Saturday, May 5, 2007
The UnderDog Show results, review, and updates
Full information about the UnderDog Show, with info about all eight celebrities and dogs, plus results and more... also Dogs Trust information, details of trainers, and what has happened to the participating dogs - can be found at two complimentary websites.
I am including live links to these two websites at the bottom of this post. DO check them out!
***
The tasks set for the UnderDog Show Final were an Agility course and a freestyle dance routine.
The three finalists had to complete these tasks, and were then marked by the 3 judges [Annie, Kay, and Peter]... the public then rang in to choose their favourite [public vote accounting for 50% of the total vote]. When the two sets of votes were added together the top two dogs were to do a 'head to head' final 'dance off' in the results show later the same evening.
Both Selina Scott and Chump, trained by Steve Mann, and Julia Sawalha and Cookie - whose trainer was Dima - completed both tasks very succussfully, and received compliments and high marks from the judges... with Chump just in the lead.
Casper and Huey, on the other hand, received very low marks from the judges; their Agility wasn't good, and they didn't even attempt the dance task. So, when it came to the update show, and the results of both the public and the judges scores were combined... with Casper coming second, the 'dance off' was a bit of a non-event!
After the final voting... Chump with Selina, very deservedly, won the trophy. As a young dog, of only about 16 months, Chump did brilliantly - managing to concentrate exceptionally well. All credit to both Selina and Steve.
***
What has happened to the dogs?
Well, three dogs went home with their celebrity trainers - the other five, after much heart-searching, could not be re-homed with their respective celebrities [other commitments precluded that] so they went up for adoption. Happily they have all found homes... I hope this publicity has also helped re-home many more Dogs Trust dogs.
The BBC Breakfast show was the place chosen for the hand-over of Chump to his new owner. Both Steve and Selina came with Chump - who is such an affectionate dog - and we heard that Chump is to live in Cornwall where he will have access to fields and be able to run free.
His new owner's previous dog had died at about the same time as Chump was born, and was of the same kind of breed type... so it sounds as if Chump will have a happy new life.
Now for the all-important addresses to those informative and fascinating websites which I promised...
UnderDog Show (1)
and
UnderDog Show (2) - with delightful pictures!
Please, visit both sites... you'll miss out if you don't, as they are complimentary to each other!
I am including live links to these two websites at the bottom of this post. DO check them out!
The tasks set for the UnderDog Show Final were an Agility course and a freestyle dance routine.
The three finalists had to complete these tasks, and were then marked by the 3 judges [Annie, Kay, and Peter]... the public then rang in to choose their favourite [public vote accounting for 50% of the total vote]. When the two sets of votes were added together the top two dogs were to do a 'head to head' final 'dance off' in the results show later the same evening.
Both Selina Scott and Chump, trained by Steve Mann, and Julia Sawalha and Cookie - whose trainer was Dima - completed both tasks very succussfully, and received compliments and high marks from the judges... with Chump just in the lead.
Casper and Huey, on the other hand, received very low marks from the judges; their Agility wasn't good, and they didn't even attempt the dance task. So, when it came to the update show, and the results of both the public and the judges scores were combined... with Casper coming second, the 'dance off' was a bit of a non-event!
After the final voting... Chump with Selina, very deservedly, won the trophy. As a young dog, of only about 16 months, Chump did brilliantly - managing to concentrate exceptionally well. All credit to both Selina and Steve.
What has happened to the dogs?
Well, three dogs went home with their celebrity trainers - the other five, after much heart-searching, could not be re-homed with their respective celebrities [other commitments precluded that] so they went up for adoption. Happily they have all found homes... I hope this publicity has also helped re-home many more Dogs Trust dogs.
The BBC Breakfast show was the place chosen for the hand-over of Chump to his new owner. Both Steve and Selina came with Chump - who is such an affectionate dog - and we heard that Chump is to live in Cornwall where he will have access to fields and be able to run free.
His new owner's previous dog had died at about the same time as Chump was born, and was of the same kind of breed type... so it sounds as if Chump will have a happy new life.
Now for the all-important addresses to those informative and fascinating websites which I promised...
UnderDog Show (1)
and
UnderDog Show (2) - with delightful pictures!
Please, visit both sites... you'll miss out if you don't, as they are complimentary to each other!
Labels: Chump and Selina, Cookie and Julia, Dima, Huey and Caspar, Judge Annie, Judge Kay, Judge Peter, professional dog trainers, Steve Mann, Underdog Show
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
UnderDog Show Final
For UK TV viewers... don't forget the final of the UnderDog Show! You'll find it on BBC2 tomorrow - 25th April - at 8 p.m.
Labels: BBC2, Underdog Show, underdog show final
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Julian Clary - The UnderDog Show
The UnderDog Show semi final compered by Julian Clary with Valerie his dog was quite an eventful show!
For those who missed it, there were two rounds which the dogs and handlers had to negotiate... one was based mostly on the Agility discipline, the other an obedience trial.
All the dogs bar one, Robson with Mishal Husain, failed miserably at the 'obedience' trial. Robson came out top by a very high margin with the judges, who were totally right, yet it was poor Robson who was eliminated when the public vote was taken into consideration, and he is now looking for a good home!
Some of the poor performances in the obedience could be forgiven... as Cookie was distracted by something which really upset him outside the ring, and totally fixated upon it, nothing else mattered to him, though a reasonable performance had preceded this distration!
The rehearsal, complete with food distraction was Chumps undoing... food was the only thing on his mind on the live show.
But Casper disgraced himself by taking the food and biting both Huey and the trainer who tried to take it from him... he will need some kind, yet firm handling, and to learn who is top dog in whatever home he finds after the programme is over.
It was good to hear that there are 10 prospective homes on the cards for Ginger who went out in the third edition of the show... he was a lovely friendly dog who deserves to find a loving home. I was very sad to see Anton and Ginger eliminated so early on as Anton had had no previous experience, yet showed an empathy and understanding which many people never seem to attain.
For those who missed it, there were two rounds which the dogs and handlers had to negotiate... one was based mostly on the Agility discipline, the other an obedience trial.
All the dogs bar one, Robson with Mishal Husain, failed miserably at the 'obedience' trial. Robson came out top by a very high margin with the judges, who were totally right, yet it was poor Robson who was eliminated when the public vote was taken into consideration, and he is now looking for a good home!
Some of the poor performances in the obedience could be forgiven... as Cookie was distracted by something which really upset him outside the ring, and totally fixated upon it, nothing else mattered to him, though a reasonable performance had preceded this distration!
The rehearsal, complete with food distraction was Chumps undoing... food was the only thing on his mind on the live show.
But Casper disgraced himself by taking the food and biting both Huey and the trainer who tried to take it from him... he will need some kind, yet firm handling, and to learn who is top dog in whatever home he finds after the programme is over.
It was good to hear that there are 10 prospective homes on the cards for Ginger who went out in the third edition of the show... he was a lovely friendly dog who deserves to find a loving home. I was very sad to see Anton and Ginger eliminated so early on as Anton had had no previous experience, yet showed an empathy and understanding which many people never seem to attain.
Labels: Casper, Chump, Cookie, Julian Clary, Underdog Show, Valerie
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
The UnderDog Show... this weeks update
The following blog post about the Underdog Show has been added to all my 'doggy blogs' today... there is so much interest in rescue, and this show has been all good news for dogs in need of re-homing... so the details of the show are very heartening for dog lovers.
Although the dogs, some of which were hardly more than puppies, have, after only three weeks of training, become remarkably proficient and good - they have also demonstrated that it is easy to teach a willing animal Agility and Obedience... if you are a proficient trainer.
"Last nights show saw the number of dogs and celebrity handlers whittled down to four to compete in next weeks semi-final... and again the voting of the public to save Casper did not agree at all with the opinion of the judges.
But, part of the reason behind the show is to get the public to vote in order to donate some of the call cost to a charity... though in my opinion, and that of many other viewers, the belief is, that at least some of that charity donation should be to the Dogs Trust... or another animal welfare charity... so Clive Anderson and Alfred were eliminated.
And, happily, Alfred had already become firmly installed as part of Clive's family... so Alfred's tale [or tail!] had a 'happy ending'.
As of today you will find details of all the dogs who are, or have been, on the Underdog Show at the following web page... please just copy and paste the address into your browser... http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/press_office/underdogs/bbc2show/ ...
I don't know how long that web address will stay online, so I thought if you had full access to the entire address, should it be removed, you can try just part of the address and navigate to the information you require from the first part of the address!
There is a full profile of the dogs, or as full as they can get it... and details of their new lives... a rewarding read.
The show itself last night gave the dogs and handlers two different challenges... one an Agility, plus obedience and tricks type challenge, the other to put on a type of show or play, which involved the dogs in doing whatever tricks and behaviours which could be incorporated into the play, one even showed what flyball dogs have to do by opening a box.
Casper and Huey came well at the bottom in both disciplines... and Clive and Albert were joint second, but as mentioned above, it was Casper who went through.
The results show had a demonstration of freestyle, dancing to music - which is what the finalists will be expected to do - the dog was called Tapper and was handled by Gina Pink who really made my day by choosing "Ain't that a kick in the head" sung by Dean Martin to do the routine to!
Also featured this week were several Dogs Trust dogs who need a rescue home... they were promoted by the celebrity handlers.
So many sad stories in need of a happy ending!"
Although the dogs, some of which were hardly more than puppies, have, after only three weeks of training, become remarkably proficient and good - they have also demonstrated that it is easy to teach a willing animal Agility and Obedience... if you are a proficient trainer.
"Last nights show saw the number of dogs and celebrity handlers whittled down to four to compete in next weeks semi-final... and again the voting of the public to save Casper did not agree at all with the opinion of the judges.
But, part of the reason behind the show is to get the public to vote in order to donate some of the call cost to a charity... though in my opinion, and that of many other viewers, the belief is, that at least some of that charity donation should be to the Dogs Trust... or another animal welfare charity... so Clive Anderson and Alfred were eliminated.
And, happily, Alfred had already become firmly installed as part of Clive's family... so Alfred's tale [or tail!] had a 'happy ending'.
As of today you will find details of all the dogs who are, or have been, on the Underdog Show at the following web page... please just copy and paste the address into your browser... http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/press_office/underdogs/bbc2show/ ...
I don't know how long that web address will stay online, so I thought if you had full access to the entire address, should it be removed, you can try just part of the address and navigate to the information you require from the first part of the address!
There is a full profile of the dogs, or as full as they can get it... and details of their new lives... a rewarding read.
The show itself last night gave the dogs and handlers two different challenges... one an Agility, plus obedience and tricks type challenge, the other to put on a type of show or play, which involved the dogs in doing whatever tricks and behaviours which could be incorporated into the play, one even showed what flyball dogs have to do by opening a box.
Casper and Huey came well at the bottom in both disciplines... and Clive and Albert were joint second, but as mentioned above, it was Casper who went through.
The results show had a demonstration of freestyle, dancing to music - which is what the finalists will be expected to do - the dog was called Tapper and was handled by Gina Pink who really made my day by choosing "Ain't that a kick in the head" sung by Dean Martin to do the routine to!
Also featured this week were several Dogs Trust dogs who need a rescue home... they were promoted by the celebrity handlers.
So many sad stories in need of a happy ending!"
Labels: agility, animal rescue, Casper and Huey, Clive and Albert, Dean Martin, dogs trust, Gina Pink, Underdog Show
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Re-homing, the Dogs Trust, and the Underdog Show
The Dogs Trust is in partnership with 'The Underdog Show' and you can check out their website for help, advice, and information [the information section is fascinating] at the link [above].
All the dogs on the show have been chosen from the Dogs Trust charity, to represent the wide range of rescue dogs available across the UK. At the end of each weeks show, there will be an opportunity for viewers to re-home a rescue dog.
The show [details of which are in a previous post] started out with the following participants Anton du Beke & Ginger, Clive Anderson & Albert, Huey Morgan & Casper, Julia Sawalha & Cookie, Kirsty Gallacher & Bruno, Mishal Husain & Robson, Selina Scott & Chump, Theo Paphitis & Claudia.
The first show saw Theo & Claudia out... and Theo chose to adopt Claudia, and take her home. The show last night saw Kirsty and Bruno out... and Kirsty has also chosen to adopt Bruno, who is only 8 months old.
The eventual winner must train intensively, connect with their dog... I love the way Anton & Ginger connect, they may not be the best at doing the set tasks, but they have great fun together! They will also need a comprehensive understanding of dog psychology, most importantly, remember all the rules, and survive under the scrutiny of three professional judges and an endlessly ticking clock!
Last night saw the following obstacles and tasks... the rigid tunnel, a series of jumps, the weave, a distance recall, a rollover, and a further trick to finish.
Great entertainment... yet a serious reminder of how many dogs there are who need re-homing!
If only people would think BEFORE they get a dog in the first place... and would take the training process seriously, then not so many dogs would be put into this sad position.
For more training information, just check out our recommended links.
All the dogs on the show have been chosen from the Dogs Trust charity, to represent the wide range of rescue dogs available across the UK. At the end of each weeks show, there will be an opportunity for viewers to re-home a rescue dog.
The show [details of which are in a previous post] started out with the following participants Anton du Beke & Ginger, Clive Anderson & Albert, Huey Morgan & Casper, Julia Sawalha & Cookie, Kirsty Gallacher & Bruno, Mishal Husain & Robson, Selina Scott & Chump, Theo Paphitis & Claudia.
The first show saw Theo & Claudia out... and Theo chose to adopt Claudia, and take her home. The show last night saw Kirsty and Bruno out... and Kirsty has also chosen to adopt Bruno, who is only 8 months old.
The eventual winner must train intensively, connect with their dog... I love the way Anton & Ginger connect, they may not be the best at doing the set tasks, but they have great fun together! They will also need a comprehensive understanding of dog psychology, most importantly, remember all the rules, and survive under the scrutiny of three professional judges and an endlessly ticking clock!
Last night saw the following obstacles and tasks... the rigid tunnel, a series of jumps, the weave, a distance recall, a rollover, and a further trick to finish.
Great entertainment... yet a serious reminder of how many dogs there are who need re-homing!
If only people would think BEFORE they get a dog in the first place... and would take the training process seriously, then not so many dogs would be put into this sad position.
For more training information, just check out our recommended links.
Labels: dogs trust, re-homing dogs, The Dogs Trust, Underdog Show
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