Posted: Tue May 10, 2011 2:30 pm Post subject: Update - Agility with PP went really well P4
I've been on a waiting list for an agility class and I've just been told we will be starting soon. I've never done agility so I'd love to hear any tips from LF'ers that do agility with their dogs
Unfortunately, we are not blessed with a big enough garden to having practice equipment in but it's on my list of things 'wanted' when we move to a new place with a bigger garden
xx
Last edited by True_Blue_Rosemary on Sat Jul 30, 2011 12:49 pm; edited 3 times in total
Having something that motivates your dog is a real bonus in the early days, whether this is food or a toy. If your dog starts off doing it because it knows it gets a treat/play afterwards it will more than likely be happy to do it again. Good recall and wanting to please are good attributes too.
The main thing is to have patience with your dog and a sense of humour. They don't always do what you ask them to and sometimes they surprise you as to what they will and won't do.
You can practice walking PP on both sides of you as she will need to work from both sides in agility - not always at your left.
You'll love it and you will soon be addicted. I think I knew from our very first session that I was going to be into it in a big way.
I don't have a garden that is fit for agility either but it hasn't really held us back so far. Once you get going you will find opportunities out on walks eg fallen branches in the woods that can be jumped, low walls to walk along, posts to weave through etc.
Don't worry too much about the walking on left thing... you'll be sprinting alongside each other!!!! - very different to heeling/walking!
I have the feeling that you and PP will love it! I'll have a comp. entry on stand-by for the summer!!!
Pam has given some great advice above, re-toy/treats and sense of humour! Wear comfortable grippy trainers and doggy clothes so that when you fall over a jump you don't worry too much! Treats were great when we started out for keeping Luna's focus OFF trying to play with the other dogs waiting their turn!! She's learnt a little more self control now but still useful!!
Luna and I are about to move to a house with very small garden but our home jumps etc are lightweight and in easy carry bags so we'll be making use of the green spaces around us! I have some plastic fence netting too so I can see our slightly larger front garden becoming a little agility demo show occasionally when we get the urge to train!! (not allowed to fence it off permanently ) You'd be surprised how uch you can practise with just one jump in a small place though!
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Update - Agility with PP went really well P4
Oh 'eck! I've been consistant about walking her on my left up to now... 
