A critique and an open show

First, we got the critique back from Carlisle and District Canine Society open show, 22/04/23, judge Keith Baldwin.

Graduate 1st Wallington’s Ailsadot Astral Lyra, 2 year old bitch, lots to like, symmetrical in outline, feminine head of fair length, scissor bite, medium size dark eyes, clean long neck into level back with strong loin, well angulation front and rear quarter, moved smooth and free.

Rather than a very early start to go to Southern Counties Champ show, we went to Riddings and District Canine Society open show. It was a lovely drive through the Hope valley, and a lovely, well organised show, sunny and windy!

Seren wasn’t at the best, fidgety, kangarooy and really not feeling it, but we still got a respectable 2nd in Post Graduate.

Fidgety and cheeky 🤣

Lots to work on with her to get her back focused on grass, she much prefers and indoor show.

After a warm show, home for ice cream …

A bit a snuffle enrichment

I like to use enrichment activities to help build calm and peace in the house, especially as we have a very barky dog across the street, and when lots is going on on the street.

I don’t use snuffle enrichment everyday, and I use a variety, matched to each dog’s patience and frustration levels. Lottie gets frustrated by challenging activities as she’s a real foodie. Mac, who can be easily frustrated, is happy with more challenging activities as he’s not so foodie. Seren is happy with whatever she is given!

Mac is 7!

How is it possible that our favourite boy is 7!! Doesn’t feel that long since we brought him home as a cute 10 week old puppy!

He celebrated his birthday with a long walk, a biscuit and lots of sleep 🤣🤣

The cute puppy we brought home 💛💛

So now he’s grown up we are venturing back into the show ring with him as a veteran, see if he enjoys it.

A glorious bank holiday weekend

The weather has been fantastic, the Spots have loved being out in the sunshine.

We spent the bank holiday in the Lake District, so the Spots had a great time playing in the paddocks, paddling in the stream and sunbathing.

Dog yoga??

As well as lots of playing and fun, they did also do some thoughtful posing …

A spot of posing

And lots of cuddling …

Weekend in Cumbria

My parents live in Cumbria, so we go up there a lot. The dogs love the space at my parents, 3 acres of paddocks and stream to play in and explore.

It’s been a lovely warm and sunny weekend, so the Spots have been outside a lot, exploring, playing and chilling.

As the Spots are posers I did get some lovely impromptu photos of them – I walk with my phone in camera mode, just for those moments!

The Scottish Kennel Club Champ Show

This show is becoming and Mum and Ellie ritual, don’t know what I’ll do when she goes to university!! We took Mac and Seren with us this time.

We stay in the same hotel each time, I treat her to a lovely meal in the restaurant. This year she even got a cocktail as she’s legally old enough to drink … although not old enough to pay!!

The dogs love a hotel room, they don’t get to sleep with us at home. So beds are novel and exciting. Seren rocks the hotel room now, taking over the bed and sprawling! Mac is not as used to the hotel experience, but quickly learned!

The show was a bit of a disappointment, not the hall we are used to and no benching, so we had to pick our spot carefully. Both were in large classes and whilst they showed their hearts out, it just wasn’t their day.

Pollard Open Show

Another warm day, and another outdoor show. First time there, tiny, uneven ring, so probably our one and only time there.

We put the beach tent up away from the rings, so Seren could have a bit of peace. First time for her in a crate in a tent, she doesn’t do new experiences overly well on her own, but she settled down with a chew.

Not her day, a bit unsettled and the ring wasn’t the best, but she came 3rd in her class.

The beach

We love a beach trip, as long as it’s out early and leaving before everyone else arrives!! We went to Formby this morning, and it was a little different for the dogs as there was a sea mist, so low visibility and weird sounds.

The dogs loved playing in the sand, paddling in the sea and getting muddy! It’s a lovely time spent with the family and Spots.

To get to the sea , we had to contend with some ‘mud’ – Lottie coped with it better than Beth 🤣🤣

Play field morning

I love being able to book a secure field for an hour every now and then. It’s a godsend when Mac is particularly sniffy, as it means I can relax, he can roam freely and walks don’t get cut short!

I love this particular field, it’s got interesting agility style bits, woody parts and open space. Perfect for the Spots. Lottie loves posing on the trapezoid, Mac loves the ball and Seren just loves it all!

It’s a fab space to relax and just enjoy being with the dogs and doing tricks and fun stuff.