
Today we dedicate our blog weekly topic to the Search and Rescue Teams with dogs of Portugal that so much personal effort and sacrifice makes to take training and know more.
On this weekend a group of fireman had an accident in Spain when returning of a search and rescue with dogs training in Barcelona.
It is a great national lost, since we don’t have many with this dedication and sacrifice.
We present our feelings to family and friends.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Lost of search and rescue teams
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Portuguese Water Dog in Lagos Dog Show and Water Trial
Like is of common knowledge, the Portuguese Water Dog is considered one of the oldest breeds of Europe, were its working capabilities, morphology and personalities are unique and typical of this breed.
Being considered one of the most rare breeds several efforts have been made to show and divulge this dog and their unique character.
Next are the photos of the event,












Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Lagos - Portuguese Water Dog

10 H in front of Câmara of Lagos
A good chance to see the handling and work of this dogs.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Portie and Aussies in Algarve Dog Show
This weekend was the Algarve Dog Show that we went to visit and participate with two Australian Shepherd, Angel and Teco, and with an Portuguese Water Dog on his first big out, Figo.
It was pity that the majority of the visitors were other nationalities then Portuguese, but maybe because of the lack of divulge and information among the Algarve residents. In my case I just knew because I received the information by email from friends.
Anyway, it was a nice and pleasant day !


Other activities:
- Herding with an Australian Shepherd SummerDogCamp 2010
- 115th and 116th Lisbon International Dog Show
- CNEMA 2010 - Portuguese Breeds and Agility !
- Spring Trophy – Agility Alenquer
- Belém - First Agility Experience
- Obedience Competition in Lagos 2009
- International Dog Show of Santarém 2009
- Scruffts 2009
- Lisbon International Dog Show 2009
- Obedience 100 Secrets
- Obedience Seminar
- Agility Workshop
- Cookie achieved Excellent in Obedience Class I
- Dog Show Int Vila Franca Xira 2009
- Workshop in Dog Behaviour on Educacão
- Dog Show Int Norte 2009
- Dog show Sousel 2008
- Teco acomplished Excelent in Obedience class I
- International Dog Show of Estoril
- Australian Shepherd in Herding Training Curse by Educacão
- Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Sweet Fair at Lagos
- Lisbon and Mediterrânea dog show with our Aussies
- Angel and Teco, the two ambassador of our family
- Canine demonstration in Externato da Torraltinha
- Aussies and Golden in Dog Show at Elvas 2008
- Herding with our Australian Shepherd in Montemor-oNovo
- Australian Shepherd, Angel and Teco, on the 5º Journey
- In school with our Australian Shepherd
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Algarve Dog Show
11:00 – 19:00 In FATACIL Showground
Beginning at 11:30 h this and seminars will be freely given to a limited number of participants that bring their own dog. Some topics will be “Walking on the lead”, “Obedience – Clicker Training” and “Agility”.
This experts will also give free behavior advices and training tips.
With the goal to raise public awareness of the advantages of having well trained dogs and be responsible owners, this event is organized by
Myfriend Petshop and Centro Canino Happy Dogs, that invites everyone to come.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Monday, May 18, 2009
Algarve dog training center
On the past last month our four leg family has being training on the
Algarve Training Center, Happy Dogs.Located on the middle of a peaceful country site, has been a very relaxing positive learning experience.
Angel, my red-merle Australian Shepherd, like always, has being training agility and the we are using our recent learned training methods. A lot of work still has to been done, but we are getting there.
Cookie and Teco, my tri-red and blue merle Australian Shepherd, are training for our next Obedience goal, class two and Teco has being improving a lot since we started applying the methods learned on the Obedience Seminar given by Doggy Club. So big expectation on our net Obedience trial.

Bianca, my Golden Retriever, at the Algarve dog Training Center Happy DogsAnd finally, Bianca, my puppy Golden Retriever started to go. She is being trained by me and by my son, in Obedience. Since this is a very sensitive dog, I believe will take some time, but she will get there, since she is very calm, clever and likes to work.
INFO:
Afonso Horta
São Lourenço do Palmeiral, 531 L
8565-911 Pêra
Tel: 282 322 907/ 937 584 457
happy@happydogcenter.com



Thursday, May 14, 2009
Don’t abandon animals !!
Maybe because of the way I was educated and taught, the simple idea of abandon anyone, animal or person, is quite repulsive to me.
But in a world where self pleasure and material goals are in front of everything, I see right and wrong far and far away in people’s ideas.
So basically, when people have to choose between … let see … an holiday in a resort or their family pet, what do they choose ? guess ? no ?
Ok, but let’s not generalize, so for those who really love their pet and care about their four leg family member, what can they do when they want to go on holiday ?
Like everyone knows, today, hotel for cats and dogs are relative common and you can find one in a telephone list. But for people, like me, that have more than one dog, and other pets, like birds and fish, pet-sitting is a good solution and if you search it on google you also see quite a few results and solutions.
There is always a solution for your pet to be taking care during your vacation and you always have your loyal best friend waiting for your return, so don’t abandon animals and specially don’t consider your pets as objects, since for then, you are their world and their life.
Monday, May 04, 2009
An Australian Shepherd in Armona Island
Me and Cookie, my Australian Shepherd, in ferry boat to Armona IslandSince yesterday was 3 of May, Mothers Day, I thought that me and my son should make the most of the day and go into one of those discovery trips.
I already had heard a lot about the Natural Park of Ria Formosa and the first intention was to know and show it to my son, and so we went to Olhão. Of course, without a lot of surprise, dogs weren’t allowed and since I was with my Australian Shepherd, Cookie, I decided to investigate the boats to the island, which some people had also spoke about.
We arrived just on time of the ferry boat leaving and sincerely without knowing its destiny we just went on board and trust our luck.
Now, for my surprise, the trip with animals is something quite common to the visitors and locals habitants of the island of Armona and I imagine my question about Cookie being allowed raised more surprise that the fact of me taking her.
The island of Armona is one of the most peaceful places that I ever meat until today and taking the words out of my son mouth, the birds is what we hear most on the island.
The little houses, so I was tolded, are quite habitated and the island has a permanent population of turism and fishing workers.
A trip to stay in our memories, since my Cookie, behaved like a true lady (even being her first boat trip) and was always obedient when I call her and stayed always near me. She is becoming a true companion in trips and travels, since she is reliable and we can always trust her.
Personally I love the area, the calm and peace, considering an idyllic excellent place to recover strength and energy from the noise and daily stress.
Other trips and travel:
- Dog trekking to a museum
- Dog trekking in Almada
- Dog Trekking in Serra de Sintra
- Alcochete - goldens and aussies
- Economic Trips with Dogs
- An Australian Shepherd in Salema Beach
- Dogs in Meia Praia
- Silves, a visit to medieval times with Cookie, our Aussie
- Two Golden Retriever in Monchique
- A trip to the São Domingos Mine with our Australian Shepherd
- Taking a Golden Retriever to the fortress of Sagres
- A walk with my Australian Shepherd through Luz, Algarve Portugal
- A Walk with Brad, our Golden Retriever through Lagos
- Portugal Algarve, Amado Beach with our Golden Retriever and Australian Shepherd
Monday, April 27, 2009
Wonderfull Obedience Competition Seminar
All organization and event was very well organized and we must give congratulations to Pedro Araújo for the warm welcome and personal assistance.
For someone that wishes to improve the performance in Obedience Competitions, achieve higher scores and know the best way to teach the dogs in this modality, it was precious and excellent seminar.
Personally I left with a clear goal and clear training method for my Obedience dogs and this was quite an achievement for me, since I was quite confused in how to proper train my dogs.
Of course I give a very special thanks to Mr. Moller that shares the some admiration and joy to handle and work with dogs and specially dogs from the breed Australian Shepherd and Border Collie.
Other activities:
- Demos in VI Animal Show
- Herding with an Australian Shepherd SummerDogCamp 2010
- 115th and 116th Lisbon International Dog Show
- CNEMA 2010 - Portuguese Breeds and Agility !
- Spring Trophy – Agility Alenquer
- Belém - First Agility Experience
- Obedience Competition in Lagos 2009
- International Dog Show of Santarém 2009
- Scruffts 2009
- Lisbon International Dog Show 2009
- Portie and Aussies in Algarve Dog Show
- Obedience 100 Secrets
- Obedience Seminar
- Agility Workshop
- Cookie achieved Excellent in Obedience Class I
- Dog Show Int Vila Franca Xira 2009
- Workshop in Dog Behaviour on Educacão
- Dog Show Int Norte 2009
- Dog show Sousel 2008
- Teco acomplished Excelent in Obedience class I
- International Dog Show of Estoril
- Australian Shepherd in Herding Training Curse by Educacão
- Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Sweet Fair at Lagos
- Lisbon and Mediterrânea dog show with our Aussies
- Angel and Teco, the two ambassador of our family
- Canine demonstration in Externato da Torraltinha
- Aussies and Golden in Dog Show at Elvas 2008
- Herding with our Australian Shepherd in Montemor-oNovo
- Australian Shepherd, Angel and Teco, on the 5º Journey
- In school with our Australian Shepherd
Monday, April 20, 2009
Congratulations to CIC Lagos for the organization of Agility Workshop
We must give our congratulations to CIC-Lagos by the effort and good organization of this event.
The workshop was given with excellent knowledge and for those interested in such sport was a unique reception of training to better teach and handle dogs in agility.
I went with Angel, my Australian Shepherd that was stunning.
Other activities:
- Demos in VI Animal Show
- Herding with an Australian Shepherd SummerDogCamp 2010
- 115th and 116th Lisbon International Dog Show
- CNEMA 2010 - Portuguese Breeds and Agility !
- Spring Trophy – Agility Alenquer
- Belém - First Agility Experience
- Obedience Competition in Lagos 2009
- International Dog Show of Santarém 2009
- Scruffts 2009
- Lisbon International Dog Show 2009
- Portie and Aussies in Algarve Dog Show
-
- Obedience 100 Secrets
- Obedience Seminar
- Agility Workshop
- Cookie achieved Excellent in Obedience Class I
- Dog Show Int Vila Franca Xira 2009
- Workshop in Dog Behaviour on Educacão
- Dog Show Int Norte 2009
- Dog show Sousel 2008
- Teco acomplished Excelent in Obedience class I
- International Dog Show of Estoril
- Australian Shepherd in Herding Training Curse by Educacão
- Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Sweet Fair at Lagos
- Lisbon and Mediterrânea dog show with our Aussies
- Angel and Teco, the two ambassador of our family
- Canine demonstration in Externato da Torraltinha
- Aussies and Golden in Dog Show at Elvas 2008
- Herding with our Australian Shepherd in Montemor-oNovo
- Australian Shepherd, Angel and Teco, on the 5º Journey
- In school with our Australian Shepherd
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Worshop Agility - CIC Lagos
More information on http://algarve-lagos-caes.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
A Golden Retriever first presentation
Let see, the weekend started with the trip to the training center with the aussies, and thankfully I didn’t pursuit the idea of taken Bianca with me, or with all of the weekend excitement she could have not be able to handle it.
But maybe I didn’t started the story in the best way ... Bianca, a Golden Retriever, is one of those dogs type princess, very calm, noble, without getting into confusion or trouble and she doesn’t seem to have her young 6 months.
Her faults are regarding cars and car trips that she really doesn’t like. Changes on her routine also makes her confused.
Well this weekend I was challenged by a friend to take her and her sister to the International Dog Show Costa Azul, and the routine started to change on Saturday afternoon, with bath, grooming and preparing this Golden princess, that really hates the hair dryer witch almost made her climb walls.
Her sister also come to take a bath, being groomed and dried and she also must have call me some ugly names, since she also hated the hair drier.
But all set, the sister prepared, and we manage to keep then clean, pretty and ready until 5 a.m. when my friend come to pick us up.
Well I must give credit to the girls that were behaving quite well and no sickness problems. We stop in Alcácer do Sal and that was our finish line, since the car didn’t start again.
So, from a trip to a dog show to present this two Golden Retriever, we had a four hour waiting for travel assistance and then a cab that would bring us plus dogs back home.
We could still manage a ball game for the girls … that I really hope didn’t become to traumatized with all this moving around and switching cars.
Oh well, this is those kind of things that just happens to those that take several long trips on the road.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Marley & Me
On this weekend I took my sun to see the Marley and Me movie.I must say has a big fan of the book, I can honestly say that movie also achieved to transmit the main message, the love and companionship of a dog and his owner.
What I admire more in the book was the persistence and will of Marley owner to keep him and even through all the adversities of life and Marley mistakes, until the end they keep him and love him.
I must say I took my 7 year old sun to see the movie and in the end he ask me why I took him to see a movie where the dog dies and I answered, for you to learn to appreciate more our four leg family that don’t ask more than company, play and that we taken then to a run.
Don’t forget to keep a look out for the Australian Shepherd in the beach scenes.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
A life lesson that my little Aussie theach
Since the different classes where divided along the day, I went in the morning with Teco and had my first shock with my dog.
Let see if I can explain, Teco is an Australian Shepherd and the dog that made the difference in my life by the simple joy and will to be with me and to play with me.
When I kept Teco is for seeing in his eyes what we search so much in another person, the pure joy to be with us.
On this Sunday, Teco, in his doggy way ignore me and show censorship on his behavior.
I confess just today, with a broken heart and calm to look back I understand the mistake I made.
I demanded from my dog, my true companion and friend, to be a machine, where every day it has to work and achieved perfection. I forgot of my small joyful, loyal companion that so much joy show for his owner despite of the many mistakes she makes.
Our search for perfection, wish of conquers and in the end, fear of losing and get hurt just throw away the little joyful moments of who shares the life with us.
Once again this four leg friends showed me an important lesson of life and even with a broken heart it is on then that I see the joy of living and will of every day start again.
So I hope my lesson, will also be a lesson for those who read my blog, and like me don’t forget that first of all there is the need to play, to be tender and love before demanding.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Cookie achieved Excellent in Obedience Class I
We went to the 1ª Obedience Competition in Lagos.
We compete in class I, also known as COB – Basic Obedience Certificate and Cookie, achieved Excellent, witch will allow us to proceed to the next level.



Other activities:
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Doggy Club is organizing a Obedience Seminar, for the days 24, 25 and 26 of April 2009, on Montijo Exhibit Parke, with the actual world champion Mads Moller of Denmark.
This Seminar is open to every practitioners of sports with dogs, specially Obedience, that will be preferred in the selection of inscriptions with dogs.
For more information please check http://www.doggyclube.com/seminario_obedience.htm
Monday, March 09, 2009
Dog Show Vila Franca de Xira 2009
Good to see old friends ... thanks !!
My Australian Shepherd results for the Dog Show International in Vila Franca Xira 2009:
- Angel - C.A.C., C.A.C.I.B. and Best of Breed
- Teco - 1º Exe
- Cookie - 1º Junior
Congratulations for all !
Other activities:
- Demos in VI Animal Show
- Herding with an Australian Shepherd SummerDogCamp 2010
- 115th and 116th Lisbon International Dog Show
- CNEMA 2010 - Portuguese Breeds and Agility !
- Spring Trophy – Agility Alenquer
- Belém - First Agility Experience
- Obedience Competition in Lagos 2009
- International Dog Show of Santarém 2009
- Scruffts 2009
- Lisbon International Dog Show 2009
- Portie and Aussies in Algarve Dog Show
-
- Obedience 100 Secrets
- Obedience Seminar
- Agility Workshop
- Cookie achieved Excellent in Obedience Class I
- Workshop in Dog Behaviour on Educacão
- Dog Show Int Norte 2009
- Dog show Sousel 2008
- Teco acomplished Excelent in Obedience class I
- International Dog Show of Estoril
- Australian Shepherd in Herding Training Curse by Educacão
- Australian Shepherd and Golden Retriever in Sweet Fair at Lagos
- Lisbon and Mediterrânea dog show with our Aussies
- Angel and Teco, the two ambassador of our family
- Canine demonstration in Externato da Torraltinha
- Aussies and Golden in Dog Show at Elvas 2008
- Herding with our Australian Shepherd in Montemor-oNovo
- Australian Shepherd, Angel and Teco, on the 5º Journey
- In school with our Australian Shepherd
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Dogs Love
I found this text in one of my Internet research (I don’t know who is the author) and it is so well written that I had to share with all of you and I hope you can also love it.
In the sweetest way, dogs show us how much they care.
They inspire us to play, to go for walks or a run,
A dog's love is comforting and makes life more fun.
They're willing love objects at any time of day.
And somehow my dog understands what I say.
From a dog’s warm welcome, true love is understood.
Their eyes reveal honesty; their heart is pure and good.
Great genius made the wagging tail, the 'happy' indicator,
Seeing a dog's tail wag, my own happiness grows greater!
A dog's Love offers a calming, therapeutic feeling,
Petting a dog's coat has a wonderful way of healing.
A dog's love truly feels as though it comes from a higher place
than the oftentimes self-serving love shown by the human race.
This interspecies relationship helps my soul to grow.
My Love should be more Dog-like; I am only human, though.
"
Monday, March 02, 2009
Hotel for Dogs - the movie
I almost wish that the movie desire of better treatment for abandon dogs could become true.
Definitely a movie I recommend for all dog lovers and of course parents with children that will enjoy this peaceful movie.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Swimming with dogs
Two videos that will bring to you the desire to go swimming ... far ... far away from this crazy pack.
But no doubt that it was a well spent afternoon with this enthusiastic swimmers !!!




















