I know I haven't been on here for a while but thought I would keep those of you that are still keeping in touch with the "old Klix gang" updated. I hope you are all well & have found some other great clubs to train with now? Klix4K9s DTC has now well & truely gone which took a lot of getting used to but on the plus side, all the stress of running it has gone too!
I was trying my best to try & recover this winter but have sadly have been back in hospital again for a two & a half week stay recently :( Ive re-named myself "the lab rat" or "beetroot head" on a very bad day!
The poodles Gem & Chica are still doing a little Flyball when Martin takes them which helps keeps them socialised & fit. They did a competition recently while I was in hospital as the team needed a height dog. We'd promised them we would go or the team wouldn't have been able to run without Gem there so Martin couldn't let them down. Well! Martin, Gem & Chica did brilliantly & had fun can you believe it ;) Gems team came 3rd & Martin was so proud of his rosette! This the man who refused to "do dog sports" ; ) Click the link below to see them playing hard : )
Please keep in touch, I know Im not the best at replying but I do love to read how you all are : )
Lots of love, Hanz x
Hi everyone It is with great sadness that I have decided to close Klix4k9s DTC.
I have tried to carry on this year & as you all know that I retired from competition etc in April to help with my health to enable me to carry on with the club but have continued to suffer even more. I have been advised that I need to stop working & try to give my immune system time to recover. Each time I come back outside to teach Im hit back again & I am risking damaging my lungs more permanently if I don't look out for myself.
Things have been so hard for me & all I can do is to thank you all for being so patient with me at times. Im struggling physically & mentally with all the stress of keeping going as well as all the silly drugs they give you. I hope that you will appreciate that I do have some lose ends to tie up in the business. I will be doing these as soon as I can but I do need time to reflect on what as just happened, try to de-stress & concentrate on getting well.
I will do my best to recommend somewhere for you to train. There is talk of a little club setting up but you may have to travel across the forest. You will have to wait & see for a little while on that one. Meanwhile, if you want somewhere to train you can try looking on the agilitynet website under clubs for Dorset/Hampshire on our links page. My best advice is to go along "without your dogs" & ask if you can watch. You all know enough to recognise what is the right & wrong way to train, treat & reward your dogs so if you don't like something then say so, ask advice from others there or walk away. If its a "young club" maybe they will welcome your experience & ask you to help them move forward. I would love to see all my hard work & research put to good use somewhere else.
I have already been asked for some basic "new club" advice so make sure to try to see the following: a calm & happy environment a safe environment & equipment no harsh handling or abuse to dogs or handlers dogs working for good positive reward food, toys etc
Remember, everything you have learnt with me is never lost & I will leave the articles etc on the website for a while for you all to download so that you can practice them or maybe take them to your new club to try there! ; )
I wish you all well in the future & hope that you can all continue your training & competing.
Your greatest agility fan
Hannah Mitchell xxx
ALL classes this week on WED, THURS & SUNDAY have been cancelled. The "well-o-metre" hasn't reached "ok" yet so sorry folks I need a bit more time as this one was quite a nasty & sudden attack :( I'm really sorry for all the cancellations & letting you all down again :( Please check the phone for next weeks classes (fingers crossed) & thank you for all being such great club members & being so patient. Hanz xxx
Im so sorry but I will have to cancel this Sundays classes again. Firstly because another dog from the middle Sunday class has also gone down with Kennel cough & I have also just come out of hospital so am unable to teach just yet. Please check the phone for next weeks classes & thank you for all being such great club members as usual by being so patient regarding your classes being cancelled. Hanz xxx
Hi everyone, Im sorry but will have to cancel agility classes this Sunday 25th October. A dog that was working in the middle class has come down with a Kennel cough type bug! The vet is unsure as to whether it is Kennel cough but is treating it as if it is. There are a lot of these bugs flying around at the moment & the best course of action is to have a week off to make sure it hasnt spread to any other dogs. Please keep a close eye on your dogs & any sign of anything then please let me know asap. N.B. It is highly unlikely that your dog has caught anything but this is just to be sure.
See you all in 2 weeks Hannah x
I was so impressed with you all this week & had such fun teaching you all :) Your handling was amazing & the dogs were looking absolutely awesome! Everyone had moved up a gear & the dogs were really enjoying themselves too, they were flying. Tunnel traps?? No Problem!! ;)
Please don't forget that this weeks classes are going ahead on Wednesday & Thursday evenings for the last time this year. These classes will be moving to Sundays on the 27th September (this Sunday). Please see the noticeboard for your new classtimes.
Congratulations to Dawn & Tiggy for coming 3rd in Large Grade 3 Jumping & Agility at Gillingham Show last weekend. Great results from his first season competing with running contacts ;)
Please let me know any other results from this show.
All classes will be going ahead this week subject to the weather. Please check the phone before your lesson just in case there has to be a cancellation though!
As a one off for this week only, Hannah's classes will be run on the format of last years "emergeny lessons" with course plans & exercises pre-set for you all to practice & get on with in my absence. Sheila will be in charge of opening the gate etc but please remember she has Asthma & Osteoporosis so shouldn't be left to "move" heavy equipment around out of the trailer on her own or we will be carting her off to casualty too!
I will move payday to next week: 23rd & 24th September (for Wed & Thurs daytime & Thurs evening classes).
The last payday for these classes was last due on:29th & 30th July.
Wed daytime will be due 5 weeks fees though "a few of you" are due 6 weeks if you have made up any missed ones this course by attending on another day. I trust that you will be honest about this, though I do however know who has had some extra ones ;)
Thursday daytime & evening classes will both be due 6 weeks fees on payday.
Any questions, please email me :)
See you all next week, The Boss x
Im so sorry but I wont be well enough to teach thursday this week so all classes have to be cancelled.
Look forward to seeing you all next week
Hanz xxxx
All DAYTIME classes have been cancelled on Wed 9th September. This is for: 1pm & 2pm ONLY. The 6PM & 7PM/7.15PM Wed classes will go ahead as scheduled this week with our trainer Dawn.
All of you have been offered alternatives for this week, please let me know asap if you can attend any of the classes offered to you.
Can all members please check the phone this week prior to your class regardless of the weather. Thank you :)
Please can everyone keep a good eye on their dogs this week as a member of the clubs puppy has come down with Kennel Cough :( Fortunately this dog hasn't been training at the club yet but a couple of their other dogs were in class on Thursday afternoon. Please let me know a.s.a.p. if there is ANY sign of kennel cough in your dog, even a slight "throat clearing" sound or one off cough!
Please dont forget that dogs can show very little sign of these symptoms & can appear ok with only a slight "one off" cough. They are still carrying the bugs which can so easily be transfered to other animals. Its better to be vigilant & keep your dog away from training for a week if you're not sure than risk any dogs in the club spreading it around to others.
The may find this link helpful:
We would like to welcome some new members & their dogs to our club: Karen & Downey Judith & Max Dyanne & Jasper June & Rory Gavin & Tia Julia & Calan Carol & George
Sadly the weather has been against us, especially the awful high winds!! Please please be patient & we will soon get you all started! It is for you & your dogs own safety that classes are cancelled.
Please remember to check the phone message one hour before your class is due to start to see if the message has been changed to say that your lesson has been cancelled.
You may find this page on our website useful:
I look forward to meeting you all very soon, Hannah
Due to the horrible weather forecast for the Wed classes today please make sure you check the phone an hour before your class is due to start to see if a cancelled message has been added.
The weather is a repeat of last summer with us having to put up with a really wet July :( Hopefully the sun will shine again towards the end of August like they are promising & we can get on with some "summer" training! We actually managed more dry lessons through the worst months last winter than we have again in July!
Rain rain go away - PLEEEEEEEEEASE!
As our old dogs settle into retirement its nice to stumble across old photos which stir up those old memories!
The thought of taking Bramble to Crufts was always a nightmare as he found too many people hard to deal with & Crufts sure is a busy place to try & get a dog into.
In 2003 Bramz flew through the Eukanuba Knockout rounds at Crufts as his favourite "agility game" was racing. The Semi final was against Alan Bray & Portia, a man with much longer legs than myself & a poodle that won everything going! We were truly "neck in neck" & as I new I couldn't out run Alan to encourage Bramz for a faster finish, I decided to send him out to a tunnel in the final corner & leg it - BIG MISTAKE! My inexperience in noisy screaming crowds sadly ment that Bramz simply didn't hear my command to take the tunnel as I cut away quickly for the finish & he missed it out. We did our best & new we had to take a gamble to beat this fine pairing but it wasn't to be. We got to stand on the "green carpet" in the arena for the presentation & made the doggy press too :)
Bramz is actually my only dog to have ever been placed at Crufts, so raise your glass to the "old boy" who is now 13 yrs old, as he continues to keep fit & active (& cause havoc at times) in our Wed DAQ, fun & fitness class ;)
Wed 29th July (daytime) & Thurs 30th July (daytime & evening) classes, we will be competing in the "Klix Gamblers Challange 2009". The winner will be declared the "Klix Gamblers Challange Champions 2009" with a photo opportunity & a small prize too!
Please familiarise yourselves with the "rules" on the link below before the event as it will save a lot of time & explanation during the class :)
Click here to remind yourself of the Gamblers Rules for this years competition.
Camping pass available for the Agility Club Show this weekend (25th/26th July). Please email me asap so that I can send it to you.
Congratulations to Jenny & Gypsy for winning the agility class at the Charity Dog show last weekend. Your kind message of thanks was very much appreciated too at the moment :)
Im sure there were many other great results too from the club so I'll wait to hear from you all this week.
Most club members that I teach are aware that that I've had a little set back again with my health recently & I thought that its a good idea that the "whole club" should be aware of it too as it can affect the entire running of Klix4K9s DTC at times :(
Im doing my best to keep things running as smoothly as I can but yes, there will be the occasional blip, mis-communication or late cancellation of classes (mostly due to the weather at the moment!) & as for absent mindedness, that comes without saying!! For this Im sorry, but I really can't do much more than I am doing at the moment. Please also remember that even if you're not taught by me, all the cancellations/weather decisions are done by me (Hannah) on that day & not your trainer. This means that sometimes I have to call ALL training to a halt if Im not well or even worse, in hospital.
We are a great club who stick together & help each other out. This was brought home to me last week when a member hurt themselves during a class on Thursday evening. You all took over seeing to her care & homeward transport etc so all I had to do was "teach & get home". This was about all I could do myself at the time as I was only three days out of hospital! It certainly left me thankful & proud you are members of my club so thank you: Sarah, Audrey & husband, Carol & husband Andy, Nina & Kelly You were all total stars :)
All classes will be cancelled this week as I am on holiday & have decided to close the club for a week. I look for ward to seeing you all next week.
Hannah xxx
The schedules & entry froms for this event can be found on this link:
Well done everyone for your great results from Romsey. I would also like to congratulate our club members who helped (& judged!) as I know the show was really struggling to find helpers & judges all weekend.
Results that I know of: Elaine & Tess: 3rd Special Agility Jenny & Gypsy: 8th Jumping Dawn & Cara: 2 x 1st 1-7 Agility Dawn & Tiggy: 1st 1-5 Agility Nina & Layla: clear round Sheila & Ziggy: Clear round 1-2 agility Dawn & Ziggy: Clear round 1-5 jumping Hannah & Chica: 11 points in the Frisbee competition Hannah & Gem/Chica: for passing their Flyball audition (yes, we've stepped over to the "Dark side" & we had such fun.........!!!!
Please let me know any other results : )
Congratulations to: Dawn & Tiggy for a 5th & 10th place in Large Grade 3 Jumping classes. You have worked so hard with him, its great to see the work starting to pay off : )
Congratulations to: Steph & Linx with their clear round in the Allsorts class & Holly in Large G1 for clear rounds in her classes too! You have also worked so hard with your dogs & Im sure little Linx will be great when he hits the Large classes : )
Please let me know any other results this week :)
Welcome to Klix4k9s DTC to our new beginners. Your first class will be starting at: 7.15pm on Wed 10th June.
Hope you all have fun & any questions, please email me via this website. Hannah
Please can you contact me if you are unable to attend this new course asap. Many thanks Hannah.
Here they are, Caoimhes new arrivals. Final total 6 boys and 3 girls! All well : )
Im putting the pics in the Gallery too so that they can be viewed in a larger format.
Caoimhe the NSDTR has started having her pups today & has had 4 boys and 2 girls so far! - Heather wasn't sure if she had finished either so we'll have to wait for more news updates.
Busy mum duties now Heather & we want pictures very soon please : )
Congratulations to Anne & Saffy for qualifying for the First Contact Agility Final at Dordale Show. All the hard work is paying off, Im so proud of you all : )
We have news from Caroline & Jack in Oz - yahoo! All safe & well, please visit the link below for pictures & their "news" page.
Click here to read: Jacks tales from Oz!
Congratulations to: Sheila & Ziggy (only just out of the placings!) - Clear G1-2 small agility Sam & Tizzy Clear small G1-2 Agility Hannah & Gem 5th G6-7 Jumping, Clear championship Jumping (Gem), Clear Champ Agility (Chica) Dawn & Cara Clear G6-7 medium Nina & Layla Clear G1-2 Large Jumping Elaine & Tess Clear in Allsorts Dawn & Missy Clear in Allsorts Let me know if I've missed anyone out please as I know I heard Anne & Saffys name on the tannoy at least once for Large G 1-2! Anne & Saffy/Dessie have so far this season acquired a fistful of top place rosettes - huge well done guys!
Huge congratulations to everyone who was out competing & having fun at the weekend. Well done to: Hannah & Gem 1st G6-7 Jumping & 7th G6-7 Agility - back after 9 months off competing! Jenny & Gypsy 9th G1-2 Jumping - one of my babies out in the big world of agility! Steph & Holly - clear round G 1-2 Jumping - go the spotty dog! Elaine & Tess - clear round allsorts class - yes they went clear!! Sheila & Ziggy - Judges Special rosette - a clear but started before the judge was ready (beginners nerves) :(
Gem wants to say thank you to Steph for running her so well in the team dash - shame your trainer couldn't remember the course after number 4 hey??!!
Chica flys again & what a star she was too. From a broken leg to 5 awsome eliminations as she was so fast her mum just couldn't get the commands out quick enough. More practice needed........!
So great to catch up with friends at the show, long may it continue......
Anyone thinking of buying some new club clothes for the summer? Perfect agility training gear & showing great club support too :)We have asked Waggitt to provide some new club clothing for us. This is great news because they are at a number of shows where members can try on & see the clothing. You could also get logo's put on other clothing & dog gear at the show as they have on site embroidery! Stay tuned as our club range will be online shortly.
PS yes that is Gem modelling the toweling dog coats on the Waggitt site ;)
Dawns Wed 7pm class has been cancelled this week (15th April). See you all the following week. ALL other classes are running to timetable this week.
We have now finished sunday training & have moved to evenings. Sunday 1pm & 2pm classes have moved to Thursday 6pm & 7pm & Sunday 3pm has now moved to Wednesday 7pm. Please visit the noticeboard "lesson times" section for full details of your classetimes & payday details.
Welcome to our new beginners starting this week:
Gillian & Lola Sarah & Rosie Jo & Alfred Sarah & Midas Lisa & Rosie Luke & Muffin Lucy & Molly James & Yindi
Congratulations to Jo & Rowan who came 7th in medium jumping at Wye Valley show. This was their first KC show - well done guys!
Well done to everyone who got clear rounds & places at Tollard Show too- go Klix4k9s!!
Our thoughts & biggest hugs are with Gillian & her family at this time. Their lovely golden labradour Jessie sadly passed away at the end of last week aged only 8 years after a short illness.
Jessie started agility with Gillians son George, later handled by Gillian in the DAQ class. They were our longest attending DAQ class members & Jessie was one of the stars in both DAQ videos still being shown on youtube & this website (see window below).
A gentle lab who never had a cross word to say to anyone & as long as Gillian had her squeezy cheese, she was happy to play anything!
Happy memories of both of you playing only 2 weeks ago in your DAQ class, We will miss you so much. Lots of love, Hannah xxx
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet. You cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together...
Author Unknown
Dedicated to: Gillian & Jessie.
A huge Klix4K9s welcome to our new members: Sarah & Dougal (starting today) Josephine & Ruby (starting today) Sarah & Mercy Leontine & Mitzi Jennifer & Molly Lisa & Alfie Mandy & Bay Paulette & Maddy Sarah & Dougal
Please remember don't hesitate to contact me with ANY queries you have as we know that learning a new skill can be difficult. Remember, there's plenty of time to learn everything - its not worth rushing your early training :)
You may find these exercises helpful after your first few lessons :)
How to show your dog round a pole using the correct hands. Click here to remind yourself of the exercises (24/02/09)
How to show your dog round a figure of 8 on 2 poles. Click here to remind yourself of the exercises (24/02/09)
Foundation Jumping exercises. Click here to remind yourself of the exercises
All exercises covered can be found on the noticeboard & course archives section of the website.
It only takes one dog/handler to benefit from a training session for me to know that it was a success. The exercises were aimed at helping ALL dogs in the club but a "special few" dogs needed this work above anything else. People have told me they are definitely going to do some extra practice at home so my "warm glow" I've been going on about continues to glow stronger :)
An email from Jo. Click here to read an email written by Jo-ann after this weeks sessions (24/02/09)
Foundation Jumping exercises. Click here to remind yourself of the exercises (15/03/09)
Here is the Scallywags summer tournament schedule as promised.
Summer agility tournament. Click here to view & print a copy of the Scallywags show schedule.
We will shortly have details/scheldules of a series of summer shows run by Scallywags DTC. The good news is they are held at a reasonably local venue (Southampton) so it helps cut fuel prices for some of you! All I know at the moment is that they have shows planned for: May 17th, June 7th, July 19th, August 23rd, September 13th and October 11th (all Sundays).
Schedules will be out shortly.
A new article on running contacts has been written by club member Jo-ann. It shares her experience on training her young dog Rowan running contacts & is well worth a read by anyone who is thinking or even just interested in this different form of contact training.
My running contact journey. Click here to read an article written by Jo-ann
Klix4k9s DTC are starting a new pre-agility class on:
Sunday 15th Feb 2009 at 3pm.
There are a few spaces left on this new course so if you know anyone who has been waiting patiently for us to take on new beginners then please contact us by email a.s.a.p.
Agility in the snow sounded fun but as always, safety comes first so I decided to cancel lessons this week due to the anount of snow in the field & menage. Its one thing letting the dogs have a great time playing in the snow but they aren't used to training in it & I was worried that the handlers would end up keeping casualty busy!
I was shocked at the amount of snow in the field & menage on Thursday morning & Claire said she hadn't worked the horses in the menage at all since the weekend as it was slippery.
The poodle patrol were out in force & always on the look out for "yellow snow"!
We've had some lovely walks but had to keep our eye on Chica firstly to make sure she doesn't do anything stupid & secondly to make sure she didn't go lame in the cold snow. She has remained sound which can only mean she's on the right track.
Not a good time to clip the poodle gang hey!!
Finally, Im back online & will be updating info as quickly as I can.
Hi everyone Hope you all had a great Christmas.
I have decided to have this Sunday off (Sunday 28th Dec). Continuing straight into work since coming out of hospital, Chica's leg/rehab & many hospital appointments have left me more tired than I thought & I feel in need of a short break. No, its not a huge "hangover"!
Look forward to seeing you all when we resume on: Sunday 4th Jan Wed 7th Jan Thurs 8th Jan
Happy New Year!
Here is a picture of the offending ramp that Chica ran up whilest being a naughty poodle. She ran up it at full speed from right to left as you look at the picture. It was just an unfortunate accident as she had been on lead as we walked through all the mountain biking ramps but Martin walked away to see to a "lost dog" that was following us. Chica & Gem had been let off the lead as we had passed all the ramps & about to climb the hill. Unfortunately they ran the opposite way back to martin then back to me as I called them. They by passed me then went up the ramp :( Gem thought better of it & quickly jumped off the side while Chica carried on over it. The rest as they say, is history.
Chica is now 5 weeks post surgery & is doing really well. There is no sign of lameness & she certainly thinks "its all better"! She is still on the lead in the house to stop her running & jumping anywhere she shouldn't which is now getting very difficult as she's feeling back to normal & wants to run. She has slowly increased the length of her walks but is still on lead until her Xray in 3 weeks time.
The "red soft top vehicle" is Chica's mode of transport (borrowed from Bramble) to include her on those longer walks with the other dogs. We brought it at Rugby show for £20 & boy am I glad I did because its been invaluable. It saves me walking all the dogs in umpteen shifts every day!
Her swimming is going very well but she has "style" problems. A poodle doing front crawl isn't pretty!! She has been told that she needs goggles as she hates the water in her face. The more she puts her head up the more she splashes etc etc etc.......! She is now free swimming & racing round the pool in true Chica style - 100 miles per hour & her "stroke" is improving each time she goes!!! I didnt think that owners had to run round the pool to catch up with their swimming dog ;)
I have made a small video using some footage of club members & their dogs to demonstrate handler body language & movement when doing a "snake" jumping exercises. I hope that this video goes some way to help some of our less experienced members to see what they are trying to achieve whilest sitting in the comfort of their warm & dry homes. We all know how tricky these moves can be when you're starting out in agility. You can find it on the club members video clips section of the website. Hope you like it guys.
Please visit the KC website (link below)for information of new rule changes that take effect in Jan 2009.
Will all club members please have a look on the timetable (club notice board) section of the site to see when fees are next due as its a little complex this time! I hope the timetable makes it a little clearer & if you're not sure, please contact me a.s.a.p. I have also amended the timetable for this week so that some of you can see when your extra or re-scheduled lessons are this week.
Thank you :)
Chica's operation went well & she is being a very good girl back at home. I thought she would be a lot more crazy than she has been & she has actually been pretty sensible so far waiting to be lifted or carried awkward places!
Her new "bionic" leg (as we now call it) has an 8 screw metal plate in it. It doesn't seem to have caused her any pain since coming home from the vets which I am so pleased with as that was the part that I just couldn't take - her being in so much pain & not being able to help her.
I will say again, a huge thanks to Cedar Vets (our sponsours) who looked after Chica so well as Im sure at times she wasn't an easy patient! The nurses are so lovely & I know Chica had lots of special cuddles. Thanks Chris Trickey (Cedars) for helping & supporting us so much over the years & thanks to Jane Oatley for coming in to do the surgery especially for us.
Roll on rehab :)
Please check your emails as some of you have been asked to come to a lesson on Sunday instead of wed/thurs this week. Let me know asap if you can attend as I will offer the place to someone else if you are unable to come due to other commitments.
Many thanks, Hanz x
Thinking of our little Chica for her operation on her broken leg tomorrow (Tuesday).
A huge thank you to Cedar Vet Group for looking after her so well while she's been away from us. Its too quiet & we miss her so much. We just want to see her being her mad crazy self running around making us laugh & causing havoc where ever she goes!
Lots of love & cuddles, Mum, Dad, Grandma, Bram, Ollie, Gem & Ziggy xxx
P.S thanks so much for your kind messages over the weekend, we really appreciate it.
"This workshop is intended for anyone who is involved or interested in the performance of their dog and how to improve their heath and longevity. The performance dog is an athlete and no matter which form of agility your dog takes part in, from tracking and flyball to trials and obedience, gundog or showing activities, when you are performing or training for any event, dynamic warm up and warm down (using exercise) is critical. By further adding massage to this routine it can make a massive positive difference and help to avoid injury. This one-day workshop is an introduction to how massage can help and it is designed for individuals with little or no experience / knowledge who would like to ensure that their massage techniques are correct." Julia Robertson.
Ok, so we broke you in gently this week? Back to basics proved interesting to say the least! Lots of work on those basics to be tested in 2 weeks. Meanwhile, extra practice on sending the dog around behind you from the left side & the right guys because as promised your going to try something a bit different next week! KETCHKERS!!!
See below for an idea of what they are about if you haven't seen them. Its a bit of fun & something you can add to your agility tool box.
Chippenham and Gillingham re-scheduled shows this weekend have been cancelled again due to a water logged venue.
Anyone looking for an early christmas pressie? Some of this looks brand new: jumps, weaves & an A-frame. Gotta be worth a look guys & no, I don't know who is selling it but it does look like Premier equipment!
Two years ago on the 7th September we lost little Purdey "Wightwonder Star Turn" at the age of 15 years. We have really missed her & have recently mistakenly said her name on more than a few occassions.
This video is well worth a look & I'm sure it will have an impact on all of you that watch it as it has a wonderful way of putting things into perspective.
Our dogs are so special to us all & touch our hearts in so many ways.
Huge congratulations to Jo & Phoebe for winning not one, but TWO jumping classes at Pembrook show in August. It just goes to show that you should never give up on the veterans as long as they are having fun & you are never too old to kick butt hey Phoebe?! Well done guys :)
I know I needed a holiday but 10 days in hospital wasn't quite what I had in mind as a break. I'm now back home where my recovery continues...........
Please be patient with me as I'm not allowed to fly back to work until I've quit the steriods which will probably be another 2 weeks off training (3rd/4th & 10th/11th Sept). I do so want to train you all but as my first asthma attack occured at the training field it isn't a good idea just yet or my consultant will probably kill me!!
Please check the phone & keep an eye on the website to see exactly when I will be resuming training. Just a note to say thanks for all of the get well wishes & cards & especially the little package of lollipops & card from Brigitte. They were just what the doctor ordered!!
See you all very soon & please please give me a little time & space from work to recover properly.
Lots of love Hanz xxx
Thank you to Rachel Mowbray - a 2nd with Gem & a 6th with Chica & Alan Bray (top 10 clear in the last class with Gem) for running the poodles at the KC International. The naughty poodles didn't make life easy for you!
Dawn & Cara managed some great top placings & wins over the course of the KC International Festival even after all that hard work setting it all up. Dawn was re-named TOM TOM after she took 2 hours to find her way to the local Tesco down the road :)
Dogs in Need started a trifle wet & windy with most awnings heading upwards on Tuesday! Yes, you guessed it, Martin forgot to put on the tie down kit & set off to the rings with Amos to do their days helping. A massive gust over wind over 60mph & a huge crash sent the awning sailing upwards & Hannah was left hanging onto the awning in her nightdress yelling for help- not a moment you want to visualize. Dawn & Melissa saw the awning go & flew to the rescue. Meanwhile Melissa's awning was also trying to take off too. Martin & Amos were quickly phoned & told to run back to help, so they abandoned their ring (equipment all on the floor) to save the day. We lost a windbreak at some stage during the storm & never found it - somewhere in the exercise area we believe!!
The rings were quite scarey at times with competitors left chosing whether they run their dogs in the bad weather. I was suprised to see so many Dogwalks left in on courses & heard of many dogs being blown off them & some injured. On Wednesday I witnessed a whole A-frame lift in the air & fall over as competitors were walking the course. It was replaced with another one as I think it was broken!
Thank goodness for electric hook up! Nice & warm & most importantly, dry. The poodles weren't allowed to get wet or blown off equipment so they are both safe & sound throughout both shows. Thank you to everyone who looked out for me, hard I know as most of the time I wasn't sure what day of the week it was as I was full of medication! Just as I was feeling better & beginning to enjoy my holiday, Jenny informed me that I looked dreadful - thanks Jen!!
Huge congratulations to Carl & Shelley for winning into Grade 3 at Dogs in Need show. They had 2 wins & a 5th during the course of DIN.
Also congratulations to Dawn (re-named "Tom Tom") for qualifying the 2 poodles for the Dogs in Need Genesis Classic Small Grade 7 Final. Thank you for running them all week for me, they had so much fun & you were so close nearly qualifying Chica for her first ever Championship Final.
Jenny & Taffy were 14th in their last class at DIN & a clear so had some good points towards the DIN Finals but sadly not enough to qualify. Amos clear again with Woody in the Helping Hands class, other clear rounds from: Rachel & Riva, Melissa & Woody, Jenny & Taffy, Heather & Barney, Dawn & Chica, Dawn & Cara, Carol & Tizzy......anyone else??!!
Most importantly, congratulations to the Klix4k9s quiz team for winning the music section of the DIN quiz! Amos was elated with the win as this was their best result to date & the celebratory noise was apparently quite something!! The prize was eagerly shared between the "Klix brainboxes": Amos, Melissa, Carl, Carls friend, Rachel, Anthony, Jenny, Carol, Andy & Dawn - I think!
Video of some of the runs from the show will be online shortly.
Im so sorry everyone but all agility will be cancelled on Wed 6th Aug as I have just had an nasty asthma attack & had to have a nebulizer to stablise it. Its a combination of summer hayfever & the dampness of today. I have been suffering a bit lately & I have felt this coming on.
I look forward to seeing you all when I get back from my break - if I get there!!
Lots of love Hanz x
Please don't forget that the club will be closed from: Thursday 7th August until Tuesday 19th August.
I was planning to teach on Thursday afternoon (7th Aug) but unfortunately due to reasons beyond my control I am now not able to.
Please remember that all phone messages will be lost in this period as they will not be picked up so please contact me when I get back if you have a query.
See you all when we get back.
Elaine's real world is back with more cheeky stunts from our resident superstars. See the magazine section for more crazy pictures.
Chica would like to know if anyone knows of a decent kit to print T-shirts for her mum. She has designed a cool running contacts theme & would like it printing. What do you think?!
Congratulations to Elaine & Tess for their first ever clear round in the Allsorts class at the Agility Club Show.
Elaine & Tess are huge stars in our Elaines Real World page which has raised many a smile amoungst our readers.
Tess was diagnosed with hip displasia in one hip last year & has worked hard at keeping fit & strengthening her "back end" in our Doggy Gym & DAQ classes. The picture shows Tess showing off her weekly swimming in our water trough as her weekly hydrotherapy swim sessions obviously aren't enough!
Tess has competed in a few Allsorts classes (low height jumping) at shows this year & their clear round is a huge achievement for them, especially for Tess's fitness too. Long live the Allsorts classes as they are great for dogs like Tess to join in the fun at shows.
Huge well done Elaine for all your hard work with her & we all know that Tess can be a bit of a handfull at times.
Photos from the show are now online to view & purchase from Paradox photography.
Gem & Chica have both qualified for the Small Olympia semi finals in Stoneleigh in September 2008. Gem qualified at Rugby show at her first show back from injury & also finished 4th in the small championship final. Chica then followed her big sister by winning the next qualifier at the Agility club show!
Christina & Layla have qualified for Crufts 2009 in Obedience. Congratulations to both of you!
Sheila & Ziggy start their running contact training. Chica the expert trainer steps in & saves the day by showing him how its done when the percentage of Ziggys correct runs drops. She's simply the best trainer & there's video footage to prove it! Look out for two other club members running contact work on here shortly.
A huge thank you goes out to everyone who worked so hard last saturday to give people a fun day out at the Charity dog show. Great courses from our judges and the fantastic teamwork by the hard working ringparty (volunteers on the day). It wouldn't have happened without you all and I'm sure Tara and the Lions Club are very greatful - I certainly am :) Lots of well deserved rosettes especially to little Holly from Badgers Green club running the poms, a very young agility star in the making.
Also on the same weekend at Empingham Show, Chris & Pip (medium) finally got their last agility win and won into Grade 7.
So far this year they have won: Pip into Grade 7 Fizz into Grade 6 Suki into Grade 4
Some of you may find Chris's article on the non competative handler interesting & helpful in the magazine section as you can now apply it to him taking a dog up to a high level in agility.
Click here to read: The non competative handler
Chris has been at Klix4k9s DTC for neary 3 years and has achieved great success with all of his dogs. Along with everyone else in our club, they have been taught about agility handling & skills, clicker training, warm up/cool down (DAQ) & DAQ, diet, fitness & our doggy gym to keep their canine athletes in top shape for competing.
Klix4k9s hope that hours of research & a kind, effective, fun & stress free training environment have all helped to contribute towards their success. We are proud they use all of our methods in their agility training as this is what we will continue to strive to achieve as an agility club.
Congratulations guys, look out medium Championship classes next year!
Rachel has written a very informative article on "The Husky". Were you thinking of getting one of these beautiful breeds?? Do you know someone who has always wanted one?? Read the article and then decide if you have the time and commitment for one of these dogs.
Click here to read: The Siberian Husky
I would just like to say thank you to Dawn for the lovely message on the agilitynet message board which reads:
"A massive thank you, to our trainer Hannah Mitchell. Your hard work, expertise and dedication is awesome. Look at the numerous placings and win outs your club members have already achieved this year including our win into Grade 6. Thank you again! - Dawnie 'n' Cara xx (02 July 2008)"
What a great "positive reinforcement" exercise for me hey?! I am so proud of everyones achievements that I teach & it makes the job of training you all (in the horrible British weather) so much easier to know that you are all proud too. I feel a warm glow of satisfaction when a message or card is given to me and I never throw any of them away as they are all so very special. I frequently shed a tear of joy for each and every one of you as I know how much these achievements mean to you however big or small. I can't help being a soppy dope and no, I will NEVER cry in front of you unless I'm caught out!!
Thanks guys :) Lots of love, Hanz (the trainer) X
What are you all waiting for everyone, Christmas??!!
Tara is now flapping about the lack of entries for the agility fun show so far as only 3 club members have bothered to enter!! All I can say is I had the same problem with payday last week Tara with 17 dogs not paying on time :(
The closing date is: Fri 4th July (which is in fact tomorrow).
The Klix4k9's special classes will be scraped & no money made for charity if not enough club entries are received :(
Huge congratulations to: Dawn & Cara for winning into Grade 6 (senior) at their second show at Grade 5!
Dawn & Cara (medium): 1st G5 agility, 1st G5 jumping, 2nd G5 agility, 3rd G5 jumping. Carol & Tizzy (small): 2nd G1 jumping. Steph & Holly (Large): 4th G1 jumping, 9th G1 agility & 12th G1 jumping. Christina & Layla (large): 6th G1 agility, 8th G1 jumping Ann & Saffy (Large): 6th? jumping Hannah & Gem (small): 3rd G7 jumping
There are more placings to be updated shortly! Gems first full jumping run & a 3rd place! - I'm so pleased as I let her drift wide so as not to turn her too tightly yet. She's sound this morning with no sign of stiffness etc. More doggy gym & she'll be running agility soon :)
I want to congratulate Stephs dad for cycling about 80 miles from West Moors to the show in Bath on Sunday morning! We were all very impressed, well done you!
Carl & Shelley: 1st Beginners Agility, 3rd Beginners Steeplechase Heather & Barney: Clear Beginners steeple chase Heather & Caoimhe: Clear Nursery class Fergus: 2nd Casual agility, 4th Casual jumping
A big kiss & a get well soon to Misty (thurs evening class). Misty is having an xray tomorrow to look for a cruciate injury. She will have an operation if they do find what the vet thinks it is :( Another nasty injury caused by just running & playing out on a walk!
The new article to compliment the doggy gym lessons last week is now in the "magazine" section of the website.
More club congratulations from the weekend to: Ann & Dessi - 1st G2 Jumping & 4th G2 Agility Ann & Saffy - 5th G2 Jumping & 5th G2 Agility Steph & Holly - 9th place, a clear round & an amazing round in the YKC agility!! Steph & Pepsi - clear round Now the clear rounds & placings start rolling in hey steph??!! Also congratulations to Steph & Holly for qualifying again for the YKC Jumping semi final at the KC International show in August.
If anyone is able to help at the Dorset Charity unaffiliated agility/dog show then can you please email Tara via klix4k9s email address. There is a yummy ploughmans lunch on offer for your efforts!!
Click here for the link to the unaffiliated agility show on Sat 19th July at the Dorset Horse Show. It is also on the "downloads" section of this website.
Dorset Charity Agility Show Application Form 2008
Huge congratulations to Chris & Suki for winning into Grade 4 at Newton Heath. Chris also won G4-7 Jumping with little Pip. Now, just keep a cool head Chris & the final agility win for Pip to become G7 will come soon - I promise!
Congratulations to Heather & Carl & their dogs at SKC, UKA & Vyne shows.
SHELLEY Vyne (with Carl) Grade 1 jumping 3rd place SKC (with Heather) Combined 1-4 Agility 1st Combined 1-3 Agility 1st UKA (GT Show) Beginners Jumping Clear Beginners Staple Chase 4th - qualified for the Dog Games Steeplechase Final at the end of August BARNEY UKA (GT Show) Beginners Jumping Clear (Saturday) Beginners Jumping Clear (Sunday) FERGUS UKA (GT Show) Casual Jumping Clear CAOIMHE UKA (GT show) Beginners Steeplechase Clear Well done to you all!!
The schedule for the agility show will be shortly avaliable online. The show was a great success last year & it has even more on offer this year for everyone. Agility, Obedience, Gun dog challange, fun scurry, temptation alley, doggy dash, multi weave challange, have a go flyball, novelty classes........!
Any help will be appreciated please so offers of help will be forwarded to Tara.
Make it a date in the diary for a great doggy day out - SAT 19th JULY 2008.
A huge club good luck to Dawn & Cara who will be competing in the Rescue League Final at Peterborough on Friday. Fingers crossed, have fun & remember, Cara was the dog who wouldn't play, work for you or ever enjoy agility - hmmmmmmmmm, I think NOT!
Well done to: Dawn & Cara for huge success in their first Grade 5 classes - 2nd Agility, 3rd Jumping & 11th Agility! Carol & Tizzy - 7th Agility. Caught below running from the camera at her presentation! Hey, you could have gone up a few places Carol if you ran that fast in the ring ;) Nina & Layla - 10th Agility & a clear in a YKC class (not sure if she had a place)- that was all done in between texts!! Steph & the amazing dotty dog Holly - 20th Hannah & Chica - 2 x 5 faults (one chasing the judges skirt & one alcohol induced foggy brain) & 4 x E's (one due to a glance at a moving golf cart & the others due to poodle exuberance & a crap handler). Unfortunately, anyone wishing to borrow Chica & Hannah's brain cell this week can't due to it being re-charged ready for the next show ;D Thanks to the support of Grant at Kookaburra Coffee- gets you drunk, then provides the hangover cure of a strong coffee in the morning!
Too many results to remember (alchohol had nothing to do with it) but I will update as people tell me all their results.
We're back from our adventures at Nottingham show, the Peak district & then Hinckley Show.
We arrived at Nottingham Show, late & in the dark as usual & found our camping pitch was on a big mound. After carefully parking the caravan, a lady came out of the caravan next door claiming that there wasn't a space where we had parked. We examined the pitch numbers marked on the floor & pointed out that it was definitely our camping pitch -though it did seem much smaller than everyone elses. Next morning, in the light of day we immediately spotted the problem. The helpful lady next door had actually parked half onto our pitch with her caravan door also facing onto our pitch as well! I didn't mind but they were so close, I had to tell Martin to go for a walk if he needed to make any manly noises & not to sing in the shower ;) Chica ran really well at Nottingham & managed a 2nd in agility & a 3rd in jumping.
We travelled to the Peak district on Monday & arrived at lunchtime. We did a hike each day we were there.
We visited the town of Buxton in the morning.
Chee Dale was a great trek & according to the guide map was "a spectacular walk with some adventure & take care in Chee Dale where the path is rough & slippery". You don't understand how scary it is having umpteen stone of husband slipping & sliding behind you as you pick your way down a steep rocky path- casualty was never far from my mind. I expertly negotiated the "stepping stones" through the water with the rucksack, "the dizzy idiot poodle" & "the submarine poodle". Where was Martin?? - videoing me of course just in case I did manage to fall in the water - how thoughtful of him!
It hammered with rain on us on our walk at Monseal Head. Rivers of rain water flowed down as we were making our way back up the hill. Martin neary did the splits a couple of times as he only had trainers on! Gem was definitely, NOT AMUSED by the volume of water & sulked the entire way back to the carpark. Chica loved it & began to dive into the puddles (minor rivers) & then waiting for me to catch up. I'm sure she thought that she was my depth gauge & that it was helping me to decide whether to walk round it or wade through. If she disappeared, I walked round the water :)
We managed to reach the top of Mam Tor & the larger one next door without the need of medical assistance - result!!
We were plagued by flies, sheep & surrounded by loads of other walkers but it didn't matter because the view was gorgeous from the top.
The weather that day was sunny while it was still pouring with rain in Dorset.
We travelled to Hinckley Show on Friday arriving in the light (afternoon) to find they had a bar in the secretaries tent - can the show get any better???Chica managed a 4th in G1-7 agility with two enormous turns & completely lost her head & brain cell in the Crufts singles agility 8 hours later!!
I fulfilled my judging appointment by getting through 350 dogs before lunch - an all time record??!! I'm sure the next judge was greatful to my prompt finish as she had another 250 dogs to judge after me in my ring. The posh cooked lunch, tuggy & voucher was a nice present & two people went home as happy winners :) Well done Sarah & Misty for showing that G1's can handle well on a G1-3 course by only getting 5 faults on the weave entry. We packed up & got home before dark - AGAIN!
Avoiding Supadogs Show this year was a good choice as you can see from this pic from the show! The peak district was great & there was too much to fit into the short time we had there.
Martin & I really enjoyed our non agility break & were sad it was all over, but we're looking forward to it next year.
Yes, I promised him another non agility break that soon :)
Please click this link to read about Woody & Halle's adventures at Longleat on the Great paw trek. They raised £67 for charity - well done guys!
I've finally chosen the new neo counter which is smaller than the last one! Each time you click on the round "bubble" it tells you different information about our visitors. e.g. Total visitors by country, which countries are online & recent cities & how long ago they visited our site.
Yes, its something else for you all to play with when you are totally bored at work - have fun!!
Chica won into Grade 7 (advanced) by winning Grade 6 agility at Vyne Show last Monday. She had two fantastic wins at the WBSD show beating some top dogs in a combined class. Yes you guessed it, the running contacts are getting faster & faster but she's still 100% in the ring so far! Four shows so far this season & all four wins to make her Grade 7!! What does her mum think? - maybe there is a brain in there somewhere :)
I have finally got round to putting some more of your photos on to the Gallery. There are some great shots guys. This year we're running a photo competition for Best Klix Pic 2008 with a small prize for the winner. Get busy this summer with those cameras guys.
I'm also trying to work out where to put the neo counter as its got "huge"!!! We really appreciate all of our website visitors from around the world & send you all a hot & sunny hello from the UK - thats because its not raining here for once!!
A huge thank you to everyone from the club who worked so hard on Sunday to make sure that our ring ran smoothly: Martin, Amos, Dawn, Heather, Ann, Ole, Melissa, Cathie, Chris, Mick, Steph & myself.
Congratulations to:
Shelley: with Heather, Carl was fine about it! Sm G1-G4 Gr Agility 1st - Winning them all into Grade 2! Sm G1-G4 Comb Agility Clear
Shelley: on Sunday with Carl Sm G1-G3 Gr Jumping 2nd
Barney & Heather G1 & G2 Gr Jumping Clear G1 & G2 Com Jumping Clear G1 & G2 Gr Jumping Clear G1 & G2 Gr Agility Clear G1 & G2 Comb Jumping Clear
Fergus & Heather Clear round in any size jumping - don't know what made him happier, jumping again or the piece of jerky he got with his rosette!
Caoimhe & Heather Lots of fun !!!!
Chica & Hannah: 1st Small Combined 4-7 Jumping 1st Small Graded 4-7 Jumping 5th Small Combined 5-7 Agility
Saffy, Dessi & Minty: (to be updated) Ann had too many rosettes for me to remember & proudly winning Best WBSD in one class.
Cara & Dawn: Clear round in G1-4 Agility (Graded)
Missy & Dawn: Clear in Allsorts & thought the tripe stick given as a prize was better than a rosette anyday!!
Other results from the show will be updated though the week as I get them from club members.
Congratulations to Carl & Shelley for their success at Tollard Show. They came home with a 1st in Beginners Jumping, 3rd in Beginners Jumping, 4th in Open Helter Skelter. Glad you had fun guys & maybe a "wee" thanks to mum Heather for keeping up Shelley's training during your time at University??!!
Please don't panic or turn round & go home if you don't see us in the field this week. We have moved house to the paddocks by the menage & carpark. Please drive slowly & carefully in to the venue & have a stroll in the lane whilest waiting for your class to start so as not to cause congestion!
Please check the phone before all lessons this week (regardless of the weather) as we are still desparately trying to get the new field ready in time for this weeks lessons. Some lessons may have to be cancelled just for this week until we have everything sorted.
Huge Good Luck to our equine competitors who have qualified for the Event Insurance Services Winter Dressage Championships 16th–20th April 2008 Hartpury Arena, Gloucestershire this week. Claire (Jock & Archie's mum) with Opti & Casa. Have fun, relax & go kick some horsey butt!
With all this weird weather I decided to play about with some footage from Gem's vist to Long Beach, California in 2006. Hope you enjoy it - I did!!! To view it please visit Gem & Chica's video clips page.
Huge congratulations to Melissa & Halle for their first ever clear round & guess what? - they WON a Jumping class!!! I hope it gives you some confidence in you & Halle's ability now so you can continue to kick some ****!
Well done to Dawn & Cara for winning the Agility Eye Regional league 2007 (South West Medium G1/2). More chocolates I'm afraid!
A very strange weekend of weather hit us.
We spent Friday baking in the sun in the Forest & I was seriously going to give the poodles another hair cut as they were rather hot! I watched our pretty little Cherry tree outside blossom & knew that Spring had arrived - or had it??!!
Here is the tree on Sunday morning all covered in snow. Now thats a sight I've never seen before!
I was awake early & witnessed the snow cover the garden within half an hour.
I have put all the snow pictures you have sent to me on the Gallery under club members snow pics. Please have a look as there are some that look lovely viewed larger (click on them).
Annual membership fees are due this week. Please see the notice board classtimes section for details.
Congratulations to Dawn & Cara winning into Grade 5 this weekend at Shuttleworth Show. This was topped off with a 1st in G4-7 Jumping (Graded) & 8th in G4-7 agility (combined)!
Well done to Melissa & Woody the choci lab for their 17th place in G1 Jumping.
Chica started the season with her first win towards Grade 7 in G4-7 agility (graded). Three more to go!
Gem was only allowed to do 1 jumping class on sunday as she had a sore ear. After passing an ear inspection on Sunday lunchtime mum allowed her to wizz round the Jumping course. She won -what a good poodle!
Huge club congratulations to Chris & Fizz who won into Grade 6 (Large) at Kernow Show (Cornwall). You have two Senior dogs now Chris which must have caused you to have a senior moment as I did note that you seemed to have forgotten my chocolates last wed?! ;)
Congratulations to: Dawn & Cara for a 2nd & three 3rds in Grade 4 Medium Agility & Jumping classes at Chippenham & Kernow Show. Nearly Grade 5 now, just 11 more points to go!
Congratulations to Ann & Dessie for his 5th place in G1-2 Large Agility at his very first show! There are numerous other places as well but as usual I can't remember them all off the top of my head :)
Good luck to anyone competing this weekend!
Its highly unlikely that classes will go ahead on Wed (today) due to the 30mph winds. The driest parts of the field are around the edges right under the trees which poses a safety issue. We have already had many branches down & some of the trees are still looking as if they have a lot more to drop on any poor unsuspecting person or dog.
Please remember to check the phone all this week.
Sorry, I couldn't resist showing you all my favourite youtube videos of poodles doing what they do best - entertaining! This is what makes doing agility with them so hard at times. The first one is brilliant, especially if you are a pianist & own poodles.
Ziggy would like to pass on the recipe for his favourite dish - "Duck a l'Orange". Its simple: Just take one duck & one orange dog - Yummy!
Just a reminder to say that sunday classes have now finished for the winter. Alternative times have been found for you all until the "official" Summer times start in the first week in April.
Huge congratulations to Jo-ann & Rowan in the YKC Grooming competition for coming 2nd in their age group. A huge achievement considering all you went through to get there this year. Well done Jo : )
Phoebe ran well for Jo-ann in the YKC senior agility. Unfortunately Phoebe popped back out of the tunnel for a refusal which then led to a back jump for an E. Nevermind Jo, you didn't think you would even be able to run there & you fulfilled your wish which is amazing! We are so glad you got to enjoy the fantastic Crufts atmosphere again.
Hannah & Gem pulled out of the Eukanuba Challenge due to Hannah's foot injury. Not impressed but saved a fortune on Crufts shopping - ha ha!
Just a quick reminder tho say that all classes are going ahead as usual during Crufts week.
This year Jo-ann will be competing with Phoebe in the YKC Jumping & with Rowan in the YKC Grooming competition. Good luck Jo.
Hannah & Gem will be competing in the Eukanuba small agility challange & are reserves for the Crufts Singles.
Heather & Caoimhe will be strutting their stuff again in the Breed ring. Fingers crossed for a successful Crufts for them especially after the fantastic year they have had in the breed ring. For information on Crufts 2008 & for shedules of events please click on the logo below:
The Non-Competitive Handler. An article written by Chris Imlach
Training a HPR for agility: The First Year. An article written by Tracey
Training the "nosey gundog" Ochre. An article written by Sarah
Chica has been busy doing two new Running contact videos, one in which she races her contacts against Gem! Her training is really starting to come together now & we are working hard on different equipment after some of the contacts. We still need to work more on the A-frame now.
For those of you interested in what method I used with Chica, it is Silvia Trkman's training method. A huge thank you to Silvia who shares training advice on these fantastic contacts with everyone who would like to know.
For more great advice & videos from Silvia then please click on this link:
Please see below Silvia Trkman's video of dogs trained by her method.
We now have two new club videos on the "Club members videos" section on the website or you can follow the link below to go to the klix4k9's Youtube page to view all of the videos. Remember if your computer takes ages to load them then press play, go & make a cup of tea while it uploads & then start it again to view it without "hiccups".
The DAQ video moved me to tears, I'm sorry but I'm a real sucker for seeing dogs & handlers enjoying learning new things & working as a team together :) Thank you to all of you who took part in the videos & enjoy watching your handling!
Dawn & Cara have been invited to attend the Supadogs Rescue League Finals at Peterborough on 13th June 2008. This is fab news as she only just missed qualifying last year by a whisker! Congratulations to you both for all your hard work this year :)
Cara has been very busy this year & wants to show everyone her trophy collection from 2007. Not bad for a rescue with more problems than Hannah!! An Official club clever clog!
Go on, have a read please. Its packed full of experience & knowledge for club competitors & even those that don't compete!
A new article written by Dawn with loads of ideas for those of you looking for something to entertain your dog on these wet, dark evenings. Thank you & well done Dawn, it must have taken you ages to put together!
Some of these articles will be put into HTML format so that everyone can view them, but it takes time. I will change them over as quickly as I can!
Training Gem as a youngster could have been tough, but with a little imagination & resourcefulness - easy!
Click the link below to read the story about an ordinary day that went horribly wrong after a freak accident. Club member Jo-ann recalls a day that she will never forget but has a happy ending.
Congratulations to you Jo for qualifying Phoebe, Becks & Rowan for Crufts 2008.
Due to a waterlogged field we will be in the menage this Sunday weather/wind permitting. I don' feel that it is big enough to run two classes side by side so I have had to change some of the times slightly. Please see classtimes on the noticeboard section to see if your time has been changed. Most of you have been contacted via email or text about these changes.
Finally we seem to have our site back!! If you have any difficulties with any part of the site, please email me to let me know. I had to do a couple of minor ajustments to a few pictures as we seemed to have acquired a couple of someone elses!
We are currently experiencing problems with our server, hence half of the website is missing. I have managed to upload this page but without pictures etc. It should be back to normal shortly!
If you want to join in the Klix4k9s DTC club league this year (2007) then please fill in the online form: Online Klix 4 k9's League Table results form. The trophies are being polished up so that they can be presented to their new owners this year :)
The deadline for your 2007 results is: Wed 23rd Jan 2008. Goodluck!
As you can imagine the agility field is underwater again. Ollie the collie decided that he would model some of the wet bits for you. The ditches are the fullest they have been in the last 4 years. I feel it is just too dangerous at the moment for classes for both dogs & their handlers as it is very muddy & slippery. The field does dry up very quickly, so all we need is a couple of dry days! The wind has also been a huge problem as tree branches have fallen down & so far on each day we are due to train the wind has been much too strong (over 25mph). If the jumps are blowing over then its just too dangerous for the dogs & handlers.
Please check the phone an hour before your lesson as some days I am able to use the menage.
I have heard of some other agility clubs that have continued training outside through some of this awful weather recently. All I can say is, I hope they have got good insurance cover & I'm sure that handlers who really care about their dogs welfare will stay at home & not risk their dogs with injury in the awful wind, rain & slippery mud!
Does your dog understand the risk of injury because of the weather?? I think not!!
On a fun note, we have had some more strange goings on in the club. A three legged poodle on our A-frame - SPOOKY!!
Ok, the wet field soaked Chicas fleece jumper legs & she kept loosing her leg up the sleeve. Either that or she kept missing her running contacts so her mum chopped h........................! She showed off her amazing balance skills in true poodle style.
Those of you who were asking after Carol last Sunday will be pleased to know that she had a little baby girl on Thursday 10th January 2008. Carol has named the baby Ruby Jane and she weighed 7lbs. All doing well. Congratulations to you all especially mum Carol & Grandma Jane!
Christmas fancy dress pics are now on the Gallery. Well done those of you who dressed up for the last lesson before Christmas.
Another fun moment awaits you in Elaines real world!
Well guys, this is your chance to show off all your hard work in 2007.
These two pictures are Chris & Cathie Imlach's trophy & rosette collection from 2007. The question is: where do you sleep now guys??? Their competition dogs are: Pip (G7 medium), Rosie (G5 large), Flyte (G6 large), Fizz (G5 large), Russett (G3 large) & Suki (G3 large). Huge congratulations for a fabulous season & I suppose I'll have to drink to your future success in 2008...............
If anyone else wants to be a club cleverclog 2007, then please email me pictures of your achievements. No matter how big or small we want to see them as we are proud of all of our members achievements.
Where's the party?! We found him sat on his own today waiting for the New Years party! The poodles hadn't told him they moved the party into the other room on new years eve. Poor Ollie, its so sad when you've lost your hearing & the poodles pick on you :(
I thought you may all like to bush up on your geography during the wet & windy weather at the moment so have put a posh web counter at the top of this page. If you double click on the counter a window will pop up giving you a map of the world to play with! It also tells you where in the world our visitors come from. Have fun!
Ok, so I've been quiet for a while but we have been very busy training our running contacts. Its hard work & takes hours of training & dedication. Chica seems to be really enjoying it & I think we seem to be getting somewhere!
Please Gem & Chic's video clips for the latest update in her progress.
2007 FCI Agility World Championship blooper video. Worth a look to see how the proffessionals muck it up!
Agility season starts with a competative bang as Gem & Chica have both been invited to attend the qualifer for the European Open 2008 GB team selection in April. What a wonderful opportunity for such a young dog!
We will have to wait & see if either of them qualify to go to Germany with the team in July.
A few Christmas day pics of our household. Can't wait to see the New Year celebration ones ;)
Bill Oddie came for lunch!
Chica got drunk -again!
Ziggy hoofed up & slept it off on the settee!
Some new Christmas club pics will be on the Gallery shortly
Hi everyone. Its cold - brrrrrrrrrrrrrrr! Wrap up warm & keep those dogs warm at training please :) Please note that the last lessons before Christmas will be on: Thurs 20th Dec.
Lessons will resume after the Christmas break on: Wed 2nd, Thurs 3rd & Sun 6th Jan 2008.
Due to some dogs being exposed to kennel cough at a another club last week, some of you have been quarentined & will not attend agility this week. Other times have been sorted out for the rest of you.
PLEASE NOTE: I have been ill since last Thursday with flu & may have to cancel this weeks training anyway. Please check with the phone message to see if your classes are cancelled if I am still feeling unwell this week.
Our new A-Frame has arrived & what a mighty fine & unique one it is too! After causing a near riot in the paint shop of Premier Showjumps the result is brilliant. I think its totally unique & the only one ever made in the world because of the colour scheme. Thank you premier :)
The first class to use it was on Wednesday & a larger picture of their happy faces can be seen in the Gallery.
The old A-Frame is now permanently lowered right down & is now a DAQ bridge unique to our club.
If anyone is interested in signing a petition concerning Fireworks, please click on the link above.
Heather was showing at Midland Counties Champ Show this week and Caoimhe won best Bitch again proving that not only is she a very promising agility dog but a fine example of her breed. This has made her: TOP TOLLER BITCH IN THE UK FOR 2007.
Her journey to this top showing achievement is: Best Puppy at Crufts, Best Bitch at Crufts, Birmingham National, Windsor, National Gundog, Belfast and Midland Counties Championship Shows in 2007.
Heather said "I am really chuffed with this achievement as Caoimhe is only 19 months old!!". Huge congratulations to you both from Klix 4 K9's DTC. A few facts: 1) Caoimhe is pronounced as "queeva" & is an Irish name. 2) She is a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever (NSDTR), Toller for short & originates from Canada. 3) The word Toll means to "attract or decoy". They lure the ducks closer to the shore by playing & retrieving objects at the edge of the water. They are used as retrievers as well. 4) They have webbed feet to help them swim. 5) A UK Toller (Minx) & her handler Amanda were members of the 2007 GB Silver medal Medium agiliy team at the FCI World Championships in Norway. See picture left (Minx at Crufts 2007).
For those of you who wanted to see it again, the clicker trained agility sheep.
© Copyright Hannah Mitchell 2006-2009
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