The Underground

(Cottonwood, AZ) Mike took the three big dogs for a hike this morning. They went up into National Forest land and without me along they could do a strenuous hike at a very good clip. By the time they got back, we had three very tired puppies – which was good as we were going to leave them for the afternoon.

We then set out for what we thought was a 45 minute drive. Turns out it was an hour and 45 minute trip so we were quite late. We had looked at the map and the two cities looked so close together. Turns out the road doesn’t go straight – it goes way around a mountain. Good thing for cell phones so we could call ahead and let them know we were really coming.

When we arrived at a house in Chino Valley, it was like entering Border Terrier City. This lady has 20 border terriers! Our friend, Billie, was also there with her two and of course we had Boogie along.

We were there for Earthdog practice. This lady has underground tunnels just like are used in competition. Here you can see them as we are starting to cover the tunnels with dirt so it will nice and dark inside.



Last time Boogie did underground tunnels he never made it fast the first turn – he just hit his head on the wall and then got mad and barked at the wall before turning around and coming out.

His first turn today he ran over ground. I had to call him back (which would make us fail in competition) but then he entered the tunnel nicely but carefully. He negotiated the tunnel perfectly! But he just stared at the rats. Darn. After about 15 seconds, his turn was over.

A number of other dogs then took turns having a blast working the rats. It is just so amazing to see dogs doing what they were bred to do. I find it fascinating to see how strong their instincts are. Boogie had a lot of trouble waiting for his turn.



By the time Boogie got his next turn he was going bonkers. I could barely hold him to get him to the start line. When I took off his collar he ran straight into the tunnel with a lot of speed. Before you knew it he was at the end….and he was working the rats….for a whole 15 seconds. Yippee – we’re making progress!

We put Boogie back in his crate in the car while his half-brother, Klev’r, took a turn. Before he could even get down in the tunnel we noticed another dog running onto the course. When we took a closer look we realized it was Boogie. Wow, he’s so excited to do this that he broke out of his crate and got out of the car. I guess he likes Earthdog!!

When he got his last turn he ran straight into the tunnel at an extremely high rate of speed and was at the rats in just a few seconds. This time he worked the rats for a little over 30 seconds! That is amazing for such a young puppy. We’re half way to the required 60 seconds. Good job little Boogie.

He didn't want to leave but as you can see he is panting hard.



He was one tuckered puppy on the way home. We were much later getting back than we had planned but the big dogs all seemed just fine. The weather was once again perfect and after another walk for everyone we were ready to rest for the evening.

We’re sure lucky to be meeting so many nice people that can help us get Boogie involved in such fun activities. The border terrier family sure seems to be a nice one.

Debbie
12/5/07