Featherz NSDT Retrievers

05/29/2026

One more Cott'n video.

Water- approx 50yds.
Working on return from water along a cheating shore. Eatlier we worked a few marks on land over water (not cheaty). We also did a bit of dbl entry water work today with Cott'n.

05/29/2026

Cott'n - 50yd water turned into 70yds, by the time she caught up to bumper.

More work needed on delayed shake after delivery, but that is coming along as we are about 3yds back from pond edge.

05/29/2026

Cott'n land mark, 70yds (Mark said about 75yds, so I averaged the guesstimates).

I finally remembered my phone for video.

Cott'n has about a 2 to 3 second stay off-leash in field, will need to work on lengthening her sit.

Ch Featherz Rott'n Cott'n PCD RI ETD

05/19/2026

I need to take a camera stand to video some Cott'n work, one day soon.
Punch is doing well, working some simple starter 'swish drills', to gain confidence for blinds.
So happy going and on the return.

05/03/2026

With Punch's CD title, I didn't even realize until this morning that he has now qualified for the NSDTRCC Dobirstein Versatility Award!

Punch also Q'ed in his first Novice Intermediate entry today. We had not practiced Open Down On Recall and need polishing of our Change of Position but should be ready for Open possibly by fall. Need more Front work than just the one in Novice!

The day was too long for Cott'n (over five hours of waiting for her class) and we had some around ring 'bad timing' activities, that proved to be a bit too much distraction. Mark and I should have taken two vehicles and he could have brought Cott'n at a later time. I think Cott'n and I shall do some Rally Advanced for extra off-leash work and see where we are in the fall. I did remember her name today and we did get a good recall!

Sadly, Aoife decided to have a scratch during her Stand in Signals exercise (first exercise) and layed down with no signal as she thought enough time had passed and likely hwd missed my signal...🙄. Everything else was good, one straight to heel. Likely would have finished with 196+ by scoresheet. Then she went on to score a 198 in Open. I think she gave me her best heeling ever. So, no double Q. Uggghhh

05/03/2026

Today we took Punch and Cott'n for canine heart auscultation testing and rec'd two normal results, wonderful news.
The dogs went into testing area with vet assistants and then returned after testing.
I was told upon return of Cott'n (after Punch) that my dogs are very welcome to return at any time, just to visit. A very nice compliment.
Yesterday, I was told by obedience judge that I had very nice working tollers.
These were both HUGE and appreciated compliments, no matter on results. Although results were also positive in both arenas.

05/01/2026

Punch received his CD obedience title today at HCKOC with HIC - only dog Q'ing out of the Novice A & B classes.

Why did Cott'n not Qualify? Because her handler said 'Aoife Come' and apparently working on Field steadiness is solid 😀. So, she was a very good girl, her handler - not so much. 'Cott'n Come' after my self-deprecating eyeroll , worked beautifully.

Edit/Update
Aoife had a run off for HIT and we had a wee crooked sit on a halt, Vance did not ! Proud of her.
If Punch would have come to front (which we have worked on....), he could have had a HIT ! 2nd HIT blown due to a no front.
I still love Punch 😉
The judge spoke to me after leaving ring with Aoife and said "you have very nice working tollers" 😀
ALL of them ❤️
A good day!

03/17/2026

This past weekend we attended Prince Albert Kennel Club shows and Punch finished his Grand Championship Sunday morning.
The afternoon show he took another BOB and broke into the tough Group with a Group 4 finish and extra points that may be required in future (sorry not sorry, Mark lol). Thank you to Katelyn Marie Sutton for showing handsome Punch while I was with Cott'n and also thank you to Australian Judge Kerry Lee.
Upon CKC confirmation Punch will be known as
GCH Manitou Middle Bird At Featherz JH WC PCD RN NTD

Punch, now 20 months of age (Phinneas x Chara), started his show journey last May (2025) and finished his GCh ten months later, with limited showing, and a summer field training hiatus for three months!

Punch is looking forward to some rally, obedience and gettin' his ducks when spring arrives!

03/17/2026

We attended a dog show this weekend.

Cott'n (Sneakers x Aoife) finished her Conformation Championship to celebrate her 1st birthday (week belated) and upon CKC confirmation she will be known as

CH Featherz Rott'n Cott'n RN PCD ETD

We will likely move on to some performance training and continue showing when convenient, like next winter or sooner if the mountains of snow never leave. 😉

03/04/2026