Marley's First Agility class!!!

So did they have a course set up and just run you through it?  No introductions and such?  Fell off?  or jumped off?

She introduced one obstacle at a time...we waited in line to do it...until they understood the obstacle and then we linked another obstacle. Pretty soon we could run all of the obstacles that were set up (2 jumps, the dog walk, an open tunnel, weave poles, the A-frame, and a closed tunnel). The rule was that 2 dogs could not be on an obstacle at the same time.

He was falling off of the dog walk-like lost his footing (it's only a foot wide). It did not phase him, and eventually he had it down.

Most  big dogs have no idea about hind end movement - to teach them to notice their back end, have him walk over a ladder - even practicing straight finishes helps!
 
I prefer to only focus on 1-3 obstacles during a single training session and then mix it up by adding others when my dog is comfortable of gets bored!  I personally, do not see the benefit of trying to introduce every dog-handler team to the obstacles all at once. But in any case, I am glad that he is having fun and I hope you both choose to continue on!

Actually the closed tunnel was the new obstacle...they learned all of the other ones the week before...the coach just helped me with Marley on my own. We missed the first class because it was my husband and my wedding anniversary! She just wanted the dogs to get used to the obstacles and not be afraid of them. I guess they get into all of the technical stuff in the advanced class! I don't know if we will compete, but it sure was fun and tired both of us out .

Agility Rocks! []  It is a terrific way to really bond and have actual fun with your dog. 

Are the obstacles set up low so that they are not intimidating to rookie dogs (and handlers)?  Just be carefull of the "fall offs".  I've seen two young dogs, over the course of our agility experience , fall off obstacles and really get hurt.  One tore a tendon in a hind leg and was laid up for quite awhile.  It can also be discouraging to a dog to fall off. 

My Miss Trudy jumped/fell off of the A-frame and it took quite a while for her to happilly take that obstacle again. Luckilly, she didn't suffer any injury from it, except to her confidence (that was bad enough).

I know that there are a lot of people out there that feel that speed is first and a few mishaps along the way don't matter [8|], but our class promotes safety first and speed second, when the dog has developed skill, confidence and true agility []. 

The obstacles are set low...she was going to raise them slowly. Luckily, he didn't seem hurt when he fell...he seemed more like he wanted to "conquer" the thing []...I'm glad for that. We aren't going fast either. Sometimes you have to wait in line. I just want his confidence up, and I want him to be able to focus when there other dogs around! It is also a lot of fun! That's the main thing I think. We should have fun!

I'm glad you're having fun.  Agility really is the most fun you can have with your dog.  Enjoy the journey.

Hey Jetty-
Tell me more about training on a ladder thing...Marley is jumping the gun on the dog walk and I would like him to stay on. I'm also afraid he is going to hurt himself if we don't correct it now. He fell off quite a few times today (he had some focus trouble too).

Will I know if he injured himself? He seems fine...his gate is fine...how can I be sure?

Advise me please. We just started and I don't know a lot about it!
Thanks,
Justine []