taxtell

Flip and I are taking our first class tonight, I have no idea what to expect, but I hope it's fun.

Alicia

Hey taxtell...can't wait to hear about your class....Grace and I are taking our first
beginners agility tomorrow at 4:30. I think we are both going to LOVE it. Do keep
us posted.

Cdnjennga

Have fun both Taxtell and Alicia! Agility is fun. You'll probably start fairly slow, as it will take a while for your guys to get used to what you're asking them to do, but within no time you'll be feeling proud of yourself for completing a couple of obstacles I'm sure! Looking forward to hearing the report back.

taxtell

Yay thanks!
Alicia I will fill you in on what went on.

Cdn: I think Flip will be a natural, he did some of the jumps and the tunnel happily when we were messing about after obedience class.


I am excited.

The trainer told us to bring a lot of treats and our own water bowls. Fortunately I taught Flip to drink out of a water bottle.

jester's mom

That is GREAT!! I am sure you are going to love it... I think it is a great sport for both dog and owner! Hope to hear that you get into some agility shows after you both learn!

Olie

Wow, good luck! Maybe pics and video "hint hint"

debjen

Have fun..my boys love agility..we haven't been out for 3 weeks cuz of the weather .. hoping we can get back out this weekend.

flyingduster

Just be warned that the early training of agility can be very boring, a lot of people want to get onto the 'fun stuff' of jumps and tunnels and so forth, but 90% of agility is YOUR handling, and nothing to do with the dog! Most dogs can jump and go through tunnels, it's you that has to be able to tell them where, which one, when, and how to do it properly. "contacts" on the dog walk and A frame can be boring to teach, but worth it, as well as learning how to send your dog to different jumps with body language etc.

Basically the early stages are just learning how to handle, not so much of the fun stuff, so don't be too disappointed if that's the case for you too!

taxtell

I was too tired last night to post about class, and hubby wanted to snuggle up and watch a movie.

We had a blast! This particular class is more serious business, and you have to have had an obedience class prior to joining, and be able to control your dog off leash. Flip was the superstar, of course, the little show off that he is.

We learned a few (low!) jumps (Flip is still only about 10 months old), and did the tunnel, and the small a-frame. She taught us about control, and the two on two off of the frame/dog walk combo. It went really well, it was a small class of 5 dogs, which was good, so we could get one on one attention. It was all couples, except me though! I wanted to handle Flip by myself, since it won't be a team effort if/when we compete. We both had a good time! One couple was a little know it allish and not listening to the instructor, and that was little irritating. They were super competitive, they kept pointing at Flip and telling their dog "That's your competition, girl, pay attention to him!" All I could think of was "Best In Show" WHERE IS MY BUSY BEE??? But all in all it was a blast and something I think Flip and I are going to love.

Good luck tonight, Alicia!

Alicia

Thanks for the update taxtell....I'll post and let you know how class goes for me and Grace. I hope it is as much fun for Grace and I as it was for you and Flip!!