Life with Spots
We took Eira to Darwen Canine society’s Premier Open show last weekend. She was the only girl in the class, and behaved really well. Sadly the ring was tiny so she couldn’t settle into her stride. She got placed 2nd, so I was over the moon with her.
We went to Sedgley and Gornal’s premier open show today. Only 2 in the class, Eira came 2nd behind an older boy, but she moved better in the bigger ring.
Dalmatians were bred to follow carriages in the Georgian period. We are lucky to have the Carriage Dog Society and the provide training and carriage dog trials.
As Lottie finds being in a crate at shows uncomfortable on her back I have been looking for something else to do with her, and the opportunity to do some carriage training in the north came up. So I signed us up for a 90 minute session with 9 other dals.
What an amazing experience, Lottie was a natural and by the end of the session I was stood on the carriage and she was trotting behind. This is brilliant as she only had a total of 8 minutes behind the carriage!
As well as doing carriage work we did some groundwork, training the dog to focus on you groom, follow commands such as stay and recall, and to work among distractions. Lottie, being the well behaved dog she is, nailed it, even the stay with exciting people moving around!!
We will definitely be back for more!!
Only Eira was entered, and unfortunately she still has issues when being presented to the judge, so no placing for her. She was better than the last show and happy to say hello to lots of people.
Lottie took Eira to Eira’s first champ show. It was a big entry, so loud and echoey.
Eira was in a big minor puppy class and unfortunately was spooked so didn’t stand for the judge. she looked fab in the line up and ran well.
Lottie was in her first class as a veteran and got Very Highly Commended in a class of 9, so I was super pleased with her as it’s her first champ show since Midland Counties 2024. She looked amazing and moved really well.
Eira and I attended a handling class run by Marina White. It was a 2 hour workshop but quite intensive for both Eira and myself. We learned a few tips and have come away feeling quite confident about starting Eira’s show career.
Eira has been having some fun swim and hydro treadmill sessions. She doesn’t need them, but I want her get used to them in case she needs hydrotherapy treatment in the future.
Whilst she’s a bit vocal she doesn’t need them love these sessions, maybe a bit too much!! She loves splashing rather than swimming properly! Joe loves this less 🤣
Lottie and Eira went to the Dalmatian Association breed show and fun dog show. It was Eira’s last baby Puppy class, and Lottie’s last show before she becomes a veteran!
Eira won her Baby Puppy class was was awarded Best Baby Puppy in show. She was really good, a bit fidgety round the judge but on the whole she did good!
It was Lottie’s first time out in nearly a year and she had a blast!!! Handled by Ellie, she showed her socks off and won her Open class! She didn’t get anything in the challenge, but the judge had some lovely words about her, but did say she was a little immature for her age!!
In the fun show Lottie won the waggiest tail class and Eira got 5th in the cutest puppy class!
I love meeting up with the puppies we have bred, especially when they live along way away.
Jorge, Mr Yellow, Ailsadot Blue World, called in on his way north today. He’s maturing into a lovely boy, love his markings and he has a lovely temperament.
We took Jorge, Eira and Seren for a play on the field. Needless to say they had a great time and all got a bit grubby!!
It’s only the 2nd I have been to this champ show, back when Lottie was still a puppy!!
Seren and I stayed in a lovely cottage the night before as it’s a long m, slow drive down from us. Seren enjoyed her quality cuddle time with me!!
She was entered in 2 classes, Open bitch and Good Citizen bitch, and took 2nd place in both classes, so I was really proud of her.
I love the Welsh dragons on her rosettes.
Where has the time gone!! I can’t believe the puppies are 5 months old already.
Eira has been a busy girl, attending both puppy and ringcraft classes, going to hydro sessions with Lottie, and swimming and going on the hydro treadmill. She’s attended a couple of shows, and been in the show ring once.
She absolutely loves life and is very enthusiastic about everything! She loves being where she shouldn’t, like the dining table, raised flower beds!!
Ailsadot Dalmatians 