Been pretty busy with work and business so haven't had much time for anything else. I did get to agility practice with Kia on Monday, she and I are learning to be a team but some things, like rear crosses, are not coming to us quickly.
Both dogs have really been enjoying being outside, they were out in their pen last weekend for most of each day. And we have been faithful about letting them get a run in every day too. They have been minding really well although Kia can't seem to hear very well when her head is down a chipmunk hole! She is quite the digger! We let her dig in the woods, it doesn't hurt anything there. It's fun to watch them enjoying themselves just being dogs.
Still thinking about a puppy though we both realize that we sort of have it made right now with the girls being mature. I told Randy that I think this summer we can sit on the deck to relax while they run around doing their thing. They aren't much work anymore. So perhaps a nice, quiet summer will allow us to get some projects done around home. And spend a lot of time on the water in our kayaks! The dogs like to go along too, so plenty to look forward to. The ice is nearly off the lakes, it's the earliest I can ever remember it going out.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
One of my fav puppy pics
Tukka takes a tumble
The most scary thing happened last night. The dogs just can't get used to the bear mount on the wall. They like me to pick them up and put them by it so they can sniff it. I thought it was a good way for them to realize it's not alive and breathing since Tukka insists on protecting us from it. But it turned into a near disaster last night when Tukka launched herself from my arms instead of waiting to be set down. She kind of jumped over my shoulder and when I turned, she was down in a heap on the floor, all I can recall clearly is seeing her tail and that it looked like she was on her side.
She got right up and trotted away to go jump on the bed. She was flicking her tongue in and out of her mouth and panting but otherwise seemed okay. But I was terrified that she might have hurt herself badly. I stayed with her and she calmed down. She walked and trotted around and went outside to potty. Because of her hips, I was worried she'd be sore this morning but she is fine. Thank GOD! This could have been really, really bad.
We think she tried to land on the ottoman and missed or fell. I think she was a little stunned and maybe knocked the wind out of herself when she hit the floor. I laid awake half the night listening for her, she was on the bed part of the time, then moved to the couch where I checked on her at 2:30 a.m. She was okay.
No more bear sniffing. I know that if anything happens to one of them, I would be devastated. I was beside myself with worry.
She got right up and trotted away to go jump on the bed. She was flicking her tongue in and out of her mouth and panting but otherwise seemed okay. But I was terrified that she might have hurt herself badly. I stayed with her and she calmed down. She walked and trotted around and went outside to potty. Because of her hips, I was worried she'd be sore this morning but she is fine. Thank GOD! This could have been really, really bad.
We think she tried to land on the ottoman and missed or fell. I think she was a little stunned and maybe knocked the wind out of herself when she hit the floor. I laid awake half the night listening for her, she was on the bed part of the time, then moved to the couch where I checked on her at 2:30 a.m. She was okay.
No more bear sniffing. I know that if anything happens to one of them, I would be devastated. I was beside myself with worry.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
It's only Tuesday!?
My goodness it seems like I should have a half a week in already. It's that time of year at work, tax time, lots of requests for information plus the usual everyday things. And my boss is going on vacation for two weeks so I have to make sure we have everything done that needs to be taken care of before he goes. Today was really tiring but we will definitely take advantage of the nice weather to get the dogs out for another run/walk this evening. Does us all good. They sure make us laugh and smile a lot and I could spend hours working my fingers through their coats, it's so relaxing. That's usually how my evening ends.
Looks like our agility training will move forward. I found some friends to work with and Chris O. is arranging for a private lesson too! Maybe it's a good thing that we have to wait for a puppy because Kia and I are just really getting going with agility. Some friends asked if I want to go to UKC Premier this summer, that is something to think about. With Nationals in May, I don't know if my budget will allow it but it's very intriguing. All this dog training and competition can get expensive but if you budget it can work out. At least I don't have kids to put through college!
I heard from Andrea today and it's good news about another possible attempt at the breeding. And there are some other ideas as well. Randy and I will be patient. I have felt all along that everything that has happened to us with our elkhound journey, both good and bad, was meant to be and so I know that things will fall into place and we will eventually get the puppy that is meant for us. We didn't want to rush into a puppy anyway, we have our two girls and plenty to do with them. It might actually work out better for us this way as Tukka and Kia will be about 5 and 4 years when the next pup (hopefully) joins our pack. That's nice spacing. The girls are getting to "maturity" but still have many things to accomplish in terms of what I'd like to do. Like finishing rally titles and maybe landing an obedience title. Plus the agility which if we stay healthy we hope to do for a long time. So even if we have to wait another year it will be okay. (Except I miss conformation!)
Four weekends in a row I've been gone, three of those for dog events. I'm looking forward to some time at home this weekend.
Looks like our agility training will move forward. I found some friends to work with and Chris O. is arranging for a private lesson too! Maybe it's a good thing that we have to wait for a puppy because Kia and I are just really getting going with agility. Some friends asked if I want to go to UKC Premier this summer, that is something to think about. With Nationals in May, I don't know if my budget will allow it but it's very intriguing. All this dog training and competition can get expensive but if you budget it can work out. At least I don't have kids to put through college!
I heard from Andrea today and it's good news about another possible attempt at the breeding. And there are some other ideas as well. Randy and I will be patient. I have felt all along that everything that has happened to us with our elkhound journey, both good and bad, was meant to be and so I know that things will fall into place and we will eventually get the puppy that is meant for us. We didn't want to rush into a puppy anyway, we have our two girls and plenty to do with them. It might actually work out better for us this way as Tukka and Kia will be about 5 and 4 years when the next pup (hopefully) joins our pack. That's nice spacing. The girls are getting to "maturity" but still have many things to accomplish in terms of what I'd like to do. Like finishing rally titles and maybe landing an obedience title. Plus the agility which if we stay healthy we hope to do for a long time. So even if we have to wait another year it will be okay. (Except I miss conformation!)
Four weekends in a row I've been gone, three of those for dog events. I'm looking forward to some time at home this weekend.
Monday, March 22, 2010
Time to re-group
Friday we learned that Siri is not carrying puppies. It's a big disappointment for all of us, that's for sure, but it's not the end of the world. Now we'll just take some time to figure out what to do next in regards to a pup.
The sun came up on Saturday and Kia ran in her first AKC trial. Wow! It was really different from the small UKC trial the week before. She did okay, we need to do more work on jumping jumps with wings, that was new to her and she got confused. But she did her contacts perfectly, got the chute and actually weaved! So all in all I was very, very pleased and proud of her and didn't mind at all that she ran around a few of the jumps. She paid attention to me and kept moving forward with me so all is well. And I learned how an AKC trial is run and helped with leash running and bar setting so that gave me me a front seat from which I was really able to study all the teams and learn from them.
Now we are taking a few weeks off from travel and competition. In April there is another UKC trial to attend and we will also be going to more classes. Plenty to do and I'm just going to concentrate on the dogs I have while we wait to find out what might be in the works for another breeding.
The sun came up on Saturday and Kia ran in her first AKC trial. Wow! It was really different from the small UKC trial the week before. She did okay, we need to do more work on jumping jumps with wings, that was new to her and she got confused. But she did her contacts perfectly, got the chute and actually weaved! So all in all I was very, very pleased and proud of her and didn't mind at all that she ran around a few of the jumps. She paid attention to me and kept moving forward with me so all is well. And I learned how an AKC trial is run and helped with leash running and bar setting so that gave me me a front seat from which I was really able to study all the teams and learn from them.
Now we are taking a few weeks off from travel and competition. In April there is another UKC trial to attend and we will also be going to more classes. Plenty to do and I'm just going to concentrate on the dogs I have while we wait to find out what might be in the works for another breeding.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Another upcoming trial
This weekend Kia and I head to St. Paul, MN to compete in our first AKC agility trial put on by NEAM (Norwegian Elkhound Assn of MN). It's an all-breed trial and will certainly be MUCH larger than last weekend's small UKC trial. We don't expect to be very competitive but we need to get out there and continue our work at becoming a team. That will go on for years and years and this is just one more step in the process. Plus we will get to see several of our good friends! We won't run another AKC trial until Nationals in May. And hopefully by then we'll be a little farther along in our training and more confident in our abilities.
We also hope to run two more UKC trials, one in April and one in June. Most of summer will be spent training. Agility is not something you want to push on the dog and it's best to take your time.
We also hope to run two more UKC trials, one in April and one in June. Most of summer will be spent training. Agility is not something you want to push on the dog and it's best to take your time.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Fears and tears
One of our friends just lost another pup from a very recent litter. The dam has accidentally smothered two of the babies. This after two that didn't make it through birth. Serves as a reminder of all that can go wrong with a litter and how difficult it can be for a breeder. I don't know if I have the guts; being so emotional it would devastate me. Stubbornness and determination might see me through though. ;-)
I talked to Debbie and she and I agreed that this really makes us think and makes us more nervous when we think about Siri. Already we are anxious because the ultrasound will be coming up soon and we'll find out if Siri is pregnant. I keep telling myself I'll be able to contain my disappointment if she's not but in reality I'm sure it would be difficult news to cope with. When you want a puppy really bad, when your dogs are your kids, it's more than "just a puppy". And you can't "just go get another".
At least we have some hope now, not like before when it looked like the natural breeding wasn't going to happen. That DID reduce me to tears because it didn't even give us a chance. Everyone knows that not every breeding takes and if it does, there are not always enough puppies to go around from that litter. There could be one or a bunch. So we remain focused on the positive, hoping for babies on the ultrasound! The rest will hopefully take care of itself.
Last night Randy and I were having a relaxing dinner. The dogs were laying around, having just come in from a run in the woods. It was so quiet and peaceful. I looked at him and said, "Better enjoy this moment, in a few months it's going to be hectic around here again!" We laughed. Puppies are a lot of work but that comes with so much joy and the fascination of watching them grow and learn. Our girls are young enough that we have not forgotten!
I talked to Debbie and she and I agreed that this really makes us think and makes us more nervous when we think about Siri. Already we are anxious because the ultrasound will be coming up soon and we'll find out if Siri is pregnant. I keep telling myself I'll be able to contain my disappointment if she's not but in reality I'm sure it would be difficult news to cope with. When you want a puppy really bad, when your dogs are your kids, it's more than "just a puppy". And you can't "just go get another".
At least we have some hope now, not like before when it looked like the natural breeding wasn't going to happen. That DID reduce me to tears because it didn't even give us a chance. Everyone knows that not every breeding takes and if it does, there are not always enough puppies to go around from that litter. There could be one or a bunch. So we remain focused on the positive, hoping for babies on the ultrasound! The rest will hopefully take care of itself.
Last night Randy and I were having a relaxing dinner. The dogs were laying around, having just come in from a run in the woods. It was so quiet and peaceful. I looked at him and said, "Better enjoy this moment, in a few months it's going to be hectic around here again!" We laughed. Puppies are a lot of work but that comes with so much joy and the fascination of watching them grow and learn. Our girls are young enough that we have not forgotten!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Week Four
Week four of canine fetus development:
The spinal cords are developing, and the fetuses are beginning to grow facial features.
Fetuses can be felt in the uterine horns around day 28, and can also be seen by ultrasound.
Your bitch's uterus will shortly fill with fluids to protect the fetuses. After this, it will be weeks until the puppies can be felt again.
When I think about this I see little elkhound faces and bodies taking shape. Wow. It's such a miracle. Soon we should know if Siri really is carrying babies. I hope so, some of us have names picked out and I know a certain someone who could not resist buying her pup it's first toy. In blue. For boys. :-) It wasn't me!
The spinal cords are developing, and the fetuses are beginning to grow facial features.
Fetuses can be felt in the uterine horns around day 28, and can also be seen by ultrasound.
Your bitch's uterus will shortly fill with fluids to protect the fetuses. After this, it will be weeks until the puppies can be felt again.
When I think about this I see little elkhound faces and bodies taking shape. Wow. It's such a miracle. Soon we should know if Siri really is carrying babies. I hope so, some of us have names picked out and I know a certain someone who could not resist buying her pup it's first toy. In blue. For boys. :-) It wasn't me!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Mice and Chipmunks
The melting snow is revealing the tunnels the voles used during winter. There are trails everywhere! No wonder Kia was working so hard to get down into the snow all winter long. She knew there were critters to try to capture.
The mice get into our vehicles. Doesn't matter if they are parked outside or in the garage. It's disgusting. There must be some getting in the truck right now because Kia won't leave the truck alone and even crawls under it whining and sniffing.
This morning I saw the first chipmunk of the season. I went into the bedroom to announce it to the dogs who were lounging on the bed. The announcement was met with alert expressions and the tipping of heads!
The mice get into our vehicles. Doesn't matter if they are parked outside or in the garage. It's disgusting. There must be some getting in the truck right now because Kia won't leave the truck alone and even crawls under it whining and sniffing.
This morning I saw the first chipmunk of the season. I went into the bedroom to announce it to the dogs who were lounging on the bed. The announcement was met with alert expressions and the tipping of heads!
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The week is going by quickly!
It's already Thursday! The time goes by so quickly with our busy lives. It's been a good week as we go about our daily lives and are met by the elkhounds at the back door every day when we go home. It seems like all our cares just melt away when they stand there smiling with their curly tails wagging.
The snow is melting quickly, it's really wet and that makes for good snow baths! Kia especially will roll until she is wet. I think elkhounds look funny when they are wet. At least they don't get that doggy smell, they just shake off the excess water and since they are really only wet on their outer guard hair they dry quickly. Both girls went with us for a run in the woods the other day. The snow was up to their knees and it was a lot of work for them. Good exercise! They continue to hunt and I think they are anxiously awaiting the first chipmunk exiting from a winter burrow. It will get harder to control the dogs once the chipmunks are active because they want to run from one chirping chippy to the next, to the next, to the next!
Various people and I have been having discussions about hip dysplasia this week. It's such a complicated subject. One of my girls is dysplastic and I watch closely for signs of pain. So far she has done really well and as we know, sometimes they can be dysplastic and not show outward signs. At least until they get older and have a lot of arthritic changes. When I found out she was dysplastic I cried and cried, thinking about how she might someday be in pain, not to mention the fact that she should not be bred so we will never have a litter from her. But we keep her in good shape, keep her weight down, make sure she gets exercise and supplements and pray for the best for her. And hope that we will never have to put her through a surgery though that is always an option if things get bad.
The snow is melting quickly, it's really wet and that makes for good snow baths! Kia especially will roll until she is wet. I think elkhounds look funny when they are wet. At least they don't get that doggy smell, they just shake off the excess water and since they are really only wet on their outer guard hair they dry quickly. Both girls went with us for a run in the woods the other day. The snow was up to their knees and it was a lot of work for them. Good exercise! They continue to hunt and I think they are anxiously awaiting the first chipmunk exiting from a winter burrow. It will get harder to control the dogs once the chipmunks are active because they want to run from one chirping chippy to the next, to the next, to the next!
Various people and I have been having discussions about hip dysplasia this week. It's such a complicated subject. One of my girls is dysplastic and I watch closely for signs of pain. So far she has done really well and as we know, sometimes they can be dysplastic and not show outward signs. At least until they get older and have a lot of arthritic changes. When I found out she was dysplastic I cried and cried, thinking about how she might someday be in pain, not to mention the fact that she should not be bred so we will never have a litter from her. But we keep her in good shape, keep her weight down, make sure she gets exercise and supplements and pray for the best for her. And hope that we will never have to put her through a surgery though that is always an option if things get bad.
Kia and I are getting ready for this weekend when we go to visit Chris Olson and her family and compete in our very first agility trial! I'm excited and nervous. Kia loves agility and it gives her a lot of confidence. I love watching her run and jump.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Week Three
Entering week 3 here is what is happening with the pregnant bitch:
In week three of the pregnancy implantation has taken place and the embryos begin to develop. The bitch may begin to display mood swings, appetite changes and breast tissue development.
If they are there they are starting to grow into puppies.
In week three of the pregnancy implantation has taken place and the embryos begin to develop. The bitch may begin to display mood swings, appetite changes and breast tissue development.
If they are there they are starting to grow into puppies.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
GMNEA Weekend
It's over, another specialty weekend has come to a complete close. Always difficult to say goodbye to our friends after spending some quality time together. The other thing that always bothers me is that we are so busy we don't really get to visit much. What happened to the days when I had only one dog in one event? Now we are rushing around warming up for rally, grooming, showing. Time to think about how to slow things down a bit but at a specialty you just want to do it all!!
Kia came home with two qualifying ribbons for Rally Advanced. Tukka got her first leg in Rally Advanced, I only had her entered one day but now regret that I did not enter her both days. Darn entry fees add up with two dogs in more than one event. Now my fear is that Kia will finish her title and I'll have to show Tukka in "B". Yikes! Not the difficult dog in "B"! I guess it doesn't matter all that much really and I'm confident that she'll be successful too.
I was kind of sad on Friday because we thought we were getting an AOM but the judge made a mistake and so we did not get one after all. She had selected Tukka for one so that's a good thing. But it was kind of embarrassing at the same time and pushed me over the edge as I'm getting pretty emotional about Tukka's impending retirement from the conformation ring. She's my first show dog, first elkhound and I'm going to miss her at the end of my lead even though she can be such a demanding monster in the ring. She's taught me everything I know about showing and I feel like I can show just about any dog after all she has put me through in terms of what I had to learn and overcome. I love her so much. But as someone wiser and more experienced pointed out....it's not like I'm getting rid of her! :-)
There was a lot of talk about hopefulness for Siri to be pregnant and to fulfill our dreams. We are keeping our fingers crossed. Tossed around some ideas for names too. I've got mine all picked out. Andrea told us Siri is acting like she is extra special now so we are praying it means she knows she has babies growing inside her. Siri's dam became the third MACH elkhound in history this weekend...way to go Flurry...we hope your grand babies will be as nice and smart and agile as you!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Always Wondering
Each day I find myself wondering if Siri is pregnant. It's going to be a few more weeks before we know for sure.
Last night Tukka finished up her final obedience class for now. She's a tough one to train. She's also very funny, trying to make up her own way of doing things. I had to get in her face last night and remind her that I am the boss. She would not do any stays. At least I've gotten past the part of being embarrassed when she does those things in front of everyone. I'm wondering if she will EVER be ready to compete in Novice Obedience. She thinks too much. That's an elkhound for you!
We are getting ready for a regional specialty this coming weekend. The Greater Milwaukee Norwegian Elkhound Assn. has a two-day show and obedience trial plus rally. Both girls are going to do rally. Tukka will show in breed and Kia has pre-novice obedience thrown in for some extra training. I wonder how they will do but I'm not going to stress about it. The more I think about it the more nervous I get. We'll just go and have fun, so many of our friends will be there and it will be great to see everyone again!
Last night Tukka finished up her final obedience class for now. She's a tough one to train. She's also very funny, trying to make up her own way of doing things. I had to get in her face last night and remind her that I am the boss. She would not do any stays. At least I've gotten past the part of being embarrassed when she does those things in front of everyone. I'm wondering if she will EVER be ready to compete in Novice Obedience. She thinks too much. That's an elkhound for you!
We are getting ready for a regional specialty this coming weekend. The Greater Milwaukee Norwegian Elkhound Assn. has a two-day show and obedience trial plus rally. Both girls are going to do rally. Tukka will show in breed and Kia has pre-novice obedience thrown in for some extra training. I wonder how they will do but I'm not going to stress about it. The more I think about it the more nervous I get. We'll just go and have fun, so many of our friends will be there and it will be great to see everyone again!
Monday, March 1, 2010
Week two - What's happening?
Within a few days of mating, the sperm reaches the eggs and fertilization occurs.
Week Two- The fertilized eggs are on their way to the uterus for implantation. Let's hope there are a good number of them that make it! Changes that may take place in the mother are behavioral. She may become moody or more affectionate. I would think that might be difficult to detect because they go through so many mood swings during their cycle even when they are not bred. We'll see if Andrea has any news for us along the way if she notices anything different about Siri.
Week Two- The fertilized eggs are on their way to the uterus for implantation. Let's hope there are a good number of them that make it! Changes that may take place in the mother are behavioral. She may become moody or more affectionate. I would think that might be difficult to detect because they go through so many mood swings during their cycle even when they are not bred. We'll see if Andrea has any news for us along the way if she notices anything different about Siri.
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