Eddie's first agility trial -- wish us luck!

[Izzy Princess]

Q-schmu..who cares what letter you get you guys did awesome. Just think this was your first time and look at the fantastiac time. With a little more practice you can beat that 5 seconds in no time.

Eddie you are a winner with us every day!

[bettyeanne]

Hey, Eddie, it's me, Toto!! All us Yorkie's know you're the best!! You're our hero!!

[alaskayorkie]

Eddie rocked again on his weaver's run, but a bonehead handler error sent him through an extra tunnel. But despite that and a sneezing fit midrun, he still beat the cutoff time by 4 seconds. Unfortunately, I think the extra tunnel is a DQ. Quite proud of him though!

[chattiesmom]

Mike -- it sounds like you guys are having a fantastic showing for your first time out. If only all of us would run our very best every time just like Eddie has done today - just think what a better world this would be.

I've been telling you for a long time, my friend, that Eddie has big things in store for him and he is going to be dragging you and Kelly along with him. My new favorite speaker/author is Malcomb Gladwell and in his book he "proves" that effort and opportunity outweighs ability. So.... with Eddie's willingness and you giving him the opportunity, you are a WINNING TEAM!

[alaskayorkie]

Aww thanks. In his last run of the day -- after an exhausting 12 hours on a warm day, Eddie got his Q with another perfect run. He made it with .41 second to spare! Less than a half second.

When we got home, he zonked out. It's the first time I've ever tired him out.

[JMuedog]

Originally Posted by alaskayorkie

Aww thanks. In his last run of the day -- after an exhausting 12 hours on a warm day, Eddie got his Q with another perfect run. He made it with .41 second to spare! Less than a half second.

When we got home, he zonked out. It's the first time I've ever tired him out.

WHOOO!!!

Congrats to Mike and Eddie!

See you were all nervous for no reason at all.

So, I gotta know... were you called trailer trash?

[QuickSilver]

Awright!!!! Go, team!!

[mustangbee]

Way to go Eddie!!!!!

Hey Mike, it's just so cool you took him and had fun, that's what's important here, the time you spent with him. His first time out he did great! Make room on that table Mike, I see Eddie bringing home the gold cup!

[chachi]

Best of luck! Im sure he'll do great

[Gingergirlsmom]

Way to go, Eddie!

[Robin Lodal]

YAY! Sounds like you all had a FULL and successful day! I can't wait to see the video!!!

[QuickSilver]

So, tell us - has the Q gone to Eddie's head? Is he acting all arrogant now?

[HyunSo]

We watched your videos on U-Tube. You guys are awesome. Seriously though, how long did it take to get the teeter and do you have an tips? We've been training for about 3 months and the teeter just is working out for us. It's when it tilts thats the problem. Suggestions?

[alaskayorkie]

Originally Posted by HyunSo

We watched your videos on U-Tube. You guys are awesome. Seriously though, how long did it take to get the teeter and do you have an tips? We've been training for about 3 months and the teeter just is working out for us. It's when it tilts thats the problem. Suggestions?

LOL, Quicksilver, I think it HAS! I took him for a walk today and tossed a new toy for him. Rather than bring it back, he stayed there and squeaked it for 10 minutes while Rusty and I finished our walk in a circle around him. I finally had to go get him, the brat.

And HyunSo, thanks! The teeter is Eddie's nemesis. He does fine on the wooden one in my backyard because it doesn't make a lot of noise, but when the big dogs pound over the heavy metal teeter in class, he freaks out and hides in the tunnel. I actually quit agility for a year because it frightened him so much and wasn't any fun.

But a new instructor has him doing much, much better. Her philosophy is to take it slow. She puts the teeter out for two runs, maximum, in a one-hour class. Then she puts it away. She doesn't see any benefit in making him go over 10-12 times in a row. That may not help you if you've got an instructor who won't put it away.

As for secrets, start with it on its lowest setting, lure her up with great treats or a favorite toy, then have somebody easy it down. Don't let it bang abruptly. We did that with Eddie, and he's to the point where he can go over the heavy metal teeter once or twice with it banging before he shuts down. And that's all I need him to do for a trial. One time.

Also, all agility organizations don't require the teeter. I entered a North American Dog Agility Council (NADAC) trial this weekend, and they don't even use it. They have classes like "jumpers," "weavers," and "tunnelers," where it's all fun, no stress for Eddie. I love it. I may never enter an AKC trial, which requires it.

Sorry for the long missive! Hope it helps.

[Trixter]

Just catching this thread. Way to go Eddie!!!