It was a bit of a shock to the system being woken up at 5am to get ready to go to Redcar tournament but we soon realised why we had been woken up that early and happily munched our breakfast and got into the van. Spider and Penny were also travelling with us along with Sal and Kim so the van was packed full.It took us a lot less time than we thought to get to Redcar so we could have had a bit more sleep. Tsk! We'll know for next year.
We were running for the first time as Monster Mafia with Myself, Fynn, Penny, Spider and Mollie. First race on we were all full of energy and ran a great race managing our fastest time ever of 19:13! The humans were thrilled! Although we lost a couple of races we did manage some very speedy racing - even winning some legs with Mollie running - and managed a SECOND place in our division at the end of the day. Not bad seeing as we were seeded 7th in our division! Mollie screamed her support from the side when she wasnt running, I was a bit more professional and just stood there looking cute! We had Ian on the line and it did make me laugh when he kept telling the humans off for dodgy changeovers!!! Certainly kept them on their toes!
Also running today were our starter team with Kia, Yani and new girl Lucy with a couple of extras from the Crazies. Kia and Yani apparantly ran like pro's but then so did Lucy making her Mum very proud when the team came away with a fourth place in their division and even a rosette!
All this winning went to the humans head as on the way home us dogs had to put up with them listening to 80's music VERY loud whilst singing along. All we wanted to do was sleep, did they not understand that!
Wednesday 30 September 2009
Sheffield Flyball Tournament
The weekend after Drax saw us go to our first tournament in Sheffield. What a great venue with lots of space!First thing it was absolutely freezing, or so the humans said - I was nice and warm in the van with my blanket, but as the day went on it warmed up.
With Spider missing from the line up we had Mollie as fourth dog, plus Yani and Kia as reserves, so were running on a declared time. I was running for Auntie Kerry so decided I would try it on and refuse to give up my Kong tuggy after every race! It was great fun although I didn't get away with it for very long!
We managed some very speedy racing, including Mollie who was most impressive (but then she was running for Mum so was happy) and got a FIRST place in our division at the end of the day. Even Kia and Yani got in on the act and ran a couple of legs each in the afternoon both proving themselves. I enjoyed running when we ran with me, Mollie and Yani together - 3GWP's! At the end of the day not only did we get rosettes but we got mini trophys too. Now I know I'm not allowed my rosettes (I chew them apparantly) but I thought I may be allowed the trophy - apparantly not! The humans are spoilsports.
In between racing Mum made me stand there in front of everyone while she tidied up the hair on my ears ready for a show we were going to. How embarassing. Although poor Mollie got more than just her ears done HA!
Mollie and I were a little worried later on as Mum had to find her own way home from Sheffield and we all know how bad a sense of direction she has. I mean she even gets lost in the woods when we go walking! The addition of a satnav a few weeks ago was a great plan as some guy called 'Sean' told us the way home. Phew!
With Spider missing from the line up we had Mollie as fourth dog, plus Yani and Kia as reserves, so were running on a declared time. I was running for Auntie Kerry so decided I would try it on and refuse to give up my Kong tuggy after every race! It was great fun although I didn't get away with it for very long!
We managed some very speedy racing, including Mollie who was most impressive (but then she was running for Mum so was happy) and got a FIRST place in our division at the end of the day. Even Kia and Yani got in on the act and ran a couple of legs each in the afternoon both proving themselves. I enjoyed running when we ran with me, Mollie and Yani together - 3GWP's! At the end of the day not only did we get rosettes but we got mini trophys too. Now I know I'm not allowed my rosettes (I chew them apparantly) but I thought I may be allowed the trophy - apparantly not! The humans are spoilsports.
In between racing Mum made me stand there in front of everyone while she tidied up the hair on my ears ready for a show we were going to. How embarassing. Although poor Mollie got more than just her ears done HA!
Mollie and I were a little worried later on as Mum had to find her own way home from Sheffield and we all know how bad a sense of direction she has. I mean she even gets lost in the woods when we go walking! The addition of a satnav a few weeks ago was a great plan as some guy called 'Sean' told us the way home. Phew!
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Drax Flyball tournament
Bank Holiday weekend saw us going to Drax power station to race all 3 days! Mum towed the caravan again and then later on during Friday evening we were joined by Katie puppy who was staying with us for the week. She soon made herself at home and charmed everyone!
On Saturday we raced with a declared time as Mollie was in as 4th dog again bless her. It was warm and we all tried our best with some great times - the majority of which were under 22 seconds - and we came away 5th in our division. We did earn lots of points though and as the humans keep saying 'points mean prizes'!!!!
On Sunday our baby team the Honey Monsters were running in division flyball for the first time. Apparantly they ended up going not for competition but having wings up and then gradually reduced meant that by the end of the day they were all running perfectly! I heard that Harvey is taking my place as clown of the team as on his last race he did the first jump and then took off out of the arena and into the woods at the side of the field!!! Ha ha ha I'm proud of you Harvey keep it up!!
On Monday it was another hot day and I was feeling a bit under the weather first thing. Mum did keep insisting on ruining my image by making me wear my cool coat and try as I might I just couldn't seem to get away from it! I still managed to run though and we did some pretty speedy racing coming away with a FIRST place in our division! The humans were thrilled and even more so when at the end of the day they also got presented with a trophy because we had earnt the most points at the 2 Drax multibreed tournaments this year! Poor Auntie Kerry had to go up alone to collect the trophy with the rest of the team laughing at her as she had her photo taken with the trophy! We all know how she hates to have her photo taken! Mollie Malone ran as usual in mutibreed with the Paws 8 team. She also managed some pretty speedy racing as lead dog and they managed a second place in their division. Also my favourite Munsterlander girly Kia ran and the team she ran with also got a second place in their division. Well done girls!
On Saturday we raced with a declared time as Mollie was in as 4th dog again bless her. It was warm and we all tried our best with some great times - the majority of which were under 22 seconds - and we came away 5th in our division. We did earn lots of points though and as the humans keep saying 'points mean prizes'!!!!
On Sunday our baby team the Honey Monsters were running in division flyball for the first time. Apparantly they ended up going not for competition but having wings up and then gradually reduced meant that by the end of the day they were all running perfectly! I heard that Harvey is taking my place as clown of the team as on his last race he did the first jump and then took off out of the arena and into the woods at the side of the field!!! Ha ha ha I'm proud of you Harvey keep it up!!
On Monday it was another hot day and I was feeling a bit under the weather first thing. Mum did keep insisting on ruining my image by making me wear my cool coat and try as I might I just couldn't seem to get away from it! I still managed to run though and we did some pretty speedy racing coming away with a FIRST place in our division! The humans were thrilled and even more so when at the end of the day they also got presented with a trophy because we had earnt the most points at the 2 Drax multibreed tournaments this year! Poor Auntie Kerry had to go up alone to collect the trophy with the rest of the team laughing at her as she had her photo taken with the trophy! We all know how she hates to have her photo taken! Mollie Malone ran as usual in mutibreed with the Paws 8 team. She also managed some pretty speedy racing as lead dog and they managed a second place in their division. Also my favourite Munsterlander girly Kia ran and the team she ran with also got a second place in their division. Well done girls!
BFA Summer Champs
It was to be Mums first time towing the caravan and Dad was a little worried! So out we went for 'towing' lessons ... surprisingly Mum did really well!
The day came to set off to the champs and Auntie Kim arrived with Penny to travel down to Warwickshire with us. Stopping at a services halfway there the journey went without incident and we all arrived in one piece!
What a fantastic weekend we had lazing around in the sunshine, watching the racing and having lots of fun. On the Saturday we got to race and what an atmosphere there was. The humans were all nervous as it was our first time at the champs but we all settled down and managed some fast and furious racing making all the teams we raced work hard. Myself, Penny, Spider and Fynn all ran our socks off with Mollie Malone doing practice runs before each race and keeping warm in case she was needed. At the end of the day we managed a 4th place in our division which the humans were really pleased with.
Dad wasn't with us so there was plenty of room on the bed in the caravan for Mum, Mollie and myself. Even so Mollie and I managed to take up most of it according to Mum! Does she not realise that we need our rest after we have raced!
All too soon it was Sunday and we were on our way home. Mum (and Auntie Kim) managed to pack up the caravan and get it all ready to travel home. Too bad then that the roof vent on the caravan was broken and when we got home Dad asked where it had gone - it must have blown off on the motorway!!!!!!!!
The day came to set off to the champs and Auntie Kim arrived with Penny to travel down to Warwickshire with us. Stopping at a services halfway there the journey went without incident and we all arrived in one piece!
What a fantastic weekend we had lazing around in the sunshine, watching the racing and having lots of fun. On the Saturday we got to race and what an atmosphere there was. The humans were all nervous as it was our first time at the champs but we all settled down and managed some fast and furious racing making all the teams we raced work hard. Myself, Penny, Spider and Fynn all ran our socks off with Mollie Malone doing practice runs before each race and keeping warm in case she was needed. At the end of the day we managed a 4th place in our division which the humans were really pleased with.
Dad wasn't with us so there was plenty of room on the bed in the caravan for Mum, Mollie and myself. Even so Mollie and I managed to take up most of it according to Mum! Does she not realise that we need our rest after we have raced!
All too soon it was Sunday and we were on our way home. Mum (and Auntie Kim) managed to pack up the caravan and get it all ready to travel home. Too bad then that the roof vent on the caravan was broken and when we got home Dad asked where it had gone - it must have blown off on the motorway!!!!!!!!
Friday 31 July 2009
Scarborough Flyball tournament
The humans have been talking about our week in Scarborough for a long time, mainly because Mum and Dad have just bought a caravan and so have Auntie Kerry and Uncle Paul. It was to be the first outing in the new caravans so they were very excited!
Our first couple of days there were great as we got to relax and suss out the surrounding area. We also had a lovely walk along the sea front where I was in my element as there were loads of seagulls! Sleeping in the caravan was great too as I have my own bit of bed where I can stretch out, and I can reach Dads head with my paw to get his attention when I want some attention! Dad wasn't too impressed though.
On the Sunday we ran for the first time. With everyone rested and ready we did some pretty speedy racing and managed to get a FIRST place in our division! It was a really enjoyable day, but maybe not for Vik and Bri who had 2 dogs with poorly tummies and a smelly car. Our starter team also ran, with Yani running at her first tournament. Mum said she did really well, although she was smiling that much that she dropped her ball a couple of times bless her. The starters were great though and got a THIRD place in their division.
We then had a week until our next tournament which was spent running on the beach chasing seagulls (and chasing Mollie from time to time!), practicing with the chute and generally chilling out. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed snoozing by the caravan watching everyone walk past.
The following weekend Kim and Penny came to join us camping and brought along Spider for our next tournament. We started the morning off very speedily getting in some good times, and a lot of points. Unfortunately during the break we noticed that Spider was lame so we had to pull him out of the afternoons racing. Bring on Mollie Malone who made a great effort for a change but unfortunately she is no match for Spiders speediness. She had a great time racing though. Again our starters ran amazingly well with Harvey coming across for the day to join us too. They did so well that they managed a SECOND place in their division.
We now have a few weeks free from tournaments before we go to our first British Champs which the humans are all really excited about.
Our first couple of days there were great as we got to relax and suss out the surrounding area. We also had a lovely walk along the sea front where I was in my element as there were loads of seagulls! Sleeping in the caravan was great too as I have my own bit of bed where I can stretch out, and I can reach Dads head with my paw to get his attention when I want some attention! Dad wasn't too impressed though.
On the Sunday we ran for the first time. With everyone rested and ready we did some pretty speedy racing and managed to get a FIRST place in our division! It was a really enjoyable day, but maybe not for Vik and Bri who had 2 dogs with poorly tummies and a smelly car. Our starter team also ran, with Yani running at her first tournament. Mum said she did really well, although she was smiling that much that she dropped her ball a couple of times bless her. The starters were great though and got a THIRD place in their division.
We then had a week until our next tournament which was spent running on the beach chasing seagulls (and chasing Mollie from time to time!), practicing with the chute and generally chilling out. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed snoozing by the caravan watching everyone walk past.
The following weekend Kim and Penny came to join us camping and brought along Spider for our next tournament. We started the morning off very speedily getting in some good times, and a lot of points. Unfortunately during the break we noticed that Spider was lame so we had to pull him out of the afternoons racing. Bring on Mollie Malone who made a great effort for a change but unfortunately she is no match for Spiders speediness. She had a great time racing though. Again our starters ran amazingly well with Harvey coming across for the day to join us too. They did so well that they managed a SECOND place in their division.
We now have a few weeks free from tournaments before we go to our first British Champs which the humans are all really excited about.
GWP Club championship show
It seems I was going to be shown again for the first time in nearly a year! Me, Mollie and Yani were put into the van to travel to Markfield with Mum and Auntie Kerry for what proved to be a lovely day of showing.
Out of the three of us I was to be the first in the ring, so in I trotted with Auntie Kerry while Mum watched from the side. It turns out I was the only one entered in my class and the judge was VERY impressed with me, although confused when he couldn't find my balls, and awarded me the FIRST place! This qualifies me for Crufts 2010 even though I won't be going. Mum and Auntie Kerry kept saying how clever I was and even Maxine my breeder said I was looking fabulous.
Out of the three of us I was to be the first in the ring, so in I trotted with Auntie Kerry while Mum watched from the side. It turns out I was the only one entered in my class and the judge was VERY impressed with me, although confused when he couldn't find my balls, and awarded me the FIRST place! This qualifies me for Crufts 2010 even though I won't be going. Mum and Auntie Kerry kept saying how clever I was and even Maxine my breeder said I was looking fabulous.
I then got to go and have a snooze in the van while Yani and Mollie were shown. this was Yani's first show since she came to live with Auntie Kerry and the humans said she did very well coming away with a 3rd in one class and a 4th in another. Mollie even managed to stand and trot for Mum and made her very proud by getting a 4th place in one of her classes!
I enjoyed my day out showing for a change, but I still prefer flyball!
I enjoyed my day out showing for a change, but I still prefer flyball!
Sunday 21 June 2009
Cantley Park tournament
Today saw us set off to Cantley Park with a 4 dog division team and 3 of our starter dogs to join the starters from Paws8.
We were running early so no time to rest before racing. The morning didn't go well as Mollie decided she was going to drop her ball every time. As the humans got more and more frustrated, Mollie just pulled her best sad face and had the line judges feeling very sorry for her - nice one!!!!! For the last race we swapped so that Mum was running Mollie and I ran for Auntie Kerry. This worked perfectly (I don't care who I run for as long as I get my Kong tuggy at the end) and Mollie came all the way back with her ball! Bless her she just wanted Mum, obviously I would never be like that! Unfortunately we got no points for a whole mornings running! Tsk tsk Mollie!
In the afternoon we stuck with the new way of running and Mollie brought her ball back for Mum every time. I thought it would be fun to leap around a bit in anticipation of setting off, nearly knocking Auntie Kerry flying a couple of times. I think I got a headbut in at one point too!!! We managed to earn some points in the afternoon, although didn't win any races, but Mollie was definately on a 'go slow' and she couldn't even blame the heat!
Our starter team had much more success. Inca, Harvey and Ollie were joined by other starter dogs from the Crazies and Paws8 to make up a team called Monster Paws. The humans said they were very proud of our babies as they all ran perfectly making their owners very proud. They even managed to come 3rd (based on times rather than wins as on wins they were joint 1st!!).
We now have a few weeks off from the tournaments to practice, improve and prepare for Scarborough where we hope to have the rest of our team back and fully fit again!
We were running early so no time to rest before racing. The morning didn't go well as Mollie decided she was going to drop her ball every time. As the humans got more and more frustrated, Mollie just pulled her best sad face and had the line judges feeling very sorry for her - nice one!!!!! For the last race we swapped so that Mum was running Mollie and I ran for Auntie Kerry. This worked perfectly (I don't care who I run for as long as I get my Kong tuggy at the end) and Mollie came all the way back with her ball! Bless her she just wanted Mum, obviously I would never be like that! Unfortunately we got no points for a whole mornings running! Tsk tsk Mollie!
In the afternoon we stuck with the new way of running and Mollie brought her ball back for Mum every time. I thought it would be fun to leap around a bit in anticipation of setting off, nearly knocking Auntie Kerry flying a couple of times. I think I got a headbut in at one point too!!! We managed to earn some points in the afternoon, although didn't win any races, but Mollie was definately on a 'go slow' and she couldn't even blame the heat!
Our starter team had much more success. Inca, Harvey and Ollie were joined by other starter dogs from the Crazies and Paws8 to make up a team called Monster Paws. The humans said they were very proud of our babies as they all ran perfectly making their owners very proud. They even managed to come 3rd (based on times rather than wins as on wins they were joint 1st!!).
We now have a few weeks off from the tournaments to practice, improve and prepare for Scarborough where we hope to have the rest of our team back and fully fit again!
Phoenix sports & social club tournament
Another trip to Rotherham saw us setting off early again with only 4 dogs.
We had another great days racing with even Mollie speeding up in the afternoon due to the introduction of a rabbit skin tuggy - I was very jealous! Unfortunately she got a bit carried away and decided it was more fun to drop her ball in anticipation of the tuggy! The humans were not impressed!
Mollie isn't the fastest flyballer, unlike myself of course, so unfortunately we weren't in the rosettes today. However the humans were very impressed that we consistently managed times of under 22 seconds with Mollie running! Bless her she tries her best.
Next week we are at Doncaster with yet again only 4 dogs ...
We had another great days racing with even Mollie speeding up in the afternoon due to the introduction of a rabbit skin tuggy - I was very jealous! Unfortunately she got a bit carried away and decided it was more fun to drop her ball in anticipation of the tuggy! The humans were not impressed!
Mollie isn't the fastest flyballer, unlike myself of course, so unfortunately we weren't in the rosettes today. However the humans were very impressed that we consistently managed times of under 22 seconds with Mollie running! Bless her she tries her best.
Next week we are at Doncaster with yet again only 4 dogs ...
Wednesday 10 June 2009
Rotherham tournament
Our first tournament in a few weeks saw us set off in our new van to go to Rotherham. Kim and Penny were travelling with us today but I didn't understand why Mollie and I had to go in a cage while Penny got to stretch out on the back seat (albeit attached to the seatbelt)!!!
The humans set up a day tent to shelter in as the weather was not great, we as always were cosy and dry in the van!!!!! They really have no common sense these humans!
Poor Sol had to sit this tournament out due to kennel cough which left me, Mollie, Fynn, Spider and Penny. Apparantly we've been running really fast recently (tell me about it I'm exhausted) so we were put into a higher division but we didn't let that put us off. Unbelievably we ran several races under 20 seconds with our fastest time ever of 19:46!!!!! The humans were really excitable when they realised!
We had a few mishaps today ... I dropped my ball a few times after a very close changeover with Spider ... but we did manage some very good racing and had a GREAT day coming away with a 3rd place in our division!
We all very much enjoyed our day at Rotherham with a lovely relaxed atmosphere and a lot of fun! Looking forward to our next tournament, again at Rotherham, next weekend.
Eggborough tournament
A few weeks after Middlesborough Mum packed up the car again and we all set off for a weekend camping and flyball at Eggborough! Mum set up the tent with beds for me and Mollie but as usual we preferred to lie on the airbed with Mum! Its much more comfy and its hilarious seeing her trying to find room to stretch her legs out!
On the Saturday we ran as the Minster Monsters and came away with a shocking 5th place in our division!!!!! It was a very warm day and us black dogs do suffer in the heat! Thats my excuse anyway and I'm sticking to it! Saturday night Dad joined us for the rest of the weekend. It was great to see him but it meant even less room on the airbed for us all!
On the Sunday we had a day off from racing so the humans took us for walks through the small wooded area behind the arenas. I managed to do some pretty good hunting even on my lead and had a great time. Mollie and Penny got to chase tennis balls but I was more interested in the bunnies and other wildlife that I could smell, although I never actually got to see any.
On the Monday we ran as Monster Mash in multibreed and got a 2nd place in our division! Mollie ran with the Paws8 Go Wild team at the same time but in a different arena so poor Mum was exhausted running between the two and swapping dogs around. It was another hot day and I decided it would be fun to miss out some of the jumps again! Unfortunately this meant the humans pulled me from the racing ... damn! My half brother Otto came along to watch racing along with his humans again and they filmed some of the racing, luckily it was when I was running right!
Another fun weekend spent with my flyball pals and some good racing. Can't wait until the next tournament!
On the Saturday we ran as the Minster Monsters and came away with a shocking 5th place in our division!!!!! It was a very warm day and us black dogs do suffer in the heat! Thats my excuse anyway and I'm sticking to it! Saturday night Dad joined us for the rest of the weekend. It was great to see him but it meant even less room on the airbed for us all!
On the Sunday we had a day off from racing so the humans took us for walks through the small wooded area behind the arenas. I managed to do some pretty good hunting even on my lead and had a great time. Mollie and Penny got to chase tennis balls but I was more interested in the bunnies and other wildlife that I could smell, although I never actually got to see any.
On the Monday we ran as Monster Mash in multibreed and got a 2nd place in our division! Mollie ran with the Paws8 Go Wild team at the same time but in a different arena so poor Mum was exhausted running between the two and swapping dogs around. It was another hot day and I decided it would be fun to miss out some of the jumps again! Unfortunately this meant the humans pulled me from the racing ... damn! My half brother Otto came along to watch racing along with his humans again and they filmed some of the racing, luckily it was when I was running right!
Another fun weekend spent with my flyball pals and some good racing. Can't wait until the next tournament!
Monday 11 May 2009
Middlesbrough tournament
A week on from Drax we set off for Middlesbrough tournament along with Auntie Vik, Spook, Sol and Phoenix in the car. I had to share my cage with Mollie but I made sure I got the most room to stretch out in! She wasn't impressed!
In the morning I was a little tired and couldn't really be bothered to run properly. I dropped my ball a few times and knocked the jumps a bit. I couldn't even run out of the arena as the humans had enlisted some 'Rolf catchers' armed with Kongs!
Just before we were due to race again the heavens opened and the wind picked up causing the humans to seek shelter - we had the best shelter in the car!!!! Apparantly those in the arena had to hold onto the gazebo's so they didn't blow away.
Luckily the blue sky returned just in time and after a few hours sleep I felt much better and ran perfectly all afternoon with no messing around. Today it was Mum who made all the mistakes when she kept forgetting that I was supposed to be running third and she let me go second along with Spider. Luckily we managed to sort out the mess Mum created and even managed to win each leg! I don't think Mum is going to live this one down to be honest! He he for once I came away looking good!
At the end of the day we had won all but one of our races so came away with a second place in our division.
We now have a few weeks off so its back to training. I will have to think up some more mischief ready for our next tournament at the end of May!
In the morning I was a little tired and couldn't really be bothered to run properly. I dropped my ball a few times and knocked the jumps a bit. I couldn't even run out of the arena as the humans had enlisted some 'Rolf catchers' armed with Kongs!
Just before we were due to race again the heavens opened and the wind picked up causing the humans to seek shelter - we had the best shelter in the car!!!! Apparantly those in the arena had to hold onto the gazebo's so they didn't blow away.
Luckily the blue sky returned just in time and after a few hours sleep I felt much better and ran perfectly all afternoon with no messing around. Today it was Mum who made all the mistakes when she kept forgetting that I was supposed to be running third and she let me go second along with Spider. Luckily we managed to sort out the mess Mum created and even managed to win each leg! I don't think Mum is going to live this one down to be honest! He he for once I came away looking good!
At the end of the day we had won all but one of our races so came away with a second place in our division.
We now have a few weeks off so its back to training. I will have to think up some more mischief ready for our next tournament at the end of May!
Drax Flyball tournament
Off we went again for another fun weekend of camping and flyball. The first night Dad wasn't with us so after we'd gone to bed I decided to tip my cage on its end so that Mum had to let me out and I would be able to sleep on the airbed with her!!! Unfortunately Mollie then wanted to be out too so I didn't end up with as much room as I thought. Damn!
This weekend Sal had entrusted Spider with us for the weekend. The first day he was a little unsure what he was supposed to be doing there and spent the day in the tent but by the evening he was back to his usual self. Our new team member Phoenix also came along. She is only 8 weeks old and had great fun running around our enclosure and getting to know the rest of the team. She's very cheeky!
Saturday we ran as the Minster Monsters and came away with a third place in our division! I decided to have some fun when I managed to snatch my Kong toy out of Mums hand and run out of the arena with it! It was great fun pouncing around and avoiding capture but in the end Mum looked cross so I gave in! Spook ran with us today for the first time in open and although he did get a little bit overexcited with the atmosphere he did manage some perfect runs earning his first flyball points and making his Mum very proud!!! The humans spent the rest of the day in between racing sunbathing while we relaxed in our wonderful camp.
On Saturday night Dad turned up for the rest of the weekend and decided to take the cages down in the tent so we got to sleep on the bed for the rest of the weekend. Yay!
Sunday was a very lazy day for everyone as we didn't do any racing. We spent some time down by the arena watching the other teams and had some nice relaxing walks.
On Monday we ran as Monster Mash and again got a third place in our multi-breed division. I thought I would have a bit more fun today and after I had brought my own ball back I ran around at the back of the arena collecting the balls the rest of my team mates had brought back. Mum wasn't impressed but it was great fun!
Looking forward to Middlesbrough!
This weekend Sal had entrusted Spider with us for the weekend. The first day he was a little unsure what he was supposed to be doing there and spent the day in the tent but by the evening he was back to his usual self. Our new team member Phoenix also came along. She is only 8 weeks old and had great fun running around our enclosure and getting to know the rest of the team. She's very cheeky!
Saturday we ran as the Minster Monsters and came away with a third place in our division! I decided to have some fun when I managed to snatch my Kong toy out of Mums hand and run out of the arena with it! It was great fun pouncing around and avoiding capture but in the end Mum looked cross so I gave in! Spook ran with us today for the first time in open and although he did get a little bit overexcited with the atmosphere he did manage some perfect runs earning his first flyball points and making his Mum very proud!!! The humans spent the rest of the day in between racing sunbathing while we relaxed in our wonderful camp.
On Saturday night Dad turned up for the rest of the weekend and decided to take the cages down in the tent so we got to sleep on the bed for the rest of the weekend. Yay!
Sunday was a very lazy day for everyone as we didn't do any racing. We spent some time down by the arena watching the other teams and had some nice relaxing walks.
On Monday we ran as Monster Mash and again got a third place in our multi-breed division. I thought I would have a bit more fun today and after I had brought my own ball back I ran around at the back of the arena collecting the balls the rest of my team mates had brought back. Mum wasn't impressed but it was great fun!
Looking forward to Middlesbrough!
Monday 20 April 2009
Carlton Towers Flyball
Well we are back from a long and very successful weekend of flyball at Carlton towers! I love camping, and especially at the game fair as there is so much fun and mischief to be had!
Friday was pretty quiet for me and Mollie as we weren't running in the flyball - we are no longer allowed to run in starters now we have our flyball dog awards. Mollie and I did get to wander around the game fair a bit which was great fun (maybe not for Mum though) as I kept dragging her towards food and toys to steal!! The humans spent the evening celebrating as our starter team the Cookie Monsters got a FIRST place in their division! Apparantly they all ran really well. I was pleased to hear that Kai has taken over from me on the clowning around front in starters as he apparantly launched himself over the netting! Nice one Kai!
Saturday was the turn of our team the Minster Monsters to run and Mollie and I were very excited. Auntie Kerry was running Mollie as poor Merlin was out with an injury (get well soon Merlin we miss you). Mum had my favourite Kong toy at the ready and we all ran like the wind to get a FIRST place in our division! I even managed to pull Mum off her feet at one point which made everyone laugh, Dad even caught it on video! Bit disappointed in Mollie as she did no pouncing but apparantly the humans said this was a good thing and she got loads of praise for running so well for Auntie Kerry! My Auntie Tash came to watch along with her Mum, as did my half brother Otto with his family. Otto is even bigger than me and I hear he 'tried it on' with a shetland pony earlier on in the day which is hilarious!!! I also heard there was a GWP wearing a turban around the game fair somewhere but surely this must just be a rumour!! Only kidding - we all hope your ear is better now Raffles. We went home for the night on Saturday night as Mum was feeling poorly but back early the next morning to cook brekkie for everyone.
On Sunday we all had a rest from the racing and a good wander around the game fair. I tried, unsuccessfully, to pinch some knuckle bones from a stall and between us Mollie and I hoovered up all of the dropped hot dogs and chips from the floor. Thank you to the very kind people who dropped them!
On Monday we were running again in our first Multibreed tournament. The racing was fast and the humans highly excited as we apparantly ran our best times ever of just over 20 seconds! It was great fun, especially when I managed to pull my kong off the rope and run around the arena doing a lap of honor! Dad fixed the kong and we carried on running to get another FIRST place in our division! Running with us in multibreed were Spider and Penny who are relatively new to flyball and who were incredible! We also had a lovely girlie by the name of Foxy in our team who was also incredible. Mollie was running with Foxy's team for the day, the humans said she did great to run with a team of dogs who she had never met before and she did no pouncing either which is amazing for her!
The weekend was great fun and I can't wait until our next tournament at Drax!
Friday was pretty quiet for me and Mollie as we weren't running in the flyball - we are no longer allowed to run in starters now we have our flyball dog awards. Mollie and I did get to wander around the game fair a bit which was great fun (maybe not for Mum though) as I kept dragging her towards food and toys to steal!! The humans spent the evening celebrating as our starter team the Cookie Monsters got a FIRST place in their division! Apparantly they all ran really well. I was pleased to hear that Kai has taken over from me on the clowning around front in starters as he apparantly launched himself over the netting! Nice one Kai!
Saturday was the turn of our team the Minster Monsters to run and Mollie and I were very excited. Auntie Kerry was running Mollie as poor Merlin was out with an injury (get well soon Merlin we miss you). Mum had my favourite Kong toy at the ready and we all ran like the wind to get a FIRST place in our division! I even managed to pull Mum off her feet at one point which made everyone laugh, Dad even caught it on video! Bit disappointed in Mollie as she did no pouncing but apparantly the humans said this was a good thing and she got loads of praise for running so well for Auntie Kerry! My Auntie Tash came to watch along with her Mum, as did my half brother Otto with his family. Otto is even bigger than me and I hear he 'tried it on' with a shetland pony earlier on in the day which is hilarious!!! I also heard there was a GWP wearing a turban around the game fair somewhere but surely this must just be a rumour!! Only kidding - we all hope your ear is better now Raffles. We went home for the night on Saturday night as Mum was feeling poorly but back early the next morning to cook brekkie for everyone.
On Sunday we all had a rest from the racing and a good wander around the game fair. I tried, unsuccessfully, to pinch some knuckle bones from a stall and between us Mollie and I hoovered up all of the dropped hot dogs and chips from the floor. Thank you to the very kind people who dropped them!
On Monday we were running again in our first Multibreed tournament. The racing was fast and the humans highly excited as we apparantly ran our best times ever of just over 20 seconds! It was great fun, especially when I managed to pull my kong off the rope and run around the arena doing a lap of honor! Dad fixed the kong and we carried on running to get another FIRST place in our division! Running with us in multibreed were Spider and Penny who are relatively new to flyball and who were incredible! We also had a lovely girlie by the name of Foxy in our team who was also incredible. Mollie was running with Foxy's team for the day, the humans said she did great to run with a team of dogs who she had never met before and she did no pouncing either which is amazing for her!
The weekend was great fun and I can't wait until our next tournament at Drax!
Thursday 26 March 2009
FD award!!!
Woooo hoooo! Or so Mum keeps saying anyway!
Apparantly this week it has been confirmed that I have gained enough points to get my flyball dog title! This makes me the first GWP Male in the UK to gain this award and Mum is very proud - or so she keeps telling me! Last year my sister Mollie became the first GWP in the UK to get this title.
I have been having a bit of fun at training recently and stealing balls out of the ball bucket instead of getting the one out of the box. I can fit 3 in my mouth - 4 at a push - which makes everyone laugh! Mum decided enough was enough and has started letting me have a tuggy toy after each run if I do it properly. She is very clever as the tuggy toy has my favourite kong attached to it and she knows I will do anything to get my kong. So I have therefore decided to admit defeat and stop messing around. I will have to think up another cunning plan!
Easter is nearly here and we all hope to be going to compete at Carlton Towers at the game fair which will be great fun.
Apparantly this week it has been confirmed that I have gained enough points to get my flyball dog title! This makes me the first GWP Male in the UK to gain this award and Mum is very proud - or so she keeps telling me! Last year my sister Mollie became the first GWP in the UK to get this title.
I have been having a bit of fun at training recently and stealing balls out of the ball bucket instead of getting the one out of the box. I can fit 3 in my mouth - 4 at a push - which makes everyone laugh! Mum decided enough was enough and has started letting me have a tuggy toy after each run if I do it properly. She is very clever as the tuggy toy has my favourite kong attached to it and she knows I will do anything to get my kong. So I have therefore decided to admit defeat and stop messing around. I will have to think up another cunning plan!
Easter is nearly here and we all hope to be going to compete at Carlton Towers at the game fair which will be great fun.
Monday 9 March 2009
More training & Crufts
Training last Sunday was different! Mum persuaded Dad to come and give running my naughty Sister Mollie a go. Surprisingly she set off much better for Dad than she ever does for Mum with no sign of wanting to pounce on the dog running out. Dad needed a bit of instruction to make sure he was standing in the right place at the right time and made a great effort calling Mollie back but she still plodded down the lane like she had all the time in the world! I think we all agree Dad needs a higher pitched voice but the offers to help make his voice higher pitched were a little un-necessary I think! Auntie Kerry ran with Mollie in the end and made her run faster!
I ran with into the lane following Soloman, there were huge cheers as I ran past him. Don't know what all the fuss was about ... all I want is my ball so I don't care who I have to run past to get it!!! These humans have little faith in me sometimes!
Dads Boss Ian and his son Johnny turned up to watch flyball practice this week. Johnny is dog mad and having lost their old GWP a couple of years ago they are now ready to consider another GWP pup. Are they mad!!! Johnny had a great time and even gave me treats ... he can visit us any time! He even took Mollie for a walk and did some tricks with her.
After flyball, Auntie Kerry did some practice standing and running with Mollie as she went to Crufts this week and being shown by Auntie Kerry. Everyone said how lovely she looked and gave her the new nickname of 'Showbiz Mollie'! Apparantly she was too busy looking for Mum outside the ring though and came away with 5th place in her class. She did her best but I could have done better!
The day after Crufts with Mollie still tired we did some more flyball practice. Mollie ran for Auntie Kerry, Auntie Vik and also Bri. I, as always, ran for Mum. All was going well until I decided things were a little boring and it would be much easier just to pinch a ball out of the ball bucket than out of the flyball box! The humans were not impressed and I was only allowed to do it twice before I was made to stand and watch. Damn ... maybe I should do it properly next week!
I ran with into the lane following Soloman, there were huge cheers as I ran past him. Don't know what all the fuss was about ... all I want is my ball so I don't care who I have to run past to get it!!! These humans have little faith in me sometimes!
Dads Boss Ian and his son Johnny turned up to watch flyball practice this week. Johnny is dog mad and having lost their old GWP a couple of years ago they are now ready to consider another GWP pup. Are they mad!!! Johnny had a great time and even gave me treats ... he can visit us any time! He even took Mollie for a walk and did some tricks with her.
After flyball, Auntie Kerry did some practice standing and running with Mollie as she went to Crufts this week and being shown by Auntie Kerry. Everyone said how lovely she looked and gave her the new nickname of 'Showbiz Mollie'! Apparantly she was too busy looking for Mum outside the ring though and came away with 5th place in her class. She did her best but I could have done better!
The day after Crufts with Mollie still tired we did some more flyball practice. Mollie ran for Auntie Kerry, Auntie Vik and also Bri. I, as always, ran for Mum. All was going well until I decided things were a little boring and it would be much easier just to pinch a ball out of the ball bucket than out of the flyball box! The humans were not impressed and I was only allowed to do it twice before I was made to stand and watch. Damn ... maybe I should do it properly next week!
Monday 23 February 2009
Introducing our team
Just realised I haven't yet introduced my fellow team members even though I've mentioned them.
Obviously there is my 'sister' Mollie who is another German Wirehaired Pointer. She isn't my real sister but Mum says we act like siblings. No idea what she means by that!
Fynn is a Large Munsterlander who is full of life and has a big personality. He is very speedy over those flyball jumps and as he runs as last dog he usually saves the race for us.
Merlin is a Golden Retriever who likes to spend his time getting cuddles from the humans. He's been doing flyball the longest out of all of us and is a pro, although given the chance he will wait at the box to see if he can con a second ball out of the boxloader!
Soloman is an Aussie Shepherd who has been doing flyball about as long as me. He likes the ladies ahem ... or the fellows to be honest ... so the humans have worked hard to help him concentrate on his flyball. He does seem to have gotten it sussed recently though!
Then there is Ronja who is a Curly Coat Retriever Cross. Ronja and Mollie are 'girls together' and regularly down tools when it is too warm! Ronja recently got her flyball dog award but hasn't run with us over winter.
We mustn't forget the lovely Bailey who is a Golden Retriever. Bailey had to retire from flyball due to non-flyball related leg injuries but he loves to come along for the social side and can usually be found pinching tennis balls or rolling in the grass to get himself as dirty as possible!
You can see pictures of all my team mates on our team website at http://www.minstermonsters.co.uk/ where you can also see pictures of our new members who run in our starter team the Cookie Monsters.
My first two division tournaments
Running at my first flyball division tournament was great fun. Once Mum got over her nerves that was! Apparantly she was worried I would go visiting the dogs in the other lane and show her up ... as if!
The tournament was in Doncaster and Dad came along too to help out. I loved having an audience and made the most of showing off how fast I could run over those big jumps! Even Mollie did well and made no mistakes - she's recently decided to add 'pouncing' on her team mates during changeovers into the equation when doing flyball which doesn't impress Mum but I think its quite funny myself!
At the end of the day we had won all of our races and got a 1st place in our division and both Mollie and I were presented with a lovely rosette each. Mum has taken them though as apparantly I'll chew them!
My second division flyball tournament was at Newark showground. It was a freezing day and this seemed to make the humans go a bit crazy, make lots of mistakes and laugh a lot!
In one race Auntie Vik set Soloman off to run before the lights had even started (even the judge laughed at that one!). In another race Mum forgot to detach my lead before setting me off. She was very embarassed but to be honest it didn't stop me and I just carried on running. So what if the lead knocked all the jumps over behind me! I even managed to carry on running when a dog from the other lane ran over and pinched my ball. I just got another from our kind boxloader and ran like the wind back to Mum. I even got a round of applause for that one which I obviously enjoyed! As always Merlin and Fynn stayed professional and didn't put a paw wrong with Fynn saving the race a number of times. Even Mollie behaved to run in one race.
Despite all the mistakes we won all of our races again and got 1st place in our division again being presented with lovely rosettes.
We have been busy in training again for our next tournament in March and even had a new girl join the team this week. She's called Penny and is a crossbreed with some greyhound or saluki in her. Mum and Auntie Kerry said she did really well for her first lesson and should be very fast!
Wednesday 18 February 2009
Flyball training part 2
Just as I had started to get the hang of flyball, and run in a few starter tournaments, Mum, Auntie Kerry and Uncle Paul set up a new flyball team and we moved to a different training ground. This was a great opportunity for me to have some more fun and games!The new training ground was surrounded by open fields full of pheasants and bunnies! My HPR nose worked overtime, and I found it hard to concentrate on flyball as it was such great fun to run around the edges of the field figuring out if I dare jump over the fence to go and investigate! I never did but I had Mum worried a few times!! I made everyone laugh though!
It wasn't until we found our permanent training ground that I finally decided Flyball was great fun as it was and there was really no need to introduce new rules! These days I will do anything to get my ball, including knocking over ball buckets to steal one!
I have recently been allowed to run in 2 division flyball tournaments which were great fun and where I could earn points towards my flyball dog award. Mum and Auntie Kerry think I probably have enough points but we're just waiting for confirmation. Watch this space ...
Tuesday 17 February 2009
Flyball training part 1
Flyball is great fun ... being trained to do it as a puppy was even more fun though!
As a puppy I got the hang of flyball pretty quickly. Go over 4 jumps, get the ball and come back over the 4 jumps with the ball. Easy ... and boring! So I invented some new rules whereby I would miss out some of the jumps, run off with the ball, or just run off generally to sniff a nice smell on the ground or play with some of my other doggie friends. It used to really make everyone laugh so surely that was a good thing right?
At my first flyball tournament, running in starters with netting around the jumps, I got my ball but then spotted a dog running in the lane next to me so I jumped the netting to go say hello and show him my ball! He was most impressed so I bowed at him too. Mum however was not impressed and I had to sit the rest of the races out just watching.
I soon realised though that if I did flyball properly I got a tasty treat at the end and a big fuss made of me. Now I do love my food and cuddles so it was worth doing it properly. I also got to run in some more starter tournaments and get some lovely rosettes which made my mum very proud.
To be continued ...
Introduction
My name is Rolf and I am a 2 year old Black & White German Wirehaired Pointer. I live in North Yorkshire with my Mum and Dad and Mollie (also a German Wirehaired Pointer).I love mischief and my Mum says my mission in life is to think up the perfect cunning plan!
I thought I would start this Blog to tell you all about my adventures and also about all the fun I have had learning to do Flyball and recently running in my first few tournaments!
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