Tag Archives: Golden Retriever

May 19, 2024 · 17:06

Urban Tracking Dog

The proud boy holding his leather for the photo op.

Bond did a thing today. He passed his CKC Urban Tracking test at 10 months old. It was cold and very windy, which made it extra challenging, but he just sailed through it. To say I was proud would be a huge understatement. My wild child just amazes me when I see what he can accomplish when he actually settles down for a few minutes and focuses his crazy energy. Big thank you to Central Alberta Tracking Society, our Judge Cindy Thomas, our “stinky” track layer Debbie Whitesell, test secretary Leanne Hurl and all the volunteers and people behind the scenes that make it possible for us to get out and play with our dogs. Thanks to the best doggie chauffeur Don Ho

Beaugolden’s Aston Martin Goldeneye NTD ITD ATD ETD NTD-M, SDI SDN SDO UTD SD-S-SP CW-SP CW-ScR1 LI-1 SD-1

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April 8, 2024 · 18:24

Mock UTD Test

Holding the glove

Yesterday we drove to Red Deer for Bond and I to do a mock UTD test to evaluate our skills. I was so proud of him. He started strong, taking in the odour of the unknown track layer and headed out nose down and on track. We made it to the first article, a block of wood, and then made a hard surface turn across the parking lot. He turned again and was pulled towards the building where the odour was pooling. We went by the final article that was about 20’ away on the grass. He ended up following the track layers walk out trail until in abruptly ended where she was picked up by a car. He then confidently worked his way back to the glove. I was overwhelmed with pride to see how hard he worked to solve the scent puzzle. For a 9 month old puppy he is always amazing me. He got to enjoy an ice cream cone with Brodie to celebrate his successful track. (Thanks to Donna Brinkworth for sharing these photos)

First article
Celebrating at the glove
Celebrating with ice cream

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February 10, 2024 · 12:15

He’s a Scent Detection Dog

So proud of my little man Bond. He attended his first official scent detection trial yesterday (3 rounds of CWAGS Ranger Level 1). He searched confidently and happily which is what is most important to me. He also did all of his searches off leash. In the first round he couldn’t help himself and ran over to visit with the judge but I was able to get him focused on searching again. 2nd round he started to go to visit the judge again but I was able to redirect him. The 3rd round he was all business. Couldn’t be happier with his nosework debut. They had a cute Valentine’s themed Photo Booth set up. Thank you to See Spot Run Doggy Daycare & Training Inc for hosting CWAGS trials, the judges and volunteers

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January 30, 2024 · 16:28

Unbelievable Winter Weather

January 30th and an amazing +8°C (it actually got to 10°). I think we have a little spring fever happening in our backyard.

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January 26, 2024 · 11:41

7 Months Old

I am 7 months old today and I am officially taller than my big brother. Survived my first polar vortex and was forced to quickly adapt to wearing booties and a jacket. My Mom has not been able to make any progress on improving my over greeting tendencies and jumping up on people. Sadly I am still experiencing some fall-out from my New Year’s Eve fireworks fright. I have some noise sensitivity now and anything that reminds me of that night gets me worried and anxious. I only gained 3 lbs this month but I grew 2 inches

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November 26, 2023 · 15:23

5 months and counting

I have officially made it to 5 months old and I’m still alive. My Mom says it’s only because I am so darn cute that she couldn’t kill me even if she really, really wants to. I am hearing less baby land shark (unless I am taking a treat then it is full on shark 😉) and a whole lot more “devil child”. I’ve learned that I can stand up on my hind legs like a grizzly and jump up on people. It’s really fun but I can tell Mom is not impressed. I attended my first CWAGS scent trial and found both hides but they were FEO runs because I am too young to officially trial. I am really rocking urban tracking. Unfortunately winter is going to put it on hold for several months. I grew almost 3 inches this month and I am almost as big as Brodie now. Just a couple more and look out big brother!

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October 26, 2023 · 15:36

4 Months Old

I am 4 months old today and boy have I learned a lot in the last month. I have full run of the house now. Mom says that is the earliest any puppy has had that privilege. I’ve learned that having the mentals/zoomies in bed at night while the hoomans are watching TV means that I get put in my kennel for the night. Now I am as sweet as pie so that they forget I’m there and I get to spend the whole night on my king size bed taking up as much room as possible. I’m learning tracking, nose-work and the foundations of competition obedience. My brother and I really get along well and even my big sister is allowing me to snuggle close to her in bed overnight. I still hear the words devil child and baby land shark an awful lot but I think it just means that they really love me ❤️

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September 26, 2023 · 14:23

3 Months and Counting

I am 3 months old today and I am ready to rumble. Mom was shocked to learn that I was 25lbs and almost 16″ tall. Got my second set of shots last Wednesday so look out world I’m coming for you. Got to experience a little of the performance dog trial world this past weekend. Spirit did CWAGS Friday night and Brodie did SDDA nose work all weekend. I got to hang out in the car and meet lots of people. Remember, if any of my Mom’s dog peeps has a fully vaccinated, puppy savvy adult dog that I could be introduced to, bring’em on. I’m ready to start socializing 😉.

I love my big brother

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September 18, 2023 · 16:14

12 Weeks Old

I am 12 weeks old today and pretty amazing if I do say so myself. I thought my Mom had it too easy living with me so I figured I would inject a little spice into her life and start projectile vomiting and diarrhea. As a young, not fully vaccinated puppy she worried that I had the potentially fatal disease Parvo. I never saw her move so fast as she rushed me to the Vet. Surprise no parvo I just ate some green tomatoes which, who knew, are toxic to dogs. I’m fine now but my Mom aged 30 years.


At 8 weeks I was a retrieving machine but at 12 weeks I’m a “ it’s mine and I’m out of here”. I did manage to earn my second trick dog title in my spare time. I’ve started Perfect Puppy Classes where I get to check out new and exciting things and learn to listen to my Mom with other people and puppies in the room. Frankly I would much rather get loving from the people and play with the puppies but they won’t let me.

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August 31, 2023 · 16:01

Bitey-Face

I’m so happy that Brodie has started appreciating having a wild and crazy little brother. They are playing together more and more. This is their first sustained session of bitey-face.

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August 30, 2023 · 08:38

Spirit is coming around

Spirit has not been overjoyed that we added a new 4-legged member to our family. She has been doing everything to avoid Bond and gives him a snarly face if he insists on entering her personal bubble. We have been giving her amazing treats whenever he comes near her which has helped tremendously as long as he doesn’t touch her. I have been taking them for short walks together and I think we have made a breakthrough. After today’s walk she even let him lie down beside her. 🤞🤞🤞

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August 29, 2023 · 13:23

Land Shark

I’ve lost track of how many puppies we have raised between our own dogs and fosters. I have to say that I have never had a puppy quite like Bond. It’s a good thing that he is so darn cute because he is the worst land shark 🦈 we’ve ever had. In the blink of an eye he will go from sweetly snuggling with you and then just whip around and bite your face really hard.

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August 28, 2023 · 11:05

9 weeks Old

It’s official. I am 9 weeks old today. Mom says I’m stinkin’ cute but a devil child. Last Tuesday I could sleep under the chairs in the family room, today only my head fits under there. I’m growing up fast, way too fast if you ask my Mom.

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August 28, 2023 · 07:12

Bond – Your Chariot Awaits

I didn’t know how I was going to be able to give Spirit and Brodie their long walks each morning with a new puppy who can’t walk fast or far. And then it came to me…..a chariot. Both Brodie and Bond have really adjusted quickly to using the chariot. They did over 20km with it this weekend. Bond did a lot of sightseeing, stops for stretching his legs and quite a few naps. He quickly learned that when he had enough investigating/walking he could just hop up inside and chill out.

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August 22, 2023 · 09:55

New family member

It has been a long year of 2 failed breedings, a cancelled planned breeding and a very disappointing breeding but all that is behind us now. We have found the perfect breeder for us and we have our little boy. We are so grateful to Eve O’Keefe and Shannon Flynn (Brodie’s breeder) for recommending Pauline Buchanan of Beaugoldens

Pauline chose cars as the theme for this litter. I would like to introduce you to Beaugolden’s Aston Martin Goldeneye call name “Bond”. Although his name is obviously a reference to James Bond but for me, it is more about the connection/bond that we will have together.

In our first 24 hours, I have learned that he is bold, fearless, and very confident. We can’t take our eye’s off of him for a millisecond or he will be climbing, scaling or investigating something. He is not your typical puppy piggy inhaling his food. He actually chews each piece. He slept through the night without a peep but if he is awake, he doesn’t want to be any more than a metre away or he will start vocalizing. He is definitely not a fan of kennels or X-pens and he lets you know, loud and clear, he is not a happy camper. He has already learned where he is supposed to go potty and has discovered the bell on the back door that hopefully he will soon start ringing when he wants to go outside. He has an amazing natural retrieve and carry and he happy follows me wherever I go. I am so looking forward to all the adventures ahead of us ❤️❤️❤️

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July 5, 2023 · 15:28

Fit as a Fiddle

Annual Vet exam today. Both got a clean bill of health. Titres showed immunity is excellent so no unnecessary vaccines were required. Spirit was especially thrilled to hear that she should put on a few pounds. She ate enough dehydrated liver during her appointment to help her start the process. When she got home she inhaled a huge frozen turkey neck for an afternoon snack. She is really going to enjoy getting all these extra calories. She now loves her Vet 😉😂

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April 22, 2023 · 12:11

New Title for Brodie

This handsome super sniffer just got his CWAGS CW-SSSA Scent Super Sleuth Ace ribbon. Big thanks to Anneli Hilton (you have the most beautiful ribbons) See Spot Run Doggy Daycare & Training Inc and all the amazing Judges (Deb Proc Robbi Bitner Mark Eckley Christina) and volunteers. Not to be outshone by her brother, Spirit the photo bomber earned two Level 4 Q’s tonight.

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March 9, 2023 · 16:28

Lamb-chop Love

I could watch him play all day long. He knows when he starts rolling around upside down it will entice me to engage with him.

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December 21, 2022 · 11:49

Tribute to Mom

Yesterday we got the very sad news that Brodie’s Mom Ceilidh crossed the rainbow bridge unexpectedly and much too young. Our hearts go out to our breeder Shannon. We also received a bunch of CKC mail for Brodie which is a fitting tribute to his wonderful Mom.

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December 1, 2022 · 12:29

Xmas Countdown Has Begun

Day 1

They have been staring at this box for more than a month now. The time has finally come to open Day 1 of their Doggy Advent Calendar. Looks like freeze dried lung and it was a big hit.

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October 4, 2022 · 16:51

Rally-O here we come again

It has been over 4 years since the last time the dogs and I participated in Rally Obedience. In fact, Brodie was 18 months old when we last trialed. This past weekend we took a big leap of faith and participated in the Lloydminster Kennel Club’s fall trial. Brodie’s very first Rally trial was in Lloydminster when he was only 7 months old.

My goal for this weekend was to have each dog earn their Advanced title. I am thrilled to say that not only did they meet my goal they exceeded it. Brodie Q’d in 3 of 4 runs, earning his Rally Advanced title and 2 Q’s towards his Rally Excellent. He also had a perfect score of 100 on his first run and a high in class (HIC). His NQ was completely my fault, I had a total brain fart melt down and failed him miserably.

Spirt was the big star this weekend. She Q’d in all 4 runs, earned her Rally Advanced title, 2 Excellent Q’s and 3 HIC. We went home with $80 in prize money for the 4 HIC.

There were a group of Berner breeders sitting together near the Rally ring. When Spirit was strutting her stuff around the Rally ring one of the breeders asked “Any one know who’s dog that is? She is a wonderful performance dog”. It just so happens that Spirit’s breeder, Tailspin Bernese Mountain Dogs, was in the group and she took great pleasure in saying “Why yes I do know who that is, she is one of my dogs”. A proud breeder moment brought to you by my big, shiny, black and beautiful girl.

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September 29, 2022 · 12:50

Fall in Edmonton

Took the dogs for a much deserved off-leash run this morning. Although Edmonton’s fall colour consists primarily of shades of gold, there are a few trees and shrubs that turn a magnificent red or orange. Stopped for a photo shoot to capture the brilliance.

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September 4, 2022 · 16:56

Lucky Elite #7

Once Brodie earned his SDDA (Sporting Detection Dogs Association) Elite Championship and Grand Master Championship I hadn’t planned to trial him anymore. Well plans change. Since Spirit was still working towards completing her SD-MACH2 and we were still attending trials, I decided to let him continue to play since he loves it so much. Much to my surprise he earned his 6th title in July and today his 7th. That’s his 4th Elite title this year compared the very long drought (2.5 years) between #3 and #4. He really loves this game.

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May 24, 2022 · 08:48

Disc Dog

This weekend we attended an UpDog seminar to learn how to play 2 games: Throw ‘N Go and 4 Way Play. My throwing skills are slowly improving. I’m lucky that I have a smart fast dog who can make up for my inaccuracy. Brodie had an amazing catch in 4 way play. We had a few seconds left when he caught a frisbee in the 3 point zone. I quickly threw one into the 2 zone and he ran there still with the frisbee in his mouth. My soft mouth boy managed to catch a second frisbee in his mouth, without dropping either, just as the time ran out. Unfortunately one of the instructors stepped in front of Don while he was filming so you can’t see the amazing catch but you can hear everyone cheering. We did get a video of a successful catch in throw ‘n go.

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May 24, 2022 · 08:38

New Favourite Toy

Auntie Dawn gave Brodie a new spiky squeaky ball. To say he loves it would be an understatement. He plays with it by himself and he will come and find me to ask me to engage with him and his new ball

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April 10, 2022 · 18:29

Rat!!!

We spent this weekend at Prairie Dog Sports’ Barn Hunt trial. Although we’ve done some local barn dog trials, we haven’t been to a Barn Hunt trial since before COVID. Our weekend didn’t start out great but it ended with a bang. Although he Q’d in every Crazy 8 run we NQ’d in 3/5 Open runs. Sunday morning things started to click. We got our final Open qualifier to earn our RATO title. Brodie finished 1st in the large dog category and 1st in class. For our last run of the day we moved up to Senior. He was awesome and got 1st in the large dog category and 1st in class again. I am over the moon proud of how he managed to control his over excitement and hunt so well. We came home with a mitt full of ribbons and swag.

Big thanks to everyone at Prairie Dog Sports, Judge Christina Benishin, all the amazing hard working volunteers and my fellow barn hunt enthusiasts who support one another and find joy in each other’s success and share in our ‘oh so close’ moments.

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March 6, 2022 · 17:55

Elite #4

It has been a very long drought for us but I am so thrilled that we earned our 4th SDDA Elite title today. Even better than that, my normally “chicken sh!t” dog amazed me by not only jumping on a table but he climbed up on a tractor and even on an open grate spiky metal platform. I couldn’t be more proud of him. Big thanks to Kristina of Little Nose That Knows, our Judge Kelly Ladouceur, the volunteers and my fellow competitors for cheering us on.

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October 7, 2021 · 18:44

First Puppacinno

I think they like it. LOL

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July 8, 2021 · 15:17

Tracking Fun

Took the dogs out early this morning for some tracking. Brodie did a 300 metre field track. The crop was taller than him and filled with dew and seed heads. The yellow seeds turned Brodie into a “ golden” Golden Retriever instead of a cream coloured one. Both he and I have thousands of little seeds in every crack and crevice of our bodies and my clothes. My pants were so wet from the heavy dew that they were weighted down and moving towards my ankles as I ran through the field trying to keep up with Brodie 😂😆

Yellow seeds cover his head and chest
Indicating his final article
Seed encrusted boots

Thank goodness we have a high powered dog blow dryer to get these seeds off.

Spirit ran a 700 metre urban track that was aged for 75 minutes. Unfortunately for the second time this week, just before we started to run the track, huge industrial lawn mowers went right over our track and articles. After a few expletives, I decided we would try and run the track anyway. She struggled for the first 200 metres weaving widely back and forth but eventually we made it to an area that hadn’t been mowed and she got back on track. So proud of her for handling this very tough puzzle and making it to end successfully.

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June 17, 2021 · 12:01

Real Bikejoring

He is actually out front!

We had some fun this morning at Chickakoo. First time Brodie and I have tried bikejoring in the woods instead of on sidewalks in our neighborhood. I am struggling to get him to run in front, he always wants to be in heel position. Brodie did almost 4km and then Don Ho and I went and biked another very hilly 5km. Can’t wait to go again. Thank you Angela Stuber for you excellent guidance and the photos. It really helped having you and your dog in front for motivation.

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