Mum entered me into my first "real" heelwork to music today, and it certainly was an experience! As we were in starters freestyle, it was the first class of the show. This meant being there early, early, early! In a class of 15, we were 7th in the running order (this gave us plenty of time to eye up the opposition!)
We did the "Hakuna Matata" routine, from The Lion King. I could tell that Mum was nervous, and it was chucking it down with rain- so she couldn't warm me up properly. Someone really should have told her to practice the routine without food, as you aren't allowed treats in the ring. So, when we got into the ring, I proved that I wasn't silly! I knew perfectly well that mum had no food, so what was the point in listening? I did mostly what I was told, but only because I felt sorry for mum who was terrified! Every now and then, I drifted off to see what else I could do- but that was "to be expected". Whatever that means! When the routine finished, mum sprinted out the ring, I don't think I've ever seen her run so fast! But I didn't mine chasing after her, because when I caught up, I got a lot of sausage and a big cuddle! It was worth it I suppose.
After a while, mum dragged me back into the ring. But this time, there were a lot of other dogs and people in there too. Every now and then, people would clap and "woop" for a bit, and then go quiet. Then I heard a very loud person call out my name, and mum ran forward whilst everyone clapped. Apparently I came 4th, is that a good thing?
I had a great day though, and mum spoiled me afterwards. I don't know what I did, must have done something right though!
Licks & wags,
Toddy
Today is the last day of three that I have spent at Stoneleigh Country Fair taking part in heelwork to music demonstrations with the Paws n Music team.
Each day, we have had to leave early to get to the showground before 9am (that's a lot of breakfast I've missed out on!) As a team, we have filled two 30 minute slots everyday. This means that I have had to perform my "Abracadabra" routine twice a day to an audience. I must say, I do love messing about with Mum, but it does get a bit boring doing it over and OVER again! For this show, Mum had a silly costume made especially! And when I say silly, I MEAN silly! It looks to me like she had an arguement with a pot of sequins!
OH- and for my last routine of the weekend, we let a member of the audience pick a track for us to make a routine up to. (We are becoming experts at making it up as we go along!) Diana Ross' "Upside down" was selected, so here is a little bit of the result...
Yet again, I have had another great weekend doing what I love, and I have also met some very nice people! I love getting noticed around the show inbetween demos, and getting cuddled by the people that like what I do. It's nice to feel special! So I would like to give a HUGE thank you to the Paws n Music team for inviting me along, I had a fantastic time!
P.S. There are some pictures of my routine in my albums, go and have a nose!
Today, I've been a very busy chap- as I have been at a photoshoot. Mum was asked a while ago if we would like to take part in a photoshoot for a dog trainer's book that is about training heelwork to music. And of course- she jumped at the opportunity!
It has been a truely amazing experience, Mum kept saying how scared she was- but I was fine! As you can see, it was a professional set up: the lights, the back-drop, the whole kaboodle! I was being a bit of a monkey to start off, I was just so excited! I love to do my tricks, and it's even more fun with people watching! So this was awesome! But once I realised Mum wasn't too impressed with me jumping about and barking, I settled and actually listened to what I was being told to do!
We haven't seen the photos yet, and we won't do until the book is released (which will probably be next year). Until then, I will have to ponder over if they got my good side! But I couldn't have been that much of a bad boy, as we have been invited back to take part in a photoshoot for book number 2! Exciting, ay?!
