Agility training

[yv0nne]

Had the BEST. DOG. at the seminar yesterday. I think all of our focus& IC work has really been the key. She was amazing. We got bumped up to the more advanced group for the first time& she was probably the best dog in the group. Didn't miss the weaves once, hit every. Single. Contact. Except one teeter fly off. Even after the fly off she kept her cool& retook the teeter with just as much enthusiasm as before. Didn't miss any discriminations. I just seriously could not be prouder of my little red dog! It was easily her best performance to date. She was lightning fast, happy& confident.

I don't know if I posted about our seminar in June or July but she shut down, stressed completely& couldn't even break from a stay due to stress. It was such fabulous thing to see her adjust to a new environment that easy& with that much confidence. My dog was actually a joy to run yesterday. Ahhhhh I love her.

 

[DJEtzel]

Entering Recon's first AKC trial on the (I think?) anniversary of his first CPE trial this year!

ASHLEY. WHERE ARE YOU? YOU NEED TO ENTER CROSS! TNT - Nov. 14-16th!

 

[Oko]

Had the BEST. DOG. at the seminar yesterday. I think all of our focus& IC work has really been the key. She was amazing. We got bumped up to the more advanced group for the first time& she was probably the best dog in the group. Didn't miss the weaves once, hit every. Single. Contact. Except one teeter fly off. Even after the fly off she kept her cool& retook the teeter with just as much enthusiasm as before. Didn't miss any discriminations. I just seriously could not be prouder of my little red dog! It was easily her best performance to date. She was lightning fast, happy& confident.

I don't know if I posted about our seminar in June or July but she shut down, stressed completely& couldn't even break from a stay due to stress. It was such fabulous thing to see her adjust to a new environment that easy& with that much confidence. My dog was actually a joy to run yesterday. Ahhhhh I love her.

Yay, so happy to hear this! You guys have sure been working hard, glad to hear it's paying off.

Feist and I are in the FDSA impulse control startline stay/contact class. Glad to report we've blazed through most of the beginning lectures, looks like we have a pretty darn good foundation for the startline. Gotta start working on that because although she didn't get overstimulated to the point of ignoring me at the disc dog comp, she was definitely 'up' from the environment.

 

[Beanie]

Georgie got her first Excellent JWW leg!!!

Sorry I don't have it on video. I recorded their standard runs this morning from a tripod and a) there wasn't really anything to see and b) there's nowhere super good to set the tripod up and get everything on the course anyway. So I didn't bother to set it up for JWW figuring it was going to be a wash anyway...

AND IT WAS SUCH A GREAT RUN. I totally layered stuff and she read everything so well and I WISH I HAD IT RECORDED WAH!

But the Q is the important part and she got one. Yay! She was one refusal away from finishing her Open standard title too, sigh. Maybe tomorrow... I really want to finish up the Open titles on both dogs before we break for winter. She only needs one more. Payton, uh, well P only has the one OAJ leg so. yeah...

YAY GEORGIE

 

[yv0nne]

Yay Georgie

Yesterday was not good. It started out alright.. then I was waiting behind the next person to run. She tells me my dog is just a blockhead who will never figure out how to work through her stress at trials, there is no point in me even trying& I should basically give up and get a herder because that's what she did. She "retired" her dog because it was too dim witted to figure out how to run in new places& she was sure the same was true for Penn because I put so much work in this summer& there's no major change in her so clearly she isn't very intelligent. She also told me that Penny did that because she hated agility& it wasn't nice to push her into doing it just because I like it..

It was really super rude, I ended up really upset by it& it affected the first run majorly& the second one, though less so.

 

[BostonBanker]

She tells me my dog is just a blockhead who will never figure out how to work through her stress at trials, there is no point in me even trying& I should basically give up and get a herder because that's what she did. She "retired" her dog because it was too dim witted to figure out how to run in new places& she was sure the same was true for Penn because I put so much work in this summer& there's no major change in her so clearly she isn't very intelligent. She also told me that Penny did that because she hated agility& it wasn't nice to push her into doing it just because I like it..

Holy crap. I can't even fathom that happening. Granted, we have the occasional person who doesn't have a filter in our region (or so I hear, I haven't actually seen it happen), but otherwise people really are pretty nice and supportive, or they at least keep their mouths shut. I'm impressed you even went into the ring and ran - I'd still be standing at the in gate trying to pick my jaw up off the ground.

I'm still struggling with Gusto's ring stress issues, and thankfully nobody has said an unkind word to me about it. It would just make things escalate for both me and him.

Congrats to Georgie and to you, Beanie!

 

[Ozfozz]

Cobain knocked his starting jump on our snooker run today.
That was the difference between a short 1st place run, and a long 2nd place run.
Still Q'd, but what a jerk.

Rigby was doing very well in her opening, but knocked a bar on 2 because it was a spread and I guess she wasn't expecting it.
I am thinking of putting her into specials.

All in all not bad for not having seen agility equipment in a few months, and me being broken and hungover lol. I need to do more trials.

 

[krissy]

Ugh. So frustrated. Since we moved my new work schedule is inconsistent week to week. Which means I can't commit to the same day/time for class every week. I do not have the money to potentially be missing half the classes I pay for and there is only one trainer I can find that does "pay as you play". Which is awesome and I like the class, however it's frustrating when we're going 2 or 3 weeks without going to agility. It makes it really hard to get Kili where I want her to be. I miss my old trainer and classes.

 

[crazedACD]

Ugh. So frustrated. Since we moved my new work schedule is inconsistent week to week. Which means I can't commit to the same day/time for class every week. I do not have the money to potentially be missing half the classes I pay for and there is only one trainer I can find that does "pay as you play". Which is awesome and I like the class, however it's frustrating when we're going 2 or 3 weeks without going to agility. It makes it really hard to get Kili where I want her to be. I miss my old trainer and classes.

Privates!

 

[Laurelin]

Yay Georgie

Yesterday was not good. It started out alright.. then I was waiting behind the next person to run. She tells me my dog is just a blockhead who will never figure out how to work through her stress at trials, there is no point in me even trying& I should basically give up and get a herder because that's what she did. She "retired" her dog because it was too dim witted to figure out how to run in new places& she was sure the same was true for Penn because I put so much work in this summer& there's no major change in her so clearly she isn't very intelligent. She also told me that Penny did that because she hated agility& it wasn't nice to push her into doing it just because I like it..

It was really super rude, I ended up really upset by it& it affected the first run majorly& the second one, though less so.

Wow I feel bad for her dogs. I genuinely do. Both of them. One she believes is 'too stupid' and the other she clearly only has because it will win. I get really pissed off by that type of person. I really wonder if they actually love dogs or they just love the ego that comes from winning. It completely misses the point of dog sports to me.

Seriously I think if that had happened to me what I said back would have probably gotten me kicked out of the trial. So good for you.

 

[Beanie]

Yesterday was not good. It started out alright.. then I was waiting behind the next person to run. She tells me my dog is just a blockhead who will never figure out how to work through her stress at trials, there is no point in me even trying& I should basically give up and get a herder because that's what she did. She "retired" her dog because it was too dim witted to figure out how to run in new places& she was sure the same was true for Penn because I put so much work in this summer& there's no major change in her so clearly she isn't very intelligent. She also told me that Penny did that because she hated agility& it wasn't nice to push her into doing it just because I like it..

It was really super rude, I ended up really upset by it& it affected the first run majorly& the second one, though less so.

Wow... wow wow wow... I am really exhausted right now, I have lots to say about this but very little remaining brain power to put it into words... but really this is the kind of person who just needs to be punched in the face. Next time somebody starts to give you advice on your dog, very firmly tell them you did not ask their opinion and you don't want to hear it. People liked to chime in a lot on Auggie. It took a long time before I had enough and started to shut people down very bluntly when they would approach me about him. I do not allow anyone to give me "advice" with Payton either. It is, quite frankly, none of their business, and I will tell them so.

I am really sorry you had to deal with that and I understand how it can affect your runs. It is easier said than done but please DO NOT take her words to heart. Let them instead strengthen your resolve and your relationship with Penn. Then go kick some ass.

http://thecognitivecanine.wordpress.com/2014/02/22/if-you-dont-have-anything-nice-to-say/

 

[Laurelin]

In agility this week Summer did good but got tired and gave up on our weaves the last run. Kind of frustrating but other than that she was great. I love my old dog.

Today we did some good send outs and wraps in the living room. She was sending very happily from about 10' which is kind of a huge deal for her. She's very clingy on course. Yeah I kinda like my new mostly furniture less living room.

I ALSO have started some work with Hank. I've told my trainer as soon as she has a pre agility class coming up, I want in. I think there should be one soon because there's a tonnnn of puppies around right now.

Anyways we got out the jump stand (no bar). He was very apprehensive at first. I think he doesn't quite get that training is FUN and not super serious business. But once I got him over his fear of not knowing what to do and showed him what to do, he went FLYING through the stand happily. Then he would work for his stuffy and then back to food. He's starting to grasp the clicker very well. We've got a good sit, down, and working on a stay. Also he can spin to the left and the right. Tug on command and release on command. His hand touches are probably his favorite thing. He gets so excited when I hold out my hand for him. I think he's going to be a fun dog.

Someone needs to come teach him leash manners and no jumping cause I suck at that. lol

I also did some sends with Mia because why not. And handstands.

 

[krissy]

Privates!

I wish. Barn rentals are too expensive to offer private lessons in the winter here.

 

[Finkie_Mom]

Go Georgie!!!!

Yesterday was not good. It started out alright.. then I was waiting behind the next person to run. She tells me my dog is just a blockhead who will never figure out how to work through her stress at trials, there is no point in me even trying& I should basically give up and get a herder because that's what she did. She "retired" her dog because it was too dim witted to figure out how to run in new places& she was sure the same was true for Penn because I put so much work in this summer& there's no major change in her so clearly she isn't very intelligent. She also told me that Penny did that because she hated agility& it wasn't nice to push her into doing it just because I like it..

It was really super rude, I ended up really upset by it& it affected the first run majorly& the second one, though less so.

Oh Em Gee. PLEASE do not let what this person said mess with you. That's ridiculously insensitive and comes from someone who I would never aspire to be. Give your pretty red dog time. She will come in to her own. There is absolutely no rush on any of this (which you know). If Penn really hated agility, you would know it and stop. You're not a bad trainer or a mean person.

 

[Finkie_Mom]

I wish. Barn rentals are too expensive to offer private lessons in the winter here.

Can you split with anyone? That's so lame - I don't know what I would do without any scheduled classes.

 

[Beanie]

After a good night of sleep:

Georgie had no weaves on Sunday. Not sure what was going on. In JWW after she didn't weave I was like "Okay now you're in trouble!" and I started to handle her like I handle Payton. Fast and expecting distance. She did everything I asked and it was quite lovely, really, but she didn't seem to like it much. I don't think she wants me to be very far away from her. Probably because my mom is not very fast so my mom never gets really far out on her. Her commitment is really good but I could just tell she didn't really like it.
In standard she was super distracted and kept going really wide on things. At least twice in standard I had to turn around and figure out where the heck she was because she was wandering off really wide on things and just kind of shopping... really weird because she hasn't done that since April. But she is still a green dog so I guess that's what was up. Also I think the cool weather settling in has something to do with it, making for some crazy dogs.


Payton didn't get to play JWW in the morning... he broke his stay (ROTTEN) and once again I gave him a chance to do his weaves (they were the second obstacle) and he didn't do it. Backed him up and tried again, no weaves. I backed him up again and asked for him to sit to try and recollect but he could not-would not sit... so I just took him off the course. I still hate doing that because even though the reason I'm doing it is because when he gets so over the top he can't even sit, it means he is likely to do something on the course that might end with him getting hurt and I DO NOT want him to hurt himself - people will still see it as me taking him off the course to punish him for not doing his weaves. And I hate that.

We had a long discussion before standard and this time not only did he hold his stay wonderfully well but he also stayed on the table (granted I did tell him, twice, rather firmly, STAY) and had beautiful weaves.


BUT the really big deal is that the open standard course (and the excellent course for that matter) had a tunnel/dog walk discrimination at the beginning. I missed one dog between P and G and I didn't see the one dog after G, but every other dog I watched missed the discrimination and went into the tunnel when they needed to take the dog walk. Mr. Payton nailed the discrimination, never even considered the tunnel. Georgie looked at the tunnel, but came to the dog walk for me. I have such clever puppies. So I was quite happy to take that victory even though Payton didn't do his dog walk or a-frame contact.

It is what it is... we have lots of work to do in the next several weeks... I really really wanted to get both dogs out of Open before we break for Winter. We have eight chances left. Payton still needs two JWW Qs and all three standard, Georgie only needs the one standard Q. Argh. =/

 

[krissy]

Oh my gosh! That is the meanest thing to say! It would be one thing maybe to ask, politely, if Penn really enjoys agility and, if not, whether it is worth working through her stress. But to call someone's dog dumb and a waste of time... that is just malicious!

Don't listen to them! Lots of people have non-herders, and we struggle more to get our dogs ready. As I've been prone to saying, if I wanted a handler oriented dog, I should have gotten a BC. But I wanted a greyhound. End of story. Besides, there is something to be said for having to work for it, regardless of breed (because I'm sure there are distracted, stressy herders too).

 

[Shai]

Yesterday was not good. It started out alright.. then I was waiting behind the next person to run. She tells me my dog is just a blockhead who will never figure out how to work through her stress at trials, there is no point in me even trying& I should basically give up and get a herder because that's what she did. She "retired" her dog because it was too dim witted to figure out how to run in new places& she was sure the same was true for Penn because I put so much work in this summer& there's no major change in her so clearly she isn't very intelligent. She also told me that Penny did that because she hated agility& it wasn't nice to push her into doing it just because I like it..

It was really super rude, I ended up really upset by it& it affected the first run majorly& the second one, though less so.

Holy smokes. Talk about some seriously screwed up priorities. Not mention diarrhea of the mouth.

 

[yv0nne]

Thanks, guys. It is nice to know other people think it was just as inappropriate to say as I did! I was really frustrated by it.. Penn is struggling but not with agility, her stress levels at a trial. We are getting there as she had three close calls on Sundays for Qs. A refusal in Jumpers, missed last jump of main gamble& my poor handling in Snooker lol

I think a lot of it is letting her little gundog brain mature+ figuring it out as a team. It just really felt like she took all of my deepest fears& was like. YUP. YOU SUCK. I've had people make casual remarks but 99% of everyone has been fabulous to me& Penn so I was pretty astonished when those words were coming out of her mouth. I will use it to make sure next trial season we crush her every. single. time. Word got around she said it though& Penn had a fab cheering section yesterday along with lots of kind words for me. So I'm trying to see the supportive community instead of letting one asshole spoil the whole trial. I love my dog with my whole heart so it really hurt my feelings when she said Penn was too stupid and I was selfish.. just wait until Penn gets her lifetime& you have to choke on those words!

Plus, my Vizsla running friend mentioned people who think non-herders are too dumb for agility are just too stupid to figure out how to train more difficult breeds (totally said in jest.. I love all you herder people!)

 

[krissy]

Plus, my Vizsla running friend mentioned people who think non-herders are too dumb for agility are just too stupid to figure out how to train more difficult breeds (totally said in jest.. I love all you herder people!)

Ha ha, this made me laugh. I love the herding people too, but sometimes it makes me feel better to think that I'm better off in the long run.

Edit: I'm on my phone so trying to keep things short... but that just didn't come out right. What I meant is when I'm frustrated with me and Kili, I remind myself that this is making me a better trainer in the long haul. Not that I'm better off without a herder.

I'm just digging a bigger hole aren't I? I'm not sure how to explain myself. I love herders and may even have one some day.