Lookout Portuguese Water Dogs: 2015

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Spring has flown by and we are "enjoying" some sweltering hot, dry summer weather at the moment. Fortunately things cool off decently in the late evening through early morning and the dog perk up a bit and enjoy walks and outings then. Of course, they are always instantly energized if we find time for a visit to the lake or river.

Delta is working on learning the exercises for the Working level of the water trial program we trial in and Ecko and I are slogging away at learning one of the more advanced exercises for the Courier level, the buoy ball drop. Such a tricky combination of foundation skills is involved in teaching this exercise. Each dog I have trained to this level has learned the exercise slightly differently.

"Bumper Dogs" - Delta and Granny Stoker

Training advanced skills always makes me appreciate how hard dogs work to get things right for us and really drives home how important it is to read what your dog is telling you and tailor things to meet those needs. When Chili was a young dog a good friend always used to say it was so easy to see when Chili had not "gotten the memo" on how to do an exercise yet. She was such a fast learner and tried very hard, but needed to get clear information from me in order to succeed. Chili has taught me so many important training lessons and hopefully Ecko is reaping some benefit from that.

Jan has been working hard too, in the yard and garden. In the bottom photo, the coven is sitting on our newly painted deck with a recently planted bamboo privacy screen growing in the background behind them. We also planted a raised bed garden in the area where our old above ground swimming pool used to be and the dogs are NOT happy that we have the area fenced off and out of bounds for them.

Have a Safe and Happy 4th of July!

The coven overseeing Jan's garden and deck projects.

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Spring Update

Delta plays with the puppies. That is Annie's "keeper" Birdy to Delta's right.

In the end of March, Delta and I headed north with a friend to temperament test a litter of pups for a friend. The litter was sired by a male that we co-own and their grand-sire was part of our family years ago. We were pleased that the pups all had fabulous temperaments and were heading off to wonderful homes the following week. If was hard to tear ourselves away from playing with them to head back home.

On April 11, Delta made her agility debut at a CPE trial in Ridgefield. She qualified with a 1st place in her Jumper's run!

Vancouver Lake Sailing Club, water play day

On April 18, the Vancouver Lake Sailing Club allowed the dogs to come visit for the day. We had 8 PWDs there (Delta, Ecko, Stoker and Chili were joined by friends Cooper, Tsuzi, Taz and Rawley), along with a Golden Retriever, Lab mix, Terrier and a Chihuahua Mix. It was a beautiful day!

Chili enjoys the yard in late April.

Monday, March 23, 2015

The Rocket's Celebrate their Third Birthday

I always think it is fun that their birthday falls on National Puppy Day!

This bunch is blessed with wonderful owners and I rec'd a great response to the annual Happy Birthday email when I sent it around.

Redstone's birthday report: "3 and going strong. Redstone is still the favorite in our house and Carver's best friend. He often reminds us to feed him with a friendly bark, sometimes 5 or 6 times a day. We are working on his ability to tell time. Normal sleeping pose below. He can't seem to sleep upright."

Redstone

Luna's family reports: "Luna has her submarine piloting lesson on Monday so she'll definitely have a very fun day tomorrow. When she's not following me into the bathroom or... everywhere, Luna mostly hangs out under our 2 year old's high chair at meal times. She provides essential family support in the form of floor clean up duty.

Thanks again, Suzanne, for breeding such a sweet, healthy group of pups and for staying in touch!

Happy birthday Rocket Litter"

Luna

Arlene and Keith reported in: "Atlas is still a pup in his mind! He is so affectionate and lavishes love on all his "familiars" . He is gradually learning not worry so much about the unfamiliar. We have been going to class and helping him to enjoy different environments. Lots of improvements and his comfort level is expanding. Sunny day and we are off for a birthday hike. We are going to Tammy's tomorrow to help set up her new agility course---- a new challenge for Atlas! Thanks again for entrusting him to us. He brings us lots of joy!"

Atlas

Lani's report: "Lani will celebrate her birthday at her Monday night agility class. She loves agility, is very enthusiastic & fast. Almost as enthusiastic for agility as for water work. She will start a rally class next week. She is very smart, catches on fast, she trained Jerry & my dad how & when to play fetch with her. Still says Whoo Whoo lots & greets us in the am or when we have been out with a stuffed toy.

Thanks for such a sweet girl!"

Lani with Nancy at a water trial

From Delta: "Delta gets to go to her agility lesson every Monday, so she will have a fun birthday outing there. Then perhaps she will get a special chew treat after dinner... We had to adjust her harness out a few inches recently so I think she is completely filled out/matured now physically although she acts like an overgrown puppy still."

Delta

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Happy New Year!

2014 in Pictures

I was horrible about updating the blog for the last half of 2014 and vow to do better this year. Here (in reverse order) is the last half of 2014 in photos.

December 2014