OK, we did it, the first trial...
First class, P1 Standard....she got the entrance and the first jump, bailed on the teeter, was supposed to do another jump, then tire, but saw the a frame, (her favorite) and decided to do that instead, after which my little social butterfly thought it would be nice to visit the people on the sidelines.... Next class, P1 Jumpers. My hope was to get her over the first three jumps, actually got to 5 before she decided to go to the photogragher and pose for him...off course, of course Day two, P1 Gamblers. It was early and cool...did I mention the day before it was over 85 degrees with NO shade? Anyway, amazingly we did the first 25 seconds and completed all our points, she had no faults and hit all her contact, I was thrilled. She completely blew off the joker, but, hey, I was happy Last class, P1 standard again...its back up to over 80 degrees, I know she's not in the right frame of doggie mind, not focusing. Put her at the start line, she spyed my niece on the other side of the field, ran around the start and off the field to visit again All in all we had a great time, learned a lot, I learned the value of a well done front cross, and she made lots of new friends. Back to class! |
|
|
| Ya kind of lost me with all the P's and Queues, but I'm glad you had fun! |
Bellalover wrote: Well, I gotta tell you, it was a total learning experience! You think you have a dog that is doing pretty well in class and fun runs, but the trial is another thing entirely We went in with pretty low expectations, but it soon became apparent I had to lower them much more!
<snip> All in all we had a great time, learned a lot, I learned the value of a well done front cross, and she made lots of new friends. Back to class! That sounds about right! Belle's first trial she did two jumps, ran past the dogwalk and stood at the ring gating (thank dog they had some - it was at an OES national, no less - maybe they had the foresight to know there would be green dogs and Novice A handlers and that both groups would do inexplicable things  ) barking at her breeder!! A proud moment. 
Like you, I took what I learned, went back to class and about a month or so later we trialed again, much improved and with some pretty ribbons (OK, not MANY, but a couple  ) to show for it. It gets better. I think they just need to get that out of their system.
Run-thrus are a big help when you have them. But even that doesn't fully prepare you or the dog for trial settings. It's only going to get easier from here. Well done, both of you!!! Kristine |
| How exactly does someone begin with agility? Do you just start training in your yard? What is the first thing to teach? |
| well, we started with a class. but it wasn't the right class I guess it depend son what you are looking for - plain fun with the dogs or competition down the road.
If you can find a foundations class - not a pet agility class - in your area I would say start there, and then if you want to compete your dogs are started right. if you can't, read, read and meet agility people and start in your yard. One thing ou can do on your own, if you can get a large enough play tunnel I would teach him to run through that so he doesn't develop a fear of it. Marley came to me at 8 weeks running through a tunnel and never had an issue with it, Morgan had to learn in class and it became an issue. I let Morgan teach the puppy to run through and it is now one of the big guys favorite games
I just ordered a handful of books to get started retraining Marley correctly (note I said the class wasn' the right class) so I can't give you specifics, but getting them out and used to walking over strange (and moving) surfaces like docks and walkways etc can also help. but the best thing - I think, is finding a good training facility. not always easy as sooo many people "teach" agility and have no idea of the "science" that has developed around the sport. unfortunately in my experience many of these people are people with impressive credentials and were involved in agility in the early days when it was more fun and games (Not to be knocked if that is all you are looking for). I refer to the training as the Nike school of agility - just do it! - but the foundations of good jumping and weaves just aren't there. |
| We found an agility club here that is associated with the USDAA. The beginner class was 16 weeks and very, very slowly started to introduce them to equipment. Initially, they were taught to "target" using butter tub lids with treats in them which later was used to teach them to target contact points. They were taught to walk through the rungs of a ladder on the ground so they learned where their feet were. We used a "wobble board", a square, rough surfaced board mounted on a 4 x 4 block to get them used to tipping motions and the rough surfaces of the table and teeter. They were trained to heel on both sides, not just the one you use in obedience. Initially the tunnel was just about 3 feet long so they could see the other side. As they gained confidence, equipment was brought out on a very low scale. Started with 4 weaves, then 6, etc. At then end of the 16 weeks, Bella was able to handle all of the equipment and do 6 weaves consistently. I do have weaves at home. She is still struggling with 12, we are in Advanced Beginners, now, another 16 week class. The emphasis our trainers have is having fun with your dog and using gentle, positive techniques, which I love. I agree with Kerry, it's important to find the right trainers. Once a dog become afraid of a piece of equipment it very hard to get them over it!
After the trial last weekend, Bella was a total cuddle monster, insisted on being a lap dog all Sunday evening. It was like she was saying " gosh, mom, I had such a good time with you this weekend!' |
Didn't find exactly what you're looking for? Search again here:
Custom Search
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|