Hooray!!

Today Bigi got his first pass in jumping 3 (highest class here in Finland). I'm very proud of my boy - you've come a long way baby!

Bigi's agility ranking 04.2012

684 out of 1018 mini teams (last month 768)

April competition report

We trekked to 3 competitions this month (10 starts). I am happy to report a HUGE improvement in speed, which at first took some getting used to :). We completed some courses which I thought were very interesting and challenging, and as a team we are clearly moving forward. What we really need right now is sequence practice, but the weather is against us there. The only chance we get to run at the moment is at competitions.

Runs with results (time faults only :) :)):
1.4.2012 agility, +0.11 (unkind electronic timer! and a new Bigi-speed record of 3.57 m/s; 10th)
7.4.2012 jumping, +1.88 (18th)
14.4.2012 agility, +4.60 (8th; a very over-tired dog, speed 3.29 m/s). I was especially pleased with this one as it was a super-difficult course!, although 3 starts in a cold place after a 5 hour drive is clearly too much

Here's a picture (by Ari Korteniemi). I believe it shows Bigi eagerly on his way to an off-course tunnel - his in thing at the moment :) I am happy that he eagerly goes anywhere :)

Agility Sports Bulletin - Feb 2012

You can learn many things from agility - that's what makes it so interesting! For example, you should do your best to remove bad photos of you from general circulation, or the hands of any publishers. Pekka found this in the February addition of Agility Sports Bulletin (nice to get a mention, but that picture - scary scary)

Bigi finds TOP GEAR

Yesterday we had 3 agility starts in Oulu. I have to report that it was very shocking! Bigi was so FAST that I was completely shocked and unprepared :). Seems now I have me a new challenge. Happy days :)

We also had a most fine weekend with Tarja - many thanks for the videos and company! Meanwhile more portraiture was happing, with Miss Sen siting for Tuuli:

Schipperke of the Year Comps - Bigi's Results

Schipperke Club of Finland Schipperke of the Year competitions:
3rd, Agility Schipperke of 2011
2nd, New Agility Schipperke  of 2011
4th, Show Schipperke of 2011

Humble beginnings: Part 2

Bigi's agility ranking 03.2012:

768 out of 990 mini agility teams :)
19 out of 31 mini Schipperke agility teams :)

The only way is up, baby! (at least we hope....:)

More Finnish agility stats for your pleasure:
number of mediun teams: 755
number of large teams: 1193
number of starts and most common breeds in 2011:
small = 19,036 (16% Border Terrier + 16% Sheltie)
medium = 15,042 (21% Sheltie)
large = 24,187 (33.6% BC)