Crufts semi finals on the horizon

Not long now until the Crufts semi finals on the 29th January at the Kennel Club building. I keep thinking i should be doing more training but practise seems to have gone OK and a lot of things that the dogs are doing in the routines they have been doing a while. With all the rain its not really been ideal to go out training anyway. Also due to Pogos freestyle props i think i would get very odd looks in the park if i used them so i only use them in the barn i hire for practise.

Pogos sheepdog training has unfortunately been taking a bit of back seat recently as i really felt i should concentrate on her freestyle. I have managed to do a little with the ducks but hopefully get the next month out the way with and we can get back to do some practise.

I know there are various competitors from abroad who read this blog so i thought i should make you all aware of changes in the Crufts international rules. Here is the extract which anyone who is competing at Crufts international competition needs to be made aware of. Perhaps if you know someone who is competing you can make them aware of these changes and translate them into a language they might understand better. The last thing i would want to see is someone who has made the trouble to come all the way over to the UK but gets disqualified for including one of these moves. The extract from the Crufts rules reads

"The following moves are NOT permitted during any routine. If any of the following moves are used the dog and handler will be eliminated from the competition: dog doing head stand (also known as tripod); dog being held/supported above handlers shoulders whilst handler is standing; dog performing a forward or backward roll; dog balancing on handlers upturned feet and; doing performing a handstand or walking on front legs only."

This week will see me starting to teach workshops with a one day session at Findon downs club. Also i have a display to do in London where i am told there will be a VIP turning up during my display. I have not been told who this VIP is going to be so i am intrigued to find out now who it is.