No time to rest

Even though I'm still on cloud nine with Mia's new CDX title, there is no time to rest for us.  We have an agility trial coming up in August and the retrieving ratings in October.  I am hoping to have Mia ready for RDX by then.  Here are some pictures taken from practice this week.  We've been working on doubles which basically means 2 bumpers are launched back to back.  Mia watches or "marks" where the 2 bumpers fall and then is sent to retrieve them one at a time.  She was sent to retrieve the long one first which was across the pond on the opposite shore.  Once she brought it back to me, I lined her up and sent back to get the other bumper which had fallen in a different part of the pond.

Retrieving the 2nd bumper

Good girl!

New CDX title for Mia!!!

I am beyond thrilled to announce that Mia earned her CDX (Companion Dog Excellent) title this weekend at the Durham Kennel Club Obedience show!!!!  Mia earned her 2nd leg on Saturday with a score of 194.5 and a 2nd place, and then earned her final leg and title on Sunday with a score of 192 and 3rd place!!  Mia had been doing really well on the individual exercises but was NQing on her out of sight stays.  We worked really hard over the last several months to proof those stays in somewhat stressful environments.  I was so glad to see our hard work paid off.  Now, we will be training for the utility level of obedience competition.  I am hoping to have Mia ready by April to compete at the Weimaraner Nationals.

Mia and me on Sunday after earning our title

When we got back to Wilmington, Mia was surprised with a congrats cake from my parents and sister.

Mia goofing off on Sunday afternoon with my brother.  Clearly, she thinks she's done working for a while ;)

Is it my turn yet??

Love this girl!!

One of the great things about being a teacher is that I get time off in the summer...and of course, I'm going to spend that time doing as much with Mia as I can.  Fortunately, we get to do a lot of retrieving training with our friend and mentor Diane Gallagher.  I'm hoping to have Mia ready to compete at the RDX level this fall.  Here she is watching another dog work a blind.  Mia was eagerly awaiting her turn to retrieve (by whining and pacing back and forth).

Rough life for Princess Mia

Don't worry Mia, I'll just sit on the floor.

Field Training - January 2012

Here are some pictures of Mia on point this past January. Thanks to Helen Sanderford for taking these. I'm hoping to continue working Mia on birds next fall and try for our Junior Hunter title.

Mia and the puppies

So yes, I know it's been a while since I updated the blog.  Things have been pretty busy with me working 3 jobs and taking care of a house by myself.  With that said, Mia and I haven't done much trialing and competing but we've still been training in obedience, agility, and retrieving.  Our goals this summer are to get another CDX leg and maybe even finish our title.  We are also going to make our agility debut.  Hopefully, I will do a better job of keeping the blog updated and can go back and add some pictures from this winter and spring...so here we go:)

Here are some more of the pictures from Mia's Thanksgiving visitors back in November 2011.  Thanks to my cousin, Jason Dohse of Barknbyte Design for taking these adorable pictures.

Happy 3rd Birthday Mia!

Today was Mia's 3rd birthday! I can't believe how fast time flies. She's been such a joy to have and I feel truly blessed to have her in my life. I'm looking forward to what will hopefully be many more birthdays.

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She started the day the way she usually does - with a nap, of course.

After a relaxing morning, we decided to go down to one of our favorite places, the Carolina Beach State Park, for a walk on the trails. Even though it's just the end of March, it's pretty warm (80 degrees already) so I tossed a stick out in the water and let Mia go for a swim to cool off.

We then headed over to another one of our favorite places - the North End of Carolina Beach. What we love about this beach is that dogs are allowed off leash as long as they are under voice control. Mia had a blast retrieving her bumper and showed no hesitation running out into the waves.

Mia finished her all day celebration with cake and ice cream especially for her. The cake was carob chip with cream cheese icing. She also got a peanut butter and cheese ice cream treat made especially for dogs.

I can't believe you are making me stay with my cake right in front of me...and on my birthday, too!