Agility for the oldies and less fit - Plodility?

FRE

I know BJ would love to cavort around the agility course, and would no doubt do himself serious injury as a result Rolling Eyes

He is very much an act now and think later type of lab.

I've been thinking how much fun it would be if there was something like an agility (plodility) course designed for the older and less fit dogs, something with a bit of a mental and gentler physical challenge. The gentler physical bit appeals to some of us older owners as well Embarassed

I'm sure the combined brains of LFers can come up with some brilliant ideas. I know for sure there would be quite an enthusiasm for such a thing in this area.

Any ideas gratefully received. Very Happy

_Jules_ · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:29 am Post subject:

I think that is an excellent idea (love the name Plodility too Laughing

).

I can't see why jumps can't be lowered right down and all the other equipment made Oldie Friendly. Wink

We have an old Springer on our Team who has had an op on her spine, so she goes UNDER the jumps rather than over them Laughing

.

Why don't you ring round a few Clubs and see if they can accomodate "Oldie" needs, I'm sure not all clubs have only fast, fit, young dogs doing Agility.

_Maureen_ · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:30 am Post subject:

Plodility! Love it!

The club Bliss and I go to are very good at adjusting the jumps etc for oldies or the physically challenged. I'm battling with a back injury and also have to keep the beast on a longline due to her chase behaviour Embarassed

You can imagine the knots we get into. Everyone's very good natured about it though. This club have two groups - competition and non-comp. No prizes for guessing which we belong to!

_Vicky_ · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:32 am Post subject:

oohh our agility club caters for all sorts - the 100mph but too scared of the seesaw Ruby types through to the dogue de bordeux hehe that took about five mins to do the course

I think the key might be to find a pet dog agility one that is just for fun rather than one thats geared for competition. After all you pays your money I would think its down to you how slow you complete the course.

_joanne_ · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 8:07 am Post subject:

What a great idea Very Happy

I know when Coogie was around she would have loved something like that Very Happy

FRE · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 4:56 pm Post subject:

Thanks for your replies. I knew you'd have the answer. Daftly, I never thought of asking the local agility folks to arrange something for us oldies and crockies. Rolling Eyes

I'm a bit daunted by the lady I know who runs a class, a lovely soul but reminds me so much of my school days.
All very airtex shirt, games shorts and hyper clappy in the 'Come on gels, all together now' mode Very Happy

... frightening when your fastest is snails pace on a good day Very Happy

I'll give them a call. Wink

honeydlc · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:34 pm Post subject:

Funny you should mention it, but Honey Bear started 'Plodility' (love it Laughing

) yesterday.
I was taking Obi and Rosie up to the agility field where we train and I thought Honey might like to have a go Very Happy

She learnt how to do the tunnel and she did a couple of low jumps to start.
At 11 years I don't think I'd like her doing the A Frame, Dog walk or Seesaw, but it would be easy to make up a course with jumps and tunnels, and maybe widely spaced weaves?
She certainly enjoyed herself, who said you can't teach an old dog new tricks? Laughing

XXX

FRE · Posted: Mon Aug 11, 2008 5:44 pm Post subject:

Ah bless Honey Bear, good for her Very Happy

I know BJ would love to have a go, but it will need to be seriously toned down or the soppy lad would hurt himself Rolling Eyes