Diamond Dog Blog

Hunt Test Weekend #1

2010-04-12T22:48:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, I focused on finding/pointing birds while my dad collected ribbons towards my Junior Hunter title!

JH is judged in 4 different areas.... 1. HUNTING: This means the dog actively goes forth and seeks birds. 2. BIRD FINDING: this means the dog uses it NOSE to locate birds and actually finds at least one. 3. POINTING: this means the dog actually HOLDS the point long enough for you to get at least into gun range. 4. TRAINABILITY:this means the dog shows adequate ability, RESPONDS to the handler, and has the MANNERS that it could become a good hunting dog.

Saturday's test was a little tough on my dad as he lost his bearings and powered me through the bird field by accident. In the end, it did not matter as I still found and pointed birds for a PASS. Sunday's test was much better as my dad kept me working and the judge said we did good for another PASS.

Here's a picture of my dad trying to get me to stand in a gale wind after Sunday's win.

Here's a video of my work on Sunday. The first bird find is far away at 0:20 and the second bird find it much closer at 2:00 but be sure to watch in HD.

Westminster

2010-02-24T08:45:00.001-08:00

We enjoyed watching the Westminster dog show on TV. Here are some excellent pictures of some of our favorite Vizslas from the show.

Hannah

Owen

Flirt

Tok

Kato

After watching the show, I grabbed the Westminster pamphlet off the table to do some wiggling for my dad on tape...

^Pictures by Karen. Thanks!

Fourth Show Win

2010-02-13T22:46:00.000-08:00

We were pretty excited about this Cow Palace Show. Its a benched show where we meet/greet the public from morning until evening. Saturday brought no fan fair as I was unwhelming to that judge while Sunday brought many on-lookers as I was crowned Best Of Winners in the Breed Competition and third in the Best Puppy Group competition.

Our Taj Mahal

2010-02-13T07:09:00.000-08:00

Dad got a sturdy workbench to provide storage over our crates. The legs are made from 4"x4" steel and the top is made from 1.3/4" solid maple. Since, the bench weighs 150 lbs and is said to be able to support 20,000 lbs, it will likely provide us some earthquake protection too!

Cow Palace Setup

2010-02-01T08:22:00.000-08:00

My dad volunteered to organize the VCNC bench at the Cow Palace show this year. He got a lot of help with the setup from our friends Barbara, Steven and John. Fantastic people and potential future club members.

My dad put the "A" back on the "VIZSLA" sign using a secondary backing and wood glue. I kept trying to help but my dad was concerned with my nose being so close to all the power tools.

Here's the "VIZSLA" sign after the repair.

We got these nice name tags printed for all the club members on the bench.

Cow Palace Show Time

2010-01-14T22:30:00.001-08:00

The Cow Palace "benched" dog show is coming up on January 30th and 31st. I will be there showing in ring 7 with my Vizsla friends at 9:30 AM on Saturday and 8:30 AM on Sunday. Come on over to say "hi" to me, my buddy Bond and my humans.

Here's an invite that my buddy Sawyer sent to his homies...

Washington Love

2010-01-08T16:24:00.000-08:00

My dad and I drove to Olympia WA for Christmas this year. While there, I grew to like little kids who move fast and make loud noises. In addition, I was able to hike in a rain forest setting every day. A great week was had by all. If it were not for the 13 hr drive each way we would be headed there often!

Third Show Win

2010-01-08T07:34:00.000-08:00

In late December, I was awarded my first BOS (Best Opposite Sex) ribbon at the San Mateo dog show. Here I am handled Erin and judged by Eva Berg at 10 months of age.

Bond in Love

2010-01-01T21:41:00.000-08:00

We spent the New Years week at Reno with family. It was a great time for all but nobody knows that better than Bond who met his dream girl ROXIE!

Second Show Win

2009-12-25T08:22:00.000-08:00

We visted Turlock for a dog show in mid November. Dad wanted to spend an extra $10 to stay in the best western over the motel 6. He also ended up spending an extra $5 to hang fly tape in our hotel room to combat the 10 to 20 flies in our room.

Otherwise, it was a fun outing with our dog friends. On Friday, I was awarded my first Best Of Winners ribbon. Here I am handled by Susan and judged by Pat Trotter at 8.5 months of age.

First Show Win

2009-10-27T13:02:00.000-07:00

I scored my first show point at Del Valle on Monday.

Another version photoshoped to take Waldo out of the background.

Bumble Bee Fairy

2009-10-11T14:24:00.000-07:00

My dog training class is having a Halloween costume competition.

Here's a video of me in costume for the first time...

Littermate Swim Party II

2009-10-02T01:01:00.000-07:00

Last week, littermate Finley joined Bond and I for a swim party. Here is a shot where my dad floated in the water while we (Diamond, Finley and Bond) look on...

A close up of me and my sister...

And, a close up of me and Bond...

We all tried to share the one chair with the towel...

Until dad brought out two more towels so we could lounge independently...

Finally, here is a video of our swimming adventure...

First Show

2009-09-17T09:37:00.001-07:00

I was in my first dog show at 6 1/2 months. Mom/dad thought I did great. All they wanted was a happy puppy. Yet, I won my class and the best puppy award!

Here I am before the show with my proud papa (Dane)...

Here I am presented to the judge by my original mom (Susan)...

Cover Girl

2009-09-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

My mom is both beautiful and talented!

Lake Almanor Weekend

2009-09-17T08:29:00.000-07:00

We spent the long weekend at Lake Almanor with friends and family. Everyone was impressed with how I managed myself with the 6 year old boys Sean/Eric, the 7 adults and the 4 other dogs.

The lake is much more beautiful and a bit colder than the delta.
Bond and Lilly...
Diamond and Lilly...
Bond wanting the ball between shivers...

Three Amigos Swim Party

2009-09-16T23:22:00.001-07:00

A few weeks ago, we had another swim parth with Sawyer and his parents Ed and Aimee. The three of us Sawyer, Bond and me (Diamond) had a great time swimming and dock diving.

With the ball, I am the center of attention...
Bond and Sawyer...

Bond and Diamond getting ready to join Sawyer in the water. Sawyer diving...

Bond diving...

Diamond (me) diving...

Bond in flight...

Heading for a swim down the bay with Dane...

Further down the bay with Ed...

Bond and I heading back home...

After a day with the big boys, I showed them that I have them too.

^Photos by Aimee.

Thursday is Nail Day

2009-08-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

My dad thought it would be nice to share a video of my nails being trimmed. Its really not that bad since my mom/dad keep it positive and feed me lots of treats. They started slow and worked their way to where we are today. Notice that they use the craddle position which is also used for settle/smootches.

Steve the Bird Man

2009-08-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

Saturday brought me to Hastings for my second bird experience. This time it was upclose and personal. At first, I thought it was just another field run with mom/dad. By the end, I had discovered the hidden treasures through the power of what is not seen. The entire experience left me with serious affection for "The Bird Man". Thank you Steve!

Puppy Social

2009-08-19T23:29:00.001-07:00

I had a great time playing with Astro and Buddy at the Pacifica Pet "puppy social" tonight. Astro helped make me the social butterfly that I am today. He was the first "strange" dog that I played with a couple of months ago.

I like the trainers at Pacifica Pet. Or, maybe its the food.

Resting after the social. Becoming a big girl!

Hunting Closeup

2009-08-15T18:23:00.000-07:00

Dad gushes over this photo...

Hunting Intro

2009-07-26T23:33:00.000-07:00

Today, dad took me to Hastings Island to run with the big dogs and discover birds. What a big day for me and my littermates Havoc and Finley. A big thanks goes to Steve and Susan for including us in this outing!

^L2R: Havoc, Diamond & Finley.

^L2R: Finley & Diamond.

^L2R: Diamond & Havoc.

5 Months Old Today

2009-07-26T22:42:00.000-07:00

Today we are 5 months old. What a great day for a few photographs with Mom (Q) and littermates Finley and Havoc....

^L2R: Q, Diamond, Finley & Havoc.

^L2R: Diamond, Finley & Havoc.

^L2R: Q, Diamond, Finley & Havoc.

last week at swim camp...

2009-07-23T23:33:00.000-07:00

Early in the week, mom finally broke down and got in the freezing 77 degree water to swim with me and Bond...

On Saturday, Sparky and his owners visited. Sparky is a very sweet boy who is related to Bond through Banner. His parents (Sarah and Darrell) are also very cool folks.

On Sunday, Sawyer and his owners visited. Sawyer is a nice chap who appears to have a very special relationship with Bond. His parents (Aimee and Ed) were also a lot of fun on the dock.

Dad also caught a few videos from the water. The first videso shows Bond, Diamond and Sawyer learning to dock dive while the second video shows Bond and Sawyer chasing ducks with me picking up the rear.

Diving Diva

2009-07-14T22:56:00.001-07:00

My dad made this video of my dock dives and mom says the song choice/use is kind of creepy...

Bag of Tricks

2009-07-10T22:17:00.000-07:00

Its amazing what my dad gets me to do for 3 calorie Charlie Bear treats...

He also has me standing funny for really good treats on this table...

Cool Pics...

2009-07-08T12:27:00.000-07:00

A recent picture of my mom (Q) looking very nice.

A picture of me hanging with mom/dad at the city pub.

A picture of me waiting as we walk to the beach.

A picture of me resting after a day of swimming.

Littermate Swim Party I

2009-07-05T09:35:00.001-07:00

Swim Party! Mom and Dad were holding out on me. Dad said I had to be potty trained and old enough to swim before my first Discovery Bay visit. Now, at 4 months of age, I had my first swim party with uncle Bob, aunt Colleen, littermate Havoc, brother Bond, 6 year old Vizsla Gaby and 1 year old Doberman Flirt.

Suited up for added confidence.

Swimming with Dad and Bond.

Swimming with Bob and Havoc.

Swimming with Colleen and Havoc.

Trying to play with Havoc in the water.

Trying to play with Bond in the water.

Content after hours of swimming.

A video of my swimming and dock diving.

See more pics/vids at Gaby's blog...

http://gabbyslitter2.blogspot.com/

Californication

2009-06-28T22:13:00.001-07:00

It's the edge of the world and all of western civilization. The sun may rise in the East. At least it settles in the final location. It's understood that Fort Funston sells doggie Californication...

The Bond-o-liscous...

Sawyer and Chloe in-sync...

^Pictures by Aimee and Jeff. Thanks!

SF Puppy Social

2009-06-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad are taking me to a puppy social tonight in the big city. I look forward to meeting all the different puppies and their moms/dads.

http://www.sfpuppyprep.com/socials.html

California Dreaming...

2009-06-21T22:50:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed my first trip to the beach with the big dogs. It was all great until the moment where I got clocked by a 6 month old red linebacker named Oscar. Dad said I learned a very important concept defined by F=MA. I told him to save the physics lesson on another day.

And, after the romp at the beach...

Sprinkler Discovery

2009-06-15T18:47:00.000-07:00

Today I discovered sprinklers.

At first, I was thirsty. Next, I was playful.

In the end, I was all wet!

Survivor Buff

2009-06-13T11:12:00.000-07:00

I survived my dad's misstep.

My foot is 100% recovered and my dad is thrilled.

Chew Chew Train

2009-06-12T14:29:00.000-07:00

I am a super chewer. Faster than a speeding bullet. Stronger than a locomotive. Not distracted by kryptonite. And, caught on tape...

VCNC Specialty

2009-06-09T23:42:00.000-07:00

We went to the Vizsla Specialty put on by the Northern California Vizsla Club (VCNC) last weekend. We saw a lot of people gazing at a lot of pretty red dogs strutting their stuff.

My aunt Aimee was very happy because her red boy (Sawyer) apparently strutted his stuff better than most (taking 2 five point majors).

Mom was in charge of trophies so my dad got away with letting me play on the grass with my brother Havoc.

Havoc's dad appears to love my brother as much as my dad loves me.

^ photos by Steven (thanks!)

Tenacious D

2009-05-31T23:11:00.000-07:00

James Bond -- Diamonds are Forever Attacking!

Stanford Mall

2009-05-30T18:39:00.000-07:00

Today, we made our 3rd trip to Stanford Mall and our 1st trip on a weekend day. All the ladies working at Bloomingdales swarmed saying "hi Diamond" (they know my name). Lots of moms within the mall also brought their children over to say "hi".

Note, my dad says he will be sure to spend money at stores/malls that accommodate dogs. He says "Home Depot and Bloomdales rule while OSH sucks".

Pita Pocket Princess

2009-05-29T21:03:00.000-07:00

I discovered these really cool beds today! Mom calls them pita pockets. Dad says that they are a Vizsla favorite. I concur (fancy for agree).

Grampa Visit

2009-05-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

My dad's dad told my dad that "it looks like you got yourself a very nice puppy"...

Cigar Lady

2009-05-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

Dad calls them "bully sticks" while mom calls them "cigars". I like to chew on them but wonder why nobody wants my kisses afterwards!

^ photos by Aimee. Thanks!

Another Ed and Aimee Visit

2009-05-28T10:25:00.001-07:00

My aunt Aimee and uncle Ed visited me for the 4th weekend in a row. That was awfully nice of them.

^ photos by Aimee. Thanks!

Havoc and Bond Videos

2009-05-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Diamond meets Havoc in CA.

Diamond meets Bond in CA.

Enjoying the backyard

2009-05-22T11:18:00.000-07:00

I like to sit in the backyard watching the trucks/tractors...

Nancy & Lea Visit Again

2009-05-21T08:30:00.000-07:00

My aunts Nancy and Lea came over Sunday night for another visit. My mom and Nancy talked trophies for the Vizsla Specialty in early June while Lea enjoyed my enthusiasm. It was a very good night.

On my perch...

2009-05-19T22:48:00.000-07:00

When my mom/dad are in the kitchen, I like to hang out on my perch (the couch arm) where I can watch them between deep thoughts.

Monkey See Monkey Do...

2009-05-18T11:24:00.003-07:00

I like Mr Bond. The man of mystery and suspense. The enigma. I follow him around. I do as he does...

Aimee's Third Saturday Visit

2009-05-16T22:29:00.000-07:00

Aimee came over for the third week in a row to socialize with me! Wow, how I have grown socially and physically over the past two weeks. Aimee is one of my best friends now. Plus, she has quite an eye with the camera as you will see in the following shots....

^ photos by Aimee. Thanks!

Meeting Bond...

2009-05-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

Mom showed up at home today with a big beautiful boy named Bond (Jen's Penny Stryker's Shaken but not Stirred). He is real nice to me when I pay him his due respect. Once he realized that I could not take his power standing up, he layed on his back so we could play at the same level.

Curious Bubbles...

2009-05-16T09:38:00.001-07:00

Bob and Dean sent a nice puppy care package my way that included some peach flavored puppy bubbles. The bubbles were fun to watch, chase and catch.

Ouch!

2009-05-14T12:07:00.000-07:00

My dad is pretty upset with himself after I got under his foot. Going forward, I will try to not run under him from behind and he will try to never transfer weight to his stepping foot until he knows its safe.

Vizsla Love

2009-05-12T13:27:00.000-07:00

My mom had a camera so I found a good spot to stand.

Stanford Mall Visit

2009-05-12T13:20:00.000-07:00

Dad took me to Stanford mall where I met some really nice people who gave me hugs and treats. This really nice lady wanted to take me home so I gave my Dad a kiss for keeping me.

Margaret & Kim Visit

2009-05-12T13:11:00.000-07:00

Margaret and Kim, the owners of Keema and Roti, stopped by to see my glimmer. It was a good visit even though I think I was still recovering from my 4 hour play date with Havoc the day before. Thanks for the visit!

Chris & Teagan Visit

2009-05-12T12:33:00.000-07:00

Chris and Teagan stopped by for a couple of hours of social time! At first, I was a bit confused by this little fast-moving 3.3/4 year old human!

Colleen, Bob & Havoc Visit

2009-05-12T12:23:00.000-07:00

My mom/dad and I want to give a huge thanks to Colleen/Bob for driving my littermate Havoc to our house for a puppy social. I had a great afternoon with my brother as you can see from these photos...

Ed & Aimee's Visit

2009-05-09T12:04:00.000-07:00

Ed and Aimee stopped by for a visit that included the welcome that they deserve. They really understand/appreciate Vizslas, so its only fitting that I met them with many wiggles and kisses.

Spot On

2009-05-09T11:01:00.001-07:00

Some nice shots of the princess on a spotted carpet from Aimee's visit last night.

Jeff & Janica Visit

2009-05-09T08:42:00.000-07:00

I got to meet a neat couple and their beautiful baby named Elias. Wow, I think I met my match in the "cute" department with him! Mom says someday I will also meet their Vizsla named "Chloe".

Counting Sheep

2009-05-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

My dad is really jealous with the speed at which I can fall asleep. I guess he has a bit of trouble in that department so I showed him how sheep can help...

Mom's Friends from Work

2009-05-09T08:10:00.000-07:00

Some really nice ladies (Sonja, Melissa and Cathy) drove all of the way from San Jose to visit little ole me. We had fun together for a couple of hours. They liked me a lot!

Princess Di(amond)

2009-05-09T00:54:00.001-07:00

Some people say that I am a princess...

At times, I think they may be right...

But, then, my yawn face sorta kills that concept!

Tunnels are Fun!

2009-05-09T00:42:00.000-07:00

Mom introduced me to a tunnel this week.

Nancy & Lea Visit

2009-05-09T00:27:00.001-07:00

My new parents were really happy to have these two pretty ladies visit their house. I thought they were really nice but that blonde lady kept telling me I would be a champion while she stood me in strange positions.

Starbucks and Backpacks

2009-05-09T00:03:00.000-07:00

My new parents appear to love hanging out at this coffee dynasty named Starbucks. I guess thats cool because I get to watch/meet clean people with significant disposable income.

United At Last

2009-05-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

Once the papers were signed and the tears were wiped from faces (it was an emotional day), we drove, we flew and then we drove some more. Door to door it took 11 hrs but I hardly complained.

The beginning of the day had me resting on my new dad's lap in PA...

The middle of the day had me sitting between my new mom/dad in these narrowly spaced (united airline) seats.

.

And, the end of the day had me resting in my new dad's lap again.

Introducing HRQ's Exquisite Guess

2009-05-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

My name is "Diamond" and I am a 9 week old Vizsla puppy full of zeal and ready to start my new life in Northern California with my new human parents.

Here are my brothers and sisters...

They are all pretty cute. I am the one second from the left with my arms crossed.

Here are my canine parents...

My mom "Q" is a real beauty huh? She lives in Pennsylvania. Her accomplishments are quite impressive. My dad "Spenser" is also rather handsome. Mom says he is a very nice boy from Texas.

Here's another picture of my mom strutting her stuff in the sun. I can only hope to have her beauty and brains!

Here's another picture of my dad showing off his manly structure. I guess the "courting" process included some posing for the camera.