It's Not Show Training ...

... But I'm kind of hoping he'll think that it is. The purpose is to try and get him walking in straight lines and hopefully think where his feet are going. 

More Sisco Kids

Having seen a photo of Siska's half sister last night, my feet are back firmly on the ground. I know I have something a little bit special in her, but reality check, she will have stiff competition once this bitch makes it to 6 months. Such a shame Fransisco is getting on, now some of the GSD world are realising they have left it too late and they will miss out on his fantastic progeny. I'm proud to have three Sisco kids here and though someone was hinting strongly last night, currently I've no plans to part with any of them! 

Being the sensitive soul that I am, I did feel it a little when the pups photo was shared in numerous quarters by someone last night. He hasn't once shared Siska's photo or commented with much enthusiasm on her. I guess it only hurts because his opinion matters to me... maybe her half sister is more to his taste? Type wise the pups are similar, though I guess she has better wither height and a harder overline than Siska. Again it will then become down to the judges interpretation of the standard - put it this way, from the photo she is very much to my taste! We show what we have and I will campaign Siska fearlessly,  we will continue to win with pride and loose with dignity. (but slag off the other dogs and the judging on the way home in the van ... what's said in the van stays in the van ... haha)

Lovely Words

This evening I received this photo and message from Hayley who's been treat Loki. 

It's made me quite emotional.

Hi there, Thought you might like the photo I took of Loki the other day. I posted him on our Mochdre Vets Facebook page and he got lots of likes and nice comments ❤️ please do keep in touch, Loki is such a lovely boy, it's been a pleasure to work with him xx Hayley

4 At Cwm Dulyn

After a cooler night thankfully Orin is back on track and slept till 7.45am. Needing to go to Y Ffor to get Loxicom for Loki I decided to take a detour via Cwm Dulyn. I must admit I was uncomfortable by the presence of a large white van parked at the end. It's crazy how these days all I can think about when I see a white van is dog thieves. Even more crazy as I drive one myself. 

The path was so over grown in places I wondered when it had last been walked. We've not been for ages and Siska has only been to the lake. The big rock of course was a firm favourite with everyone. Orin actually refusing to come off, so we left him there, he soon followed! It was a lovely change to go down there .. for me and them. 

Whilst I was waiting at reception at the vets Ken came to see me to ask about Loki. He too is impressed with Gillian in Caernarfon and thought sessions there would benefit Loki. I'll do what the piggy bank  allows, but Birthday and Xmas pressie this year are questionable! LOL Anyway 10 days early I weighed "Mini Me" and she was 25.2kg ... Yeah that's Ok. I'm sure she's about caught up with her mum in weight, but not height.  

Oswestry Critique

Baby Siska's First Critique from a Canine Society show, but under breed specialist Sharon Bowen. To be honest I'm over the moon. 

2 Stanley Blanik Liszka German Shepherd Dog. Well pigmented bitch of correct size, excellent proportions and shown in super condition. Balanced with very good fore and hind angles. Correct topline, firm and straight with a very good underline creating a lovely outline in stance. Today, in this style of competition she was a little too undisciplined to claim the first spot – but she will, many times in what I’m sure will be a bright future.

Update

Beth (vet) has now sent a form through to Gillian at Paws 4 Fitness to start the laser treatment there. I chatted with them at Mochdre about it today and they say she is very good at her work. They told me that hopefully Loki will continue to improve and that in a few weeks he may be ready for the treadmill hydro. The only reasons I've asked to change is the distance, it's an hour to Mochdre, 15 mins to Caernarfon, in my mind it makes sense. 

They have told me that doing some work around the ring daily will help Loki. He needs to think more about his feet and not mooch so much. It will be a two-man job, but he may enjoy it too, he always loved his shows so a couple of steady walks around that ring (Which is a square - if you know what I mean) may just get him to focus. She also wants me to practice down to the stand with him a few times a day - yeah we can do that. 

Thoughts

Another night of not much sleep. I can't blame the dogs, well yes I can I was thinking about shows and planning things in my mind, as you do at 2am. Anyway, at least Orin was quiet till 7.30am today. 

I'm going with Loki this morning, but I'm going to cancel any further appointments for laser treatment with them. It doesn't make sense that I'm taking him all the way to Mochdre when there is someone qualified to do it in Caernarfon. I'll give Beth (Vet) a ring when I get home and explain things to her, of course if we were going for treadmill hydro then that would be different, but that is not something we've done with him since the first visit.

Loki's Walk

Not the best this afternoon with that front foot buckling a few times, but at least he had a change and a short walk off the property. Staying positive is sometimes so hard. 

Back On Our Mountain

Sunshine, breeze, spots of rain, black sky and thunder - WOW

Orin Alarm

 Orin's noise in the morning has started up again. Usually he sets off about 6.30am and continues till we get up. I've no idea what wakes him, but it's becoming too much really. He barks once, is silent for 2- 5 mins then does it again, and so it continues. I've tried ignoring him, I've tried screaming at him and I've tried covering three quarters of the crate, nothing helps. He had got better but the last 10 days or so it's been constant and between everything I'm honestly starting to struggle due to lack of sleep. I know they've had to cope without walks in the heat, maybe that hasn't helped? 

We are not the type to get up late, or early unless it's a show day. We get up at around 8am, which I think is quite a sensible time really. Orin never use to make a sound, but now he's really generally becoming a noise box. I can cope with noise, you don't have a GSD and expect a quiet life, but by 7am this morning I was threatening to send him back where he came from!!! We did go through the same behaviour with Dexi, I can't remember how we stopped it, I think he just grew out of it. With Dexi it was all about breakfast, it's  possibly the same with Orin really but I'm not getting up at that time to give him his breakfast. Funny isn't it, 15 years on there are a lot of similarities in looks and behaviour between Dexi and Orin - and he was 66cms at the wither too!!! 

Orin is yet to moult, he's lost a few bits here and there, but nothing dramatic. I know bitches are worsebut Ross and Loki both had drastic junior moults ... as did Nico and Kai at one point over the years at least. Strange that I don't remember Dexi, Mikey or Louis having such dramatic moults. Anyway with lots of shows close together I'm kind of hoping he hangs on to it now, he is lucky to have both the glamour of coat and colour. 

A photo of young Ross with no coat, one thing I'll never do again is show a dog so devoid of coat! Remind me I said that, will you? 

I'm Telling You

 The boy is a clown 

Kids In The Fields

No Choice

This is really the only nice photo of Orin by this photographer, spoil slightly by his head position, but there we go. I'm really over the moon by all the feedback about Siska, apart from the comments on the day I've had PM's and phone calls ... but hell I'm proud of this guy too. He was older and had had little training for this kind of showing. He showed with confidence and moved with drive. He looks impressive and he will be very much some judges cup of tea. I'm team Orin and team Siska! 

Pick A Photo

There is no obvious winner for me. I like all three, but there are bits I prefer in different photos.

The overline is better in the top two but maybe she's not stretched quite enough in the first and the angle is not the best but there is something special about it. 

In the bottom photo she looks very balanced but her overline is a little flat, that will appeal to many I guess. It's great to have three more lovely photos to treasure of her on the day. 

(Oh yeah - there's more to come 😛)

Archie's A Year Old

From calculations of his age when arriving in rescue and his canines coming through, Archie must be about 12 months old now. He's such an adorable little chap, so happy and cuddly, and don't forget chatty! He and I talk a lot, he doesn't really meow he squeaks, hence's Steve now often calls him "Squeak!" 

Collage x 2

 

Videos

Siska pulled out first and staying there

Orin pulled out last, but moved up on the gaiting 

Yesterday's Regional

Yesterday was Leeds Champ show. The judge was a Boxer man who for some reason has decided he knows about GSD's. Having seen him judge GSD's at local shows I decided not to go, if truth be known if he was judging in the village hall I wouldn't go!! Instead we went to a breed regional event run by GSD enthusiasts for GSD enthusiasts, not a Boxer insight. 

I guess when we arrived I felt very unprepared for this kind of show, but sadly gone are the days of huge entries, one of my highlights of days gone by was of Dexi being 3rd in a class of 28 at the Two Day National. I can't imagine those days of high entries will ever return. 

Within minutes of arriving, Orin had already beaten me up. He got overexcited, as he does, bit my boob, broke my bracelet and nearly had me over. Siska was equally excited but she couldn't wait to get down the bank to the action. What is it with these Blanik bred boys that makes them beat me up and shows, Dexi, Louis and Mikey all did it too. 

After watching the baby puppy classes it was Siska's turn to go in. As ever I look with a critical eye and told Ian, "Well she may not win, but I wouldn't swap her for any of them."  I'd already been working on my high pitch call "Siska" - as these events outside attraction is encouraged and your dog must be able to hear you. Little Siska was the youngest in the class, but my god she looked like she'd been doing it forever. What a good girl, a hugely proud moment when she was pulled out first and remained there to win the class. Siska is now Blanik Liszka VP1. 

After lunch it was Orin's turn to hit the ring. He's such a "mummy's boy" (I can't believe I said that, but it's the best description of his nature) and I wasn't sure how he would get on. You know what the boy did me proud. He was measured at 66cms and in her critique the judge described him as "big," haha she should see Loki and Ross! There was only 3 in the S/C Junior dog class and initially he was pulled out last, but when he got it together his powerful movement could not be ignored and Orin was moved to second place, where he remained. Second seems to be Orin's position in the shows, to date anyway! Her only negative comment was that she felt he could be freer in the forehand, can't say I agree, I see his faults but that is not something I've considered when looking at Orin.

During Orin's class I found it better to hide and give the odd shout, so I lay on the floor behind the stewards' tent. At one point there was a gust of wind, the only one all day I think, and all of sudden I was in the tent! "Oh Hello" .. everyone laughed. I said "I'm hiding as he's a bit nuts for me!" Steve Foran laughed and said "The dog is nuts? Can I point out that you are the one lying on the floor in the middle of a field in Warrington" Point made! 

At the end of the judging I left O with Ian and collected the grading cards and paid the handlers. I walked past Ian and Linda several times as I got organised, Orin watching me but behaving. I then decided I'd go and get Siska back out and as I went to walk away I was pulled back by my bra strap, yep Orin had decided I couldn't go! In the process he managed to rip my t.shirt in two places .... OMG Dexi part 2! I did swear at him and told him it was unacceptable ... but with everyone else laughing ... well what could I do? Manners Orin please. And Siska? Well she was on her best behaviour all day. 

I'm so so proud and now I can't wait for the next show .. it will be a KC event as that is my thing ... but yesterday exceeded my expectations. We had so many lovely photos and videos that I may do a collage later ... and I can't wait for the official photos to go online ...so be prepared for lots of photos. 

Regional

Siska VP1

Orin SG2 - measured at 66cms - Oh well!!!! 

Today we were showing at a Regional GSD event, run by breed clubs without the involvement of the Kennel Club. The show is run differently, dogs are measured, gun tested etc. They give a grading like they would in Germany. The highest grading a puppy can get is VP (Very promising) The number behind it is were they stood in the class. So Siska was VP1 (Very promising and first in the class) The highest grading from 12 -24 months is SG - Orin was SG2 (So the highest grading but placed second) Over 24 months they can then get a V grading - excellent, or VA if they are lucky - excellent select. 

More to say - Tomorrow 

Measuring Zeus

Well that's me upset now. After measuring Orin, out of curiosity I decided to measure Zeus. I walked into the kitchen with the measuring stick and got my usual Zeus greeting. Thinking nothing of it I placed the stick on his back, not only did he cower but he peed himself. OMG, What the? Being careful not to upset him further I quickly mopped up the pee with a kitchen roll and tried to sound as unbothered as possible. "It's Ok mate no worries." I placed the stick on the floor and called him over, we chatted quietly and I raised the stick up gently leaning it on his back. He put his head so low that his nose touched the floor. Gradually I started to stroke under his chin and neck so that he relaxed, and he did, well a little. I repeated the exercise 2 or 3 times and then left him to it.

When I went back into the kitchen he seemed tense and wouldn't come over to the area where he had weed, I said nothing, I just let him out into the garden and used some Safe4 on the floor. We've only just got him to wee in the garden, I really don't want to make a fuss over it and have to start walking him at all hours again. Anyway, he seems over it now but what an over reaction, why on earth would he react like that to a measuring stick which simply leans on his wither? 

Since Zeus has been here he has been so happy, he's never shown aggression or malice, but this is the second time that he's reacted badly to something. (Remember the bucket incident?) I just can't fathom it, why the hell would he react like that? He trusts Steve and I in all other situation, nothing is an issue here, he really is a happy dog, an absolute pleasure. 

I guess now we'll have to measure him, say once a week, get him to realise no stick will ever hurt him. Try and get him relaxed around it, get it to be everyday life. He's so lovely, constantly happy and bubbly so I am upset about the incident - no dog should be that worried that he pees himself, should they? 

By the way, he is 63.5cms - so bang on medium size - Nico size 

We Like Visitors

All the recent generations of Blanik's know Ian well. As you can see, Siska and Orin adore him. Orin was so cuddly today, and Siska gave him a love bite, well several. She just can't contain her excitement around him. The biting is generally better, but she still looses herself when she gets overexcited. She is such a happy puppy, full of fun and ready to take on the world. I'm not worried about the biting as she only does it to the people she adores, and of course we'll continue to tell her its unacceptable until she gets the message. 

With Ian here to help we measured Mini Me - 56cms. Still smaller than the average Blanik bitch at the same age, but I really think she will make about 57.5 - 58 cms. (Kaiah was 58cms at 7 months and Siska has 2 weeks till then - Maybe she's grow a CM in 2 weeks? ) Anyway she is now within the breed size so I can relax. We are entered at a breed regional event tomorrow and all dogs over 12 months will be measured - Ooops Orin is now quite a big lad! I should have thought and maybe not entered him. Being over the 65cms won't go against him at Champs shows but it will do tomorrow! I'll consider my options on the day! 

Training

Siska proving that despite what she did on Sunday she can move in a straight line.

Lead up, head up young lady. 

Not Again

 Last night I thought I'd measure Siska, I thought she must be 56 -57cms by now. I called her over and stood her, but my tissue fell out of my pocket, she grabbed it and she was off. I called her but she ran like the wind and by the time I got to her she swallowed it. Of course puppies grab things and swallow things, but she's bloody ridiculous. It really doesn't seem to be getting any better. I guess we are on poo patrol again now!

So what height is she now? I don't know, I couldn't be bothered to find out! LOL 

Interesting Read

 What do you think? 

https://germanshepherdshop.com/blogs/list/male-vs-female-german-shepherds

I agree with most of that, but bitches have always been in charge here - from Nikki in the 90ies to Kaiah now! 

Elka And Siska

It's so hard to choose the right puppy for the show ring, like I said before the 6 -8 week old puppy is supposedly the pint size version of the adult. With the loss of "The Twins" I only had two bitches to chose from in the "L" litter. Hell, for me that's a lot of choice, Tali was the only female in a litter of 9 and Kaiah was the only female in the "J" litter. 

Elka (Pink) was so obviously a LSH from very early on, but I honestly couldn't fault her. She had great conformation, great colour and a larger than life personality. (but so much hair!) When it came to the choice it wasn't easy. In the end it simply came down to coat, I love both coat varieties but my preference is for a S/C.  Ok, maybe I was a little smitten with Geraldine too, though she was quieter and quite a bit smaller, I could find no reason to part with her. Little Geraldine may have been quieter - Siska is a different kettle of fish! 

Anyway I'd like to share this beautiful photo of Elka with you, (Above) seeing this I'm now sure that which ever pup I'd picked I couldn't have gone wrong! 

Two lovely girls me ffinks!!!! (except mine still bites!!!) 

MalaKai

Beautiful Malakai is finally feeling better. He has had us all so worried, especially Kevin and Lisa. Here's hoping he has no further episodes now. 

Big hugs and a special song from Blanik xxx 

More Laser Treatment

Loki's deep pain reflexes are still improving, but today he made no effort to correct the knuckling.

Now it'll be a week till they can fit him in again. I'm concerned the sessions are too far apart.

Steve has had another go at fixing the peanut - here's hoping 

Electronic Sports Muscle Stimulator

Loki on his NME Machine this morning.

Set to -10hz @ 300-400 us 2 sec on / 2 sec off 30 minutes

Going on this machine mean we can miss a walk anyway as it uses the muscles in the way a walk would.

I may have a go myself! 

Turn The Heating Down

Here we go again, another boiling hot day ahead. For the life of me I can't understand the pleasure people find in it. It's been a week since these dogs were walked, it would be insane of me to try and walk them and to be honest I don't think they care. They are finding it too hot and spend their day in the cottage or in the shade in the yard. 

As ever I can't function, I can't sleep and that leaves me feeling ill. Yesterday my head was quite bad and I got myself in a state. I was worried "It was going to happen again." Once that thought enters my head I can't shake it, and yesterday afternoon was the worst I've felt in a long time. I was even planning were the dogs would go if I was back in Walton. Crazy? Possibly, but sometimes you can't control the negativity can you. Two things helped me, eventually I told Steve how I was feeling and a friend out of the blue messaged and said she was feeling so ill in the heat .. Hmm, yeah, logically it is the heat, and lack of sleep ... again because of the heat. 

It's been too hot to put the hairy chap in the kennel all week. He's been sharing time in the middle roomand garden with Nico and Jezi. He's quite happy in the kitchen when it's their turn. Yesterday we went and got him some new toys, well we have plenty but wanted him to have his own in the garden. He was over the moon, but his favourite is still a very old orange ball that came from TKMax. I only go there for toys! 

Loki hasn't been good since the last lot of  treatment, but he isn't being walked as he should be. Damned if I do, damned if I don't! Steve did try and take him out with a wet towel on, but sadly he couldn't hold the weight. Hopefully things will start to cool off at the weekend and we can get him out 4 times a day again.

Neither Siska or Loki are finishing breakfast. Hers is taken away after 10 mins, eat it or loose it as is the case with any health dog. Loki has to eat it as his medication is in it, I usually mash in a spoonful of cat food into it for him, but I don't play the game for his 4.30pm meal ... he's bright enough to start taking advantage isn't he. 

We had a chat about feeding on the way to the show. They are all so different, food is not important to Ross, but Orin is a glutton. I always feed less than the generous recommended allowance on the bag, I let the dogs condition speak for itself ... and of course spayed bitches get one third less than entire bitches. Give or take some moulting everyone looks great, though Jezi's diet may not have gone as well as it should have done! 

Chris

Wow - International Champion Rosehurst Chris 

The sire of my foundation bitch "Lledfegin Camri" or Nikki to her mates.

This is an old photo and the colour is obviously affected, my memory of Chris was as a deep red tan dog with a huge coat. 

You can see Dexi took everything from this dog, his grandfather and very little from his sire. 

Blanik Alliance - Dexi 

George Michael - Amazing (Official Video)

 Louis - My Mr Amazing

Do him the honour of listening to his song today.

18 years since you came into this world. 

The dog of my dreams - "THE" dog in my lifetime. 

Loki Update

Lying on wet towels Loki made his way to Mochdre today, at least he was cool. When we got there he forgot the meaning of "Wait" and fell out of the van! He then rushed into the room and fell over the step, great start! Thankfully, they took me at my word that he had slightly improved after the last session. Loki reacted to having his toes pinched, now that was also a positive sign as previously he's not felt it. She also observed that he was standing stronger and that though he didn't manage to correct the knuckling position she'd put him in, he did try! Back again on Friday ... 

Sisco Kids

 We keep meeting Sisko Kids 

This is Polly who was at the show on Sunday.

Lovely Zumba who I met today at Mochdre. 

Beautiful Zeus

I cropped the photo to get a close up of this beautiful dog ..

But the original is stunning too. Steve's love and passion goes into making this garden work around the dogs and cats. We are so lucky to live in such a wonderful place and have so much space and beauty around us. 

Though for the life of me I still can't find the reason for his return, I honestly can't believe how lucky we've been to have Zeus back, we are both besotted with him, and he with us! 

I Forgot To Say

So much was said about Siska yesterday that I've forgotten bits and didn't hear bits. Whilst I was chatting to Sharon at the end of the judging David told Ian that unlike Aria who was on 2CC that Siska should get her third. A home bred Champion, WOW that is and always has been the dream. 

"Aria"

Too Hot

 It's been days since they had a walk, we are not even going into the fields, it's just too hot here. Give or take a few mad moments from Siska everyone is quite and calm. Naturally they have far more common sense than most humans as they rest out the days in the shade. A brilliant post on line brings it home. "Fancy a walk? Take your shoes off and put your winter coat on to go for a run, see how you feel!"

Loki was due to have a Reiki treatment today, but it was cancelled because of the weather. Not sure I believe in things like that, but currently I'll give anything a go. I know I'm constantly pessimistic about his progress, but I do honestly feel he has been better after this second laser treatment. Here's hoping tomorrow brings more improvement ...