Journey is 6 weeks pregnant with 8-9 puppies (!) and soon she’ll be heading over to Colleen’s to whelp her litter. But right now, she’s still eager to work despite the fact that she’s becoming quite rotund. I’m not sure if this picture really illustrates how full Journey’s belly is, but those 8 puppies are certainly taking up some room:
With her growing puppies, I’m being careful about what kind of work we do. She’s no longer jumping at all, and in earlier weeks of her pregnancy she was jumping 8 inch jumps. We’ve been training the drop-on-recall exercise for the Open ring, but we’ve had to stop that as I worry about her quickly dropping onto her belly. She’s still doing stationary drops, although that will probably end soon too. Despite the awkwardness of her belly and added weight, she’s still heeling happily:
In general we’re doing more stationary exercises that are low impact and easy on her back and belly. So I opted for the pivot exercises, where I turn in place either to the left or right, and Journey must turn with me and then sit. These pivots are necessary for the Utility directed retrieve exercise, and also help solidify heel position. I thought these would be easy, but Journey is really struggling with moving her expanding belly to the left. I use a dowel to guide the dog, and you can see Journey here as we begin the pivot:
This pivot to the left, often trained as a “get-it-in,” requires a supple back and coordinated rear end movement. (Ahem, her’s, not mine!) Journey’s trying so hard, but right now it’s like manuevering a cruise ship. Portward ho, maties!
Whew, we made it. It’s tough with all that ballast. We decide to end on an upbeat note with a simple recall.
Journey’s desire to work through her pregnancy impresses me so much. I’m excited to watch her become a mother and am looking forward to many visits with her puppies, but even more I’m looking forward to the time when we can just focus on her promising obedience career. This is a working girl, no doubt about it.
The Spaniel Annals 
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