Specman

Thanks for the advise. One of the instructors where Max trains has a Aussie puppy. It is a very cute dog.

Minnie

Here is one of my favorite puppy pics of my Gemma:

Minnie

I have taken Gemma to two classes this week and although she is very distracted with what I call "puppy fog" she loves it! Tunnels, chutes, and jumps are her favorite - contact obstacles will be the struggle though we did get a very nice offered A-frame today :-) The instructors today were very positive about her and and said that while we need to work on confidence and I need to quit luring obstacles (got my hand slapped for that one).... that she is by far the dog that they would recommend for agility work - it really wasn't even close in their mind so this really helps me to feel better about the decision. Catherine thank you for your wise words this really helped me!

Minnie

Bella and I just had a rousing game of fetch the squirrel (current fav toy) and she was so happy - I've missed that! I want to work on grooming skills and hopefully CGC / rally with Bella and maybe one day she'll find agility fun again!

lily cd re

Bottom line is that whatever we decide to do with our dogs, it should enhance our relationships with them. I am lucky with Lily she loves virtually everything we do together (except metal utility scent articles!). Minnie, I am glad you feel positive about your plans with Bella and Gemma.

__________________
Catherine
Lily AKC: CGC CD HIT CDX RN RA RE RAE NAJ; APDT: RL-1; CPE: CL1-R, CL1-H, CL1-F
Peeves AKC: CGC BN

Specman

Minnie, I totally agree with what lily said. Last Thursday was the first class of my second go around in the beginner class. Max was doing well, went through the tunnel without hesitation, then he got spooked by one of the dogs. New class, new dogs. He froze up for the rest of the class did not want to do any of the obstacles.

We'll see how it goes. I enjoy spending the time together at agility but, there are other issues I need to work on for him to be a good canine citizen and there are only so many hours in the day.

Specman

Max had a great agility session last night! We are retaking the beginner class and he was a model student and was able to demonstrate some of the things the teacher was working on for the class. He was able to do almost all of the obstacles that we were doing which was a big improvement from last week. It was very encouraging to see him more at ease in the class and more comfortable and not so on edge.

lily cd re

That's great to hear. i am sure he senses that you are proud of what he did and that will help further build his confidence.

__________________
Catherine
Lily AKC: CGC CD HIT CDX RN RA RE RAE NAJ; APDT: RL-1; CPE: CL1-R, CL1-H, CL1-F
Peeves AKC: CGC BN

TammyQ

Last night and today I spent at the Susan Garrett seminar in B.C. (sans dog). For the extreme newbie that I am, my first thought was what have I gotten myself into....there are so many things to remember. But I learned A LOT today and by the end of the day it was all coming together. The instructor I am taking classes with was there also so we got to chat about a lot of the stuff. Most of the folks there are very experienced, so I found myself to be quite content to just soak it all in. I'm looking forward to the next two days of more learning.

Minnie

Congrats to Specman and Max what a wonderful feeling that must have been!! Not just the obstacle performance but also that he felt comfortable in class.

TammyQ - I am pea green with envy over your opportunity this weekend. How amazing to what such as expert teach! Wow!!!

Gemma and I have had two classes since my last post - one private and one group. It wasn't freezing out so we did manage to get a couple of runs in. during the private class. But then today was group indoor class and well... it wasn't awful but definitely more downs than ups - quite discouraging actually. Gem acted very nervous and ran to the edge of the training ring several times during jump sequencing rather than even start over the jumps. We ended up basically watching the class and then working after class on basics one jump, then two and a tunnel, etc. If anyone has suggestions for this I'm all ears :-(