Hmmm.... Adele did look at his dumbbell a few weeks ago and she felt the weight might be making it tougher for him. I've always used the one because it's chewed up and I don't care how beaten up it gets. I have a wood one I rarely use at home because I don't want it chipped or broken (silly, I know). Then I also bought a plastic dumbbell from somwhere (either J&J or Max) that I haven't used for jumping because it just is very heavy.

I showed her my wood dumbbell and she approved of the weight and size for him... but I've somewhat felt that with his lips (he's a very flewsie dog) that I'm always either going to have a dumbbell that's too wide and gives him too many opportunities to mouth and play with it, or I'll be dealing with him getting pinched. >.<

She didn't say anything about the bells (they all are the same size). Makes sense that part of his problem possibly comes down to him miscalculating the jump - especially since his problems with the high jump are the result of him knocking it over the first time ever. And getting so scared of the mean noisy jump. >.<

I have been talking with breeders, including somebody who used to breed goldens and now breeds ESS - I saw one of her dogs at the last show and this dog was absolutely beautiful and had the RIGHT spaniel temperament (not yappy, hyper, aggressive, etc). And she was petite too.

But I swear that after Jacksipants, I would be open to bringing home one of those hardheaded breeds who isn't fazed by anything.

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Maybe you might try giving yourself and Jacks a few days off. You would not be frustrated with Jacks and he might just forget his hang up. There is a place that makes custom dumbbell s out of a plastic type material with a knurled bar , I got one years ago and it's indestructible but I can't remember where. You might also want to pick up as all roll of mating at a carpet store which would allow you higher safer jump hts.


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I'm debating whether or not to enter Lexx into an upcoming Rally trial at the end of the month...tonight is the deadlne for entries.

He certainly knows his stuff but it's just his "focus" I'm concerned about. He's very focused during his classes but outside of those the presence of other dogs still gets him pretty excited. I can see him wanting to go play rather than doing about right turns!! But he could surpise me.

I guess I have a few hours to decide.

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Reno, Austin, Lincoln & Lexxington on Facebook

I've been thinking about getting a matt or at least something that would cover the 6 feet of space where he would be jumping and landing. I just tense up when I see he doesn't have much traction.

I've tried putting him on break... er, intentionally or coincidentally. It doesn't help. He has a long but dysfunctional memory when it comes to things that scare him. The other thing too is that we didn't work jumps that much a couple months prior to him crashing through the jump and I think part of it was him jumping TOO SOON vs timing his jump better.

Laurie, are there any fun matches in your area?

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I've been checking the websites of the nearby obedience clubs but nothing so far. That's what I would really like to do with Lexx, are the fun matches. I know he is capable of performing but it would be nice to see how he reacts around alot of other dogs. We don't have the best training facilities around here....it's a little frustrating!!!

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Reno, Austin, Lincoln & Lexxington on Facebook

I think I said before that with my first golden the first show he ever went to was the first show he was entered in. And I swore I would never do that again. He was all flailing feet and spinning head.

So with Jacks I entered shows with him or just (shhhh) went to outdoor shows and sat at ringside or other places with him to watch the show and get him used to being at shows without any demands on him or reasons for me to be stressed or tense.

I still enter shows with the expectation of pulling if I don't feel it's right for him. If this show is big enough (some places are very small and barely have enough sitting and crating space for those entered), maybe do that, or go with the plan that you will sit and watch for a few hours, get him out and warm up on the side a little bit, and then head home.

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Huh. I guess I semi-overreacted yesterday/this morning.

Came home from work and set up the high jump in the basement like before. I measured it to 16", planning to drop it 4" if he had problems again.

Used the wood dumbbell.

He balked the first time and did his standing on the other side of the jump waiting for me to come around. I really focused on keeping a smile on my face and a "aren't you adorable and trying SO HARD" tone in my voice while I sent him back to get his dumbbell - while I stayed on my side.

And after that he really cleaned up.

I put the dumbbell away after 4 or 5 successful tosses and sent him to get his toys.

While he was rummaging around his toy box for his favorite moose toy down on the bottom, I moved the jump up 4" to 20".

So we played with his toy a little and I made him do a few "take it + hold" reps with my heavy dumbbell (I got it from max - has slanted bells and knurled bar, I looked at the wood one and it has slanted bells too) -with me tossing his moose for him as a reward.

The heavy dumbbell has a bigger bit/bar, so he definitely held it better. And he's getting back to understanding that hold is closing his mouth and waiting while I get a treat. Or in this case, grab the dumbbell and toss the toy.

Then I revved him up and sent him over the jump tossing the moose as soon as he was in the air. And I dropped down in a play bow for him and he jumped right back over like it was nothing.

We played a little more and I did at least 2 more reps with the same thing. And he did fine.

Which of course reassures me that this is mental for him and not necessarily a physical issue. o_O

My plan is to stop over and check out carpets or matting at HD. I'm thinking it has to be something with a rubber bottom so it does go slipping under him because of the tile. And I'll look into other options as well.

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I met with a couple friends this morning, and we trained agility.

I am starting to feel the need to buy something doggy.......hmmmmm....What will it be?

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Susan

UCD URO1 HighRoller Fast Track Filly CDX, RN, NA, NAJ, CGC
River Run Absolutely Riveting CDX, RE, CGC
UCD Hot Gold HankyPanky CDX RAE CGC (retired)





"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." ~Jim Rohn

Zoe and I had our obedience class today . . . the first one in 2 weeks due to the storm etc. She seemed to be happy to be back in action and was a little over eager to greet the trainer, but overall did well. Sits and downs were good despite lots of distractions from less experienced class members. Recalls and finishes made me happy. Off leash heeling is still a work in progress but there is improvement.

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Zoe, Rockwall Nantucket Breeze, BN, CGC, Delta therapy dog
Zeke, our introduction to the world of Golden Retrievers

I just received a package from Clean Run A selection of longer tug toys for sir Brady LOL

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Golden moments shared with
Casey, Faelan, Towhee & Brady too !

and forever in my heart, my golden Bridge boys
Rowdy & King