Ever since Locki heard Sia’s Chandelier on the radio when we picked him up from the breeder, he has a strange passion for what I call his singing voice (beautiful howling).
Since then I have changed it slightly by saying his name at a high pitch and the fun has continued. Much to our amusement he regularly howls when I call him in this tone. Now that he has his girlfriends, Bonnie and Boo, I believe that he likes to show off his singing talents to impress the girls.
My girls have very different barks. Bonnie has gone from sounding like a wounded bull to the voice of an angel while little Boo’s bark is loud and sharp. This morning the girls decided to join in with Locki’s singing.
Here is a video glimpse of the fun we have when we decide to sing…
Henty Show was a blast for Locki and I, our first dog show on our own. We arrived early to setup. Learning about the show world is both interesting and confusing at the same time. You have to put yourself out there by meeting new people, asking lots of questions and learning the process very quickly.
Your dogs need to have faith and trust in you and on this day my Locki showed both. He settled into the day a little more relaxed than our first show in Wollongong. Even though the noises of side show alley were new and close, his choice was to stay in the protection of his cage.
It’s easy to forget that Locki is only a puppy at 10 3/4 months of age due to his size. Locki met lots of people who were impressed with how big, gentle and shy he was. He has started to lose some of his shyness which makes me one happy mamma bear.
Finally at approximately 1:30 to 2:00pm it was our turn in the ring and on the walk to the ring we almost had an incident. Locki’s trust in my holding while comforting him was noted by another breeder who later commented on my ability to control Locki in that instance…. feeling blessed.
Then it was Locki’s turn and once again he strutted his stuff by my side and he looks magnificent… so I was told!!! Our stacking training over the last week had paid off when Locki was awarded with a Best of Breed certificate and Best Puppy in Group ribbon against a boxer puppy.
Locki having a big drink after winning Best Puppy in Group
A huge thanks to the judge Mr Russell Britten for his guidance and awarding Locki with 6 points…
Locki receiving Best Puppy in Group Award from Mr Russell BrittenLocki’s Certificate for Best Puppy in Group
Feeling very grateful for my amazing boy… until next show, Gundagai 15th February 2020 here we come….
Locki and my first show was a three day event in Wollongong over the weekend 31st Jan, 1st and 2nd Feb 2020. At ten and a half months, Locki, a big shy boy with little experience with the outside world, ventured with me to the big smoke.
He travelled in air-conditioned comfort in the back seat of my Cruze, while we stayed at a friends home within an hour or so from the event. This was his first time away from his gals, Bella and Bonnie and he was quite anxious.
As a Bullmastiff we are in Group 6 “Utility” and after locating our show ring we watched until it was our turn. This weekend would give us the experience of six show events which is a big ask for beginners however would provide us with valuable experience. We were both nervous about what the following days would bring.
From the outset Locki had a glimpse at the world of weir and wonderful dogs. They say you can judge a person on how your dog reacts to them, well Locki reacted to everything including little humans and all dogs covered in fluffiness or long hair. As a true guardian he just didn’t like anyone coming within coee of Graeme and I.
We had been practicing to trot at home however I had very little experience of the show stack. So off we went on our first appearance as the only puppy in category 3 (puppy 6-12 months) and as we had trained, we did it…
The judges were amazing, welcomed us as newbies and provided some valuable advice. I was so proud of my boy who was as poked and touched in his mouth and over his body.
Our best results was on day two under the guidance of judge Mr G Vernon who awarded us with:
Dog Challenge
Runner up best of breed
Puppy of breed.
We achieved seven points took out a few ribbons which will be the start of my collection.
So proud of my boy Locki and his first show results…
After this result my dear friend Marg took us by the hand and showed us how to stand. I cannot thank everyone enough who took the time to guide use over the weekend, friends, judges and other Bullmastiff breeders. To you all I will be forever grateful.
Learning to stand under the guidance of Margaret Munro from Chevalove Cavaliers…
We called it quits after the 4th show as my poor Locki was showing signs of heat stress, so we ventured the long haul home. Now back with his gals he is sleeping restfully.
Until our next show in Henty on 8th Feb 2020, Karen Feldbauer….
Locki was born on 15th March 2019 and is kennel name is Tunzapower Porter. We contacted the breeder in Victoria looking for a dog to mate with our Bella. After a few discussions with her we where on our way to meet our boy.
Locki has grown to be a rather big boy weighing in at a hefty 62 kilos at the the tender age of 10 months. He is a gentle giant with so much personality. He loves his cuddles and playing for short bursts.
From his humble small birth size to Christmas Day 2019 Locki has definitely grown into those large paws. For all his size he takes many naps during the day and maintains a watchful eye on the magpies that frequent his backyard.
Now that he is old enough I take him for a short stroll around the suburb and surrounding bush lands to introduce him to the many sounds and things in his vicinity. He howled very loudly when I took off with his two favourite bitches Bella and Bonnie on their first outing. I could hear him barking for the whole time were were gone.
Pure Heart Bullmastiffs 