Microtel Inn Brooksville, FL

Mom, Dad, Kris, Erica, Keith, & Logan are visiting with Mike, Jennifer, Page & Ryan this weekend.  Here I am in the lobby of the Microtel Inn & Suites, after a 3 hr drive.

Paws Parade 2011

Dad and I did the Paws Parade Saturday, except for the incident with the sand-spurs it was a great outing.

Got to run free on beach today

There were only a few people so Dad let me off lead, I did well at first, but then the temptation of a bird just got to be too much.  I broke and sprinted for about a block and a half, boy did I look impressive.  Dad came and got me and it was back on lead.  It was worth it, I had fun.

Downtown with Einstein

Einstein is 6 years old, black and weights 85 lbs, I'm not quite 2 years old, brindle and 130 lbs.

We will be walking in Parade for Paws on December 3rd.  Be sure and be downtown to say Hi.  Last years post is here.

Meeting the other Bouv in Fernandina today.

Scheduled to have a walk downtown with Einstein today, will post pictures.

Trick or Treat

Met my younger sister Reagan

Mom and Dad took me to Petco to get some dog food, where we met my younger sister Reagan's parents.  They scheduled a walk downtown for us.  Reagan is Mac's sister, she is 8 months old.

Getting treats and water at Amelia Fine Jewelry 

Reagan in the pocket park.

Both of us in front of the coffee shop.

About to say goodbye in front of the Post Office.

Halloween Pet Parade at Amelia Island Plantation

My friend Rodney won 2nd Place, I got an honorable mention.  Dad forgot to bring the camera, so no photos.  The GA/FL game crowd was downtown today, I had my picture taken several times, one group I met downtown was also at the plantation.  They have photo with me downtown and at plantation.

Espen van Valkin the most photographed dog in Fernandina.

My Favorite Wine

Ottimino Estate Zinfandel, well if I drank wine it would be my favorite.  This is the winery that Krispin works at, check it out.  They are also on Facebook, stop by and "Like" them.

My Herding Instinct Test Certificate

Herding Instinct & Canine Good Citizen Down, Therapy Dog International to go. 

Espen Van Valkin Canine Good Citizen

Took the test at Petsmart Sunday and passed.

Got to meet my younger brother Mac

Mac and Henry, Me and Dad in front of Island Time Frozen Yogurt, enjoying the free samples.  Mac is 7 months old, 13 months my junior.

Grandma Nancy let me borrow Coal's cart.

Didn't want to do down stay,

I decided that I wouldn't do a down stay, so I didn't get my CGC or TDI certificate.

Got in the pen with the sheep

I got in the pen with the sheep and did pretty well, only got the rake in my face once.  Jim, Herding Instinct Judge said I did good.

I now have an American Bouvier des Flandres Club Herding Instinct Test Certificate.

St. Louis, MO

We are at American Bouvier Des Flandres Club Specialty 2011.  I will be taking Canine Good Citizen, Therapy Dog International and Herding Instinct Tests.  Mom and Dad will be doing the Carting and the Grooming Seminars.

 

Me on my bed in Motel Room

Ann & Izzie delivering ducks to Herding Field.  Jim is the Judge.

Bouv herding ducks.

Do I sleep on the bed?

Mom & Dad are frequently asked "Does he sleep in bed with you?"  The answer is NO.  But, I have been known to try out the bed when no one is looking.

It's mine!

Goose thinks he can take my toy, not a chance.

Goose = 89 lbs, I weigh in at 120 lbs, who do you think is going to win?

Mom & Dad left me home today

Moma

Cubs, enjoying some venison

They went to White Oak to see some CATS, they could have taken me for a walk and gone in the back yard to see Blitz.

At Happy Tomato

The guys at Happy Tomato had posted the Newsleader Article, so I decided to send them a photo to go with the article.

My carting harness is in the mail.

Dad ordered my carting harness from Wilczek Woodworks Dog Carts and it is in the mail.  St. Louis here I come.

(Photo from ABDFC site)

Carting Seminar

Another opportunity to learn about carting is our Introduction to Carting Seminar on Tuesday evening, October 4 in the Event Center. Even if you are competing, we hope you'll join us. See you in St. Louis! To reserve a cart, or if you have questions about the carting test, seminar or to volunteer, contact Ann Schallert at ankat@IX.netcom.com .

I look forward to meeting Ann again, we met at NAWBA 2010.  She will teach Mom & Dad how to adjust my harness and maybe I will get to pull a loaner cart.

PS: It was a pleasure doing business with Bill & Barbie Wilczek, they called and confirmed the measurements just to make sure we received the correct harness.

That Big Bully That Shows Up At The House Sometime

Kris Miller's friend Tabitha make all natural dog cookies, check it out.  Is there something magical about them, if she twitches her nose?

When Kris shows up he always want to rough house with me, he chases me around the back yard.

Page 4-A above the fold, not bad!

Fernandina Beach News Leader, Friday August 26, 2011

The bench in the background is Dad's Grandmother & Grandfather's memorial bench.

For those of you who ask Mom & Dad "What Kind of Dog is That?"

Sometime Mom & Dad get a strange reaction when they hand out my blog card, one of the reasons is they get the question "What kind of dog is that?" so often.  They are not the only one who have this problem, see the linked article "What kind of dog is that?"

Article in today's Fernandina Beach News Leader "It's a bear, No it's Espy", thanks Heather Perry, great job.

Mom & Dad had the chance to ask "What kind of dog is that?" last March in California.  It was an Italian Spinone.

Helping Dad

I help Dad drive by keeping an eye on the road, I am happiest when he makes the turn off A1A towards the Dog Park.  Frequently, if he doesn't make the turn I go to the back seat to sulk.

Lunch at Pepper's downtown

Chicken wrapped in a tortilla from Mom, tortilla with cheese from Dad, and a few chips.  Mom loves me more, Dad didn't give me any of his steak, just the tortilla, but it did have a yummy cheese sauce on it.  Combine all this with a bowl full of iced water, life is good.

Pepper's is one of the dog friendly places in Fernandina.

Aren't I handsome?

Sullivan's 2nd Birthday

After the dog park we all went to Boardwalk Bash to celebrate Sullivan's 2nd Birthday.  We had cake from Redbone Bakery.

Sullivan enjoying his cake, Friday on left.

Left to right, Rodney, me, Brandy, Sullivan.

Bouvier mobbed in downtown Fernandina

While visiting his friend Zena, at La Torries, she hand out dog treats, Espen Van Valkin (Espy) attracted a large crowd in downtown Fernandina last night.  He posed for a couple of pictures.

Met a lady who had 2 Bouvs

As she tells it, one was smart, the other not so smart (my edit, there are no dumb bouvs).  They had one chair the bouvs were allowed to sleep in.  If the not so smart bouv was in the chair, the smart bouv would run to the door, barking.  The not so smart bouv would then get out of the chair to run to the door, while the smart bouv took over the chair.

Dad, you went off in the car once this morning without me, NOT AGAIN!!

Met a lady who had raised three generations of Bouvs

On the way to the beach we heard "It a Bouv!".  One of the guest at Elizabeth Pointe Lodge, (next door to the beach cottage) had raised three generations of Bouvs, Grandfather, Father, and Son.  She had shown the first two generations, she said she just didn't have the energy to show the Son.  She had done "Herding Instinct" with one, and was amazed at his instinctive herding skills.

Mom and Dad are talking about letting me do the Herding Instinct Test at this years ABDFC Speciality Event, but Dad is worried that I will not recall.

Met A Lifeguard Today

Walking on the beach today I met a Lifeguard.

Grandpa Miller (Alex Miller) organized and trained the beach lifeguards back in the 1930's.

I am a Big Boy

Mom, I need to go out.

What I would look like without hair cut

Great Action Shot of a Bouv

Would you argue with this Bouv?

Mom (Bunny)

Wednesday - Hamburgers at Mickey D's

Hamburger, nice walk downtown, what a great day.  It was a little slow downtown, only had four pictures taken.

Got home, time for a little nap with Blitz before going to the dog park.

You will notice that I am upholding the Bouv tradition, Dad can't leave the room without waking me.

Met two Bouv owners on the beach today

Nice walk/wade on the beach this morning.

This afternoon, timeout instead of dog park. On the way to the truck, off lead, saw a squirrel and broke. I just can't always control my prey drive, as long as I was in trouble I took a short walk. Dad wasn't all that happy and went all Alpha on me.

Green Turtle Tavern with my friends last night

After the dog park, we went to the Green Turtle Tavern downtown, with my friends; Rodney, Sullivan, Friday, Skipper & Brandy.  We met a Japanese Chin and a Catahoula mix.  It's great to have dog friendly places to visit.

Rodney's Mom brought a bag of treats - yummy.

Trivia - The Green Turtle Tavern was Tony Sousa's family home, Tony is a friend of Mom and Dad, Fernandina is a small town.

Some other dog friendly places are:

Happy Tomato, Brett's, Pepper's and  Arte Pizza

Dad's beach rental is also dog friendly, see previous post "Cooling it at the Beach Cottage".

My Name

Espen van Valkin (Registered Name) Espy (Call Name).

Espen from Valkin Kennels.  Valkin Kennels is located in Pine Mountain, Ga.
Check out Bunny's Puppies (my litter, was the previous litter Jan 2010).


The meaning of the name Espen is God Bear
The origin of the name Espen is Scandinavian


Mom & Dad wanted a reference to Bear in my name because I looked like a bear cub, and my predecessor Bailey (the Bouv) had been accused of being a bear many times. 


I sometimes get accused of being a bear, but with my Florida cut, not so often.  See following post for more on Bouv's and Bears.

Bouv Article from Modern Dog

I'm not the only one that gets "its a bear".

The introductory paragraph:

In the early evening, I'm walking along a trail with my Bouvier des Flandres, Griffin. He is ahead, moving smoothly and quickly with his habitual mile-eating trot. The trail curves, and briefly he disappears from sight. Suddenly I hear a high-pitched shriek. A jogger appears around the corner, clutching his chest melodramatically. "Oh, my god!" he gasps, "I thought it was a bear!" Griffin, unperturbed by the man's reaction, waits calmly while the man recovers his dignity, but positions himself solidly between the two of us.

People frequently have this "Bear!" reaction to Bouviers and it never ceases to amuse me. How many bears have you seen trotting purposefully along on well-peopled trails? It is true that Bouviers have a distinctive, rolling, bear-like gait. It is also true that Bouviers, like bears, tend to carry their heads low to the ground, and they are also shaggy, and black, and large. But they aren't that large.

The link to the article is: http://www.moderndogmagazine.com/breeds/bouvier-des-flandres

Movie and Books about Bouv

There is a movie about a Bouv, A Dog of Flanders, there are two versions, 1999 & 1959.  The story line is:  Poor but happy, young Nello and his grandfather live alone, delivering milk as a livelihood, in the outskirts of Antwerp, a city in Flanders (the Flemish or Dutch-speaking part of modern-day Belgium). They discover a beaten dog (a Bouvier, a large sturdy dog native to Flanders) and adopt it and nurse it back to health, naming it Patrasche, the middle name of Nello's mother Mary, who died when Nello was very young. Nello's mother was a talented artist, and like his mother, he delights in drawing, and his friend Aloise is his model and greatest fan and supporter. (from IMDB).  Both versions are available on Netflix and from Amazon.


Bouv's are also featured in W.E.B Griffin's novels, the Presidential Agent Series.

Cooling it at the beach cottage.

Mom says I must confess that I NEVER get on the furniture at home.

Run in with Jan at Farmer's Market

As previously posted, the Farmer's Market has banned dogs.  So Dad takes me up the side, on Church property, to the street, while Mom shops.  Today as we were going up the side, after some people had come over to admire me, Jan came up to Dad and informed him that some kids had gotten "cover in dog poop" after I took a dump in the drainage ditch.  This was some previous visit.  Mom or Dad always pick up after me, so it is hard to understand how someone could be "covered in poop".  There might be some residual poop on the grass, but Mom and Dad do a pretty good job of cleaning up.  Jan has told the vendors to go wash down after me.

Dad will have Jan inspect all future cleanups.  "Hey Jan, Espy pooped here, can you come over and inspect it."

I will continue to walk on Church property until someone from the Church request otherwise, anyone want to join me.

Yappy Hour @ Falcon's Nest

Met with my friends (Jameson, Sullivan, Friday, Skipper, Brandy, Rodney, ... ) and met new friends at Yappy Hour.  Sponsored by RAIN (Rescuing Animals In Nassau).  Had a good time.  Look forward to next months Yappy Hour.

Please check out RAIN and consider donating, Mom & Dad did.

Picture from the past

Just received a copy of Jan's photo from NAWBA 2010 of me and my friends with their carts on the boardwalk at Virginia Beach.  Mom and Dad are going to order my harness soon, and start training me to pull a cart.

Haircut & Beach Day

Got my summer cut today, followed by a trip to the beach.  Don't I look good!

Bouv's are known for their ability to block exits.

I am all Bouv, I can block exits with the best of them.

You can't get around me.

Do I like to swim?

See for yourself. 

Click the above link to see 1.54 min video of me in the pool at the dog park.

Two trips to Dog Park today.

Mom and Dad felt guilty about banishing me to Pet Paradise for 5 day, so today was a walk downtown, lunch at the new Pepper's, and two trips to the dog park. I did lots of swimming today. Eventually Mom or Dad will take some video of me swimming and I can post it.

Bummer -- We got to the testing site and they weren't doing the test this week.

My friend Friday also made the trip.   K-9 Obedience Club of Jacksonville you need to improve you communication, the web site and the notice on the gate said the training was scheduled.  


Mom and Dad did salvage a good meal out of the trip, patio dining, with me, at Copeland's of New Orleans.  I can vouch that the STEAK LABOUCHERE is quite good.  Like those dog friendly restaurants. 

Canine Good Citizen Test Tonight

Wish me luck.  The test:

ITEM 1: ACCEPTING A FRIENDLY STRANGER
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to approach it and speak to the handler in a natural, everyday situation.  The evaluator walks up to the dog and handler and greets the handler in a friendly manner, ignoring the dog.  The evaluator and handler shake hands and exchange pleasantries. The dog must show no sign of resentment or shyness, and must not break position or try to go to the evaluator.


ITEM 2: SITTING POLITELY FOR PETTING
This test demonstrates that the dog will allow a friendly stranger to touch it while it is out with its handler. With the dog sitting at the handler's side (either side is permissible) to begin the exercise, the evaluator pets the dog on the head and body only. The handler may talk to his or her dog throughout the exercise. The dog may stand in place once petting begins. The dog must not show shyness or resentment.


ITEM 3: APPEARANCE AND GROOMING
This practical test demonstrates that the dog will welcome being groomed and examined and will permit someone, such as a veterinarian, groomer or friend of the owner, to do so. It also demonstrates the owner's care, concern and sense of responsibility.  The evaluator inspects the dog to determine if it is clean and
groomed. The dog must appear to be in healthy condition (Le., proper weight, clean, healthy and alert). The handler should supply the comb or brush commonly used on the dog. The evaluator then softly combs or brushes the dog and, in a natural manner, lightly examines the ears and gently picks up each front foot.  It is not necessary for the dog to hold a specific position during the examination, and the handler may talk to the dog,  praise it and give encouragement throughout.


ITEM 4: OUT FOR A WALK (WALKING ON A LOOSE LEASH)
This test demonstrates that the handler is in control of the dog. The dog may be on either side of the handler, whichever the handler prefers. (Note: The left-side position is required in AKC competitive obedience events.) The dog's position should leave no doubt that the dog is attentive to the handler and is responding to the handler's movements and changes of direction. The dog need not be perfectly aligned with the handler and need not sit when the handler stops.  The evaluator may use a pre-plotted course or may direct the handler/dog team by issuing instructions or commands. In either case, there must be a left turn, right turn, and an about turn, with at least one stop in between and one at the end. The handler may talk to the dog along the way to praise or command it in a normal tone of voice. The handler may also sit the dog at the halt, if desired.

ITEM 5: WALKING THROUGH A CROW
This test demonstrates that the dog can move about politely in pedestrian traffic and is under control in public places.  The dog and handler walk around and pass close to several people (at least three). The dog may show some interest in the strangers but should continue to walk with the handler, without evidence of over exuberance, shyness or resentment.  The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise the dog
throughout the test. The dog should not be straining at the leash.

ITEM 6: SIT AND DOWN ON COMMAND I STAY IN PLACE
This test demonstrates that the dog has training, will respond to the handler's commands to sit and down and will remain in the place commanded by the handler (sit or down position, whichever the handler prefers).
Prior to this test, the dog's leash is replaced with a 20-ft. line. The handler may take a reasonable amount of time and use more than one command to make the dog sit and then down. The evaluator must determine if the dog has responded to the handler's commands. The handler may not force the dog into either position
but may touch the dog to offer gentle guidance.  When instructed by the evaluator, the handler tells the dog to
stay and walks forward the length of the line, turns and returns to the dog at a natural pace (the 20-ft. line is not removed). The dog must remain in the place in which it was left (it may change position) until the evaluator instructs the handler to release the dog.  The dog may be released from the front or the side.

ITEM 7: COMING WHEN CALLED
This test demonstrates that the dog will come when called by the handler. The handler will walk 10-feet from the dog, turn to face the dog, and call the dog. The handler may use encouragement to get the dog to come. Handlers may choose to tell dogs to "stay" or "wait" or they may simply walk away, giving no instructions to the dog as the evaluator provides mild distractions (e.g., petting).

ITEM 8: REACTION TO ANOTHER DOG
This test demonstrates that the dog can behave politely around other dogs.  Two handlers and their dogs approach each other from a distance of about 15 feet, stop, shake hands and exchange pleasantries,
and continue on.  The dogs should show no more than a casual interest in each other. Neither dog should go to the other dog or its handler.

ITEM 9: REACTION TO DISTRACTIONS
This test demonstrates that the dog is confident at all times when faced with common distracting situations.
The evaluator will select only two of the following:  (Note: Since some dogs are sensitive to sound and others to visual distractions, it is preferable to choose one sound and one visual distraction).
A)   A person using crutches, a wheelchair, or a walker (5 ft. away)
B)   A sudden opening or closing of a door.
C)   Dropping a pan, folded chair, etc. no closer than 5-ft. from the dog.
D)   A jogger running in front of the dog.
E)   A person pushing a cart or crate dolly passing no closer than 5-ft. away.
F)   A person on a bike no closer than 10-ft. away.
The dog may express a natural interest and curiosity and/or appear slightly startled but should not panic, try to run away, show aggressiveness or bark. The handler may talk to the dog and encourage or praise it throughout the exercise.

ITEM 10: SUPERVISED SEPARATION
This test demonstrates that a dog can be left with a trusted person, if necessary, and will maintain its training and good manners.  Evaluators are encouraged to say something like, "Would you like for me to watch your dog?" You will give the leash to the evaluator and go out of sight for 3-minutes. You may tell your dog to stay if it already has a down or sit-stay. The dog does not have to stay in position but it can not continually bark, whine, or pace unnecessarily, or show anything stronger than mild agitation or nervousness.

Remy & Jameson came over to visit

Remy & Jameson (Irish Wolfhounds) came over to visit this afternoon.

Photo Season Has Started

People are stopping me downtown to take my photograph, will I be the most photographed dog in Fernandina again this year?

Helping Mom in the back yard

I pointed out the spots that needed watering.  Then when they had enough water I would jump into the stream to stop the flow of water.

Note to Grandma Nancy, pup-pup has grown up, at 115 lbs he may be larger than Coal.

Sunday walk downtown Fernandina

Mom & Dad make me carry my own water (2 bottles and bowl).

 Break time!

Light Bulb Going On

There is a point in training Bouv's when the light bulb goes on, usually about 1 year, well it has happened with Espy, at 15 months, with one minor wrinkle.  In early training we were taught to use a non-verbal foot stomp to mean "Heal-Up" (sit at left knee, ready to heel).  Well, Espy has gone through his training doing things, after debated by the executive committee (bouv time).

Now request (commands) followed by a foot stomp are executed immediately.

I lifted my leg today!

I am on my way to adulthood, at 15 months I finally raised my leg on this morning's walk downtown.

Agility Training at the Dog Park

I got Blue's Frisbee!

Blue doesn't loose his Frisbee often, but today I got it away from him.  Life at the dog park is always fun.

Had fun at the Dog Park

Got to run with Cooper (Boxer) this afternoon, for about an hour.  Meanwhile my pal Blitz (American Short Hair Cat) was busy hunting bugs in the back yard.  Time for a nap after dinner.

Reprieve

Mom & Dad rescued me!

Video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC4-MYjoQdg

Banished

Mom and Dad have banished me to one of those awful places called a boarding kennel.
http://tinyurl.com/3wmjaln

Farmer's Market

They can keep me out of the Market, but not off of the public sidewalks and the adjacent Bank & Church properties.

The sign reads:

Effective 11/1/10

Due to safety, health

and insurance issues,

pets will not be

allowed in the Market

Thank You

My buddies, the Project Chance Therapy Dogs are in the background.

Refresher Training for Canine Good Citizen

Stay in Place and Come When Called, me in foreground, part of Dad in background.  Maybe Mom should have rotated the camera or zoomed out a bit.

(L to R) Dad's knee, me in maximum heat transfer mode while reviewing, Jamie, Friday and Carlos.  We still need to work with Mom on framing photos.