Agility training

Laurelin

I'm All Ears
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
30,963
Likes
3
Points
0
Age
37
Location
Oklahoma
Ok here we go.

http://youtu.be/TZOIncv2HjY

(Make sure HD is clicked)

Yeah I feel like a stalker now but Dash is CUTE. lol

I thought I had gotten my friend and her sheltie on video during their challengers round but I realized halfway through their run that the recording light as not on. Like I said, I fail. Every time a person I'd want to record would step up... I'd forget to record.
 

Laurelin

I'm All Ears
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
30,963
Likes
3
Points
0
Age
37
Location
Oklahoma
He may be the cutest dog in the history of dogs. (You know... other than mia) And holy crap so charismatic.
 

Shai

& the Muttly Crew
Joined
Dec 14, 2009
Messages
6,215
Likes
0
Points
36
I heart Dash with everything. If I could get a pyrshep exactly like Dash, I so would.
Heck so would I. Well, with a smooth face (Isn't he rough? I can't remember). It's the variability in the breed that really throws me...I mean I just there is variability in most breeds, it's just with PyrSheps I have no idea where to even start to get what I want in any reliable sort of way.
 

Laurelin

I'm All Ears
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
30,963
Likes
3
Points
0
Age
37
Location
Oklahoma
He's a demi-rough. Call me crazy but I think I actually like the demis the best. In person they are so cute.
 

SaraB

New Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2011
Messages
5,798
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
St. Louis, MO
Heck so would I. Well, with a smooth face (Isn't he rough? I can't remember). It's the variability in the breed that really throws me...I mean I just there is variability in most breeds, it's just with PyrSheps I have no idea where to even start to get what I want in any reliable sort of way.
I don't mind the variability. The problem I had was that when I asked his breeder if the pyrsheps she produces are more on the "Dash" side of the spectrum or the more fearful, less drivey side. She told me that the majority of the dogs she produces are on the other side of the spectrum as Dash and that Dash was an exception.

I didn't like my odds. :)
 

Shai

& the Muttly Crew
Joined
Dec 14, 2009
Messages
6,215
Likes
0
Points
36
I don't mind the variability. The problem I had was that when I asked his breeder if the pyrsheps she produces are more on the "Dash" side of the spectrum or the more fearful, less drivey side. She told me that the majority of the dogs she produces are on the other side of the spectrum as Dash and that Dash was an exception.

I didn't like my odds. :)
I think we have the same idea but you're just wording it better lol. Many of the ones I've met have some rather stark fear and/or overstimulation issues. I can and have dealt with that but I'd rather not again... but the odd drivey punky smooth face Pyr Shep is right up my alley so I'm always a little bit tempted...but the odds...
 

Laurelin

I'm All Ears
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
30,963
Likes
3
Points
0
Age
37
Location
Oklahoma
I enjoyed the variety I saw this last weekend. And I do know that most I saw were at the top level of agility for the breed as they were at nationals. But I also met a few that were 'along for the ride'. I'm sure seeing them not at a trial would be better but I did see them just chilling. I saw some fearfulness for sure, but not nearly as much as I was expecting. And not really much more stressiness and fearfulness than I saw in BCs and shelties there too. The one dog I saw REALLY stressing was in a situation I guarantee you would have made Mia stress out in too. And a minute later that same dog was jumping up and saying hi to a decent sized group of people. Some of the sheps weren't as drivey as I personally like but... a lot of the shelties weren't as drivey as I like either. And some of the border collies too.

I met dogs from 4 different breeders. But one thing I realize is IF (big if, I'm still talking to breeders) I do go that direction that being open to rough coats is going to not narrow my options nearly as much. I would rather get a good well rounded dog than a dog that looks the way I like.

funny starting out I only liked the smooths. Now I'm talking to a breeder that has no smooths so getting the look I like isn't even an option if (big if again) I go with said breeder.

Anyways, I'm still in heavy research phase. The breeders I've talked to all seem to present the breed pretty realistically and also are very thorough about who gets their dogs. I wouldn't want a bad fit and I hope they'd let me know if they think it's a bad fit.

I just kept coming back to them for about 6 years now and I wanted to explore the option completely. :)
 

SaraB

New Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2011
Messages
5,798
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
St. Louis, MO
I think we have the same idea but you're just wording it better lol. Many of the ones I've met have some rather stark fear and/or overstimulation issues. I can and have dealt with that but I'd rather not again... but the odd drivey punky smooth face Pyr Shep is right up my alley so I'm always a little bit tempted...but the odds...
Samesies. That was the mindset I was in when I was on the list, I can deal with it, I've dealt with it before. Then I realized that I really, really didn't WANT to deal with it again. At least not right now. If only the odds were more in my favor. LOL
 

Flyinsbt

New Member
Joined
Oct 6, 2012
Messages
886
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Portland, OR
worked on our sit stays which are problematic at the startline.
Start line stays are evil. Tully was no trouble for holding start lines, but she went faster if I ran with her, and it made her happier, so I did (once I figured it out. Took me a few years). I screwed Tess' start line up totally by being inconsistent, and I gave up and don't do one now. Which adds quite a layer of challenge.

I was determined for Pirate to have a start line, so I spent months with him in his initial training, replacing him at the start line as many times as it took. I finally got it, and thought he was pretty solid. Then recently, he started breaking them.

I think I fixed it, though. I was working on it, gave it some thought, and realized that whenever I lead out, I first hold up my hand to indicate the jump, then give the verbal release. And what do we do when we're teaching a dog a new cue? Yep, pair it with the old one. :eek: And of course, lifting a hand is a vague cue. So it he's releasing on that, he starts releasing on any movement of my hand.

So my training has been to show him that it doesn't matter what my hand does, he can't release until the verbal. Clear and consistent. And thankfully, it appears to be effective.

Of course, Elmo never had trouble with his start line, and Tully never had trouble except that she ran better without one, so my first few years in agility, I thought the people who had bad startlines were crappy trainers. :rofl1: I try not to think things like that anymore, I've been smacked down too many times.
 

Shai

& the Muttly Crew
Joined
Dec 14, 2009
Messages
6,215
Likes
0
Points
36
I enjoyed the variety I saw this last weekend. And I do know that most I saw were at the top level of agility for the breed as they were at nationals. But I also met a few that were 'along for the ride'. I'm sure seeing them not at a trial would be better but I did see them just chilling. I saw some fearfulness for sure, but not nearly as much as I was expecting. And not really much more stressiness and fearfulness than I saw in BCs and shelties there too. The one dog I saw REALLY stressing was in a situation I guarantee you would have made Mia stress out in too. And a minute later that same dog was jumping up and saying hi to a decent sized group of people. Some of the sheps weren't as drivey as I personally like but... a lot of the shelties weren't as drivey as I like either. And some of the border collies too.

I met dogs from 4 different breeders. But one thing I realize is IF (big if, I'm still talking to breeders) I do go that direction that being open to rough coats is going to not narrow my options nearly as much. I would rather get a good well rounded dog than a dog that looks the way I like.

funny starting out I only liked the smooths. Now I'm talking to a breeder that has no smooths so getting the look I like isn't even an option if (big if again) I go with said breeder.

Anyways, I'm still in heavy research phase. The breeders I've talked to all seem to present the breed pretty realistically and also are very thorough about who gets their dogs. I wouldn't want a bad fit and I hope they'd let me know if they think it's a bad fit.

I just kept coming back to them for about 6 years now and I wanted to explore the option completely. :)
FWIW I don't think either of us are trying to talk you out of it lol...just throwing in our perspectives. Or in my case, whining about it lol. As I've said before there are quite a few around here due to my proximity to a producer of them. So they are on my radar. It's just for me, for my priorities, I just think they are too big a risk at this point. That could change, but considering my Next Dog will be my Last Dog for a very long time, I just don't see it happening any time soon. For me. Everyone else should get PyrSheps though so I can get a better idea what's out there :p
 

Laurelin

I'm All Ears
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
30,963
Likes
3
Points
0
Age
37
Location
Oklahoma
Pm me the breeder? Lol

I really understand they're probably not the right breed for most people. Still trying to figure out if they're a good breed for me.
 

SaraB

New Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2011
Messages
5,798
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
St. Louis, MO
FWIW I don't think either of us are trying to talk you out of it lol...just throwing in our perspectives. Or in my case, whining about it lol. As I've said before there are quite a few around here due to my proximity to a producer of them. So they are on my radar. It's just for me, for my priorities, I just think they are too big a risk at this point. That could change, but considering my Next Dog will be my Last Dog for a very long time, I just don't see it happening any time soon. For me. Everyone else should get PyrSheps though so I can get a better idea what's out there :p
This exactly. I honestly don't care what someone else gets for their dog, if it's something adorable like a pyrshep that I can admire from afar, that's fantastic!

Your other thread asked if there was a breed we liked but were turned off of when we met them, for me that was pyrsheps. I love the idea of them, the possible reality at this point is not something I want. Having had to modify a small group class so that a certain pyrshep could learn without having a meltdown as enough for me. Hearing about a very talented pyrshep that is in the national spotlight having issues training agility and having to give month long breaks so that the dog doesn't get overwhelmed was another turn off point. Having being told my a local accomplished trainer that she will never consider a pyrshep again was another.

I hope one day they are a bit more consistent, however I know that's not the history or standard of the breed. Maybe one day my lifestyle will be better suited to one, until then, I will live vicariously through anyone else who gets the opportunity to let a muppet into their lives. :)
 

Laurelin

I'm All Ears
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
30,963
Likes
3
Points
0
Age
37
Location
Oklahoma
Luckily almost everyone I've met has been very happy with their pyrsheps. :) Quite a few are planning on another. Different strokes, I suppose.

Anyways, we will see if it goes anywhere. I's just an idea at this point.

Start line stays are evil. Tully was no trouble for holding start lines, but she went faster if I ran with her, and it made her happier, so I did (once I figured it out. Took me a few years). I screwed Tess' start line up totally by being inconsistent, and I gave up and don't do one now. Which adds quite a layer of challenge.

I was determined for Pirate to have a start line, so I spent months with him in his initial training, replacing him at the start line as many times as it took. I finally got it, and thought he was pretty solid. Then recently, he started breaking them.

I think I fixed it, though. I was working on it, gave it some thought, and realized that whenever I lead out, I first hold up my hand to indicate the jump, then give the verbal release. And what do we do when we're teaching a dog a new cue? Yep, pair it with the old one. :eek: And of course, lifting a hand is a vague cue. So it he's releasing on that, he starts releasing on any movement of my hand.

So my training has been to show him that it doesn't matter what my hand does, he can't release until the verbal. Clear and consistent. And thankfully, it appears to be effective.

Of course, Elmo never had trouble with his start line, and Tully never had trouble except that she ran better without one, so my first few years in agility, I thought the people who had bad startlines were crappy trainers. :rofl1: I try not to think things like that anymore, I've been smacked down too many times.
Start lines are the bane of Mia and my's existence. We're working on it... slowly. Stays have been CONSTANT work for her, especially in front of obstacles. I've been using a running start more often lately. Works well for us so far and she seems to be taking to start lines better if we don't have to do them before EVERY SINGLE RUN.
 

Flyinsbt

New Member
Joined
Oct 6, 2012
Messages
886
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Portland, OR
Start lines are the bane of Mia and my's existence. We're working on it... slowly. Stays have been CONSTANT work for her, especially in front of obstacles. I've been using a running start more often lately. Works well for us so far and she seems to be taking to start lines better if we don't have to do them before EVERY SINGLE RUN.
It really did get to be a thing with me and Tess. It was bad dog training on my part, and the fact that I just didn't enforce the criteria. She'd break, and I'd run her anyway. So why should she stay? Then I'd start barking "STAY! STAY!" at her, and that didn't make for a fun atmosphere. Eventually I thought about it, and decided that I didn't want my last run ever with Tess to be one where we were struggling with each other over a start line. And you can't really know when a run is going to be your last. Anything can happen.

So, I started running with her, and as a bonus, I got better contacts and table performance! Apparently, the start line stress was creeping into other things, and when I took that away, we were a better team. It's a bit of a challenge sometimes, because she is a fast dog, but it's always good to have a challenge.
 

SaraB

New Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2011
Messages
5,798
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
St. Louis, MO
Start lines are the bane of Mia and my's existence. We're working on it... slowly. Stays have been CONSTANT work for her, especially in front of obstacles. I've been using a running start more often lately. Works well for us so far and she seems to be taking to start lines better if we don't have to do them before EVERY SINGLE RUN.
Have you tried Crate Games with her? Specifically setting the crate up in front of a jump/tunnel/other obstacle? It really cleared up any start line issues with both Zuma and Zinga.
 

Laurelin

I'm All Ears
Joined
Nov 2, 2006
Messages
30,963
Likes
3
Points
0
Age
37
Location
Oklahoma
Yeah we've been doing a lot of crate games and then running starts in he mean time. I think running starts are a lot more motivating for her and will probably continue those in instances where they're possible.
 

Beanie

Clicker Cult Coordinator
Joined
May 17, 2006
Messages
14,012
Likes
0
Points
36
Age
39
Location
Illinois
I switched almost entirely to running starts with Auggie for the same reasons of motivation - of course, Auggie was in need of every motivational boost he could get. Leaving him at the start line meant he would almost immediately disconnect and start stress sniffing, and coming out of his stay he was flat out slow.
However he did have a great start line stay. I think in the last few years of trialing after I stopped using a stay, we maybe did it... two times, three max. I remember the first time I did it, I was like "Uhhh, I don't even know if he's going to stay anymore!" since we NEVER did them. He actually did fine with it, but it really was so rare that I ever did them that I had enough doubt in my mind when I decided to use one, haha.

Payton is getting one, but I am fast enough that he doesn't really need one either. Lead outs are nice and since Payton doesn't have motivation issues with them (yet) I will probably use them - but they are rarely essential given the amount of sprint I have. Obviously not everybody is that way though, I know some people HAVE to have them because they just can't keep up otherwise.
Clearly all able-bodied agility competitors should practice sprints and distance runs to improve their own speed on a course LOL.
 

Flyinsbt

New Member
Joined
Oct 6, 2012
Messages
886
Likes
0
Points
0
Location
Portland, OR
Even if you aren't that fast, it's usually possible to run without a start line unless your dog is really, blazingly fast. I'm slow, Tess is fast, and we do fine without one. In this video I made:

[YOUTUBE]nHJy4yOXHYk[/YOUTUBE]

you can see a lot of us running without a start line stay. Mostly at the Invitational, for some reason, I wound up using a lot of clips from the start line there. In one, you can see one of my tricks for it; starting the dog at a different angle than where I actually intend to go.

It takes a little more handling thought, but it's totally doable.

Now with Tully, who I ran with because of motivation, she just really wasn't that fast, so it wasn't hard. She wasn't going to run faster than I did.
 
Joined
Jul 11, 2011
Messages
976
Likes
1
Points
0
Location
Grande Prairie, AB
Even if you aren't that fast, it's usually possible to run without a start line unless your dog is really, blazingly fast. I'm slow, Tess is fast, and we do fine without one.
Yep. Start line stays are overrated. :)

Pan actually has a very good stay, but she blasts off the line, tries too hard to catch up to me and often knocks the first bar. I figure I'll keep things fun and start with a scruff grab pull and release most of the time.
 

Members online

No members online now.
Top