What does agility mean to you?

I started out "for fun", but the competitive bug got me when the girl I train with now, and compete with has a dog that kept beating Koji by a few seconds. LOL. Darn competitive side in me popped out. Otherwise, I was happy just having fun. And then the pretty ribbons sucked me in. Then the titles. Jeez. Nevermind.
 
I keep asking myself why keep doing agility when Deska doesnt run anymore and both my dogs enjoy flyball. I think a big part is the social aspect - I've been training with the same people for 2yrs and we spend a lot of time chatting between runs. Then I think agility is a bit artistic. It looks good when you can get your dog flowing between obstacles.

I'm not so much a title ***** as very goal orientated. I always need to have a goal when I do anything so titles are the ending point to each stage.
 
k9kreationz said:
I started out "for fun", but the competitive bug got me when the girl I train with now, and compete with has a dog that kept beating Koji by a few seconds. LOL. Darn competitive side in me popped out. Otherwise, I was happy just having fun. And then the pretty ribbons sucked me in. Then the titles. Jeez. Nevermind.
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That's why my family has dogs to begin with. Mom figured out that obedience was competitive, and it all spiraled out of control from there. :razz:
 
Where to start!?
Agility is a huge learning experience for you and your dog! In the span of a few months you conquer things you thought you'd never do with your dog. For example, I used to think the 'target' or even the 'touch' queue was so neat at first, now I naturally expect all dogs to just know it, lol

I have started Agility because I always loved to train dogs and missed it when I didn't have one for so long. I got Toffee and a little while after joined this forum, where I got up the encouragement and tips from all of these wonderful people on here and it went from there!

Now Agility has brought me so much FUN and got me out of a comfort zone I never thought I would get out of. In order to get to workshops, seminars and classes I'd HAVE to get there first... but I never used to drive because I am deathly afraid, after having had a bad car accident years and years ago. I had never got back into the saddle again so to speak :dead: If it weren't for a kind room mate who left me her car while she is gone AND Agility, I wouldn't have had the gumption to go out, get behind the wheel and just drive. I had not driven in twenty years, and mind you I am still struggling daily with my nerves but you better believe I now drive to that class and dogparks and Agility trials. Even if I don't compete just yet, but you WILL see us out there next season, and you know what? I will drive there!
 
Agility is many things to me. I've come from a background of being an amateur owner trainer in horses for 15 years. I enjoy having an activity to train for with goals. It helps to motivate me. I also like the bond it creates between my dogs and I. We really do have a great time together.
Other things... I am an extremely competitive person, and I like that agility isn't political. It by and large is about the training you put into it, and the work you do. On a good day when you and your dog have done everything right, you CAN qualify, and in my position, often win or take second. I enjoy having a fair shake at being successful, and with the exception of entries, you don't have to be rich to be a good team and have a shot at being competitive. I'm also another title monger. I like earning as many as I can.
All in all, I think the agility makes me a better person. It makes me strive to be better. It is the ultimate reason I've lost 90lbs.... to do better for my dogs. Competitive activities have just always been where I've been at my best.
 
Toffee's Mom said:
Now Agility has brought me so much FUN and got me out of a comfort zone I never thought I would get out of. In order to get to workshops, seminars and classes I'd HAVE to get there first... but I never used to drive because I am deathly afraid, after having had a bad car accident years and years ago. I had never got back into the saddle again so to speak :dead: If it weren't for a kind room mate who left me her car while she is gone AND Agility, I wouldn't have had the gumption to go out, get behind the wheel and just drive. I had not driven in twenty years, and mind you I am still struggling daily with my nerves but you better believe I now drive to that class and dogparks and Agility trials. Even if I don't compete just yet, but you WILL see us out there next season, and you know what? I will drive there!
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This is an amazing story. It just goes to show how important Toffee (and agility!) are to you. Way to go!
 
Toffee's Mom said:
Now Agility has brought me so much FUN and got me out of a comfort zone I never thought I would get out of. In order to get to workshops, seminars and classes I'd HAVE to get there first... but I never used to drive because I am deathly afraid, after having had a bad car accident years and years ago. I had never got back into the saddle again so to speak :dead: If it weren't for a kind room mate who left me her car while she is gone AND Agility, I wouldn't have had the gumption to go out, get behind the wheel and just drive. I had not driven in twenty years, and mind you I am still struggling daily with my nerves but you better believe I now drive to that class and dogparks and Agility trials. Even if I don't compete just yet, but you WILL see us out there next season, and you know what? I will drive there!
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That is so wonderful. It's truly amazing what a dog can do for you. Even when driving is somewhat secondary, it's still based on Toffee. :)
 
HopeShelties said:
I'm also another title monger. I like earning as many as I can.
All in all, I think the agility makes me a better person. It makes me strive to be better. It is the ultimate reason I've lost 90lbs.... to do better for my dogs. Competitive activities have just always been where I've been at my best.
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I'm glad I'm not the only title monger among the bunch. lol. And I love that you lost 90lbs for agility. I need to lose weight and honestly, being able to run better/faster with my dog is a great reason. Granted, there are a ton of other reasons. how'd you do it? Just eat better and exercise?
 
I gave up sodas and sweets, and don't go out to eat all of the time. Instead, I have low calorie meals at home, and eat 5 times a day (breakfast lunch and dinner and two snacks- either fruit of veggies). I drink only water, and go to the local Y 5 days a week
 
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