vikingdobermans.com Blog

Been a while since I’ve “blogged”…

Excuse One:  I’ve been busy with work.

Excuse Two:  I’ve been busy training Charlie Brown.

Excuse Three:  It is cold outside.

Excuse Four:  My front page has been down and I didn’t know how to get into my site…. wonder if others have that problem…. at least, if they do, they won’t know I haven’t kept up with my blog.

Excuse Five:  My computer is running VERY slow and is a pain to use to get on-line….whatever…

The good news is I am training regularly and that is more important than blogging.

Charlie is working on some new Sch II routines (the stand in obedience); running four blinds and the back transport in protection; and tracking in general….  His drives are becoming more focused and intense in obed and protection–whew boy, definately in protection.  His tracking continues to be his weakest phase and that is because of low food drive, lack of training and my inability and lack of knowledge… but we do make some progress.  Whether that will translate into passing tracking scores is to be seen.  Our Sch I track was painful and I hope to spare myself a repetition of that performance!  My goal, although I am flexible based on our progress, will be to try for the II in the Fall.  Time and training will tell the tale.

I’ve also begun training full time with WAG and Jurgen Winkler, WAG’s training director.  Charlie is a good dog and after talking to Butch Henderson, my training director (and good friend) at Commonwealth, we decided Charlie’s style and character would be better served and developed at WAG.  Charlie comes to WAG with a great foundation and I expect Jurgen will continue to help Charlie develop to the best of Charlie’s abilities.  I’m excited and I must say Charlie loves working with Jurgen!  I’m learning to be less of a control freak and give Charlie permission to “take command”, especially on the protection field.  Charlie is plain ol’ having fun and you can tell he loves telling me what he wants with a deep bark when I am not moving or commanding fast enough.  HE WANTS TO WORK! and he loves to take command of Jurgen in the blind…. woof, woof, WOOF… I want a bite….

I told Jurgen, Charlie has been so much more assertive and he makes us all laugh when he decides he should TELL US it is time to get our butts in gear…  WOOF, WOOF!!!  Jurgen said I didn’t need to tell him, Charlie already had!