Hodge Podge

As the title implies there is a little bit of everything in this post so bear with me.
1. It is only 4 more sleeps until camping. Not that I think Jet has any idea what is in store for her, but mom is sure excited. I did come to realize however that my list to pack for Jet is longer than the list to pack for myself! Crate, Ex-pen, shade cover, multiple beds, food, water, dishes, cool coat (with its own little hard sided cooler), leashes, flexi-leash, toys, bones, fans....and on the list goes. I have so much stuff to cram into my little Kia Rondo that I had to buy Jet a seat belt harness so she could ride on the front seat beside me so I could cram her crate full of her stuff. She is quite pleased to be riding upfront however. She had a few problems getting comfortable on the trial run the other day, so I think putting one of her many beds on the seat will help. Her - spoiled???? Noooo whatever gave you that idea.

2. I have come to the conclusion that tracking is made for Jet. We gathered with like minded (crazy) tracking friends at the break of dawn on Saturday morning to lay track for each other and run the dogs. Keep in mind that Jet has only really had a minimal amount of tracking training as it has to be squeezed in between, obedience, flyball and agility. The hay was ready for another cut so it was over my knees in places when I was laying track. Blind track, strange person laying the track, 35 minutes old - Lets just say Jet flew through it - with me jogging behind most of the way! TD here we come...well if I could convince her that indicating an article is just as much fun as carrying on tracking...have to work on that one.

3. Why not to teach a bully the 'table' cue for agility....because it means that all 'tables' are fair game. Like the patio table in the backyard, the coffee table in the living room, the kitchen table...you see where this is going. It is the look she gives you when you kindly remind her that not all tables are available to her...I swear she is saying 'what's your problem?" with the greatest of innocence. You have no idea how hard it is not to laugh at her...seriously ask my friend and mutual terrier owner Allison who was over the other night. As she put it so politely --- it is that face...I mean how do you not just smile!!!!

Likely the last blog until after camping at which point I am sure I will have lots to tell (likely over a few posts) and hopefully many pics to share from my new camera.

Bully Break Through

So I was TOLD that this deserved its own blog...I won't say by whom. Personally I would rather wait to blog about this when it is a fait accompli but I am nothing if not accommodating (ok all you who know me can get off the floor from laughter now).

We decided to brave the sweltering heat last night and do some flyball training. There were only a few of us there due to holidays and the like so we kept it short. Our main goal was to see if Jet could learn to overcome her Shaq obsession - that love-of-her-life border collie. If you have never seen them together you can't really appreciate how much of a challenge this presents but trust me...it is our Mount Everest.

We started by doing some "Shaq walk-bys". As simple as can you walk anywhere in his vicinity and leave him alone and focus on mom? The first few attempts - not so much - but we did get to the point where the mackerel cakes won out over Shaq.

Next - can you go to the box and get your ball with Shaq just standing in the other lane in your peripheral vision - success after two attempts. Ok deep breath - next level - can you do it if Shaq is going for his ball at the box at the same time...of course this might work better if Shaq didn't decide he wanted Jet's ball out of her box and crossed over to get it...thanks Shaq - I guess he didn't get the memo...I am sure he was just trying to help her out by showing her how it was done :)

Ok - now for the big test - can you do it from two hurdles back to the box  and the full down the lane on return after listening to Shaq come flying down the other lane and smash into the box  - have to get the timing right - don't let her go until her boy toy is off the box on his way back (btw - this takes about a blink of the eye as Shaq is a speed demon). SUCCESS!!!! I could have picked her up and hugged her - oh wait I think I did!!
Of course like any good trainer we quit there...well just one more since we were on a roll. Even better the second time (with me whispering into her ear - leave it, leave it, get your ball, where's your ball the entire time).

This does not a flyball bully make, but we are on our way and I can smell the racing lanes (well almost).

Agility Bully Style

There is no question that bullies do things in their own unique way. Jet can get herself into what would appear the most uncomfortable positions yet seem quite content - giving me that bully smile as if to say ..."what??? I am happy here". Just as an example, she is content to jump on laps and end up with back legs on either side of your legs, front legs on your lap...expecting you to somehow support her full 30lbs while she lies content to just hang out. Up side of this is that you can get some leg lifts in!

Jet approaches agility in much the same manner. Last night we went outside after it had cooled off a bit to do some agility training. Setting up the two X two weaves became a challenge as my little 'helper' thought it would be of great assistance if she grabbed the poles and ran around the backyard with them. Not so much. A few treats later I had the poles nicely on their bases ready for practice...Line her up - send her through - great entrance (proud mother) - second set - wait a minute...where is the pole going???? It has been grabbed by a bully and taken for a trip around the backyard...How do you keep from laughing while trying to convince Jet that this is perhaps not exactly what you were looking for? It becomes somewhat of an art form believe me!

Contact trainers become things to launch oneself from with great finesse. Tunnels...well you remember my previous post about those - things to run on top of not through. Jumps have bars too..and guess what you can decide to either go over them and make mom happy or...perhaps this time, just to mix things up a bit, you can fake mom out like you are going to jump it but grab the bar instead and go on a huckle buck around the yard.

I haven't set the tire jump in the yard yet, but I am sure once I do Jet will find some wild and wonderful way to do it in her own PERFECT bully style.

Next challenge is convincing her that the orange cones we use for Rally Obedience are not things to be stolen, circled around, jumped over or whatever else her bully brain can come up with for fun. We have our first trial at the end of month...wish us luck. If nothing else Jet and I will be happy to be the comic relief...it is what bullies live for.

Sad Bully

There is nothing more heart wrenching than a 'sad' bully. That face with the ears pinned back, head lowered, tail hanging low missing its usual continual wag could melt even the coldest heart. When it is your own bully in that state it is even worse. I got to see it first hand this weekend when poor Miss Jet was plagued by the onset of violent intenstinal upset. So as not to disturb those more sensitive types, lets just say both ends were busy. She went from typical joyful bully playing with her canine pals on the trail to very 'sad' bully seemingly unable to move. After a hike back out of the trail with me carrying her all the way and being somewhat thankful she only was 29 lbs, we had a visit to our vet. Heart rate good, breathing ok, no fever...and no idea what caused it all. A script for metrodiazonal to settle the uproar in her belly and we were off...still a very sad bully in tow. A much needed coffee at Second Cup for grandma (who had left the house without her coffee to meet us at the vet), didn't last long as new symptoms arose. Violent chewing at feet and hives breaking out all over head and face meant a return trip to the vets (thankfully just across the street). More exam, a shot of antihistamines (not nice but she quickly forgave and gave the vet kisses)...and still no idea what was causing it all.
The 'sad' bully continued all day and night, not wanting to move much and looking very sorry for herself.
This morning however, the happy bully is back. Including standing on my head to get out of bed this morning...as if to say..."Come on mom, the sun is up, the birds are singing outside the window and I want my BREAKFAST...and it better be lots..none of this rice and boiled chicken crap you have been feeding me the last few days!" Most mornings I would not have been pleased to find a 29 lb bully standing on my head at 6 a.m. but this morning...it was sheer heaven!

Bully Brain beaten by Sardines

So first my apologies for how long it has been since my last post. Some how life just got in the way. Jet and I have been very busy but I won't bore you with the details. Our schedule looks something like this...Sunday mornings - hike at Christies; Sunday PM flyball team practice; Monday PM flyball training with Kelly; Tuesday PM agility class; Wednesday PM TTW classes with Margaret; Thursdays - hopefully tracking...hopefully Friday and Saturday are training of some kind or another and then back to Sunday. Oh yes and in between there is work for me and lazy days for Jet! If you haven't figured it out yet, keeping a bully busy is the best tactic for a relatively peaceful co-existence.
The other tactic is figuring out what she REALLY wants. I mean what she would stand on her head and spit nickels for...not just something that is 'okay' in her mind. Everything you do with a bully has to be their idea. No pretending they do it because they love you (oh what a naive concept that is)..and you can just forget about making them do anything. Trust me you don't want to waste your time getting into a battle of wills with a bully. The score would be bully 10000000 - human ZERO!
For Jet, other dogs, especially border collies that like to run and play tug and do all kinds of wonderfully exciting things, seems to trump all. That is until I discovered sardine cakes. Making these things will stink up your entire house so I would suggest only doing it in the summer months when the windows can be wide open. Better still try doing them outside on your BBQ (will have to try that advice next time I make them).
These little wonder treats have managed to convince Jet that leaving the other dog in the other flyball lane alone and forcing her bully brain to keep to the task at hand (namely hitting the box and getting the ball and coming back to mom) is worth it. It was funny to watch her brain fight with itself...no I really want to play with that other dog over there...but wait hmmmm sardine cakes await with mom back there...hmmmm dog....sardines...oh my goodness what a dilemma...lost my mind a bit...ran down the lane beside the jumps...can't concentrate..oh there is the box...got the ball.. ok mom here I come...get those sardine treats ready!!!
Now I want to be careful with these golden nuggets and save them for only the really tough training moments in case they start to lose their value. No telling what other gross concoction I might have to whip up next.  For now though the sardines are winning!



Basic recipe - 2 cans sardines (drained of their oil); mash them in a bowl and add one egg and enough flour or bread crumbs to make a thick cookie like dough (it took about 1/2-3/4 cup); scoop it onto a foil lined and lightly greased cookie sheet like you were making cookies and press them slightly to flatten them. Bake at 375 for about 20 minutes or until done and then turn them over and leave them for another 5 minutes in the oven to help dry them a bit. I like mine a bit soft so I can break them easily into little pieces for training. They freeze well so when you feel you can stomach the smell make triple the batch and get it over with all at once.
P.S. If trying the BBQ thing, heat one side of the grill and bake the cookies as above on the cool side of the BBQ with the lid closed just like an oven.

Homage to Onion

Thanks to my friend and flyball coach Kim I have discovered 'Onion' the wonder mini BT from England. She reminds me so much of Jet it is like they are kindred spirits. She has done so many things that Jet and I aspire to accomplish (well ok I do and Jet is coming along for the ride - personally I think she just loves to be with her humans and tolerates our weird past times). Onion has been in a movie with Ewan McGregor; starred in a pop music video; been to Crufts (although her sister won BOB - always the bridesmaid); and more than I can post here.
She also does agility in true mini BT fashion - the video on YouTube - yes she has her own YouTube channel (Jet's mom just needs to get a good video camera and get her butt in gear and she too could be going viral some day soon).You will want to check it out at: Agility Bull Terrier Style

You can also see her blog and links to other mini BT blogs at: Onion Blog.

In other news - Jet is a very proud mother these days. Her little boy (just 6 months of age) 'Spiller' went to his first confirmation show and not only did he finish his championship in one weekend, he did it by winning the group and going Best Puppy in Show!!

That's my boy!!!!

Sink or Swim

Most dogs should be able to swim right? I mean that is why we call it the 'doggie paddle' after all. Except of course if you are a bull terrier and a miniature one at that. I mean have you seen how Jet is built? Visualize a 30lb brick on short legs with a smaller brick for a head and you have a pretty good picture. That does not conjure up thoughts of something that is terribly buoyant - well at least it doesn't to me. Now add to that the fact that Jet hates water. The first time I attempted to bath her, she literally froze in position in the laundry tubs downstairs. She didn't struggle or try to get out - she just stood there in total shock and disbelief. I guess she was smart enough to figure out that if she stood still it would be done quicker! :) I introduced her to a wading pool at a show last summer - thought I was being kind as it was a super hot day in August and she needed to cool down. Not so much - I had to lift her into the kiddie pool and she went into her freeze mode with the most unhappy look on her face.
For all these reasons, I was not anticipating that my dog would EVER swim.
Well on Saturday she finally did - although I must admit it was not by her choice.
Chasing border collies, which are chasing sticks, is a great past time for miss Jet. She doesn't want the stick - just the thrill of the chase is enough for her. For a few weeks now, she has watched with disdain as the border collies lunge into the water after their sticks, swimming elegantly to and from shore as she races up and down the shoreline with nary a foot in the water.
Well this week, I guess her chase brain trumped her "I hate water" brain and before she knew what had happened she was neck deep and water and OMG her feet all of the sudden didn't touch bottom. If you have ever seen sheer panic on the face of a dog - this was it. She swam about 3 ft and then frantically turned around and swam back to dry land as fast as could. Just her little (ok big) head was above water as she made her way to shore. I think I was in as much shock as she was and was ready to leap in and save her, but she managed just fine on her own. Ok, ok so the water wasn't that deep and I could have waded in after her but it was the thought that counts.
I should have had a video camera, because I don't think Jet will fall for that trick again. What trick you ask? Oh the one where the border collies try to lure her out to deep water and drown her! :)

Going Camping

As I wait for the fog to clear this morning there are signs that perhaps the sun might make an appearance at some point today. I heard a rumour that we might see the pay off for this terrible wet spring by having a hotter and dryer than normal summer. That would suit Jet and I just fine. Right now I am dreaming of camping. Now this is not your regular run of the mill family camping trip. This is a doggie camping extravaganza.
At last count there will be 7 humans and 12 (but I heard there might be a lucky 13 addition to the group by then) canines in our party. Although I am a seasoned camper, last year was Jet's first foray into the wonderful world of camping. I must say I was a little hesitant about how this would all shake out. She isn't the kind of dog one would expect to be content just chilling by the campfire with a nice bevie enjoying a roasted wiennie (ok well maybe the wiennie). Not to mention the fact that I sleep in a tent (low budget camping - no motor home or fancy trailer for me), on an air mattress. I had many sleepless nights leading up to that first camping trip wondering if I was going to be up all night trying to quiet my dog down as she alerted to every sound coming from the campgrounds.
I need not have worried. She took to camping like an old pro.
She hung out in her expen when I need to have hands free to cook or drink (ok more drinking than cooking took place). She even decided to make her own tent out of the lovely grass mat I put down for her. Not one to be left out of things...that's my girl!

 I was going to have her sleep in the crate in my tent at night to hopefully avoid her ripping the zipper or windows out in an attempt to get at whatever was creeping around outside. Jet had other plans however. The first night as I was changing for bed - she hopped up on the air mattress (double high queen size by the way - go big or go home is my motto), curled up in a ball and seemed to have found her place. I decided to risk it, knowing I could always resort to the crate in the middle of the night if the need arose. I crawled in beside her, and pulled the sleeping bag up around me ready for a wonderful sleep in the fresh night air. Jet took one look, shoved her nose at the sleeping bag and burrowed her way inside, heaved a big sigh and there she stayed until morning. Waking up in the morning with her warm breath at my cheek (she had wiggled up to the top at some point in the night), was sheer camping bliss.

70 more sleeps until camping...Jet and I will be ready!

My two big brothers

I live with three humans and my two big canine brothers. Ok so they are not really my ACTUAL brothers but I like to think of them as my adoptive family. It has been hard to break into their little gang though let me tell you. They ARE actual brothers and blood is thicker than water. When I first arrived I tried to show them I wanted to be friends, fit in with the group. I nicely shared treats and waited my turn. Hung out on the couch with Grizzly...except he kept leaving whenever I tried to join him...what's up with that? I would try to play with them - you know - leaping at their face, pouncing on them when they were sleeping, smashing into them at full tilt, grabbing their legs from underneath...all that good bully play stuff. I finally figured out...they are not bullies. They are gentile smooth collies who are getting on in years - and they just don't play that way.
After a few altercations over a bone - had to let them know it was really my bone. I mean didn't they see my name on it? Things have quieted down. I let them be most of the time. Occassionally I will give a little nuzzle when they are sleeping just to make sure they are still breathing...I mean at their age one never knows.

I have even tried to just hang out with them in the backyard. They were lying peacefully on the grass having an afternoon nap and I thought I would join them. I quietly tiptoed between them and laid down for a siesta - wait - where are you going? Do I smell? (ok well sometimes I do but I can't help it). Was it something I said? Oh well, guess I will just have to keep trying to win them over:)

treat time with Grandma and big brothers Grizzly and Denim

A promise

I have always considered myself a 'positive' dog trainer. I tried to be kind to my dog, to find training solutions that didn't include any kind of physical punishment. I avoided all kinds of 'training' collars, harsh methods and allowing emotion to get involved in my interactions with my dog (ok we all have bad days where screaming NO at the top of our lungs seem to be the only solution at the moment). I do this for many reasons but mainly because I don't feel it is necessary in order to have a happy healthy relationship with my dog. I am not the best dog trainer in the world, in fact I would not even rate myself in the top 30% of dog trainers. But I try to keep to my beliefs in how I work with my dog.
Now you may ask why the drawn out diatribe on my training philosophy. Well the other day - I let myself and more importantly, Jet, down. I let someone else decide what was the best way to handle a training situation, and I stood by and let it happen to my dog.
No need to go into the details, suffice it to say that it involved physical punishment in the form of a foot and contact with my dog. The reason you ask...well Jet just couldn't resist visiting another dog and we had to teach her that that wasn't allowed. Now I am not Mother Teresa, if there was a real danger of physical harm to either dog, I would be the first one to use whatever means necessary to make sure it didn't happen. This wasn't the case at all. I completely appreciate that Jet needs to learn how to ignore other dogs when she is working with me and how to approach other dogs in a less 'rude' manner. I need to figure out a way to get through to her in a calm, proactive way how to control those bully impulses. I haven't quite gotten there yet, have some ideas that I plan on testing out and together Jet and I will figure this out. And if we don't...well you know what...big deal. It may mean we never play team sports like flyball...do you really think Jet cares? Not highly likely. We may only be able to play at things like agility or tracking or rally, where we are the only team working at one time. That's ok too.
But this much I know. I will NEVER let anyone physically kick my dog EVER again. If that is what we have to do (or worse) to get her beyond her 'issue' with visiting other dogs then it is just not worth it to me.
So this is for Jet  -
This is my promise.
You can trust me to keep you safe. You can count on me to work as hard as I can to understand your motivation and to see things from your perspective. You can believe that I will help us to find a solution that doesn't involve physical force, compulsion or pain. Because after all, you didn't ask to play flyball, or do agility, or obedience. You just are who you are, happy to be with me whatever we are doing (ok maybe not bath time).

She can't really be a Bully!

So, I spent Mother's Day at a dog show - with my mother of course. Where else would one choose to spend their Mother's Day! ;) We were at the Bull Terrier Specialty and the very first Canadian National Miniature Bull Terrier Specialty. The day was glorious and Jet was the happiest bully around. Imagine being able to see and play with other bullies (not those boring 13 year old smooth collies she shares her home with). She rolled on her back in sheer delight, licking and kissing each bully she could find. They really do know their own breed. The funniest picture (will upload eventually - I know I know I keep saying that) was of Jet next to this HUGE male full size bully. I swear his head was the same size as Jet's entire body. She really did look like a 'mini' standing next to him. He was a very gentle giant however even as she rolled on her back, belly exposed, squirming in sheer pleasure.

Perhaps the most fun mom and I had all day was realizing that we are perhaps one of the few bull terrier owners that actually believe they can be trained to do ANYTHING. I mean these dogs were dragging their owners wherever they wanted to go (and trust me a 70lb + male bully can drag you anywhere), leaping and jumping all over the place...and having the best time doing it with a true bully smile on their face. I nearly got wiped out by a young male AND his owner as they came charging through the door - the owner struggling to stay upright behind this massive white body. Well he was about to go head over tea kettle when some kind soul grabbed his arm to steady him. The funny part was, the owners all seemed to go along with it all, just caught up in the sheer bliss of being a bully owner...with "well they are bullies" ready to be uttered at a moment's notice. This seemed their answer for everything their beloved pets did that perhaps was not so 'polite' or 'well behaved'.

Now Jet is FAR from perfectly trained. We have worked hard (sometimes hard but not smart on my part) and are still learning together how to become a true team. She does know some basics, like sit, down, stand, come (well when nothing more interesting is going on), stay when asked politely, most of it to both verbal and non-verbal cues. All of this she does in true bully fashion - throwing herself onto the floor for a drop and bouncing up into a sit. She also does have a growing repertoire of tricks - just 'cause she's so darn cute and they are so much fun to teach. The sit-up pretty one seemed to catch everyone's eye. I was just giving her something to do to keep her occupied but next thing I know there seemed to be a line-up of people wanting to take her picture. One woman wanted her picture taken WITH Jet. I am not exaggerating when I say that I felt a bit like I had a celebrity on my hands (hey maybe I should get her an agent and she could help pay for the vet bills and dog food). I couldn't quite figure out why to be honest. I mean I know she is cute (ok I am biased) but so are all the other bullies that were there. But when one man said to me..."She can't really be a bully if she can do all that!" it finally hit me.

She was the centre of attention because she was able to 'do' things when asked...OMG what a concept. I came to realize that bully owners, as nice of people as you would care to meet generally, have this idea that one should just accept them for what they are...and not even really try to 'train' them. As my mother pointed out, people who actually do performance sports are not lining up to get a bull terrier - mini or otherwise, so the people who do choose to share their lives with this wonderful breed are not really into 'training' or 'doing things' with their dogs - just loving them for what they are. So Jet's 'basic' obedience skills in comparison must have seemed like we had managed to scale Mt. Everest!

I think next year, I am taking a video camera and a bag of popcorn and settling in a good seat to watch the show - seriously if you get a chance to come and watch it is worth the price of admission (which is free by the way).

Sun Worship

Sorry that there has been a lag between posts - very busy work and dog schedule that just seems to never end. This one will be brief but cute I hope!
We have all been craving sunshine after the rotten weather mother nature has sent our way this April. Those fleeting moments when we have actually seen that big orange ball in the sky have been far too few. However, I think Jet has missed it most of all. My dog is a sun worshipper in the extreme. She can be found lying on the kitchen floor in the one narrow beam of sun that has streamed through the window - basking in its glory.
On the hottest day in the summer she is likely to have positioned herself on the hot flag stone in front of the aluminium storm door enjoying her own makeshift tanning bed. Of course another option is to 'plant' yourself in a flower pot with nice warm earth - amazing how small one can make themselves by curling up in a neat little ball...ah heaven.

So when I arrived home yesterday after a very long tiring day that was not about to end as I had to head out to teach two classes at my obedience club, my father's announcement of 'guess what your dog did today" was meet with some trepidation. As it turned out, he just had to tell me that he should have taken a picture as when he looked out in the backyard in the afternoon moment of sun, there was Jet doing her best 'road kill' imitation stretched out on her side - all four legs pointing straight out - basking in the rays. Ahhhhhh sheer heaven!
Try to find a moment today to savour the sunshine...I hear it is supposed to rain AGAIN tomorrow!

The odd couple

Jet has doggie 'friends' and then there is 'Shaq'. I have come to describe it as nothing short of an obsession. It wasn't love at first sight (no fairy tale romance here). First time Jet met Shaq was in the flyball training hall. Now my girl doesn't do 'polite' introductions typically. She prefers the full speed charge, slam into with all 27 lbs of coiled muscle and say "hi nice to meet you!" type of hello. Most dogs don't really understand this kind of greeting (can you blame them) and take great offense. So it was with Shaq and Jet. I ran to gather her up, apologizing profusely for my girl's rudeness (I do this often if you haven't figured out). This is not going to bode well for flyball I was thinking to myself. After all, Shaq is a border collie...do you know how many border collies there are in the sport of flyball????
After a few apologetic emails to my entire flyball team later, my sympathetic flyball trainer suggested that I take Jet on a walk with Shaq so they could get to know one another under different circumstances. I mean after all they were going to be on the same team and teammates should get along.
So with great trepidation I agreed. What happened next is the stuff romance novels are made of.
As we got the dogs out of the cars to start our almost 6 km hike, I was thinking to myself, that this could take almost the entire 6 k before Jet would settle in, heck we might even have to do a second lap. Jet however had other plans. She came out of the car a woman on a mission. To find her Shaq! Now keep in mind there were 3 border collies (all black and white) on our hike that morning. But Jet only had eyes for one. She honed on in him like flys to honey and the rest is history. For the entire hike she was glued to his every move, if he dodged one way she followed; if he charged after his toy she was hot on his heels (amazing how fast her little legs can carry her). If he stopped to wait for the toy to be thrown she stood at his side gazing lovingly into his face.
Now please don't think that Shaq returns her affections. In fact I think he thinks she is more like an annoying fly buzzing around his head. Occassionally he grumps at her (with toy in his mouth still -after all he is a border collie), but she just smiles as only she can and wags her tail..as if to say "you don't really mean it - I know you really love me and are just playing hard to get."
The one morning when we arrived and Shaq wasn't there, she ran from dog to dog, border collie to border collie with a look on her face that revealed her heartbreak..Where was her boy toy? What was up with that? Oh well, guess the dobe named Beezie will have to do, but it just won't be the same. :)

Comic Relief

When coming up with the title for this blog, I realized that I could have named the entire blog "Comic Relief", however it did seem fitting to the topic of this particular post.
Jet usually gets looks and comments no matter where I take her. Most people have never seen a miniature bull terrier and either think she is a puppy (she is 2 and a half) or that she is various breeds (including pit bull --eeek). Her black smear of 'lipstick' on the one side of her face, never fails to be noticed. The usual comment is - "she always looks like she is smiling" (which to be honest I think she is), or "she looks like the Joker" (wait wasn't he a bad guy?).
That kind of attention I don't mind. It is when she decides to liven things up in true Jet fashion that I sometimes find myself wanting to hide behind things.
Take for example her now infamous trick with the agility tunnels. If you don't know what those are, the are long 'tunnels' made of heavy vinyl with ribs along its length to help it coil and uncoil to various lengths (usually 12 feet or so). The goal is for the dog to go 'through' the tunnel on a cue from the handler.
The first time I showed Jet the tunnel she charged through it at its full length. I was ecstatic - what a clever girl. So why not try it a second time- perfect right through. Then I made the fatal mistake of saying "just one more" (all dog trainers know what I mean). As I lined her up, I should have noticed the twinkle in her little bully eye...she headed right towards the mouth of the tunnel..and...leaped on top of it and proceeded to run/trot the full length with it rocking and rolling underneath. If that wasn't enough she showed her agility and balance by turning around while still on top and running back the other way. Now you have to appreciate that there were many people watching this escapade. Friends, all dog trainers, all now laughing hysterically at my dog's inventive nature. Me on the other hand - did not find it so amusing.
Through some training, I thought I had almost convinced her that running THROUGH tunnels was the real object of the game. Trust me, everything needs to be Jet's idea - there is no forcing your will on a bully. So flash forward to my dog club's Memorial Trial. A day of competition and games with our canine friends. The tunnel race game...now here is one Jet and I can play I thought. She loves tunnels and can go like stink when she wants (this was a timed event). As we waited our turn, Jet was getting more and more excited watching all the other dogs charge through the various tunnels. Woo hoo - this was going to be good. Yeah - not so much. As I left her at the start line I think I saw her give me a wink...I should have known. Off we went - well she went really - through the first tunnel - ok good to go, wait a minute...where did she go? One end of the ring at full tilt, then charging back to me (well I don't think she was coming to me but she ended up in my vicinity at least), then over top of a tunnel at full speed, through another one (not the one she was supposed to take), up on top of another and back at break neck speed to the far end of the ring. By the time we finally corralled her (it took a few people) I realized that everyone (about 40 people) were laughing so hard , I think I saw tears in some people's eyes.
As I carried my little girlie out of the ring...I could see her smiling - didn't I do good mom - that was fun. See everyone loves me.
A kind soul walked up to me. I thought she was going to give me a pep talk and tell me not to worry about it - Jet was just young, excitable, it would come with training. But no, instead she said (as she wiped tears from her eyes)..."That was great - can Jet do an encore!"

What Else is Computer Time for?

Humans are so predictable. Every morning, after mom has left the house (still not sure where she goes 5 days out of 7 and why she refuses to take me with her even when I am obviously wanting to go), grandma goes into a room, sits down and stares at a screen. It isn't even interesting like the other big screen in the room, where I often see other dogs, cats, people running, making funny noises - now that gets my attention. In fact, I can't quite figure out where those dogs go when they leave the screen. It is like magic - I mean one moment they are there, the next moment they are gone. I have searched behind it, out the window (perhaps they left the house entirely), but they just vanish - amazing. But I digress.

Now I know from experience that Grandma likes to hand out cookies. The trick is figuring out a way to get her to do it, and do it more often. I figure she can't really see me from the floor, I mean I know I am smaller than the other dogs in the house. Wait a minute, that dog crate will put me right at eye level. Perfect - on the chair up on to the top of the crate - Bingo - first cookie delivered. She didn't even have to get out of the chair - just wheel back a bit and hand me the cookie. I have been doing this every day now for a while. Most mornings I beat Grandma to the room with the funny screen. Sometimes I get tired of waiting and have to go remind her of our routine. I have noticed however, that the treats are starting to dry up a bit. Grandma is getting stingy. Guess I will have to up my game. I tried giving her a good head flick as a bit of nudge. I can't really tell her as I have found out that barking gets me nothing. I was about to give up on the flicking my head about (begining to feel a bit silly really), when she finally got what I was after and handed me a treat. In fact she seemed very excited about it - saying that all powerful 'yes' word. So why not try it again - yep just as I figured - worked like a charm. Now I have her number...just flick the head and treats appear. Woo Hoo...silly humans.

Flash forward a few months and suddenly the head flicks aren't working much any more. Time to change things up. Perhaps Grandma's arm was getting tired having to reach back to the crate to hand me those treats. I mean they must be tired as I see her fingers moving constantly while she sits there. So to make it easier for her (I am nothing if not considerate of my humans), I decided I would just get on the chair with her. This proved to be a bit of a challenge, but hey I am a bully and when we set our mind to something there is no stopping us. On to the footstool...now keep in mind this was no easy trick as it moves back and forth when you stand on it...but I managed. Now the chair....hmmmm. doesn't seem to be room on her lap...what to do. I know, there appears to be space between her back and the back of the chair. Perfect - now reach out gingerly from the footstool - careful girl - this will take some concentration as that darn footstool won't stay still. Almost there....got it. On the chair behind grandma's back and the back of the chair. Make sure to flash that adoring smile at her. Yippee treats again. See Grandma, you don't even need to move anymore.

Boy she stares at that screen a long time...guess I'll just close my eyes. Kind of comfortable here...nap time.

Bully in a China Shop

So I knew Jet was a 'terrier' - I mean it is right in the breed name for goodness sake .".Bull. T.E.R.R.I.E.R". What I didn't bank on is that when you add the word "Bull" to terrier it takes on a whole new meaning. Think 27 lbs of pure muscle, coiled springs for legs and a head that could break your nose without even trying (trust me I have seen stars a few times). Put all of that into one package and...Danger Will Robinson.
Want the couch out of your way - no problem - wedge yourself behind it and use your body to push it out of the way.
Want on the 3 foot high glass patio table - easy... just coil up from a stand still and launch yourself onto the top..
Want the ball from under the couch - piece of cake - wiggle under and then come slithering out on your side (a bit of grunting and groaning required at this stage) so that only your head is peaking out - prized ball in mouth.
Want what is on the 3rd shelf of the bookcase..got it covered - stand on edge of couch, then balance on top of the stack of wooden TV trays (this part takes finese as they are on edge and wiggle a bit) and then gingerly reach out with one front foot..almost there - got it!
See a lap that is empty - throwing yourself from 6ft away to land on said lap - why not - who cares that you might give the human a heart attack (especially when they are dead asleep - want proof just ask my dad)...they really are happy to see you.

Let Sleeping Bullies Lie

I have often said there is nothing more peaceful than a sleeping dog. The total calm, quiet almost serene place they find themselves when they are in a deep sleep. Then I got Jet! God bless my little girlie but there is absolutely nothing feminine about her. In fact I purposefully bought her pink collars, pink tracking harness, pink leash, pink...you get the picture, so that people would know she was a girl.
Although Jet can sleep with the best of them (including sleeping until 11:00 a.m. after I had gone to work, in my bed, under the covers until mom literally had to wake her up to go outside), she is anything but the picture of serenity....Yes my little girl SNORES! I don't mean the occassional little sound sneaking out, I mean full out, your grandpa's-head-back-open-mouth, snoring. As she has decided (ok I let her) that sleeping in my bed, under the covers is her place of choice, I often find myself trying desperately to get to sleep before her or I am doomed. This is becoming increasingly difficult as she puts herself to bed way before me! By 9:00 p.m. she is heading down the hall to my bedroom door, her bully butt waddling away, looking over her shoulder at me as if to say - come on I am ready for bed. By the time I actually decide to turn in she is in full groan and rumble (and usually in the wrong spot on the bed). Anyone who has had to share sleeping quarters with a snorer can sympathize I am sure.
As if snoring wasn't bad enough she also expels the most odiferous gas from the other end. I mean it can clear a room. Sometimes you get a warning sound first, but more often then not it just creeps up on you unaware. It seems any movement or effort expelled on her part comes with the added bonus of 'jet fuel' as I have come to affectionately call it.
The best moment of all however, was when she was sitting on my mom's lap in the lazyboy, let one rip and then proceeded to look back over her shoulder at her butt - with a look that said...what was that???
P.S. As I post this she is still sound asleep under the covers while I am at work - something wrong with that picture!!!

When Pigs Fly...or when Bullies become biddable

Firstly you have to know that I had been looking for a miniature bull terrier for almost two years before Jet arrived. She wasn't the puppy I was hoping for...but rather a 16-month old finished champion looking for a good home. The words "trial basis" came out of my mouth (yeah right - like you ever send them back) before I knew what I was saying and the rest is history. Leading up to her arrival I had been building a 'bully survival kit" mostly thanks to my mother. We had 'indestructable toys" (two words that don't go together when referring to bull terriers), leashes, balls, and most of all my guide to dealing with a bully...a book entitled "When Pigs Fly" (if you haven't read it - get it!).

Now I knew my bully would be 'different' than my smooth collie, I was in the know - hmmmm sure. I just wasn't completely sure just exactly how much different she would be.

Let me give you some examples... collies look at you adoringly ALL the time...Jet looks at you SOMETIMES, when she feels like it and then quickly decides there are better things to occupy her time. Collies play nicely with toys..in fact my 14 year old (may he rest in peace) smooth collie still had toys he had as a puppy when he passed away...Bullies can destroy any toy in 3.5 seconds.

We started by placing all soft plush toys on top of the 7ft armoire which held the TV...lets just say that only lasted so long as one determined bully KNEW where the toys were put and promptly started to put gouges in the front of the beautiful pine armoire (no mom was not impressed) in an effort to launch herself to the top. Moving said toys into a plastic container with a lid was the next effort - caught that one on video (will post to youtube when I figure out how)...yes she managed through sheer will and determination, including flipping it upside down, driving it down the hallway and back at full tilt. to remove said lid from box and get at her beloved toys. Only way to 'hide' toys from Jet is to make sure she is out of the house, bundle them up and move them to a hidden location and then hope like heck she can't smell them through the cupboard door...almost worked...you are getting the picture.

Next post...let sleeping bullies lie.

You got a what?

After about the fourth time someone responded to my announcement of getting a miniature bull terrier by opening their eyes as wide as they could go, dropping their lower jaw to reveal a full gapping open hole and exclaiming..."you got a WHAT?" I began to think that perhaps not everyone was as overjoyed as I was about the new addition to my family. Ok, so I know they are not for everyone, but are they really that bad? I decided that I needed to share with the world (ok the one person who might read this) the real story about sharing your life with mini bullies.
Ch Rozzi's Little Jet (a.k.a Jet) arrived in Kitchener, via Sudbury on a cold day in March. After having her delivery delayed almost a week due to a snow storm, she was finally here. She bounded into the house (no not my house, just a lay by on the way home) after a 6 hour drive with a complete stranger and immediately took charge. So far, so good...no apparent fear issues or anxiety to deal with...check. Approached the standard poodles in the house...ok with other dogs...check (more on this later as I think she was just fooling me), hopped in my car, into crate and settled in for the hour or so ride back home...travels well...check. All the boxes were getting ticked and we hadn't even been together a day. Happy mom.

Skip forward one year and the true nature of Miss Jet (a.k.a. Peanut Butter, Jetty, Spike (that's my dad's), Midget) has been revealed. For the next few weeks I hope to catch everyone up on her adventures to current day...stay tuned