Boris & the agility class

[debbiej]

we had our third lesson today. it is getting to be a lot of stuff to remember. I feel a bit like a clutz, and I just can't get some of the directions, corrections and foot work right. it also is kind of hard taking dogs to 2 different trainers with somewhat different methods and terms. Boris is doing quite well tho, in spite of me. I'd asked the instructor if she had group obedience and she said she gives private lessons to teach owners how to handle their dogs and do basic obedience, but she only has groups for agility. We were talking about when Boris might be able to get in agility and what I was to work on this week, and the agility class started showing up. I got invited to stay. Boris started out by watching on his wall hook up, and did pretty good. when the dogs ran down the a-frame, he got a bit excited, but nothing like before. then she had the class, a small one, walk around the yard practicing heel, sit and down, and told me to join with Boris. she walked behind or beside me. Boris was a little distracted, but no lunging or barking and I truly heaved a big sigh of relief. then she said he could join the agility class next tuesday night. I'm excited and scared and feel a great responsibily to practice all we have worked on so that I can handle him well, watch his behavior, and not be stumbling around confusing him.

[lblax]

Originally Posted by debbiej

Boris started out by watching on his wall hook up, and did pretty good. when the dogs ran down the a-frame, he got a bit excited, but nothing like before.

i would expect him to get excited in this situation and disapointed if he wasnt excited it shows drive

[MontanaRott]

Debbie you will do fine and I am just tickled pink to hear the progress Boris is making! What a GOOD BOY!!!

[debbiej]

he is making progress, and he is a good boy! But I still cannot even imagine him running agility off lead someday. of course he will be on lead for quite a while. I'm a little nervous I guess, I wish he could first be in a class where everyone was on a lead all the time.

[lblax]

dont worry your instructor never would have back tied him to watch if she wouldnt have already had confidance in boris

[debbiej]

she does. she told me between the two of us, I'm her hardest job right now!

[jas'smom]

Believe me that is always the way!! our Training Director spend more time training me than the dog That is starting to lessen lately though

[hmeadq]

Way to go Boris! What a good boy.

I to, am the problem in class, not Doc.

[ACERSMOM]

In agility I am a definite hindereance as I am not too agile and I am not very fast! Great job you are doing with Boris...Keep up the good work!

[flyballmom]

YAHOO where have I been I just saw this!! Hey Blitz acts like a total turkey when watching other dogs run. I use it as an opportunity to practice "watch me." She thinks it's cool cuz she has my undivided attention AND gets lots of treats. Oh Debbie you're going to have SO much fun!! Flyball was great but agility different, I think it requires much MORE of a team, which is very cool but also kinda scary. Keep us posted!!