Sandy in CT
Forums Sage
Our classes are smaller, we've had 3 - 4 dogs, but on occasion if the next class has an issue some of their folks might join ours for that day. Those classes sort of stink because you don't get the time. In a normal class, Brodie can get 4 turns with 2 runs each minimum.
Our trainer worked us on leash to introduce each item slowly, making sure I knew where I was supposed to be, working with Brodie to learn each command. She thinks it is important to not have too many 't' commands - so while we do use 'tunnel', we use 'hoop' instead of say 'tire', we do use 'table', then 'walk', 'frame'. There's a lot to learn and our puppers are MUCH faster learners than we are! It's great that you are allowed a real competition course and pointed as such - if you choose to enter a competition, it is more familiar to you and super fun to do with your pupper. We did a Novice Rally show last month and both my husband and I enjoyed it and will try to continue - Rally is more obedience related with your dog, but something else that helps with reigning in energy and easier to do at home because you only need a treat and a leash and the list of commands to practice.
Instead of 'come', we use 'here' in a VERY stern voice. Obedience trainer said 'come' is used too commonly with dogs, come here, come on, but for a recall word, you want something unique that the dog knows is important. We use a long lead - started with 15 feet, increased it. Let the dog wander, then use the command, pulling the dog back to you, treat when they do. It's the most important command, other than 'leave it' so should be practiced regularly so if needed in an emergency - they respond immediately.
We also use special treats that are only used for training - potty treats are different. We sometimes use hot dogs - fresh they are a super extra special treat! but slimy and messy but work great! Someone here suggested boiling, then slicing, quartering and baking - those treats are loved as well, but not soo messy and they last forever in the fridge. We also like Zuke's Mini Naturals - nice sized bag so easy portability, don't make ME smell like I am carry around dog treats and I can easy split with my nail as I am working with Brodie which makes the bag last longer.
We were blessed to be given a bunch of agility equipment and bought a tunnel off Amazon so we practice some stuff in our yard. Hubby plans to build an A-Frame and teeter in the Spring. Have fun with it!
Our trainer worked us on leash to introduce each item slowly, making sure I knew where I was supposed to be, working with Brodie to learn each command. She thinks it is important to not have too many 't' commands - so while we do use 'tunnel', we use 'hoop' instead of say 'tire', we do use 'table', then 'walk', 'frame'. There's a lot to learn and our puppers are MUCH faster learners than we are! It's great that you are allowed a real competition course and pointed as such - if you choose to enter a competition, it is more familiar to you and super fun to do with your pupper. We did a Novice Rally show last month and both my husband and I enjoyed it and will try to continue - Rally is more obedience related with your dog, but something else that helps with reigning in energy and easier to do at home because you only need a treat and a leash and the list of commands to practice.
Instead of 'come', we use 'here' in a VERY stern voice. Obedience trainer said 'come' is used too commonly with dogs, come here, come on, but for a recall word, you want something unique that the dog knows is important. We use a long lead - started with 15 feet, increased it. Let the dog wander, then use the command, pulling the dog back to you, treat when they do. It's the most important command, other than 'leave it' so should be practiced regularly so if needed in an emergency - they respond immediately.
We also use special treats that are only used for training - potty treats are different. We sometimes use hot dogs - fresh they are a super extra special treat! but slimy and messy but work great! Someone here suggested boiling, then slicing, quartering and baking - those treats are loved as well, but not soo messy and they last forever in the fridge. We also like Zuke's Mini Naturals - nice sized bag so easy portability, don't make ME smell like I am carry around dog treats and I can easy split with my nail as I am working with Brodie which makes the bag last longer.
We were blessed to be given a bunch of agility equipment and bought a tunnel off Amazon so we practice some stuff in our yard. Hubby plans to build an A-Frame and teeter in the Spring. Have fun with it!
), and the only reason he won was that I was running at full speed right next to him to get him to do the final obstacles quickly. As I said, I was very pleased that he stuck to me like glue rather than running around like a crazy dog, but it may be too much of a good thing as I'm going to have to somehow teach him when it's time for him to do an obstacle when I'm not right beside him and that if I don't move to stay right next to him he still has to finish it. Don't get me wrong though, I'd certainly rather have this problem as opposed to him just running off when I take the leash off of him in the ring, like some of the other dogs did.
