Sylvia’s and Mandy’s Story: Hi, I am Sylvia Lord. My dear old dog died not long before I retired and those who love dogs knew that I would soon get another. Before, the dog has always come to me. I have really never had a dog that I have actively chosen for myself, so this time I decided, I would choose. So what dog? After a lot of research I happened upon the Swedish Vallhund. This had instant appeal for I have a Scandinavian connection. I was looking in the Pets For Sale in the NZ Herald, and saw Rose’s advertisement, so off we went to Mangawhai to see. She had two little girls so I chose what I thought was the quiet one. She was 8weeks old so I decided to take her. My friend put her on her knee and she slept all the way home. Rose asked if I could think of a name we could call her. I contacted my daughter in Norway who suggested that I should name her Princess Madaline, after Queen Sylvia of Sweden’s daughter. So she is Valkrista Princess Madaline. As you all know, a Swedish Vallhund is no couch potato and the pup who I thought was a quiet little thing was not. We went to puppy class, and then to domestic training classes which she graduated from. I thought that because she was highly active agility would suit her. Some of you will remember going to Ian Gray’s place in Pokeno and being introduced to the sport. Pups at that time did not train until they were 15mths as they have restrictions on jumping heights until they are 18mths and have had time for their bones to develop [My present pup goes to puppy classes where he learns basic skills like the “Wait” and motivational stuff]. I did not realise that I could have taken her to obedience classes so by the time she was 15mths I had not really established the basic skills. She had no trouble learning the equipment but getting her to concentrate on what she needed to do was another story. I also was a problem as I am not a very athletic person and it took me quite a while to learn the moves I needed to make to guide her along. It was really hard trying to concentrate on which way to go on the course, controlling the dog and remembering what I was supposed to do! Mandy in the meantime thought she knew everything just like a teenager and went off to do her own thing! Gradually we are getting better but we still have frustrating times when she loses focus and turns off, or I have a senior moment and forget the course. |
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Photos by Even Cafe.
| Despite these troubles we have persisted and she can do some really impressive stuff. We have earned a few ribbons and have lots of clear round certificates to show for our efforts. She loves the outings, is an excellent traveller and all the exercise keeps her fit. She particularly likes flygility and gets really excited when it is her turn to run. She is doing well, but it is difficult for the little dogs to win against the big ones, so every point is well earned. We are really in it for the fun. For me, I am a lot fitter than I ever was as I have to run to show her the way. I now spend a lot of my time outdoors and have not had a cold for years. I get to travel to different places which gives me a good excuse to visit family and friends. I also enjoy the social part. My new pup is not a Vallhund and is quite the opposite - a scruffy little thing called Scooter. He found me and I fell in love with his long eyelashes! He has lots of personality and he and Mandy are good together as he is just as active as Mandy and they have each other to play with. What I enjoy most about this sport is that everyone and any dog can do it. Aged 8 to 80+ - all can have a go. Allowances are also made for the disabled [We have a blind person in our club]. The dog can be of any kind - best pedigrees to the most mixed up mutt. There is no real dress code except the club T-shirt, a good set of wet weather gear and a pair shoes with a good grip to avoid falling over in the wet. Allowances are also made for height. Mandy is a Micro. You either win or lose on your own and your dog’s merits. The judge is there to see that the elements of the course are carried out correctly and no rules are broken. You can be very competitive, or just be there to enjoy the challenge. Swedish Vallhunds make very good agility dogs, so join your local dog club and be in on the fun. |