For those you do agility

[rspates]

Hi,
I Just have some questions for those of you who participate in agility. We have started doing some agility work for fun at the end of obedience class now for a month or two and Elsa loves it. She is 14 months old, very athletic and while we never had any intention to show/competete with her (although she does test for her CGC and TT in March) I think that agility is worth exploring.
We've had such fun just doing the basics and she is already so good at it that I can't wait to see what more she is capable of doing!

Our training facilty offers courses just in agility starting up again in the spring and we are going to enroll. In the meantime, in addition to the exposure that she gets to bits of it each week, are there any drills/tricks that you work on with your dogs that help in agility? I assume that getting your dog to focus on you is a big one.

we don't have a yard so we can't build our own agility equipment (but would if I could:p )

Thanks!

Rachel

[DNeff]

Well prepare to love it!! Agility is a blast for both the handler and the dog.
Here's some things that are good to work on before you start class:

I recommend working on target training:
http://www.clickerdogs.com/article.asp?aid=31

Target training is very helpful when teaching go outs, contacts and set up positions.

Creating a motivating toy to use for class:
http://www.clickerdogs.com/article.asp?aid=28

Don't rely on just using food. Food and toys are both helpful for successful agility training.

Work on your recall, with lots of distractions. A good recall is essential. A good wait with distractions, also a down from a stand. Make sure your down and sit are very quick.

Teach a few tricks that will help flex and warm up your dog, such as: Bow, sit up pretty, crawl, spin, weave through your legs, etc...

This is a link to my agility page that has some good beginner tips:
http://members.aol.com/dplantier/AgilityTraining.htm

My training page has some good links to agility glossaries, agility maneuvers, etc...
http://members.aol.com/rottweilerwor..._competing.htm

Good Luck!

Dawn
U-CD Cammcastle's Mystic Riven CDX OAC OGC NA NAJ NJC TT CGC
http://members.aol.com/dplantier
http://members.aol.com/rottweilerworld

[rspates]

First of all, let me add that I am not illiterate (thread title), but I should not post while talking on the phone. Oh well!:D

Dawn...all I can say is WOW! Thanks for all of that great information. I've glossed over all of those threads and it looks like we have tons of great things to work on. I can't wait to get home and start!

Thanks again!

Rachel

[BostonRott]

Teaching good jumping technique is of utmost importance. Many dogs can hurl themselves over a jump, but with heavy front-ended Rotties, you want to make sure they are jumping correctly. Julie Daniels and Christine Zink have an excellent book out "Jumping A to Z." Julie started in Rotties, but now runs BC's.

ALso, check out the http://www.cleanrun.com website, TONS o' info there, as well as at Dogpatch (do a search). CleanRun is an excellent magazine, if you're looking for a good overall resource.

Can you find someone to teach you flat-work? Something that you can do over the winter, which will teach your dog handling maneuvers: front cross (FC), rear cross (RC), reverse-flow pivot (RFP), "go on," "get out" and layering are all things you can work on with minimal equipment/space.

Also, above all else, remember to work the dog on BOTH sides of you. Since you've got experience in obedience, the dog is comfortable on the left. Pay special attention to working on the right. Practice right sits, etc. Anytime you do an exercise, do it on both sides.

Agility is a BLAST, and hopefully after Froli's next litter, we'll be progressing once again towards our MACH! :) Have fun, and be forewarned, it's an addicting sport. :D

[Elijah's Mom]

I really can't add anything to the great advice you have gotten here, Rachel, but I must tell you that we were just like you....no intentions of competing in agility. Guess what? Once you really get into it and things start coming together with your dog...it just doesn't seem right not to compete! I really think that once you are an agility addict you are addicted for life...can't imagine not doing this! Have fun and let us know when you enter competition!:D