Dog Dancing Workshop for DOGS NSW
15/2 - 17/2 - 2008
Loretta from the dog club picked me up on the 15th at about noon and we went to her place, where I was staying for the weekend. I love the way dog people can meet for the first time and chat as if they have always known each other.
We spent the afternoon talking about dog dancing and watching DVDs of English, Danish and Australian dog dancing.
It was great to meet Loretta's 3 dogs - GOSH! I missed being around dogs :)
I had a good rest and then we went out for tea with Loretta's husband Glen, Joan who was the one that originally contacted me about the workshop and Noella who I would meet again the next day at the workshop.
Loretta and Glen were perfect hosts! They made me feel very welcome and at home. They even provided me with my own computer in my room... Lots of e-mails to send and blogging to do :D.
Another early morning! 16th - first day of Workshop. I was a bit nervous... I like teaching, but this was a classroom full of experienced dog trainers and I had to teach in English, which is not my first language!
The hall where the workshop was held.
I think it went well though. I know I enjoyed it. Lots of good discussions and lots of talented dogs and handlers. I think Australian dog dancing has a bright future.
The workshop was from 9 to 4:30, where we went out for tea at The Blue Cattle Dog. What a great name for a pub! :D
Vicky, one of the handlers from the workshop, joined Glen, Joan, Loretta I and she was good fun. Lots of entertaning stories about her life as country singer and dog trainer. Time went fast and I was soon back in my room at Loretta's. Very tired!
Day 2 of workshop - 17th - another good day. There were a few new handlers, but most were the same as at day 1. We worked to the music "Fly Me To The Moon" and I think everybody got an idea of how much work there has to go in to the choreography of a good routine.
The first Australian 'violin' :D
Loretta and Chloe
It's a small world!!!! One of the Border Collies at the workshop was a granddaughter to my friend Johanna's Danish owned / Finnish bred bitch Whizz! Isn't that amazing?! I traveled around the world and found a granddaugher to a Danish Border Collie!
Joan and Nahroh Classic Finish 'Muffin'
Sire: Pikkupaimenen Purple Rain who is out of Pikkupaimenen Chocolate Shake 'Whizz'
P. Purple Rain's sister is in Denmark too: Pikkupaimenen Peach Delight 'Meghann' owned by Marianne Blom Larsen.
DOGS NSW owns a great venue not far from Sydney. They have indoor training halls, permanent outdoor showrings, agilityrings and obediencerings. They even have their own sheep for herding trials!!!! Any European Kennel Club would be jealous!
The showrings
I had a great weekend in Sydney, thanks to all these dogs and handlers
:)
Glen took me to the airport and I was soon on my way back to Brisbane.