[Allie3985]

An aside, wouldn't it be great if we had our own forum for agility and other dog sports? I've been trying at this for a little while so anyone who agrees should express that on the post about it under "suggestions."

[agility collie mom]

Originally Posted by Solid Mutt

Hi everyone,

I just loved reading everyones posts and hearing how everyone is doing. I will give a quick update on Voodoo and I. I apologize for no post last week, I was filling in for someone else at work and did not get a chanceto log on here. So, last week went ok, not great. Voodoo had some focus issues but did work every obstacle for me. She actually loves the obstacles. It is just in between she loses focus. Also last week she got jumped by the GSD in our class. This dog zoned in on her and it was all over. Voodoo was fine. The woman came and got her dog. The instructor had her take her away for a few minutes and walk her. We just stayed far far away from each other. I was told this dog did it to two others the week before. Anyways, I was pretty bummed out with everything that happened last week. So all week we have worked on focus and worked on some of our make shift obstacles at home. As well as stopping at a contact point. So fast forward to this week. LOL I brought better treats - seems the ones I use at home were not working in class. LOL Voodoo was awesome. Her focus was most of the time on me. It was an incredible transformation. Even others in the class commented on it. So, we first worked the tunnel from each side. Then we moved to the chute (it was our first time at the chute) She did great. Then we moved to the jumps. I am so uncordinated. Poor Voodoo I know if I could get my cordination she would do much better. We worked on front crosses and post turns. While at the jumps the german shepherd out of no where zoned in on Voodoo and this time pinned her to the ground. She was just looking up like - Get this thing off me. She was fine and the lady got her dog. She apologized and said she normally doesn't do that. The instructor talked with her about her dog and then we got back to work. She later came and apologized again and said that her dog used to play with a neighbor dog that looks like Voodoo and that they played together for months but then her dogs lip accidentially got bit when they were playing and now she attacks that dog, so they can no longer play together. I just so oh I see and went on. I mean I was not mad or upset it happened. I understand, things happen. Voodoo is fine, what else could I do in that situation? I think I will ask to be switched groups. Any ways we moved on to the weave poles which are actually just like two rows of poles with a fair distance in between just to get them to go threw the poles. I hope that makes sense. Well at end was a jump too. I was so proud of Voodoo she ran through the poles and across the jump. The instructor came over and told me Voodoo is going to make a great agility dog. That just made my night. LOL We practiced having our dogs beside us and doing our turns. Then we moved over to practice the contact stopping at the end of a contact. The instructor then commented on how fast Voodoo will be as well. LOL It just felt so good. We have a long way to go, this is just the intro to the stuff, but we are already loving it.

Sorry to have wrote such a long post - but THANKS for letting me share!

P.S. One of the main issues I am having is holding the leash in the opposite hand as the dog is on. Does that make sense?

Sorry to hear that Voodoo was attacked. Glad she is ok. Yes it is very awkward to work from the right side of your dog (both for human and dog). When you practice at home work on the right side twice as long as the left to get comfortable. It will come but it takes awhile. Can't tell you how many times I tripped over Rio when we were learning!

[terryjeanne]

I could be off base, but if my dog was attacked twice at agility, I'd be complaining about the other dog being in my class. I've been in agility lessons for about a year and have come across the occasional dog that will come over to see Breeze, but the owner is quick to call their dog and I step in between.

I've been very happy that the dogs we have in our classes have to pass a couple levels of obedience first, so the owners do have a good grasp of recall and focus.

[lizalots]

Sierra's first class was supposed to start Thursday night. Spike started Wednesday with obedience and it was nice out. Then on Thursday it started to RAIN!! The weather has been SUPER nice for a month now and all of the sudden we get a storm come through!! What horrible timing!

So they cancelled class and we start next Thursday if the weather is better. I was SOOOOOOOOOOOO bummed!!!

[agility collie mom]

Hey Solid mutt.
How many dogs are in Voodoo's class? Is there a barrier between dog's waiting to run and the training area?

Lizalots,
I wish you sunny days on Thursdays!!! We are suppose to have some outdoor classes this year. I hope so because it would be fun to have a lot of room to run.

[melgrj7]

Lloyd and I aren't taking an offical agility class, but we worked in an advanced II class that does some agility, as well as obedience stuff. We jumped in on the 3rd week so the other dogs had already had more training than Lloyd in this stuff, but Lloyd picked up on it quickly and did really well. He went over the dog walk, A frame, jumps, broad jump pause box, did the tunnel and the tire jump. We also did all of those in a sequence and we both did really well. Lloyd and I are pretty good at understanding each other so I think that helped.

I got "yelled at" (not really) for not going fast enough but I was concentrating on trying to keep my shoulders straight and directing Lloyd properly. I was also tired because I had already assisted in 3 classes prior to this one. In the mean time Lloyd was doing circles at the end of obstacles waiting for me I guess, lol. We did the dog walk, to the tunnel, through the tire, over the A frame, to the pause box, then over the broad jump, then over 3 regular jumps that were horizontal to each other so he went over one, then I had to push him out far enough so he could come at the 2nd one properly, then he had to pass in front of me to go over the 3rd.

The instructor told me we did better than the other dogs, some of who had taken the class a few times. That made me proud I need to work with Lloyd on not jumping up to me as much, though I think that will stop if I move faster. It used to be a problem when I started jogging with him, he would jump up on me and he was doing it while we were going through the little sequence. At least he wasn't grabbing my clothes like he did when I had first started jogging with him. I was suprised Lloyd did so well because he doesn't seem like a very agile dog!

I'm thinking of doing the actual agility class with him, we will see! My coworker instructs the agility classes so it might be weird, but might not.

[Jenna09]

I have gone with Fibi to 2 beginner agility classes so far and we both have had a great time!

So far we have learned stretches and been testing out all of the equipment. We were also taught the first week "left" and "right" turns and "target" to practice at home for the next few weeks.

Fibi is the smallest dog in class so she gets alot of attention. Some of the equipment she is hesitant to try out (the A-Frame and the shoot) but once she has done it and isnt scared anymore shes trying to butt in line to get another turn!!!

Overall all of the dogs in class are well socialized and behave greatly. And I really like the instructor. No messing around just getting straight to business!

Jenna

[agility collie mom]

My instructors don't teach right or left. I asked why and the reason they gave is that depending on what side of the dog you are on determines what direction you say. Agility just happens too quickly and you can mistakenly tell your dog to go right when you should have said left. Better to turn the dog with hand signals or body language. So I never taught my dogs right or left. And I have never needed it. imo.

Sorry just reread your post and I see that you did not say that you were teaching verbal commands of right and left. So sorry my mistake.

[Allie3985]

Originally Posted by agility collie mom

My instructors don't teach right or left. I asked why and the reason they gave is that depending on what side of the dog you are on determines what direction you say. Agility just happens too quickly and you can mistakenly tell your dog to go right when you should have said left. Better to turn the dog with hand signals or body language. So I never taught my dogs right or left. And I have never needed it. imo.

Sorry just reread your post and I see that you did not say that you were teaching verbal commands of right and left. So sorry my mistake.

Lol I wish I was a good enough handler to be able to yell "left" or "right" in the heat of the moment and not follow up with "oops, sorry dog, I mean the other way!" I was taught left and right in class but have NEVER used them. Way to hard for me anyway!

[Kathyy]

I taught Max left and right and he hates that I don't use it. If I manage to get out the words he does it so snappy! Heat of the moment is rehearsed during the walk through. I say the words as I walk thinking about exactly where he is and if he is committed to the obstacle yet.

[Crazy for Collies]

I have taught Angel 'right' and 'left' and use them both in trials and in training. She responds really well to them...

I have been trialling in agility for about 7 months, but am still taking handling classes and such. The classes (and the trialling) are going really well! Angel is having a blast with agility and so am I! Here's a video of our most recent trial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kGCG3lFxeY

[Lonewolfblue]

Originally Posted by agility collie mom

I agree you have to get ahead of your dog and if your dog is fast and has a big stride it's really hard to keep up! Plus we as humans become befuddled lol!

Keep up with a Border Collie??? hehehe.........

Looks like they re-arranged the class hours so now we can go to Agility I. I can't wait to get signed up. We still have a couple more weeks of the current classes to finish up, and the next go-around, we will be doing Agility I on Thursday nights at 7pm, which works well for my schedule. Wished it was 7:30pm, would give me a little more time to prep after work and take her out for a little frisbee to get the edge off, but I think we will be fine. They are combining Agility I and II, as they don't have enough students, so I'll get to move from one to the next in the same class.

Originally Posted by agility collie mom

Yes it is very awkward to work from the right side of your dog (both for human and dog). When you practice at home work on the right side twice as long as the left to get comfortable. It will come but it takes awhile. Can't tell you how many times I tripped over Rio when we were learning!

I haven't had that issue with Nell, as she works on either side just as well, as long as she can see me and what hand signals I'm giving her. But Chloe on the other hand, prefers to be on my left. I can get her on the right side, but then occasionally stops, turns, and gets on my left side, lol.

Originally Posted by Crazy for Collies

I have taught Angel 'right' and 'left' and use them both in trials and in training. She responds really well to them...

I have been trialling in agility for about 7 months, but am still taking handling classes and such. The classes (and the trialling) are going really well! Angel is having a blast with agility and so am I! Here's a video of our most recent trial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kGCG3lFxeY

Awsome video. Can't wait to get into it and finally doing Agility I. It's been a long enough wait, bugging the kennel club to change some of the class times so I can continue, and they are finally doing it. Will be starting up once this round of classes finish up.

[agility collie mom]

Originally Posted by Crazy for Collies

I have taught Angel 'right' and 'left' and use them both in trials and in training. She responds really well to them...

I have been trialling in agility for about 7 months, but am still taking handling classes and such. The classes (and the trialling) are going really well! Angel is having a blast with agility and so am I! Here's a video of our most recent trial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kGCG3lFxeY

Beautiful handling. Angel was brilliant! Congratulations.

[Solid Mutt]

Originally Posted by agility collie mom

Sorry to hear that Voodoo was attacked. Glad she is ok. Yes it is very awkward to work from the right side of your dog (both for human and dog). When you practice at home work on the right side twice as long as the left to get comfortable. It will come but it takes awhile. Can't tell you how many times I tripped over Rio when we were learning!

Thanks Agility Collie Mom! I have been doing lots of practice at home. LOL Well not to much to wear her out, but you know what I mean. We will get there, I just have to get more cordinated. LOL You would think after riding and showing horses since I was a youngster that I would have more cordination. LOL But, this dog stuff is definitely different. LOL And LOTS of fun!

[quote=agility collie mom;519489]Hey Solid mutt.
How many dogs are in Voodoo's class? Is there a barrier between dog's waiting to run and the training area?

Sorry I have not signed on over the weekend. I had a terrible migraine and then with Easter I normally am not on on the weekends. There are 16 in the class and we are divided into two groups. As for our groupls we are just in the Intro classs and we are all still on leash. So, we wait our turn on the obstacle we are working. But, like the weave poles, chutes and etc we let teh leash go when they enter the obstacle and that is when the GS zones in and runs at Voodoo. It is like in the blink of an eye literally. The instructors did talk with her, and I believe that they are moving the GS to the other group. Although I feel bad that is the smaller group that GS may eat one of them for a snack in between obstacles. LOL

Originally Posted by terryjeanne

I could be off base, but if my dog was attacked twice at agility, I'd be complaining about the other dog being in my class. I've been in agility lessons for about a year and have come across the occasional dog that will come over to see Breeze, but the owner is quick to call their dog and I step in between.

I've been very happy that the dogs we have in our classes have to pass a couple levels of obedience first, so the owners do have a good grasp of recall and focus.

Yeah, they have spoken with the owner and I have been told that they are planning to put her in the other group and see how it goes. So, I guess we will see on Wednesday. I probably should complain. I am just very quite and laid back. If something had happened to Voodoo I would have been LIVID but since she was ok and they got the dog I was fine. I hate to cause any issues. So, I guess we will just see how the next class goes.

[agility collie mom]

Solid Mutt,
Sounds like the GS is not ready for agility classes. At least not in a group setting. Someone's dog is bound to get hurt. Sixteen dogs, how many instructors?

[MyCharlie]

I'm in a lull right now. I've decided to stop doing agility with Charlie because of his teeter issues, which then spreads (of course) to the other contacts.

I'll work with him and he'll get better and do all the contacts, teeter too, but then he'll have a brain fart (I would guess it's more someething I'm doing though) and won't wait for the teeter to tip, fly off, and then we're back at square one. I know we can work through it, but I just don't have the time or patience. He has just as much (or more) fun playing at the dog park, and it's free! So I'm pretty sure we're done.

But I have Kaya signed up for beginner classes!! They don't start until June, though, so pretty soon I will start working on commands ("center" and targeting, etc.) and basic "race me, chase me" and stuff to get her ready. She is a much less fearful dog than Charlie so I am excited to see what she can do!

ETA: Shaina, I totally understand where you are coming from! I'm a very analytical person and want to know what I'm doing and why before I get started. So I would be frustrated too! Our instructor is VERY body language oriented and amazes me with little tips she gives that make a world of difference.

[Solid Mutt]

Originally Posted by agility collie mom

Solid Mutt,
Sounds like the GS is not ready for agility classes. At least not in a group setting. Someone's dog is bound to get hurt. Sixteen dogs, how many instructors?

I agree with you. The owners says that her dog is normally great with other dogs. But, she came after mine twice - because it looks like the neighbor dog. LOL I am not sure what the reasons were for it going after the two other dogs in our first class. I have been told they plan to switch her groups so we shall see tomorrow. I will be sure to keep you all posted. There are two instructors and a couple helpers.

[Kyllobernese]

We have the same problem in our Agility class with a German Shepherd going after our little dogs. The owner just keeps saying, Oh, she just wants to play but I think they should be under enough control that they should not bother the other dogs. Remmy got attacked by an English Cocker in one of our classes, made him let out a squeak when it pinned him down. Luckily he is brave enough that it did not bother him. Later while I was running the course, it got loose again and went after him but I was able to block it before it got to him. Our biggest problem in the classes is dogs "peeing" in the tunnels or on the obstacles. It makes it really hard for the rest of the dogs, especially the males as we don't want them to copy it. We are going to take the equipment and steam clean it but that does not help if they do it again.

[Shaina]

Originally Posted by MyCharlie

ETA: Shaina, I totally understand where you are coming from! I'm a very analytical person and want to know what I'm doing and why before I get started. So I would be frustrated too! Our instructor is VERY body language oriented and amazes me with little tips she gives that make a world of difference.

LOL glad we're on the same page...sounds like you are getting the instruction you want though

My class is getting somewhat better in terms of handling instruction...there's hope!

[MyCharlie]

Kyllobernese, do you guys pour water on the area immediately after it's peed on? We don't seem to have much peeing problems but we have buckets of water all around the course and dump a bunch on the area as soon as it happens.

Now that I think of it - are your classes outside or inside? How do you guys handle peeing if it's inside?

Originally Posted by Shaina

My class is getting somewhat better in terms of handling instruction...there's hope!

Glad to hear it!