The Spaniel Annals

I got some lovely photos of Brian and Kerrie in the obedience ring from the last weekend in January, thanks to Nina Sage, so wanted to share them here.

First are some photos of Brian jumping in the Open ring. I can’t help but post multiples, since we’ve worked long and hard on his jumping skills. I don’t think English cockers are natural jumpers–their short backs and their muscular but moderate rears are meant more for plunging into the brush than flying over a jump. And Brian doesn’t find jumping naturally “fun.” So lots of work around technique and building motivation went into these moments:

Kerrie’s Beginning Novice class is comprised of some brief heeling and then mostly stationary exercises. We’re continuing to work on the balance between enthusiasm and precision in her performances; this will be an on-going process for many years for this young springer. I’d far rather have that enthusiasm “baked-in,” as it is with Kerrie.