Training 'Olympia style'

On Wednesday I had a course running workshop. The idea was you got three courses to run (2 agility, 1 jumping) and 1.50 to run them. You could choose to do bits, say work on your contacts, or do the whole thing.

The courses were like those you find at Olympia, the second most prestigious UK agility event after Crufts. This meant the courses were twice the length of a normal course - same number of obstacles but LOADS of space and distance in-between.

I decided to run both dogs to practice how it would be at competition. Merlin did really well, he loved the space and flew about the course, we even managed a RC at the weaves - not perfect, but it is only the second time in training he has done them. I was so pleased with his jumping run, it was the last of the night and it was so smooth.

Merlin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuFoIMn1fDg

Sparrow found this tougher. To be honest, these courses were too hard for her and she found it difficult to judge the extra long distances between jumps. Her pacing was off and she actually clipped a pole and took herself out. My handling was shoddy too. I am currently full of a cold and I was really struggling to get Sparrow round these huge courses. She takes extra handling to Merlin and I kept losing my breath

Anyway, lots of things to take away and work on, and there are lots of bits I am pleased with.

Oh and watch out for the conversation on Sheltie barks in the background! There were three shelties running (including Merlin) and one sheltie x collie.

Sparrow
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdP10oAHdKI

 

She did good, considering the distance and difficulty. I am going to enter her in a couple of steeplchases next week for a bit of experience. She is still a baby with lots to learn. But you are right, it is all about learning our strengths and weaknesses and then building on from them.

And yes it was a lot of running!

 

Thank you, I was rather pleased with that section. I am very pleased with Merlin, he ran with such confidence, and Sparrow definitely gave it her all. Poor girl taking out that jump! Gosh, she gives me some moments! You know, Merlin has never clipped a jump in his life

And yes, she loves her contacts, lol!

I hate running with a cold, in fact I am still poorly. The virus has gone into my sinuses and now I have a blocked left ear. I am completely deaf on one side, which is a real nuisance! Hopefully I am at the tail-end of it though, and by next week I will feel on form. Need to be because I have 7 runs planned between the two dogs!

 

Thanks Lanie. Sparrow bounces well

I am currently using a nasal spray and Tea Tree oil in hot water as an inhalant. I'll make a note of your suggestions too, thanks.

 

This is exactly what I think is the case with Sparrow. She has also only just gone from jumping micro height to small height and has not quite worked out her stride pattern. I think the extra space threw her, but that with time she will learn to adjust. It is interesting how Enzo and Sparrow seem to be mirroring each other in terms of how they are progressing and the problems that crop up. They even managed to face-plant off the a-frame around the same time!

I have also noticed your courses seem much more spread out than ours, I suspect that is a space issue over here, as most indoor venues have quite limited room. I prefer tighter courses (less running for me!), but then again, that is what I am used to. Apparently the ring space at Crufts for agility is tiny, smaller than most usual rings.