aaaarrrrgggggh!! This confused Jet no end and bless his heart he swam up and down, across and back in a tireless search for that godforsaken dummy. Eventually I managed to get him out of the river and we continued on our walk (step, squelch, step, squelch...). On the way back Jet made one last ditch attempt to find it, diving back into the river and doing a few more lengths just to make absolutely sure. When we arrived back at the car, whilst towelling off the dripping wet dog...yep, you've guessed it..joy of joys, the heavens opened and the rains came down with a vengeance - so then we were a matching pair (of drowned rats).

Never let it be said that I'm not a dedicated dog owner!!!!

Bournemouth Championship Show

2006-08-13T10:06:00.000Z

Latest show news: Jet was awarded reserve (4th) in the Novice Dog class at Bournemouth yesterday (what I probably shouldn't mention is that there were only four dogs in the class, ha ha...!). Oh well, nevermind, we still took the best dog home.....leaving Jet behind....

Just kidding! :) He's still our best boy.

East of England Ladies Kennel Society Open Show

2006-08-06T19:58:00.000Z

Hurrah! We left the open show today with a first in the puppy class and Jet's fourth Best Puppy in Breed :) The judge loved him so much I thought she was going to try and take him home..!! She told me afterwards that she'd considered him for Reserve Best of Breed when we were in the ring with the adults but unfortunatley we missed out as he was a big fidgety on the stand. Ah well...to even be considered for RBOB was great in itself! It was a hot day but Jet did well and moved better than he has been of late so that's good progress.

Puppy Love

2006-08-06T19:53:00.000Z

Look at this pair of cuties! I think Jet fell in love to day with a girlie weim by the name of Tasha. They were absolutely adorable together. They copied one another and had to have whatever the other one was having - including water. Tash decided that water tasted better from Jet's dish than her own so every time I poured Jet a drink Tash would drink it....and he stood back and let her! (So I had to keep taking him to one side to give him water, lol!). As the afternoon wore on they lay down next to each other and Tash fell asleep with her head on Jet's leg. Very sweet to watch them together.

Family success

2006-08-06T19:32:00.000Z

Unfortunately due to a prior engagement we weren't able to go to the National Gundog Championship show today but if we had been there I'm sure the judge would have liked our boy as his dad (Sireva State Coach) won the Limit Dog class and went on to be awarded the RDCC (reserve best dog), whilst Jet's half sister (Sireva Statement about Minstergate) won the Junior Bitch class :)

Movin' on up

2006-08-04T11:02:00.000Z

Yesterday evening, much to my surprise and delight, the head instructor at our training club informed me that she was moving Jet and I up a class next week - into the COMPETITION OBEDIENCE group!!! Flippin' 'eck! He did beautiful heel work with changes of directions and halts, his recalls were spot on as were his sit stays and down stays, so off we go up to the next class :) He'll be doing his Silver Test in a few weeks - the next in the series of the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme - he's been ready for a while and so should pass with flying colours (famous last words.....)!! I shall keep you posted x

Blimey!

2006-08-02T14:35:00.000Z

Well, we really seem to be getting somewhere on the gundog training front and after lots of work on the stop whistle Jet finally seems to understand that it means 'stop where you are' rather than 'come back to me and then stop'!! (Bless). On this afternoon's walk, even though he'd locked on to a large, fast moving white object that was flying across the field (turned out to be a plastic bag..!), he remained in the sit after I blew the whistle like a clever boy! :) I also managed to stop him at a distance of about 15 metres, used the hand signal for 'lie down'...........and he did!!!!!! Hurrah! (Then he was naughty and ran through the hedge to get to his friend the GSP bitch who was in the field next door...but we'll over look that!).

Gundog training

2006-07-25T13:20:00.000Z

Last night's training session was..err..eventful shall we say! In a good way mind, we just got through quite a few exercises and did a lot of new things so we were both pooped afterwards!

Jet was introduced to cold game for the first time (cold game = fancy term for pigeon that's been taken out of the freezer....how lovely). Jet was hilarious to watch - he was absolutely fascinated when he was shown the bird and was very excited about it, however, he was more than a little reluctant to hold it in his mouth! When it was cast out on the ground, I sent him out to retrieve it. He ran to get it and then did everything but pick it up! He danced around it, reared up at it and pulled faces at it (Rach (E), if you're reading this, I mean the sort of faces he used to pull at a piece of apple in our office..!). Long story short there was much bounding about, but all the while he made sure he didn't actually touch the bird! I am assured his first response is nothing to be concerned about; more often than not dogs have to be gradually introduced to feathers before they'll confidently pick up a bird, so we'll have to work on that one.

Later on in the session we worked on the dogs' steadiness to fur. One of the instructors had a dummy covered in rabbit skin on the end of a long line which she dragged around where the dogs were sitting (all sounds a bit gruesome really doesn't it. Sorry.). You should have seen their faces! All eyes were on stalks! To begin with Jet could barely contain himself and although he remained in a sit (very good), he was squeeking with excitement (the great Jessie!). As the exercise was repeted he became more relaxed and while he remained intrigued, he bore less resemblance to a coiled spring than he had done intially.

What else did we have to do...ah yes, we had to work on recalls from a fair distance across the field with the dogs positioned so that they were running past one another to return to their respective handlers. Again we completed this task without any problems. Another exercise was to leave the dogs in a sit, spaced out around the top end of the field. We then left the dogs and walked away to a different part of the field and were instruced, one by one, to recall our dogs (using the whistle) whilst the remaining dogs had to stay where they were. First time around Jet gave a text book performance, keeping his eyes on me and not repsonding to any of the other whisltes, just mine (isn't it amazing that they can differentiate between all those whistles?). On the second attempt, Jet looked to run to me when someone else blew their whistle to recall their labrador....so I used the stop whistle that we've been working on over the past few weeks and he responded immediately - (brilliant!), staying where he was until it was his turn to be recalled (but when I finally blew the whistle he hesitated first to make sure it really was his turn, bless him)!!

Th other dogs in our class are: Kougar the English Springer, Billy the working cocker spaniel, Maizie and Porsche - both yellow labs. The grey beastie is the youngest but our instructors have both said how well we're doing and that it's excellent to see a 10 month old weimaraner under such good control (lol!!!). Training is a full time job in itself, but it's definitely worth it. Once again he's done us proud ;-)

The Wall of Fame

2006-07-23T15:45:00.000Z

Well...the pinboard actually...

Obviously bits of card and ribbon aren't the be-all and end-all, but as we're new to the show world we're really proud of his prizes and just thought you'd like to see! The shield is the one he won at the Mid Herts Gundog Club open show a few months back.

Leeds Championship Show

2006-07-23T14:43:00.000Z

I am grinning like the Cheshire cat - we left Leeds show ground with a really good result - a 2nd in Puppy Dog (9 entries) and a 2nd in Novice Dog (6 entries) under judge Margaret Holmes. We were also congratulated by some of our fellow exhibitors as we left the ring which was nice. It's been a brilliant day - I feel as though my hard work and determination is starting to pay off. As I'm often reminded, for a beginner such as myself handling their first show dog, to get placed at Championship level at all is quite an achievement..getting two 2nd's in classes of that size is brill :0) V happy indeed.

Here are the internet links to results from some of the Championship shows we've been to this year:

Southern Counties (MPD - minor puppy dog) http://www.highampress.co.uk/scca/weimaran.htm

Windsor (PD - puppy dog)
http://www.highampress.co.uk/windsor/weimaran.htm

Paignton (PD)
http://www.highampress.co.uk/paignton/weimaran.htm

Leeds (PD; ND - novice dog)
ttp://www.highampress.co.uk/leeds/weimaran.htm

Update

2006-07-22T12:22:00.000Z

Hi Folks,

This is an update of the revamping variety. As Jet's blog was set up a fair old while ago now I decided it was time for a bit of an overhaul, starting with the colour scheme. Originally it was black ('Jet') but I felt this new one gave more of an outdoorsy feel - and outdoors is where the grey beastie loves to be best (shame there isn't a water colour scheme - that would've been perfect)!

Can I make a heart felt plea?? Please leave us a message!! We have a grand total of three, the first of which was from a complete stranger who happened to come across the blog! We are feeling very unloved! Just pick your favourite pic (!) and say hi :-)

We are off to another show tomorrow - in Leeds, so keep your fingers crossed for a good result.

x

East of England Championship Show

2006-07-19T14:47:00.000Z

At last, another red rosette can be added to our collection as Jet won the Novice class at the show today. Unfortunately he wasn't placed in the puppy class but we'll chalk that one up to experience and move on. He was a good boy for me in the ring and that's the main thing (as he can be a wriggly little so-and-so at times)!

Beach Boy

2006-07-17T09:59:00.000Z

We've just spent a lovely weekend in Cornwall visiting our family. It was beautiful weather so it seemed rude not to give Jet a proper introduction to the seaside! Here are some pictures taken at Kennack Sands on the south coast.

"Can we go over there to play? Pleeease? Can we, huh? huh?"

What a view....(sigh)....we miss Cornwall!

"Corrr, just look at all that water!"

"Whoopeeeeeee!"

"Catch me if you can!"

Paignton Championship Show

2006-07-15T18:55:00.000Z

Yesterday was a good start to our holiday weekend - Jet was placed 3rd in Puppy. Lets hope this upward trend continues - we could do with a bit more red on the rosette board!

Clowning around!

2006-07-11T20:32:00.000Z

I don't think there's really a great deal I can say about these pics, the boy is a natural comedian, the blummin' great loon! (It's hard to choose, but I think the third pic is my personal favourite).

Perhaps this Jet's little reminder to us all not to take life to seriously!

10 months old today

2006-07-09T20:19:00.000Z

Good Lord! Will you just look at how much this great lump has grown in the past 8 months! Just to recap, here's what he looked like at 7 weeks and 6 days...

..compared with now..! We've used the sofa for scale as unfortunately poor old Ratty didn't make it.

Peterborough & District Canine Society Open Show

2006-07-09T17:06:00.000Z

Just thought I'd post a wee bit of good news. Jet came second in the junior class today and was awarded his third Best Puppy in Breed at open show level :-) The judge said she was delighted to award BPIB to our boy and told me how lovely she thought he was!

On Friday we're off to Paignton to our next Championship show so keep those fingers crossed for a good result!

Until next time....

x

Suffolk Open Show - Critique

2006-07-07T14:18:00.000Z

The judge's write up from Suffolk Agricultural Association open show, where Jet won his second Best Puppy in Breed, has been printed in the dog press (Our Dogs, 7th July 2006). Here's what judge Ray Strudwick had to say about Jet:

"1. Vincent's Hollieseast Polarkreis - BP. Good size male, balanced in head, lengthy neck into good lay of shoulder, well angulated quarters, just needs to steady on the move"

..yeah, and don't I know it! Trying to get him to move nicely around the ring is certainly proving to be a challenge!

Windsor Championship Show

2006-07-02T17:45:00.000Z

Hmm..there seems to be a rather regal theme to our weekend - yesterday Sandringham, today Windsor - the venue of a championship show we had entered. Jet was awarded VHC (very highly commended; 5th) in the puppy class out of an entry of 11 dogs. Considering how hot it was (38 degrees on the show field!!) he was pretty good. Stood nicely but unfortunately he moved like an old goat :-( Still, like the old saying goes.."you win some, you lose some". On the way home we took him swimming at the river near our home so he's happy (and a lot cooler) now.

If you go down to the woods today...

2006-07-01T16:37:00.000Z

You're sure of a big surprise....

Like running into your half sister!

We went for a walk and a picnic today at Sandringham. We decided it'd be better to walk in the woods as it was so hot (30 degrees) . The grounds at Sandringham cover acres and acres of land and there was hardly anyone about...yet who should we see walking along the path towards us but a couple walking a beautiful pale weimaraner bitch that turned out to be Jet's half sister! She looks just like their mum, Klara. Very pretty. We had a chat with her owners whilst Jet and Amber played chase. It was really lovely to meet them. Small world eh!

Happy days!

2006-06-23T20:52:00.000Z

What a happy little face.

Hot dog

2006-06-23T19:53:00.000Z

Poor Jet's getting a wee bit fed up with this heat wave and having to wait until the evening for a decent walk. Mind you, it doesn't really cool down even then - yesterday it was still 20-odd degrees at 7.30pm! Anyway, he does his level best to make his feelings known by lying in a very prominent position, such as the kitchen doorway, with this feeble look on his face. Bless.

Cooling off

2006-06-07T14:50:00.000Z

Look at the horrid green sliminess of this water!! Beastly dog!! Why just have a drink when you can stand in the trough? (Actually, it was so horrible am quite glad he didn't drink it!). I'm all for keeping up the practice with his new found water skills, but honestly!! Needless to say a certain young man got a hosing off after his walk.

Southern Counties Championship Show

2006-06-04T14:59:00.000Z

Hurrah! News from the latest show: I am pleased to report that Jet was placed 2nd in Minor Puppy!

Another win!

2006-06-01T19:58:00.000Z

Suffolk Agricultural Society Open Show

Well, what a fab day we've had. I took Jet to an open show today - on my lonesome I might add as James had to work. There was me thinking that it would just be a small affair and it turned out to be a huge county show (for those blog fans residing in the Royal Duchy, we're talking the size of the Royal Cornwall!). Anyhow, Jet won the puppy class and was awarded his second Best Puppy in Breed! The win aside, we met some really nice, friendly and very helpful people which, for me, was the icing on the proverbial cake.

Duvet hijacker

2006-05-31T07:50:00.000Z

I found this picture today that I took with my camera phone. It was just before xmas last year and I was really poorly, hence duvet in living room. If memory serves, I'd got up to be sick (yuk, sorry) and came back to find my bed had been hijacked by his lordship. How do they always manage to look cute enough that you don't want to disturb them..?!? Jet would have been 3 months old in this photo.

Pictures of Jet's first swim!

2006-05-28T20:31:00.000Z

We were invited to a Puppy Play Day at Widmerpool today, where Jet swam for the first time! He was even awarded a certificate to mark this memorable occasion! The event was hosted by the GSPA (German Shorthaired Pointer Association) in aid of rescue and although the day was open to all HPR breeds, Jet was the only weimaraner. We had a brilliant day and met some really nice people. Jet had lots of fun with the other dogs and is now spark-out in his bed, sound asleep! The chap who was teaching us in the puppy/novice group was very complimentary about Jet and the stage of training we'd got to with him. He also said he was a brave puppy and would be a good water dog - our lad was first of the pups to go in the water and swam first time to retrieve his beloved canvas dummy! :-)

The only way to travel

2006-05-27T20:05:00.000Z

I have never known a dog to be so chilled in a car as this one. Mind you, it's a good job he's happy on car journeys considering the amount of miles we notch up from one week to the next! Here he is in his crate in the boot of the car lying in his preferred travel position - on his back with legs akimbo. Delightful.

Good Citizen

2006-05-27T19:48:00.000Z

At the age of 8 months, Jet has been awarded his bronze certificate for the Good Citizen Dog Scheme run by the Kennel Club. He took his test yesterday and passed with flying colours (naturally!!). This is the follow up to his Puppy Foundation award back in February and now we're working towards passing the Silver test.

Idless Woods

2006-05-23T02:56:00.000Z

James, Jet and I took a trip down to Cornwall last weekend to visit the family. On Sunday morning we got up early to take the hound for a walk in Idless Woods near Truro before going out for lunch. The woods are owned by the Forestry Commission and usually it's a lovely place to be. On this occasion however, the wind, rain and mud took some of the pleasure out of the walk for us. Not for Jet mind - oh no, he had a fantastic time! The more muddy puddles the better as far as he's concerned!

I think the overall mood is conveyed pretty well by this picture of me, soaking wet, complete with poo bag to carry with us for the rest of the walk. Nice. Ahh, the joys of dog ownership!

I'm not entierely sure what he's doing or why but it would appear that Jet is running with his eyes closed! Maybe the shutter speed on the camera is so super fast it caught him blinking? Probably more likely he's squinting against the weather conditions (they weren't good, believe me!).

Mid Herts Gundog Club open show

2006-05-14T19:06:00.000Z

Wow, what a day! Jet won the puppy class and then the Flimmoric trophy for Best Puppy in Breed! His name will join that of his half sister Kiri - Hollieseast Novekirschen - on the trophy (she won BPIB as well as BPIS back in 2003). Despite being quite tired and v wriggly by the time the Best in Show judging started in the afternoon, Jet was short listed into the final 8 for BPIS (best puppy in show). Although he wasn't placed, we are still over the moon as we hadn't expected to get as far as we did. After awarding us with BPIB, the judge told me how "really lovely" she thought Jet was. I hope her critique will be published, I can't wait to read it!!

This photo is Jet and I watching the adult dogs in the Best in Show ring - watching and learning!! Not content with sitting beside me on the floor Jet somehow managed to get his front half on my lap (which is about all that will fit nowadays)!

Congratulations to Jet's sister!

2006-05-09T13:18:00.000Z

Last weekend when we were at our first champ show, Jet's sister Kenzie (Hollieseast Perlenkette at Sirius Nova) who lives in the Czech Republic won Best Puppy in Show at a breed championship show in Holland! Well done Simona and Kenzie! :-)

Weimaraner Association Champ Show

2006-05-07T20:39:00.000Z

Great news to report from Jet's first championship show (and only his 3rd ever show) - he won the beginners class and was placed 3rd in minor puppy out of an entry of 8 dogs!! This means that he has QUALIFIED FOR CRUFTS next year!!

Posing practice...

2006-04-01T16:20:00.000Z

Jet and I are off to our first show in a few weeks time....yikes!! In addition to the weekly obedience class, we've been also been going to ringcraft training - I think the hard work is starting to pay off and although this stand is far from perfect, we're getting there!

Reunion

2006-03-18T19:42:00.000Z

James and I went over to visit some friends in Newmarket yesterday and we took the dogs out for a run on the heath. Jet was so excited to see Murphy - they've known each other since Jet was a little pup as I used to have the office next door to Murphy's owner.

Water baby

2006-03-18T10:55:00.000Z

Strange isn't it. The prospect of having a warm bath at home is, in Jet's mind, cause enough for a letter to the RSPCA, yet it's next to impossible to keep him out of the water on a cold winter's morning. Go figure. He loves to wade in and 'catch' the reeds that stick out above the surface of the water. Each to their own, eh.

Certified!

2006-02-24T10:35:00.000Z

Our clever boy was awarded his certificate and rosette last night for successfully completing the puppy foundation level of the Kennel Club Good Citizen Dog Scheme. Our instructor said he'd been a joy to have in the group, that he'd sailed through the course and that it wont be too long until he's ready to take his bronze test! We even got a round of applause from the rest of the group! Proud isn't the word.

Friends

2006-02-03T15:48:00.000Z

Here are some pics of Jet with some of his friends at work. It'll be a shame to leave them behind but I'm sure we'll go back and visit to say hello. (Scarily, Jet's only 5 months old in these photos and he's already bigger than the Vizsla)!

Preparing for take off!

2006-01-21T19:14:00.000Z

This picture makes the name 'Jet' seem so appropriate!

Is that for me??

2006-01-19T09:13:00.000Z

Strike a pose

2006-01-18T17:07:00.000Z

My camera is never redundant when I take it with me on a walk (especially having a dog who's such a little poser)!!

Training class (week 7)

2006-01-13T08:52:00.000Z

I know, I know - I'm starting to sound like a broken record, but if I say that we were given an entry form for an obedience competition last night, I think that pretty much sums up how well Jet did in his training class!

Despite being in a group of one and two year old dogs, our little lad at only four months old completed all the exercises to a really high standard. Our new instructor didn't think he'd be able to manage a down and stay and so was suitably impressed when he did it like a little pro. His recall work was perfect as was his heel work - what a little superstar! I have to confess that although we've been doing training every day at home I wasn't expecting too much of him on his first night joining a new group - how wrong I was!

It's a real shame that we wont be able to enter him in the class but we'll be in Bristol at the weekend. Nevermind though, he's being put forward for his Kennel Club GCDS (good citizen dog scheme) puppy foundation assessment soon, so fingers crossed for that.

Pictures from today's walk

2006-01-11T15:16:00.000Z

(Why does she insist on taking pictures when there's an adventure to be had?? I'll sit for this one photo and then I'm off exploring....)

Anyone for a spot of bird watching?

2006-01-11T15:10:00.000Z

After finding some swan feathers to carry around, Jet made his way up the stairs of one of the hides at the Ouse Washes RSPB reserve. Call me paranoid, but something tells me that the RSPB staff might have something to say if they found a gundog in a bird watching hide eyeing up the ducks and geese with the remains of a swan in its mouth..!?

Comedy running pictures

2006-01-11T15:02:00.000Z

If there's one thing you can count on a weimaraner for it's a photo opportunity - just take a look at these!

What was that??

2006-01-09T15:53:00.000Z

We went for a walk at Welches Dam this afternoon - here's our boy with his eyes practically on stalks taking in all the sights. It's a lovely place, very quiet and tranquil and we're lucky as it's only a few minutes from our house. I enjoyed the scenery and the peace and quiet, whilst highlights for Jet included finding the remains of a bird carcass and an old leather glove. Nice.

We've had some quite nice walks over the past few days actually - yesterday we all went to Sandringham and walked around the woods there and the day before that we found a footpath and some fields as we were on our way to the pet shop to buy food (this dog sure can eat!!) James and I were in the middle of practising recall with Jet when a goldie cross came racing over to play. She was a sweetie and she and Jet greeted each other nicely. The thing that really impressed me though was that I was able to call Jet back from the other dog - he left her and ran straight to me, so it turned out to be an even better recall exercise than originally planned!

Training Class (week 6) - Graduation!

2006-01-05T20:58:00.000Z

Hurrah! Our gorgeous boy did so well in this evening's class that our instructor has decided to send him up to the next group - as of next week we'll be in the big boys class! Despite the fact that there weren't any formal training classes over the Christmas period we carried on practicing the commands that Jet had learnt - so much so that he was the only puppy in tonight's session to be trusted to perform some of the exercises off the lead, including a recall exercise and also a sit, wait and recall - he was a real little star and the only one to be moved up from the begninners class (brag, brag, brag)! Actually, not so little - at 16 weeks he now weighs 22kg!!

Sock monster

2005-12-14T20:32:00.000Z

Hmmm...Jet's fascination with the washing machine has progressed now to its contents. He sits beside me whilst I load and unload the machine so that he's there to catch any stray socks that may fall from my hands when transfering clothes to/from the laundry basket. Needless to say that if I'm not fast enough he then prances off with any stray garments he gets his chops around! I thought I'd emptied the washing machine of clothes the other morning but old beady eyes spotted a lone sock stuck to the inside of the barrel - quick as a flash he'd retrieved it from inside the washing machine and nicked off with it in his mouth! It's not a wonder I struggle to find a matching pair of socks these days!!

Training class (week 4)

2005-12-09T10:33:00.000Z

There was only Jet and one other puppy at training last night so we managed to get quite a lot covered - mainly going over the other things that we've learnt so far. Sue our instructor thinks we'll be moving into the next puppy group some time in January!

Me and my boy

2005-12-05T17:00:00.000Z

This picture was taken during one of our lunch time adventures around the grounds at work. (Thanks again Rach for bringing your camera with you!)

Mucky pup

2005-12-03T18:41:00.000Z

Here's our boy in the back garden after his first walk in the 'outside world'. Would you believe that this is the result of just a few minutes spent walking along our local footpath??! Needless to say that Jet's first walk was closely followed by his first bath!!

Training class (week 3)

2005-12-02T08:51:00.000Z

I am pleased to say that last night's class went very well and I found it easier to get Jet's attention compared with last week (when playing tug of war with his lead and trying to get across the room to the other puppies was the order of the day)! The new exercise this week was sit and wait. Jet was text book perfect when he had to sit at a door and wait while it was opened until he was told he could go through. He did this first time too which is fantastic as he's the youngest in his class by at least a month. He also did some very good heel work. If James and I swell any more with pride we shall burst!

The latest in draft exclusion

2005-12-01T13:51:00.000Z

Jet shows us how useful he can be around the office.

Favourite sleep positions

2005-11-29T17:25:00.000Z

Although Jet tends to favour the 'on the back with legs in air' position, sometimes he likes to add the 'one leg extended' variation for good measure.

Puppy profile

2005-11-29T17:24:00.000Z

What a handsome boy! Thanks to Rachel for taking this snap whilst I was preparing Jet's food.

Storyboard.....attempted duck abduction (part 1)

2005-11-27T18:19:00.000Z

Uh-oh....don't look now, but mum & dad's friend Emma has come to stay and I think she's got her eye on my duck...

Storyboard.....attempted duck abduction (Part 2)

2005-11-27T18:15:00.000Z

Gaaah! See - now she's got me in an arm lock!!! Yikes!

Storyboard.....attempted duck abduction (part 3)

2005-11-27T18:12:00.000Z

Don't worry duck! I'll save you!

Storyboard.....attempted duck abduction (part 4)

2005-11-27T18:09:00.000Z

Hah! Foiled again you dastardly duck thief! He's mine and you can't have him!

More contraband..

2005-11-25T14:27:00.000Z

Look what jumped out of the washing basket!

Training class (week 2)

2005-11-25T09:13:00.000Z

We took Jet to his second training class last night and he was full of it! It was obviously a few nerves that were making him so quiet last week as there was none of that this time around! Despite him getting very excitable at times and wanting to say hello to the other dogs he was still very good and responded to all the commands even with lots of distractions going on around him. He learnt to do a short sit & stay and also sat to heel whilst we faced another dog and his owner doing the same thing. Even when he wanted to play with the other puppies I was able to get his attention when required which was brilliant. All in all he did really well and the instructor said what a good puppy he was! :0)

Just chillin'

2005-11-23T19:21:00.000Z

Shall I get up for this photo? Nah...there's bound to be hundreds more.

All in a spin

2005-11-20T14:31:00.000Z

Jet was trying to catch the washing as it went round in the machine earlier today (can't honestly say I share his enthusiasm for laundry).

One dog and his duck

2005-11-18T19:05:00.000Z

Here's the wee beastie with his favourite toy in the world - his duck (which quacks when he bites its bottom. Nice.)

First day at school!

2005-11-18T18:59:00.000Z

Jet went to his first training class last night and what a little star he was! He did a beautiful sit, a down and walked around me and sat to heel which he hadn't done before. We were so proud!! The instructor said she didn't think he'd be in the beginners group for long. He was a bit unsure of the yappy terrier puppies to begin with but it didn't take long for him to overcome his nerves and eventually he took no notice of the barking (although the incessant racket almost did mine and James's heads in)! There was a rather boisterous boxer pup in the group who was quite a lot older than the others and frightened them a bit (he was lovely, just a bit exuberant). Because Jet was being quiet and well behaved the instructor used him to meet the smaller puppies that had been worried by the boxer to restore their confidence in bigger dogs. Sure enough he greeted them nicely and set their tails wagging again. Hopefully he'll do well again in next week's class.