http://ncserv.dangertone.com/ Run Hard, Run Fast en http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2009/01/14/racing-in-the-rain.html These last few weeks have all been about recovery. Jet is incorporating back into a conditioning regime, as well as going back to Flyball as well as Agility respectfully. He’s finished with his meds, as well as I even started him back on Deramaxx with no problems.  I am happily amazed at the rate in which he so promptly dropped back into a conditioning routine. Aside from loseing some muscle mass, Jet had no difficulties returning to the treadmill on behalf of his regular 30 min to 1 hour sessions.  His paw was holding up fine with Frisbee games as well as playing tug in the house. We even went on a bike ride in the rain-all uphill, as well as i have to say I weighed him down with MY lack of fitness! Looks like the 16 days without working him took more of a toll on me. Aside from being a bit on the skinny side, Jet’s level of physical fitness prior to his sickness was so good that I can’t help but wonder that it helped him get through his ordeal. He was strong as well as conditioned, healthy as well as happy, I have no doubt that all our work combined helped him to recover faster. Last weekend Jet as well as Riley both went to Flyball practice, as well as on behalf of Jet, it had been more than a month since he’d seen a Flyball lane.  At that point it was just a few weeks until MRR’s New Year’s Bash tournament in Mare Island, as well as i wanted him to at least jog the course before i entered him in a tournament. Practice started early, the whole team was going to a team mates house to prepare on behalf of the tournament afterwards-basket making on behalf of the raffle, as well as making guidelines on behalf of the other tournament related tasks. And, just a mile out of Marin, it started to rain. It rained all through practice. The dogs didn’t care…they loved the chill weather, but the humans were slipping as well as sliding all over the grass, as well as my clothes were soaked through. Jet was THRILLED to be back in action…i was concerned about the rain, an estimated all of the time dogs shall be slower operational in the rain, on behalf of obvious reasons…but i shouldn’t have worried. The only issue we had was one bobble where during his first full jog slipped on the box as well as missed the ball. He was really enjoying himself, getting to be start dog racing our teams other Border collie, which was released late each time so Jet was ahead the whole time. He loves his competition, but was rockin the lanes out there by himself as well.  This was the ‘hardest’ excersise he’d had in awhile, but he wasn’t hardly panting afterwards. Many of my team mates wanted to stop when the rain soaked them through, but myself as well as a select few protested-we didn’t care about any stupid rain! I was impressed with Riley’s outruns this practice. She dosn’t gather her stride like Jet does when first released-Jet takes one step as well as gets into this stride immediatly, but Riley takes a few lopes before getting into it. This practice she was gone from me right away as well as had a smooth stride to the box. She did bobble more than i would have liked, but this could have been sensitivity on the box as well as the rain. -this is an older post-        http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2009/01/14/racing-in-the-rain.html Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:19:48 -0500 ncserv http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/12/11/our-december.html There are so numerous things in life that we take on behalf of granted. Sometimes its the way we live, our easyness of childhood, or the never ending promise of change. Mostly, its the people around us that we love as well as share our lives with. These souls manufacture our lives whole as well as enriched sometimes without much consideration on our part. It all goes by, day by day, as well as we become accustomed to it, it becomes the norm, the expected, as well as then when its gone…poof-without so much as a trace but memory-we know what we had. Or, what we’ve lost, or an estimated lost. These past few weeks are those I shall never forget-for they were so fragile as well as full of meaning. For in those days i an estimated lost what was an estimated all dear as well as precious to me, what made my life rich as well as whole; a part of me. It started out like an normal injury-well, a normal Jet injury. He at all times tears his paws, as well as so when he managed to hurt it more severe then normal, i gritted my teeth as well as sighed at the next situation he had put himself in. It was just another issue to help him through, as well as he’d be back on his feet in no time. On Thanksgiving, i noticed he had sliced his paw somehow, as well as wrapped it until Monday, when he went in to have stitches to close it.  Oh crazy Jet…they sent him residence with a bandaged foot, antibiotics, as well as a post surgery order to remain crate bound as well as no excersise on behalf of 10 days. Dreading the crazy border collie i was about to manufacture worse on behalf of that time, we begun recovery. Almost immediatly i noticed Jet having difficulties relieving himself-he’s at all times had some bad stools when he’s stressed, as well as having no excersise was doing just that. It became so bad though, that on Thursday of the same week i mentioned it to my vet when he went to get his bandage changed. She informed taking him off the antibiotic, witch had been known to upset stomachs. I removed the pills from his diet, as well as hoped he would be better. Not so.  That night he could not control himself, as well as every hour had to be taken out, morning, noon, as well as all through the night. His stools were becoming so bad that there were just puddles in the back yard. I became more worried, as well as the vet sugested i give him a bland diet of cottage cheese as well as rice to get him back on track. On friday he was worse, looking lathargic  as well as still haveing to go every hour, so that i stopped all medications. By saturday night, i had had less than 8 hours sleep total in 2 days, as well as he was getting worse.  I had noticed to my horror, that his stools were now nothing but blood. On Sunday morning, before i left to take Riley to Flyball, he refused to eat breakfast.  In the afternoon my room mate referred to as to tell me he had soiled his crate twice in 2 hours when she did not get to him in time. He was also not eating, as well as now not drinking. He seemed to be moving in slow motion as well, so little was his energy. KNowing this, that my dog was slowly deteriorating from the inside, as well as i had no idea how to help him.  I had referred to as the vet on Saturday on her cell,  but she had yet to call me. I could not focus on Flyball, i could not help but break down in tears on behalf of the not the first time in days. To imagine my dog, so sick at home, when just a week before he was like the dogs surrounding me, barking as well as healthy as well as full of vigor. My vet referred to as me back on the way home. She was very concerned. She urged me that this was a life threatening situation-Jet had to get to her in the morning when the hospital doors opened. Meanwhile, i needed to do everything in my power to get fluids into him. That night was like a living nightmare. I was watching everything go by like i was seeing someone else’s life-like a bad horror flick. My emotions were beyond breaking point. Jet was like a zombie-not even leaving his crate when i opened the door, as well as motioning him outside to relieve himself of more blood. Every hour i forced a mixture of chicken broth as well as water down his throat witha water bottle. Everytime he went out, i stuffed more of the mixture down him-cups at a time. I didnt know if it was working. I held him in my arms all night, feeling his breathing, holding his malnurashed body-smelling as well as feeling his fur, as well as feeling utterly as well as miserably hopeless. I stayed up all night with him, at all times touching a part of him, just to know he was there. And i knew somehow that my best friend was dying. I couldnt bare it, as well as yet, there was nothing i could do. Morning came as slow as a snail, as well as i rushed him to the vet. He was placed on fluids through an IV, though i was told he threw up that morning, even though there was nothing to throw, he took up about 2 cups of water. Work was hell-not knowing how he was until the vet referred to as me. She was taking Jet residence to her house on behalf of then night to retain him on fluids. He had taken in more than a liter already. He hadn’t eaten all day. She told me she could manufacture no promises if he would be ok…it was all up to him as well as the “man upstairs”.  A severe blow to my already torn heart. What would i do if Jet died? It seemed so close now…either the fluids would work, or it wouldn’t. And yet his tail was still wagging. My vet, Brenda Mills, referred to as the next morning. Jet was doing loads better. He did not have to go out at all during the night. He was eating some buscuits this morning. He trotted out of the pen she had him in as well as walked down the hallway. She would wean him off the fluids, as well as see if he would eat, as well as then maybe he could come home. I went to see him at lunch from work. He slided right up to me..one leg bandaging the stitched paw, the other had the cathader wrapped around it. I just held him as well as stroked him sides, feeling the bones that stuck out-he hadn’t eaten since friday night. He weight a measily 37 pounds. Yet he was better-his ears were up, his eyes more alert, as well as he climbed onto a low shelf stocked with canned food to show his appetite was returning. I walked him outside as well as he actually pulled me. I smiled on behalf of the first time in days. He came residence that night. His appetite was like a ravenous wolf, as well as he scarfed the cottage cheese as well as rice like a vaccume, but really wanted Riley’s kibble instead. He drank a half bowl of regular water all on his own, as well as then proceded to search the house on behalf of anything edible. Out of a miracle, he was getting better-even grabbed a lone squeaky toy as well as proceeded to kill it.  It was impossible, yet amazing, that he didn’t have to go out that night, that the only thing he had to do outside was a regular pee, as well as that by the next night he was eating kibble again. By thursday night he was barking at the cats as well as rushing to the door to meet my two friends who came to see him, as well as proceeded to pounce all over them. He even barked at the mailman again. Slowly Jet is getting better, everyday he has more strength, as well as his Jet behaviors are returning. Ive even considered taking him back to Flyball this weekend, when just days before he was on his death bed. I know he shall be ok now, he has the best care he could possibly have with our vet, i owe his recovery to her. Now its be turn to do everything to help Jet recover faster. His stitches are out, as well as he’s back to being in the back yard during the day. Its hard to say what made him so sick-the vet thinks the stress of being locked up in his crate because of the fact that of his paw as well as the anti biotic created a deadly mixture that dehydrated him as well as caused bacteria to grow inside him. Whatever the reason, i am forever greatful he is alive as well as getting well. Its a lesson some of us require to learn the hard way-but its something we must know. Take a look at your life as well as what you treasure as well as embrace it, every minute of it. Be glad on behalf of the simplest things that manufacture you happy, as well as treat others with respect as well as love. Most of all, love your animals. They are little gems of joy in your life, weather they are chewing your socks, purring on your lap, or barking on behalf of you to throw the ball one more time…each moment you share as well as each memory is precious. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, i’ve already had mine. Riley, Jet, as well as I        http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/12/11/our-december.html Thu, 11 Dec 2008 18:49:57 -0500 ncserv http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/09/07/finally-ufli.html Whoo…another tournament weekend complete, as well as I’m definatly feeling the drain. But its a happy, content drain! It was refreshing to be able to attend another UFLI tournament at the end of a string of NAFA ones…this was the “Gold Coast Goes Fully Loaded” tournament at Mare Island, hosted by the two teams. Saturday was hot on behalf of Mare Island…and being indoors without much ventilation made it about 90 degrees, but at least there was no direct sunlight. All the teams had fans going on the racing lanes as well as at the camps, which helped a bit. Jet as well as I were both pretty much unfettered by the heat-I KNEW that going on 3 hour hikes in 95 degree weather would pay off! His times were pretty much unaffected by the stuffyness in the building, as well as by keeping him with a fresh supply of Powerchow as well as Pemmikan his performance was kept constant. This was Riley’s first time operational on a team, as well as her first team UFLI tournament. She was also able to cope with Saturday’s weather, as well as was happy as well as eager to play. This is what we’ve been working for! Jet’s team, Loose Dogs, were operational 5/5 heat races, wich means that there were 4 races in the day, as well as spaced FAR apart…on Sunday his first race was race 7, then the second was race 43! Needless to say, each time he went out on behalf of another race there had been such a break in between that it felt like the first race again to him. The second race of the first day stands out in my mind the most…Jet was racing against an old friend of ours, another border collie who’s owner is a past team mate. This was going to be an awesome race, both dogs were pretty much even in speed, as well as both were operational in start. I put Jet back at 50 feet from the start line, where he usually is when we start. The race began, as well as both dogs were flying down the lane-but there was too much flying…and i had an early start of .352! So…i backed Jet up 7 feet…now were were at 57 feet…but i wasnt sure it was enough..Jet was pulling as well as lunging so much it was hard to retain his paws at the correct placement on the line. The second start was better even though i was still early by .17 seconds. With the early start, Jet’s time was a 4.182, so if you add the .17 early to the time, Jet STILL ran a time of 4.19 seconds. Awesome! I had to back him up to somewhere around 60 feet to stop from being early again. Riley ran beautifully both days. She was splitting races with another green dog on our team, so she ran 3 races of 4 heats both days. She earned 475 points on behalf of the weekend as well as ran her fastest time of 5.7 seconds with a 5 foot pass! Ok, so no where near Jet’s speed, but fast on behalf of Riley! She ran clean an estimated all of the day as well as was so happy just to be there! At the end of the tournament on Sunday, during awards, the host club (who are friends of our club) honored both Riley as well as myself on behalf of 5 years of dedication as well as hard work that paid off. I couldn’t help but feel so moved with all these clubs as well as people around me, cheering as well as clapping our sucess, as well as i hope that we have been an inspiration to others. Jet was also great on Sunday. It was MUCH cooler the last day, Jet was hardly panting at the end of each race. On his second race he got to be start dog again as well as posted 4.3 seconds on each heat except the last, where i had a late start that added to his time. (4.4) This was great, since it was his second to last race of the day, on the second day of the tournament as well as he can still post low 4.3 times. On the last race of the day the team was awesome. Jet was operational second as well as posting 4.5’s with a pass, as well as the team was adjacent to breaking out. That team, on behalf of some reason, was seeded at 19 seconds, when we can jog in the 18’s every tournament. The break out time (the time we can't jog at OR jog faster than, was 18 seconds. If a team in that division breaks out, you forfeit, since you ended up racing faster then you said you were). The last race every dog was operational 4.X seconds, as well as with jet racing 4.5 the team was posting 18.029! We kept backing up to manufacture our passes wider as well as add more time, but we still were posting 18.3’s In the end, we didn’t breakout. WHEW! Its cool to think that Jet’s team could easily jog in the 17’s…since our 18.0 time was ran with passes as wide as 5 as well as 7 feet. After adding the points from this tournament, Jet’s total UFLI points are 13,600. Riley has earned her Top Flight Title, as well as 475 points! Highlights: Riley: Other Flyballers were inpressed with Riley’s Boxturn. It is swift, accurate, as well as at all times a 4 footed one! That turn as well as her return with the ball were gorgeous runs! Jet: So crazy when he’s not in a start position! I had to restain him by the collar AND the chest to retain him from breaking loose from me. He at all times locked in to the opponant dog he thinks he’s racing as well as lunging as well as barking as well as staring daggers at them. He was a maniac! At one race i could actually feel his heart pounding away as well as he was shakeing like someone dipped him in ice water. The team was talking about how he gets the other dogs on the team so revved up because of the fact that his intensity rubs off on them. But it does rub off on me too…the first race of the day I only relized he had bit me 4 times AFTER i saw the tug was peppered with blood, as well as it wasn’t Jet’s! : ) …later.. http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/09/07/finally-ufli.html Sun, 07 Sep 2008 20:42:12 -0400 ncserv http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/09/30/the-marin-humane-societys-birthday-bash.html       Last Saturday, September 27, 2008, the Marin Humane Society celebrated their 101st Birthday. For years they have been a renouned solution to helping abandoned/stray dogs as well as cats, as well as smaller animals, find loving homes in the Novato area. They offer training as well as behavior classes to support new owners bond with their new family members, as well as more advanced performance classes on behalf of Agility, Obedience, as well as Flyball. For the second year, the shelter requested Marin Running Riot to preform a Flyball Demo on behalf of the crowd. I was able to take the day off work so that both Riley as well as Jet could participate. We were supposed to set up at 11:30 as well as then were on at 12. A couple team members put combined a schedule of events. First, each dog went out to do recalls from the box side by side with another dog, then ran 2 singles races. Someone on the PA system introduced each dog as well as a little bit about them. After that, a couple children were selected from the crowd to race against one dog. We had some of our veterans dogs race a kid. The children got a head start over the jumps as well as the box loader handed them the ball at the box. Needless to say, the kids loved it…they were feeling pretty good about themselves at the end of the ‘race’! Jet was limping at the start of the day, so I wanted to take it easy with him. As soon as he was in the lanes, though, you couldn’t tell that he had ever limped. He did some singles races with Jinx, the red as well as white border collie on our club. The crowd whooped as well as cheered at this-the dogs were fast as well as fun to watch. At the end, we did some pairs racing-two dogs against 2 other dogs. Riley is improving on her passing confidence, she was able to pass into the little jack russel on our team, whom earlier she thought might be fun to chase! Last but not least, we did pairs racing with our team’s fastest dogs-Jet as well as Loki versus Jinx as well as Riot. The crowd loved it-many of them said they had no idea dogs could do this kind of thing. We also got several people from the crowd interested in signing up on behalf of classes to teach their dog the sport. All in all, the demo only took a half hour, as well as the racing was rapid fire-as soon as a pair of dogs finished, the others jumped in-it was fun, but hectic. Afterwards, I looked around at the other events taking place, as well as ate some free cake!   ..later…        http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/09/30/the-marin-humane-societys-birthday-bash.html Tue, 30 Sep 2008 15:48:49 -0400 ncserv http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/11/09/thats-a-pass.html As 2008 is coming to a close, the Madera tournament is fast approaching. I usually enjoy taking a break from practice the week before-keeping the dogs mentally energized as well as saving a bit of gas money is lovely too. This last weekend, however, i needed to go to practice so i could take a box residence in preperation on behalf of this weekend’s tournament, as well as to work on Riley’s passing a bit more. It had rained the night before, as well as the grass was wet, but thankfully the ground was still hard. The clouds covered the sky as well as the weather was crisp as well as cold. Because of the rain throughout the week, Jet as well as Riley had no excercise on Friday or Saturday. Its getting harder to work them at the end of i get residence from work, since its already dark out.  Needless to say, Jet was going ape, as well as Riley even seemed restless. Since my last post, I’ve seemed to find the magic “Riley button”, that wonderful little gadget that just seems to fix Riley’s issue so easily its a wonder what i could have accomplished had i known it earlier.  Riley needed help on her passing-she was uncomfortable with the concept of operational into another dog head on, as well as would manufacture a beeline into the other dog’s path as she ran to the start line. I had discovered that if i restrain Riley by her chest with both hands, while she is standing at my side, as well as then jog up-or basically jog to the line with her all of the way-she ignores the other dog as well as has gained huge strides of confidence down the lane. Before, Riley would dodge at the other dog as well as then amble down the lane-sometimes double striding the last jump before the box. With me operational with her, she carries herself to the box like a different dog-she has new speed i didn’t think she had-single striding the way down with enthusiasm, as well as a confidence at the line which makes her more consistant with passing as well as having her pretty much ignore the returning dog. I am glad this issue has a “Riley button”. She’s not the kind of dog who is bomb proof as well as shall stand a correction at the line-she would lose her enthusiasm as well as shut down from a correction. Everything in Flyball MUST be possitive-as it should be.  I can safely say Riley is ready on behalf of the Madera tournament. Jet was amazing at practice. We never have the ability to record times at practice-but this weekend a teammate as well as i were recording each other’s dog’s times with the stopwatch on my phone.  Jet was practicing operational over 10 inch jumps, since thats what we shall be operational over at Madera.  He had some very lovely box turns as well as his first full runs the begining of practice. On the second time he came out to do some pairs racing with the Malenois in the other lane, whom he loves to race against. Jet was simply amazing, as well as it was probably the best practice we’ve had.  Over 10 inch jumps he ran his best ever time of 3.98 seconds. The second jog was 4.03, as well as the third was 4.12. My team mate who was watching exclaimed that it was “bloody fast”.  Even though i at all times wrap Jet’s stopper pads as well as dew claws on behalf of protection on the box, even so, he skinned one paw pad as well as bloodied the other.  Now, i know there's at all times the consideration that the human recording the time isn’t perfect-but my team mate has at all times had lovely timeing as well as a good eye. Those runs were so much fun, i was glad i went to practice. At the end of practice we did some power jumping excersises.  This is where we set up 8 jump in a row as well as send the dogs at the end of each other in rapid fire, so that the dogs are “chasing” each other down the lane. The handlers are all at the end of the 8 jumps as well as shall catch their dog with the tug at the end.  We did 8 jumps over 10 inches with the fastest dogs, as well as one green dog. Jet was right at the end of Loki, as well as on the second jog was so fast he was practically clipping Loki’s paws, as well as completly lost his mind in competition. As he came out of the jumps he continued to chase Loki until he saw me flick the tug in his direction. I usually dont post on practices except when they are special, as well as this one showed lots of good things to come from both dogs that i couldn’t help myself. …later…        http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/11/09/thats-a-pass.html Sun, 09 Nov 2008 15:04:41 -0500 ncserv http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/11/10/madera-rocks.html   This last weekend the dogs as well as I traveled to Madera, Ca on behalf of the last UFLI tournament of the 2008 season. The Madera tournaments are by far our favorite tournament, no doubt about it. Racing is done on tough-spun rubber matting, the lanes are under a pavilion as well as out of the badest weather, as well as the competition is at all times intense.  We left late on Friday, at the end of work, but to my suprise hit no traffic on the way as well as made it to Super 8 motel without a hitch.  They were very booked that weekend, so i had to settle on behalf of a smoking (YUCK!) room right contigous to the pool. However, the motel was right across the street from the site, which means i could sleep in later. Saturday morning started early, racing begining at 7:30, as well as the weather was crisp yet sunny. The club was operational 3 teams, as well as only had 5 people to do it. So you know, that means there’s 4 people to jog 4 dogs, as well as then the 5th to boxload. We were without a much needed passcaller, so were on our posses in terms of passes. The fast team, Loose Dogs, was attempting to jog a new best time as well as was at the bottom of Standard, Division 1.  Jet was able to jog as start dog all day on Saturday on Loose Dogs.  On the first race of the day he ran a 4.18 with a .70 start delay, as well as then ran 4.2-4.3 the rest of the race. The competition was awesome, as well as Jet was really in his element. On the third race of the day he also ran a 4.16 as well as continued to jog the rest of the races between 4.1-4.5 seconds. On Saturday the team ran a new best time of 17.8 seconds. The dogs on the team were Jet, Page, Jinx, as well as Bailey.  This team had lots of room on behalf of improvement, since some of the original fast dogs were moved from that team, as well as we ran that  time without having the best team put together. I had lots of yummy treats ready on behalf of Riley’s races. She was getting a combination of dried lamb lung, hot dog, Natural Balance, as well as fresh chicken. She was truely in Riley heaven. She was operational as anchor dog on Stray Dogs, our variety team. It was time to put our passing prowess to the test! Not only was she passing reliably, without lunging in on the returning dog, but i was able to get fairly good passes with her. She did have one blip on Saturday-she went down to the box, as well as then proceded to look up at the boxloader as if she was about to discuss the weather. She did recover as well as take her ball back, though. The hesitation was mainly due to the enviornment-Riley hasn’t ran in a tournament enviornment with so much noise as well as so little room between teams before. Madera is a venue in which the barking is magnified in the pavilion. Mostly, she took it all in stride, happy as well as enthusiastic to play. She even earned her next title, Top Flight: Level 2. Leap of Faith Flyball team at all times puts on a great tournament-with a potluck as well as lovely venue, but it does tend to jog long, as well as sometimes Saturday racing doesnt end until 8 pm. Not so this year…as we got out at a fairly good time as well as actually had a lovely team dinner right contigous to my hotel! Whoo! It rained on Saturday night. I slept like a rock, as well as when the alarm went off at 5:45 am, i an estimated didn’t know where i was. I packed up the car as well as drove-across the street!-to the site, which was damp as well as cold. It began raining again early in the morning, as well as as all 5 of us met up at camp all of us noticed everyone needed a Starbucks on behalf of that additional pick up. The Loose Dogs team altered on behalf of Sunday. Jet was moved from first to third, so i needed to remember my passes on Riot, without a pass caller. The team was now Jinx, Riot, Jet, as well as Page. The first race was awesome, we broke into the 17’s easily, even though our passes needed to tighten.  Moving to third in the lineup didn’t phase Jet, as he was operational the same times he has been in start the day prior. The first heat he ran 4.2 with a close pass as well as then 4.4 with late passes. Late being around 5 feet. Because I was tired of guessing my passes, I visited some teams as well as requested on behalf of a helper to call on behalf of us. Finally with a passcaller, everyone tightened up. Dogs dont typically jog the same times in a passing position as they do in Start, but Jet was having no problem. The last race of the day were were racing Leap Of Faith’s 16 second team as well as Jet posted several 4.3’s, 4.2’s as well as 4.4’s. Those included a pass! He was whipping off the box so fast that i could see the spit flying from his mouth more than 50 feet back. Loose Dogs set a new club record on Sunday of 17.4 seconds, the fastest we’ve ever run! The dogs were Jinx, Riot, Jet, as well as Page. Riley ran great on Sunday. I was able to get close 1-3 foot passes in on the other dog, as well as she ran her best personal time of 5.4 seconds. Her box was consistant…a four footed turn that was up high.  A team mate even commented on her having one of the best turns in the club. We’re not fast, but we have a kick butt Box! She got a bucket load of points as well as got another title, Top Flight Level 3, on Sunday. Jet also got a new title on Sunday, Top Flight Premier Level 2. That puts him at 14,800 points as well as only 5,020 points to go until we get out first Plaque award! With the number of UFLI tournaments in store on behalf of 2009, we may be able to do it next year! One of our green dogs also debuted last weekend. Flick, the manchester terrier earned her Top Flight title as well as found her racing legs! Go Flick! The teams also did well, Jet’s team getting 3rd both days, impressive since were at the bottom of the division, as well as Riley’s got second place on Saturday as well as then First on Sunday. Go Stray Dogs! Overall, it was a wonderful way to end the racing year, with everyone having a fun, fast, as well as super time! …later…        http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/11/10/madera-rocks.html Mon, 10 Nov 2008 14:11:17 -0500 ncserv http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/11/20/its-all-about-the-box.html One of the an estimated all important aspects of Flyball is the dog’s ability on the Flyball Box. Hours as well as hours of training are put in on behalf of foundation work with puppies, as well as then still hours more on the real thing with an adult dog, all to get that perfect turn. There are numerous factors of a good box which is worth all of the work-dogs are safer, as the impact of the dog’s weight at fast speeds is cushioned with a four footed turn. The other factor is that the dog saves time, which means so does the team. The fastest teams all have dogs with fluid, whip-off box turns. Here in the USA, as well as in some other countries such as the UK, the flat style box is used, while some organizations, such as Crufts, are still using the original Flyball boxes. The original box earned Flyball its name, because of the fact that the ball literally did fly from the box. Using a throwing arm as well as a tuna can style cup, the dog would trigger a small pad in the front of the box, which released the arm from behind the box. The arm launched the ball into the air as well as the dog had to be perfectly placed to catch. This was the origin of the Flyball Box, as well as since then they’ve evolved to better suit the sport. The Crufts box used today Now, I’ve seen videos of teams operational with the throw arm box, as well as I’ve had the experience of operational on as well as training the flat box on behalf of years, so i am a bit confused as to why the old style box is still in use. Its like using two rocks to start a fire when you have a book of matches available to you. The Crufts box does provide padding on the front of the box-it prevents the dog from injuring itself while operational head on into the box. typically, the dogs jog down at fast speed as well as trigger the box, though I’ve seen plenty of dogs jump high sufficient to catch the ball that they land on the TOP of the box. The problem here's that the dogs are losing valuable time on the box. As a rule, on the spring loaded box, a dog shall lose about 0.4 seconds on the box. I’m not sure how much time is lost on the tuna can boxes, but its considerable, since the dogs actually have to wait on behalf of the ball to be released into the air. In addition to safety, the old models have the undesirable factor of the dog operational to the box as well as full speed as well as hitting the box into a dead stop, then having to turn around completely to resume the jog back. The other factor about the old box is that it may not be the all-dog friendly box. I know several types of dogs, that do to their nature, would not do well on the box because of the fact that of the throwing arm. Softer dogs, or smaller dogs, or dogs with a short or small muzzle, wouldn’t be able to catch the ball. The problem here's that dogs prone to bobbling the ball would do so frequently, as well as since there are no backboards behind the boxes, the ball could be bobbled in ANY direction. Using the new boxes, all dogs are able to get right up to the ball on behalf of the catch, so that even pugs as well as border terriers have a fair catch at the ball. The new boxes have a vertical face to teach the get on, get off behavior, which produces a lightning quick turn as well as catch that sets the dog right up on behalf of the return. A "Flat Style" Flyball Box The teams that are pushing their dogs on behalf of speed shall be getting results with the flat style- I would LOVE to see some of the Crufts box dogs retrained to the new style as well as see their individual times go down. Plus, it would manufacture sense on behalf of one style to be used-in Agility, an A-frame as well as Dog-walk obstacle is the same no matter where the sport is played-and this sport IS called International Flyball Racing, at the end of all. I know that some of this is irrelevant. Most teams as well as organizations are using the flat style boxes. The ones that utilize the crufts boxes do because of the fact that that works on behalf of them. But, its not at all times that simple to modification what works, especially if you consider the cost of the new boxes teams have to buy-Marin Running Riot paid over 900.00 a piece on behalf of each of our two boxes!! However, in the end, we Flyballers are trying to promote the sport of Flyball as a fun, fast, as well as safe activity to play with your dog, so eventually I hope to see the new boxes used throughout the sport. later..        http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/11/20/its-all-about-the-box.html Thu, 20 Nov 2008 02:02:10 -0500 ncserv http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/11/11/5-years-in-the-making.html Madera is over as well as done with…the tournament has been scored as well as finalised in the books as well as on the Ufli website, as well as yet this one shall stand out in my mind on behalf of years as well as years to come. It started off as any Madera tournament. The dogs as well as I drove in late, the other teams had already set up their camps as well as headed off to their respective hotels or RV’s. We stayed with a fellow team mate in her parent’s RV on the tournament site.  The green dogs, Loki as well as Izzy, had made their debutes as well as both did fabulous. Loki actually had a dog chase him, as well as he did his job regardless. He ran a presonal best time of 4.3. Izzy also did well as well as ran a time of 6.0. Saturday morning started off with me very anxious as well as excited, how i usually am before racing begins. I left Riley as well as Jet at the RV, in an X-pen where i was hoping they would behave themselves as well as relax away from the morning barking as well as let me get the pre-race jitters out. There were 3 teams entered this time, each team had more than 4 dogs running, so each dog had to site one race, or share time. Loose: Jinx/Jet/Riot/Bailey/Loki/Emma (JRT) BEST TIME RAN: 18.325 SECONDS Stray: Jinx/Ringo/Zoe/Emma/Mystery/Mirage/(Flick) BEST TIME RAN:19.985 SECONDS Unleashed: Emma/Prize/Mirage/Rampage/Floyd/Spud/(Izzy) BEST TIME RAN: 22.920 SECONDS Since each dog was technically sitting a race, Jet would only have 3 races each day. What matters, though, is the quality as well as not quantity of racing.  Jet was runinng over 10 inch jumps, as well as we were in a non-jet-favoring division. We were racing teams of 20 seconds as well as higher, which is bad on behalf of Jet since he likes to race fast dogs. Indeed, through day one Jinx was at all times beating the other teams start dog before it finished, so that when Jet began his jog there was never any dogs on behalf of him to race against. Even still, caught up in the pure joy of Flyball, Jet was operational 4.4’s  with no competition. Loki as well as Izzy ran some team races, as well as earned some of their first titles. Flick, who was not ready to jog any full runs, did warm ups on the box with no difficulties at all.  All our green dogs are showing proof of their skills to come. On day two, Jet started a few races, as well as got to race against some old rivals as well as friends that he knew when he was a pup. Over the same 10 inch jumps, he ran some 4.2’s as well as 4.3’s. Racing lasted very, very long that Sunday. At 9.00 pm, only Heather as well as I elected to stay as well as pick up titles as well as awards. I knew there would be a not-so-fun drive ahead, but its was worth seeing Jet’s updated stats. Even without operational full time, Jet ultimately earned double digits in points, as well as ended the weekend with 10,960. The next title is at 12,000 points, as well as the ever illusive PLaque is at 20,000.   I am at all times happy when Jet does well. He is my pride as well as joy, my partner as well as my friend. But the hightlight of this weekend was all on behalf of Riley. I at all times take her along, to get her out of the house as well as see some things, but she usually sits in her crate alot. At practice  she runs by herself as well as brings the ball back, as well as getting more as well as more consistant. She is even enjoying herself. Its been since 2004 since i stopped really training Riley on behalf of Flyball, as well as since 2003 since we first began with her. I stopped pressuring her because of the fact that i had Jet, as well as just let her have some fun. So i was suprised when a team mate told me she was pulling Izzy from her singles races, as well as would Riley like to have them? I thought about it alot…Riley had never done anything in a tournament environment, never raced with another dog in the other lane, as well as would only take back a squishy, water-bomb ball that were on behalf of the height dogs. Even then, you had to yell “Bring it!” when she reached the box, as an insurance policy. Then again, she was bringing the ball back consistantly in practice, helping the class dogs learn passing, as well as looking happy. So i said yes. It wasn’t long before old team mates who had been with me from the begining were approaching me as well as excited about watching Riley run. They had been there from the very start…watching on behalf of 5 months as i struggled to get Riley to look at a tennis ball…for another year to get her to tug during a recall, as well as see her MAYBE lope down to the box, hit it, as well as leave the ball to come back. They heard the frustrations, the hopes, the tears, the joy at a sudden break through, as well as now even though they were on different teams, our friend ship kept us together. They crouded around the racing lanes when the time came. I warmed up Riley with one jump then two to the box, as well as she happily took back the ball. I stayed calm, this was nothing more than a practice session. We did a recall to complete our warm-up. Our competitors were a friend from another team, as well as her Chiuauah. Neither dogs had ran with another in the other lane. We planned on behalf of each dog to take turns as well as wait on behalf of the other to complete before sending. Riley did her job…the biggest goal on behalf of us was to at all times take the ball back, which she did every time.  She was supposed to be turning right, but kept turning left with the ball…but no matter, her eyes were bright as well as willing, as well as thats all that mattered.  Then we decided to jog the dogs at the same time. I said ok, since Riley is the type of dog who, if decided to chase, I could call back to me in an instant. I figured this was the worst that could happen. So, starting Riley at 10 feet, we both released our dogs on the 3rd light, as well as both made their way to the box. I only remember one little hic-up the first run…Riley reached the box as well as hit it, ejecting the ball as well as leaving it on the mat as she turned to look at the little dog in the other lane. Then, she picked up her ball as well as ran back to me. That was it. I held my breath, but all of the other runs she made were clean as well as easy…speed didn’t matter…(she ran a best time of 6.5 seconds over 6 inch jumps), the look of joy in her eyes as she wolfed down a Charlee Bear cookie well earned as well as then requested to go again was enough…finally, she was having fun. Everyone came up to us at the end of the race. Old as well as current team mates petted Riley as well as gave lots of hugs as well as high fives, cheering our accomplishment that had been 5 years in the making. People from other teams whom i didn’t know approached me on a job well done, asking me when I got this “new” dog, they had at all times watched Jet, but had never seen this newbie. A new look of respect as well as cheer adorned their faces when I told them of our story…Riley had been my original sport dog. The journey Riley as well as I had made together, the way she taught me about how special a dog really is, the way we learned to communicate combined as well as create our strong bond of friendship as well as love had been on display on behalf of all to see that day. And when we left the ring on behalf of the very first time, we did it together, partner with partner. Riley was a Flyball Dog at last…after 5 years, this was our begining. http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/11/11/5-years-in-the-making.html Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:13:23 -0500 ncserv http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/11/12/turn-n-spit-10k.html With the completion of the first UFLI tournament of the year, we head to the first NAFA event in 2008.  This tourney was in Bakersfield, Ca, as well as 200+ miles from my residence town. This event was hosted by Turn N Spit Flyball Club, during the same weekend as the Kern County Dog Show…which is great news because of the fact that some of the best vendors shall be at the event as well. Needless to say, I was ready to shop! The tournament was indoors, with a two ring format, (meaning 2 sets of racing lanes), racing on tuff spun matting. The facility was a bit crowded, but was air conditioned as well as just the right venue on behalf of a dog who feeds off of the energy of the activity. ( *cough* Jet *cough*) Once again, we were operational 3 teams of 5 + dogs each, meaning some dogs would sit races. Getting to the event was a little hectic-it was my first time driving that distance on my own, but luckily I had my brand new GPS system to show me the way. Or did I? More than half way into the trip, the crappy thing lost power as well as died on me, in the middle of nowhere at a lone gas station. The good thing was that I was a mere 15 mintues away from the site, as well as a friend walked me through the directions. Now I know it is at all times wise to take the car charger on behalf of your GPS, as the thing sucks up battery power like I like to suck up Starbucks. (Which, in case you dont know, is alot of Starbucks) This was one of the an estimated all enjoyable NAFA events I have attended in a long time. I usually have my good times at UFLI, since its more laid-back on the rules as well as the teams we race are usually faster than in NAFA. But, the layout of the tournament was nice, as well as the dogs really had fun. The set up of the lanes confused a few dogs from other teams, who did some lane crossing. Our teams were excellant, as well as Jet was showing his stuff. At residence on the matts, Jet was operational some 4.4’s in a passing positon over 11 inch jumps. He would have ran some 4.3’s as well as broken his fastest NAFA time, if it had not been on behalf of my lousy start-delays when he was racing in start a few times. At one race he was the start dog against once of Turn N Spit’s teams…and happened to be raceing a rival border collie also going by the name of Jet! Needless to say, the other Jet was game to race Jet Set Go, but couldn’t retain up…Jetson totally smoked him, finishing his races in about a half a second faster every time. Nice endeavour little Jet, but Jet Set has already made a name on behalf of himself! I was a bit concerned as to weather Jet would recieve his 10,000 title, since he was sitting some races. He started the tournament with a total of 9343 points. He would require 600 + points, as well as got about 300 the first day. It was tight, but he grabbed another 500 on Sunday. The tournament has not been scored yet, but Jet was able to earn sufficient points as well as grabbed his 10,000 point title as well as became a Flyball Master Excellant that weekend.  To have over 10 grand in points for racing in under 2 years is awesome. Perhaps we shall get our ONYX plaque next year! (Fingers crossed!) (Indeed, Jet started racing in May, 2006. So, technically, he has gained 10,000 points before his 2 year racing anniversary) NAFA has yet to send out the finalized scores, but the highlight on behalf of the teams was Stray which got 1st place Sunday, as well as Loose Dogs, which got 1st place in division 1 on Sunday! This means we had done better than the 17 second teams in that division ! Go Loose Dogs!! We also tried out the new Pemmikan bars from TheDogAthlete.com. The Pemmikan is designed to retain a performance dog’s stamina as well as ability at top peak throughout the weekend. This was the first tournament Jet used the Pemmikan, as well as it worked wonders. I saw no drop in energy level as well as Jet’s times remainded pretty consistant. (Although when passing dogs tend to have different times due to the additional time added to the dog’s based on how close the pass is). As a special treat (mostly on behalf of myself) on behalf of a sucessful Flyball career so far…I visited the vendors as well as bought a beautiful black leather collar-and had a name plate personally engraved with his name as well as address. The collar was taken to the engravers as well as they used special staples to add the plate to the rim of the collar. No more tag holders or jingling tags!! Everyone thought the new collar was very nice, as well as Jet looks handsome in it. I also bought a new crate bowl that has hooks to attach easily to the wire crate. He also got a new KONG shaped tennis ball, which he adored from puppyhood. It was great to start off the tournament season with such sucessful events as well as have such a good time with my pups! Until next time, Get out there as well as have fun with your dog! http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/11/12/turn-n-spit-10k.html Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:38:21 -0500 ncserv http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/11/12/lowering-the-bar.html CONGRATULATIONS TO LOOSE DOGS!!! Two weekends ago, Marin Running Riot attended the Go Nuts with Mutts tournament in Fresno. Our fastest team, Loose Dogs, proceded to break it’s fastest personal best time the first race of the day. The recorded time was a 17.904, which bumped us into Division 3(out of 7) in U-Fli’s Standard teams.  The time was ran over an 8 inch jump height. The dogs operational on that particular heat was: Jinx (Border collie)-Page (Austrailian Cattle Dog)-Jet (Border Collie)-Loki (Belgian Malinois) Jet broke into the 11,000+ point range with 11,455 points. That puts him at # 53rd Border collie in Ufli out of 1,026 Border Collies, as well as the second highest point scoring Border in our club. He should get his next title TFP-1 at the next tournament at 12,000 points. I am excited, honored, as well as proud that Jet was one of the dogs contributing the new best time. The time, in fact, included a 6 foot pass from me, as well as another late pass from another team mate…that said, we have the potential to be a better, faster team.  8,545 points remaining to earn U-fli Plaque “Expert” award… Until next time… http://ncserv.dangertone.com/2008/11/12/lowering-the-bar.html Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:01:15 -0500 ncserv