[MissMutt]

Yeah, it was great. The previous week was one of those "bleh" classes, with awful weather and lots of commotion, but this week there was no one there, wasn't too hot, and we got a lot done. I'm hoping that a lot of people decided not to continue with the classes so that there are only a few of us. There are only 5 as it is, but I'd love it if it got down to 4 or even 3.

[Solid Mutt]

Originally Posted by Squeeker

This week's class went well! It was SOOOOO hot... youu can SEE the humidity in my videos. It was rediculous. Luckily, Libby kept her head on straight most of the time! She even went through the Tire with no problems

First we did the weaves... we are down to the smallest barriers set up on the competition weaves. All of the dogs are doing brilliantly!

Then, we did the teeter and chute.

Squeeker - I just love your videos! You have great handling skills! Good WORK! Libby is just making huge leaps and bounds in her classes! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!


Miss Mutt - So glad you finished up your first session of classes! Now on to the next level! How exciting!!! Session 2 sounds like it was awesome! WOO HOO, I bet it was great being the only one there and essentially having a private lesson. VERY COOL! It sounds like you and Marge ROCKED!!! I am so glad the weather subsided for you! I know all about crazy weather. We have had the same here hot, humid and rainy.

This week so far has been BEAUTIFUL though. I can only hope it sticks around. High of only 76 today with sunshine! Tonight is our last class for this session. I can only hope we pass and are allowed to go on to the next level. I do know only a few in our class are going to move up the rest will have to repeat. I just hope we don't. LOL I have been practicing at home and had huge success with Voodoo. Hopefully we can do as well at class this evening. Keep your fingers/paws crossed for us! LOL

[agility collie mom]

Rio's class this week was a little rough. He was ramped and I was tired, not a good combination. Plus it was a lesson with the other instructor. He is a good instructor just that I really like the other instructor much better. I get more out of her classes. Oh well he and I will be off for a couple of weeks before classes begin again.

Savannah on the other hand was wonderful last night. She was so focused. The instructor set up a course with a jump tunnel lead out. My good girl sat and stayed while I went to the tunnel and stood on the other side of it (it was curved) and called her through both! I never thought she would get to this point. Out of the tunnel to wrap to a jump. Then turn left jump, weave poles (her weaves were fantastic), left to a jump (angled), front cross to a two jump serpentine which became a threadle, to the tunnel again. Then the instructor switch the course up. She had us do a difficult exit from the weave poles that included a front cross before the next jump. Savannah got it! The only thing she did was grab my hand (which she hasn't done in a while) I know she just wants to play but, I had to correct her. It only happened the one time so I suspect that my daughter was playing tug with her. Other than that she was awesome. Next week is her last class for a couple of weeks.

[Solid Mutt]

Originally Posted by agility collie mom

Rio's class this week was a little rough. He was ramped and I was tired, not a good combination. Plus it was a lesson with the other instructor. He is a good instructor just that I really like the other instructor much better. I get more out of her classes. Oh well he and I will be off for a couple of weeks before classes begin again.

Savannah on the other hand was wonderful last night. She was so focused. The instructor set up a course with a jump tunnel lead out. My good girl sat and stayed while I went to the tunnel and stood on the other side of it (it was curved) and called her through both! I never thought she would get to this point. Out of the tunnel to wrap to a jump. Then turn left jump, weave poles (her weaves were fantastic), left to a jump (angled), front cross to a two jump serpentine which became a threadle, to the tunnel again. Then the instructor switch the course up. She had us do a difficult exit from the weave poles that included a front cross before the next jump. Savannah got it! The only thing she did was grab my hand (which she hasn't done in a while) I know she just wants to play but, I had to correct her. It only happened the one time so I suspect that my daughter was playing tug with her. Other than that she was awesome. Next week is her last class for a couple of weeks.

ACM - Sorry Rios class was a little rough. Seems we all have those days. LOL I like you tend to have a favorite when it comes to instructors and see just to get more from it with certain ones. LOL I am sure the break will be good for you and Rio and then you can kick it back in to gear! It was great to read how awesome Savannah did! What a fun night and fun course! I love a good challenge it sounds like you all ROCKED IT!

ok, so I have to brag about our last night at class for this session. They had a 14 obstacle course set up. Oour insructors walked us thru it a couple times and talk over stradegy. We were to do it in like 3 sections. We had a contact point to stop look at our next section and move on. So, we completed it all together but just took a few seconds or minutes depending on the person to go on. The first part was Tire, weaves (not weaving just 2x2 with guide wires, jump, dog walk stop at bottom of contact. Think about the next section. Next section was jump, front cross, tunnel, Table. They count to 5 (this is a think point again. Then it was double jump, jump, jump, jump, A-Frame stop at the bottom. Last two things were broad jump and chute.

Small dogs first. Then the next size which was us were up. I was so excited and nervous. They had practice obstacles thru out the areas to work on in between runs and people could practice while others were doing their go. I hoped Voodoo would stay focused but you never know. LOL I did a lead out with the tire because she is fast and I need to be at the weaves. LOL My first section she did great but I was slow getting the commands out (me being uncoordinated and all) LOL so she seemed to wait on me. The next section (had I been thinking correctly I should have done a rear cross at the tunnel) insead of doing the recommended front cross. She is so fast I held her up doing the front cross but we did it. Got to the table. We then rock 'n' rolled over the next section all the way to the bottom of the A-frame. I was totally getting my game on track. LOL She was awesome even though she tended to wait on me for direction at first. LOL Then off to the broad jump and the chute. She did great except she went in the chute and again me learning to set up my own footwork. I should have switch sides at the A frame but I did not. I sent her and she went in and came back out. She hasn't done that before. LOL (Almost all the dogs did it last night) Must have been something good they smelled. I did not feel so bad knowing she was not alone. I did take her back to the other side of the broad jump and redo those last two obstacle where she rocked it. It was great, I felt so bad because she did awesome and uncoordinated me had her waiting for direction. HAHA I got back to everyone else and they were like wow, she looked great. I was like really? LOL It felt so good. (That was the biggest course we have ever have done) Seems quite a few people and their dogs were having issues staying focused last night. But it was a great night. I had so much fun. After everyone ran the course the instructors met with us in a group and talked about who would move up to the next level and who would be recommended to repeat level 2. I have been so nervous about this night. LOL Voodoo has done awesome but we are both new to it all so I was just hoping we would move on. As the instructors say who is moving on the came to Voodoo and I and they recommended we MOVE ON to level 3... WOOO HOOO I was so excited. There was about 12 dogs ther last night, I think there was 13-15 most nights. Only 5 of us were recommended to move on. I have to say I feel great because 3 of the 5 are experienced handlers as in already run and show AKC agility. The 4th is a repeat dog from last year who had a medical issue and has just started back this spring but she is a repeat level 2'er from the earlier session. That means we were the only novice dog/handler to move up with out any repeat courses. I am sooo excited and proud of my pooch! It was just amazing! We are off one week then start level 3. They say you will repeat level three 2/3/4 times to go on to Comp Prep class. They say it is HARD! LOL The instructors took time and spoke with us all individually as well. They told me how fantastic Voodoo and I have been doing. They siad they would take her home with them anyday of the week. LOL They said they have enjoyed watching us progress and Voodoo could go on to do awesome things if we so chose. There is more to type but I am at work so I guess I will hush and get back at it. I just had to share because I am SOOOO EXCITED and PROUD! There was a photographer there (his wife was in the class) lol and they took pictures. When they get online and I get them ordered I will make sure to post them.

Ok, so enough blabbing (sorry to go on so long) How is everyone else doing?

[ara28]

I guess I'll start to chime in on this thread now since I've read the whole thing. Everone sounds like they're doing great!

Dohggy and I haven't started agility yet. Our first class is the 11th. I'm really excited. I think we'll both have a lot of fun.

Right now we're in a class that teaches simple tricks and they have small obstacles that we learn to go on. They have a little dog walk, little a-frame, little jumps, little tunnels, etc... Dohggy LOVES the dog walk apparently. It's only 1.5 feet off the ground but he thinks it's the greatest thing. He's not so good with the tunnel, but everything else he seems to have caught on to.

The agility class that we'll be starting is called pre-agility and it's aimed more towards getting the dogs comfortable with the normal size equipment and things of that sort. The only thing is, is that it's not at the same place we've been taking classes since October. they do agility there but didn't have any classes that fit with my schedule so our agility class that starts on the 11th is at a place we've never been to. I've spoken with the trainer over the phone and I really like her so far.

One of the things we have to have for class is a flyball collar. Do any of you guys use those? I'm not sure what it's purpose is.

Hopefully once we start the agility class, I'll have good things to share too!

[MissMutt]

I've never even heard of a flyball collar but after Googling, it seems they want it so that you can grab onto the handle. There are some obstacles that it's not a good idea to do onleash at full height, like the Dog Walk and A Frame, because it could get caught on something and your dog could get hurt. That's the only thing I can think of.

I can't wait to hear about your classes. Our first session was mostly getting used to the equipment, too; only the last few weeks did we start sequencing.

Is it indoors or outdoors?

Solid Mutt THAT SOUNDS GREAT!! And I can't wait to see pictures.. I am an agility picture junkie.

I can't wait til we start doing courses.. it is frustrating having so many dogs who are WAYY behind in terms of progress than Marge is.

[CorgiKarma]

I'm so excited to start our agility classes! Unfortunately, it looks like it might have to wait another 7 weeks. I would miss two classes this session and you can't make them up. I would hate to pay for 6 classes and only get four out of it

[agility collie mom]

Solid Mutts..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=knBGOIr5KrU

Congratulations to Voodoo and you!!

ara28
We are only allowed to use flat collars because of safety issues. Any other type of collar could get hung up on equipment. For dogs just learning we use this with a flat collar no loop.

http://www.sitstay.com/dog/supplies/...roductId=41166

Corgikarma,
Before you know it classes will start. You guys will have a ton of fun! We all can't wait to hear about your classes.

[ara28]

Originally Posted by MissMutt

I can't wait to hear about your classes. Our first session was mostly getting used to the equipment, too; only the last few weeks did we start sequencing.

Is it indoors or outdoors?

I think it's outdoors since they do make-ups if the weather is bad.

Originally Posted by agility collie mom

ara28
We are only allowed to use flat collars because of safety issues. Any other type of collar could get hung up on equipment. For dogs just learning we use this with a flat collar no loop.

I haven't asked the trainer if the flyball collar is what she wants us to use. That's just one of the items on their "equipment to bring to agility classes" Each trainer may have a different preference. I guess we'll just have to find out and see.

[CorgiKarma]

So I'm actually thinking I'll stick with the original class I'm assigned up for. I'd only miss one class when we go to New Mexico and I'm not exactly sure when that will be so it could even cut into the next session. I made a phone call and it turns out I wouldn't have to miss a class when we go to Chicago.

So I need some opinions, is it still worth it if I miss one class?

[MissMutt]

I would do it. As long as you get some kind of practice at home (with paw targeting, maybe makeshift jumps, ground work) you will be just fine. I'd rather start now than wait another 2 months.

[MyCharlie]

CorgiMama, check with the facility. At our place they will often let you make up a class with a one-on-one session if you know you are going to miss one of the classes ahead of time. If not, I agree with Miss Mutt, go for it any way!

I've been thinking of getting a grab tab for Kaya as we are transitioning from the lower level heights to normal level. In her beginner class she was leashed and dragging it going through tunnels and stuff and some jumps when we started sequencing, which seemed to bother her a bit. Plus I'm thinking it might be useful in other situations as well, maybe even on heeling-only walks. Those of you who use the tabs, do you like them?

[Shaina]

Originally Posted by MyCharlie

I've been thinking of getting a grab tab for Kaya as we are transitioning from the lower level heights to normal level. In her beginner class she was leashed and dragging it going through tunnels and stuff and some jumps when we started sequencing, which seemed to bother her a bit. Plus I'm thinking it might be useful in other situations as well, maybe even on heeling-only walks. Those of you who use the tabs, do you like them?

In my experience...they serve to make the handler feel better without really being functional in any other way. The dogs that went loopy with a tab on were no easier to catch than the ones without a tab because in order for the tab to be long enough to really be helpful it is also long enough to pose a hazard (but still better than a full leash). The shorter "safe" tabs don't really help with catching a zippy dog, since there's no way you're getting close enough unless the dog wants you to. The only use I saw for them was to lead a dog quickly off the course after one finishes a run and the dog returns, but a slip lead in the pocket is just as quick.

Just my opinion and observations I've never used them personally, but a lot of people I know/have classes with do.

[Squeeker]

So I need some opinions, is it still worth it if I miss one class?

We will be missing next week's class because we are going camping. I'm not exactly thrilled, but I'm not worried either. It's up to you, but one class shouldn't be a big deal if you can work on what you can at home. There's lots you can do at home, btw!

Our class this week was... interesting. Our normal instructor was absent as her Golden Retriever bitch had a litter of 7 puppies last night... can't say I blame her! Our substitute was really nice and helpful and all, but I didn't like some of the ways she handled things. For instance, we spent half the class on the teeter, and she had a lot of dogs end things on a failure. Libby skipped out of the weaves on her second attempt with one barrier removed, and she told me to leave it at that... I said no, thanks, please replace the barrier and I wll put her through one more time! Video:



We also worked on our flips. I was thrilled with her progress! Heeeeeere's Libby!



And finally, our short sequence. The point was to work on wraps. The first time Libby ran short on focus:



For the secont attempt, the instructor actually had me talk less and give fewer cues to try to get Libby to reorient to me. I was skeptical, but it really worked!

[Shaina]

Looking good, Squeeker!

[MyCharlie]

Nice vids Squeak, you guys are coming along great! We will sometimes have classes where we are not allowed to talk to the dog at all during the run except the release word to start the run. It's amazing how much better the dogs do without us crazy humans blabbering on!

Thanks for the input on tabs Shaina! I totally get your point and hadn't thought of it that way!

[CorgiKarma]

Originally Posted by MyCharlie

CorgiMama, check with the facility. At our place they will often let you make up a class with a one-on-one session if you know you are going to miss one of the classes ahead of time. If not, I agree with Miss Mutt, go for it any way!

Unfortunately they do not do make up classes

Originally Posted by MissMutt

I would do it. As long as you get some kind of practice at home (with paw targeting, maybe makeshift jumps, ground work) you will be just fine. I'd rather start now than wait another 2 months.

Thanks for your opinion, that's what I'm leaning towards...

Originally Posted by Squeeker

We will be missing next week's class because we are going camping. I'm not exactly thrilled, but I'm not worried either. It's up to you, but one class shouldn't be a big deal if you can work on what you can at home. There's lots you can do at home, btw!

Thanks for the input, Libby looks great, by the way!

This is all we've done at home so far:

[agility collie mom]

ara28
If you can or decide to use a tab you can make your own inexpensively by simply cutting on old leash off (if it is nylon just melt the end with a match so that it doesn't fray.)

corgikarma

I agree with starting the classes now. We've missed a few classes. Just ask your instructor to go over with you what you have missed.

squeeker,

You guys look great! I've run Rio without both verbal cues and hands. It is amazing what they pick up in your body language! My instructor told me that where your shoulders are is where your dog goes. He is so right.

[MissMutt]

If you can get something more upright (like the sides of a regular agility jump) to put the PVC pole on I think it'd benefit you. Doesn't have to be now, see how you and her like it first and then you can amp up your backyard equipment. Uprights might help with things like post turns (which is the dog jumping and coming back around the jump to you). I used lawn chairs, but that's probably too tall for little miss Bailey

But that is great for now! You can work on lead outs by having her sit on one side of the jump until you release her.

Squeeker, great vids. We've never done flips before. Great work on the weaves too.

[Shaina]

Originally Posted by MissMutt

If you can get something more upright (like the sides of a regular agility jump) to put the PVC pole on I think it'd benefit you. Doesn't have to be now, see how you and her like it first and then you can amp up your backyard equipment. Uprights might help with things like post turns (which is the dog jumping and coming back around the jump to you). I used lawn chairs, but that's probably too tall for little miss Bailey

Could also just stick two poles in the ground each side but still have the bar supported on the rocks...just for visual effect.