So, Rider and I are currently in an Intro to Agility class... He's so serious about working that it doesn't seem like he is having fun. I try to be cheerleader, but there is only so much I can do. Tips? Is he just not cut out for it?
If a dog doesn't already "play" with you in training, it is absolutely something you can teach. The more you can get him playing, the more you can build his drive for agility. Being a cheerleader is key, but figure out how he needs you to cheer him on.
Some stuff that has worked for my low drive dog:
Best treats ever! And make him work for the food. Hold him back by his collar or chest and say "readyreadyready?" and throw the food out in front of him a bit - when he's excited and trying to get it, release him and use your release word.
Similar idea, but even better if you can stay "up" enough - combine that with chasing you. Start like above, but when he goes for the treat, you turn and run the other way, calling him. When he chases you, throw the treat out ahead of you, telling him to get it, and turn and run the other way. Lather/rinse/repeat. Teaching your dog to love chasing you is great for agility, especially if you have a slower or lower drive dog you can get out ahead of.
Definitely try different toys and treats. I've trained two dogs almost exclusively with treats (Gusto will work for tug some), but found a whole new gear in Gusto when I started training using a squeaky tennis ball. If you have a toy he likes, make it JUST an agility toy. Gusto adores his squeaky tennis ball so much, and he only ever gets it for agility, so it retains its value.
Get him playing with you before he goes near equipment. Teach him fun tricks that amp him up. Spinning, jumping on you or over your foot, backing up, barking (all wonderful behaviors to teach your dog
). Anything that gets him excited. Does he have any cues in the 'outside' world that get him crazed? Meg, for instance, used to LOVE playing "find the kitty" at the barn, and would tear around the barn and hayloft at full speed when you asked her "Where's the kitty?". So now I can get her amped (too much sometimes) by standing at the start line and saying "Do you think there's a kitty out here? Where's the kitty? meow" (sometimes you get to look like an idiot to amuse your dog).