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Velcro's Diary written by mom!

check out my blog!

I just wanted to let everyone know that I have my own blog-mom started it awhile ago....she writes and take spictures every day! Check it out:

www.velcrotheaustraliancattledog.blogspot.com

AHBA Trial this saturday in Escondido

This saturday we are entered into our first AHBA trial. We've entered the HTAD 1 which is a HUGE step up from the AKC pre-trial tested. In this trial we have to move 8 sheep from one pen into another then we have to separate 4 sheep and put them in the pen. Once that is accomplished, Velcro and I move the 4 sheep around the pen and thru a Y shoot and then thru two gates and then back into the pen. YIKES! A big jump...but we went doen to Escondido last saturday to practice on the course. So I feel better-I know Velcro doesn't really care-she just wants to chase sheep!

our newest thing: sheep herding!

I wish I had been entering all her information as it was happening-I guess I was on Velcro's blog: velcrotheaustraliancattledog.blogspot.com

We started herding on a regular basis sometime in June or July, 2007 (I do believe) our trainer is a wonderful woman named Terry Parrish who is based out of Escondido, CA at ActionK9sports. Since our training began we applied to the AKC and received an ILP number so that we could enter herding events! WOW what fun! Our first one was going for the HT which is very simple-it's Herding Tested. Basically i had to show that i have a sit on Velcro and then we moved the sheep back in forth 3 times and that was it! We qualified for HT in one weekend! It was a great feeling! So a couple of weeks later I entered us into the Antelope Valley Herding Club trial around halloween. This time we were going for out PT, which is Pre-Trial Tested. Both of those are pass/fail...and once again we passed in one weekend. Velcro received beautiful rosettes (which are hanging up along with her certificates!) She, as of right now, is officially called Velcro PT.

We just got back from practice today. For the past 2 weeks we've been in the open field herding sheep-working on her flank..a hard thing for a cattle dog. ALl she wants to do is get in there on those sheep! But she's really working hard and looking great! her flank has really improved! And it better because we will now be working towarded our Started title! YIKES! much harder! On Dec 8th in Escondido we'll be entering the San Pasqual Stock Dog AHBA Herding Trial..and we'll be going for the first leg of the HTAD 1. I printed out the course we'll be working...quite a bit harder than the PT! But I knew that! Very challenging-especially considering we only do it once a week...but she loves it! She gets so happy when she sees her sheep!

I'll be heading down to Escondido at least once before the competition to get at least some practice on the course we'll be running on the 8th.....Wish us luck!