I hope we’ve all had a lovely week in Chihuahua Town; it’s been busy on the show scene. I’ve been busy reading this week – a fabulous book leant to me by Colin Craggs; Being a Dog by Karen Wild. This really is a cracking read for anyone in dogs, and indeed, anyone interested in canine behaviour, as I am. I’m only half way through it and the theories and principles align with the teaching methods we use in obedience training. One principle I particularly like is the Premack Principle. Basically, dogs will choose to do something they don’t really want to do in return for a reward of greater value. Now in the show world, training dogs for the show ring when they’re not really in to it is a thankless task. But I think that there’s some mileage in taking a step back and applying this principle to those particular dogs. What really makes a particular dog switch on? Every dog is different, but what is the real high value reward to that individual dog? I know I spend hours working that one out when I’m training obedience, but once you hit on it, you’re away!
Last weekend was the Chihuahua Club of Scotland’s champ show. In longs, Lee Humphrey’s Amarantos Tobin achieved his second DCC and RDCC was Jill Palmer and Willy Heap’s Penapettit Platinum. BCC was Leah Todd-McCoid’s Tinasjoy Georgia With Rubyanlo and RBCC was Steve Rooney’s Ch Donami Limelight. BPD was Mrs J Hunter’s Jotolemar Quality Time and BPB was Sharon Robson’s Rushwardens Ultraviolet Of Tidos. BOB was was Tobin and BP was Quality Time. In individual successes, Colin Craggs qualified his new puppy, Reynoldco Sweet William with a 3rd in MPD. All of Amanda Green’s show team were placed in their individual classes, and a huge thanks to Amanda for sending me through all the results.
In smooths, DCC was Ms S Facey’s Copymear Calendar Boy JW and RDCC was Beverley Sutton’s Ch Mr Incredible De L’isle Au Vert Coteau Nikitos. BCC was Emma Huntley’s Jahneemahs Along Came Polly JW and RBCC was Amanda Jacks’ Amarose Tink Attitude. BPD was Diane Fothergill’s Diamonchi Master Moon and BPB was Lee Humphrey’s Amarantos Cassini. BOB was Calendar Boy and BP was Cassini. In individual successes, Rachel Stirzaker’s Ameliachi I’m Still Standing was first in JD. Serena Hunt’s Valenchino Game Of Thrones For Moltobello was first in LB (gaining her stud book number) and Zoya’s Kingdom Never Fails for Moltobello first in PGB. Emma Huntley’s Jahneemahs Gift Of Gold was first in JB. Nikki Wilkes’ Lukarra Glimpse Of Gold was first in PB. Huge thanks to Rose Lov and Mairi Austin for sending me the results.
In the open shows: at Tregedar, Christine Edwards’ Tinasjoy Porche went BPIB and PG4 and the same owner’s Copymear Kharlid went BOB in the smooths. At the same show, Gemma Calvert’s Somergemz Artic Force came first in open. At Exonian Michelle Poyner’s Mikichi Luna Aura went BPIB. Also Tredegar Amanda Green’s Ellochi Audacity went BOB and G4, and Ellochi Chasing Stars BPIB and PG2 in longs.
Next weekend is Midland Chihuahua Club’s champ show – one I always look forward to. In the meantime, I shall go back to my reading. Some interesting stuff about conditioned responses; which is the reason my lot know that when the big flask comes out of the cupboard at stupid o’clock in the morning, they know they’re off to a show and the meerkat dancing begins. It really is a sight to behold.
I’m pleased as punch that more and more of you are taking the time to send me messages of your results – please keep them coming! It saves me time stalking you on facebook. Any Chihuahua news is welcome; your new puppy, you finally managed to get Fido to walk on a lead, or in my case, my car’s in the garage getting two new tyres so I can drive safely to dog shows. See you all at Midland Chi!
Rachel Berrington
01384 358308
07837 371209