The Underdog Show 2008 Blogs:

Darren James:  I would like to take the opportunity to thank Camilla Dallerup for her outstanding dedication, work ethics and competitive spirit during the rehearsals and production of The Underdog Show 2008.  She has a brilliant future as a dog handler and I wish her the very best.

                        As for Chico... watch this space!

Camilla's Blog -

What a show!  Everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong!  Working with Chico has been an amazing experience, but a very challenging one.  I know that the more challenging Chico was, the more this intrigued Darren, so there has been a lot of discussion about adopting him.  Obviously, this has been an integral and exciting part of these past few weeks in the competition and this has been good for all of us.  It is unfortunate, however, that we couldn't end the show on a high note, but such as it is... We believe Chico caught a glimpse of Darren in the audience during the agility and this was distracting to him.  Then, when the audience started clapping during our dance routine, he really lost focus.  My heart went out to him, but I know he has the best of futures in front of him at Royvon and I look forward to seeing what Darren will achieve based on what we've started together as The Underdog Team.  I know they will be the team to watch in 2009!  

Chico's Blog -

I'm going to live with Darren at his training school!  I'm the happiest, luckiest and happiest dog alive!  What competition?  I'm packing my collar, bowl and lead and I'm moving to Esher.  Please come visit me because you haven't seen anything yet!

Friday, 21 November 2008:

Darren James:  Flyball was an integral part of the agility course this week - the dogs were expected to do a send away over a series of hurdles to the flyball machine where the ball caught was to be used in the remainder of the routine.  However, due to our past experience with Chico, we spent amount of time working on this aspect of the course.  Unfortunately, he became so motivated towards obtaining the ball, he failed other aspects that were normally very easy for him.  So, the end result was a routine that was more high speed and out of order than the graceful display is should have been.  Luckily, he was able to regain his focus for the doggy dancing and I couldn't have been more proud of both Chico and Camilla for a near flawless performance.

Camilla's Blog -

I am so thrilled that Chico is turning into quite the dance partner.  It's my favourite part of the competition and I've been so disappointed that he often would not follow my lead.  Darren reminds me to think like a dog, not a like dancer which has helped it finally start coming together.  Chico and I have such a good relationship and being able to keep his energy focused and maintain his trust during such an upbeat dance was a true high point for me.  I am very excited for the Semi-Finals, but know there is no room for error, not to mention the work we have ahead of us to try and up-stage our amazing competition. 

Chico's Blog -

Ball, ball, ball, ball, ball... what a fun, fun week!  Maybe it was over-fun because the studio became more about the ball than all the other stuff I really like to do too.  But, then I got to dance and I'm starting to like that, so I was okay with leaving my ball alone.  I'm very happy to be in the Semi-Finals because it just means more fun!  What's next?  Can we start now?  I patiently await...

Friday, 14 November 2008:

Darren James:  Finally!  Top of the leader board after the first round, and the judges were so much more encouraging from last week.  Also, knowing that Chico does have his limitations with HTM, we planned a routine that focused purely on his more comfortable exercises, yet with more precise timing and execution.  When Chico is enjoying himself, he gives us more of what we know he's capable of doing.  So, the routine was a bit limited in its dynamics, but we're thinking more long term as Chico is a dog with great potential... and this is intriguing me more every day...

Camilla's Blog -

It was hard to be in the bottom two again, especially with Brian and Dougal.  They are such a wonderful team and when you're in a competition like this it comes down to the people that make it all worth every second of the hard work and unexpected disappointment.  Competition is a part of my life and I wouldn't have it any other way, but it's completely different when you're competing with a skill you're in the process of learning.  But, we're through to next week and I really feel that we're ready for our big come back.

Chico's Blog -

Agility is still way fun and dancing is getting better, but what's really cracking about this show thing is being back stage.  Jim is so funny - ha ha ha.  He makes us all laugh so hard that we forget we're in a competition and we probably should be all serious.  I know I should be focused, but sometimes when you just relax, the routines are so much easier (and fun!).

Friday, 7 November 2008:

Darren James:  I thought the judges' scores were particularly hard, although I did appreciate Steve's comments about Camilla being the best handler.  I can not stress enough how hard we've worked and how it's only a matter of time before everything will fall together - I have that much faith in our methods and approach.  Our biggest stumbling block is that Chico is very sensitive and doesn't like being manipulated into the precise positions that HTM requires.  He won't quite commit and as a result there is always a sense of unpredictability.  He may have a history of broken trust, which takes more patience to re-build and until that time, his sensitive side prevails.

Camilla's Blog -

Darren said he thought we were the best on the agility course, but we were still very disappointed by our scores.  I was, however, honoured by Steve's feedback and it is my goal to continue to develop upon what Darren has taught me, whilst incorporating my own [dance] training into our routines.  Chico is so sensitive and love that about him.  I don't want to change this aspect of his character, but I do want him to enjoy life and people more, which means learning to let go and fully trust.  I believe we can do this for him.  I want to win, but it will be just as rewarding as being a part of making this all happen for Chico!

Chico's Blog -

I like jumping over things.  I like running, attention, making people happy and that clicker thing.  All good things happen when I hear that clicker thing.  What I don't really like is when I have to do something that's right in front of me, like when a hoop suddenly appears and I have to jump through it.  I'm also a little shy about dancing.  I like the bouncing, spinning and all the happy noises, I just dont like when I have to do them on cue.  I like to step back and think about things first because I'm afraid of doing something wrong and not knowing what it was.  Camilla and Darren are nothing but nice to me and I just want to make them happy, so I take all kinds of time to make up my mind and sometimes it's so much time, the moment passes and I haven't done anything.  Ah well, we're still in it and I still love spending all the practice time with Camilla and Darren.

Friday, 24 October 2008:

Darren James:  I can not over-state the fact that Chico's rehearsals have been going so incredibly well.  It is such a disappointment that he's become flat and unmotivated in the studio.  He's been a challenge, but I can't say that we haven't enjoyed every minute!

Camilla's Blog -

I thought for sure that this would be our week since our day had gone so well, but it was as if a switch had gone off when the competition started.  It wasn't just that Chico was distracted, rather he seemed down right bored.  He's so clever and I know we're challenging him, I just wish we could show the judges and audience the real Chico because he is capable of so much more.  I remain optimistic!

Chico's Blog -

It's not that I'm not having fun, I'm just looking for opportunities to have even more fun.  When all see all the new people and camera stuff it makes me curious, so I do the routine really fast in my head and start looking around.  Is this not ok?  I don't think Camilla and Darren think so... 

Friday, 17 October 2008:

Darren James: 

Chico is increasingly distracted in the studio.  It didn't help that we were the first to compete, nonetheless, we could see this coming on and as much as we were disappointed, we were not surprised.  As suspected, we'll need to change our tactics more dramatically and keep looking forward. 

Camilla's Blog -

We were the only team to execute the scent challenge, unfortunately, however, this was the highlight of our performance.  We were the first to compete and the pressure was on to keep the audience invested in us by the time of the voting, but by the end of the show all they probably remembered was Chico's apprehension on the dog walk and hoola hoop.  The reality of it all being over was beyond disappointing.  I am such a positive and competitive person, I know we can get through this setback and be stronger than ever.

Therefore, our strategy remains steadfast and we've practiced diligently every day since the last show.  Chico knows his place, but remains flat and unmotivated.  Darren said to expect this as part of the process, but also expect a new & improved, happy and willing Chico to emerge.  He's such a clever dog that it seems our biggest challenge has been helping him channel his energy into something that's both productive and rewarding for him.  With this said, we've included a lot of games, play and general behaviour shaping into our sessions.  I also need to practice multi-tasking assertive commands and better timed reinforcements.  I have to keep reminding myself that there is a fine line between being firm and affectionate and being genuinely pleased with his performance is one of the higest compliments, more so than unearned fuss and attention - most especially for such a sensitive and perceptive dog.  I believe we're about to turn a major corner.

Chico's Blog -

I don't think I like the studio.  It's too hot!  The people are starting to distract me - not on purpose, I'm just not sure if I should run around and greet them, herd them away or go look for the place where we usually play our games.  I sort of want to do what Camilla says, but then I forget because I'm too busy making my mind about what I want to do and I forget once again!  Camilla is changing our game a bit, too, but I think it's because she's trying to make it fun again.  It is fun, but only when we're together with Darren in our other place.  Oh, how can I make that happen when I want?

Friday, 10 October 2008:

Darren James:

Another second place!  Although Chico is doing rather well in rehearsals, he is starting to display more dominance which could likely break his concentration.  The competition is looking very good, so there is little time to celebrate - we've got a lot of work ahead of us.

Camilla's Blog -

We came in second place again, but I'm losing confidence in Chico's performances during the competition.  He is really doing well in rehearsals, but seems to be increasingly more stressed in the studio environment, and when he's stressed he doesn't focus on me.  He is still acting rather dominant.  Darren wants us to take our basic obedience sessions up a notch.  We've been working really hard on the routines, but he thinks we need to break it up a bit more with different exercise sessions to keep Chico guessing and relying on my lead.  So, I shall lead!

We have a scent challenge this week and Chico has been more unpredictable and moody than usual.  It is rather warm, which could be affecting his behaviour. 

Chico's Blog -

Second again!  Camilla seemed worried about me going through the tunnel, but no probs for me.  I love the feeling so much I'm starting to get a little full of myself.  At first I kept hoping and hoping that Darren and Camilla would keep visiting me and teaching me new things every day and now I'm starting to expect it.  In fact, I'm starting to miss Camilla when I don't see her, which is making me anxious and less focused.  I want to know where they are and when they're here I get a little cheeky, which makes Darren a bit cross.  I'm just playing - all in good fun.  But, Darren's telling Camilla to assume more of a leadership role with me to help me get my focus back.  Focusing on Camilla is fun, but then again, so is my way.  I'm so confused.

Friday, 3 Ocboer 2008:

Darren James:

I am proud of both Camilla and Chico.  The rehearsals on the day of the competition were not going well, but they were sure ready for the live performance!  Chico went through the tunnel without hesitation, which has been his weakness in rehearsals, then again he got a bit distracted during the sit/stay, which is usually his strongest exercise.  Nonetheless, I am very pleased and looking forward to next week.

Camilla's Blog -

I was so worried about the tunnel and whether we'd be "hit" or "miss" in the competition, because we are all too aware that anything could happen, but Chico performed beautifully.  But, there is little time to celebrate our victory as there is a mountain of work ahead of us.  For instance, next week's routine includes three rollovers and although we have been slowly luring him, he just isn't consistent enough.  What's more concerning is that this may be in part due to him not trusting me, or worse, not respecting me as his handler.  I know he adores me, but that doesn't mean he sees me as the decision maker, rather he decides what he wants to do and we can not win on those terms.  Therefore, Darren suggested a plan to help re-establish our relationship and raise my status with him.  To begin, I am to spend less time with him to prevent him from becoming too dependent on me which makes him anxious and unfocused.  I am to start and stop our interactions together and dictate when and where we go so he sees me in charge and providing him clear and positive purpose at the same time.  I also need to ensure his attention is on me before any reward is granted - he needs to associate me with the reward which is in direct association with the desired behaviour.  Dog psychology - I love it!

I also think it's time for Darren to take a step back and allow me to explore what I have learnt.  Chico is very sensitive and when Darren corrects me or I am unaware of a mistake I've made under his guidance, Chico is affected.  I need to relax and let my natural instincts and my developing relationship with Chico take over.

Chico's Blog -

I am really focused this week!  Although I didn't rehearse very well during the day, I was jazzed to performed live.  My favourite was being the only dog to jump over all four jumps by myself - the other celebrities had to jump with their dogs and I don't think the agility course is meant for both the dog and handler.  I also love the A frame, and while I usually don't like the tunnel, I went through it anyway, probably because everyone was cheering so loudly.  I liked this so much that I got a bit distracted and forgot that we weren't quite finished.  Maybe I would have scored better if I would have just shown them that I am really, really good at the sit and stay.

There is one thing, however, that I didn't get which is when they kept telling me to "ring the bell".  HUH?  Ah well, I was proud for me and proud for my friends because I know I made them very pleased with me.  I like to please them and I like to put on a show (when I want to).

One more thing - a new fun game I am learning is to dance.  I found out that Camilla is a dancer, so she was really excited about teaching me.  I was so happy that she was happy we came in second place again!  So, we didn't come in first, but who you callin' Underdog?  We are the Champions!

Monday, 22 September 2008:

Darren James:

It is with great disappointment that Javine & Bouncer went out in the first week of the competition and I extend my sincerest regrets to both of them.  I do, however, continue to be impressed with Camilla & Chico and will be putting my focus to helping them take it to the next level.  Thank you to all the audience members that voted for us, we so appreciate your support.

Camilla's Blog -

Chico has become very focused, especially considering how disinterested he was in the beginning.  I'm falling for him more and more each day.  I never though I'd be so attached, but his picture is all over my life - my screen saver, my phone ...we are so bonded.

Darren and I are also working really well together.  The dance routine was great to plan, the theme is "Who You Calling the Underdog?", so we've got a song planned that will fit perfectly.  With our combined knowledge of dog training and dancing, we should be able to make it look elegant.

The bendy tunnel, however, is proving to be the problem, Chico just refused to go through in our rehearsals.  Other than that, I am surprising myself with how much more comfortable I feel handling him.  Some of the practices are still hit and miss, but I'm getting substantially better.  It's only the second week, so I'm optimistic about how the process is going so far.

Chico's Blog -

Okay, that took a really bizarre twist ...I'm having all these great days with my new friends and the games we play running around, up and through all these new toys and then all of a sudden we're performing the same games in front of a bunch of people with hot lights beaming down on us.  Camilla is all serious now.  I can't keep my eyes off her and this makes her smile at me, so I focus on her more.  She likes that and I like it too.  I don't even think about the toys, I'm too busy seeing what she wants me to do next.  I get it!  I know what to do and it's so fun!  I think I'm the best of all the other dogs because I'm making my humans happier than all the others. 

This may be the competition, but I don't think I won.  I came close and I'm getting a lot of attention, but not as much as Sven.  If we do this again I want to be better than Sven and get even more attention (but I don't think Camilla would like me to jump into her arms the way Sven does with Kevin - maybe I'll give it a try next week).

Monday, 15 September 2008:

Darren James:

It was very important for me to be involved in The Underdog Show again because I believe so much in the cause.  It is a lot of work, but as much fun at the same time.  I am very pleased with Camilla's dedication and winning drive, and Chico has been waiting his whole life for this kind of attention and guidance, so we'll be able to bring out his true potential.  I really think we'll be the team to watch. 

Camilla's Blog -

When I took this job on I thought it would be a bit of fun, but was surprised how difficult it actually is!  I thought my coordination was pretty good being a professional dancer, but dog training is a law to itself ...holding the lead, tapping my leg, clicking the clicker, giving praise and thinking of the commands all at the same time - all very difficult.  I'm finding myself totally out of my comfort zone, making silly noises and jumping around.  After all, my profession is so structured, it's all about elegance and beautiful movements, I often feel more like a clown making these noises and acting in this way.

I chose Chico knowing he would be a challenge as he had so much energy - Darren and I decided beforehand that we wanted a dog with energy as energy was the winning factor.  So at the moment we are working on our bond and the very basics of dog training.  I love Chico and I'm enjoying every minute of it.  He's the best partner I've ever had - this surprised me so much, especially how much I want him to stay with me instead of having to go back to Dogs Trust.  We are learning so much about him at the moment, like the fact that he's focused on both food and toys, but can also take or leave both.  He's also very sensitive, ah my god he's a sensitive dog.

My Trainer, Darren, is being very patient with me as I'm a total beginner.  It drives me mad that he makes it look so easy.  I agree with him that the bond is the most important at this stage so we are doing all that we can to develop in this area.  I am so pleased that he is a workaholic, too.  I know all too well through Strictly [Strictly Come Dancing] that you only get out what you put in, so it seems we have a really dedicated team.  Brilliant!

We don't know anything about the competition, it's all hush hush.  It will be so interesting to see the other competitors with their dogs.  I am really pleased with my dog and my Trainer, but looking forward to seeing what we're up against.  I don't think I'm ever going to feel confident, Chico can be so easily distracted.  I love him though.

Chico's Blog -

Hi! I'm Chico.  I don't know exactly how I ended up at Dogs Trust.  I was living in Glasgow, but may have been too much of a handful for my first and third owners, which my second owner had to give me up due to allergies.  I was also untrained and suffered from separation anxiety.  I'm a 2 year old collie cross shepherd, so I jump, spin, pull and pretty much do my own thing at the moment as it suits me.  I love looking all over to see exactly what's going on around me.  I'm happy enough, although often confused as to what's expected from humans.  I just don't understand!

Now I'm in this competition-thing.  I think I was chosen because I'm high energy - they seem to like that about me, and they're trying to get me to learn from them.  I like the attention and I can't believe they picked me over all the other dogs.  That makes me more excited!  I can't keep focused.  I'm quite smitten with the lady, Camilla, (I think she likes me too), and the man has a funny accent that can be hard to understand sometimes, but he's really, really nice and his name is Darren.  Darren is teaching Camilla how to train me.  She uses a clicking sound with yummy treats when I do what she likes.  It's weird stuff like jumping over thinks and running through tunnels.  They get so excited when I get it right and this makes me so happy.  I like it when they're happy.  I hope we do this every day!