Sophie Retrieving

Today was an awesome day. I was able to get some field training in with Sophie. I had a wonderful time out in the fresh air and sunshine and it is such a high to see the dogs doing what they were originally bred to do!

I am so thankful to all of the people who have worked to keep the Barbet in existance and to those who brought this breed to Canada. Because of their efforts I am able to enjoy working and living with the Barbet today. I am also thankful to my friends who made our training day so much fun. Love you guys! Here is some video that my friend Shannon took of Sophie doing a few singles on land. At the end she did a simple hand thrown double which went very well.

Walk to School Wednesday

Yesterday I mentioned that the kids try to walk to school on Wednesdays regardless of the weather, well it sure was wet today!  Although, I think my children enjoy the rain more than the sunshine as it gives a great excuse for using rain boots and umbrellas!  The Barbets went along for the walk today and the rain certainly didn't bother these French Water Dogs.  Their paws got pretty wet from the puddles and the wet grass but their woolly coats kept their skin nice and dry.  Now they are both curled up and having a nap and I'm waiting for the rain to stop so I can get back to my gardening!

Walking to School...

Every Wednesday the kid's school has a healthy initiative to encourage the kids to get more physical activity.  They call it Walk to School Wednesday.  So come rain or shine we always try to walk on Wednesdays so the kids can hold up their hands in class and be counted as one of the walkers. The thing is we only live about a km from the school so pretty much everyday is a walk to school day for us.  Which is great.  We all get a little fresh air and I think it's easier for the kids to sit still and learn if they've had a chance to burn off a bit of energy first.  Walking 3 dogs at a time is a bit much, especially when the kids often want to hold my hand too LOL. So, we usually take turns bringing different dogs.  Today was Quincy's day.   Now I get to go for walk number two and get the Barbets out for their exercise.  Having dogs sure keeps you fit.  Who needs a gym membership when you've got sporting dogs?

Are Barbets Bird Dogs? Yes They Are!!!

I was supposed to be washing my floors this morning but procrastinated instead and went outside to play with the dogs!   Here are a couple of photos I took of Coco with a pigeon.  Barbets originated in France and were often used as hunting and retrieving companions.  Some are still used in this capacity today. 

Good Girl Coco!  Gooood Hooooold!

Here!