Agility Season Opener & Our First Snooker Super Q

Rocco keeps an eye on me as he leaps on the table

The agility season in our neck of the woods has officially started and last weekend we had loads of fun at a USDAA event at Chicopee Woods, just outside of Atlanta.

We didn't take any video at this one, but we did walk away with a new title (in advanced Gamblers) and our first Snooker Super Q!

A Super Q is a qualifying run in Master Snooker where you have to both qualify AND place in the top 15 percent of dogs in your height group. It can be incredibly elusive and we were honestly quite shocked to get our first one! But Rocco was smoking hot and accurate, so we were able to amass a large quantity of points while taking all four red jumps and finishing the entire course.

The rules get kind of confusing, but if you're interested you can read more about the strategy here.

This is what the course map looked like for our run:

We had the choice of taking three or four "red" jumps (marked with "R"). After each red jump, you need to take one of the numbered jumps, and then after completing that opening sequence you proceed to the closing sequence -- taking obstacles 2 - 7 in order.  So the idea is to devise your own opening sequence that your dog will take both fast and accurately. If you drop a bar or have an off-course, you are immediately eliminated.

Here's a look at our opening sequence (numbered in red). Then we were able to finished the rest of the course -- numbered 2 - 7 -- within the allotted amount of time.

Most importantly, we had a super amount of fun. We'll be back at it this weekend at an AKC agility trial!

Rocco with his game face on!

What super things are you up to this weekend?

Let us know in the comments below!

The fun and games continue every Friday with FitDog Friday, the weekly Blog Hop brought to you by To Dog With Love, SlimDoggy and My GBGV Life to promote a healthy active lifestyle for pets (and their people, too!). Join in every Friday by linking up your FitDog story or visiting the blogs in the hop.

What I Learned From My Dog About Having Fun

Today we're not only co-hosting our weekly FitDog Friday Blog Hop, we're also participating in the annual Dog Agility Blog Action Day.

This year's agility blog action day topic is "FUN!". Seems like it should be an easy topic to discuss, right? Who doesn't love to have some fun?!

But in agility, as in everything in life, sometimes we lose our way to fun.  Things get in the way. We get in our own way. We put pressure on ourselves to do everything exactly “right”.

But agility -- just like life -- is not a game of perfect.

My 3-year-old Havanese Rocco reminds me that everything doesn't have to be perfect in order to have some fun.

Qs and ribbons aren't the only way to have fun. We can find the fun along the way.

For us, fun is learning.

Fun is enjoying every little challenge along the way.

And sometimes, fun is simply playing with our pals.

Find the way to fun

No matter what your sport or whatever in life you're trying to achieve, it sure is a lot more enjoyable if you're having fun.  

Rocco hasn't always had fun doing agility. We went through a period where he didn't want to run at trials. Too much pressure? Maybe. Not enough fun? Probably.

So we set out to make everything about training, and life, fun. It's fun to do tricks, play games and to get all revved up before playing chase. 

It's even fun waiting on the table! Anticipation can be fun!

Sports psychologists say to be confident, think positive thoughts, believe in yourself and... have fun.

Rocco says don't take yourself too seriously, laugh, be pawsitive and treat yourself often!

I say love yourself, love your dog and remember to smile before you enter the ring, or before doing just about anything. Tell yourself, "this is going to be fun!"

Be positive, and pawsitive, and the good will come back to you. It may not always be perfect, but you'll have a good time along the way and be in a great state of mind for conquering challenges and anything else that comes your way.

And above all, do what Rocco does...

What do you do to find the way to fun?

Let us know in the comments below!

The fun and games continue every Friday with FitDog Friday, the weekly Blog Hop brought to you by To Dog With Love, SlimDoggy and My GBGV Life to promote a healthy active lifestyle for pets (and their people, too!). Join in every Friday by linking up your FitDog story or visiting the blogs in the hop.

Leap into Leap Day With These Fun Fitness Tips for You and Your Dog

Rocco leaps into leap day! 

This Monday is Leap Day, meaning we get one extra day this month (and this year) to make a difference!

We think it's a great day to add some variety to your fitness activities and to make a difference in the health and well-being of both you and your dogs!

Here are five things we plan to do on Leap Day this year

1. Go for a walk -- It's one of the easiest things you can do for both you and your pup and it's not only good for you physically but it helps to clear your mind too.
2. Play a game -- Rocco loves hide 'n seek games. I'll start thinking about a new hiding place now! You might also sign up for a new class... like agility! 
3. Train a new trick -- We've been working on rolling over on his right side (Rocco already rolls to the left) and we're getting back to his shopping cart trick, too. 
4. Do some new conditioning exercises -- To strengthen Rocco's front legs and shoulders (also good for shopping cart pushing!) he is doing front leg stands on a foam roller. As a bonus, I can use the foam roller for stretching and core exercises, too.
5. Visit your vet -- Rocco's annual visit is this Monday, on Leap Day! It's also a good time of year to make sure you are stocked up on flea and tick prevention. 

How are you going to use your Leap Day to make a difference?

Let us know in the comments below!

The fun and games continue every Friday with FitDog Friday, the weekly Blog Hop brought to you by To Dog With Love, SlimDoggy and My GBGV Life to promote a healthy active lifestyle for pets (and their people, too!). Join in every Friday by linking up your FitDog story or visiting the blogs in the hop.

Teach Your Dog to Sit Pretty

We're getting ready to start another agility season, and so last week Rocco and I visited his doggie chiropractor to make sure he's feeling good and all nice and aligned before competition heats up!

Good news is he needed just some minor adjusting, and as a bonus, his vet/chiropractor who is also certified in dog physical therapy gave us some good strength-training exercises.

As she says, strength = speed... so Rocco is building up muscle power so he can run fast (and run clean) on the agility course!

Today we're sharing one of the exercises she gave us...

Sit Pretty or Beg

Sitting pretty is a great core strengthener and we also think it looks pretty cute, so I started teaching it to Rocco when he was just a wee pup. 

How to teach it

There are a few methods. Experiment to find the one that works best for your pup.

• From a sit, lure your dog's head up and back with a treat. Allow him to nibble the treat while in the position.  Tip: keep your hand with the treat low to encourage your dog to hold his hindquarters in the sit position.
• If your dog needs more support while learning, position him in a sit in the corner of a sofa. Then, lure his head up and back with a treat while he leans back into the sofa.
• Another option is to position your dog in a sit while you stand directly behind him. Lure him into sit pretty position with a treat so that his back rests on your legs. Then steady his chest with your hand if necessary.

Tip: Start slow, only asking for a few moments of balancing in position, and reward your dog in the sit pretty position. Be sure to reward the behavior while it's happening, not after it is finished! Add duration and distance once your dog masters the trick!

Rocco IS sitting pretty, though it's hard to tell through all the fluff! Here he's sitting facing uphill.
In the photo at the top of this post he's sitting facing downhill.

Our vet gave us a few additional challenges to make Sit Pretty a little more challenging. Once you've mastered the trick, here are a few more things you can do to increase intensity.

• Change up the surfaces 
• Start on a flat and level surface
• Add more challenge with a balance disc or FitPAWS Donut, or use a pillow 
• Sit Pretty on a hill facing all four directions -- uphill, downhill and both sides

We have a slight hill in our backyard that we've started working on, and Rocco's practicing on the Donut, too.  One more note: It took Rocco a good long while to master this trick. He couldn't hold the position until he was two. We're still working on duration and some distance (he's three now!). 

The donut is challenging, but Rocco can handle it! 

Can your dog sit pretty? Let us know in the comments below!

The fun and games continue every Friday with FitDog Friday, the weekly Blog Hop brought to you by To Dog With Love, SlimDoggy and My GBGV Life to promote a healthy active lifestyle for pets (and their people, too!). Join in every Friday by linking up your FitDog story or visiting the blogs in the hop.

A Day in the Life of a Fit Dog and His Fit Dog Mom

Rocco and his pal Codie play chase in the backyard

This week we thought we'd give you a glimpse inside our typical day. Or at least the fitness part of our day.

Since I still need to get my fitness game together to keep up with Rocco, here's how we Roc 'n roll when it comes to working out!

Of course there are lots of activities we do together like hiking and agility, but since I need to step  up my game here are some of the...

Things I do to keep up with Rocco

• Speed walking -- walking or running is better with friends I meet up with neighbor friends a few mornings a week for a one-hour speed walk up and down our neighborhood hills
• Zumba! -- I head to my local gym for a Zumba class. This class offers not only a great cardio workout, but the footwork and precision also helps with a lot of the footwork we do in agility.
• Yoga -- for flexibility, balance and lots of great benefits
• Weights -- for strength and that all important weight-bearing exercise for good bone health

Then, there are the...

Things Rocco and I do together

Since we joined the 2016 Dog Tricks Challenge on Facebook, we've had a little extra incentive to practice our tricks. This week the challenge was to teach your dog to spin left and right.  We added a little something extra since Rocco already knew how to spin. Take a look!

This week's #dogtricks challenge... Spinning left and spinning right. We do it in tandem for a little something extra!

A video posted by Diane Silver (@dianesilver) on Jan 28, 2016 at 4:29pm PST

Next, we add a back spin...

#dogtricks challenge part 2: spinning around me backwards! Go Rocco!

A video posted by Diane Silver (@dianesilver) on Jan 28, 2016 at 4:56pm PST

Rocco also enjoys a good game of chase around the house or in the backyard, and we also like to walk and hike when we're not doing agility training.

Then, after all that activity, I welcome...

The things that Rocco does alone or with his pals 

Rocco loves a good romp around the backyard with his pup pals and it's a great way for him to blow off some steam and just have a great time!

Rocco plays with his pal Codie

Rocco's pal Sophie loves to zoom. She's taking a quick break in the background, here.

What are some of your favorite FitDog and FitHuman activities?

Let us know in the comments below!

The fun and games continue every Friday with FitDog Friday, the weekly Blog Hop brought to you by To Dog With Love, SlimDoggy and My GBGV Life to promote a healthy active lifestyle for pets (and their people, too!). Join in every Friday by linking up your FitDog story or visiting the blogs in the hop.

Teach a Dog to Bring You a Tissue #dogtricks

Last week we learned about a fun dog tricks Facebook group from DZ's Adventures called 2016 Dog Trick Challenge. It sounded really fun so we promptly checked it out, and today we're sharing what we did this week!

This week's challenge was to find a prop your dog hasn't interacted with before and train two different behaviors. The hardest part for me was thinking of a prop since we already use so many household items as fun props.

I landed on a tissue box, thinking this could be a useful skill if I have a cold and don't want to get up off the sofa. I can just send Rocco to get me a tissue! ha!

Of course, I completely forgot about the Havanese gene that requires all Havanese to shred paper of any kind. In spite of that, Rocco actually did pretty well with this challenge.

Take a look!

Here's the first behavior... pulling a tissue out of a box.

Rocco pulls a tissue out of a box! #dogtricks

A video posted by Diane Silver (@dianesilver) on Jan 21, 2016 at 2:07pm PST

And here's the second behavior, bringing a tissue to me!

Rocco, bring me a tissue! #dogtricks

A video posted by Diane Silver (@dianesilver) on Jan 21, 2016 at 3:29pm PST

What rocks about dog tricks?

We love doing dog tricks and here are a few reasons why.

• Great activity for a rainy day or when it's just too cold to play outside
• Challenges your dog mentally and physically
• Builds a stronger bond between you and your pup
• Helps build focus and motivation to do other activities with you ... like agility!
• It's just plain fun! 

What do you love about dog tricks?

Let us know in the comments below!

The fun and games continue every Friday with FitDog Friday, the weekly Blog Hop brought to you by To Dog With Love, SlimDoggy and My GBGV Life to promote a healthy active lifestyle for pets (and their people, too!). Join in every Friday by linking up your FitDog story or visiting the blogs in the hop.

Why Enrichment Rules for Both You and Your Dog #PAW5Launch

Rocco combines balancing with hiking during our trip to Fort Lauderdale last week

We've been busy this week planning for next week's #PAW5Launch Twitter party, where we're helping support the launch of PAW5, a new company that's all about enriching the lives of dogs and the people who love them.

It's gotten us thinking about enrichment activities and why they're so important for both you and your dog. We all know the benefits of getting out and getting active with our pups. Not only is the physical activity good for both, but so is the mental stimulation and simply the act of clearing your head to help make room for new thoughts and ideas.

Both Pups and Humans Benefit from Enrichment

Rocco and I love a good hike, playing agility and doing tricks training. Enrichment activities can make both our lives more meaningful, not to mention helping keep Rocco from getting bored, antsy or even depressed. And it helps us humans too, in much the same way.

What's also interesting is that dogs need both social interaction AND time for solo play. And BOTH help enrich your dog's life and your relationship with them.

Leading a balanced life for health and well being

Here are some tips for both types of enrichment activities, inspired by the folks at PAW5.

Interactive enrichment

These are the activities that you and your dog do together the help build your bond and a healthy lifestyle. They also help to promote trust and good communication between you and your pup.

• Physical Fitness -- activities like running, walking, swimming and hiking
• Training -- basic training (like manners and obedience skills) and tricks training (our favorite!)
• Sports -- agility tops our list, and there are lots of other favorites like nose works, disc dogs and flyball
• Games -- we love problem solving games like find it or hide 'n seek

Solo play enrichment

Equally important is the time your dog spends alone entertaining themselves. Enrichment products can provide mental stimulation to aid in their overall well being. A few examples:

• Chews -- I couldn't live without chews. Rocco loves them, they keep him occupied and they're good for his teeth and gums
• Interactive feeders -- we just received the new Rock 'N Bowl puzzle feeder from PAW5 and Rocco LOVES it! Its design encourages thinking, problem solving and fun, and it's fun to watch, too. I'll share more about it next week and you can also learn more at the #PAW5Launch Twitter party. Hope you'll join us!

Rocco tries out the new Rock 'N Bowl, batting at it and tipping it until the food drops out!

Want to know more about the Rock 'N Bowl and enter for a chance to win one? Head over to our #PAW5Launch RSVP post now! 

What are your favorite enrichment activities to  do with your dogs?                                      Let us know in the comments below!

The fun and games continue every Friday with FitDog Friday, the weekly Blog Hop brought to you by To Dog With Love, SlimDoggy and My GBGV Life to promote a healthy active lifestyle for pets (and their people, too!). Join in every Friday by linking up your FitDog story or visiting the blogs in the hop.

Happy FitDog New Year!

We're in sunny Fort Lauderdale this week, enjoying some active time outdoors and the sounds and smells of the nearby surf!

It was a little windy on our walk today, as you can see from Rocco's flying furs, but that was a welcome respite from the 80+ temps here in south Florida.

We wish you a healthy, happy FitDog New Year and a terrific 2016! We'll be back next week with some of our fitness goals... we're still mulling them over this week!

What are your FitDog/fitness goals for 2016?

Let us know what they are in comments below!

The fun and games continue every Friday with FitDog Friday, the weekly Blog Hop brought to you by To Dog With Love, SlimDoggy and My GBGV Life to promote a healthy active lifestyle for pets (and their people, too!). Join in every Friday by linking up your FitDog story or visiting the blogs in the hop.

Wishing You a Merry FitDog Friday Christmas!

A stylized, superfied Rocco poses outside the Virginia Highlands firehouse

It's been raining like the dickens here in Atlanta this week so we haven't had much of a chance to get outside. Last weekend however, we took nice long urban walk to the Virginia Highlands shops near our house.

Rocco's loving the dog bed at J-Joy & Landi

All the shops are dog friendly so we stopped inside the new J-Joy & Landi store to check out the finery from Thailand in this shop. Rocco found a nifty dog bed!

In case you're wondering, since we've been stuck inside I've been playing with the SuperPhoto photo app. I'm using the "painting" filter in all these photos.

Further down the street, Rocco strikes a pose on the bench outside of La Tavola, a wonderful little Italian restaurant in the neighborhood.

And finally, we did some holiday shopping at the spice store.

Merry Christmas to all and we hope all your FitDog dreams come true!

The fun and games continue every Friday with FitDog Friday, the weekly Blog Hop brought to you by To Dog With Love, SlimDoggy and My GBGV Life to promote a healthy active lifestyle for pets (and their people, too!). Join in every Friday by linking up your FitDog story or visiting the blogs in the hop.

Reindog Parade and a walk at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Rocco takes in the Reindog Parade at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Last weekend we headed to the Reindog Parade at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. It's the one time a year dogs are allowed in the garden, and with all the pretty walking paths, it's an event we love attending each year.

This year we didn't compete in the parade but instead we watched from a prime viewing spot across the small pond from the main stage. Rocco rocks his holiday neckwear in the photo above!

Careful with those fingers so close to the yummy treats!

Before the parade, we visited the vendors. Rocco sniffed out the Lose a Finger treats right away. There's good reason they're called Lose a Finger! 

We saw lots of friends and their pups dressed in their holiday finery!

After the parade we took a long walk through the gardens.

You never know who'll you'll find on the bench next to you!

Rocco says, "can you tell which one is real?"

The garden also offers a wooded walking trail that weaves through the grounds. It was a beautiful day for parade and a walk!

For more fun photos from the parade, check out this story on wabe.org, Atlanta's NPR station.  Don't miss the second photo in the slide show!

Do you have a Reindog Parade in your town?

Let us know in the comments below!

The fun and games continue every Friday with FitDog Friday, the weekly Blog Hop brought to you by To Dog With Love, SlimDoggy and My GBGV Life to promote a healthy active lifestyle for pets (and their people, too!). Join in every Friday by linking up your FitDog story or visiting the blogs in the hop.

Walking With Dogs on The 606, Bloomingdale Trail

Rocco and his pals Taffy and Dolly take time to pose for pics and treats on the 606 Trail.

Last week when we were in Chicago, we met up with Dolly the Doxie, Sandra and Taffy for a brisk post-Thanksgiving walk on The 606 Bloomingdale Trail. After all the turkey and fixings we all were in need of some exercise!

The elevated 2.7-mile Bloomingdale trail is the centerpiece of The 606, a collection of parks and trails that connects six Chicago city neighborhoods. The trail was created out of the abandoned Bloomingdale train line that served a small manufacturing district across the city's Northwest side for nearly a century, ceasing activity in the mid-1990s.

The trail opened earlier this year, but this was our first time to visit it. We entered on the West trailhead and walked most of the trail, stopping just short of the end. 

Since it's an out and back trail, we covered about four miles.

There are several parks off to the side.

And lots of bridges.

There are plenty of great viewing areas of the city. If you look off into the distance you can see the Sears Tower, now called the Willis Tower.

There's some nice seating areas too! Our pal Anthony borrowed Taffy for the walk and they are taking in some of the urban sights here. I think Rocco was looking for treats.

Some interested graffiti also lines the trail. There also will be art installations, both permanent and temporary along the trail.

It was a chilly, windy day but we thoroughly enjoyed the walk! We can't wait to see what it looks like in the spring.

Did you get out for some post-Thanksgiving exercise?

Let us know in the comments below!

The fun and games continue every Friday with FitDog Friday, the weekly Blog Hop brought to you by To Dog With Love, SlimDoggy and My GBGV Life to promote a healthy active lifestyle for pets (and their people, too!). Join in every Friday by linking up your FitDog story or visiting the blogs in the hop.