Yeesh, it’s been a while since I posted! I suppose that’s because there’s not much going on in the life of Sir Walter Greendown these days. I’ve even been paring down in the dog show media consumption: just a glance at Dog Show Poop, unsubscribed from Best In Show Daily, and unfriended a bunch of dog show people on FB (people I’d only added for networking reasons anyway). We haven’t gone to any handling classes or even looked at show premiums. When I said we were taking a break I meant it!
I think Tobie is on the far left and Poppy is second to last (pic from when they were about 2 months old, they’re now 6mo old)
Although Wally has stayed at home, I’ve been going to handling classes with Wayne and his Otr puppies (Tobie and Poppy). I’m not learning anything new but it sure is fun to play with puppies! Like all of the pups Wayne trains they already freestack like baby pros and just need to build up confidence in the ring. I really like Poppy’s conformation, she’s gorgeous! I’m hoping to get a bitch from their next breeding of Otr x Tweed, even though Wally would be completely horrified if he suddenly had to share me with another dog permanently *gasp*. Some days I daydream about owning a big dog, partly so that when I (eventually) move out I’ll have some protection. Borders are the worst guard dogs ever and Wally doesn’t even alarm bark at the doorbell. He just stands at eager attention until the door opens, then he briefly turns into a wiggly noodle before racing off to grab a toy for his new friend to play with.
Little Brown Dog Blog 
milesandemma
October 31, 2012 at 12:33 am
No magic? You are ruining my dreams! Hehe. I’ve seen wooden contraptions that some people use. What did you do? See we need an article! *Hint hint!* :)
Cassafrass
October 31, 2012 at 9:47 am
And you shall get one! I think it’s scheduled for tomorrow :)
Emma
October 25, 2012 at 11:02 pm
The break from the unfair world of dog shows must be very refreshing. You guys deserve it!! Sometimes too much and your head just begins to swim.
You should write a post about how show pros train dogs to stack. This mystifies me. Miles clearly did not get the built-in memo from his bloodlines. His own brother was top Welsh for a year, and Miles didn’t even come class to stacking until recently — and even now, it is sort of… Improvised. He shows off for squirrels, hoping them will offer themselves to his greatness.
I am the same way… I’d love another pup. Time will tell for the both of us! :)
Cassafrass
October 29, 2012 at 1:51 pm
It’s nice to take a step back!
Hmm, that’s a good idea on the stacking post. Although there’s no magic to how pros do it, often they aren’t even the ones who train the dog (the owners do)!
Oh puppies, they’re so darn enticing ;)