Agility Progress & Competitions so far in 2017!

The 2017 agility season kicked off for us on the 18th of February at the Fingal Fun Day where I did a couple of runs with Holly and, despite getting lost on the course a few times (I really must stop missing course walking!), we managed a 3rd place (our first ever agility placing!) in G1-7 Tunnels. After much thought I decided to just go for it, and entered Wilson in a training round, I'm so glad I did as he did such a nice run and his focus was brilliant! I honestly wasn't expecting anything from that run, but that really boosted my confidence in running him.

Nervous about how Wilson would perform in a more crowded environment and with the lack of tasty treats in my hands I chose to just bring Holly to the IKC show in March, despite missing our last run, we had a great day and she did 2 lovely runs.

Next was the Fingal Fun Day in April, whilst Wilson only completed 1 of 3 runs, he didn't make any attempt to run off and did a really nice running start, agility run and realized that long curved tunnels aren't that bad!

Then we went to our first Agility Workshop in Fingal, I was pretty nervous as I've never had anyone give me any advice/feedback about my training, handling or dogs (except online) but I was also very excited. We had a nice time, and Holly ran really well (I'd have loved to take Wilson too - but we could only run one dog) and I got some good advice on blind crosses, start line waits etc..

On the 3rd of June we headed to Athy for the first time to compete at an IASDA show! Whilst Holly and I didn't manage a Clear round, we did get away with only 15f in G1-2 Jumping, but got an unfortunate E in 1-3. Wilson amazed me and did what is probably his best run yet (unfortunately it wasn't filmed) in 1-2 Jumping - it would have been a fab Clear round had he not missed a weave pole - Super proud!! A few silly mistakes and an E in 1-3 Agility, but he ran really nicely and got all his contacts.

Only a week later we went back up to Fingal for another workshop, this time with both dogs! Although I could only run Holly on the real course, I could do some work on wraps with cones with Wilson. Both dogs ran really well.

Our most recent show was the Midwest Dog Training Club agility competition at the Clonmel Agricultural show, really enjoyed this show - despite having to leave early due to the heat! Our entry got lost in the post but we were still allowed to do a training round, so I decided to forget about the weaves (currently a work-in-progress) and just focus on getting nice fast rounds. Both dogs had a great time and Holly's round would have been clear if we'd not skipped the weaves!

Our next show is an IKC one on the 6th August, I have 6 agility runs and also entered Pre-Beginners Obedience with Wilson so we'll see how that goes!

Beth, Wilson & Holly Xxx

Running Contacts

There are two ways to get your dog to hit the last 90cm of the Dogwalk & A-Frame. 2o2o or Running Contacts. 2o2o you teach your dog to stop and wait with their two back paws on the dogwalk/A-frame until a release and RC is when you teach your dog to stride so they hit the contact point. RC is better for speed and forward drive, no loss of time or momentum.

I've decided to sign up with Holly for Silvia Trkman's RC, I chose Holly for this course as, I think she will be harder to teach RC to, unlike Wilson she is obsessed with Balls/Toys which is good but sometimes she get's so focused on having that ball thrown she doesn't think about how to get it. Wilson has had more issues with working for toys (although it's much improved and only getting better, I'll post about our new game soon) but I think he's more aware. He think's about what he's doing and how he's earning it. Also I've just finished a course with Wilson leaving more to work on and Holly's training needs more structure. I am going to try training him with what I learn from Holly and the RC DVD, and Agility Diaries, and if we have big problems there is another course next summer. Also Holly has more troubles with DW, A-frame and Contacts, she flies off, literally in the middle! And contact's make no sense to her, and Wilson I can work with 2o2o for now anyways.

So you'll be getting more Holly updates as this is part of the transition to me doing all her Agility. She's not my dog and I had been doing part of her training but it's had little structure and she is a super dog.

Also we're going to work with 4on for the seesaw as I don't like the way the seesaw bounces with their back legs on and front paws on, it can't be good for them.

Holly's Video

Agility and Junior Handling Training

I entered Wilson for a show on the 19th September, to do Junior Handling (13 - 14 years) and Grade 1-3 Agility (Small), I've think we'll be ready for it, but we have to do lot's of practice.

His Junior Handling training is going really good - being ably to use a lure does help! I've been practicing my handling too.

I've also been working on Agility and I think we have more work to do for that to be honest! I've contacted someone who makes personalized tug toys and the they should be coming soon. I'm also going to buy some balls too, which I'll get at the same time as I order him his new collar, harness and leash. I'm going to watch some more "Foundations Fun" today. I've also been doing some more work on "Freecallers" and I'll keep working on that, and toy motivation training; He will now do several jumps for a ball. I need to also work on "distractions" and go to a Agility class.

As well as Junior Handling and Agility training I've been trying to follow the "Freecallers" program, (and I'm going to keep working on that for now) and some Trick Training we're doing "Hug a Toy" - and I'm trying "shaping".

Beth + Wilson Xx