I am glad to say I have had lots of positive help from my new class.  So grateful for patient people with kind training methods who don't look down their noses because you have a crazy dog! They may think I am hopeless at training but they never never show it - all they do is encourage - and that is what makes a good teacher.   In fact I have been told that there is another dog very like my Meg.  It may turn out that she is indeed Meg's litter sister - now that will be interesting - nature versus nurture - looking forward to meeting her and owner and exchanging info.

Big competition at weekend.  Local 2 day event.  Weather not good but we were lucky whilst there.  Meg had one clear round although it wasn't that clear.  She failed to stop when told on contact and ran on.  So first clear round at proper competition and not a chance to cheer.  Good things were: she was reasonably well behaved around the site.  Some barking and lunging when she saw the dogs in the ring but lots of focus training whilst queing went well.  She actually went into down at beginning of run and let me step away from her - a first in competition. She got one clear round out of 6 runs.  Bad things. She knocked a pole down - unheard of for her. She got bolshie at the end and wanted to look for more jumps so was hard to catch - however she didn't do the most awful thing - that is run into another ring - that terrifies me and so I get het up. 
Then we had class training on Wednesday after a good one to one class.  She was bonkers - so hyper there was no getting her down.  I left dispirited and ashamed.  Now all these new folks think I am useless.  The first week was great - really enjoyed it.  Where did I go wrong this week.  I leave my one to one classes with the knowledge that I can do agility then leave another class as if I should never have a dog at all. 

We have taken all day to calm down after last night's storms.  I went to bed during a lull last night but the thunder just kept rumbling around.  Meg was crying in the kitchen so I had to let her upstairs with us.  She was panting and trembling.  She ran into the bedroom and leapt into our bed meaning to get down between the two of us.  She has never done that before - and she is not starting that now.  So she spent most of the night trembling by the bed next to me poor thing.   She jumped at every noise when we were out for a walk today and has been subdued in the house.   Hoping for a quiet night tonight -as long as she doesn't think she is joining us again!

Lost track of how many weeks I have been doing this now.  Thing is I can't understand why I left it so long before starting!  Trainer is very good - quiet, calm and tactful in corrections.  It was too hot today really - took my OH to show him how well Meg is doing. Meg wasn't so focussed because she wanted to lie down in the shade really.    He was impressed however - although added his own criticism of course (if he was doing it he would be perfect by now of course ) 

Sooo hot today.  Couldn't sleep last night worrying about how to keep Meg cool today.  Made myself late by pulling out garden gazebo and putting it in car.  Could not have stayed there all day if I hadn't.  2 classes first in the ring.  Got there in time to walk both of them.  Had a little panic by the time I got to second because I couldn't remember it properly.  However watching from the sidelines was enough.  Didn't get a clear round - I made a couple of mistakes.  Meg is so fast and I don't think her speed.  We had 2 rounds over by just gone 10.  Pleased with her.  She did all her contacts - just no stay at beginning.  She didn't bark at the dogs in the ring anywhere near as much as some others.  She hardly did it at all compared to past times.  At one point both dogs either side of us in the queue were barking at dogs in the ring.  Meg was doing a sit and focussing on me.  That is progress!   We had to wait until nearly 3 for our last run.  That was disasterous - there was a wall and a spread that she had never seen before (nor had many other dogs at grade 1)  Meg broke at the beginning and went over to investigate wall (last jump)  Then I panicked and made a right hash of it because I didn't know whether the judge meant me to leave the ring or carry on.   Never mind.  Spent all day keeping my dog out of the sun and now she is lying sunning herself in garden.

After the last attack - where off-lead aggressive collie attacked Meg - have been very nervous of walking dog.  This walk is the only off lead walking in vicinity without getting in car.  First rude man is like clockwork - however his habit is to spend 5 -10 minutes standing at the entrance to field throwing the ball to the dog.  It is almost as if he is waiting for someone like myself to come along.  I took a different route into field.  Have been afraid that my OH will confront these men - and this morning he found the second guy - who denied verbally attacking me. Noted he was a football supporter.  He must be one of those guys who gives the rest of the supporters a bad name.  He sees someone getting a kicking so he joins in!  Then says it wasn't me gov!  Meg didn't bat an eyelid at his dog - he threatened to kill her if she went near his!  Hubby had to go along with him because I wasn't there to say whether he was the right guy or not.  Some folks eh!

Second agility training good.  She has improved with contacts already.  She had her few minutes running off and sniffing her new surroundings but then got down to work and settled nicely.  She is even sitting at start for a recall.

As for obedience training - that is a negative side of our life at the moment.  Got off to a bad start with trainer who arranged to meet me in a car park at leisure centre for a one to one.  While she waited in the back car park that I didn't even know existed, I was at the front car park watching the entrance carefully for over half an hour.  Having rushed into the house and back out again I had not got a mobile number and she hadn't asked for mine, so had to go home to find telephone message.  Went to her class that evening.  Feel discouraged again.  Made to feel weak and wimpish.  I was told that I hadn't got the right 'energy' (-certainly didn't have any by the end of the evening believe me) and asked if I had ever pinned my dog down!  I am going along to class to learn how to train my dog because it doesn't come naturally to me.  I can't just give up!  I have already gone down that route and made up my mind to keep trying to improve my relationship with my dog.  My search goes on. 

At last I got round to contacting trainer again.  Doing a one to one to assess us next week.  Would like to go to class now I have no agility.  Starting individual training for agility this week.  Can't go to dog club until I have more control over Meg - she just loses it with so much going on.

Went down to Kenfig Dunes - lovely morning.  Met up with Meg's doggie friends.  Might have mentioned them in passing - the 2 adults are the only dogs Meg has been completely submissive too - known them since puppy classes.  However she didn't really interact with the other dogs much.  She was focussed on us - just in case she turned around and couldn't see us.  When the other dogs swam to retrieve sticks in the water Meg was a complete coward and would not swim.  She is so cautious - the other dogs had to retrieve her ball as it drifted out of reach.  Had a nice chat and enjoyed lovely weather, scenery and wildlife. 

Only made the first 2 runs - had to go and support the City this afternoon.   Same old problem - Meg puts her head down and won't listen to me - starting as soon as I move and gone half way round the course before I can do anything.  Second round was Time fault and out - I think it was called.  She took the wrong direction and was out - had to jump her over the last jump and she didn't want to be caught - she hadn't had a run and was not a happy dog.  Anyway the organisers of the fun day have done very well - grateful to them for putting this together - it is a treat not to have to travel far.  On a sad note my agility instructor has had yet another stroke and there are many of us-  pupils and friends wishing him a good recovery.  He has helped me so much to have confidence in my dog and to enjoy her.

Well thought I was going to my first proper competition today but turns out because it is a limited show nothing counts towards progressing though the grades.  Needn't have worried anyway because we didn't get any clear rounds never mind winning!  If only I can get Meg to slow down at the start.  She will not do a recall start there she is so pumped full of adrenalin that she goes off like a rocket - don't even have to light the touch paper!   For a grade 1 course it was difficult requiring recall starts on each one round.  Not beyond us in practice but in those conditions impossible to do.

Took Meg to vet's today - her cough is worse - it is now into the third week.  Vet thinks that chest is clear and of course gave antibiotics.  I have now missed  2 agility classes - a third next Sat and the agility show on Sun.  So annoying that even though she has been vaccinated the course of this bug has still taken so long.  Grrrrr

Still coughing - it will be 2 weeks tomorrow.  Can't believe it can last so long.  Haven't been to the vet because she is otherwise fine.

Still coughing when we were out this morning and sneezed a few times too.  I really thought that she was over it.  How long can it go on?  My agility trainer phoned to say that would I be at class on Sat - but really I think he wanted to say that he couldn't have Meg if I was going to give her up for rehoming.  They have other dogs - one of which is another feisty little collie bitch.  I knew really that with his health problems it was going to be too much of a challenge taking on another dog like Meg. 
Met a lady this morning walking a collie dog and got chatting about 'collie characteristics'  Her dog was far from perfect too.  It seems one has to take the good with the bad.  My husband was telling me how good Meg was with the little girl next door.  That is because I have told her what to do and she is firm and confident with Meg - so Meg behaves.  There is no reason why children can't grow up alongside a bossy little dog as long as they learn what not to do and what to do.  My 3 year old granddaughter is very respectful towards other dogs - she isn't frightened but does not attempt to touch them.   Think it should be part of the school curriculum!  How to act around dogs that is.

Shhh! no cough today and no hoarse bark.  Hope I can start the countdown to good health again and make it to the agility show 2 weeks tomorrow.  Have been really trying to make sure she doesn't get away with anything this last couple of days - having spoken to the trainer has given me a bit of a lift.  Walk to heel nicely, no rushing through doors in front of me.  No coming upstairs at least not when I am watching.  Unfortunately with computer up on top floor in roof rooms I don't always hear her sneak up to second landing where she hides.

Had a reply from Wiccaweys - to phone for advice or rehoming - I tried a couple of times but they were busy.  I phoned my agility trainer to say that I won't be there tomorrow and to warn the others they have possibly been in contact with kennel cough last week. I also told him how concerned I was about Meg snapping - well biting!  He is still prepared to take her on so it is not all doom and gloom there.  Then I managed to get hold of the recommended trainer for some one to one.  She was very positive - and quite used to collies!  If I am prepared to put in the work she thinks that there is hope.  I can't imagine what it would be like to be dogless now.  Anyway can't do anything until she is healthy again.  I should not have left it so long.  But you know what it is like - when things go along nicely then one loses the motivation to act. 

I sit here feeling very down tonight.  Thought that we were getting along with our dog better these days.  She has snapped (and made contact)at my OH again tonight for seemingly no reason.  But of course there is always a reason.  She hasn't been hundred percent - I suspect kennel cough again or some other thing like a scratched throat - no good taking her to the vet because she won't tolerate anyone looking down her throat without sedation I am sure.   My OH was stroking her - and he was crowding her - leaning over her and stroking her down the side of her head and throat.  Whatever it was she suddenly snapped - she had plenty of opportunity to walk away if she wasn't happy but no she snapped and growled at him.  So tomorrow I have to start some sort of action - muddled as what to do first.  Probabally phone the border collie rescue that folks have recommended before.  Hoped it would never come to this but I have to take action.  Just choked tonight.  My agility trainer praised me so much the other day for how we are coming on there ..... thought I was getting somewhere with her.

Went to agility class this morning - Meg was really worked up.  She pulled and barked at the others as they ran.  It used to be only the fast dogs.  She would not sit and wait at the start but set off every time until my trainer told her to wait.  She does everything for him perfectly the little toad!!  She is taking advantage again - especially as I have my ankle strapped after turning it over and couldn't really run on it.  However she has no trouble working away from me.  She is so clever - too clever sometimes.

I should continue with my diary because it is easy to forget and loose perspective.  Haven't found how to put photos on here yet though Well this morning 15.11.08 Meg did something she has never done before.  Just went downstairs to find her sitting curled up on a chair!  It has never occured to her before to get on one.  Well my hubby was sat reading the paper and ignoring her - not good but I think he wanted me to see her with my own eyes.  She defied me and got up again and just looked as if she was thinking of not getting down when I told her.  The washing basket is on there now for time being.  Since fireworks she has had access to the whole house again which we stamped on when she got so up in the air after we had moved.  Now she thinks it is her right and strolls upstairs to 'her' places.  Time to close down her boundaries again I think.  However last night there were fireworks again.  She had got so anxious over this period that when my son (rather drunkenly) thought he could mess around with her with his old familiarity - he hadn't actually visited for a month either - she snapped at him not once but 3 times - he didn't get the message. 
Still haven't had time to arrange any lessons for either obedience or agility training.  Got telephone numbers but no time.  Building a house takes so much research time that along with grandchildren leaves only time to walk dog.  OH walked her this morning and said that so many people come up and say what a lovely looking dog she is and want to stroke her.  I treat this with caution now but I am not sure he thinks ahead very well.  She normally loves attention but I am very wary when other dogs are sniffing around her. 

Well Meg has settled down a bit.  We went to an agility competition today and she had her first clear round - and a rosette to bring home too.  I was pleased with her behaviour - she didn't lunge at any other dogs.  She did bark at one or two from the car that she didn't like.  But she LOVES competing.  I have trouble getting her to come back to me at the end of a round because she wants to run around again.  I made a mistake with the jumps on the second round - should have been another clear but I must have pulled her off the jump which she promptly jumped the wrong way.  The last round was agility and we need lots more work on contacts.  Saying that she only missed by a little so she was on best behaviour all round which was very encouraging.

Tomorrow is the big day - our first competition.  I have had 2 terrible classes where I couldn't do anything right last week and this.  I can't believe I have put in for a competition - I am going to make a fool of myself tomorrow - I have been rubbish the last two weeks.  Not that I am worried about making a fool of myself - there will only be a couple of people there who know me - but I have to make it a good experience for Meg and not get her upset too. 

Three weeks to go until our first competition - not looking forward to a very early start.  Shame about the friendly we were going to have - it would have been nice to practise under competition rules so I know the procedure - lots of help on the agility sites I know but it is better to experience it.  Meg ran really well in class today.   Our Christmas present of 5 weave poles has really paid off.  She didn't really seem to speed up much at home but in class she showed that the extra practise had done her good.  It is great to stop weaving my hand on top because I could never do it at the right speed.  She is even managing to listen on the contacts.  She is so excited that she throws herself at everything except the see-saw which she has mastered just before Christmas - another good investment for the garden!  Maybe there is a chance that I won't make too much of a fool of myself after all.  Now where can I get faster running shoes!  I will also have to think of registering her and can't think of a name.  She is Meg and she is a red and white collie.  Any ideas welcomed.

Oh dear I hadn't realised what a boring life my poor dog lives.  I had to forgo agility again this weekend despite a lovely sunny day for a change.  My Mum and sister came down for a couple of nights and although I dropped lots of hints that it was my class and what a lovely day it is for taking the dog out my sister was interested in shopping (which there was no time for either) and my Mum wanted to see grandchildren and great grandchildren naturally.  So I was cooking and waiting on family instead.  It was a nice weekend really and I shouldn't complain.  Meg had lots of attention from everyone.  This weekend if we are lucky it is class on sat and a friendly home competition on sun - our first!!  So maybe I will have something positive to blog next week -

Well another wet day!  Gave Meg her worming tablets just before 2 this afternoon because I knew she hadn't eaten anything nasty on our walk this morning.  Went out and came back in about 4.30.  Meg cried to be let into the lounge - a bit odd I thought but went up stairs to get changed.  I heard her vomiting and came back to find that she had thrown up some awful mess onto my best carpet that we had lugged all the way back from Azerbaijahn.  On inspection of the contents (couldn't see the 11/2 worming tablets) I concluded that my husband had given her something to chew when he left the house after me.  He had bought some of those dreadful rawhide chews and given her one of those big ones.   Groan Groan groan.  Now I have to worm Meg again next week just to make sure. 

Well this must be the most boring dog diary entry ever.  What a week for weather.  Poor Meg is found several times a day gnawing her dog bed in boredom.  I have to keep getting the dog trick book out and try to teach her some new tricks.  Trying to teach her to lift her back paw but she keeps sitting down when I tickle her paw - Mary Ray doesn't mention that option!  We have had a few games of hide and seek and lots of tug the towel!  Otherwise nothing doing - no agility - even too wet to practise out in the garden.  Everything just squelches.  Roll on some sunny weather.