Syväsmäen nelikko

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23.12.2010 - Trio of Syväsmäki wishes You


19.12.2010 - You can't always win

Yesterday Ruska and I participated in an obediencetrial in novice class. As the title says, you can't always win.. We got 137,5 points and third prize. Laying in a group didn't work for us. At first one of the dogs left the line and started to play with others. Ruska stood up when the dog got to her. We did this part again. Ruska thought that we had already done this part and jumped forward when I told her to lay down. She noticed that I didn't move and sat down in front of me. I really didn't know how I should react in a situation like this. I told her to lay down in front of me, and she did and stayed there as commanded. I returned to her and she didn't sat down with the first command (I had a mixup with commands), but with the second she did. Judge said that we would have earned 5 points if she had sat with the first one. Zero points. Ruska sat down when doing standing under march and that was a zero too. And she did standing when heeling unleashed. I believe I did something that looked/sounded like a command. Otherwise Ruska did quite good job. Points are written on Ruska's obedience-page. And the video is in gallery. I entried Ruska to and trial in the beginning of January. Still in the novice class because I want to get all three 1. prizes before moving forward. And Ruska will go to a dogshow in February if everything goes as planned.
28.11.2010 - What a weather!

It's winter! Finally we've had beautiful days with sunshine. Although temperature has been -15-20 degrees we've been spending time outside and I've been taking photos while dogs have had fun. They don't mind about the cold. I've added photos in gallery, from last three days. Rolle had a birthday yesterday and he is already 6 years old! Where does all time vanish? We've been waiting for Rolle's brains to come as a backorder but again, nothing. Brainless going since 2004! All three have been training obedience. For Rasmus I decided to teach laying down again. He does it wrong and sits first. I've been trying to correct him many times with no success. Let's try one more time and then that's it. Ruska has been training thins for open class. Retrieving is so fun in Ruska's opinion. She keeps the obstacle nicely in her mouth, and retrieves it f-a-s-t. But with speed comes some mistakes when sitting and giving the obstacle for me. We'll need to combine speed and strictness together. We've also been doing remote controls and it's starting to work too. I entried Ruska to an obediencetrial on December. We'll be still starting in novice class and will move to open class in the spring.
15.11.2010 - A long obedienceday yesterday

Rasmus started right away in the morning. Rasmus was a bit out of control and whined while heeling, and barked a couple of times elsewhere. Judge (or me) didn't like it at all and took points away. We also got a few zeros and didn't get a result this time. But there were good things too so I'm not disappointed. Although control was loose, it wasn't a disaster. Rasmus's video is put in gallery. Ruska got 1. prize although we made some mistakes. Ruska's turn came in the afternoon and she was tired because of the long waiting. She also got disturbed of a slamming car door just before we entered the ring and I didn't have time to stir her up again. She could have been more active, but she wasn't bad either. There was some lacks of concentration in Ruska and it came out as extra things, for example in recall she moved to my side, went down and sat again when noticing that I didn't tell her to do that. In general I'm really satisfied that she worked at the end of a long day. Ruska's video is also put in gallery. And points are written on Ruska's obedience-page. Rasmus's obedienceseason ended here and we'll continue trying in the spring. Of course we'll practise during winter. For Ruska I've planned one more trial for this year if the weather of beginning winter isn't too cold. I've also planned a couple of shows in the beginning of next year.
7.11.2010 - Finally some training

Both Rasmus and Ruska have been training obedience finally. And we still have few days to "polish the edges". Rasmus has been very varying when doing the square. I don't understand why he one day does it perfect and other day doesn't seem to know at all what to do. Now I'll try to train him with a small square and hope that it will help him to find the square better. Otherwise he is doing ok, although his heeling isn't correct enough because lacks of training. Ruska's heeling is quite good, but she does some overwork when turning left and gets behind my back. We'll do something about this after next weekend and the trial. Her coming could be faster and that's something to work with too. Lately she has had big problems with standing and she has just layed down. I've made her stand everywhere in everyday life (too) and today she finally listened what I said! Hopefully this happens next Sunday too at the competition! Ruska participated in a match show last Sunday and behaved normally. She had no problem when judge examined her in the ring and no problem running and showing movements either. Great! I've looked at couple of shows in the beginning of next year but I don't have no idea how Ruska's fur will stay on. Rolle and Mikko are training agility but haven't looked any competitions. Thera are some pictures from beautiful Tuesday in gallery.
24.10.2010 - Something from last weeks

I have been extremely busy lately. There aren't enough hours in a day! Dogs have been jogging but training has been lousy, just some little things when jogging or spending time on the yard. There's only three weeks before the upcoming obedience-trial so I'll really have to perform some magic tricks to have more time. Last weekend dogs stayed home with their nanny when we did a little trip. Everything had went well, although little and greedy Ruska managed to steal the shell of a sausage when it dropped on the floor. We had some snow last week but just for a moment. Our trio doesn't care about snow much, and I've been missing Roope much because he would have had so much fun with the first snow. And after missing Roope, I've missed Rekku too. They come in mind evey now and then. Minna gave massage for dogs last week. Rasmus and Rolle had some painful places in front, but Minna got them better. Ruska didn't have any problems and was just enjoying when finally getting treatment. This was Ruska's first massage, before she has just watched boys getting lots of attention and cuddles. At the moment we have no other plans than the obedience-trial. My camera was fixed and I took some pictures of trio playing with their friends today. It's again in the gallery. I hope for sunny days (and more time!) for next week.
10.10.2010 - Ruska got 1. prize in obedience today

Rasmus had to take (again) a sick-leave because he had an accident when rushing to our front door. He didn't notice the bench in front of him when he woke up, and got totally tripped with it while running to the door. Our Old and Wise, yeah right. We gave him painkillers and stomach-medicine too and he couldn't participate the trial today. So there was Ruska, little, young and lively Ruska. Ruska behaved mostly normal at the course. For a couple of times she barked to someone and was unsure when meating couple of people. Otherwise she had lots of fun and hopefully this little unsureness left will disappear in the near future. Ruska did great job in the ring, we got 176 points 1. prize and placed 2nd! Laying down from heeling didn't succeed, Ruska sat down in stead of laying down so that gave us 0 points. In recall Ruska came a little careless and that took 1 point. Overall impression was a nine too because of that one 0 points from laying down. Otherwise full ten points! Result is specified on Ruska's brand-new Obedience-site. And today's trial is also on video and put in gallery. There is at least one more trial coming this year for Ruska, and for Rasmus too. Rolle and Mikko are training agility and Rolle has been quite out of control lately. But maybe they'll try competing this year anyway, we'll see.
21.9.2010 - Car problem solved, hopefully

Our car broked down totally couple of weeks ago. This was it. A long membership with Peugeots ended at this point, and new car is Seat. We'll see if this is a better choice or not. Now we have enough room for dogs, humans and baggage too. I took Ruska to see agilitycompetition on Sunday, and got surprised positively. At first Ruska was a bit unsure, but relaxed fast when meeting people. And after that she was totally normal. Yesterday we started practising agility, and Ruska had fun doing things. And she is fast already, and does things so quick that I'm totally left behind. This course lasts for 8 more weeks and after that we'll see if we will continue forward. Today Ruska and I were in an obedience training with Satu Taskinen who will coach us every few weeks during end of the year. We tested our new hall and carpet too and it seemed good. Ruska ran after the ball with full speed but didn't slip at all. Ruska still needs more training in general. We've been training turnings lately, and now she just waits when we'll make the turn and doesn't heel long straights properly. I'll have to remember that we have to practise everything and not just little things because Ruska learns really quick to foresee things. Jumping is surprisingly difficult for Ruska, she just doesn't understand it. We'll have to do this a lot. Rasmus has done some obedience and has been on a little break too. Now we'll have to start doing things with full power before the upcoming trial. Rolle and Mikko haven't been able to got to forest at all because of the missing car. And therefore their tracking-plans for this fall has to wait for next spring. But there are plans for this fall too. Both Rasmus and Ruska are going to an obedience-trial next month. I'll really have enough excitement that day. But as said before, now it's just lots of training ahead.
4.9.2010 - Quick brief of latest events

Lots have happened lately. And here comes a quick brief of it! Last week Ruska and I participated in an unofficial obedience-trial, in novice class. Ruska did everything as she should have at this point. Only thing that didn't work was standing because Ruska got disturbed of something that happened behind our backs. I had to tell her to stand several times before it happened. Ruska was really good and it was nice to work with her. Little more training and hopefully we'll be able to participate in official rings too this fall. Last weekend Ruska was in dogshows in Vyborg Russia with Minna and Satu. There were two shows and Ruska got jun-CAC from the first one, and "very good" from the second. She had again been scared of "everything" and because of that got the "very good". She hadn't settled down almost at all, and didn't want the judge to touch her either. Because of Ruska's show behaviour I took Ruska to see agilitycompetition last Sunday. She was scared again. She got better as we stayed on the place. She did great obedience and didn't mind anything around us. When we stood still her tail still was between her legs and she wasn't relaxed. At the end Ruska found a malinois to play with. After that she was totally relaxed and normal and walked to our car with a swinging tail. Rolle and Mikko got disqualified on three courses. Today Rolle and Mikko went to a tracking trial, for the first time! They did some things well, and some things didn't work at all. They got lots of exprerience and Mikko now knows what happens in a trial. Retrieving and obstacle searching are on the to do -list in the near future. Hopefully they find time to practise enough so they can try a new trial this fall. At the same time today Rasmus and I were in an obedience-trial. Rasmus was in smooth control and we worked really well together. For some reason Rasmus didn't find the "mark" today at all and therefore two parts went to zero poinst. We also got zero points from our best part ("square walk")! We haven't practised it at all lately because it has always been really easy for Rasmus. Now we know that it needs work as well as everything else. I'll find a new trial for Rasmus for the fall and hopefully we won't make same mistakes again. But now it's time to relax for a moment and make plans for the future. My camera broked and it's waiting for a repairement. So there won't be new photos coming soon. Nice fall to everyone!
22.8.2010 - What's happening here?

We've been busy in many ways recently and I haven't had time to update pages at all. Here comes some news! Let's start last Sunday and obedience. Unfortunately news ain't good this time. Rasmus got scared of a (human)friend before the trial started. And after that was afraid of anyone else too and this didn't stop at all at the place. Most likely this was epilepsy, at least Rasmus was the same that he has been when he has had seizures at dogshows younger. I've written more about this on Rasmus's seizurediary. I dropped out the trial. And then Ruska's show yesterday. Ruska was her normal self when we got to the showplace. Before the ring started she got scared of loud announcement and her state of mind changed totally. She was nervous and looked around, but didn't panic and also ate goodies. When she was in the ring, she frightened again when the speakers made a bang. With the judge Ruska had no problems, but the situation.. We'll see how she gets when getting older. Ruska was third in juniorclass with Excellent and her critic is written on her showpage. We've been training obedience quite lot, and I'm planning to take Ruska to a unofficial trial next week. She has got forward a lot now that I've learned ways to teach her. She is really nice to work with. Hopefully everything goes well and we can participate on official trials too this fall. Next weekend Ruska is going to show in Russia with Minna and Satu. There are plans for Rasmus and Rolle also. Rolle is going to agilitycompetition next Sunday. And to a tracking trial week after that. At the same time Rasmus and I are in an obediencetrial on our "homecourse". Lots to do and see. In the picture dogs are guarding Matias. Our little shepherds.
1.8.2010 - Some agility, tracking, and obedience of course

Last Sunday Rolle and Mikko did great job at agility and got their first 0-result and won the course! From the second course they got 5 because they couldn't find slalom. Second course was videotaped and it's in gallery. Great job boys! Ruska is totally back to normal. This week she has eated normal food and hasn't had any problem. And she has been full of energy after having a little break. We have done some obedience this week. Ruska is so lively that she tries to notice everything around her and her concentration breaks when having (a lot of) disturbance. We'll have to work with this in the future. In general Ruska works really well, and The Ball is her treasure, as you can see from the picture. We've been tracking too. And again Ruska has so much energy. She finds objects but tracking is quite restless. We got an advice to take a step or two back and use food on the track again. Today it seemed to work really well for Ruska and she calmed down a lot. Rolle does excellent work on tracks and loves it. Again it's just obedience what they need to get to exams. Today they did some, but they'll have to work more with it, but Mikko just doesn't like it. There's not enough speed for them. Rasmus has done obedience and everything seems to crush down after I entried us to an exam on 15.8. Training, training, training.
24.7.2010 - "He is so excellent, but his bite.."

Rolle's judgement today was Good. Judge liked Rolle a lot and thought that he is really excellent, but couldn't close his eyes for Rolle's bad bite. Two teeth undershot, and blue strap thank you. Rolle's critic is written on his showpage. Ruska didn't participate because she is on a sick-leave, and it's quite a story.. Ruska started to act really restless and odd on Tuesday, soon after dogs had their morning food (~12.00). She was breathing really fast and snuffled a lot. When we let her outside she would have just wanted to eat grass. We tried to make her vomit with salt, but it didn't work. Ruska was painful and her stomach started to become swollen. Vet took us in right away. X-ray showed that there was gas is Ruska's stomach and stomach was expanded. At first we tried to walk around and hoped that it would help. But it just got situation worse according to X-ray. After that vet thought that we still should try to wait before doing any big operations. Ruska started to get fluids and medicine to help her digestion work better. We waited, and waited. Next X-ray showed that Ruska is getting better, although she still was restless and snuffeled a lot. About 16.30 Ruska started to look much better. Her breathing stabilized and she fell asleep on vet's table. New X-ray taken at 17.00 showed that situation is good and we could go home. Ruska got some medicine with and was ordered to eat just porridge with chicken for few days. She was a lot better already next day. But on Thursday she pooped a big mass of grass and pieces of a tennisball! I really don't know when she has ate that much stuff! I hope that this stuff was the reason for Ruska's problem. The vet couldn't tell any reason for this on Tuesday. Today Ruska was so full of energy that I made a short track for her. I thought that tracking is after all less burden for Ruska than anything else. Ruska had much fun and thought that track was definitely too short. There were two objects on track. For the first on I had to help Ruska stop but the other one she found all by herself. Rasmus did some obedience and I'm trying to find a exam for him. Rolle and Mikko met an adder on their track! A half a meter from the second object! Fortunately the snake was resting and didn't pay attention on either Rolle or Mikko. Tomorrow it's time for Rolle's agility. They had a short day today in the show today so Rolle isn't really tired as we thought he would be. Hopefully they still manage to work together.
19.7.2010 - Greetings from Vuokatti!

We spent four days in Vuokatti, Sotkamo. We managed to fit in the car with all our things, but it wasn't very easy. Dogs were in the back, Matias and baggage on the backseat. Baggage fastened tightly of course. And Mikko and me in the front. Dogs finally got locks on their safety gate so they could spend time in the car without worries that they will run away or someone let's them run away. Landscape was really beautiful. On a couple of evenings we climbed to the top of the hill Vuokatinvaara and the view was amazing. We don't have that high hills here at all. There were also few good footpath around our hotel. And we saw a otter in the lake nearby! All kinds of pictures are added in gallery. Ruska got (again) overtired on the last day, yesterday. She had no problem before but yesterday morning she was afraid of "everything". I believe that this was the same that appeared on his Russian showtrip before. We'll see how this gets when she grows up mentally. Whole pack has been tired still today, so travelling has been tiring for everyone. Next weekend is full of events. On Saturday is Finnish Speciality and on Sunday Mikko and Rolle are going to agility. Mikko thought that Rolle would be a bit tired and easier to handle on the course after spending the day before in the show. Let's hope for good results!
13.7.2010 - It has been extra warm for days

Or even weeks! Dogs don't mind but I'm out of energy because of this warmth (+30 degrees). Dogs have been swimming mostly and I've took some pictures of their waterplaying and put it in gallery. Ruska is an excellent swimmer. She just loves to swim, even more than boys. With the newest pictures there are a couple of photos of Matias too. He is already used to travel around and loves to watch dogs playing. He wants to grab their fur all the time. And dogs let him do that with no problem. This far everything has gone really well. Of course we are watching them all the time. We have been training just for little few days. Rasmus's teeth have been fine although I've given him ball for reward, great! And Ruska's heeling has got forward a lot now that I'm letting her make progress. Today we did running for the first time and Ruska didn't mind at all when I changed tempo! While Mikko is on summer holiday we're going to make a little holidaytrip all together. If we manage to fit in our car somehow.. And it's less than two weeks to Finnish Speciality too. Maybe something for the fall too, I'm not sure yet. Travelling and doing things with this trio is so easy, that it feels even too easy. Therefore Roope and Rekku have been in mind a lot lately. I miss them so much.
3.7.2010 - Some agilitytraining for everyone

I took all three dogs with and went to training course this morning, right after the quarantine because of the cough had passed. I had in mind to do obedience but it changed to agility at the last minute. Rasmus had so much fun doing obstacles after a long break. I didn't do much, and just low jumps, but anyway. He just loves it and it's really a pity that his health says no no. For Rolle I made some control training, and he does really nice work when demanded to do so. It just needs work from Mikko to get him under control enough. They haven't been able to train and because of that they're not competing this month. Ruska learned balance board, jumping and tunnel. Tunnel went really well, when Ruska was on left side. Right side was much harder, but we made it eventually. Balance board was also good, we trained contanct only for few times and climbed for few times too. Ruska went so fast that I had to start running! Jumping is surprisingly difficult for Ruska. She loves to jump but doesn't understand that she should jump forward. Although she doesn't have problems doing it in forest etc. But we managed to do two jumps in a row. That's a start! There are some new swimmingphotos added to gallery.
21.6.2010 - Harm after another, at least it feels like it

Ruska got a kennel-cough from her trip. Je coughed for three days, and it was quite mild comparing to coughs before in this house. Until today boys haven't coughed at all. I really hope that they don't start anymore! Ruska has been well all the time and hasn't noticed the cough at all. Rasmus had to take some more antibiotics because right upper jaw seemed infected. Rasmus hasn't been aching at all fortunately. He would do everything as normal, but we've still denied sticks and toys from him. From last weekend he has been playing with Rolle and Ruska again, and is really happy for this. We knew to expect an epilepsy-seizure after Rasmus was in narcosis, and it came on Thursday evening. More of it in Rasmus's epilepsy-diary. We've been on a break from hobbies for a while. Rasmus because of his teeth and Ruska for no reason. Rolle and Mikko are on agilitybreak too because they don't have a couch on the summer. Ruska didn't go to the show on weekend because of the cough. I'll take her somewhere after our quarantine is over. Ruska and Rolle are participating in Finnish Speciality on July. Mikko and Rolle are planning some agilitystarts too, but nothing is sure yet. Rasmus and I will try obedience again when he is well enough to do that. Hopefully we've had enough healthproblems for a while!
13.6.2010 - Who needs teeth, and some show travelling

Rasmus visited the dentist on Wednesday. Both of the upper canine teeth were removed, and in addition a broken I2-teeth from upper jaw. Everything went well and Rasmus has started to heal well. He had painkillers until yesterday and his food is soft for a couple more days. Rasmus would like to play and run as normal, he doesn't feel sick at all. After couple of days we're getting back to normal again. After two weeks there arent't anymore restriction for Rasmus. Ruska has been on a couple of show trips in St. Petersburg Russia with Minna and Satu, and spent the weekend in the good care of Satu and Mika. On Saturday Ruska had an excellent result. She got excellent, jun-CAC and was Best Of Breed! What a great day! Today she got "just" excellent. Today Ruska was really odd. She was really scared of everything from the moment they arrived on the show place. There wasn't any reason for this fear, it just started from nothing. I don't know if she was over tired and that caused this or what. On Saturday she was totally normal without any problems. She has been in good hands, that's for sure. Big thanks to Satu and Minna! Now Ruska seems to be normal again, but really really tired. I'm going to take her to see a dogshow next weekend just to see how she reacts then. Hopefully there won't be this kind of problems again.
3.6.2010 - Rasmus going to a dentist next week

We were monitoring Rasmus last week because he was licking his lips often. We thought that there might be something going on with his stomach, but the reason for his behaviour was found in his mouth on weekend. He has a infection around his canine tooth and there is something more too. At some point his bite has changed so that lower canine teeth has a contact on the upper gum and the gum has vanished totally from that point and created infection. I called the dentist and she gave Rasmus some antibiotics. And next week we're going to see her and both upper canine teeth has to be removed. I have no idea when Rasmus's bite has changed this much! Infection has most probably appeared last week when Rasmus started his odd licking. Otherwise he has had no symptoms. He has been eating, playing and training totally normally. That's why we were very surprised that there was so much wrong in his mouth. More of Rasmus next week after the dentist visit. We have been training and walking around. Rolle and Mikko have done agility, although they should focus on obedience for a while if they want to try tracking trials this summer. Ruska and Rasmus have been doing obedience. For Rasmus it's just adjustment for everything. Ruska has again taken a step forward with her heeling, thanks to good training friends who tell me to take some steps forward even though I wouldn't want to so that I won't spoil anything! There is a new training video of Ruska in gallery. And also some new photos from training and having fun on freetime too. Ruska and Rolle will keep up training and I really hope that Rasmus gets better soon so that he can continue training too. He is in so good control right now that it's really a pity if we loose that during the break. Well, we'll know much more after Wednesday.
23.5.2010 - Agility- and Obedience-trials

On Saturday Rolle and Mikko went to agilitycompetition, and at the same time Rasmus and I to obedience-trial. Ruska stayed home and guarded Matias really well, told the grandparents. I didn't think that she would do that, but apparently she did, when Rasmus wasn't home doing it. Rolle and Mikko started on three courses. They got disqualified twice and got a result from the jumping course. The same problem than before, Rolle doesn't do the tire right. Although this time Mikko was telling him irrelevant commands so there's fault in him too. Contact-obstacles went better than before, but it still needs work. As well as slalom, and especially the start of it. It seems like there are always the same things that go wrong. Rolle and Mikko are taking a time-out at this point and are training these problem-obstacles a lot before their next competition some time in the summer. And maybe they'll have time to do some tracking and obedience too. At the same time it was Rasmus in the obedience ring, in the highest class for the first time. My goal was that I could keep him under control during the trial. And I really could do it! I had made him really tired the day before and it was a warm day on Saturday. Rasmus was actually even too calm at some points, but the most important thing was that we did things calm and harmonic. We didn't get a result because of many mistakes (from 4 parts we got 0 points), but I don't really care. I'm just so happy that I haven't been training for nothing. It has really worked what we've done! Hopefully we'll be able to go to trials this summer again, with control, and some more points too of course. Ruska has been training obedience and tracking too today. Obedience goes quite well. Heeling is good for a short distance, sitting, standing and laying down are working. She loves to run to the square and keeps the retrieving obstacle in her mouth without any chewing. It would be time to get things together to get forward. But I'm so afraid that I'll spoil her! Sometime I'll have to, there's no other option.. I've added some new pictures to our gallery from this summer's first swim. Ruska loves to swim as much as boys do and they had really fun!
17.5.2010 - Ruska's showresults and enjoying summer

Ruska was in a dogshow on Saturday. Result was excellent! Ruska was second in juniorclass with Excellent and after that 3rd best female! Ruska behaved really well and had fun playing with many dogfriends. Maybe because of that and the really warm weather she behaved very harmonic in the ring. Fine jente! Ruska's critic is written on her showpage. Dogs spent yesterday at a "dog daycare" while we were having christening. Ruska had been a bit more lively than boys (as normal) and they had no problem. The keeper of the daycare said that our trio seems to be a nice and harmonic pack. Dogs haven't ever been in a strange place and unknown human like this, but it seems that we can use this service again if needed. It's just so hard for me to leave the dogs like this. Our little one got named Matias Eemeli. Weather has been sunny and really warm for many days and it has been seen in training too. Dogs have been slightly tired but done their work however. Dogs have still been playing a lot although temperature has been almost 30 degrees. They have just been taken more pauses during the day. Fortunately we have water running inside again. Dogs have drunk it a lot these days! On weekend Rolle and Mikko are going to compete on 3 agilitycourses and Rasmus and I in obedience in the highest class, eek!
13.5.2010 - Agility, and we have water!

Rolle and Mikko participated on two agilitycourses today in Pieksämäki. From first course they got 15 faultpoints and a minus time. And secong got disqualified before they even started. Rolle didn't stay put in the beginning and started the timer. Mikko didn't notice that and put Rolle back to the beginning. And that was it. Video from the first course is added in gallery. There are also Rolle's videos from Varkaus couple of weeks ago. Mikko himself said that it looks quite terrible in many places. Rolle's main problem seems to be that he doesn't "find" the contact obstacles. We've been thinking today, could it be some kind of a motivation problem? Otherwise Rolle reads the course really well but somehow he many times passes the contact obstacles totally. Althought there's faults in Mikko too at this point, it can't be the main reason for this. Well, it again doesn't mean anything else than more training. Yesterday we got excellent news. We can start drinking our water again! It has been 1,5 months without, and it has been quite a show. Fortunately there was only one week when we couldn't use the water at all. Before and after that we've been able to wash up in it. Dogs drink quite a lot water a day, we've noticed that well when we've carried water home from the town! Mikko has repaired the well so there shouldn't be more problems coming soon. Roope is in my mind many times a day, but this longing is different than from Rekku last summer. Roope lived so long that it's easier to accept his death. But it still feels extremely empty in our walk-in closet, and nobody is barking in the yard. On Saturday it's show time with Ruska in Lappeenranta. And on Sunday is our boy's christening. Next week we'll try to keep a little break after this busy one.
5.5.2010 - Some thoughts and longing

It's really odd to do gardening when there's no one barking around and telling how things should be done. Oh how much I miss that bark. It wasn't also annoying at all when we we're driving to the vet on Monday. Before that it drove us crazy when Roope barked and barked when travelling. Roope had a worse shakingseizure on Wednesday evening last week. I thought in my mind that hopefully he is not getting worse already. There were no shakings after that, but Roope's condition got worse otherwise. On Thursday belgians visited osteopath and Roope stayed home with nannies. Roope didn't come and say hello to them at all. I thought that he is just annoyed because had to stay at home and doesn't come because of that. Roope stayed under our bed whole day (11-20) but was normal in the evening when we got home. On Friday I went to pick up mail with Roope. He snuffled a lot before we even got started with our little walk. Rest of the day he spent under our bed and didn't want to go outside at all. He ate in the evening, but really slow comparing to normal. On Saturday and Sunday Roope's condition was changing. He was aching but got little better with some painkillers. But he still didn't want to spend time outside and we had to drive him there. He was really tired and just wanted to stay under the bed. He also didn't want to eat, specially in the evenings. On Sunday evening Roope didn't eat at all. Shakings didn't get worse at any point. On Monday morning Roope went happily outside (he got painkillers on Sunday evening) and barked to belgians when they were playing. I really hoped that Roope would eat his food as normal when he comes inside. But truth was opposite. He ate just a few pieces of food and went back to sleep. Although it hurt as hell I knew that we'll have to let him go. Roope has been extra eager with food, so there has to be something really wrong when he doesn't eat. We went to the vet right after I made the call. Mikko stayed in the car with our boy because I wanted to do this on my own. Just Roope and me. Roope was really peaceful at the clinic. Usually he is nervous but not today. He layed down next to me and past away peacefully leaving a huge longing behind. Although I had been grieving already on weekend it felt so bad. I told Roope to say hello to Rekku also when he fell asleep. They both have been in mind and we miss them both enourmously. If it was quiet here after Rekku left, now it's totally mute. Rolle barks rarely to get Ruska playing with him, but that's it. Eyes search for Roope under the bed and from our walk-in closet where he used to sleep too. And it feels terrible to realize time and time again that he isn't here anymore. Belgians haven't been any different from normal. Although Rasmus has been Roope's ears for many months and told him when to come eat and outside, he hasn't tried to do that anymore even once. Somehow he seems to realize that it's not needed anymore. Rolle and Ruska haven't been looking for Roope either. I've been thinking about our decision a lot. Heart still asks that was this the right choice. And brains say that this was the only choice for Roope. I don't know if quitting antibiotics had something to do with Roope getting weaker. Nobody knows. And if someone would know it wouldn't make any difference. Roope went to crematorium and we'll decide what do with his ashes later. Rekku's ashes are still on our rack too. We haven't decided what to do with them also. Maybe someday. Roope was my first dog, and therefore so dear for me. When Mikko met Roope for the first time 12 years ago Mikko was terrified of dogs. Somehow Roope managed to get that fear away, and after few years our pack started to grow. Roope has lived with in so many situations, giving strength and keeping company. He is also the reason that we are living this kind of life. If there wasn't for Roope, there wouldn't probably be belgians either. My mother and my brother miss Roope enourmously too, Roope lived with them too for several years before moving with me. Last summer we had Ruska to keep us going after Rekku left. Now it's this little boy of ours. Life goes on again, and pain will ease while time goes by. Longing is huge, but at the same time we've also been smiling for memories. Thank you for everyone who has remembered us in this hard situation. If something of the belgians too. They visited osteopath and it was needed for all three although there wasn't fortunately any big problems. Rolle and Mikko competed in agility on Sunday and got disqualified twice. Rolle had been resting three days because of the osteopath visit and was totally full of energy. Energy was too much and control was lost in their doing. I'll add videos when I have time. On next week Rolle is going to agicompetition on Thursday and Ruska to a show on Saturday.
3.5.2010 - In memoriam Roope Kettunen

Roope was euthanised today on 3.5.2010. His general condition got worse really fast. It wasn't an easy decision for me, but definitely best for Roope. Oh my god how much it hurts.
28.4.2010 - Healthresults - Ruska A/A & 0/0!

Great news from Finnish Kennelclub today, Ruska's hips A/A, elbows 0/0 and back is healthy too as seen before! Hipbowls are so little low that it doesn't have any meaning. Just great! And Ruska's hasn't limped at all for two weeks. And some bad news too of health. Roope started to get side effects from his antibiotics in his ears. We had to stop giving medicine because of this. Now we'll keep monitoring his condition even more accurately and hopefully situation doens't get any worse. At the moment Roope has been ok with mild shakings. We've been training almost every day. On Ruska's next track her tracking was excellent but she didn't want to stay on objects more than a second. She knows both things so now we'll just get it balanced. Ruska and I also took a controltest yesterday. It was a test for those who have applied for agilitycourse. Test went excellent but there were so many dogs before us in the line that we didn't get a place. We will practise obstacles by ourselves during summer. Rasmus has been doing obedience and Rolle and Mikko did some great tracking couple of evenings ago. There's no problem on this area, if they would just work with the obedience with full power for a while.. But they are so excited of agility at the moment. And competing on Sunday on two courses. Tomorrow belgians are going to see the osteopath. Still lots of interesting activity for this week!
25.4.2010 - This and that from this week

Let's start with the negative news. Rasmus had an epilepsyseizure on Thursday evening. It has been over a year since the last one and it took a minute to realize that he really is having a seizure. I've written more on Rasmus's epilepsy-diary. The other negative news was that Ruska's rabiestest came back negative. For some reason Ruska hasn't developed antidotes although she has had two vaccinations. This means that we're not able to travel to Norway to take the MH-test which we've planned for a long time. This pisses off, but what can you do. Ruska will take another test some time in the future. Better things also for this week. Yesterday we started the tracking season. Although it snowed a little whole day. Rolle did great job, as usual. Ruska did great job too on objects but tracking itself was a bit lost. But she hasn't been tracking lot, so this wasn't a surprise. More training for her! We've also practised obedience this week and especially Ruska's heeling has become better a lot I think. We'll se if this works out in long term. Today dogs had fun at home while Mikko was repairing the car. I took some pictures of course and it's in gallery. Next happening is Rolle's agilitycompetition on next Sunday. Let's hope for good results!
18.4.2010 - Agility-weekend

It has been just agility on this weekend. First Rolle and Mikko competed yesterday, today our weekend guests Eeva and Tinka competed and today Rolle and Mikko went to training again. Rolle and Mikko competed yesterday on 3 courses. It was good looking but results are 2xdisq on agilitycourses and 10 from jumpcourse. First course was a bit unbalanced. Rolle passed the tire twice and right after that the see-saw because Mikko was left behind when showing the tire so exact. After the disqualification Rolle dropped also two bars. Second course (course C) was a much smoother. Rolle did the same mistake again, passed the tire. Mikko didn't fix that so they got disqualified. Rolle also ran away to the tube when he was supposed to climb on the balance bar. On jumpcourse boys got 10 fault points and did a great time. Rolle missed slalom and dropped pieces of the wall. Mikko did one extra piruet after slalom but otherwise this course was good. All courses are on video on put in gallery. I also took some pictures from the first course and it's too in agilitygallery. Eeva and Tinka-tervueren visited us for the weekend. Tinka and Ruska came along surprisingly well and this has been really great weekend in every way! And our waterproblems are starting to ease too. We've been totally out of water this week and it has been really really annoying. But somehow we've managed to get along. Today Mikko was the first brave to use the water. I'm going to wait and see if he survives. After that we other can start using the water also. Mikko is planning some new agilitycompetitions and Ruska is going to a dogshow in the middle of May. I haven't planned anything for Rasmus yet, we'll keep training and hoping for healthy days.
16.4.2010 - X-rayes, massaging and agility-excitement

Ruska went to see the vet on Thursday because of her limping. Vet found some pain in her hip and therefore we started x-raying her. Limping and aching is caused by a rupture in hip ligament on her right hip. Her hips are otherwise ok, but the hipbowls are a bit low. Her elbows and back are totally healthy. The rupture doesn't need any action and should recover well. Ruska is going to see an osteopath at the end of month. We've had really good experience of osteopathia after accidents and hopefully it does good again. Ruska has limped once after the vet visit. It doesn't matter what she does, limping just comes suddenly. She has been living normal life because we can't tell what to avoid. Massager visited us yesterday and gave treatment to boys. Roope was a bit stuck as usual. Rasmus had some aching places on his front and Rolle was ok. Rasmus and Rolle are going to see the osteopath too. Ruska hasn't got any treatment yet, but will get sometimes in the future. She tries her everything to get attention from massager, but her turn never comes. :) I took some pictures of Roope and Ruska playing today and it's naturally in gallery. There are also videos of Rasmus and Ruska doing obedience yesterday. Tomorrow Rolle and Mikko are competing in agility! Exciting!
5.4.2010 - Training on sand!

Spring is coming! Today we found the first melted and dry sandcourse for training. I trained with Rasmus and Ruska, and Mikko took some pictures that are updated in gallery. Ruska's heeling goes right and wrong. One minute we can do it well and the second it's a disaster and Ruska just goes around me to get the right place on my side. Today we were training with toys, maybe food works better in this after all. We'll try it next time. Coming to side is great, and running to the square is extremely fun if you ask Ruska! This week we've had some waterproblems with our well. On Thursday we realized that it's not the sewer that stinks bad, it's our water! It looks totally normal, but stinks like... Dogs drunk the water until yesterday evening. After Rasmus hrew up once they haven't had it anymore. Hopefully the water examination this week tells something. An that it can be fixed fast! Ruska has been limping her right rear leg a couple of times in a week. First few days ago and again today for few steps. I haven't seen that anything has happened to the leg. On the other hand dogs have played outside a lot without us and anything is possible with these fast and furious. I'll try to get Ruska to the vet this week. And we'll take the rabies-test too on the same visit.
27.3.2010 - Back in business!

This week I have been able to start training again. I've been training with Rasmus and Ruska at home, on Wednesday Ruska got good training with the puppygroup and today we went to town to practise. Training has been really fun and we've managed to get forward too. Rasmus is doing his nosework again from the beginning. I'm trying to get the fault away, Rasmus likes to taste the wrong obstacles before taking the own one in mouth. This has to stop. Ruska has done mostly coming to side, laying down and some heeling. Her heeling has taken a big step forward when we haven't done anything. We'll see how dogs will start to work when we get some more training. Now there is so much soft snow everywhere that there aren't many places we can practise. Rasmus and Rolle got their eyes checked on Thursday. Rasmus's eyes were totally healthy. On Rolle's right eye doctor found three small spots that aren't according to the vet hereditary, and have no other effect either. And something from Roope's health too. His shakings come back everytime his antibiotics end. Now we decided with the vet that he gets antibiotics regularly. Medicine doesn't do any side effects for him and keeps the shakings away so this is the best solution for Roope and he is doing fine. Especially Roope has enjoyed laying in the snow and sunbathing while we've had beautiful weather. Upcoming spring has his minussides too, our yard is totally soft and almost impossible to walk or drive on. And the snow that came off the roof might melt for Midsummer I think..
14.3.2010 - Back to normal rhythm

This week has returned rhythm in our life. I have enjoyed spending time with dogs in beautiful weather, along with learning this new way of life. Today we were able to go outside with the little one and dogs were extremely happy to have everybody with. I took some pictures and it's in gallery. Next week we will hopefully be able to leave our own yard too. Dogs have also settled down and spent again time together from Wednesday. Ruska's best days seemed to last for a week. The latest gigolo was our old man Roope on Tuesday. Rolle stopped proposing Ruska a bit earlier. I talked with massager this week and we both thought that it would be good to take Rasmus see the osteopath before new massage. I called Maare Kaiperla on Thursday and she had a free time on Friday evening. Mikko took Rasmus to see her, and treatment was really needed. Most of the problems were on Rasmus's rear, although he has been limping his front legs. Maare thought that his rear has gone stuck after his accident in the fall. Now it was already so stuck that it was seen on his front. Treatment got him in good shape and we hope it will last. Mikko and Rolle went to practise agility after a long winter break. They are also planning some competitions but nothing is confirmed at the moment. Rasmus and Ruska are doing some little things during everyday life. Ruska is having birthday tomorrow! She is already one year old, although she still is our little puppy. It's always the same in our house, the youngest one is a puppy no matter what the number says. Happy birthday to Ruska's siblings!
7.3.2010 - Welcome our little one

Our newest family member decided not to wait for due date (11.3.). Our little boy was born on 1.3. at 00.12 by C-section. His weight was 3840g and height 51cm. We got home from hospital yesterday and dogs have taken the little one welcome excellent. Rasmus is already guarding him and follows him everywhere. Now we're learning a new way of every day life. Picture is taken today and it shows excellent how Rasmus is acting with the little one. Something about dogs too. Massager gave treatment for boys on Tuesday. Rasmus's front was quite bad and he needs more treatment soon. Maybe the fault is "just" in his muscles and we don't have to think other treatments at this point. Rolle's rear was a bit stuck because he has been so eager after Ruska lately. Roope was as usual, a bit stuck. And then our little Ruska and her heat. Ruska has had her best days during this week and she has been separated totally from the boys. Although I thought that Roope and Rasmus won't pay any attention on her heat, truth was totally different. All three boys have fallen in love with Ruska, and Ruska with them too of course. Mikko has had quite a show here to handle alone this week. Now situation is starting to normalize. Next event is Rasmus's and Rolle's eye-check on 25.3.
26.2.2010 - Snow, snow, snow and even more snow

Although I really like winter and snow, this is starting to be too much. There is no more room for snow! Belgians don't mind about it, but Roope doesn't like to move very much in deep snow. He has become old and lazy. I took some pictures a couple of day ago and it's in gallery. We have been learning to live with a bitch because of Ruska's heat. Last night Rolle and Ruska were separated from each other, because Rolle's ears are starting to be missing. When we're watching them all the time, they can still hang out together, but I think this will change soon. Ruska visited vet today and got her second leptospirosis-vaccinate. I also discussed about Roope with the doctor and he got more antibiotics. There haven't been many shakings lately, but little more again than with the medicine. After this cure we'll think about his situation again. Rasmus started limping couple of evening ago. I can't tell if something has happened when dogs have been playing, but it's aching anyway. This is not the first time Rasmus has legproblems since falls fracture. He has limped three times during winter, not for long and not very bad, but still. Massager is coming next Tuesday to check his muscles if there's something that explains this. We don't find any aching place, but Rasmus doesn't show his weakness easily at all.
20.2.2010 - Ruska in juniorclass for the first time

And what a great day! Ruska behaved well and got good result too. Although judge said that there doesn't have to be so much jumping and having fun in the ring. ;) Ruska got Excellent and placed 1st in juniorclass. She was also third best female and got res-CAC, wow! For better placements she has to learn to perform herself a little more peacefully and paws on the ground. Ruska's evaluation is translated into English on her show-page. It's really good I think. And maybe she'll calm down a little when getting older. Now she can have as much fun as she likes. We also took pictures and it's in gallery. There are also pictures of other participants here. Surprise of today was that Ruska started her first heat! We noticed this on the show place. Rolle doesn't yet pay much attention on Ruska but we'll start separating them from each other when they're not under supervision. I don't know what it was before when Rolle was surrounding Ruska? Our actions were here for now. Mikko decided not to go to agility competitions with Rolle now. And it seems to be the right decision because thermometer shows again more than 20 degrees minus. We hope that our new familymember settles down in our life smoothly after he/she is born so that we can get back to dog-things too. Now we'll just keep waiting what spring brings to us.
11.2.2010 - Visiting vet again and recovering with medicines

Rolle visited vet today. On weekend we noticed that Rolle has broke one of his front teeth. We don't know when this has happened because Rolle hasn't been anything but normal. I thought that tooth (what's left of it) has to be removed so we went to vet. Rolle was supposed to be x-rayed from his back too when he gets anesthesia any way. Well, plans change. Vet thought that we don't have to do anything with the tooth at the moment. She examined it and said that it looks so good that we can wait and see. It's not painful at all and Rolle doesn't even notice that something is missing. We'll keep monitoring the tooth regularly. Ruska was also with and got leptospirosis-vaccinate in case of upcoming travelling. During evening Ruska hasn't got any side effects of it. Rolle got his side effects on same day so we hope that there's nothing coming for Ruska anymore. Rasmus turned 8 years old and became a veteran. Although there's no sign of veteran in him. As you can see from the picture where he is playing brainless with others today. Rasmus's stomach problems stopped with medicine. He still gets it for a couple of weeks though. Roope's seizures also have vanished almost totally. There are just a couple of really short shakings a day. Antibiotics end tomorrow and we'll see how he is after that. Today we enjoyed sunshine and I took some pictures too of course. As usual, it's in gallery.
3.2.2010 - More snow, more medicine and some training

Yesterday morning we got a big surprise, it had snowed 20 centimetres over the night! Dogs have been very happy because of this. Their playing seems even more brainless when they sink in snow totally. In the picture Roope is pretending to be a sharp guardian dog. The truth is that he got totally stuck in the snow. I consulted the vet today because of Rasmus. He has vomited again yesterday and day before yesterday. Fortunately just once per day and there was no blood in it. Rasmus got medicine for his stomach and we hope it will make him better. Fortunately he hasn't got any other symptoms, he is lively, happy and eats well. Today he hasn't vomited at all. Ruska and I went training today and I took videocamera with and there is a clip updated in gallery. Ruska loves to work and basics are mostly got into her head. It looks quite good this far doesn't it? Now we're starting to learn standing as a new thing. We also did some agilityobstacles and Ruska loves it. I think she'll learn the basics although it's not sure that I can do agility any further than that. We are waiting for a new family member in March, and therefore I will start maternity leave tomorrow. This means a break to hobbies at some point but hopefully not for long. But now we'll keep doing things as much as we can and find time to. Starting with Ruska's upcoming show.
30.1.2010 - More antibiotics for Roope

Roope's seizures have decreased clearly during the antibiotics. Therefore he gets more of it, for two weeks and we'll see how the situation is after that. Dogs started vomiting in the middle of this week. I think they had ate their bones too fast and everybody else were normal after one day but Rasmus. Rasmus kept vomiting for few days several times a day. Last puke had also small flakes of blood with. We really hope that it isn't nothing more than a result of this several days lasting vomiting. After yesterday he hasn't vomited and we hope situation stays like this. Otherwise it's time to see the vet. Weather has started to be human again but Mikko and Rolle haven't had time to train agility. I think that their competitionplans for February won't happen. We've been training some obedience and tricks. Ruska learned to show my thumb from the first training, Rolle needs some more repeat.. Ruska's obedience is getting forward little by little. Of course it still needs lots of work with technique before we can train anything big and whole. Rolle has stopped surrounding Ruska, so either it was a false alarm or Ruska has had a "silent heat". We don't know how capable Rolle is to spot a heat. Ruska is going to a dogshow on February 20th, first time in official juniorclass.
22.1.2010 - Roope visited vet and freezing weather

And again this week thermometer has showed more than minus 20 degrees and it has been too cold to train. Dogs have enjoyed playing in the snow and learning some tricks inside. Today I took some pictures of dogs playing and it's in gallery. Today Roope went to see the vet because he has again had odd shaking seizures that he had also last year. Now these seizures have happened more often than before and it seems to start with some sharp noise. Vet took blood tests and only thing that wasn't ideal was CRP, it was a bit higher than normal. Roope got antibiotics in case of there would be some inflammation in inner ear and that would cause this shaking. Roope doesn't notice these shakings at all, like before. But it looks bad to our eyes. We'll see if the medicine helps. Roope's eyes got also checked and there were HC. That's what we've been thinking already because his eyes have got grey during last six months. Rasmus's leg seems to be well again and he runs and haves fun with others. I think there was a mild strain in muscles. Rolle has totally fallen in love with Ruska in last few weeks. We've been checking and checking but at the moment there's no sign of upcoming heat in Ruska. But Rolle is so determined that there should be one coming soon. We'll be waiting..
17.1.2010 - Trainingweek, and one leg-injury

This week the weather has been reasonable and we've managed to do some training. Unfortunately everything hasn't went as planned, Rasmus hurt his leg on Thursday when he and Ruska were warming up before training. At the moment leg seems to be good again, but argh! Why does it always has to be something for someone!? Ruska has been training obedience most. She has learned and got forward a lot. She comes to my side quite well, I'll just have to be strict with the place so that she doesn't try to do it about. She does now everything without extra commands, great! She has also learned to go to mark. And she does it incredible well! She runs to the mark and stops and waits for the ball to fly to her. She keeps retrieving obstacles in her mouth nice and steady. Looks and feels really good! Mikko took some pictures today and it's in gallery. Today Ruska and I also did some agility obstacles after Rolle's training. She goes to tubes with speed and learned some slalom too. She climbed on balance board for the first time today, and with no problem. And did excellent stops on contact areas. This is still just for fun, I don't know if my back will ever be good enough to do agility with full speed. Ruska enjoys this little training a lot. Mikko is planning agilitystarts for Rolle in the middle of February, we'll see.
9.1.2010 - Mikko's and Rolle's agilitydebut

Thermometer showed -24 degrees this morning but still Mikko and Rolle headed towards Lappeenranta. They were travelling with Terhi and Tatu-tervueren. On course A they got 10 fault points and spent about 4 seconds overtime on the course. First fault was missing a jump and second missing the balance bar. Climbing looked terrible after the miss, but fortunately Rolle stayed on the bar. On course B boys lost control totally. There were mistakes every here and there and result was disqualified. Mikko said that Rolle was out of control already when they were warming up and Mikko just didn't understand to take him under control enough before the course. Course C went really well. Unfortunately one jump-bar came down and their result was 5 and 2,66 second under ideal time. A little mistake, but that's all that's needed in this sport. All three courses were videotaped and it's put in gallery. Now towards new challenges! I think they will be seen on course again in few weeks. While boys were on their trip we enjoyed the breeze and snow at home yard. I took some pictures before my fingers were totally frozen and it's also in gallery.
6.1.2010 - Ruska went to a Match Show

Ruska went to a Match Show in Lappeenranta today. She participated in adult class with 38 other dogs. She was placed fourth of the dogs who got blue strap. She performed really nice. Running was good and this time standing too. Mikko was helping us with goodies outside the ring. With the judge, and people in general, Ruska has no problem. Show place was a carage and that made Ruska bit unsure every now and then. She isn't enough familiar with this kind of places. On the other hand she layed down to get some rest without problems too, so we'll just keep going and seeing. There are few pictures added in our gallery. Otherwise nothing new here. We have lots of snow and freeze and dogs have enjoyed it a lot. Although one morning the thermometer showed almost 30 degrees freeze. That was too much for us all. Training has been just something little inside and nothing proper. On Saturday it's Rolle's and Mikko's turn to head to Lappeenranta to compete in agility. We really hope the weather allows it and it's not too cold. Boys haven't been able to train lately because of this cold weather. Hopefully everything goes well in competitions despite of that. It seems that I will be left home, but I'll put a videocamera with so that I can see too how they did.
1.1.2010 - Happy new year!

Our holidays have went nice and peaceful. Roope got painkillers for few days and has been ok again. His voice also came back and we've been able to enjoy his lovely barking again... Yesterday evening went well for all. Roope didn't hear any fireworks and was totally normal. Rasmus and Rolle didn't pay any attention on fireworks and Ruska acted like them, no reaction at all. It was really relaxing when we didn't have to worry about dogs at all for the first time in years. Before Rekku has been scared and Roope too, when he still heard. Mikko and Rolle are starting their agilitycareer 9. January in Lappeenranta. They have taken private lesson from Tuija Kokkonen and are going to take more in the future. They have been doing good work, so I've heard. I can't go to their training anymore because Mikko thinks it just does irrelevant pressure to them. Perfectionist, me?! Ruska is possibly going to a show in February. If there is going a group that I can add her and Mikko on. That's it for now. Rasmus's competitions are under considering nearby summer. In the picture Ruska and Rolle are helping Mikko with snow work.