Napoleon's Diary

29th November 2003: Poly now has the correct level of Preds for his condition and it has really stabilised him. The chestiness has all but disappeared and the dose is low enough so as not to cause any long term problems. He has wanted to play with Josie rather than the other way around.

2nd November 2003: Took Poly to South Western Poodle Club's Champ Show today. He was so well behaved, didn't murmur once and made a fuss of everyone who came up to him. 

27th October 2003: Poly has seen a chest specialist and she is convinced that he does not have Cancer. This is because Steroids could not control a Tumour for this length of time. She is convinced that it is either as my Vet diagnosed ( an allergic reaction)  or a bout of Bronchitis that he suffered as a puppy has left some scarring on the lung. This is flaring up causing the problem, the Steroids then reduce the inflammation. He is on a very low dose of Preds (one every other day) and it seems to work fine. There is the option to take him to Cambridge for further tests, that is going to be in the new year.

31st August 2003: Poly has responded to the Steroids and has been more like his old self.

24th August 2003: Poly collapsed in the night, this seems to be a recurrence of his breathing problem. My Vet is arranging to have an Ultrasound scan done. Poly is back on the Steroids.

18th August 2003: Poly had a super day out at WKC yesterday, he didn't murmur even once and I took him for a walk around the showground  where some Toy exhibitors were quite taken with him.  

10th August 2003: Poly now has "tailored trousers" and showed them off at Bournemouth yesterday. He did have the odd grumble but on the whole behaved himself very well. I ran him around the ring when we first arrived and very impressive he looked too ! After the show we went to the beach and to a first, Poly decided to go in the sea for a swim. He is now sleeping off yesterdays exertions.   

2nd May 2003: Poly's coat has started to grow back  and he is so much better in himself, apart from his allergy (which is under control by Steroids).

26th April 2003: After I got home from WELKS, I fed the dogs and fell asleep. Poly managed to climb on my worktop and demolish a packet containing six apple pies, he is full of it again and is bounding around like a complete idiot. Josie must be wondering where the new puppy has come from. 

20th April 2003: His stitches are now removed , his head collar is back with the Vet and he is really lively again. It has been like having another puppy around the house, he has been romping around with Josie, and being extra "gobby" , I have not seen him like this for over a year.

11th April 2003: Poly has had a check up and the Vet is quite pleased with him. He has been very lively around the house and has been bashing into things with his "lampshade" type head collar.

5th April 2003: Poly has had a small cyst on his side, it has been there for a couple of years. The Vet had been keeping an eye on it and as it was not troubling him we left it alone. One evening during the last week Poly had chewed it off leaving a small open wound. I took him to the Vet who was going to clean it and stitch it up. He found a tumour underneath and had to remove it, Poly has a 6 inch scar with ten stitches and all of the tumour has been removed successfully. He has to wear a "lampshade" type collar but this evening Josie decided to jump on him and although she did not manage to break any stitches she managed to make the wound bleed. I have had to put a small plaster over the section that has opened up. He is well enough in  himself and is due to have his stitches out on Wednesday.

6th March 2003: Due to a shortage of Preds my Vet has changed Poly's tablets to Medrone and they seem to be as effective. He reckons that there will be fewer side effects and Poly's regime for these will be one week on one week off.

16th February 2003: Poly has been for a 3mile walk with Josie at 1:30 AM and on returning home went straight up to bed and is fast asleep across my pillows.

13th February 2003: Although he was neutered back in December, Poly has shown a lot of interest in Josie now she is in season. I have used Antimate spray which has deterred him from pestering her. He has put on a lot of weight over the last month and is extremely lively again.

28th January 2003: I now have permission from The KC to show Poly, when he has more coat and if he behaves I might enter him in Pet Trim classes at Breed Club Shows.

26th January 2003: Poly looks really strange in his "number 4" all over trim, I am going to grow him some trousers. He has been playing chase with Josie all over the house today and has even been rolling on his back with her jumping all over him.

11th January 2003: Poly was Neutered at the end of December and although this can take some months to work fully I am already seeing a change in him. He has become "soppy" at home and is also going through his healthiest phase since he was a puppy. His stomach is now stable and has not had the breathing problems either. He has only had 1 Pred tablet since New Years Eve, I have my bouncy boy back again.  I am considering getting permission to show him from the KC and may put him in some Pet trim classes at Breed Shows if his behaviour continues to improve.

20th December 2002: Poly is recovering well from his Op, the Endoscopy has revealed nothing sinister going on. Poly simply is a very allergic dog and will stay on a low dose of Preds as these seem to do the job.

16th December 2002: An important week for Poly, on Thursday he goes into the Vet's for an Endoscopy. We hope to finally pinpoint what is going on and causing his breathing problems. Last week the Vet upped his medication from 1 to 2 tablets per day, this sorted his breathing problem and also may have just given us a clue as to the problem. Just after his dosage was increased he got at Josie's dinner (canned tripe). He showed no reaction, I have been feeding this for 4 days now and he is still not showing any reaction to it. I now wonder if there is a link between the breathing problems and his bad stomach. We will soon know, the procedure will not guarantee we will find anything but it will help narrow down what it could be.

10th December 2002: Poly finished his show career on a high, not only was it the best he has ever behaved in the ring but in an entry of over 150 dogs he reached the final 5. He came very close to giving me a super double as Josie was top puppy. We had won puppy and adult matches at Wembley earlier in the year, to do it at The Dog Of The Year Show would have been delightful.

10th December 2002: Poly makes his final competitive appearance tonight in the Dog Of The Year competition. I have bathed and trimmed him and now he has more coat looks handsome in lamb trim.

4th December 2002: Poly has been booked in for his Endoscopy, this is going to be on December 19th. Hopefully we will get to the bottom of his chest/throat problem. His coat is growing in nicely and is now very wooly. I am qoing to let him grow trousers which will make him look much better.

12th November 2002: Poly will not only be in the Supermatch in December but he will also be representing Wembley in an inter club Match the week before. Dogs for this match are chosen by their results in matches throughout the year. I wonder if a Poodle in pet trim has been selected before ?

11th November 2002: Poly really behaved himself at SPC on Saturday, as I walked him around a couple of times he nuzzled up to everyone who said hello to him. Marlene helped tidy up his top knot which I had made a hash of doing. He looks lovely now in his pet trim but I might grow some trousers on his legs. Health allowing he will make a final competitive appearance in December when I show him in The Supermatch which contains all the 2002 Ringcraft Clubs Match Winners. I stacked him and moved him around the garden today and he has not forgotten what to do.

26th October 2002: Poly was entered NFC at Midland Counties and was so well behaved considering what he has been through recently. He looked a little bedraggled as I have not finished his new (number 4 ) cut down look. When he is 100% I will tidy him up some more.

22nd October 2002: Stitches removed, I have also removed his poms and he now has a number 4 all over. The Vet is very pleased with his progress and all being well I will schedule him in for a endoscopie in the next month or so.   

16th October 2002: Poly has his stitches out on Saturday then I can bath and clip him again. He is much better and has been giving Josie a run for her money at home.

11th October 2002: Bad news on Poly's tumour as it seems it was malignant. But it was caught in time and Poly is expected to make a full recovery. When he is over it the Vet wants to X-ray  him to see if he has any growths in the lung/chest area as that (compounded by allergic reactions) could be the cause of his breathing problems.  He is still very quiet and spends most of his time sleeping on my bed.

7th October 2002: Poly's coat is now off, I used a 4 blade on his body but kept his leg and tail poms. When he was running around in the garden  I noticed a lump on the inside of his upper arm. I took him to the Vet who didn't like the look of it and removed it under a General Anesthetic  yesterday. Although it was a tumour the prognosis is good, I will know shortly whether it was malignant or not. I am pleased to report that Poly (although a little woozy) is back to his old self and looks nice in his Sporting Trim. I have to wait 10 days for his stitches to come out then I can bath him and add the finishing touches. When that is done I will take a picture of him to add to the others.

6th October 2002: Due to his continuing ill health, I have decided to retire Poly from the Ring. He has been suffering with the allergy problem for over a year and has been quite poorly this weekend. It would help him if I took his coat off, this would mean less pollens, dust etc to upset him. I will be taking his coat off next week and attempt to put him into sporting trim. He will still go to shows NFC but apart from the odd match at Ringcraft I have shown him for the last time. I will now concentrate on Josie who will be making her show debut in three weeks time.   

5th September 2002: Poly has been poorly again, this time with his chesty complaint and an upset tum at the same time. I have managed to stabilise him though and today he is back to his old self. Josie has been terrorising him by grabbing his ears and his leg poms to get him to play. She accidentally caught him on the muzzle yesterday but he seems to relish all the attention. She has even managed to get him to roll over and sleeps next to him in the kitchen (so much for him being nasty) !

23rd August 2002: Took Poly to Ringcraft tonight and he showed his heart out, he even laid down next to some of the other dogs during the break.

21st August 2002: I have been trying Poly on Pascoe's Organic  dry food, it is GM and Gluten free. I have mixed it with some chicken and vegetables. This is the best his stomach has ever been and his stools are dry for the first time. Also I have used some Wafcol Gliadex Gluten free biscuits as treats and he has shown no reaction to those either, I will report on this again in a couple of weeks.

8th August 2002: Poly has had a bad night with his stomach, not helped by my falling asleep in the chair and him eating my cream cake. Milk products just go straight through him ! He asked to go out several times during the night and is very quiet this morning. I am going to hard boil an egg to try and bind him up. There are not any signs of any sensitivity or hardness when feeling his stomach so I think it is just another case of Polytummy. 

6th August 2002: I have sprayed bitter apple on Poly's ear covers, this seems to be deterring Josie from chewing them. He has been a little under the weather with a stomach upset but is much better this morning and has taken a little scrambled egg. 

4th August 2002: Poly gave a super account of himself at the Standard Poodle Club's Exemption Show today. In a class of 27 he was picked out but not placed, I am delighted to report that he behaved himself.

2nd August 2002: Poly was super at Ringcraft last night, he did not put a foot wrong either on grass or in the hall. It was a very warm evening though and he did not move as well as he could. 

27th July 2002: When I took Poly off the grooming table at today's Open Show I noticed how calm and relaxed he was. He won the class and went on to get Reserve Best of Breed behind the excellent Kertellas Anastasia. On the lap of honour everyone clapped and "Anna" always barks at that, Poly joined in but we were both delighted with our results and did not mind a little Poodle exuberance. Poly looked stunning, stacked perfectly and moved with real style (his coat is staying on for the moment), let's see how he is at The Standard Poodle Club's Exemption Show next Sunday.

18th July 2002: Poly was super at tonight's Ringcraft session, I really put him through his paces and he did all that was asked of him. He was great with all the other dogs (especially the angulation of a Newfy bitch) and I am looking forward to his return to to the ring in 8 days time. 

9th July 2002: After Josie's super start at the Wembley RC match this evening, Poly was not to be outdone, winning Open and Best in Match. He won a rosette and a silver cup.

27th June 2002: A tremendous performance from Poly at tonight's Ringcraft match, boy did he move ! We came away with a large box of Hills Science Diet for Puppies (perfect).

26th June 2002: Well knock me down with a feather, Poly was super last night, he stood for over ten minutes without fidgeting and moved like a Poodle should. There was no barking, growling, pacing or pulling. He was totally relaxed all evening, this in a packed small hall too. One more try at Crews Hill to see how he gets along there, he may just have done enough to convince me he deserves another chance. It is his birthday today and I have a large bone for him to gnaw on. 

25th June 2002: Ringcraft for Poly tonight at Wembley, this, the next session and how he behaves at the Open Show in July will determine the future of his show career. 

23rd June 2002: Josie and Poly have now become inseparable.

20th June 2002: We were outside on grass at Ringcraft last night. Poly started badly doing his usual on the go around. A change of lead to a small chain link collar helped control him and the rest of the evening he was at his best. I will take him next week and try the collar on him again.

19th June 2002: Poly is so laid back now he even ignored a dog that ran toward him in the park. After his good behavior on Tuesday I am taking him to the larger, noisier Potters Bar R/C on Thursday.

18th June 2002: I gave Poly a rest from being beaten up by the new puppy this evening. He has been so eager to please since her arrival I decided to see if that extended to a show environment and took him to Ringcraft. He was so well behaved and showed his heart out, he was as good as just before the attack last month. I am going to take him again next week and if he is still calm I am going to enter him in an Open Show at the end of July. 

15th June 2002: Poly seems to have taken to our "new arrival" and she follows him around everywhere. He is feeling a little left out so I have been making an extra fuss of him. Josie has been munching him all over and apart from a growl or two they have been playing happily in the garden.

8th June 2002: What a "chilled out" Poly I now have, he is so much calmer. Even out on walks he is noticeably better, I was able to walk him alongside a black dog in the street today, Poly was more interested in exploring the trees and lamp posts and I was delighted. A couple of doors away we have a less than friendly Yorkie who barks and growls at us every time we walk past, today Poly just ignored him and stuck his nose in the air (I had to laugh). I will try and get him to a Ringcraft session and see how he is there. 

4th June 2002: Poly is much more like his old self and is not so jumpy when we are out walking. Yesterday I visited an old friend who has a bomb proof "Lassie" type dog WHO IS ENTIRE. After letting them suss each other out we let them off lead and there was not even a grumble from Poly who spent the afternoon playing happily with him. Their only misdemeanor was to chase after the next doors cat who hightailed it over the fence.

1st June 2002: Poly has had 5 days to chill out and rest and is much more relaxed. He was asleep this morning, on his back with his legs in the air and has been more like his old self. He is still a little "uppity" when he sees another male dog but is not reacting to other things that surprise him. I have groomed him through and oiled his coat, There is a Ringcraft class on Thursday and I will see how he goes there. 

27th May 2002: Poly was handled by Jean Caswell's son Andrew at Bath today and behaved exactly the same as he does for me. This proves that he is spooked and is not trying to "protect" me. Jean took over in the ring and he settled down a little but failed to gain a place. I am pulling him out of Southern Counties but we will still attend Three Counties. 

25th May 2002: I tried an experiment, for the last two days we have had a house guest, a "bomb proof" Collie cross bitch called Petal. Poly got on like a house on fire with her and I came down this morning to find them cuddled up together. I dropped her off back with her owner this morning and got Poly ready for the Bath show, he spent the afternoon looking everywhere for her,  as I suspected it proves that he would get on if my next Poo is a bitch.

24th May 2002: Well it is very likely that I will not be handling him at Bath. We started last nights session outside on the grass and he was simply.... terrible. Spooked was not the word for it he was totally unresponsive, right back to where we were a few months ago. As the light failed we moved inside and a transformation took place, he suddenly changed to the well behaved lad he had been prior to the attack. He once again became responsive to my commands, gave me his total concentration, did not put a foot wrong and moved beside me on a loose lead. I even moved him around behind a large black male Doberman. It is so hard to believe, I was glad another Standard Poodle exhibitor and her husband were there to see it for themselves. Much head scratching ensued and a suggestion was to make a diary of when he misbehaves to see if there is a pattern. I have two thoughts, 1)He is still spooked, lacks a little confidence in me and is grumbling at the dogs he does not like or is unsure of . 2)The light was failing, his top knot was over his eyes which obscured his vision and made him nervous. Moving inside with good lighting thus allowing him to see better may be the key. I will make a decision on whether or not he is handled by myself or not when we get to Bath, I do have an offer of a handler if need be.

21st May 2002: I have spent the last two days trying desperately to repair the damage done by the attack, yesterday evening a friend who has a "bomb proof" Golden Retriever bitch (who Poly has not met before) helped by introducing them, and they ended up by romping happily in the park. Today has been spent at local Kennels and a Farm/Zoo to try and restore his confidence. This evening I took him to a packed Ringcraft session at Wembley (similar environment to Sunday). He was a little jumpy for a few minutes as we entered the hall but soon settled down to show that some of the recent improvement was still there. He was great on the "go around" and stuck to my side like glue, not a bark or a pace was at all evident. It was so busy the dogs were almost touching and he did not react at all. His movement was good and we even ran an exercise with two dogs running side by side (the handlers on the outside of the dogs), Poly again was excellent NEXT TO A BLACK DOBE and without any bait. He is still not yet right but showed signs of recovery and I shall see how he is at Thursday's session. We are still going to Bath and if I feel that he is likely to play me up then I have someone lined up to handle him for me.

19th May 2002: Poly is still badly "spooked" although he seemed relaxed when I warmed him up in the ring this morning and was fine in the class he let me down in the challenge. I noticed whilst waiting for the critique that he had spotted a black dog being stacked in another class, he seemed to freeze on me and I could feel the tension. In the challenge he was up to his usual barking and pulling. We left the ring, he was really rattled but seemed to be fine with another white Standard who was benched next to us. After leaving the show we went to a local open area with another exhibitor. They had 2 dogs and a bitch and after a short while I let Poly off lead to join them. He thoroughly enjoyed himself and even when other dogs approached he was absolutely fine. I am going to try and settle him and I will see how he is at Ringcraft this week. If he has reverted back to his old ways it will need training out again. One interesting thing was this evening Poly was off lead in the garden when he saw next doors cat, he ran over to it and I told him "NO" he left it alone and came back to me, we will have to see how he is at Bath when we are outdoors and in a larger ring.  

18th May 2002: The Black Lab's owner is now in real trouble, it has attacked a Min Schnauzer, this was witnessed by the owners and their two small children. The dog ran off again with it's unconcerned owner smirking, I went over to offer help to the Schnauzer's owners, he had suffered a bite wound to his leg but was otherwise unharmed. Another visit to the park warden has now brought a total ban on the Lab being in the park and the Police have been informed. Poly is still a little spooked from his confrontation with this "Mutt" but is a little better today and was much more relaxed. I am now going to bath him for tomorrows Poodle Club Open Show, fingers crossed.  

16th May 2002: Poly was attacked this morning by yet another bad example of the Labrador breed. I was walking him on the lead and in a Halti when we were approached by a black Lab dog (off lead). He flew at Poly who shot behind me grumbling back at him. I tried to get the dog to move away and screamed at the owner to please control his dog. He laughed saying that Poly was a poor excuse for a dog and made no effort to restrain his bad tempered mutt. Poly was bleeding from the mouth and I had to resort to using a strong measure to prevent any further damage. The Lab then ran off, it's owner laughing. Fortunately the whole incident was seen by a park warden who grabbed the owner and told him his dog was no longer welcome in the park unless it was on a lead. Poly has been nipped on his tongue and will be as right as rain but it could have been so much worse. He was certainly spooked and was not at his best at tonight's Ringcraft, his movement was erratic and he was not on his best behaviour, he was still a hell of a lot better than a couple of months ago and I was able to correct him with a tweak of the lead. I only did about 20 minutes training and decided to sit the rest out and let Poly socialise with the other dogs to regain some confidence. This he did playing happily with the others especially an Italian Spinone bitch who he took a real fancy to. Hopefully this incident will not undo all that has been achieved, I will know more on Sunday when Poly re emerges at the Poodle Club's Open Show.  If it does not go well I still have a few sessions of Ringcraft to restore his confidence before Bath.

10th May 2002: Once again Poly excelled at the large Crewes Hill Ringcraft venue. with 10 dogs on the "go around" and us positioned in the middle, he behaved yet again. He paced for only a second on the very first circuit but a simple tweak of the lead was enough to return his movement. He then did nothing else wrong all evening. I am now handling him on a loose lead and boy has he responded !  He still needs tightening up on the turn of the triangles but his "up and down" is now delightful. He was moving in a straight line, turning and free standing perfectly at the end. There are no local shows this weekend but we have a match on Tuesday which I may go to instead. Then one more session at Crewes Hill next |Thursday. After that it is The Poodle Club's Open Show on the Sunday and then will come a much sterner test. If he comes through that one without any problems I might just look forward to Bath !

7th May 2002: Another super performance from Poly at tonight's Ringcraft, I am very very pleased with the progress he has made. Once again he did not put a foot wrong and his movement tonight was exceptional. He sat the first hour out whilst I took the class and then for the second hour he proceeded to show everyone how much he had improved. I am even working on a little routine at the turn of the "up and down" which looks really coordinated and then a free stand at the end, (I may pluck up the courage to try this at Bath), confidence is high and I can't wait for the next show.

6th May 2002: What a great day we had today, Poly was an Angel at today's local show, we entered in Open which contained 18 dogs most of which were from our Club. Not only did Poly behave again but this was the best he has ever shown for me. He got placed second and the Judge asked me to wait by the ringside as she may want to call me back into the challenge. The dog that beat us in the class got BIS and she then called us back in, again Poly didn't disappoint, moving with real style and I was delighted when the Judge gave us RBIS. The Judge said that today's Open class was a very hard one and on another day we would have gained a win and BIS.  We really are on the right track but I need to try one more thing so we need another small show and I shall look for one next weekend.

5th May 2002: Bath time for Poly this afternoon as we have (weather permitting) a little local show tomorrow. Fingers crossed the recent improvement will continue, it is not for the want of trying. I am working with Poly for about 3 hours every day and there have been some other spin off's from it. He has always been a little "aloof" but seems to have bonded more than ever over the last few weeks and I now rarely have to use a stern voice to correct him. It seems that a calm "no" is now all that it takes. My being calm is going down the lead and I think that this has built confidence between us, let's see what happens tomorrow. 

3rd May 2002: I wanted a well behaved Poodle, I got so much more. He did not put a foot wrong all evening, so much so that on one of the "go around" exercises I even moved right away from him. He was running parallel to me the whole time. He stacked perfectly, allowed everyone to go over him and boy did he move. This was one of the most relaxing sessions we have ever had and I am beginning to believe that we really are on the right track. Weather permitting we have a local show on Monday so hopefully his good behaviour will carry on into that.

2nd May 2002: Ringcraft tonight at the larger venue, I am hoping for another well behaved Poodle session.

1st May 2002: Poly had a surprise last night, I took the class for the first half of the evening, he was handled by Dawn (who has two Standards of her own). He was really well behaved with her. For the second half of the evening it was back to our usual trainer with me handling Poly. He carried on his recent improvement and on the go around was more interested in me than everything else. He moved as well as could be expected in the packed small hall and looked good on his triangle and up and down. His only misdemeanor was when I stacked him to be "gone over" it was Ray who was playing the role of Judge (and Poly loves Ray). He snuggled right into him and wanted a cuddle, (I wonder if dogs get any marks for licking the Judge) ? He allowed everyone else to go over him without any trouble and later he behaved with Ray doing it. He looked really balanced on the stack and stood still for well over 10 minutes.  This is a massive step in the right direction, roll on Thursday at the much bigger and noisier Crewes Hill Ringcraft venue.

30th April 2002: The rain has put a dampener on Poly's training and he has not had a run off lead for over a week. He is in "naughty" mode at the moment, when asked to do something (like come here I want to put your Pom covers on) he gets that "I am a Standard Poodle and I don't want to" look in his eyes and runs up the stairs. It is so difficult to tell them off though as when I do he snuggles up to me and looks up with that "are you really telling me off" expression. But he is in for a surprise it is Tuesday and that means Ringcraft, let's see how he gets on with that!

26th April 2002: No Ringcraft again last night as both Poly and I had a rest for once. He is still on anti inflammatories but is moving without any problems. I have noticed that he seems to have bruised his leg so that is probably what happened. He will be back into his training regime on Sunday.

24th April 2002: No Ringcraft training for Poly last night as he has hurt his shoulder, it seems that he did jarr it when he jumped out of the car on Sunday. I took him to the Vet on Monday and he thinks the problem is not too serious. He gave Poly an injection (which brought immediate relief) and Anti Inflams to take until Friday. He advised me to keep him on a lead and use minimal exercise until then. If he is OK on Sunday I can resume his training again. He has been moving around at home without any ill effects so fingers crossed. He sat next to the committee desk at last nights Ringcraft like an Angel whilst I took the class (and very enjoyable it was too).

21st April 2002: Poly's training regime continues with a visit to a large Exemption show. After an early scare when he jumped out of the car and held up his front leg as if he had hurt it. I massaged it and walked him round with no ill effects. I entered him in the Open Pedigree class and was surprised to find that it was of a very high quality. Some exhibitors at the ringside were whingeing  at "the number of show dogs and that it was supposed to be a fun day" so what ! it was a fun day out in the sunshine. The open class contained 32 dogs and most were from the two Ringcraft clubs  that I visit. I treated it like an Open or Champ show, grooming and scissoring Poly and putting up his top knot. The classes were large and we had a long wait to get into the ring. The Judge asked us all to go round (whoops that's when Poly plays up) guess what HE DIDN'T ! he was lovely, he stacked perfectly and he moved well on his own too. I was delighted when we were in the short list of 10. The Judge moved us round again, Poly still behaved and we all stacked our dogs in anticipation of a place. She picked out a Shar pei  for 1st (the eventual BIS winner) we got picked out second and I was pleased with that. As I said in an earlier Diary entry it was not about the winning, it was control and behaviour. I was able to control him and got a well behaved Poodle on the day. This is most definitely a step in the right direction, I will do a couple more of these shows and then may enter an Open Show toward the end of May. If I can keep him improving until then it will bode well for Bath at the end of May.

19th April 2002: At Crewes Hill Ringcraft's match last night, Poly showed that he really can be a delight to handle (just as he did for Jean Caswell at Crufts). From the moment that I got in to the building he was so calm. I took him into the Open class and he was wonderful, he stacked like a rock and moved, boy did he move ! No barking, no jumping around and NO PACING ! I was delighted but I know him too well and I have not won yet. But could it be that the three hours every day that I am spending trying to correct the problem really is working. I will know some more on Sunday when I take him to a local show to see if I can carry it on. If he is still well behaved then I have another local show on Bank Holiday Monday and I may take him to an Open Show just prior to Bath. It is fingers crossed time and if I do manage to turn him around I will then tell all about how it was done. I was asked last night and all I am saying is that it is enjoyable for him and it is something that should have been done when he was a puppy ! 

16th April 2002: A night off for Poly from Ringcraft as we have our A.G.M. I have a committee meeting afterward so I am in for a long one ! Poly will not get off lightly though as his training regime continues with a match on Thursday and a local show on Sunday. Winning at these is not the issue, it is all about control and behaviour !

13th April 2002: After a 5 mile walk on lead I found a large bit of open countryside and decided to let Poly have a run off the lead. He ran like a Greyhound and just as I thought he was tiring another dog appeared. It was a mongrel bitch and Poly played chase for about half an hour with her, it looked as though he thoroughly enjoyed himself. I think they would have carried on playing if both of the tired owners hadn't called time. When I got back home he was content with curling up by the TV next to me. It has further cemented my belief that I should get a Standard bitch which might just stop him being so excitable when he sees another dog.

11th April 2002: went to Crewes Hill Ringcraft tonight and it was really noisy. Poly jumped about on the "go around" but did not bark. I gave him a stern telling off and he did settle but showed that there is still a lot of work to do training this out. Another lady who has Standards took him round and yes you got it he was an Angel with her (don't they just love to make an Ass of you) ?

9th April 2002: Took Poly to a local ringcraft match tonight and he was absolutely super. He did not put a foot wrong. I can only hope that my crash training program is beginning to bear fruit. 

5th April 2002: Yesterday morning I clipped Poly, took him for a long walk, let him have a good few hours rest and then went to the large Thursday venue. Like Tuesdays it was packed, this time Poly tried his usual as we warmed up for the go round. A few choice no's LOUDLY into his ear and a tap under the chin settled him down nicely and the rest of the evening went really well. It does seem to be an initial burst of excitement when going in the ring but I haven't quite worked out why he did not do it on Tuesday. It may have something to do with the grooming (pre show) and I am going to see how he does at a local match at the Tuesday venue next week. Poly's walk yesterday was in the current nice bright sunshine that we are experiencing and his pigment is really darkening. 

3rd April 2002: Much head scratching as Poly gave a faultless performance at last nights Ringcraft. It was crowded with loads of distractions but he could do no wrong, he moved perfectly on the "go around" stacked to perfection, and did his up and down and triangle without a murmur. At the end of the evening I thought "why could he not do that at a show" ? Our instructor asked "what was wrong with that" ? the answer of course was NOTHING ! but I must find out what I am doing that causes him to react at shows. We have another session at the bigger Crews Hill Club on Thursday and a match night next Tuesday back at our Wembley venue, all I can do is to keep plugging away and maybe do a couple of little local shows. Hopefully by then he might realise what is expected of him with me handling in time for Bath at the end of May.

30th March 2002: Poly behaved once again like a total pillock on the "go around" at The IPC Champ Show today. However he managed to get second in P.G.D. qualifying him for Crufts 2003. I am at a loss to know why he does this with me and I am going to try mixing him with as many dogs as possible in an all out bid to cure this problem. 

27th March 2002: Poly is clipped ready for his bath tomorrow. Then on Friday he will be scissored ready for Saturday's show. After I.P.C.  I will not show him again until The Bath Champ Show on May 27th. During those two months I intend to work on his training at Ringcraft to try and get him to behave with me handling him. 

12th March 2002: Poly threw away a good chance of winning a club match tonight when he really played up, he would not stack or do anything right. He looked fantastic but had an attack of Poodleitis !

10th March 2002: Got to Crufts and Poly was a little naughty when I tried to move him in the ring at 7:30 AM. He looked stunning though so we made a last minute decision to let Jean Caswell handle him in the ring. It was a big quality class and although Jean was a little ring rusty she agreed to do it (talk about being thrown in at the deep end). He did not let her down and behaved impeccably, she said it was probably the best he had ever gone with her. Poly was short listed to the judges final six but got no further. Before we got there I would have settled for him just behaving but we had a little bonus on the day. I want to do it all again next year and I must redouble my efforts to fix whatever the problem is with me handling him in the ring so that I can qualify him for 2003. He has shown once again that he goes well enough with another handler. 

7th March 2002: Poly is ready for Crufts, he looks stunning. Fingers crossed that his behaviour in the ring matches that of the last couple of Ringcraft classes. Took him for a walk this afternoon and he saw next doors cat, he did his usual "Zebbidy act" and I told him off. On the way back home he saw the cat again, I told him "NO" and tweaked the lead, he completely ignored the cat (another first) could that be a good omen ? or is he going to be a Standard Poodle and have the last laugh ? 

5th March 2002: Dilemma solved, I will be handling at Crufts, Poly was simply wonderful tonight at Ringcraft. He behaved so well that people asked me what I had done to achieve it. Let's see if I can get him to show like that in the ring ! and why not at Crufts. I have started preparing Poly and have just clipped his feet and given him his pre show pedicure. His ears and teeth were done this morning and tomorrow I will clip the rest of him. Later in the evening it is bath and dry time with the scissoring being done on Thursday. I am traveling up to Birmingham on Friday afternoon where I will be staying overnight ready for the big day on Saturday.

28th February 2002: Poly has handed me a dilemma, I took him to Crews Hill Ringcraft Club tonight and as it was the last one before Crufts it was packed. From the moment I took him into the Adult class until the end of the 90 minute session HE DID NOT PUT A FOOT WRONG. He stacked like a rock, He did not bark or pull me about on the go around and he moved with drive on his triangles and up and downs. In fact he got better as the session wore on and my confidence really soared. He paid attention to ME for the first time and when he did try to look around a quick check on the lead was all that was required. This is the first time he has "got it together" in a show environment since I started showing him and it felt fantastic. Other members noticed too and commented how good he looked tonight. He behaved so well that I was able to concentrate on the Ringcraft. The dilemma is do I now handle him at Crufts ?  We have another session of Ringcraft at the smaller Wembley venue on Tuesday, I will see how he is there and if I get to the NEC early enough I will move him around and make a decision then.   

27th February 2002: At last nights Ringcraft, Poly mixed very well with the other dogs, wanting to play with all of them. One lady has a naughty Parson Jack Russell dog who jumped all over Poly. Poly's only reaction was to dip his front and play. The dog also decided that he wanted to see whether Poly was male or female, Poly was not fussed at all by that attention. From that aspect I was delighted he also stacked like a dream standing still for nearly 10 minutes whilst the trainer explained something to a new member. His movement though was erratic, he wanted to chew the lead  and was still distracted. He was a little better on the go around but still wanted to pace and run ahead of me although he is now more checkable. Bill our trainer (of Thursday's class) took him round and he tried it on with him too but a couple of choice "NO'S" sorted that out. To be fair the venue is a small Church hall with mats on the floor and there were a lot of dogs, there was not a great deal of room  to move them.  I suppose I should be pleased as one of the tasks was to ensure that there was no reaction to the close proximity of other dogs whilst in the show environment. One exercise involved moving two dogs simultaneously along a mat with the handlers on the outside and the two  dogs on the inside side by side. Poly came through with flying colours  as he moved along next to a chocolate Labrador without a problem. A fair nights work I thought but his movement with me handling needs a lot of work, with Bill handling his movement was much much better. We are definitely moving in the right direction. Roll on Thursday's session.

25th February 2002: Tomorrow night is Ringcraft at The Wembley and District C.S. This is held in a church hall so all the dogs are much closer together, it mirrors the Breed Show environment. Hopefully Poly will improve again on last Thursday's performance at the Crewes Hill class. The ring there is as big as you get at any champ show so tomorrow's could be another confidence builder. 

22nd February 2002: What a Ringcraft we had tonight, Although he was "gobby" tonight it was one of our better nights. Poly was yapping like a Min as we waited to go in after the puppy's and barked during the announcements. But when it came to the real business I was in for a surprise. We all stacked our dogs (around 20 tonight) and moved around the ring. Poly tried to move ahead but the way the trainer had showed me to set the lead really worked and he was checked with ease. He tried it on a couple of times but after again being checked thought the better of it. He was now running happily beside me, the confidence grew a little, I then gee'd him up, up came his head and his attention was on me, I grew in confidence some more. As there were so many dogs present we had to do all our triangles and up and downs one behind the other (suited me fine). Poly responded again without any problems, he stacked superbly, moved well and allowed people to go over him. I feel that if I can control that initial burst of excitement when we go into the ring he will be just fine. I was so relaxed during the session it must have transferred to Poly who looked like he enjoyed it too. At the end of the evening I left the hall with the feeling of a job well done. 

20th February 2002: The visit to the Trainer went well, Poly was stacked whilst other dogs sniffed round him, he did not react. He was moved around with other dogs (including a male show Standard Poodle) in the "go around" format, again trouble free. I then had a go and he played up but I was given instruction as to a better way of checking him. He was then let "off lead" with the other dogs without any problems, he dipped his front and gave off that delightful squeak wanting to play. After he played chase with the Standard Poodle we took the dogs inside to escape from the rain and have a coffee, again Poly was quite happy and wanted to play with them all. The conclusion was that his temperament was sound but there was a lack of confidence in him on my part which was going down the lead. I was given some more instruction on this and in the final session the Trainer even managed to get him to drive more on the move. I had a go at this myself and surprise surprise I managed it too. This was with the distractions of other dogs milling around, people coming and going and a virtual gale blowing. I was delighted with the afternoon's work but the $64000 question is can I duplicate it in the ring ? I will find out at tomorrow's Ringcraft.  

19th February 2002: I have organised a visit to a trainer who is willing to let Poly socialise with his dogs "off lead" and in a show environment to assess his temperament.

18th February 2002: Although getting VHC in a class of 12, Poly produced his worst ever display. He played me up on the "go around" but when we stopped, the dog behind ran into the back of Poly who then reacted by growling at him. He was obviously spooked and would not settle so I took him out of the ring. The Steward then asked me to come back which I did. I still could not settle Poly but he managed a VHC. I was disgusted with his behaviour and felt embarrassed and gutted that all the training had come to nothing. 

9th February 2002: A poor Manchester for us, although Poly played me up a little on the "go around" he moved well on his own and stacked like a dream. We came away empty handed though in a big tough class. Let's hope things improve at Mid Poo on Sunday. 

26th January 2002: Poly was superb on his heelwork today, he stayed by my side for about half a mile. This was most definitely the best yet as I did not have to correct him at all. I have tightened up his training even more and he has responded to it. This really needs to carry over into Ringcraft then I will be more confident in the show ring.

25th January 2002: Poly started last nights Ringcraft by trying to pull ahead of me all the time. His movement was "rubbish" but he did not bark at all (even during clapping). He did settle down though and in the latter stages of the class began to look the part again. I went away well satisfied with the evenings work.

22nd January 2002: We went to the Wembley C.S. Ringcraft tonight, I did manage to get Poly moving quite nicely but he was in a very playful mood. Although he is undoubtedly much more obedient he now has to relearn the Ringcraft, I am going to use the same technique here. I tried to stack him the same as he was on Sunday but he will not do it that way for me. It is a shame because it looks so good. I will have to revert to the other method, which gives me more control. It is probably a lack of confidence on my part as well and maybe that is what is being transmitted down the lead. On Thursday I will take him to Crews Hill Club where an "ear bashing" for the both of us from Bill might help. 

20th January 2002: I got to the Poodle Club Show and tried to warm Poly up in the ring. He was terrible and I thought "what now" ? However Marlene Carter handled for me today and he was terrific with her, winning a small Post Grad Dog class. I handled him in the challenge and he played me up, proving once and for all that it is my fault and not Poly's ! It is interesting, he showed that his temperament is sound, snuggling up for a cuddle with everyone who paid him attention, and being really nosey with those who didn't ! He played nicely with other dogs including a Standard Puppy Dog benched next to us. A while after coming out of the ring he was really relaxed and would stack and move without any problems. I have to work on his concentration and see if there is anything that I am doing that is perhaps sending something down the lead. I also counted 3 dogs today that barked and paced on the "go round", they have a reserve and two tickets between them so I am not alone with the problem. 

19th January 2002: Poly's heelwork is now excellent, he has finally learned the difference between the show lead and the "everything else" extender lead. I have now started changing pace and direction whilst calling him to heel. He has learned "go left, turn and I can slow him from a run by calling him in a specific voice tone". He still needs to concentrate more when there are distractions but he is now checkable where before he was not. He no longer tries to get up and down the stairs before me and even anticipates the "wait" command. It has been hard work getting this far (2 hours every day in all weathers) but now I have a well behaved Poodle who although still a rascal is almost unrecognisable from November last year when I started this training.  It now has to progress into the show ring and I think by using the same techniques I might be able to train the naughtiness out completely. I will be looking for an even bigger improvement at The Poodle Club's Open Show on Sunday, then I have a few sessions of Ringcraft before Manchester, M.C.P.C. and Crufts. Poly is clipped, bathed and dried, he just needs to be scissored and is looking good for The Poodle Club Show.

10th January 2002: Again Poly was exceptional with his heelwork so I wondered how he would be at Ringcraft tonight. Well although he started off by trying to pace, again I was able to correct him and he did not bark in the hall all evening. He was trying it on a little though and did not move well on his triangles and up and downs, wanting to play Poly the clown instead. When one of the club members went over him he had a dose of the tickles too. But overall the improvement continues and he settled down to do all that was asked of him. 

9th January 2002: Poly's training regime continues and today his heel work was exceptional, it was by far the best yet. An afternoon trip to the Serpentine in Hyde Park was productive too with Poly completely ignoring the Swans, Geese and other dogs whilst I moved him along the bank. The results obtained by using the new show lead could just be the icing on the cake. 

5th January 2002: At the Wood Green and Palmers Green K.A. open show today Poly got a creditable second in the class. This was behind the dog who was the eventual Utility Group winner. That aside I was more pleased with the way he behaved, for the first time since Three Counties last year he did not pace or bark on the "go around". He tried to pull ahead of me at the start but a stern rebuke was enough to correct him. He stood like a rock throughout and his only misdemeanour was to try and chew the lead on the "up and down and triangle". The Judge gave him every chance, moving him quite a few times but to no avail. I am switching Poly to an American Slip Lead, this has proved effective in training and I have been able to buy a small rolled leather one for use at shows. I tried it out during the lunch break and boy it really worked ! We are now seeing some daylight at last, there is still a lot to do but there was no hiding my delight with his behaviour today.    

4th January 2002: Poly's behaviour continues to improve but we are not there yet, tomorrows Open Show in London will tell me if it is going to carry over into the show ring sooner rather than later. This has been one of my best clipping/bathing/drying sessions. Will I be able to do his top knot by myself ? I am going to have a good go ! 

31st December 2001: After more sessions with the trainer and my working with him daily, Poly has improved further. His general behaviour is now excellent but he still needs to be tighter on his heel work. As to how he will be in the show ring the answer is "he is a Standard Poodle" and we all know what that means ! My guess is that if this training is going to work it will take a lot of patience and time and I am going to have to work on the problem at Ringcraft in a show type environment.   

16th December 2001: We have now had four sessions with the trainer and Poly has really responded. He is walking much better to heel when there are distractions around and he has shown a marked improvement in his "naughtiness". I am also taking him to The Serpentine a couple of times a week where I can "move him" near the geese, ducks and other wildlife. I have been able to check his jumping around when he sees them. This is such an improvement but there is still a long way to go. At Thursday nights Ringcraft the improvement was evident to everyone as he behaved himself like never before. I am cautiously optimistic and with a little luck I may just have a better behaved dog in 2002 (please). 

15th December 2001: Summing up 2001 it has been a hugely successful year for us. Poly finished up at Champ Shows with 1 first, 6 seconds (including Windsor), 2 thirds (including one at Crufts), 1 Reserve and 4 VHC'S. At the one Open Show we exhibited at he got Fourth in the Utility Group. We reached our goal of qualifying for Crufts again (and how) but I have been disappointed with his behaviour since Windsor. I have been gaining more confidence with my grooming and have even started to do a little "scissoring". Goals for 2002 are to qualify for Crufts 2003, improve my handling and grooming and get him to behave in the ring, anything else will be a bonus.

8th December 2001: At LKA despite once again playing me up big time on the "go around" Poly settled nicely to show everyone that he really can move (for once with all four feet on the ground). On his triangle and up and down he responded delightfully on the loose lead doing all that I asked of him. He stacked like a dream and I was delighted with the obvious improvement. The judge must have been impressed too as Poly was picked out and got third place. If I can break this habit on the go around he really will become a very showable dog indeed. I have started one to one sessions twice a week with a local trainer who is helping me to overcome this problem. Poly looked great mostly due to some help with his top knot from Su Eld (who made it look so easy). I scissored him again and although I think he needs some reshaping his coat has really come on. 

6th December 2001: Poly is fit and well and is being bathed today before travelling to Birmingham for LKA on Friday. I suspect that he is going to be really hyper but it is just nice to see that he is his old self again. 

11th November 2001: Poly was a little better this week, he moved well on his own and stood like a rock but again he is all over the place on the go around. I really have my work cut out to train this out of him. However he did get placed (VHC) in a much bigger class than last week so I am delighted with that.

9th November 2001: I am getting Poly ready for The Standard Poodle Club's Championship Show at The Connexion, Coventry tomorrow. He is clipped and groomed through and now comes the dreaded bath and dry. He has had a 4 mile walk and an hour off lead session today (double normal) but he is still full of himself this evening. Let's hope he calms down a little for the show. 

4th November 2001: At South Western PC Champ Show Poly was really hyper in the ring, playing up on the move. He behaved himself on the stack and looked superb. Another exhibitor in our class said that although he did play up he showed enough on the move for the Judge to see. I was delighted with our second place in Post Graduate Dog but I hope one day he will behave on the stack and the move at the same show. He has been flat out all evening snoring happily in the corner, I know how he feels !

3rd November 2001: Poly is clipped and groomed through ready for bathing and drying this afternoon. He has had his pre show long exercise session and is looking very lively. I hope he will not be too hyper at the show, it is a 5:30 AM start for us tomorrow, with a walk (hopefully it will stay dry), packing up the car, breakfast for the both of us and then the 90 mile drive to Swindon. I have heard that The Oasis Leisure Centre is difficult to find but I have managed to locate it on the map so fingers crossed. 

26th October 2001: One of Poly's better performances came to nothing at Midland Counties. He improved a lot on Richmond, although he tried to play up on the go around I was able to check him. He moved well on his own but fidgeted a little on stacking. We did not not get picked out but I was delighted with the improvement and I think we are going in the right direction. I shall see how he does at the weekend when we go to South Western Poodle Club Champ Show in Swindon.

25th October 2001: Well we are ready for Midland Counties, Poly looks superb let's hope for a better performance from him this time. It will be hard as there is a large entry.

24th October 2001: Poly is clipped, bathed and dried, I think it is one of my better efforts. Tomorrow will be scissoring day. Boy is it hard to keep whites clean, especially ones like Poly who insist in burying their entire bodies in hedges when peeing! Let's hope the rain stays off. 

21st October 2001: Well the preparations begin for next weeks show at Midland Counties. Tomorrow will be clipping day, Tuesday will be bathing and drying day and Wednesday is scissoring day ready for the show. We are off to Birmingham on Thursday where we are staying overnight ready for the show on Friday, let's hope Poly keeps up the recent improvement, but he is a Standard Poodle and we all know what they can be like.  

18th October 2001: We were able to work on Poly's misbehaviour on the "go around" tonight. Due to a large number of dogs attending, the "triangles" and "up and downs" were done 4 at a time, "in line". I am now sure of the following, 1 Poly is most definitely better when he has been "warmed up" first, that means running him round two or three times before going in the ring and also stacking and treating him for doing it properly. 2 On the "go around" I need to keep his lead as short as I can and string it. I have changed back to the one that I used at both Crufts and Three Counties and although it is a little too long it provides much more control. He really did behave well  and when we worked on the "up and down" with two dogs side by side he was exceptional. 

16th October 2001: Poly once again did not bark on the go around and for once watched me the whole time we were on the mats. However he did jump around like Zebbidy, chewed the lead, chewed my sleeve and when I ignored him chewed the seat of my trousers ! Well it is better than barking I suppose, where did I put that Bitter Apple ?

12th October 2001: At tonight's Ringcraft I am pleased to say that Poly improved immensely. He did play up a little but did not bark on the go around and when he tried to run ahead of me and jump about, a verbal command was sufficient to correct him. He settled down nicely after a little fidgeting session and gave me a very relaxing and enjoyable evening. I am keeping everything crossed and hoping that he can maintain the improvement.  

27th September 2001: Poly continues to improve and I am going to start working on his Ringcraft at home.

25th September 2001: Poly has improved today, he has not coughed or been sick but the Antibiotics have kicked in and affected his stomach. Although his appetite has not been affected he is still quite poorly and has a distinct lack of energy.

24th September 2001: Poly had a bad night and has been violently sick. Went back to the Vet this morning and she has diagnosed Kennel Cough. I am concerned that dogs in the local Ringcraft have been in contact with him so I telephoned a committee member to put them in the picture.  I will not be taking him to IPC. 

23rd September 2001: Poly has responded to the drugs and is back to his bouncy self, I am still trying to get him to rest though. He decided to empty out the entire contents of his toy box this afternoon, some of them on the stairs. I came down to answer the door and nearly went flying on one of his rawhide bones. Nice to have him back though.

21st September 2001: The reason he did not want to show is that he was unwell. He has a chest infection which is being treated with antibiotics. I am going to give him a complete rest from training this week.

20th September 2001: Oh dear it's back to square one, Poly was absolutely awful in tonight's Ringcraft session. He pulled me around, would not stand still on the stack and in fact generally didn't want to play "show shows"! I decided to finish the session prematurely. I am going back to a thicker lead as the one I have been using keeps slipping through my hand too easily.

18th September 2001: Once again Poly has a fantastic Ringcraft session. We had a lot of new people present and Ray borrowed Poly to show them what was expected.  

14th September 2001: Last nights Ringcraft session was probably the best that Poly has ever had. After settling him down he moved perfectly on the go around, by the end of the evening I had him on a loose lead. His triangles and up and downs were wonderful and he was a delight to stack. We even had a social walking session and I didn't have to correct him at all as we weaved in and out of the other dogs. I was really relaxed with him and enjoyed the session greatly. A few more of these and we will be on the right track. 

9th September 2001: Poly gets VHC in PGD at The Richmond Champ Show. He improved greatly on his performance at Scotland and was much better than last week at Birmingham. Maybe we have turned the corner and hopefully can look toward IPC Open Show and Midland Counties Champ Show with renewed confidence.

1st September 2001: Poly was handled by Jean Caswell but did not get picked out today, never mind there is always another show

31st August 2001: Poly is ready for Birmingham, he is scissored and now the 36 hour "try to keep him clean" routine is in force. I may have someone handling for me to see if they can control his recent spate of bad behavior in the ring. I have pinned down the cause, it seems that a couple of other dogs from one of my Ringcraft classes have been misbehaving too. A Yellow Lab (with a handler who is sixpence short of a shilling) has allowed her dog to make extended eye contact with and have a go at our dogs. She refuses to be told by us or the trainers to keep her distance and in fact puts her dog close to ours on purpose. The last time I encountered her was just before Windsor when again her dog had a go. It is strange that Poly and the other two dogs started misbehaving at that time. I will be having some strong words with her if she persists when we return after our summer break.        

26th August 2001: Poly, although still in "play Mike up in the ring mode" managed to get second in a small PGD class. His coat looked fantastic and I think that the restyling is beginning to take shape. I tipped him and even put his top knot up (I need some instruction here folks --  help) !

23rd August 2001: Poly is clipped, bathed and dried ready for Scotland. I am making a weekend of it and have managed to book us in to an Hotel not far from the showground. Let's hope that we do better than we did in Wales.

19th August 2001:Well what an unproductive Welsh KC we had, Poly was in Postgraduate Dog with an entry of 13. He did not get placed (the first time since February) and although he played me up his behavior was a better than at Bournemouth and much better than at Windsor and EOE, I feel we are moving in the right direction. My handling was not brilliant and I did not get the best out of him today. I am taking him to Scotland at the weekend (a round trip of over 800 miles) I am going to make a weekend of it and am looking for a suitable B&B in the area.

14th August 2001:Poly's coat has been reshaped a little today, his bracelets and poms have been scissored and some work done on his mane. It will take a few sessions to get the required look but it will be worth it.

12th August 2001: Although he still played up, Poly showed some improvement, his movement was all over the place but he did not bark on the " go around" and stood like a rock he got VHC out of a class of 6, I had to buy a new lead which was too cumbersome in the ring, I have since changed it for a thinner one. I hope for more improvement at The Welsh KC next weekend. 

11th August 2001:Poly's stomach has been stable for 48 hours now and my back is 90% OK so it is full steam ahead for Bournemouth. Poly is bathed, dried and scissored and looks good. My first task of the day will be to replace the show lead. It is a 5:30 AM start, we are meeting some other exhibitors on the M25 at 5:45 and going in "convoy". My alarm is set for 4 AM so it is early to bed tonight. I am hoping that Poly will be better behaved in the snake chain collar.

9th August 2001: Had a fair session at Ringcraft tonight, Poly managed to snap his show lead (glad it didn't happen on Sunday) but I was finally able to control him on the "go round". Did get him moving quite nicely but on the "up and down" he did one of his old tricks from his Junior Dog days "Zebbidy" ! He stacked beautifully and behaved  generally better. My back continues to improve and should be fine for Sunday, Poly's stomach is still a bit "iffy" and I will make a decision on traveling late on Saturday. I have clipped him today and will bath and dry tomorrow leaving the scissoring until Saturday.  

8th August 2001: Poly is back on a light diet and has improved markedly today as has my back so Bournemouth looks on at the moment. I took Poly into London today and he drew some admiring glances (and a few stupid comments about his trim) from members of the public. If I get rude remarks from people I have some great stock answers ready for them.

7th August 2001: My back improves a little but Poly has a stomach bug, I am keeping him off food for 24 hrs to try and clear it up.

6th August 2001: I have aggravated my back again, it is back to the doctors. I cant even move so if it doesn't improve pdq Bournemouth is in doubt.

2nd August 2001: Good Ringcraft session tonight, we worked for over half an hour on "go around". There were three other Standards there and we were able to simulate a show environment. What made it even harder for Poly was that the other Standards were all bitches and they were extremely playful. I had returned to the full choke snake chain collar which had worked so well at Crufts and Three Counties. I am pleased to report a much improved Poly this evening, he did pace a little but as long as I take him around "strung" with a short lead, he behaves. He stacked beautifully and on the loose lead worked well on his triangles and up and downs. So we have one more session and a charity dog show before Bournemouth and I am feeling a little more optimistic. the other Standard handlers remarked on how nice his coat was, I have been looking at some photos from last year and yes, the improvement is noticeable. Poly also lasted the full hour and was still moving with his head up at the end.

1st August 2001: Had Poly stacked for 5 minutes without a fidget today, that is a record ! looking forward to tomorrows Ringcraft.

21st-29th July 2001: I took Poly to a few exemption shows where I knew there would be lots of distractions, he behaved impeccably gaining a BIS and two RBIS. At all these events the weather was extremely hot making it even more difficult. I really need to work on Poly on the "go around" and will be doing that at Ringcraft this coming Thursday.

19th July 2001: Yet again Poly gave an awful display on the "go around" at East Of England. It was a long wait to get into the ring and the weather was foul. We were up to our ankles in water and I had to carry him 100 yards to the ring from my grooming table. He was entered in two classes He got Second in Graduate Dog and VHC in Postgraduate, beating some of the dogs that beat us at Trent To Tweed. I must work harder to stop him playing me up. 

15th July 2001: Poly behaves badly again in the ring but still gets reserve in a class of 8 in Postgraduate Dog at Trent To Tweed. A milestone for us today, I scissored the ends from his mane.

14th July 2001: Poly is all scissored and ready for Trent To Tweed on Sunday, his coat is really coming along now.

12th July 2001: Worked on Poly's movement at Ringcraft tonight, he is beginning to look good.

30th June 2001: A badly behaved Poly got placed second in a small Postgraduate Dog class of four at Windsor. During grooming I had to place him in his crate and pull the lot to a tent as it started raining. 

29th June 2001: Poly is scissored and ready for tomorrows Windsor, the weather forecast is changeable so fingers crossed. 

13th June 2001: What a lovely setting The Three Counties Show was at picturesque Malvern. Poly produced a good performance to finish second behind the excellent Apricot, Peppercombe Simply The Best At Rosehaven to clinch a place at Crufts 2002. 

12th June 2001: Poly is scissored and ready for Three Counties Show tomorrow, we are in Postgraduate Dog, the goal is simple qualify for Crufts 2002.

26th May 2001: Well I was nervous and my hands were shaking as I stacked Poly in the ring at Crufts. I needn't have worried as he did what we always knew could and got third prize in Special Yearling Dog, ending a super week in the ring for us.

20th May 2001: What a great day we had at the WKS Open Show, Poly won a small poodle class and took BOB. He went on to gain 4th in group, Bring on Crufts.

17th May 2001: We are gearing up for our pre Crufts warm up at Wembley Canine Society's open Show on Sunday, Poly is in good form.

13th April 2001: Due to me hurting my back, Jean Caswell handled Poly in Graduate Dog at The Birmingham National today, Poly got second prize.

11th April 2001: Poly is now in Continental and I think it really suits him. Bring on Birmingham

15th March 2001: Did not get "barked" at by Bill, our Ringcraft trainer, made a nice change.

6th March 2001: Good night at Ringcraft, Poly behaved for once and gave everyone a real treat with his movement.

1st March 2001: Crufts 2001 has been "postponed". As you all know it has been a long standing dream of mine to exhibit a dog at Crufts. I hope that Crufts is only going to be moved to another date (this is what their Press Officer said on the radio this evening) and not cancelled altogether, it would be a shame if Poly does not get "his day". Now the KC have some logistical decisions to make, "where, when, dogs ages in classes, car parking" etc. I hope this does not deter them from holding it this year, after all it is the greatest dog show in the world. I am going to redouble my efforts to make sure that Poly improves enough to qualify for 2002, I intend to live my dream !!

28th February 2001: Well it is confirmed, Crufts is going ahead as planned, I breath a great sigh of relief. Frances Ockford has sent me a small half choke collar (with a small chain) to try on Poly. It is the same as the one Bette uses on her dogs, lets see what effect that has on Sir.

27th February 2001: There is a possibility that due to the foot and mouth outbreak, this "government" could ban the movement of dogs and therefore cause Crufts to be cancelled. I have spoken with the Kennel Club this afternoon who have informed me that "their Veterinary Officer is in close contact with the Ministry of Agriculture and at this time plans for the show are still going ahead". 

19th February 2001: I have entered Poly in the Wembley and District Canine Society's Open Show in May. This is one of my local show societies (and I am a member) so I will be supporting them. It is being held in Uxbridge (near to Heathrow Airport), if you would like a schedule please email me and I will get one sent to you. The Poodle Judge is Stuart Chamberlain (Chobrang). Stuart is a Championship show judge awarding CC's in Lhasa Apso's and Tibetan Terriers, he will also be judging Best In Show.

20th February 2001: Poly's Von Willebrands test has not come out too well, his health is not affected but he cannot be used at stud. 

18th February 2001: Well what an interesting day, we exhibited at the Midland Counties Poodle Club Champ Show, Bette Sillito-Pearson groomed Poly to perfection, I asked her if she would handle him for me and she did. It is not often that you get the chance to have one of the breeds top handlers take your dog into the ring. The excellent Connamera Who Dares Wins (Wallace) also did not make the cut in Limit, I was surprised as I think he is one of the best Standards in the ring. Shangrila Shakn Not Stirred (James) another of my favourites won in Postgraduate dog and I am convinced that he will be a champion one day. In a strong class of 13 Poly held his own but did not get placed. Bette and I have studied the video of the show and think he deserved to get picked out, The dogs were much older but I am delighted with Poly's performance today, although there is still much work to do he showed us a glimmer of what he can do. Bette did us proud today and worked really hard on him. It was the best Poly has ever looked, his neck coat is really coming along and I think he will be there or thereabouts for Crufts. Pictures from the show are on the site, go to Pictures From Napoleon's Shows, then Midland Counties Poodle Club Show 2001. 

15th February 2001: Finally it has happened, my dream of nearly 20 years is going to come true. I received my exhibitors pass for Crufts this morning. It made me think back to when I first got interested in the breed in 1977. Some friends had poodles, there was Sadie, Cleopatra, Zebbidy, Snoopy, Scampie, Suki and Charlie. That prompted me to go to to Crufts in 1982 where I saw Ch Grayco Hazelnut ( a toy poodle) win BIS. I was back three years later in 1985 to see Ch Montravia Tommy Gunn (Poly's Great Great Great Grandfather) win BIS. I always wanted to show a dog at Crufts. I went to Crufts Utility day last year and got totally hooked again. I told Jean Caswell that I would back next year in the ring and we are.  There was one person who said that "I would be lucky to make a Pet out of Poly never mind a show dog and that I would never be able to get his temperament right". Well guess what, I have a loveable clown with a great temperament for a pet who might, just might, turn into a very showable dog as well. My response to that person contains just two words, the second word is "YOURS"!!   Thanks are due to all those who have helped and supported me during this last year, including Jean Caswell, Janet Clare, Jenny Croft, Bette Sillito-Pearson, Wendy Reeves, Roger Mugford and the many trainers from the various clubs we visited. Continuing thanks to Bill and Geraldine from Crews Hill Ringcraft who's help has been invaluable. We go on, we are improving as a team and long may Poly continue in the ring. Thanks to all of you who have used the site over the last year and made it the success that it now is.

11th February 2001: Well it was a very unsuccessful Manchester, Poly gave one of his better performances but to no avail. The other 7 dogs in Postgraduate were at least 18 months older than him and although he was not too far behind the reserve and VHC placed dogs he has some ground to make up. We are in Post Grad again next weekend and for the shows post Crufts I will drop him back to either Novice, Graduate or Special Yearling classes until we are winning at that level. I was pleased with Poly yesterday, he did not flinch when the male judge went over him, he moved a little better and kept all four legs on the ground. 

10th February 2001: I have the result of Poly's SA test, thankfully he is clear, I am just waiting for the Von Willebrands result now. Poly is ready for Manchester and I will be happy with a third place in Postgraduate Dog. 

9th February 2001: Poly has had his stitches out and I have just spent nearly 4 hours bathing and drying him, it's off to Tina's tomorrow for scissoring. Then a 4AM start on Saturday to get to the Manchester show. A good Poly performance is required, I want at least a third in our Postgraduate class to qualify him for Crufts 2002. 

28th January 2001: I have had Poly tested for S.A. and Von Willebrands Disease, I also had him Micro chipped. It was well worth the trip and I was disappointed that only a few people bothered to turn up. I have seen some pictures of dogs with S.A. and it is heartbreaking to see a once proud show poodle with a body that looks like a cow. If it is caught early enough the condition can be helped with Evening Primrose Oil. VWD is a type of Hemophilia and can lead to a dog bleeding to death. If you have a Standard Poodle (whether it is a pet or a show dog) please get it tested, you owe it to your pet. Poly is not just a show dog he is also a pet and is much loved, I will do anything to ensure his continued good health.

27th January 2001: I am taking Poly to Bette Sillito's clinic in Coventry tomorrow, to be tested for SA. Hopefully he will test clear and will then be "at Stud". It takes about three weeks to get the results back from the Lab, For more information on SA and other Poodle related problems, see Napoleon's Poodle Health from the main menu. 

25th January 2001: Poly's new diet seems to be working, this is as stable as his stomach has been since he was a puppy, I am going to keep him on this diet for a while longer to see if it works long term.

20th January 2001: Poly gets his first win since Windsor 2000 at The Poodle Club Championship Show, winning Novice Dog, he added a Reserve in Postgraduate Dog and Best Novice for good measure. There are some pictures (not the usual standard), select pictures from Napoleon's Shows, then Napoleon at The Poodle Club Championship Show 2001 to view them. The last time Poly won a class at a Championship show, Tina Ambridge had scissored him. As you all know I asked her to scissor Poly for this show and he won again, is it an omen ? anyway he looked fantastic even after my "not so good" attempt at bathing and drying. Tina will be doing the scissoring for Poly from now on. 

19th January 2001: After an eventful evening bathing and drying Poly I took him to Tina to be "scissored". He looks fantastic (pictures will be on the site tomorrow), his tummy seems to be holding up and I am optimistic about tomorrows show. If Poly can do his best (as he has been doing in Ringcraft) then I will be satisfied. 

18th January 2001: Poly's Diarrhea seems to have stabilised and I await the list of Denes stockists. I have to bath and dry Poly this evening, we are going to Northampton (Tina's) in the morning to have the finishing touches applied to Poly's saddle trim. Poly makes his Postgraduate debut on Saturday in the first champ show of the year at Slough.

17th January 2001: Tina Ambridge has suggested I speak with Denes foods as they have a diet advice line. I did this today and they were most helpful, They have suggested some of their products that I could try and will be sending me a list of local suppliers. I have put Poly back on a boiled chicken, potato, carrot and greens diet with a hard boiled egg for breakfast. That has calmed down the Diarrhea for now.

16th January 2001: Poly's tummy problems return with a vengeance, it seems that Chappie contains cereal and as we suspect that Poly has Gluten intolerance, I will have to change his diet back again.   

14th January 2001: Trying Poly on "Chappie Original" to see if that solves his tummy problems. 

12th January 2001:Poly has a good obedience session at Radlett which was different in that Dennis asked me to take the class for one of the exercises. Poly still has some Diarrhea.

11th January 2001:Poly had a superb session at Ringcraft, but seemed to run out of steam after about 40 minutes, he is definitely not 100% yet.

8th January 2001:Sad news to report, Poly's brother Roly from Birmingham (litter brother to Blanche and Tara) passed away today a few months short of his third birthday. He had a rare form of spinal cancer which was removed in November last year but returned with a vengeance leaving Roly's back legs paralysed, our thoughts are with Dianne, Shaun and the family.

7th January 2001: Poly has been "cut out" he is now out of his "puppy pants" and is in the Lion "English Saddle" Trim, he looks gorgeous.  

6th January 2001: Poly moves out of Junior for the first time in his first show of 2001. It was at the WGPG KA Open Show at Pickets Lock, London N9. It was a very strong class with all the dogs Crufts 2001 qualifiers. He still was not 100% fit and we had a 6 hour wait to get into the ring. He gave his best ever performance, he stood brilliantly, he moved superbly and did not flinch when the Judge went over him. I knew that whatever the result he had showed me that he will compete at this level. I was delighted when the Judge gave us third place, there is still room for improvement but we are on the right track and I look forward to 2001 with renewed confidence. I have a new show lead it is an all in one rolled leather half check which seems to suit Poly.

30th December 2000: I have the result of Poly's swab and I am delighted to say that is was negative. His stomach problems are almost certainly food related and I will have to experiment with his diet a little more. My back is a little easier today, the Osteopath has told me that I am experiencing severe muscle spasm's, Hopefully I will be fit enough for Ringcraft on Thursday and the Open show on Saturday. I have decided to book in to the Manchester Championship show in February, that will give us even more practice before Crufts. We will have done as many champ shows in the first three months of the year as we did during the whole of last year. I haven't seen Poly so lively in months, if I can control him with the new collar and lead arrangement we could have a good year.  

29th December 2000: Poly continues to improve and he has had great fun in the snow today. He was sticking his nose in it and immediately removing it with that little snorting sound that they make. He was jumping around like a puppy (this was the first snow he had seen). My back is giving me cause for concern and I am praying I will be well enough not just for our first show of 2001 next weekend but for Ringcraft on Thursday. Still no word from the Vet on the results of Poly's swab.  

27th December 2000: Poly and I have had a nice Christmas, although I am suffering with a disc problem in my back which is stopping me from doing any serious running. Poly's stomach is much better and seems more settled. He is still on the tablets albeit only twice a day (instead of three) I have changed his diet to 2 scrambled eggs for breakfast and for his evening meal I get 4 chicken legs and strip all the meat from them. I boil the meat for 2 hours, cool it, chop it up into very small pieces and mix it with a small quantity of Friskies Vital Balance (lamb). The Friskies are tiny and I think that is the name of the game to help his digestion. He did bring up a little bile this morning but otherwise his stools are almost normal. I am still waiting for the results of his swab but he is so much better in himself and his movement (even when we are on a walk) has that "show poodle" look to it again. I have managed a couple of small sprints along the road here, whilst using the "lead to the left of his head" and boy oh boy he looks as good as the other dogs that competed with us in Puppy and Junior this year. I just have to practice with this method to get the best line, his stand is getting there too, I am practicing that at home every day and I can now get nearly a full minute out of him. The three new commands that I have been teaching him (front, head up and trot) are beginning to bear fruit. He understands the front command the best, he will look ahead of him instead of all around now and if he does look to his left a quick growl of the "front" command is doing the trick. He does know trot and head up but he is not consistent enough (hence the lead position to the left of his head). I cant wait for Ringcraft to try these all out (my back allowing).  

15th December 2000: Poly continues to improve, he is still on medication but although suffering from wind appears to be keeping his food down. His leg appears to be almost back to normal.

14th December 2000 (update): Poly is a little better tonight his stomach is not so upset and his appetite has returned. He is still limping a little but that looks to have eased. He is almost his normal self (knocking me over as I came home from work) he will need a few more days rest though.

14th December 2000:Poly has another bad night and seems unable to keep any food down, although he is not being sick he is still suffering with Diarrhea and seems to be limping a little. I am worried that something is terribly wrong, he does not even seem to be his usual bouncy self. If it continues into tomorrow I will call the Vet again.

13th December 2000:Poly has taken a turn for the worse, I have been up all night with him, he has constant Diarrhoea and the Vet has taken a swab to send to a lab for tests. He has three lots of pills to take as well, I am very worried about him.

10th December 2000: Poly wins third place in his final appearance in Junior Dog at the LKA show. It was a small class with 5 dogs taking part. He really played up and I was very surprised when the judge picked us out for third place. She said to me "I bet he takes some handling" so it would appear that his physique wins again. He was unwell all afternoon and his eyes looked red and tired. When we got home he was being sick and had a bad stomach. During the evening he became listless and I called the vet, he came over and said that Poly has a stomach bug, he could have been  trying to tell me that yesterday. I now have to investigate a good balanced diet for him that will not upset his stomach. I also have to work very hard on stopping his head from moving or dropping whilst he is stacked or moving around the ring. I have changed to a Halti and I will use that with a command to stop him when we are training. One other Standard Poodle used to be just like Poly at the same age and he went on to become CH Kelrarmo Star of David so there is hope for us yet. Poly seems much better this morning and although still a little quiet did want to play a little. What a great first year we have had, five champ shows with two 1st, two 3rd, and a reserve. Two open shows One VHC in a BIS final and a 3rd in class in the other. Four exemption shows with two 2nds and two VHC's. It will be hard next year in Post Graduate, I hope that under the excellent training of Bill at Crews Hill Ringcraft Club we will continue to progress and my goals next year for champ shows is just to qualify for Crufts 2002, anything more will be a bonus, maybe a VHC in an open show and I want to win a BIS at exemption show level. We got close to that last year so an improved Poly/Mike team next summer could do it. I have booked in to Crufts 2001 and have the receipt from the Kennel Club, we will be in Special Yearling so let's hope for the best. Some pictures from LKA are now on the site, go to Napoleon at LKA from the main menu. A big thank you to Tina Ambridge for doing Poly's TOP KNOT for me.

2nd December 2000:Brave Poly does it again, he won third place in Junior dog at BUBA, and whilst he was under the weather with a stomach upset. We did not realise this until later in the afternoon. He did really well today and I am very proud of him. The dogs that beat us are constant winners and third is really as good as a win. his movement was as good as the others and he stood better, he did not flinch when the judge went over him, which pleased me. He looked absolutely fantastic (thanks to some help from Jenny Croft).

The consensus today was that third place was thoroughly deserved and that Poly is the kind of dog that needs time to mature and when he does, watch him go. The pictures from the show are on the site, go to Napoleon at the British Utility Breeds Association Show from the main menu.

27th November 2000:We have started a great new service, Napoleon's Poodle Forums, you can find it from the main menu. It is a year ago today that I went to Birmingham and brought Poly home to live with me.

23rd November 2000:Poly has another great session at ringcraft, he moved well and stood better, must work on his stand as he will not be still for long enough. I need to work on his backing away from judges, although it is not as bad as some I have seen.

20th November 2000:Poly did well at Harrow tonight, once again he showed that he could make an Obedience dog as well as a show dog.

16th November 2000:Poly has a good session again at ringcraft, he moved a lot better and stood reasonably well, if only he would not be such a fidget.

14th November 2000: Poly has a great obedience session at Harrow, he did everything right and is now looking almost ready for obedience trials.

10th November 2000: Another great obedience session at Radlett with Poly showing us that Poodles really do make wonderful working dogs. 

9th November 2000: Poly behaved himself tonight at Crews Hill Ringcraft class. We had a very hard session and there is still an awful lot to do. I cannot praise Bill (the trainer) highly enough, I have learned more in three classes with him than I did in six months at Kenton. Poly did stand a little better tonight but still has a habit of not pointing his left front leg toward the front. This was the leg he injured last June so I hope I can correct it. His movement still ranges from acceptable to bloody awful but that will come with practice. 

7th November 2000: Poly is very naughty at a new Ringcraft session in Wembley. He would not do what he was told and had "the devil in him" all evening, I hope this is only a temporary blip, dogs do constantly challenge owners in this way.

6th November 2000: As I now have a Kennel Club Affix, I have registered an Internet domain name for it www.kiragleons.co.uk , yes we have a DOT COM address located on a server at the heart of the Internet, New York City USA. The name is active and redirects here at the moment. I will be creating a Kiragleons site in the new year and hope to use some real cutting edge technology. You should continue to use www.napoleon.org.uk as I will be experimenting with the Kiragleons site over the next few months. Keep looking there though, you might have some surprises.

5th November 2000: Jenny Croft of Jencro Poodles has been researching the pedigree of her bitch Blanche, as she is Poly's sister his will be the same. It appears that Poly and Blanche are descendents of Montravia Tommy Gun, as soon as I have the information I will amend Poly's pedigree page.

4th November 2000: The Kennel Club have granted my Affix today, it is KIRAGLEONS. Poly's name will change to Twindles Beethoven at Kiragleons, after Crufts.

3rd November 2000: Poly once again continues to improve and gave the Radlett Dog Training Society a treat tonight, not only was he the best behaved dog there he once again did all that was asked and had everyone gasping when I trotted him round the hall. Every walk now is a training session and will remain so, I must get him moving like a show dog all the time whilst keeping his head up. He is really starting to be more consistent  which is something that has been sadly lacking in the past.

2nd November 2000: Poly carries on his recent improvement in obedience to the Ringcraft class. There is still a long way to go but his movement was much better tonight and he did not get pulled up for pacing. We met a beautiful white Standard Poodle called Sadie. Poly seemed surprised when she woofed and growled at him, she gave him a taste of his own medicine and he shut up for the whole evening. Way to go Sadie!

30th October 2000: Poly had his best ever session at Harrow tonight, he did all that was asked of him and for once I felt relaxed and really enjoyed the session. He carried over Friday's good performance at Radlett to tonight, I was really proud of him and I am now getting a really good feeling about his obedience. I now need to carry this over to Thursday's Ringcraft and I will be ecstatic if he can do that. 

27th October 2000: Poly had a good session at Radlett tonight, his one minor misdemeanor was to run around the room like an idiot when I tried to do an off the lead sit stay recall. However it must have been something in the air as all five of the poodles that were training did the same. Poly went on to do it perfectly with a nice sit at the end, he then went on to do an "away down" albeit with some help from me. One of the trainers paid us a nice compliment saying Poly is unrecognisable from the noisy nervous puppy that I first brought along almost a year ago.

26th October 2000: Poly had a great session at Ringcraft, he behaved impeccably, the trainer (Bill) has pointed out some things for me to work on. Bill took Poly around the ring and he showed me what I had always known, I have a real quality dog. His movement was simply wonderful, he was better than any dog I have seen in our class this year. I wonder if Poly will ever move like that for me ? do I need a professional handler ?  if he had moved like that at the IPC or City of Birmingham we would have won by a street.  

25th October 2000: Poly's chest infection is much better, if he looks OK tomorrow I will take him to his Ringcraft session.

24th October 2000: I have booked Poly into a Ringcraft class in Potters Bar on Thursday evenings. We will get some one to one training to allow us to work on his movement. 

19th October 2000: Poor Poly gets a bad chest infection, he will be out of action for a week.

17th October 2000: I have started Poly on a new training regime to improve his heelwork.

9th October 2000: A tired looking Napoleon puts in a poor performance in his training session at Harrow tonight, this was expected after the hectic weekend culminating in the IPC show. A big plus was that he totally ignored the noisy dogs and did not respond in kind. He just went into a "down" and did nothing. I will have to work harder on his heel work, stand, turn and "watch me" routines between now and B.U.B.A.  

7th October 2000: Napoleon gets third place in Junior dog at The International Poodle Club Open show at Langley. He should have won, I thought he was as good as the others but I do have to work on his coat more. People were saying nice things about him and he behaved impeccably. A big thank you to Terry Nethercott in particular, for his kind words.

3rd October 2000: Napoleon enjoys his best ever obedience session at the Harrow Club, this after being yelled at by one of the trainers for barking. Everyone burst out laughing as Poly ran between my legs and disappeared under the bench seats. He went on to do his first ever "sit/stay" and when taken around the hall by the trainers looked obedience competition class for the first time. Let's hope that he behaves at the IPC show on Saturday.

1st October 2000: The Kennel Club have accepted Kiragleons as my affix and now have to advertise it in the October Kennel Gazzette, I should hear during November if I have the name.

15th September 2000: Napoleon and I attend a grooming course and I have shaved, bathed and dried him, I might make a groomer yet.

3rd September 2000: Napoleon gets a thoroughly deserved reserve (4th) at the City of Birmingham Championship Show. This in a strong Junior class . If anyone had any doubts about his quality FORGET THEM, bring on Crufts THIS BOY IS NOT AFRAID. Pictures of the show will be on the site shortly.

BIG BIG thank you's to Jean Caswell of Twindles Standard Poodles and Jenny Croft of Jencro Poodles for their help in providing the finishing touches to Napoleon for the show. 

1st September 2000: The Kennel Club have rejected my affix application for the name Napoleons, instead I have asked for Kiragleons. This is made up from the names of all my poodles past and present, KIngRAGgsnapoLEONS.

31st August 2000: We are gearing up for Birmingham, his food poisoning seems to be rapidly improving but his temperament is still in need of work as is his ringcraft, let's hope he does his best on Sunday it is going to be his toughest test yet..

27th August 2000: Napoleon faced a stern test at the Harrow show, he had to compete against a very strong pedigree field including a Japanese Akida who got placed at the Paignton Champ Show in Best Dog. The Akida went on to win B.I.S but Poly managed a creditable 2nd and 3rd, he moved well but backed away from the judge, I think this was due to the fact that the Vet and myself have been squirting medicine down his throat all week. We took him to the funfair afterward and he was not bothered about all the noises, push chairs, children etc. I think we are winning with his temperament, now for the Ringcraft. 

25th August 2000: Napoleon has had a bad night and suffered with "the runs" I have booked an appointment with the vet at 2:55 today.

24th August 2000: Napoleon's behavior has markedly improved but during training tonight his stomach problem returned and I had to take him home early.

22nd August 2000: The vet has said that Napoleon's tummy bug is clearing but it will take a couple of days more.

21st August 2000: Napoleon has been sick this morning so his tummy is still not 100%, his temperament has improved though and could it be to do with the fact that I have taken off tinned dog food and put him on fresh chicken and rice ?

20th August 2000: Napoleon still seems to suffering with his tummy but he is at least holding some food down, the vet wants to see him on Wednesday evening.

19th August 2000:Napoleon is seen by the emergency vet as he was very sick today, she wants to see him again tomorrow.

18th August 2000: Napoleon still seems to suffering with his tummy and I have spoken to the Vet who has told me to starve him today and give him a light meal tomorrow morning (the usual thing) if he is no better by Monday it is yet another trip to the Vet.

17th August 2000: Napoleon has a good obedience session at Radlett and is making great progress at the higher level.

17th August 2000: Napoleon seems to have a tummy bug, I will keep an eye on it.

15th August 2000: Napoleon has been passed fit by the Vet, and I can at last step up his training. His behavior is still erratic in the street but he is really scared of Jenny from the Harrow club, he is putty in her hands, I asked her if she wanted to show him for me.

14th August 2000:Napoleon's behavior continues to improve, his heel work is now as good on the lead as it was on the Halti. He has had two "woof" free days in the street. His leg looks OK but I will wait until he sees the Vet tomorrow before passing judgment. I still have not received the pass for Perry Barr but I will give it until the 18th before chasing the secretary. I have applied for an affix from the KC, I hope this will be either Napoleons or Napoleon, which means Poly's pedigree name will change to Twindles Beethoven at Napoleons. I have booked us into an hotel in Sutton Coldfield for the duration of the Perry Barr Show.  

9th August 2000: Napoleon's leg shows the odd sign of being stiff but on the whole it looks pretty good, I am wondering if this is also making him a little ratty. I now have him on a full choke leather collar (courtesy of Auntie Jean) I will see if that helps to stop him jumping and barking. I used it in conjunction with Roger Mugford's Radio controlled collar today in an attempt to desensitise him from barking at my wheelie bin, using the citronella spray certainly made him think. I will do it again tomorrow. 

7th August 2000:Napoleon started training at Harrow, this lady uses the "good old fashioned approach" (I used this successfully on my last two dogs). I have been instructed to use a half choke collar in an attempt to stop Poly from jumping at people in the street. He will also be introduced to different people over the next few months who will approach him from the front. He had a successful social walking session after pulling me over. 

6th August 2000: Napoleon reaches the B.I.S final  at a local open show and gets a VHC, this after winning a class of 47 dogs. We finally beat that damn Sharpei.  His leg held up perfectly and today he has his last medication before seeing the Vet on the 14th.

3rd August 2000: Poly visits a local groomer and shows no signs of lameness.

1st August 2000: Napoleon has been limping today, but has not been lifting his foot, I am hoping it was just a little sore after yesterdays exertions.

31st July 2000: Napoleon is let off the lead for the first time in over a month on a five mile walk. There did not seem to be any ill effects and I am hopeful that he is at last showing signs of recovery. The next two weeks will be crucial, he comes off the medication next week and will spend a whole week without it until the vet sees him again. If there are no ill effects then he will be well on the way back to full strength although he will have a weakness for a few more months. If I can calm him down before The City of Birmingham Show we will have a good chance of at least a place. I will be speaking to Jane of Canine Creations to tidy him up between shows, Tina will still be doing him a day or so before a Champ show. I tried to use the clippers tonight, HELP I will need some instruction here.

30th July 2000: Napoleon gets fifth prize at the local Elstree show, coupled with that his leg held up beautifully in what was a fun but hot day.

23rd July 2000: After a week resting Napoleon's leg has shown improvement. I had switched his dose of Anti Inflammatory's to the morning to give him the maximum benefit. I notice only an occasional limp now, when he has been resting. After switching the dose I noticed the lameness in the evening and on his morning walk, thankfully this has now disappeared and the Twindles Strut is looking good again. He stops the Anti Inflammatory's on the 7th August and visit's  the Vet on the 14th. If he is still showing signs of lameness I will get him referred to a dog Chiropractor in Hemel Hempstead, fingers crossed. He does look better though and has been jumping around like his old self.

15th July 2000: After a long day at an Exemption show Napoleon was not troubled by his leg. He had Judge trouble though but managed a creditable 5th.

14th July 2000: The Vet still thinks it will heal in time and has given Napoleon a bigger dose of Anti Inflammatory's

11th July 2000: Napoleon's leg is still playing up, its another trip to the Vet.

9th July 2000: Napoleon gets a second and a fourth place at the Milton Keynes Exemption Show in a very strong classy field. There were around 30 dogs in each class. His leg held up well and we had a great day out. 

8th July 2000:Napoleon's rest seems to be doing some good and he has been extremely naughty today. If he shows improvement tomorrow and the weather is good I may take him to the Milton Keynes Show to meet his Auntie Jill.

4th July 2000: Napoleon is seen by an Orthopedic Vet who thinks he may have damaged cartilage in his shoulder. She prescribes rest and has put him on strong anti inflammatory's. She will see him in a weeks time when if there is no improvement he will need an X-ray to see the extent of the damage. He may then need an operation to correct the problem, the prognosis is good, he should make a full recovery but as they will have to shave his coat for the operation he will not be able to show until it grows back (6-8 months). He will be out of action for the rest of the year but will be OK for Crufts.

2nd July 2000: Napoleon puts in a stunning performance at the Windsor Championship Show to win Junior Dog. I was worried about his leg so I pulled him out of Best Dog, we went home happy with a good day's work. I will rest him and check his leg again in a couple of days. I was on my own at this show and was unable to get any pictures of us during competition.

1st July 2000: Napoleon is on the grooming table for 5 hours and his leg is still showing up with a slight problem. 

28th June 2000: Napoleon's street behavior has markedly improved and his walking position is absolutely perfect. He is looking good for Windsor.

27th June 2000: Napoleon had a stunning agility session going over the jumps and through a tunnel. He had a really good workout

14th June 2000: Napoleon has shown no ill effects from his strenuous day, He was superb in Agility going unaided through the weave, tunnel and over a small jump. Bring on Windsor. 

13th June 2000: We had a great afternoon with Roger Mugford Napoleon made some new friends. Roger ran the rule over Napoleon and liked what he saw, Napoleon had a good run out after his injury without any ill effects (whoopee).    

12th June 2000: Good News, Napoleon seems to have recovered from his injury although there is some bruising to the fatty tissue. The Vet checked him thoroughly and put him through a light run of about 50 yards. He has to remain on the Rimadyl until Wednesday 14th June and if there are no problems I can step up his training again. His Training schedule will be back to full capacity by the end of the week. He has also passed Napoleon fit to train with Roger Mugford tomorrow. It looks like we are on for an appearance at the Windsor show in July, I am mightily relieved !! 

11th June 2000: After some research into ligament problems I have decided to bring forward Napoleon's appointment with the Vet to 12th June 2000 at 9am. Napoleon will be seeing the Senior Practice Surgeon for another look. I will hopefully have more information then. There is still some "clicking" of his leg this morning. I am hoping that the injury is not Show Career threatening.

10th June 2000: Napoleon's walks are just for Toilet only (less than 50 yards) but he is jumping around in the house seemingly without any ill effects, Last night his leg still displayed the "clicking" sound after his walk. We will have to see what happens over the next 72 hours or so before We can make a judgment on whether to return to normal training. We do have nearly a month before Windsor so there is not a lot of time for his leg to heal if he has ligament problems. 

9th June 2000: Napoleon pulls out of local exemption show this coming Sunday due to injury.    

8th June 2000: Vet diagnoses possible ligament damage,  prescribes rest and and puts Napoleon on massive dose of Rimadyl. She will look at him again on Tuesday 13th June  (after training session with Roger Mugford).

6th June 2000: Napoleon pulls up during training session

4th June 2000: Napoleon has freak accident whilst out walking, he falls heavily on his front left leg.