I almost didn’t take Sadie to the Treibball Winter Games. She’s too fearful of novel experiences. She’ll hate it.
But, then I did bearing in mind the caveat that Sadie’s the decider. If she tells me she wants to join in, great. If not, that’s gotta be fine too. Thinking I’d have to leave her in the car, I brought along a Kong full of frozen doggie duck pate to pacify her while I took a gander at the games.
No need.
Sadie peeked into and then retreated three times from the horse barn, a lovely large space where the games were held about 25 miles south of Boulder. There were lots of people and dogs milling around inside not to mention the smell of horses, a totally new aromatic experience for Sadie. In between glimpses she sniffed about outside and pounced on snow balls. On the fourth try, Sadie changed her mind. She gingerly walked into the horse barn. Yes!
Hilary Lane (Fang Shui Canines), one of the trainers, commented that Sadie was taking treats hard. Indeed, she was. It’s a reliable sign that she was a little amped up. When Sadie’s calm she has a very soft mouth.
Why didn’t I think to wrap Sadie in her Thundershirt before we went in?
So, we went back to the car for a wardrobe adjustment. Snug in her Thundershirt, Sadie was more at ease. She started playing touch with dangling hands and even welcomed pats to her chest.
We visited with Roxanne Hawn (Champion of My Heart) who was there, as was Clementine and Aly. You might remember Clementine, the Australian Cattle Dog. She’ll be performing in Don’t Kill Bill with Klya Duffy who was also at the games with Bill. (You can read about them here.) By the time we had to leave Sadie was buddies with the lead trainer and the man sitting next to us. Awesome.
Let’s not push our luck, I thought, after we were all seated in semi-circle with our dogs next to us. We’ll just watch. We don’t have to participate.
But, then we did.
Sadie wasn’t exactly relaxed, but she was calmer and certainly willing and able to engage with me without being concerned about the barking Corgi, or distracted by handlers hooting and hollering to their dogs to roll out the carpet.
That’s right. Roll out the carpet.
Soon after we returned home, I was delighted to find that Hilary had tagged Sadie and me in a video posted on Facebook. Click here to see Ms. Sadie all decked out in her Thundershirt unrolling her carpet, eating goodies every nose bonk of the way. She wasn’t fast enough to win a prize, but she had great form, if I do say so myself.
Sadie did tie for first place, though, in the “bonk the light and turn it on” competition! She’s a pretty good at bonking things with her nose. Unfortunately I don’t have a video or picture of that stellar performance.
Also unfortunate, we had to leave early, before the dogs actually herded large exercise balls which is what Treibball is all about. I don’t have video of today’s ball herding, but here’s a great example of Treibball in action. Is it any wonder Border Collies excel at the sport? Oh, did I tell you? Treibball originated in Germany. Treibball means “to drive the ball.” Take a look.
I thought Sadie handled the even really well. She was so enthusiastic about the games, once she settled in. I’m very GLAD I did not bring Lilly. It would have been too much for her.
Thanks Roxanne. I was blown away by Ms. Sadie. Also, I just noticed the link to your web page in the post isn’t live. Gonna fix that right now.
So glad I stopped over here after getting frustrated by WordPress locking up on my computer. I’d never heard of Treibball before and it looks like a lot of fun.
More importantly, it sounds like Sadie got everything she needed to be comfortable in such a stimulating setting. You two made a great team. And I know you must be really proud of her.
BTW, love the picture in your header.
Thanks, Pamela. I am VERY proud of my girl. And, thank you also for your feedback on the header picture. I wasn’t sure about it. BTW I tried switching to the new version of Misty Look. I can’t decide. Some bugs to iron out. I know what you mean about WP. Sometimes it is very funky.
Awesome. Guess you found something she really wants to do. Wonderful to see them coming out of their comfort zone and “forget” their fears.
We’ll see if Sadie really want to play Treibball. We’re going to start an 8 week class on Sunday. I hope her interest holds. If not, well, then, not. Like you said, it’s a wonderful to see our otherwise fearful dogs have moments of joy and “forgetfulness.”
Hi Deborah–just got to reading this fantastic post about Sadie’s experience! I’m so glad you brought her, and THRILLED that she started feeling more comfortable, especially with that fashionable Thundershirt. I can’t wait to see you both in class next Sunday. BTW, Mary took some vids of Sadie and her light bonking, so I’ll see if we can get video that to you. Thanks for posting!
Thanks so much! I’m looking forward to Sunday too! I have to tell you, I felt SO good about the positive training environment. I felt very safe and I hope that the total lack of coercion penetrated Sadie’s consciousness at some level as well. I’d LOVE to see the video of Sadie bonking the light 🙂
[…] This post was mentioned on Twitter by karen friesecke and Hilary Lane, Push Ups n Paws. Push Ups n Paws said: Thanks, Deborah Flick, for writing this great post about Sadie's experience at our Winter Games! We're thrilled… http://fb.me/PSnlDxMz […]
I’ve heard of Treibball only recently and it looks like a lot of fun. I don’t know if there are any groups around here. But what a great activity for dogs to participate in. I am sure it helps build confidence.
The atmoshphere in that barn was so amazing. So many “yays” and wagging tails! That’s one of the things I love the most about dog sports. Sadie looked very intense on getting her job done. Congratulations on a great day!
Thanks, Kristine. Yes, the atmosphere was very positive. I think the feeling of safety that permeated the setting helped the dogs (and people) build confidence. Sadie was hesitant at first, but she was feeling her oats, ah kibble, by the time we had to leave—early, unfortunately.
Big congrats to you and Sadie!
Aw…thanks 🙂
Deborah, this is such a heartening post, so glad that you decided to go and trusted your girl to make her choices. What a wonderful day you both had! I’d love to watch you guys in action! 🙂
Thanks so much. We’re going to take the next 8 week class starting Sunday. As long as it’s fun for Sadie we’ll keep at it. Hopefully we’ll have videos!
[…] Sadie (from Boulder Dog) was a total star at this game. Check out this video of Sadie rolling, rolling, rolling. […]
Wonderful!! I’m so happy for Sadie and you. Treibball looks like so much fun – I’d love to try it with Buster. I’m also thinking the Thundershirt might be good for him. That little bit of extra security could be just what he needs.
So sorry it’s taken me so long to post your comment and reply 🙁
I have to say I’ve been impressed with the Thundershirt. It does seem to take the edge off for Sadie. Although, I just read an article in the WSJ in which Temple Grandin is quoted. She said that anxiety wraps like the Thundershirt probably lose their effectiveness after awhile because, I’m assuming, the dog acclimates to it. She suggested removing the TS after a little while and then putting it back on the dog.