Ella and I started our puppy agility class last night. At 10 months old she was the oldest pup in a sea of 3-5 months old pups. Well not really a sea… more like a creek. I suspect that fall and winter classes are much smaller than the warmer weather brighter skies classes.

We covered the intro’s and puppy basics like socialization and the ” super puppy checklist”. Our First lesson was ” lie, stand,down” and we played a toy drive inducing game called “get that thing”… Ella was doing very well and going thru tons of hot dogs!!! She figured out the sit in one click and the stand almost faster!! She could not grasp the down last night tho.

Then the fun began….we got to start them on some agilty obstacles!!!! We started with the tunnel. First go was with the tunnel all scrunched up so that it was short. Ella had no problem!!!! WHy would she??? There were hotdogs at the other end!!!! Second and third time the tunnel was made longer and the pups started farther away from the entrance.

Next was the table and seeing if the pups minded the teeter as it banged on the ground. Ella passed both of these with flying colors.

Ella seems to be very focused on me and very food and toy motivated. It also helps that she is a quick learner….granted she is not a Border Collie but she is smart and quick!

Homework…..sit,stand,down, & Get that thing & Down & the super puppy checklist.

Abigail, Easy To Spot Heaven On Fire, is my 9 month old Sydney x Marshall puppy. She is a little long and lanky now and I think that she needs a little time to mature and fill out. She is such a sweet girl …It will be hard waiting until she grows up to start her show career but when she does it should be lots a funna!!!!

Tirzah, ETS Entais Charismatic, is striking a lovely pose here as she tagged along with her mom to the San Diego Collie specialties….Tirzah can hardly wait to step into the showring!!!

Russell, Easy To Spot’s No Regrets, was a standout from the second he was born. I have never seen a puppy with such a long neck. Russell is growing up to be a beautiful dog with a stellar temperament.
I am planning on starting puppy agility with Russell soon.

Cole, Easy To Spot Whirlaway, has stolen my heart with his style and flawless movement. Cole just floats!! His reach and drive are stunning…it brings tears to my eyes. Cole and I will start herding this spring.

Tirzah, ETS Entais Charismatic, was a “special order” that her owner co-breeder Diana had given to Claire. Diana got just what she ordered!!! A sable rough bitch that had to have style, neck, coat, movement a great temperament and a long lean head with a heart melting expression….Claire held onto this special little girl till the very last. Diana and I thought that Claire was done so Diana left to go home….not 7 mins. later out comes Tirzah!!!!! I called Diana and told her that her Rough sable bitch was born and that she had to come and see her! Tirzah will be doing agility and other fun stuff.

Easy To Spot Gallorette, Gal, was drop dead gorgeous from a tiny pup!!! When she was born I thought YEAH!!! My beautiful sable smooth girl is finally here!!!! As she grew up I just was in love with her! Diana told me about Fred and Deb, a “perfect home” wonderful couple that wanted a smooth female show puppy. After meeting Fred and Deb I knew that Gal could not have found a better home!!! Gal is at the top of her class at puppy classes. Yes…Gal is still drop dead gorgeous!!!!!

Pony, Easy To Spot Gallant Fox , was a little mighty mouse as a young puppy. He is growing up to be quite the hunky handsome boy. Pony went to live with Patty and Chuck in another dream puppy home! Patty and chuck bought Pony as a pet puppy but I think that this little boy will be able to gain his championship with no problems at all. Patty is planning on trying herding with Pony.

Cort, was the first puppy born and we are still looking for a family for this sweet,sweet boy. Cort is as cute as a bug!!! He is sound, has very nice movement, a lovely clean head with a darling expression and the mushiest temperament. I think that Cort would make a very level headed pet or show dog.

I wanted to get my puppies out to socialize them and help them gain confidence. I also wanted to do an activity that was fun for both me and my dogs. Agility looked like it would fit the bill. So I needed to choose one of my dogs that I could start in a puppy agilty class.

As I was doing my research on my computer to find just the right class and trainer to start with I could not help but notice that , Easy To Spot Oh My Heavens “Ella”, one of my 9 month old Dalmatians was running and leaping right outside my window. She was making quite the spectacle of herself…but clearly having a ball at it. It was as if she was saying….DUH…I am the pup you need to take to agility class!!! See these backflips that I can do??? They might come in handy ….So what do you say mom???? Huh? And when do we start????

Ella was sold to a nice couple that took this cute little spitfire home at 8 weeks…. She was the pup that was permanently attached to my pantleg. When Ella was 8 months old I got a call from her family saying that they were moving and would I be interested in taking Ella back? I told them I would go pick her up that day. She was ADORABLE!!!! She fit right in here at home like she had never left. I was actively looking for a wonderful pet home for her……until that day that she convinced me that it was her job to be my agility star!!!!!