The first ever Rally Competition at Dig It Dogs

Over the last few months Dig It has been holding monthly Rally-O classes, covering Level 1 to Level 3. Everyone was doing great so we decided to have a little competition for those who wanted to have a go at competing in Rally O, to put all of their hard work into practice. 

Therefore on Friday 23rd October Dig It Dog Training Club hosted their very first ever 'Have a Go Rally Competition'. It wasn't an official Kennel Club Show so judging was relaxed and it was a huge success, with 18 participants taking part in our Level 1 course, designed and judged by Julie Nelson. 

It was a fun and relaxing evening with everyone on two and four legs really enjoying themselves. All of the participants went home with a certificate for taking part and those with qualifying scores were awarded a rosette. The first five placements were given numbered rosettes.

I would like to thank Julie Nelson for designing the course and judging, Sheila and Joy for scribing and Lydia for the beautiful rosettes. I would also like to thank everyone else who attended to participate, we're looking forward to running another "have a go rally competition" in the new year, covering Level 1 and 2.

Well done to the following people who were placed:

1st - Angela Wilson with Lily
2nd - Leslie Thompson with Kibo
3rd - Angela WIlson with Willow
4th - Rachel Richards with Chip
5th - Rachel Richards with Daisy

The next Rally O Classes are to be held on 21st November and 5th December, please email enquiries@digitdogs.co.uk to book on.

To find out more about Rally visit our website here: http://www.digitdogs.co.uk/training/rally-obedience/

Tracy

New Year's Resolution

New Year Resolutions are lovely opportunities to make small changes, start new things and leave behind old habits. Change is healthy at any time, but something about a New Year gives that extra spur to really make it happen.

New Year Resolutions don't just have to be about yourself, it's good to make Dog New Year Resolutions.

It could be to get up 30 minutes earlier to give your dog a longer walk in the morning, to go to a workshop or seminar, to brush your dog once a week, or something more specific in regard to your training activity.

The majority of Dig It Instructors compete at Agility with their dogs, and here they have shared some of their New Year Resolutions;

Rachel 

• To start Chip on the right paw with foundation agility
• To learn to handle more smoothly and effectively
• To continue to look for the learning in life

Katie

(one for each dog)

• Bonnie - Continue with classes to get better at handling
• Milo - Stop being a pushy mum and work on achievable goals in training and competitions, breaking it down to succeed and not getting frustrated
• Dave - To keep him in good shape and have fun in everything he does
• Ben - To help him gain confidence and to push on with gundog training, especially with directions and longer retrieves and increase distance for the stop whistle

Sally

• Work on verbal cues and schooling
• Run faster

Avril

• Teach Doger to weave in 10 days

Audra

• Not to be complacent and never put my dog in a situation at training where she can get her self into trouble, or end up adding to her dog-reactive problems

Bex

• Retirement for Gemma

Sue

• Stop doing Kennel Club competitions with Rosie 

Ruth

• Write a training plan and stick to it
• Attack every course - run with purpose, drive and competitiveness

We'd love to hear what yours are! Here's to 2014!