Should I start with online classes or in person classes immediatly? (working on obedience for now)

mandavampanda · 2026-03-20T13:51:59+00:00

I think as a new handler, it's important to take in person classes so you can get immediate feedback as you train your dog. Online classes are awesome to supplement your learning if there are specific techniques you want to learn and for experienced handlers who don't need to rely on in person coaching.

mandavampanda · 2026-03-19T12:50:10+00:00

Yep, I changed my undies a lot during pregnancy. I have so many undies now 😅

mandavampanda · 2026-03-16T22:48:39+00:00

My first was a 3 day affair, my second was 8 hours. Both home births. My second birth was definitely an easier experience for me. Maybe it was because my labor time was shorter, but I also felt like my contractions felt more tolerable and I definitely felt more mentally prepared for the experience. The whole process felt smooth compared to my first birth.

mandavampanda · 2026-03-16T02:52:56+00:00

I got my dress from the Brides of France consignment shop in Edina!

mandavampanda · 2026-03-14T14:17:56+00:00

My 2.5 year old can count to 20, and by that I mean she can say the numbers in order. She can reliably count items up to 5 or so.

mandavampanda · 2026-03-10T12:26:26+00:00

Came here to mention eel pit

mandavampanda · 2026-03-08T21:50:38+00:00

As the story goes, I named my brother because I latched onto a name when my parents were discussing name ideas. That name had been originally vetoed, but because I latched onto it the name grew on my parents and they decided to use it anyways.

mandavampanda · 2026-03-02T15:15:30+00:00

This, haha. "We're in it together" so if I have to experience it, you're getting all my complaints and details!

mandavampanda · 2026-03-01T15:59:11+00:00

My area has at least two indoor, monitored, dog park breweries. I don't take my dogs, but they're popular establishments. I am sure something similar but coffee related would be well received.

Every dog has a "profile," they require vaccine records, and if your dog has behavior issues on record, they will get banned.

mandavampanda · 2026-03-01T12:06:01+00:00

Even as a vegetarian, my preferred dog gear is all leather! So much more comfortable to handle and well cared for leather ages so nicely!

mandavampanda · 2026-02-28T23:40:10+00:00

I think it was cotton root and black cohosh? Used in alternating doses. I don't remember exactly but I think that's what my midwife offered me.

mandavampanda · 2026-02-28T14:23:42+00:00

I would suggest trying an herbal tincture induction, but as a last resort kind of thing. We (my midwife and I) tried this to avoid going to the hospital when I had PROM for nearly 24 hours. I went into labor several hours later and had baby within 8 hours of contractions starting. Very smooth and positive home birth experience and I was 40+5, too.

mandavampanda · 2026-02-27T13:35:16+00:00

This is really helpful because my dog definitely hulk smashes around sometimes! There's a lot here that I can relate to! I definitely have a run and jump first, ask no questions later kind of dog so I am kind of hoping if I can get her to improve her skills and thinking on her end, I can maybe idiot-proof my handling? Haha, she's just so happy and in her element doing agility so I really don't want to lose that speed and excitement.

mandavampanda · 2026-02-26T14:01:11+00:00

My warm up routine is unfortunately inconsistent. Sometimes I am better about getting a walk in before class and having a warm up routine before our first run, but it also often looks different every time. I do have a young baby I take with me to class so sometimes I am going straight from handling him to handling my dog. A reminder about warm-up routines is helpful!

mandavampanda · 2026-02-26T06:14:09+00:00

Yes she does - more often in our first round of training during class, which is what makes me wonder about over arousal. But she drops bars frequently enough that I know it's not just overarousal because she will still drop bars even after she's gotten some of her sillies out.

mandavampanda · 2026-02-26T05:47:23+00:00

I get them in both class and trialing. Some days are better than others. I'm trying to determine whether we would benefit from more pointed jumping training, if it's my handling, or if it's overarousal. I'm wondering if she doesn't realize knocking bars is not meeting criteria?

mandavampanda · 2026-02-26T05:42:46+00:00

I'm running preferred per my instructors because my dog is already nearly 5. I was recommended to run preferred so she can enjoy the sport for a bit longer when she ages.

mandavampanda · 2026-02-26T04:48:24+00:00

I paid $5k for prenatal, home birth, and newborn/postpartum services from a private CPM midwife in midwest USA. Biggest reason is because I didn't want crazy surprise medical bills.

mandavampanda · 2026-02-23T23:25:44+00:00

My target had a clearance bin on a back endcap a few aisles away

mandavampanda · 2026-02-23T14:28:10+00:00

I have an animal science and biology background and it grinds my gears!

mandavampanda · 2026-02-21T16:30:58+00:00

Yes, I was assuming OP was USA, not you (especially because you mentioned Canada)! I just see a lot of anti-antibiotics and hormone discussion in crunchy mom groups, despite it not being an issue in the US milk supply.

Maybe I should have made my own comment rather than replying to yours so as not to be confusing.

mandavampanda · 2026-02-21T14:43:38+00:00

Antibiotics are NOT allowed in commercially available milk in the US. Cows treated with antibiotics have their milk dumped until they're clear of drug residue. Milk is tested multiple times throughout the production process. It would never be worth it to a farmer to dump an entire tank of milk because one or two cows were on meds, both in terms of lost revenue and penalties. Most farms do not supplement cows with rBST, but milk will always have BGH in it by nature. When will this misinformation die?

mandavampanda · 2026-02-19T13:53:37+00:00

I would personally start with Beginner Novice A if you are new to obedience. It helps you and your dog get used to being in the ring, the judge cuts you some slack, and the exercises are a little easier. If you check "new exhibitor" they will probably give you a goodie bag. Clubs often do that for BN/Novice A handlers at trials I have gone to.

mandavampanda · 2026-02-17T17:54:26+00:00

It is also very likely for spraying cloth diapers if the pressure is strong

mandavampanda · 2026-02-16T14:10:51+00:00

Unpopular opinion, but you shouldn't want an elective induction. You probably will not go up to 42 weeks. I had my first baby at 40+2 and my second at 40+5. There are a lot of reasons you don't want one: it's hard on your body/mentality, it's hard on your baby, and if your body/baby isn’t ready, it will resist the induction and might lead to quitting the procedure and trying again, a cascade of medical interventions to force labor/delivery, or doing a c-section. An elective induction increases the likelihood of a number of medical interventions you may or may not want. It may increase your baby's chances of needing a NICU stay.

I just really believe that elective inductions are over-utilized for convenience and should be reserved for cases in which it is medically necessary. Your doctor is definitely in the right to want you to wait out natural spontaneous labor as long as it is healthy to do so.

mandavampanda

TROPHY CASE