Like his sire and dam, Kuyu continues to show intense interest in lure coursing. Given his parents intense interest in ‘chasing the bunny’ it seemed a sure thing that Kuyu would share this passion. It has turned out to be more than any of us expected. He is exceptionally insistent on coursing. Unfortunately he seems to wear himself out screaming to get to his turn. By the time he gets to the field he is exhausted from howling and jumping and trying to find any possible way out of this crate to get to the field when other dogs are running. Gradually he is learning that when his lure coursing jersey is put on it means it is time to run. He has also learned now that when he gets to the line he doesn’t have to jump and lurch to try to get to the lure. With experience he is learning that going to the line means that the bunny will move soon and if he just waits fixed on them they will move soon and he will certainly be released so he can chase them. These leanings have made Kuyu easier to handle and get to the line. Next he had to learn to run with 2 other dogs and to not be intimidated by other dogs on the field at the same time with him. He also has had to have some ‘doggie manners training’ to shape his behavior for when he comes back in to the lures at the end of the run. It is hard with the young dogs to give them some behavior shaping without dampening their enthusiasm. One year ago he completed his first AKC lure coursing title, the Junior Courser (JC). This year we have focused on conformation and so Kuyu has only had the opportunity to enter 4 days of lure coursing. It has been a formative year giving him experiences designed to expand and shape his lure coursing skills and behaviors.This year at the annual So Cal Turkey Run he finished up the requirements for his Senior Courser title (SC). In order for a sighthound to earn this title they must compete in 4 lure coursing trials and receive qualifying scores of at least half the available points. In all 4 of these SC trials Kuyu has won points or tied for significant placements only to loose the run-offs to the lighter weight and hence faster girls. But watch out now ladies. Kuyu is more experienced and is no longer intimidated by group running.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Holidays

 

Happy Holidays,  2013 from our pack to yours. Hope all of your Christmas wishes come true. Kanzu clearly had some wishes he wanted Santa to hear!

Linda, Ema Kiwa, Kanzu and Kuyu

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where does the time go? The Kanzu x Kayta litter turned 2 in November 2013. Kuyu (Lime green boy-Spyro) who is the ultimate clown got a clown bow tie to facilitate his birthday celebration!

The highlight of this birthday was hearing from several of Kuyu’s littermates about how they are doing. Kaia (, Rainbow girl -Kaya) lives with Julie and Sheri the litter’s breeders and she is busy taking care of her human baby sister Ayla. She is working toward her AKC Grand Championship after she so rapidly earned her AKC championship. Toby (Red boy- Mushu) lives in WA and shares Kuyu’s love of heights reportedly climbing on every available picnic table. (What is it that brings out this height seeking behavior in some of our Ridgebacks?) Saphira (Purple Girl) lives in Colorado and when visiting her ranch house there she is busy caring for her 10 year old Basenji housemate. Brother Gatsby (Orange boy- Rinjin) appears to have the same propensity for frequent kisses. His humans describe him saying his ‘kiss’ consists of bumping you with his nose, like a dolphin. We call it a “boop!” he’s gotta “boop” everyone with his nose!” (DITTO for Kuyu!….his nose-kiss is priceless! As is his killer head tilt that he got from his momma Kayta).  Logan (Green Boy-Norbert) and Kara (Yellow Girl Gaia) continue to live in Oregon and are very close to their AKC championships with lots of very nice wins for each of them. Apparently Kara shares the ‘nose booper’ gene. Kara’s human mom says that her favorite Kara habit is the way she always runs to pick up a toy or bone – whatever is handy – to greet her. She does this every morning when her human mom comes down the stairs, or every time she comes home. This story was so touching because this behavior is exactly what daddy Kanzu’s aunt Hermani has done since she was a puppy and still now at 11 years old. We call it “Toy Mouth” and it is the most endearing habit that has won a special place in our hearts. To learn of it in one of Kanzu’s kids was so very touching. Bomani, (Silver boy- Laydon) lives near Kuyu in Southern Califonia and they get to see one another every two or three months. Bomani lives with his whippet brother Skyler (bred by our special friends Justin Dannenbring and Curtis Freeling) and his 3 year old human brother Noah who is his very best friend. Bo is very handsome and gentle and Kuyu and Bo remember each other and want nothing more than to plan together with great enthusiasm when they see each other. All of the puppy families who we have been in touch with report back how gentle and loving the puppies are and above all what great companions and family dogs they are. It was a special 2 year birthday and we wish all of the Dragon Litter a very happy birthday and many more wonderful happy years ahead.

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

On November 14, 2013 Kuyu along with 14 other Rhodesian Ridgebacks earned their Herding Instinct Certificate (HIC).   The Orange Coast Rhodesian Ridgeback Club held Herding Instinct Tests at Winning Edge Dog Sports in Chino.  Rhodesian Ridgebacks are not classified as a herding breed by the American Kennel Club, however, many ridgebacks exhibit excellent herding instincts.  It is believed that in the early history of the breed, in addition to their primary jobs of hunting and guarding, some ridgebacks may have been used for herding in Africa.  The AKC does not allow Ridgebacks to pursue AKC titles in herding.  But breed clubs can offer Herding Instinct Certificates where dogs are evaluated by a judge to determine whether the dog has good herding instincts.

Kuyu has a strong desire to herd.  He began herding when he was just 8 months old and it is one of his favorite things to do, right up there with chasing the bunny in lure coursing.  The HIC day was difficult for him as he had to wait his turn and was not allowed off lead once he got into the ring with the sheep.  But a great time was had by all the Ridgebacks and their people.  And we have a whole new group of big red dogs with HIC behind their names.