July 22, 2006

Field Work

In an article in the Canine Chronicle, Chris Robinson asks "Are you suited for field work?" commenting on the experiences in store for those who, after a few years of conformation, turn to field work with their hunting or herding dog. I quote a short excerpt:

Another herder I know had the misfortune of running her dog on a clear, crisp morning when the dog was more than a little fresh. In fact, "wired" would probably be a better description. After starting the outrun barely under control, her dog in a fit of total joie de vivre burst through the herd of sheep which, in turn, set up a wild run. Delighted at the opportunity, the dog tore after the sheep and turned them right back at her handler with the sheep on a dead run. The handler disappeared under a sea of sheep which meant the dog could no longer see the human she was fetching the sheep to. So, she proceeded to circle at top speed tightening the sheep over the prone body of her handler. Making the incident that much more humiliating, friends, and in this case that word should be used advisedly, videotaped the entire show. On the video, every now and then a hand appears from the depth of the sheep whirlpool and faint cries of "lie down," fortunately without the expletives, can be heard on the audio portion of the tape. The handler says she never did get all the stains out of her clothing and the black-and-blue marks on her body, all in the shape of a sheep hoof-print, were quite spectacular for days after the event.

July 19, 2006

Cattle Dog x



ACD x German Shepherd

July 14, 2006

Cattle Dog x


IMG_0871
Originally uploaded by marj k.

ACD x Great Dane

Cattle Dog x


Serious
Originally uploaded by ~AJ.

ACD x St Bernard

Cattle Dog x


IMG_2342
Originally uploaded by marj k.

ACD x German Shorthaired Pointer

July 13, 2006

Camping

We've spent a couple of weekends recently camping in some fairly crisp temperatures. The dogs have doonas which I form into nests and they wear coats to bed - in my tent one on each side of me - so I think they are warm enough. But I've been looking online for adventure-dog gear.
The camo sleeping-bag is available from ForDogs They also have dog tents and folding food tables.
For the serious dog hiker Tails by the Bay have the Leash Beaner, a carabiner clip-on for your leash that has a built in compass, stop watch, watch, and mini flashlight.

Other suppliers:

July 12, 2006

This girl ...

... is a Woman Now.

At 15 months Dusty begins her first 'season'.

Stages of the Estrous Cycle
  • Proestrus: Vulvar swelling and bloody vaginal discharge marks the beginning of proestrus.The first day of bleeding is called the first day of heat. The duration of proestrus can vary from as little as 1 day to 21 days. Proestrus is a time of rising estrogen levels preparing the reproductive tract for breeding.
  • Estrus: Is the period of receptivity. Behaviorally it begins the first day the bitch stands. Hormonally it begins on the day of the LH (LueteinizingHormone) surge and is marked by rising progesterone levels and decreasing estrogen levels.
  • Diestrus: Normally begins 7 to 9 days post the actual LH surge. Progesterone levels continue to rise and the vaginal cytology cornification abruptly declines. The diestrus period lasts until the bitch whelps or the serum progesterone returns to a basal level.
  • Anestrus: Is the period of time between the end of diestrus and the next proestrus period.

The season can last anywhere from 5 days to 3 weeks. I'm hoping for 5 days.