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Post by whitevanwoman on Nov 26, 2012 10:48:18 GMT
;D My old fella has done me proud again (sorry, but I have to have a little brag)... We started training for Working Trial competitions exactly 2 years ago when he was 7, and since then we have entered 6 comps, winning a 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place, and qualifying at the Companion Dog level which is the entry level stake (and some say the hardest level) last month. CD involves various exercises including finding 3 small articles like a 2" square of carpet, a 2" piece of hose etc, in a 15 foot square, heelwork on and off the lead, a 3 foot clear jump, a 9 ft long jump and a 6ft vertical wooden scale. RTP will be 10 in March and is one of the oldest dogs to compete, most are 2- 3 years old. This weekend we were 4th which completes our set of rosettes ;D He is a star, an amazing dog ( I know everyone thinks their dog is the best dog in the world, but RTP really is!). And to celebrate we had a lovely walk in the lovely named Strawberry Wood and a spot of tree climbing just for fun...
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Post by Firefox on Nov 26, 2012 11:19:15 GMT
Well done to you two! Rigg is looking really young and healthy in that pic as well, he's obviously flushed with his success in the trials
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Post by millie on Nov 26, 2012 12:49:46 GMT
Well done to Rigg the Pig and also to you Jess. Glad you made it to the event eventually
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Post by whitevanwoman on Nov 27, 2012 1:19:36 GMT
Thanks Millie- it was a bit touch and go, the orange coil light for the glow plugs came on after about 80 miles down the M6 at about midnight :-O I pulled over and consulted the Haynes manual which Oldish Hippy kindly found for me in a charity shop but couldn't find out an exact cause except possibly a dodgy earth or short circuit. After 20 mins on the hard shoulder I set off again cautiously but it was fine for the last 20 miles or so to the caravan site where the competitors were staying (a lovely place near Jodrell Bank called Strawberry Wood, closed for winter but they allow us to use it with hook up and water only for a donation of a couple of quid per night ). I had no further battery problems all weekend and we got home again without any problems. Further investigation required...
We had heavy rain on already sodden ground on Saturday and the noise of the rain plus the drips of the trees onto the van roof meant little sleep but thanks to my sheep fleece insulation and a 2.bar electric heater, it was 22 C in the BWV that night :-D
Luxurious wild camping ;-)
Sent from my ST23i using proboards
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Post by vwT5surfbus on Nov 27, 2012 16:31:34 GMT
luv the dog! what breed is he?
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Post by Mini on Nov 27, 2012 19:24:27 GMT
Oh clever Rigg... well done both of you! I don't really understand the qualifying class bit that you mentioned but it sounds like a lot of hard work. I'm betting you both love it though
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Post by whitevanwoman on Nov 27, 2012 22:07:27 GMT
luv the dog! what breed is he? He's half farm collie (dad) and the best guess is that his Mum was a Staffie cross Labrador so he's a Labracoffie ;D He's one in a million- enthusiastic about whatever he does and a lovely affectionate nature. He's a real character and has his own website and facebook page- just google "rIgg the pig" Sent from my ST23i using proboards
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Post by Firefox on Nov 27, 2012 22:14:11 GMT
His blog is also linked on our personal blog section on every forum page - just click on Rigg-The-Pig above the forum www.rigg-the-pig.com/
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Post by vwT5surfbus on Nov 27, 2012 22:44:04 GMT
thanks, what a star!
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Post by whitevanwoman on Dec 6, 2012 11:52:35 GMT
I'm practising my contrite look today, apparently I am a git of a dog and not to be trusted...
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Post by robmac on Dec 6, 2012 11:58:56 GMT
The evidence there is pretty damning!
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Post by Deleted on Dec 6, 2012 12:17:21 GMT
Will I be able to climb trees when I am big, Uncle Rigg?
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Post by whitevanwoman on Dec 6, 2012 12:22:37 GMT
I'll teach you all I know, little one. I am skilled in the arts of tree climbing and midnight feasting. You must work hard but one day you too will become as skilled as me. Just do as I do, and do it with enthusiasm.
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Post by lotusanne on Dec 6, 2012 21:23:27 GMT
Rigg looks and sounds amazing! I was surprised that you could start training at such a late age, you must both have been naturals, have you trained a dog to that level before WVW? You will die laughing if you ever meet Mia, she has a repertoire of "tricks" (in quotes cos not really very impressive, !!) though I love them, the highlight is getting her to roll over which she must resent as she always does it with a little growl of disapproval!! So funny!!
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