Dogs A' Flying

Dani’s Story

Dani, MACH Flashfire's Diamond Dancer XF CD RA EAC EJC WV-E NCC TN-E TG-O CGC was born on April 16, 2004. She was the third of 8 puppies born to I.C., CH Snowflower Winter Rushette AX AXJ, owned by Mike and Lisa Kretner in Sacramento, California. The sire, Raider, CH Snowflower Desert Raider AX OAJ, is owned by Dave Musikoff. I was looking for another performance dog like Katie, and I.C. was that kind of dog. Dani was a leader in her pack as a pup. She was one of the first to try everything and she especially loved the baby teeter Lisa and Mike had for them. She would bang it back and forth for the sport of it.

She had a very strong bond with Lisa and Mike but didn’t care so much for the visitors that came around. But when I drove down to pick her up, she came to me and greeted me. She trotted off but then came right back and sat down next to me, and stayed. Lisa was most impressed as she never acted that way with others. And so it was that Dani was about to enhance my enjoyment of dogs and my knowledge of dog training.

All dogs have special gifts and special issues. Dani loves doing anything with me. She loves tracking, obedience, freestyle, herding, and of course agility. I had been spoiled by Katie who aggressed the course as long as I pointed the way. But Dani thought it was more of a team sport. So I have learned how much fun it is to aggress the course together with her.

Dani started her agility career just one month short of 2 years in March 2006. By September, she completed her AKC Excellent Agility title and was beginning to earn MACH points. She completed her Excellent Agility Jumpers title in March 2007 and has begun earning Double Q’s. She also earned her Canine Good Citizen Certificate in September 2007. By May 2008, Dani completed her Masters Agility and Masters Agility Jumpers titles. By December 2008, Dani had accumulated 894 MACH points and 6 Double Q's toward her MACH title. She was also ranked #12 Belgian Tervuren in AKC agility in 2008. In 2009, Dani qualified for AKC Nationals.

My goal for 2009 was to complete her MACH title but it didn't happen because my real job was taking up so much of my energy. She did get to try her hand at herding which she loved (but the sheep didn't enjoy her charging style). Dani also helps me teach my reactive dog/focus class although Rosie is the best helper dog I have. Dani has also had the opportunity to earn her Rally-O Novice title at the Idaho Capital City Kennel Club Dog Show in Oct, 2009. It was fun so we will be working on the advanced rally titles.

One of the highlights of 2009 was presenting to teachers about how positive reinforcement and other techniques used to help reactive dogs deal with their environments could also be helpful with troubled children. Dani and I helped Dr Meredith St Clair with these presentations. Dani also was able to do a canine freestyle routine to Pretty Woman as part of this effort.

2010 brought us the elusive MACH title on July 25 on our home turf in Boise! The courses were challenging and Dani was the only qualifier in her jump height on the jumpers course thanks to a great tunnel call-off and a smooth run. Our standard run was smooth as well. It was our day. Dani has earned almost 1800 speed points while earning those 20 double Q's.

Dani and I worked on her obedience skills and we competed at the Treasure Valley Dog Shows in October 2010 in Rally Advanced and Novice Obedience. Dani earned both titles with a 3rd and 4th in the Novice B Obedience ring, and three 2nds in Rally Advanced. On to the next level!

Dani earned her MACH (Master Agility Championship) on July 25, 2010 in Boise at the Idaho Capital City Kennel Club Agility Trial! What a fun day!

To watch our runs go to:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmxl7oFyPss

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBEs0OGZsJM&feature=related

Please scroll down for some pictures.