Our First Season of Trialing

[3Stars]

We've officially completed our first season of agility trialing. We did our first trial in March, and just finished off our last trial. I cycle my dogs through a rest period for their various sports, so no more agility training for us until the spring, and no more trials until next June.

I have to say, this season has gone better than I ever could have imagined. Starr is my first puppy, my first agility dog, my first performance dog. We've done the huge majority of the training on our own - I took a few competition classes, but found the instructor's method conflicted too much with what I was already doing, so I stopped going. I learned a lot on the forum, plus did a ton of research, and really worked with my dog to figure out how we communicated best.

Because of where I live, we have to travel far to trial, so we were only able to compete in 6 trials. Despite this, Starr earned his Novice, Open and Elite Agility Champion Titles, his Novice and Open Jumpers Titles (is one Q short of his Elite), his Novice Chances (one Q short of his Open title), Novice and Open Tunnelers, Novice and Open Weavers, and Novice Touch and Go. We just started doing the "Games" in July, so he's completed his Tunnelers, Weavers, and Touch and Go titles in 4 trials. He also Q'd and earned 1st place in 4/4 CKC runs (2 reg, 2 jumpers). There was only one judge at the trial, so there wasn't any sense in entering more than 4 runs (2 judges are needed for the title). We only have one CKC agility trial per year in our area, so I'm hoping they bring in more judges next year.

His speed and drive have been incredible for the last two trials. I was particularly happy with his November Trial (#5), because it felt like we were really working together as a team. We were a bit off in our last trial because we hadn't been able to train for the three previous weeks since the agility yard had closed for the winter, but by the Sunday we were back in our normal rhythmn.

We've accomplished many goals this year - increased drive, increased distance, fantastic lead outs, very clean weave entries, running contacts, independent performance....and the list goes on. We've had a chance to practice a lot of things in competition as opposed to just in training. Some things have held up in competition, others have had to go back to the drawing board.

Honestly, I consider the fact that I started trialing at all to be a huge accomplishment. It's intimidating to be training on your own, and to put your dog in a trial and hope that you did your dog justice.

I have definite goals for next year - I want to work more on directionals and 3+ obstacle layering. Distraction training for outdoor trials is a priority, and I'll continue to work on and experiment with running contacts. I'd like to do more jump grids next year for collection, and also learn more about canine massage so I can (hopefully) prevent injuries. I also need to learn to trust the training, and not second guess my dog. All missed Qs were my fault - not Starr's.

I'm going to miss trialing over the next few months - I like the people, the atmosphere, and the opportunity to spend a weekend competing as part of a team with my dog. I always hoped I would enjoy agility, and I've discovered I love it. I see it as an ongoing challenge, but a fun one. I love the fact that with a small movement of my shoulders I can change the direction my dog takes even if I don't think he's looking at me. I love the fact that my dog so clearly tries to understand what I want on the running contacts. I love the way my dog is so excited to run that he pulls me to the start line, but has the self-control to hold a start line stay while I walk 30 feet ahead before releasing him. I love the fact that even when he's running at full speed, if I give him a gentle "easy" command, he will collect and focus on me. To me all of this indicates that we are working as a team, and developing trust and confidence in each other.

Many thanks to the people on here for their support and guidance. Starr and I definitely wouldn't have had the successes we have had without the help and knowledge of the people on this forum - I get so many training ideas from reading the posts and watching people's videos. Thank you! I'm already looking forward to next season.

[Hurtseverywhere]

Congrates on a great first season, glad to hear it went so well. Enjoy the break . although I am not sure I could ever do that, I like to keep up at least one practice a week even when trials are not happening just to keep them in the game.

[Meldor]

Congrats on the amazing season :). It was very fun to read your great recap as well as interesting to see what goals you have planned for your next season.

I also love how you described the feeling you get from connecting with your dog during the runs. It's simply amazing how our dogs are so connected to us and agility truly made me realize that. It's a wonderful sport and I love that you shared your progress with us. Thank you!

[Calliesmom]

congrats on your successes

[Toffee's Mom]

WooHoo Tara what a great accomplishment for you and Starr
I also loved reading the recap, especially in light that you don't have a trusted agility instructor. Good on you, trusting your dog and doing your thing.

I appreciate all your posts and feedback as well, this is a great community for that. Now all I am asking for Christmas is some videos of you and Starr doing agility!!! lolllll, get somebody to videotape, so that you can share? hahaahha

Congratulations on a great year!!

[3Stars]

Originally Posted by Toffee's Mom

Now all I am asking for Christmas is some videos of you and Starr doing agility!!! lolllll, get somebody to videotape, so that you can share? hahaahha

You know, Irene, Starr runs pretty well for other people as well...perhaps you should come up and run him and be on videotape??? (For the record Toffee's Mom thoroughly enjoys bugging me about my photo/video paranoia!)

Actually, I'm pretty sure that at the rate he's going next year I'll just be able to show him the course map, and then he'll run out and do it himself, while I watch. I'm pretty sure I just hold him back!

In all seriousness, I know I have to get over my hatred of being videotaped - I realize I could learn SO much by reviewing my videos...I guess that will have to be a personal goal for next year.

[Toffee's Mom]

Originally Posted by 3Stars

You know, Irene, Starr runs pretty well for other people as well...perhaps you should come up and run him and be on videotape??? (For the record Toffee's Mom thoroughly enjoys bugging me about my photo/video paranoia!)

Actually, I'm pretty sure that at the rate he's going next year I'll just be able to show him the course map, and then he'll run out and do it himself, while I watch. I'm pretty sure I just hold him back!

In all seriousness, I know I have to get over my hatred of being videotaped - I realize I could learn SO much by reviewing my videos...I guess that will have to be a personal goal for next year.

LOL
Yes, I would love to run him but I am pretty sure he'd run me into the ground, lol. That would be a video for the blooper reel hahahahaha
I am certainly neither fit nor do I look good when I 'run' but what the hell it's who I am at this time and I gotta live with it. I can dish out the critique I hope I can take it as well ;) hahaha, I don't care much what others think I look like, as long as Toffee is having fun! But I don't have a phobia, so good on you taking that on for next year!!!!