Dog Community

A Benny brag (agility)

Posted : 3/19/2008 7:27:08 PM

Tonight was Benny's first night of agility class. He did EXCELLENT!! I am soooo proud of him. The trainer was really impressed (This is the same facility where he took beginners and advanced and got his CGC from).

She started us with the table, which startled him at first, but he was fine after about 3 seconds. Then we worked the tunnel, which he took to very quickly. Finally we worked the weave poles. At the end of class she wanted us to run though all three one at a time. As soon as I handed her the leash he was off! He ran the weave poles (with an expen as a guide), went through the tunnel and out onto the table, with me just *behind* him! He knew exactly what to do and he did it perfectly!

Luckily there are only five dogs in the class (one wasn't there tonight) so we get a lot of time in class to work stuff. But I signed us up for tomorrow to practice everything we learned and I'm going to try to get him in another time before next week also. The trainer also said that he will probably be able to compete in a trial in about a year!! I'm so incredibly proud of him! Big Smile

OK brag done. Just thought I'd share with all of you!

KarissaKS

Posted : 3/20/2008 8:30:59 AM

Benny sounds like a natural! Keep up the good work!

If this is something you're really serious about, I would recommend that you build or buy yourself a set of weaves to practice at home. Weaves are something that should be worked on daily for best performance (at least until the dog is solid). It's an investment that you won't regret! Luke had good independent weaves by the end of his beginner class because we practiced at least once a day at home. I used guide wires at home -- something you could consider since the x-pen method takes up so much room.

If you work hard you may advance faster than you think! Luke's first beginner agility class was in January of '07. His first trial was at the end of April and now, less than a year later, he's running at the elite level and has PILES of ribbons & title awards. We compete in NADAC and are starting to work towards his NATCH. It is a completely addicting sport, I tell you!

The more you are able to practice, the faster you & your dog will progress! Don't forget to HAVE FUN!

Cita

Posted : 3/20/2008 8:37:34 AM

Congrats!! Good job, Benny! Sounds like he's having a blast :)

gradyupmybutt

Posted : 3/20/2008 9:23:24 AM

Yay Benny!!!!

VanMorrison

Posted : 3/20/2008 9:34:58 AM

Whooo Hooo Benny!!!!

georgie4682

Posted : 3/20/2008 12:58:45 PM

Thanks everyone. We just got back from practicing at the facility alone and he did great. While I was sweeping up before we left he was going back and forth though the weave poles all alone! It was histerical. Then he came over to chase the broom.

While I was there I was thinking about buying a set of weave poles. Where would I find them and how much do they normally cost? Would it be cheaper to get DH to build me a set?

georgie4682

Posted : 3/20/2008 1:21:00 PM

Oh, and how do I find trials in my area?