Specman

It started out a little rocky. The class was thirteen miles out in the country which was very dark and we ran into road construction along the way, got lost, had a fight with my wife and, arrived 15 minute late for class. So Max was probably a bit off his game by the time we got there!

The class started a little disorganized and I got reprimanded for treating my dog at the wrong time. At this point I was ready to leave but thought it best to suck it up and stick out the class. The instructor had us gather in a circle with 10-15 feet between the dogs. We started an exercise going in a circle and the woman in front of me with a brown lab with some fur missing decided she needs at least 20 feet between her dog and the dog in front of her. This made me question what sort of issues this dog may have!
The first exercise we did was a ladder drill where the dogs as supposed to walk between the rungs of a ladder that is about 3 inches above the ground. Max wanted nothing to do with this! He refused to move forward and bolted out of the ladder at the first chance. The instructor had me set him in the ladder and she bent down next to Max for encouragement and he freaked out a little.

Max is shy of people and can be reactive to dogs when on a leash. We got him from a breeder when he was 6 months old. At the breeder's house, he was very friendly and jumped in my lap and licked my face and was friendly to my wife. Upon getting him home we have found him to be shy of new people and think he was not well socialized as a pup.
We got through a portion of the ladder and the remainder of the class went better. Max was able to get through a series of closely spaced hoops without trouble and worked at some other exercises that include touching a plastic lid for treats. His concentration was off because of the activity around him but, remembering advice from this forum to have fun and that's what we tried to do!

Overall it was good. We have some homework to do and I hope that Max is looking forward to next week. Ultimately I want him to have fun and be less shy around new people. I think this class will give him some confidence and provide him an opportunity to socialize with new people.

lily cd re

Next class will be better. You won't get lost/stressed/have the fight in the car, etc.

How old is Max? Have you done other classes with him, like basic obedience where he could work out some of the shyness and the like? You really want agility to be fun and since there is a lot to learn you won't want the shyness or other things to get in the way of that. If the lady with the lab really thinks she needs that much room give it to her. In my experience there are a few real idiots at beginner agility who want to do something fun with their dog, but don't have much obedience control over them. Post as you go along. Those of us who have gotten a little further down the agility road will happily support you and Max.

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

Specman

Max just turned 1 two days ago. He has gone through a puppy obedience class and we take him to the dog park whenever possible for socialization. It is hard for me to find other opportunities with my work schedule.

I am looking forward to next week when I hope his comfort level will be a little higher.

Minnie

Congrats on your first class - hope you find it addicting as I have :-) I've heard many stories of out of control dogs in agility class - many starting without the basic obedience that is needed for this high energy off leash sport. So if the owner of that lab says she needs the space I'd give it to her and more!

CT Girl

If someone want space give it. I would much rather that then people who refuse to acknowledge that their dog is reactive. I have seen unbelievable transformations with reactive dogs if the owner is willing to put the effort in.

Swizzle is shy. When we started class I gave LOTS of fantastic treats. This helped distract him from his nerves and he loves class. Try to practice a little with the ladder at home. He will pick it up easier with no distractions and then feel like a star in class. If he is uncomfortable with doing the whole ladder at first pick him up and put him in the middle. Keep the sessions short and he will pick it up in no time.

lily cd re

Max will feel more comfortable when you do. Just chalk last week up to an off day. I am sure you will both enjoy it as you settle into what it is all about.

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

Specman

We have been working on homework this week and look forward to class. Max is so funny because I practice with him in our living room to get away from our other dog and he runs in there ahead of me and sits down and looks at me like OK, lets go, lets go!