Big Times Kennel

Class Update

2012-02-22T01:02:00.000-08:00

Classes are filling up.. All agility classes are now full as well as all 201 manners classes.
We do have a few openings in the late Manners 101 classes on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Call the Kennel at 937-885-3427 should you want to sign up..

Groups are small

Attention Please

What a nice Sit

Buns Getting Big

2012-02-22T00:52:00.000-08:00

The Baby Bunnies are growing up... Maureen is sure she has 2 Does and 2 Bucks... I can tell she is still not sure as there has been no talk on names... If her sexing of the buns is correct maybe the Mamas and Papas would work... not too many groups out there with 2 and 2.. The Whites appear to be the girls and the colored appear to be the boys....

Is this a girl or a boy

Figuring out how to eat hay

Laura/Wesson Update

2012-02-22T00:30:00.000-08:00

Laura had a good weekend in Zanesville at the Parkersburg Agility Trial. She finished the weekend with 2 firsts and 2 seconds, placing in every event she was entered.

Wesson continues to improve as he is learning to take directions better and learning to control his speed... He does continue to have a problem of knowing when to slow down a bit, but I think that is probably a good thing. No Q's this weekend but a good outing and a great learning experience for dog and handler..

Gem City this weekend at a new site... Clark County Fairgrounds and we are looking forward to seeing if our practice sessions had any effect....

Bunny Update

2012-02-09T06:33:00.000-08:00

The Buns continue to grow and learn about the world they live in. Today marked a couple of firsts, first time they all climbed out of the nest box, first time one of them actually ate a piece of hay, first time they experienced the taste of oats. Mr/Ms Tort actually climbed back into the nest box using a litter mate as a step stool to do it.. Team work I guess is what you call it...

Thinking about getting out

1 Out and Free

Mr/Ms Chocolate

The Jury is out on the actual sexes of the Buns I guessing 3 Does and 1 Buck

Session 2 Classes

2012-02-09T06:19:00.000-08:00

As we come to end of session 1 classes things are looking good.. Lots of improvement in our 101 classes and our 201 manners class is getting set to take their CGC test next week and in agility a new competitor is getting ready to come out...

Here a 101 Class is doing a sit stay in front of an ongoing agility class

Emma and Romey working on Sit Stay

Nitro working on his weaves

Classes are filling up for the session beginning Feb 27th

Call the office should you have any questions

937-885-3427

Applications available on the web site at

bigtimeskennel.com

go to the bottom of the training page,

as there is a link there to pull up the form

Buns Getting Big

2012-02-03T07:04:00.000-08:00

As promised here is the update on the Baby Bunnies born on the 22nd of January. As you can see they are getting big and we are down to 4 due to a feeding accident. But on a good note the remaining 4 are doing well and very healthy and very very active, making it tough to get a picture...

They Never Stay Still

Right Side Up

After Breakfast Ready for a Nap

More Weekend Results

2012-02-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

Laura was not the only one to make a big splash at this past weekends event, Ruth and Kerrie as well as Connie and Rufus made their mark. Ruth and Kerrie got 3 firsts in their open Standard runs and followed that with a first in open Jumpers fast in Novice fast. Ruth and Kerrie will now move into Excellent A in Standard.
Connie and Rufus continued to do well in Excellent B with a 2nd place in their Standard run. This was a class and jump height loaded with talent and 40 plus dogs were entered in the class at her jump height.

"Kerrie" the Corgi & "Rufus" the Doberman

Take a time out from training for a picture

Weekend Results

2012-02-01T11:53:00.000-08:00

This weekend Laura, Wesson and I visited Circle G Ranch and competed in the Dayton Dog Training Club's agility event... The 3 day event was long but very rewarding. Laura ran her first 20 inch competition and finished with 5 first places, dropping only 1 bar on her first run of the weekend.. Weave poles remain her worst obstacle but she ran well and seemed to enjoy the short height.. Wesson Run well and showed alot of promise as he finished his Novice Fast title with a 2nd place and got his first Open Jumpers leg with a first place against alot of competition. He was the only dog to qualify and he did it with alot of speed and a 100 score (a flawless run)

Wesson and Laura with their winnings

Bunny Update

2012-02-01T11:38:00.000-08:00

Well The buns are growing and I am not keeping up with their progress...

Here Mom is checking in on the kids they are 3 days old

Unfortunately Mom doesn't stay for breakfast

And Maureen has to assist with the meal

And as they are fed Laura makes sure everyone is OK

Buns are now 11 days old and I will update with pictures tomorrow

As they were born 1/22/2012

Monday Not a Good Day

2012-01-25T14:07:00.000-08:00

It has taken me awhile to put this news to print. Monday we lost a very good friend our large black and white cat. Poncho came to us many years ago from a client who was having his own health problems and wanted to make sure should something happen to him his cat would be taken care of.. And with that we acquired Poncho who quickly became keeper of the desk and official greeter for the kennel. He always made sure he was available to be petted should a client so desire to do so and if they didn't he would just push his way in by either sitting on their check book or making it impossible to pay without some how touching him. To him a pet was anything that involved him getting touched. He also loved dogs, loved to swat them on the nose, loved to hiss at them and loved to back them down. He never did meet his match as with those dogs he would be conveniently unavailable for greeting.
He was truly a people cat and ready to warm any lap. I will miss him greatly as I now have the desk to myself. Funny how you suddenly miss that pain in the next that always seems to be in the way.
To Poncho I thank you for letting us be a part of your life, we enjoyed every minute you gave us. You gave us many laughs and sadly you will never be replaced. Our big fat cat has passed.
And I thank you for putting up with us for so long......

PONCHO

5 Little Ones

2012-01-22T09:45:00.000-08:00

At 8:30 am after a shower and a long night Maureen and I were at the Kennel checking Mom 1 last time before we went to breakfast... Dalilah was in the nest box digging, pulling hair and getting things set for the big event... I kept saying I think I hear something, not wanting to disturb or interrupt something Maureen gently probed around Delilah butt.. Surprise there was 1 no 2 maybe 3.. excitement took over and we picked her up to expose the 5 newly born bunnies... All seem healthy and ready to go... Mom is fine and looking for her kids.. we put them in another nest box as they will be fed tomorrow...here is the first photo Buns right out of the oven!!!

Bunny Watch Continues

2012-01-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

It is now 9:50 pm and I just left the Kennel.. I abandoned Maureen as she is camping out with Dalilah and the cats as they wait for the babies to come.... Dalilah started pulling hair about 2 pm this afternoon and generally that is the first sign things are going to get started.. So by 2:30 pm the intense watch program was on and Maureen started her camp out rabbit side.. At 7pm there was a slight break for dinner, Ms Maureen no fast food only healthy stuff opted for McDonalds (first time this year for us).... McDonalds got the nod so we could get back quick... Once back Maureen set up her camp Air mattress on the floor lots of quilts and Poncho the cat... Add her kindle and laptop a pillow or two and she was set.. It is now 10 pm I am at the house putting the dogs to bed... Ms Dalilah has pull a bunch of hair and her rear legs are just about bald she has been eating parsley (which is suppose to help push things along) panting then resting then in the box to rearrange and then out to rest again... I will now wait for a call that it is all going down at which time I will go to the kennel to assist with the new ones...

Dalilah Pulling Hair

The Nest Box She Put Everything In It

wash cloth/ripped up paper/hay/angora fiber fresh off Mom

So I Left Maureen At The Kennel

Bunny Watch Alert

2012-01-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

The bunny watch is on as Delilah has started nesting her nest box... She has been preparing for the big event for the last week but now she is getting serious. The nest box was placed in her cage yesterday and this morning we found her busy at work digging and rearranging things... So Maureen and I are now on bunny watch.. Which means late night checks, middle of the night checks and way before dawn checks... Then naturally we will do the all day checks.. No good sleep time till they arrive... Our hope is she will have them Sunday and preferably Monday.. Time will tell..

The anxious mom getting things ready

Agility Classes

2012-01-20T05:55:00.000-08:00

The agility classes are going well as everyone seems to be picking up right where they left off before the holidays. In spite of the nasty weather everyone has shown up for the first 2 rounds of classes and working off the holiday cobwebs.

Miley getting ready to run

301 Class getting last minute instructions

401 dogs waiting their turn

Next event Cicle G the 27/28/29 of January

Going Home

2012-01-20T05:35:00.000-08:00

Today our big hairy dogs went home. Lillie and her two kids have been with us for an extended stay due to some medical needs within their 2 legged family. All is better now and they are going home. We have been boarding and training these 3 since Lillie was a puppy. Jill B is their human leader and has maintain a strict training regiment from basic obedience right through agility. Yes they all do agility, they all climb the A-Frame, the dog walk and the teeter. Lillie the mom was a handful as a youngster as she was always showing her true Komondor roots by being on guard at all times and a little leery of everything and everybody. It took me almost 2 years before I gained her trust as an outsider of her immediate family. But her and I have maintained a wonderful relationship over the years and now at 11 she is even glad to see me. Her 3 kids are Reign a continual top 5 in the show ring, Clover "Miss I don't want to be in the show ring" and Blue who lives with Jill's daughter and doesn't visit us much. Reign and Clover make the big splash in the kennel with their long dreads and outgoing personalities. Their large size and deep barks set most people back. We are all looking forward to Jill and her Komondors returning to classes soon.

Lillie (mom) heading out the door

Clover not wanting to pose

Reign showing his show dog side

Classes Start

2012-01-12T08:10:00.000-08:00

Obedience classes started this Monday with a bang as all classes filled and everyone was excited about starting.
Manners 101 is always a fun class as you never know what is going to happen, fortunately no surprises this week.

Our small classes makes it easy to give individual attention

and sometimes some dogs just pose for attention

Classes Beginning January 9th

2012-01-03T17:34:00.000-08:00

Wesson has been monitoring the classes and wants everyone to know that the all classes are almost full, we have some opening in Monday Manners Classes at 6:30 and 8 and Tuesday Manners 101 at 8. We opened a second Manners 201 CGC/Pre Therapy on Tuesday at 6:30. Pre Agility and Beginning agility classes have a few spots as well. Call the office (937-885-3427) should you have any questions. Only a few opening left and we keep it on a first come first serve basis.

Wesson and I will be looking for you.

The National Agility Invitational

2012-01-03T17:23:00.000-08:00

I have been procrastinating publishing the actual event and results as I had no video or stills to post with the update. In today's mail I received the first of the videos from the event so I can put it off no longer. For those who know me and Laura personally the following will make alot of sense..

"LAURA WAS LAURA"

What that translates to is she did the weaves when she felt like it and didn't do the jumps she didn't want to. But to me getting selected to represent the breed was an honor and competing at this level is a thrill and a great learning experience. The courses were tough and very challenging. The biggest problem was they were tight which made it especially tough for the big dogs who like to run, which Laura is. when a course is tight it is very demotivating for her and she loses interest and drive. There was nothing presented in the challenges that we had not practiced or she was incapable of doing... The only question I had was, did she want to?? So here is her best run of the event. The result was a 95 score and was her second of 4 runs and at this point we were in the hunt.

She did not really get into her rhythm in the weaves till halfway thru them. As you can see she dropped a bar early but was running well. She just hates tight turns and having to put on the brakes. After the double she really wanted to do the weaves again and it was tough getting her thru the 270, the wrap went better and the ending was wonderful. The end result of the weekend was we finished number 3 Bouvier. By not doing the weaves the first time in 3 of the 4 runs we dropped out of the top dog race. But she did not embarrass me and she looked good running. She made me proud not only on the course, but going thru the crowd where people would stop us and ask questions about the breed. She was and excellent ambassador and travelled like a pro.

The people and the event

2011-12-29T11:37:00.000-08:00

Laura and I were up at the crack of dawn to get things started, The doors opened at 7 for set up and I wanted to get there, get checked in and get back to rest before the afternoon fast runs...
As you can see not many people shared my enthusiasm for rising early.

That is Laura's airline crate

Notice the nice wide aisles. As you can see the place started filling up quickly as the day went on.

My view of the crating area

Laura seems to approve of the spot...

And now the people. Ohio was well represented at the event, here are a few of who was there.

Isn't it funny how few names I actually know. I seem to only know people by the dog they run and the class they are in. The BC guy from the "Falls" the blond with the english setters The red headed Steelers fan with the gordon setters, the portie guy, the couple withe eskimo dogs, the rhodesian guy. I could go on and on but you get the idea..

But there is one whose name I always know a lady who is always quick to help and answer questions or what ever.. Met her many years ago in Cleveland. "Maureen Setter"

Checking in was a trip but the line moved quickly and we got thru it in no time I was about halfway back the front of the line is the doorway in the distance.

Here is my cheap Invitational Picture

2011 AKC National Agility Invitational

Ch Reillys First Lady of Lajeron CD AX AXJ OF

"Laura"

AKC 2011 Agility Invitational

2011-12-25T10:32:00.000-08:00

Over the next couple of days I hope to entertain you a little bit with pictures from our trip to Orlando and our experiences outside the rings of the AKC National Agility Invitational. As soon as we get our pictures back from the event I'll share with you those stories and experiences from inside the ring.

Laura waiting for her flight

As you can see there were a couple of dogs flying out that morning, for the record it was early 7:20 am to be exact and Laura was not in the best of spitits knowing she was in for a long bumpy ride in the baggage compartment of the plane. But Delta was great they took us out of the commoners line and check us in special which means Laura got a little more personal attention and a longer stay outside her crate. Once we were checked in the gentleman who checked us in escorted us to TSA to be checked by security and then to the door which took her to baggage and the plane.

Laura was in the luggage transfer vehicle to the left.

Laura actuallly was loaded about 20 minutes before me and as you can see it was a miserably cool and rainy day. But she was on the plane and I was on the plane so all was good. Next stop Orlando.

We arrived in Orlando right on schedule and made it to the hotel without any problems. Dumb me I forgot to take pictures ot the trip. Of special interest would of been the vehicle in which we were transported. A brand new black Cadillac Escalade, with a chauffeur to match.

Laura met Santa at check in

Once we got checked in and settle it was time to explorer and find out where we were going.

Orlando Convention Center Part 1

Orlando Convention Center Part 2

These 2 buildings are across the street from each other. Naturally we went to the wrong one first.

After almost an hour of walking around we finally found the agility rings. Problem was we were on a sky walk overlooking them...

It took us almost an hour to walk home as I was lost and trying to figure out what door to leave by..

But we did get back to the hotel (Days Inn) where we were greeted by the staff and escorted to our room..

Tomorrow the people

Remembering Maureen's "Billy"

2011-12-14T06:07:00.000-08:00

Billie and his Toys

Not sure where to begin so I’ll start 10 years back. A Bouvier we named Bill was dropped at our door step with his sister Taz by their druggie owners who were leaving on a vacation and just wanted to get rid of the last 2 pups remaining from a litter. We placed Taz and Maureen kept Bill as we have a thing about placing unhealthy dogs. And Bill was a genetic mess lanky and over sized with a bad heart. Stubborn is not the proper word to describe him as over the years I have changed that assessment to “Strong willed” and “Devoted”. Bill had many medical problems all pretty much genetic then throw in 2 ACL surgeries and major spine problems and we find ourselves in 2008. Bill was crippled in the rear but his strong will to continue and his devotion to Maureen kept him going. He would scoot 3 inches at a time to be with her and once in his wheels he would walk with her all over the property which was never an easy chore for him (he would even chase the cat , which in fact he did just last week). Bill was a hardship for Maureen as he would only respond to her attention and wishes. Whether it was getting into his wheels or moving around the family room he would always respond to her wishes and given the chance would find a way to be just a little closer to her. If it required crawling an inch at a time he would spend hours making the move to get there. Each morning there was the ritual that was repeated 4 times a day. Once up Bill would scoot his way to the family room where Maureen would lift his rear legs up, place them in a set of stirrups and put him in his wheels fasten the yoke and head him out the door to potty.

Once outside she would express his bladder and make sure he was comfortable, this happened in all kinds of weather. Then it was feeding time and then the trek back into the house where the clean bedding was piled so he would have a comfortable place to lie till noon where the process would be repeated again and then again at 5 and at bedtime.

Bill ready to go to the rabbit show

I always felt sorry for Bill as he was not dealt the best of hands, but he seemed happy and content in his world. After all he had Maureen and he loved her and she was always near. When she would go to a rabbit show which required a long day or an overnight we would pack up Bill and his wheels and cart him off with us. At the show we would always sneak away to relieve Bill as Maureen did not want to embarrass him and make him a spectacle. Bill loved company and people and especially kids. He loved chasing the cats and small dogs. Even though he was crippled he was respected by his peers in the house and everyone respected his space. Over the years we probably gave him many reasons to bite as we pushed, prodded, probed and forced pills, gave needles and fed him fluids. He never once seemed irritated; it was like he knew Maureen was trying to help. Baths were a problem as he was totally uncooperative as he hated them liked the attention but hated the soap and water.

And so now the final chapter, we left the kennel 20 minutes early last night, something we never do, to come home to find that the boy had gone on to the Rainbow Bridge. We knew it would happen one day but just not this day and as always he did it his way, alone with just Laura and Roxie in the house. Maureen was upset mostly because she was not with him. But the truth be told there is no easy way to lose a loved one. So today I got up knowing that the 3 year morning ritual was over. Bill’s wheels are retired and we’ll be taking him to the Pines where he will be cremated, placed in a box and put with our other gone but not forgotten pets..

Once again an animal has taught me a lesson and with Bill there were many. To love and accept your family, to not give up or give in on those important things, to remain faithful, thankful and devoted to the end and to accept your fate and turn those lemons into lemonade. Bill was cripples for 3 years and before that he was never comfortable running or even moving about the backyard with all his genetic short comings but he was happy in his world as long as Maureen was a part of it. She was devoted to him and him to her. And I sit and wonder if God is so good why he would deal such a lovely creature such a life of pain and agony.

I’ll miss you Bill I’ll miss the poop you left me in the morning, the jerk of your head to get me to pet you and that big head of yours on top of my feet on the ottoman trying to keep my toes warm. I wish I could pet you one more time and thank you for being special.

To Maureen I want to say you were much loved and Bill appreciated everything you did for him. He was devoted to you and you to him. Like him you are also a very special person. I would just like you to remember that every time Bill came to you it was to be close to you and thank you for all you had done for him. He knew it.

So For Bill I will say:

Maureen

Thank you so much for everything, I love you

your “Billy”

You would think I would be good at this but it never gets easier.

Thanks for listening….

The Countdown is on

2011-12-11T17:19:00.000-08:00

Laura Says Lets Get Going

Laura is anxious to get going.. Departure is Thursday the 15th flying out of Cincinnati... First run Friday followed by 2 runs on Saturday and 2 on Sunday.. All systems are go.. Only three more training/fitness sessions and then we get a day off.. Naturally I will try to blog from Orlando and keep you all up to date.. And the excitment mounts...

confirmation has arrived

2011-12-04T16:37:00.000-08:00

Well it looks like it is official, we now have our crating space NN20, entry number 240571 and our running order R1/97 R2/73 R3/39 R4/23.
And so the count down begins

Kerrie and Ruth

2011-12-01T05:36:00.000-08:00

More results from Zanesville as Kerrie continues to burn up the 8 inch height class
Ruth Miller and Kerrie on Saturday took a 1st in open JWW , open Std and nov Fast..
Congratulations on the Triple Q

Agility Drop in

2011-11-30T06:18:00.000-08:00

Don't forget the agility drop in Thursday Dec 1.... The Beginners at 6:30 and the more advanced Class is at 8:00.. Ron will be running these classes and as always will provide a challenging evening.. Wesson and I will be there we hope to see you there... As always the equipment will remain up over the weekend...

Good Bad Ugly

2011-11-27T11:18:00.000-08:00

The "Good" Wesson got 2nds in Jumpers and a 1st in fast and that all resulted in a new Title

Wesson NA, NJWW

The "Bad" Laura did not Q all weekend

The "Ugly" on Saturday they both managed to humble me with each having a really bad run

Zanesville

2011-11-25T07:43:00.000-08:00

Off to Zanesville for the Sheltie Trial.. Laura entered in ex Jumpers and Std...As long as she runs well and does the weave poles I'll be a happy a camper.. Wesson has a full load novice jumpers, open STD, novice fast and the new event time to beat... Looking for some Q's

Welcome to the Big Times Kennel Blog

2011-11-22T17:01:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the first post of the Big Times Kennel Blog. It is our hope to keep our clients and students up to date on all that is happening around our world. With all that we do and all the lives we touch (both 2 legged and 4 legged) I am sure there will be plenty to write about. Classes, competitions, students, boarders and just plain stuff we will try to hit it all. I am sure some weeks there will be plenty and some weeks will be dry. I will try and keep it as up to date as possible. I hope you enjoy it.