OUR FAMILY

I dabbled in the conformation ring but didn’t enjoy it or get a buzz out of it. Instead I choose to train and trial my dogs in competitive obedience trials and haven’t looked back.

As you probably know, the Border Collie is a breed of herding dog that originated in the border country of England and Scotland. Many people regard them to be the most hard-working and intelligent of dog breeds. Working dogs in general are highly energetic, and so have a tendency towards neurotic or destructive behaviours if not given enough to do. The Border Collie is not a dog for everyone. If new owners are not able to provide on a daily basis, both mental and physical activities, the Border Collies natural herding instincts can kick in and cause a lot of problems. They will herd family members, chase cats, cars and the postman! Even birds and helicopters have been worth the chase! Border Collies are driven by a thirst to work and please and a bored, lonely Border Collie left to his own devices usually causes a lot of heartache, not just for him but his family too.

A lot of Border Collies, originally bought because of their appealing good looks and high intelligence end up in shelters or rescue homes because their families can’t provide the required attention needed to stimulate and exercise both their mind and body!

Nowadays there are a lot of dog sports available such as competition obedience, agility, tracking, sheep herding, dog dancing and fly-ball, ( to name but a few). Not only do these activities help amuse, stimulate and socialize your dog, which also keeps their minds alert and bodies lithe but you gain special friendships with like minded people. The time spent with your Border Collie builds a rapport and bond that is so unique and you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner!

By now you have probably come to the conclusion that I am passionate about Border Collies so I think it is time for me to introduce to you my Border Collie family!

My boy 'Deejay'- Kirbyholme Deja Vu UD PT

Affectionate, loyal and has personality to burn. He has a huge heart and gives 100 pc of himself no matter what. Nearly four years ago he was attacked by a rather large black dog while we were training for Utility. He was bowled over, not physically hurt but his confidence was completely shattered .‘Deejay’ has a soft nature and is definitely a lover not a fighter!

Utility obedience requires a lot from both dog and handler but in ‘Deejays’ case, (one of the required exercises a 10 minute down stay with handler out of sight) was just unthinkable! Being left alone in a down for ten minutes with me out of sight was just too much to bare. So, even though he knew what I was asking from him, he just couldn’t do it! We could have gained our UD title many times over if the stay exercise had been dropped!! In those days the stay was for ten minutes nowadays it has been revised and dogs only have to stay for seven minutes. Still along time if a dog is unsure of the situation but many do it quite happily. To help ‘Deejay’ regain his confidence I decided to take him out of obedience and try sheep herding. Well, did he enjoy that! At first being an obedience dog he kept looking to me for direction but very soon he realized that his natural instincts were much safer to rely on than mine, ha, ha, and he breezed through his, HIT, HT and PT sheep trials! I was, and still am, so proud of him and what he achieved in less than a year! We never gave up on his obedience career though, as I believed he had the potential, once it all came together, to be a top Utility dog,

Patience, practice, perseverance and more patience coupled with positive rewards and plenty of fun and games have, I’m so very pleased to say, paid off and on Saturday 27th October at Ipswich Dog Obedience Club Trial under the critical but constructive eye of judge, Mr. John Baumann, ‘Deejay’ gained his first UD leg with 1st place 180/200.

The following week at Pine Rivers, Judge Vivian Mannion awarded “Deejay” 1st place 189/200, our 2nd leg towards our title! The last trial of 2007, Sunshine Coast, with judge Sonia Heaney was nerve wracking to say to least. Unfortunately 'Deejay' could sense my nerves and our heeling pattern was not the neatest but he knew what was required and did his best for me. It felt like the longest ring run out ever but 2007 ended with 'Deejay' gaining a pass with 177/200 and his UD Title!

2008 will see him gain his obedience championship title!

All good things are worth waiting for and you must always believe in yourself and never give up your dog! He will always be your best friend.

My girl, 'Deejays' sweetheart,‘Eski’ - Kirbyholme Ice Surprise

“Eski” has a heart of gold, is loving, kind, very generous with her kisses and is the best doggy Grandma ever! Not only does she posses the sweetest nature but welcomes everyone with tail ways and licks. Our “puppies” have a terrific role model who is gentle and biddable. She happily guides them and shares her knowledge freely. She has filled our hearts with joy and we love her to bits.

Their son, our next generation, ‘Koda’ - Kirbyholme Debonaire CD HIT

“Koda” is the new boy on the block. He is following in his Dads paw print and has taken to doing obedience like a duck to water! He was born to please, has great focus and attention and thrives on ‘giving’ everything all of the time. He’s only three but has a wise head on his shoulders and is a thinking dog! Nothing is done by halves, its all or nothing. He certainly keeps me on my toes! He too is easy going, very casual but has energy to burn. “Koda” has attitude coupled with personality and is a pleasure to have by my side. He too will climb the obedience ladder to the top! Keep watching this stunning boy!

Their daughter, ‘Bronte’- Kirbyholme Sweet Dreams

“Bronte” is simply a doll. She is typically petite, very delicate and has a caring, soft disposition. She is adorable and loves attention. She too is trained in basic obedience but finds over powering and robust dogs just too much to handle. She is a stay at home girl who prefers the familiar and makes a wonderful house dog.

Her daughter ‘Bayli’ - Kirbyholme Sweet Delight - Sire: Gr Ch Showioz Makin Waves

Here we have the makings of a super little dog. “Bayli’ has ability, attention, attitude and intelligence. She can be assertive and slightly over zealous but has energy and pizzazz that guarantees a smile. She is passionate about palm fronds and garden worms and I’m working on her focus on me, ha ha. Once she settles and gains some stability she will be a little dog that will work her butt off just to please.
"Bayli' is expecting her first litter, early September, and she is going to be a terrific new Mam!

Introducing ‘Diva’ - Jessomine Blaizn Amaizn