Colin and Tippy at 'Rally O'. Friday 15 May #2

Plenty to report. On Wed night Glenda and I entered Colin and Tippy in 'Rally O'. This is a variation on obedience training - a looser, less particular circuit. We were both nervous -managed to get round - sort of - T and I missed a lot of stations. Colin is a gem - and very good at obedience!

Anne at Port Chalmers has a 14 month huntaway she is trying to find a home for. Is anyone interested?

Finally a new topic on the boards. This time its diet - do you think that diet effects your dogs behaviour? Prior to this we had the frivolous cartoon dogs - draw a cartoon of your dog. I have met a few people who want the boards to stay after the "Four Legs" project so that people can leave messages to do with local concerns and dog news.

"Good dog, bad man" is another "Four Legs" side project. This one is for the students and staff at Uni and is on campus. I have placed a white board in the link outside the library and started a cartoon 'story board' which I am hoping passers-by will contribute to. The goal is to bring the broader dog project to the attention of the students in a way that allows them to contribute without having to have a dog.

Friday. Another good walk with Darlene and Lynn at Blackhead.

I am talked into participating in "Mixed Agendas" which is part of the Allen Hall lunchtime theatre programme. This is an entirely improvised performance, with live musicians and performers. Ali East - a remarkable educator and dance practitioner is event director.

"Kennel Club" another on campus side project is about to appear. More on this is it develops - but it is another attempt to bring dogs to the campus - this time its the staff dogs.

First timer - not a husky

Maybe I wont be a sledder after all.

Tues 12 May - Another great night at the speedway

Its day four of the storm. We decide to brave Waldronville. First thing this morning it was Ross Creek - only Jude, friend and dog Jake are braving it. The streams are flooded and the road is closed with a tree down. For some reason the rabbits are out in force - must think they've got a clear run - which sends T into orbit - I hardly see her the entire walk - although shes always around, crashing through the bush. The rabbits are jumping out and running along the path! Freezing!



I cant stop taking amateur photos of the speedway - its a project in itself. We meet all the Ls in the rain - Lou, Louie and Lennox.

First meeting for "Commune" - another one of the side project associated with "Four Legs". "Commune"is a camping trip, on a mountain, in a theatre. Sounds a little crazy I know - but more on this soon. It is being developed in collaboration with the post-graduate students of the dance programme with members of the freelance dance community.

Thurs 7 May - Is this dance?

Make yourself comfortable. Tippy showing lurcher traits. Meet Sue and Molly dog first thing at St Clair. Then to Queens High and Diana's animal behaviour students. Its a great class - 6 dogs and 10+ students. The students are going to record the events of the class dog walks for the project.



Later I catch up with the film club at Logan Park High. They are focused on the 48hr Film Comp this weekend. We'll talk more next week about the dog walking project. I have had this idea during the week about the importance of movement to the "Four Legs" project. Given the fundamental presence of movement in film I raise this with the students. We briefly discuss how the illusion of film is produced through movement - and the role of movement in story telling among other things.


Back to the importance of movement to the "Four Legs" project. "Four Legs"is being developed with the support of the Dance Programme at the University of Otago. In creating the project I have suggested that many of the elements people look for in dance are strongly present in our daily activities like dog walking.

This project definitely challenges what we think of as dance. If the conventions of skill, virtuosity and the desirable body are set aside, what is it that we seek in dance? I think both audiences and practitioners are looking for a new experience - an experience that can sidestep language or the familiar to reveal something new. Through being a 'sensory' or embodied event this perhaps is more immediate and therefore less controlled or censored?

With the "Four Legs" project I am exploring the idea that these type of experiences are present in our daily rituals and habits. That dog walking contains a sense of discovery, of adventure, risk and the potential to reveal something 'new'. The dogs spontaneous, intuitive behaviour adds an uncertainty that heightens this potential for our habitual experience of the world to be disrupted.

There is more to this - as I continue to consider how I am engaging with movement I am slowly realizing how wedded I am to the relationship between movement and sensation. I know see this as a problem.

PS I hope the Logan Parkers win the film comp!

Mon 4 May - camera returns

The 'Chinese whispers' camera returns. A camera has been being randomly passed around the dog community. Those receiving it were asked to record a short interview discussing their dogs and how the dogs change or influence their lives. At the end of two weeks the final recipient was asked to call me and I would collect the camera. Thanks to Joanne it returned. Great interviews - and many thanks to those who took part.

Blackhead.

The roving camera is going to be repeated - on the Peninsula and around St Clair so look out for it.

The aim of this exercise is to look at how the dog community are connected - is there any chance that the person who made the last recording could possibly now the first person on the tape. The camera traveled all over the city - from Ocean View to the centre of town via everywhere.

Tues May 5 - Dog cam

Sparky Mouse and Wee Jock McNew.

These two are always on the beach roughing each other up - really the best of mates with the best names.

"Dog cam" is up an running. It works!! Sharon from Canvas Works has modified a dog coat to carry a camera and GPS unit. The GPS remains untried - but the camera is all go. It sits out from the shoulder of the dog and has a clear view forward. Neville's' dog Syd has had a good go - with great success - Paula's' dog Hooch took a more sedate and dignified approach with a quick trip around the streets in between showers. Tippy hated it and would only participate under duress.

Wed 6 May

Forbury Park Board. Finally I have changed the discussion topic on the blog site - this time its to do with community and what the 'dog walking' community offers. Apologies to all those who have lost patience.

Great comments and drawings on the park boards.

"Good Dog, Bad Man" is about to start - this is a side project in the link at the University. Its another white board on which passers-by get to add to, creating the adventures of 'Good Dog'.

The Peninsula connection is growing with Giovanna and Fran.

Apparently there is alot going on in dog land this week - agility comps at Mosgiel, field trials out of town , a dog show as well?