Agility

[Britster]

We're back in agility once a week. This is our... fourth class? But I've spaced some of them out quite a bit, due to lack of money, time, or trainers moving, etc.

Thought I'd use this thread as kind of a 'journal' to document his success.


So Jackson rocked his weaves at agility today, I was very happy. We're still spacing them apart a bit, so he's still sort of running straight down the middle (excuse my terms still, I still am learning the correct ones lol) but he's got a nice little butt wiggle turn going on now and we kept making them closer and closer and he was just looking fantastic, actually was starting to ... well, 'weave' lol. The other dogs there are still having to have them far apart.

He does tunnels just fantastic. The other little dog is hesitant with curved tunnels still, Jax really loves the tunnels though. They're his favorite.

We also worked on wrapping a jump tighter and he also did great with that. I lack coordination when it comes to switching hands. I think sometimes I forget I have a right AND left hand so I tend to confuse Jackson when a piece of food is in one hand and he follows that. So I worked a lot on ME today. Honestly that's the #1 reason I love the classes is because of my stupid mistakes. The dog is usually not the problem. lol. I love the trainer pointing out to me what I'm doing wrong, things I wouldn't even think of.

We did a bit of contact and target work today too off the dog walk. I'm glad I took another beginner/intermediate class for that reason ... our very first agility class was more so one of the 'fun' ones, so we did not do a lot of foundations, and then we jumped into intermediate after that. So even though Jackson knows most of the equipment it's a new thing to be learning these contacts and doing target work etc.

Always happy with my boy. He's always so good in class, and picks up things so quickly.

[Maximo]

How did I miss this earlier? Very happy to hear Jackson and you are back in agility. I can imagine that it is a challenge getting the fast hand singles down, all while trying to keep up with a really fast doggy.

Way to Jackson, on your way to mastering the weave and handling the tunnels like a pro.

I checked nose work classes in our area -- $600 for only 6 sessions. Wish we had more options close to home.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Maximo

How did I miss this earlier? Very happy to hear Jackson and you are back in agility. I can imagine that it is a challenge getting the fast hand singles down, all while trying to keep up with a really fast doggy.

Way to Jackson, on your way to mastering the weave and handling the tunnels like a pro.

I checked nose work classes in our area -- $600 for only 6 sessions. Wish we had more options close to home.

Holy moly! And I thought spending $170 for 6 week nose work classes was pricey (why I haven't done it yet). Agility, I am more willing to spend on because, to me, it's more fun for the both of us. Nosework is just something we'd do for... something to do, so spending the amount on a 6 week class hasn't been worth it to me yet. Agility was $120 for 6 weeks.. or was it 7? lol have to check.

He's actually not very fast on the agility course. I mean, he's sleek, and he's coordinated, and not sloppy, but he's not TOO fast ya know. Sometimes he can be somewhat slow moving actually but that's most likely my fault--I'm not very fast either .

[buffy512]

This is so awesome. I have always admired you putting Jackson in agility. If mine like it. I would be glad to look into it further. Good Luck & Congrats!!

[yorkiemini]

Cali and I do agility, too - keeps us on our toes
She is always the smallest because ALL the other dogs are really big, but it doesn't really bother her though because she has never been in a class where they had small dogs.

As long as she enjoys it we will keep going. She is getting ready for her first trial competition in about 3 months.

They have something called teacup agility - have you seen that? We went to watch one and the dogs were about 10 to 20 pounds - Cali is 3.5 so we still did not see it as toy dogs

[gemy]

BRit sounds wonderfull. I am trying to catch up on Yorkie talk happenings.

While it is nice to win the real win is having fun with your dog! You and Jackson do have a blast together!

I have to admit I've not done much fun stuff with my beasties lately. But I hope to soon.

[Ms Diane]

Hello Jackson and Britster,
I was so happy to read about your agility training. I have one Yorkie. He is only 3 months old. I would like to have him do agility in the future. I think he would love it. So I have like a million questions for you. At what age did you start Jackson in training. We still have to get thru puppy training and good citizen. I know agility is a long ways off, but there's no time like the present to set goals. As much as I know Oscar would love it I have to ask how much of a toll it takes on you. I am 61 years young and have fibromyaligia. So that is also a consideration. I would love to hear more about your training.
Thank you so much,
Diane and Oscar

[Britster]

Originally Posted by Ms Diane

Hello Jackson and Britster,
I was so happy to read about your agility training. I have one Yorkie. He is only 3 months old. I would like to have him do agility in the future. I think he would love it. So I have like a million questions for you. At what age did you start Jackson in training. We still have to get thru puppy training and good citizen. I know agility is a long ways off, but there's no time like the present to set goals. As much as I know Oscar would love it I have to ask how much of a toll it takes on you. I am 61 years young and have fibromyaligia. So that is also a consideration. I would love to hear more about your training.
Thank you so much,
Diane and Oscar

Hi, you can start basics at a very young age. Just keep everything very low to the ground, no jumping, etc. You can set up a little tunnel though for sure! Very low impact!

The jumps can be set up BUT just lay it on the ground, so the pup only has to walk over it.

No agility class will take a dog until 1 year old.

Here is a good beginner video:

Puppy Agility Foundation Part 1.mpg - YouTube

It is somewhat taxing, but with a tiny dog, it's not quite as much because typically they're not going faster than you anyway! The most taxing part is probably bending over to give them their treat LOL especially in the beginning, you're not doing full courses anyway, you're working on individual pieces of equipment at a time.

[langley yorkie]

I love Agility. I have had Luca in it and he does fantastic (except for the weaves )
I have to say, I am huffing and puffing after a run and definitely I'm the one holding Luca back. LOL. It's great fun and Luca and I will be starting again next week.

[Steph311]

Hi Langley Yorkie ! Just wondering where you go for agility classes in the lower mainland ? I've been thinking of getting Charlie into a class or 2 to see if he likes it.

[langley yorkie]

Hi Steph311;
I go out to Abbortsford which is a little far for you. But my colleague, who is a trainer (I'm apprenticing) is doing a puppy class and I think a basic manners out at the Richmond Tisol. I've just sent her an email asking her if she knows of anything out in Richmond area.

The agility I go to is just for fun, so while there is friendly competition there is none of the intensity you get with the folks who are training for true competitions. LOL

[Steph311]

thanks for the info ! We go to that Tisol quite a bit, the staff are really good. I've been thinking of getting Charlie into some classes, he knows the basics, and not the greatest LOL.
We'd be looking for a fun agility class, nothing serious. Charlie is well, a goofball. He's also got tons of energy, and he loves to jump up on stuff and run around.
Good luck on your apprenticeship !!

[langley yorkie]

Hi Steph311;
Yes, my Luca is a goofball too. He is a mischevious little guy and it's good to keep him busy. I hope there's only one Tisol in Richmond, but this is the one:
Richlea Tisol location in Richmond on 10151 No 3 Rd. There is a new website under development at healthy-paws. It's still in the early stages so some of the links may not be up to snuff.
They should also be able to give you Jenn's schedule at Tisol, if not I can get you a number. Cheers

[Steph311]

Cool thanks again !
sorry Brit of kinda highjacking your thread

[langley yorkie]

Agreed. Sorry about the thread Brit