The Art of "Dogma" With Master Rook & The Crew

We had heard on the news that snow was in the forecast this weekend. One of my tracking comrades in Stettler, AB got hit with the powder last night, but out in Raven we awoke to a beautiful day of sunshine and frogs "a " croaking in the sloughs on the pasture. 


Young Jedi Master Rook and the girls began their day with some early morning "dogma" exercises. Each of the Crew members likes to do things differently when it comes to morning meditation to prepare for the day. Since their herd of heifers are not on the range yet for them to manage, they continue to take advantage of a bit of R & R and self-awareness techniques to strengthen their mind and body. 

 Rook concentrates on his "Dogma" stretches - he is showing nice form and discipline for quite a young Jedi! Below are his "three stages" for mastering the art of Dogma.

Rook demonstrates the first pose - I think he said that a beginner can attempt this one:-) 

The second pose - Rook says "this one is a bit more advanced because it demands a deeper stretch and loads of concentration!"

The third pose - Rook says "this stance is purely a mental one and although it looks very simple, apparently it is the hardest to master". He added "that this pose should never be attempted by the beginner since it calls for a deeper consciousness and overall awareness of self." He further added "if attempted too early on, a dog can be frozen in this state for days, even weeks!"

After his Dogma Session, Rook says "-I am revitalized and ready to cease the day!" Rook has also mastered the "Joker Grin", which his sire Macc had down pat!"

Ash's "Dogma" routine emphasized contemplation and self-awareness over a cup of Java. I think I like her routine the best:-) I also think she was deeply pondering why I had moved the work bench away from its original spot - A Canaan always knows when something has been moved!

I told Ash I had moved the work bench closer to the cattle fencing so she and her  crew members could have a  better perch for when the cows come - I believe she found it satisfactory after her dogma session.

Cybelle's "Dogma" session was one of great reflection. She continues to be the hardest one to catch in slow motion, so I took full advantage of capturing her in her "repose" state of dogma.

This morning, we had some religious solicitors who dropped off a copy of the "watchtower" for Cybelle. She was polite and courteous as usual. But, as open-minded as this gal is, she could not wait for them to leave so she could turn the magazine into dust - yep, another clean up for me! However, in hindsight, I suppose she was just trying to be environmentally conscience and help with the recycling.

After "The Crew" finished their Dogma Sessions, they went about their business

Young Jedi Rook discovered more of my clean-up of his bones. He told me that this pose was also apart of his "dogma routine" and  required a great deal of focus.

Guess who is the klutz in the family! I told Rook that maybe he has not "truly mastered his dogma stances!"

Rook tries to look like nothing has happened to MY last cup pf Java! Apparently, this is another meditative position in the fine art of dogma, or so I am told by the crew:-) 

Ash returns from her "spa dip" in the sloughs with the frogs and engages in a game of tug with the young Jedi

Ash says "Ha!, I win again - you still have much to learn young Jedi!"

Rook says "Hey Ash, I found another prize- and look I am even de-stuffing it for you!

Miss Ash is obviously unimpressed - she told Rook she was practising "dogma 101" - "the Canaan conserving energy for later fuel" pose

Rook says "I guess I will just go off in the sun and have some "me" time

After a bit of R & R, Ash is ready to return to her spa and challenge the young Jedi to a game of "first one to the slough to catch a frog wins!"

Ash is ready to test the young Jedi's reflexes with a surprise game of  hide and seek!

Just a pretty pic of my gal Cybelle - yes, she also approved of me moving the work bench closer as a perch for when the crew has to watch over the cows. She also found another toy that was lost out in the field and brought it home. She is a multi-tasker! 

Rook discovered a bit of green grass while sniffing for bugs. He said this "dogma" exercise helps stimulate the nostrils and prepares the mind for spring time hunting activities. 

A pic from Memory Lane - It seems Master Rook began his "dogma" exercises early on when he was only five weeks old

"Rook" and his brother "Creed" performing the "dogma" exercise "Dogs doing rendition of Swan Lake"

The Entertainers - More Visitors Meet “The Crew”

April continues to be a busy month for visitors coming to meet the crew. Today Janessa and Shawn from Red Deer, Alberta (our closest city to our ranch in Raven) came out to meet their first Canaan Dogs in person. They have been researching this rare breed and were excited to finally meet the ancient biblical dog from Israel that has brought so much to my life.

We could not have asked for better weather. Sunny and warm with a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius! It was a great day and the crew enjoyed entertaining their guests on their land.

Below are some pics from today with the crew and their Red Deer visitors.

Miss Ash gives some Canaan kisses to Janessa

Master Rook enjoys some pats from Shawn

Miss Cybelle shows off her "salute" trick for her guests

Janessa and Shawn with crew members Rook & Ash - yes, Rook decided he would capitalize on his goofball antics today:-)

Rook and Janessa

Ash decided that Janessa needed a little window wiping on her shades

Rook tries to garner any opportunity he can get for a bit more attention:-)

Rook tells Janessa a  joke:-) He can be such a ham!

Janessa gives some treats to the desert dogs of Raven

Ash And Janessa 

The inspector - Rook asks Janessa if he can inspect their truck

And at the end of the day, this is what the crew decided to do while I continued my never-ending clean-up of bones in the yard. 

To view "The Crew" with more April visitors Click Here

A Hot Day of "Tracking" With Ash & Her Comrades

The sport of Tracking continues to pump through my veins and “Ash’s" nostrils. Today some of Ash’s tracking classmates came out to our field to lay blind tracks for each other and work our dogs as they continue to strengthen their endurance on longer tracks.


Over the past several months, our wonderful instructor, Donna Brinkworth has given us a toolbox full of tips and laid out the foundation for training our dogs. Now it is up to us to put everything into full practice and keep on tracking! 


Today Ash and her comrades ("Shimar" the Afghan, "Quila" the Retriever, and "Zevah" the German Shepherd) tracked in dry and hot conditions instead of their usual wet,cold, and often snowy terrain that we are accustomed to living in Alberta. Yes - spring was definitely here today, and  the dogs worked their sniffers on extra drive in quest for the stranger's missing article. First, we worked on some short motivational tracks then went for the full TD length (450 metres) as their final destination. Another great day well-spent, learning from each other and our dogs - and enjoying the camaraderie of like minded people who LOVE to foster and channel the working instincts of their breed. 


Below are a few pics from today and a video of Ash. 


Thanks to our comrades Lorrie and Lynn for the snapshots and video! I wish I could of uploaded the entire video but it was too big. She had to scent and find four turns on the track (corners seem to be her strength) while keeping her focus for the entire distance. She definitely started to show signs of feeling a bit thirsty near the end so next time I will remember to bring my water bottle since we are allowed to give them a water break on the track if needed. 

Ash picks up the blind track laid by Lorrie

Ash picks up one of the four trurns

A happy day tracking with my gal Ash

A short video clip of Ash nearing the end of her full length blind track

Lorrie and Shimar her Afghan boy working the blind track laid by me

Lorrie and her GS girl Zevah working the blind track laid by Lynn

Lynn and her retriever girl Quila working the blind track laid by me

To view previous posts of our adventures in Tracking Click Here

“Working” Canaans Just Wanna Have Fun Too!

After the big Tracking event last weekend, "The Crew" has been enjoying some downtime on their land. Today was the first day in a long while that their kingdom has absolutely no snow! They enjoyed a day just being dogs - running to their heart's content, playing tag, and of course, always stopping to be on alert for predators on their land. Their new herd of free-ranging cattle will be arriving soon so now is the time for them to just have some fun before their ranch chores begin again.

Here are some pics I snapped on my lunch break of my awesome crew “Hey!“Working” Canaans just wanna have fun too!” 

Mr Happypants - "Rook" enjoying a day on the field

Miss Ash "calm and poised" before some serious tag time with Master Rook

Miss Cybelle "Bibs"- who will turn seven this year is the fastest Canaan I know! It is always hard to get her in slow motion:-) Who would of believed that this gal could "stand still" in a show ring:-) As a former show girl who garnered the very first group placements in Canada for her breed in the working group - she still moves with agility and grace, and is packed full of attitude - how I love her zest for life in everything she does - she is also my awesome cattle dog! 

Ash gets ready to surprise Master Rook!

Tag time with the dynamic duo - Rook and Ash - it is hard to get pics of these guys at top speed! 

Ash says " look, I am trying out my "bear" stance! 

Rook finds my hat that I left out this morning when I was picking up some pylons from the tracking event - thanks Rook!  I suppose a tracking career is also in the future for him! 

Ash finds some missing treats leftover from the weekend.

Rook takes in the beautiful spring day! 

Rook protects my hat while keeping watch over his land