So many things have gone on this month I am sure happy it is about to be over and hope that along with spring Kiah has better health. We have Nationals coming up in May.
A week ago last Monday, I came home from work and Kiah's face was swollen so I gave her some Benadryl hoping that would get rid of the allergic reaction (all I can think is a spider or some bug bite). By morning she was worse so we went to the vet. She was put on Prednisone plus Benadryl. Tried to do some agility over the weekend but she just was still not feeling well or it was the medication.
Last Monday morning I had a feeling she had a UTI (possible side affect of prednisone) the way she was acting, when it was light I found blood in her urine and back to the vet we go. Definitely a UTI so she is now on antibiotics for 2 weeks and we have 4 pills left of the prednisone which she will be taking every other day to wean her off of it. Poor girl can't catch a break but hopefully she can tolerate the antibiotics (diarrhea and vomiting side affects). She did vomit last night but had been playing; maybe it won't happen again.
Thankfully Keegs is doing well, we started classes last night and he did really well. Fun class and a great group of people in class. We have one day of agility this coming weekend and hope Kiah is feeling better to run. Her classes start next week so she has some more time to recover.
Agility Boxers; Agility training progress, trial info plus photos© & videos© of agility classes and trials.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Forest City Trial 3/8-11/2013
Another great trial put on by my club, Forest City Dog Training Club in Loves Park. IL. Always busy but always fun with such a great group.
I was surprised at Kiah, she zoomed in both JWW and Standard on Friday, the first time in over a year she has done that. My fault as we have not done much since our last trial in December so we are back to working on focus every night, hopefully she will come around quickly since we have trials every weekend till the end of the month. Saturday was the opposite, she didn't want to do anything at all, just kind of moped around. The judges wife said she was limping before we went into run Standard (I didn't notice) and she fell off the dog walk so we left the course. When we went home I used the vibrator the chiropractor recommended on her and massaged her left shoulder. She must have been better because she zoomed again on Sunday. Not a good weekend with runs for Kiah and I but she did seem to have some fun out there.
Keegs got a leg in Novice Standard (1st place) on Friday but nothing the rest of the weekend. He did do well but we are still having problems with weaves. He popped out in one and others we are having problems with entrances. That is what we are working on the rest of the week. Keegs just loves doing agility and I love running with him.
I am looking forward to next weekend to see if they both settle down and get back into trialing mode.
I was surprised at Kiah, she zoomed in both JWW and Standard on Friday, the first time in over a year she has done that. My fault as we have not done much since our last trial in December so we are back to working on focus every night, hopefully she will come around quickly since we have trials every weekend till the end of the month. Saturday was the opposite, she didn't want to do anything at all, just kind of moped around. The judges wife said she was limping before we went into run Standard (I didn't notice) and she fell off the dog walk so we left the course. When we went home I used the vibrator the chiropractor recommended on her and massaged her left shoulder. She must have been better because she zoomed again on Sunday. Not a good weekend with runs for Kiah and I but she did seem to have some fun out there.
Keegs got a leg in Novice Standard (1st place) on Friday but nothing the rest of the weekend. He did do well but we are still having problems with weaves. He popped out in one and others we are having problems with entrances. That is what we are working on the rest of the week. Keegs just loves doing agility and I love running with him.
I am looking forward to next weekend to see if they both settle down and get back into trialing mode.
Wednesday, March 06, 2013
"Internationalization" what it means to me!
Today is another Dog Agility Blog Event Day - March 6, 2013; please visit all the blogs at: (http://dogagilityblogevents.wordpress.com/internationalization/). Please leave comments, we all enjoy hearing what you have to say.
I have to say I hadn't really thought about it much until recently. Now I am hearing more about many of the venues incorporating international rules, making more of the upper level courses like the international courses and even adding new course formats. I have heard AKC will be adding a new course called an excellent "C" run which will have more of an international feel and has been testing it at some trials. I found some examples of the course maps on "Carolina Piedmont Agility's" FB page (like the page and see the videos also) and will post those at the end of the blog. From what I have seen it will be challenging, a lot to learn but oh so much fun.
Personally I think it is a great thing and probably way over due although I understand USDAA has always had more of an international feel and now I see more UKI trials being offered. The new class Kiah and I will be taking this session will have courses similar to USDAA courses so we will be learning many of those new moves. Some of the ones I have seen so far are "backy uppy", Ketschker or "ass-pass" (a term that is easier to remember), out and back, and back side jumps which may even be the "backy uppy" but I am not really that knowledgeable on the terms yet.
I know the US has sent some great teams to the International trials but perhaps incorporating more international type courses in the larger venues will allow us to have an even greater number of teams to that will qualify to compete.
As I mentioned I am excited to see these changes but need to remember no matter how challenging or how long it takes us to learn these new moves it has to be an enjoyable experience for Kiah, Keegs and myself otherwise it is not worth doing.
I also want to mention again please visit the other blogs and make comments, a lot of thought and effort goes into these blogs. Some will have much more experience and others like me are just beginning to learn about Internationalization; I look forward to seeing all perspectives these blogs offer.
Here are the course maps:
I have to say I hadn't really thought about it much until recently. Now I am hearing more about many of the venues incorporating international rules, making more of the upper level courses like the international courses and even adding new course formats. I have heard AKC will be adding a new course called an excellent "C" run which will have more of an international feel and has been testing it at some trials. I found some examples of the course maps on "Carolina Piedmont Agility's" FB page (like the page and see the videos also) and will post those at the end of the blog. From what I have seen it will be challenging, a lot to learn but oh so much fun.
Personally I think it is a great thing and probably way over due although I understand USDAA has always had more of an international feel and now I see more UKI trials being offered. The new class Kiah and I will be taking this session will have courses similar to USDAA courses so we will be learning many of those new moves. Some of the ones I have seen so far are "backy uppy", Ketschker or "ass-pass" (a term that is easier to remember), out and back, and back side jumps which may even be the "backy uppy" but I am not really that knowledgeable on the terms yet.
I know the US has sent some great teams to the International trials but perhaps incorporating more international type courses in the larger venues will allow us to have an even greater number of teams to that will qualify to compete.
As I mentioned I am excited to see these changes but need to remember no matter how challenging or how long it takes us to learn these new moves it has to be an enjoyable experience for Kiah, Keegs and myself otherwise it is not worth doing.
I also want to mention again please visit the other blogs and make comments, a lot of thought and effort goes into these blogs. Some will have much more experience and others like me are just beginning to learn about Internationalization; I look forward to seeing all perspectives these blogs offer.
Here are the course maps:
Sunday, March 03, 2013
March 2013
Wow, if I get in to the trial at the end of the month we will have a trial every weekend but this one. I am so excited to get back into trialing, I have missed seeing everyone.
Had a great practice last night with Renee and Lloyd (friends and my previous instructors from the club). Learned some new moves from Renee that we need to practice at home for Kiah's new class coming up. Kiah's class will begin either late March or early April, it depends on how many makeup classes they need to fit in for snow days. Keegs class will start March 25.
We plan to go to the drop in class today too. It will be our last training on a course before the club's 3-day trial next weekend. We can do a little bit at home and we will practice Keegs entry to weaves, once he is in he does well but really doesn't associate the word "weaves" with entering the weaves yet. He will catch on. More later........
Had a great practice last night with Renee and Lloyd (friends and my previous instructors from the club). Learned some new moves from Renee that we need to practice at home for Kiah's new class coming up. Kiah's class will begin either late March or early April, it depends on how many makeup classes they need to fit in for snow days. Keegs class will start March 25.
We plan to go to the drop in class today too. It will be our last training on a course before the club's 3-day trial next weekend. We can do a little bit at home and we will practice Keegs entry to weaves, once he is in he does well but really doesn't associate the word "weaves" with entering the weaves yet. He will catch on. More later........
Sunday, February 17, 2013
February 2013
Feb.17, 2013: We had a great time at class on Sunday's drop-in class. Kiah's first run was awesome, had a lot of energy and enthusiasm. I messed up on getting her at a right angle and she dropped a bar, looked at me like "I am so sorry" and I thought she would just give up but I told her it was OK, she perked right up and we finished the course with the same energy she started. AWESOME!!!! that she recovered so quickly and shrugged it off; a year ago she would have been done running the course and not paid any attention to me.
Keegs had the "bouncy" bug when he ran the first time, it was funny to see him try to bounce through the weaves, had to redo them 3 times before he was able to finish them. Second run for him the bounciness was gone but still happy and energetic. We would have Q'd if it had been a trial.
There were a couple of spots on the course where I had some problems, it was easier with Keegs as he isn't quite as fast as Kiah but he is getting there. I am still working on keeping a head of them and not waiting for them but still having issues with front crosses.
Feb.10, 2013: Worked with Keegs on sending him out to jumps, he did a really good job and it won't be long before I can work more distance with him. Kiah and I practiced focus at the start line. She has a wonderful start line stay but she looks everywhere but at me when I walk away. I just walk backwards keeping eye contact with her and then go back to treat her or call her to me to treat her for her focus. This is something we can practice at home too.
The course was furn, we ran the easier course first and then ran the harder course since the weather was awful and no one showed up but me and one other person so I got to run Keegs too. It was a good session for all of us.
Feb.9, 2013: No trials so far this month but plan to go to a drop-in class tomorrow (2/10/2013) if there is no freezing rain. I will work Keegs for awhile before the class sets up since he is not eligible for the class. Kiah will run in the class.
Keegs had the "bouncy" bug when he ran the first time, it was funny to see him try to bounce through the weaves, had to redo them 3 times before he was able to finish them. Second run for him the bounciness was gone but still happy and energetic. We would have Q'd if it had been a trial.
There were a couple of spots on the course where I had some problems, it was easier with Keegs as he isn't quite as fast as Kiah but he is getting there. I am still working on keeping a head of them and not waiting for them but still having issues with front crosses.
Feb.10, 2013: Worked with Keegs on sending him out to jumps, he did a really good job and it won't be long before I can work more distance with him. Kiah and I practiced focus at the start line. She has a wonderful start line stay but she looks everywhere but at me when I walk away. I just walk backwards keeping eye contact with her and then go back to treat her or call her to me to treat her for her focus. This is something we can practice at home too.
The course was furn, we ran the easier course first and then ran the harder course since the weather was awful and no one showed up but me and one other person so I got to run Keegs too. It was a good session for all of us.
Feb.9, 2013: No trials so far this month but plan to go to a drop-in class tomorrow (2/10/2013) if there is no freezing rain. I will work Keegs for awhile before the class sets up since he is not eligible for the class. Kiah will run in the class.
Friday, February 15, 2013
New Collars and Leashes
Kiah's new agility collar and leash; she is going to look awesome!
The leashes are made by Myra at
http://www.k-9pizazz.com/
The leashes are made by Myra at
http://www.k-9pizazz.com/
Keegs new agility collar and leash; the handsome boy is going to by stylin!
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
January 2013
Janurary 20, 2013
Went to a drop in class for excellent dogs so Kiah got to run. Learned a lot and we have a lot of home work. I plan to go the the club tomorrow am to practice sending Kiah out to jumps, practice my handling so I can communicate the correct moves to both Kiah and Keegan and practice box patterns.
Janurary 19, 2013
Went to a drop in class for excellent dogs so Kiah got to run. Learned a lot and we have a lot of home work. I plan to go the the club tomorrow am to practice sending Kiah out to jumps, practice my handling so I can communicate the correct moves to both Kiah and Keegan and practice box patterns.
Janurary 19, 2013
Went to a CPE trial and had a great time. We didn't get to run until after 2:30 pm so it was a long day for Kiah and Keegs since we got there a little before 7 am. They both did well; Keegs got a 2nd in the first standard run and a 1st in his second standard run. Kiah got a 1st in her first standard run and an NQ in her second. Her first run was awesome and so fast so I am pleased with her; hopefully we will have more runs like that in the furture.
Happy New Years everyone!
The K's and I are ready to get back to training since we didn't do much over the holidays. I am hoping to do a couple of days at a CPE trial this month and next month, it will depend on the weather if we go or not. I don't care if it is cold just not snowing or freezing rain while driving to the trial. In March Kiah and I will be starting a class with new instructors (at least we are on a wait list) at the club. I have been told they will make me run with her which is what I need and why we are doing some CPE. The CPE courses are more wide open and I can do some practicing with Kiah and Keegan. The dogs have to be in excellent classes so Keegs won't be able to train with them yet. Hopefully he will be ready by summer.
My goals this year:
- Learn to run with Kiah and Keegan; trust them to know what they are doing.
- Kiah her Masters titles and some QQ's toward her PAX & PACH
- Keegs his Excellent titles and hopefully further than that.
- Go to Nationals in Indianapolis this year in May
- Maybe a puppy in 2013-14, I would really love to train a puppy before I get too old to run in agility.
Our club banquet is in a couple of days and really looking forward to seeing everyone and enjoying a wonderful meal.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
December-Keegs Christmas Serenade
It is a busy month and classes are now over until January. Probably won't get much training in but we may be able to make to a fun match on Monday and maybe a CPE trail at the end of the month.
This video was from a few years ago; I always like to post it again at the time of year. I just love the kids laughter and you just have to smile when you hear Keegs and the kids.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Kiah, Keegan and me.
This video was from a few years ago; I always like to post it again at the time of year. I just love the kids laughter and you just have to smile when you hear Keegs and the kids.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Kiah, Keegan and me.
Wednesday, December 05, 2012
Backyard Training
Today is another Dog Agility Blog Event Day - December 5, 2012; please visit all the blogs at: (http://dog-agility-blog-events.posterous.com/pages/backyard-training). Please leave comments, we all enjoy hearing what you have to say.
I don't have a lot of agility equipment at home or a lot of room in our backyard so a lot of our "backyard training" is working on focus or working with 4 jumps. My yard is not fenced either so working a small area makes it easier to keep the dogs in my yard. I do have a set of 12 weaves loaned to me from a friend and will have them until her puppy is ready to start training on them later next spring. I leave them in the basement since they are metal and too heavy to move back and forth. If the weather is bad I have an option to get some practice in on weaves and can still work on focus.
So what can I do with just focus and 4 jumps, a lot!!!!! I can set up small sequences to practice treadles, serpentine's, go outs, 270's, 90's, front crosses, rear crosses, obstacle discrimination, pull and pushes just to name a few. Where do I get these sequences? If we have a particular problem in a class I can pull a short sequence from our problem area; for example, if we have a problem on obstacle discrimination even though it was not a jump, I can put a jump where the obstacle was and practice the correct sequence. Another source is Steve Schwarz's (http://agilitynerd.com/blog/agility/courses/steve/BoxDrills.html) jump box drills. Steve also has a course box jump generator you can use to create a course you want to work on or you can create your own course from the "blank" course generator (http://agilitycourses.com/courses/box/create/).
In the winter we do our "backyard training" with classes plus I am lucky that our club allows the members to have a key to the building so we can train when no classes are being held at the facility. We also do some short sequence work there along with full courses if they are setup. My basement is not finished and has a very smooth concrete floor so I don't do any jumps there in the winter. Someday I would like to put some matting in the basement so I could do more at home. I do have rugs under the weaves so the dogs can get a grip or it would be too dangerous to let them weave.
I know that I will get some great ideas from the other bloggers participating in this topic and hope you will check out all their blogs too.
Run clean, run fast :-)
Barb
I don't have a lot of agility equipment at home or a lot of room in our backyard so a lot of our "backyard training" is working on focus or working with 4 jumps. My yard is not fenced either so working a small area makes it easier to keep the dogs in my yard. I do have a set of 12 weaves loaned to me from a friend and will have them until her puppy is ready to start training on them later next spring. I leave them in the basement since they are metal and too heavy to move back and forth. If the weather is bad I have an option to get some practice in on weaves and can still work on focus.
So what can I do with just focus and 4 jumps, a lot!!!!! I can set up small sequences to practice treadles, serpentine's, go outs, 270's, 90's, front crosses, rear crosses, obstacle discrimination, pull and pushes just to name a few. Where do I get these sequences? If we have a particular problem in a class I can pull a short sequence from our problem area; for example, if we have a problem on obstacle discrimination even though it was not a jump, I can put a jump where the obstacle was and practice the correct sequence. Another source is Steve Schwarz's (http://agilitynerd.com/blog/agility/courses/steve/BoxDrills.html) jump box drills. Steve also has a course box jump generator you can use to create a course you want to work on or you can create your own course from the "blank" course generator (http://agilitycourses.com/courses/box/create/).
In the winter we do our "backyard training" with classes plus I am lucky that our club allows the members to have a key to the building so we can train when no classes are being held at the facility. We also do some short sequence work there along with full courses if they are setup. My basement is not finished and has a very smooth concrete floor so I don't do any jumps there in the winter. Someday I would like to put some matting in the basement so I could do more at home. I do have rugs under the weaves so the dogs can get a grip or it would be too dangerous to let them weave.
I know that I will get some great ideas from the other bloggers participating in this topic and hope you will check out all their blogs too.
Run clean, run fast :-)
Barb
Monday, December 03, 2012
Forest City Nov-Dec Trial
It was a wonderful long weekend; the trial was so much fun and our club workers make it such a good experience. I worked in the office this year helping enter sheets, getting info ready for the judge to review, got results filed in the books and labels out to those who had Q'd. I have to give so much credit to trial secretaries, can't believe how much work they do in preparing, working during the trial and the post work that makes a trial run so well. Renee Fulcer is our trial secretary and she is just awesome so if you are looking for a great person to run your trial check her out at her event page http://www.fulcerevents.com/
Kiah and Keegs did well this weekend, Kiah got her Open title in standard and her first leg in Ex A jumpers. Keegs got a leg each in his Open Jumpers and Open Standard. I really have to work on moving, keeping ahead of them and my front crosses (UGH!!!!). I really need to work on distance with Keegs, teach him to go out and work direction better. Kiah and I need to work more on communication, she sometimes anticipates what she thinks the next jump will be and takes it without checking or listening to me. I also have to work on queuing her faster.
I will post their scores once they are published.
Kiah and Keegs did well this weekend, Kiah got her Open title in standard and her first leg in Ex A jumpers. Keegs got a leg each in his Open Jumpers and Open Standard. I really have to work on moving, keeping ahead of them and my front crosses (UGH!!!!). I really need to work on distance with Keegs, teach him to go out and work direction better. Kiah and I need to work more on communication, she sometimes anticipates what she thinks the next jump will be and takes it without checking or listening to me. I also have to work on queuing her faster.
I will post their scores once they are published.
Sunday, November 04, 2012
November 2012
November 23 & 25-Went to the club to practice both days. Started out running the full course with both, then worked Keegs on short courses with rear crosses and "outs" to jumps, he is really starting to get it. Kiah knew the course, so I worked on pulling her off the next obstacle so she would pay attention to me and not take what she thinks should be next. She watched and listened so much better after she figured out it wasn't going to be the same sequence each time we ran. Our club's 3 day trial is coming up next weekend and really looking forward to it. It is always a great experience and I love to hear all the positive comments about the trial.
November 14 - Was able to fit a class in last night for both Kiah and Keegan, it was really great to see everyone and how well their dogs are doing. Keegs did well once the instructor reminded me to keep moving, he wants to be with me and if I slow down to wait for him he stops. Kiah was really excited to be there and did awesome except for the times I forgot the course, whoops :-( She did catch a smell at the tunnel on the second run and it was tough getting her away from it but she finished the course like a pro! Love those two, so blessed to have them in my life.
November 4 - Went to the club yesterday am to help with the work getting ready for the trial at the end of the month. We added more pellets to the turf, a couple of places were low. Also I was asked to help keep the agility pages updated on the club's website; it will be fun. They were going to have a open practice later in the day but I didn't have the dogs with me and a few things I had to do when I got home so they left the equipment up for me to use this morning.
I worked Keegs on rear crosses and go outs, he did really well. Ran the easy course first and then ran the more difficult course with him 3 times. Kiah and I worked on discrimination's and watching me so I can pull her off the off course obstacles. My timing is getting better and she is watching more. A great way to start the day.
November 14 - Was able to fit a class in last night for both Kiah and Keegan, it was really great to see everyone and how well their dogs are doing. Keegs did well once the instructor reminded me to keep moving, he wants to be with me and if I slow down to wait for him he stops. Kiah was really excited to be there and did awesome except for the times I forgot the course, whoops :-( She did catch a smell at the tunnel on the second run and it was tough getting her away from it but she finished the course like a pro! Love those two, so blessed to have them in my life.
November 4 - Went to the club yesterday am to help with the work getting ready for the trial at the end of the month. We added more pellets to the turf, a couple of places were low. Also I was asked to help keep the agility pages updated on the club's website; it will be fun. They were going to have a open practice later in the day but I didn't have the dogs with me and a few things I had to do when I got home so they left the equipment up for me to use this morning.
I worked Keegs on rear crosses and go outs, he did really well. Ran the easy course first and then ran the more difficult course with him 3 times. Kiah and I worked on discrimination's and watching me so I can pull her off the off course obstacles. My timing is getting better and she is watching more. A great way to start the day.
Friday, October 19, 2012
Follow my posts
Just added a "Follow" button to my blog. Please click on it to follow us. Not quite sure how this works but thought it would be fun to see how many people will follow us.
Thanks,
Barb, Kiah & Keegan
Thanks,
Barb, Kiah & Keegan
Monday, October 08, 2012
October, 2012
October 20, 2012 Car-Dun-Al Trial:
No Q's on Saturday but had a lot of fun at the trial and I see improvements on both Kiah and Keegan. Keegs had to wait a long time before he ran so he had a great time running around to visit bar setters and see what is going on. Kiah did pretty well on her ExA JWW run, she had her moments of being distracted by something at the weaves but she recovered well and did not shut down. On her open standard run she thought the smells were much more interesting then running the course with me. Video's of Kiah ExA run and Keegs Open Standard run.
October 14 - Went to the club this morning and practiced on a fun standard course. The club left it up from the Friday night's run thru so people could use it to practice. Kiah and Keegs did really well and pretty much wore me out.
Worked distance and discrimination obstacles with them. Kiah is listening to me more and I am giving her faster cues. Keegs pretty much watches me so I worked some more rear crosses with him. The rear crosses still confuse him a bit and he will spin after the jump to follow me but he is getting better.
We have a trial this Saturday and if the weather is cool enough I may crate them in the car. The place has a small crating area and I hate to set up just to have to take down again that evening besides I'd prefer leaving spaces for those who are trialing both days.
October 8 -I missed classes last week due to a migraine so nothing to report on classes. Classes are done for this session and I am not registering since the Wednesday classes will be discontinued due to an outside group renting the facility. Our classes have changed to Tuesdays and Thursdays which I cannot make. I am taking a class at the local community college on Tuesdays and sub for a bowling league on Thursdays. I should be free on Tuesday since this is only a 6 week class at the community college for the session starting in January.
I am continuing to work Keegs on his weaves and he is doing so much better. I am moving faster and trying to build some distance. Since we can't make classes this session I plan to work them on Sunday's at the club, not as good as a class but it will work for the short amount of time we are off.
We have a one day trial coming up on October 20 and a 1 day and 3 day trial (our club's trial) in November. I usually don't do any trials after that as I never know what the weather is going to be like and hate to skip a trial due to weather. Our first trial will be in March back at the club again.
More later on our training sessions at the club........
No Q's on Saturday but had a lot of fun at the trial and I see improvements on both Kiah and Keegan. Keegs had to wait a long time before he ran so he had a great time running around to visit bar setters and see what is going on. Kiah did pretty well on her ExA JWW run, she had her moments of being distracted by something at the weaves but she recovered well and did not shut down. On her open standard run she thought the smells were much more interesting then running the course with me. Video's of Kiah ExA run and Keegs Open Standard run.
October 14 - Went to the club this morning and practiced on a fun standard course. The club left it up from the Friday night's run thru so people could use it to practice. Kiah and Keegs did really well and pretty much wore me out.
Worked distance and discrimination obstacles with them. Kiah is listening to me more and I am giving her faster cues. Keegs pretty much watches me so I worked some more rear crosses with him. The rear crosses still confuse him a bit and he will spin after the jump to follow me but he is getting better.
We have a trial this Saturday and if the weather is cool enough I may crate them in the car. The place has a small crating area and I hate to set up just to have to take down again that evening besides I'd prefer leaving spaces for those who are trialing both days.
October 8 -I missed classes last week due to a migraine so nothing to report on classes. Classes are done for this session and I am not registering since the Wednesday classes will be discontinued due to an outside group renting the facility. Our classes have changed to Tuesdays and Thursdays which I cannot make. I am taking a class at the local community college on Tuesdays and sub for a bowling league on Thursdays. I should be free on Tuesday since this is only a 6 week class at the community college for the session starting in January.
I am continuing to work Keegs on his weaves and he is doing so much better. I am moving faster and trying to build some distance. Since we can't make classes this session I plan to work them on Sunday's at the club, not as good as a class but it will work for the short amount of time we are off.
We have a one day trial coming up on October 20 and a 1 day and 3 day trial (our club's trial) in November. I usually don't do any trials after that as I never know what the weather is going to be like and hate to skip a trial due to weather. Our first trial will be in March back at the club again.
More later on our training sessions at the club........
Friday, September 28, 2012
September Trial
September 29, 2012 - No Q's for Kiah, her runs were a bit up and down but her attitude continues to be positive and that is all I really am looking for now.
Keegs was having a grand old time on his Open JWW run, popped out of the weaves and missed one jump but he sure had fun. Gotta smile at his antics. He did settle down a bit for his Novice Standard run and now has his Novice Title in Standard. He is picking up some speed, we were 10 seconds under standard time where we have been previously close or overtime. He got a nice Title ribbon.
September 28, 2012 (excellent only) - Kiah's Excellent A JWW run was a bit fast and wild, she took the discrimination jumps so I was getting her back on track several times. She kept her enthusiasm and was having fun so that is what counts.
Kiah and I go to the K-9 Agility trial in New Berlin this afternoon for our first Excellent only trial. The doors open at 1pm and the trial starts at 2pm; Kiah will run only a leg in 20" Excellent A preferred, she is still in Open in standard. The class goes from tall to small so it won't be a late day for us. I don't plan to take Keegs but he will be going tomorrow and I will just set up for him today. It will be a long day tomorrow with Kiah in Excellent JWW and Open Standard and Keegs in Open JWW but still in Novice Standard which will run small to tall. I am hoping Keegs will be able to get his Novice Standard title so we will be done with Novice. It would be nice if Kiah got her Open title too but I am still focusing on her enjoying herself and not getting her stressed.
Keegs was having a grand old time on his Open JWW run, popped out of the weaves and missed one jump but he sure had fun. Gotta smile at his antics. He did settle down a bit for his Novice Standard run and now has his Novice Title in Standard. He is picking up some speed, we were 10 seconds under standard time where we have been previously close or overtime. He got a nice Title ribbon.
September 28, 2012 (excellent only) - Kiah's Excellent A JWW run was a bit fast and wild, she took the discrimination jumps so I was getting her back on track several times. She kept her enthusiasm and was having fun so that is what counts.
Kiah and I go to the K-9 Agility trial in New Berlin this afternoon for our first Excellent only trial. The doors open at 1pm and the trial starts at 2pm; Kiah will run only a leg in 20" Excellent A preferred, she is still in Open in standard. The class goes from tall to small so it won't be a late day for us. I don't plan to take Keegs but he will be going tomorrow and I will just set up for him today. It will be a long day tomorrow with Kiah in Excellent JWW and Open Standard and Keegs in Open JWW but still in Novice Standard which will run small to tall. I am hoping Keegs will be able to get his Novice Standard title so we will be done with Novice. It would be nice if Kiah got her Open title too but I am still focusing on her enjoying herself and not getting her stressed.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
September Classes
September 27, 2012: The classes (same for both novice and open) was broken down into 3 sections, contacts with tunnel discrimination, difficult entries to weaves and jump course with either a serpentine or threadle. Kiah did really well but didn't want to overdue since we have the trial coming up Friday so we just worked each area twice.
WOW! Keegs did so much better on his weaves, only popped out once or twice and is picking up some speed. I am so proud that he is doing so well on his weaves plus he did his contacts, paid attention to me and did his discrimination challenge and even did a serpentine without any issues. Did the same with him but we did work the weaves more times just to give him some practice.
September 19, 2012: Keegs is beginning to pick up some speed and I can work him at a little more distance. Weaves is still our biggest issue, this week training is going to be on entrances and not popping out of the weaves when I am on his right.
Kiah was awesome, still doing great with distance unless my signals are a bit too late or not clear. She is focusing on me and having a good time so that is all I ask of her.
Trial coming up at the end of the month, same place we were in August so hopefully Keegs will do better. Kiah will run Friday in excellent a, should be a short day since it is excellent only. Hoping that Kiah gets her Open Standard on Saturday and Keegs his Novice Standard. Then no more novice classes and the last dog of the day!!!!! Didn't enter on Sunday, we all 3 need a rest and play day.
September 12, 2012: It was so good to get back to classes, see everyone and get a good workout. I was surprised at how well both Kiah and Keegs did without any training for 3 weeks. I think they were happy to be back and I am sure getting those special treats doesn't hurt.
Christine, my instructor, creates fun but challenging courses; this week it was a jumpers course. Kiah and I had fun, confused her a bit with some of my handling but she was a good sport and carried on. She amazes me, she is sooo good with distance and gets better all the time. It sure gives me more confidence in running her.
Keegs course was Kiah's jumpers course but modified for his novice level. We did do 12 weave poles which is good since he is now in Open in jumpers. He is picking up speed on his weaves (his good side) but continues to pop out on his bad side. His good side is with me on the other side of the weaves and his bad when I am on the other side of him. Either I am doing something I don't realize or he just doesn't get it yet.
WOW! Keegs did so much better on his weaves, only popped out once or twice and is picking up some speed. I am so proud that he is doing so well on his weaves plus he did his contacts, paid attention to me and did his discrimination challenge and even did a serpentine without any issues. Did the same with him but we did work the weaves more times just to give him some practice.
September 19, 2012: Keegs is beginning to pick up some speed and I can work him at a little more distance. Weaves is still our biggest issue, this week training is going to be on entrances and not popping out of the weaves when I am on his right.
Kiah was awesome, still doing great with distance unless my signals are a bit too late or not clear. She is focusing on me and having a good time so that is all I ask of her.
Trial coming up at the end of the month, same place we were in August so hopefully Keegs will do better. Kiah will run Friday in excellent a, should be a short day since it is excellent only. Hoping that Kiah gets her Open Standard on Saturday and Keegs his Novice Standard. Then no more novice classes and the last dog of the day!!!!! Didn't enter on Sunday, we all 3 need a rest and play day.
September 12, 2012: It was so good to get back to classes, see everyone and get a good workout. I was surprised at how well both Kiah and Keegs did without any training for 3 weeks. I think they were happy to be back and I am sure getting those special treats doesn't hurt.
Christine, my instructor, creates fun but challenging courses; this week it was a jumpers course. Kiah and I had fun, confused her a bit with some of my handling but she was a good sport and carried on. She amazes me, she is sooo good with distance and gets better all the time. It sure gives me more confidence in running her.
Keegs course was Kiah's jumpers course but modified for his novice level. We did do 12 weave poles which is good since he is now in Open in jumpers. He is picking up speed on his weaves (his good side) but continues to pop out on his bad side. His good side is with me on the other side of the weaves and his bad when I am on the other side of him. Either I am doing something I don't realize or he just doesn't get it yet.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
What makes a good coach or instructor?
Today is another Dog Agility Blog Event Day - September 5, 2012; please visit all the blogs
at: (http://dog-agility-blog-events.posterous.com/pages/what-makes-a-good-coachinstructor).
Another great topic. I have been so lucky, most of my instructors have been wonderful and I have learned a lot from each one of them. Actually I have learned quite a bit from the few instructors I had who weren't so good too.
Now that I have been in agility for a few years if someone asked me what they should look for in an instructor for a beginner I would have to say, go watch a few classes in your area. Look for an instructor with a positive attitude and see if the students in their classes are having fun as they learn. Find one where the instructor has a good relationship with both handlers and dogs. Notice if their classes are small enough so each team gets equal time with the instructor and if the class level is balanced. Are the teams a mixture of advanced along with beginners where the beginners take up all the time and the more advanced teams don't get feedback or help? That may sound good to a beginner but as you progress you don't want to be the one who doesn't get much input.
Safety is a big issue for me especially with a beginner team. The very first agility class I took was with an instructor who was nice as she could be. I wasn't aware she had never done any classes prior to the one I was taking. As we were learning obstacles, she had them at full height rather than a training height for beginners dogs. My dog had no problem going up the teeter but when it bounced off the floor she freaked out. It took months and a different instructor to get her over her fear of teeters. Having the obstacles at full height was dangerous for those beginner dogs and we were lucky no one was hurt.
Some instructors prefer different systems of training developed by other advanced handlers which in itself is not a bad thing as long as they are open minded enough to realize that it may not work for all dogs. Your instructor should be knowledgeable enough to have several different approaches to handling and/or training. The instructor should also be open minded enough to listen to a handler if they have an idea or tried something at home that seemed to work better.
A instructor should be able to give constructive criticism without demoralizing the handler or putting down a specific breed saying it should not do agility. I have sadly seen instructors say if they want to do well in agility they should get a different breed of dog; they will never get a Champion title in agility with the breed they have. How sad is that??????
Personally I prefer classes for training, I like having other people, dogs around to help with socialization and preparing for trials. I prefer private lessons for specific issues that just can't be addressed in a class setting. If I hadn't done private lessons with Kiah I believe we would never have come as far as we have this year.
As I said in the beginning I have been really pleased with almost all of my instructors, their attitudes, knowledge and the commitment to their students. I admire them for the amount of time it takes to prepare for classes, researching problems or ideas to help their students become successful and just for the commitment it takes to want to be an instructor.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and please visit the others too. I know I will :-)
Please feel free to leave comments, I love hearing from others.
Another great topic. I have been so lucky, most of my instructors have been wonderful and I have learned a lot from each one of them. Actually I have learned quite a bit from the few instructors I had who weren't so good too.
Now that I have been in agility for a few years if someone asked me what they should look for in an instructor for a beginner I would have to say, go watch a few classes in your area. Look for an instructor with a positive attitude and see if the students in their classes are having fun as they learn. Find one where the instructor has a good relationship with both handlers and dogs. Notice if their classes are small enough so each team gets equal time with the instructor and if the class level is balanced. Are the teams a mixture of advanced along with beginners where the beginners take up all the time and the more advanced teams don't get feedback or help? That may sound good to a beginner but as you progress you don't want to be the one who doesn't get much input.
Safety is a big issue for me especially with a beginner team. The very first agility class I took was with an instructor who was nice as she could be. I wasn't aware she had never done any classes prior to the one I was taking. As we were learning obstacles, she had them at full height rather than a training height for beginners dogs. My dog had no problem going up the teeter but when it bounced off the floor she freaked out. It took months and a different instructor to get her over her fear of teeters. Having the obstacles at full height was dangerous for those beginner dogs and we were lucky no one was hurt.
Some instructors prefer different systems of training developed by other advanced handlers which in itself is not a bad thing as long as they are open minded enough to realize that it may not work for all dogs. Your instructor should be knowledgeable enough to have several different approaches to handling and/or training. The instructor should also be open minded enough to listen to a handler if they have an idea or tried something at home that seemed to work better.
A instructor should be able to give constructive criticism without demoralizing the handler or putting down a specific breed saying it should not do agility. I have sadly seen instructors say if they want to do well in agility they should get a different breed of dog; they will never get a Champion title in agility with the breed they have. How sad is that??????
Personally I prefer classes for training, I like having other people, dogs around to help with socialization and preparing for trials. I prefer private lessons for specific issues that just can't be addressed in a class setting. If I hadn't done private lessons with Kiah I believe we would never have come as far as we have this year.
As I said in the beginning I have been really pleased with almost all of my instructors, their attitudes, knowledge and the commitment to their students. I admire them for the amount of time it takes to prepare for classes, researching problems or ideas to help their students become successful and just for the commitment it takes to want to be an instructor.
Thanks for taking the time to read my blog and please visit the others too. I know I will :-)
Please feel free to leave comments, I love hearing from others.
Monday, August 20, 2012
August Trial
As usual Kiah had her ups and downs. Saturday she got her Open P Jumpers title!!!!!!!! Finally in Excellent A; exciting and scary at the same time. Her standard run was tentative but she did have some wonderful moments. I was told that I am not the same handler as when I run her in Jumpers and that could be a big part of her problem in Standard. Too careful due to the contacts etc!
Sunday we had a wild run on Jumpers but it was wonderful to see her up and animated, that was a fun run. Standard was a no go, she just stood and looked around so I pulled her.
The first run on the video is Kiah's last leg for her Open title; the second run on the video is her first run in Excellent A. It scared me when she knocked the bar but she kept going and wasn't limping so we went on. The third run on the video was Keegan last run of the trial, Novice Std. I messed him up, we were supposed to go right to the A-Frame. I was pleased that I could keep his attention as much as I did, the rest of his runs he had no interest in being out there. For the open & novice the judge did a manual count, not sure why.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
August Classes
Probably won't be going to classes for the next few weeks :-( I work at a 2-year college and we are preparing for students to come back to classes. I normally work 60-65 hours and work two to three weeks straight without any time off preparing computer labs and updating computers for faculty-staff. The first week of classes is really hectic so will probable miss that too. I hope to be back to classes on September 12; sure do miss class and my agility friends.
August 22, 2012 - No classes for us this week, my brother-in-law's father passed away and the Visitation will be Wednesday evening.
August 15, 2012 - The new session of classes are starting tonight, really excited to see how things go. I have been bad and haven't done a lot of practicing with either Kiah or Keegan. Hopefully it was a nice break for them and they will be ready to go. More later.....
We worked on obstacle discrimination and weaves in both classes, a little difference in the courses for the different levels but a challenge for both, Kiah & Keegan. Was happy we were able to work on weaves with Keegs. He has a hard time with rear crosses too, he spins right after the obstacle wondering where the heck I went. Kiah is wonderful with rear crosses, good thing since I am usually running behind her.
Got to see my friends new Border Collie puppy, what a cutie he is. He is going to be one awesome obedience and agility dog.
Classes won't start back up until the week of August 13,2012 so I plan to make notes on our training progress. We will have some fun classes during the break and will see how those go if we go to them.
August 22, 2012 - No classes for us this week, my brother-in-law's father passed away and the Visitation will be Wednesday evening.
August 15, 2012 - The new session of classes are starting tonight, really excited to see how things go. I have been bad and haven't done a lot of practicing with either Kiah or Keegan. Hopefully it was a nice break for them and they will be ready to go. More later.....
We worked on obstacle discrimination and weaves in both classes, a little difference in the courses for the different levels but a challenge for both, Kiah & Keegan. Was happy we were able to work on weaves with Keegs. He has a hard time with rear crosses too, he spins right after the obstacle wondering where the heck I went. Kiah is wonderful with rear crosses, good thing since I am usually running behind her.
Got to see my friends new Border Collie puppy, what a cutie he is. He is going to be one awesome obedience and agility dog.
Classes won't start back up until the week of August 13,2012 so I plan to make notes on our training progress. We will have some fun classes during the break and will see how those go if we go to them.
Monday, July 30, 2012
July Trial
Keegs got his Novice Jumpers title on Sunday; no other Q's but some nice runs and most important is he is having fun out there running the courses.
Kiah had her ups and downs. Her last run on Sunday was her jumpers run, she had a wrong course but it was an awesome run. She was up and having fun, even though she had the wrong course she recovered, didn't freak out and finished well. Overall I am happy with her and her runs.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
July Classes
Classes are going well for both Kiah and Keegs. Keegs is still having problems with weaves, he does much better at home. I am sure one day it will click and he will have great weaves; the potential is there.
Week of 7/16/12- Missed class with Keegan, he was limping Sunday evening but seems to be doing much better now. Hopefully we will be able to make it next Monday but if he is still favoring it I won't take him to class as we have a trial next weekend and I want him better for it. We will see how things go. Missed Kiah's class too, had bad weather and finally some rain so stayed home to enjoy it and not fight traffic to class.
Week of 7/23/12 - Keegs is still favoring his leg a little (although it doesn't seem to slow him down in the least bit when he is outside) so we didn't go to class. I think last night's class was his last one before the next session. After the trial this weekend he will have a couple of weeks to recover. I hope I don't have to pull him from the trial but I will if he looks the least bit uncomfortable. I am also going to setup an appointment with a Chiro to have him adjusted to see if that helps.
Kiah's classes were fun; practiced different crosses and did mini courses. Those are fun for Kiah, she gets treats and toys after only doing a few obstacles which keeps her spirits up. Next week is make up for July 4th class and we will do a fun class on Tuesdays during the 2 week of break. Wonderful news, Kiah and Keegs will be going on the same night to class, no more driving 2 days a week. Ky's class will be at 6pm and Keegs class will be at 7pm on Wednesdays.
Week of 7/16/12- Missed class with Keegan, he was limping Sunday evening but seems to be doing much better now. Hopefully we will be able to make it next Monday but if he is still favoring it I won't take him to class as we have a trial next weekend and I want him better for it. We will see how things go. Missed Kiah's class too, had bad weather and finally some rain so stayed home to enjoy it and not fight traffic to class.
Week of 7/23/12 - Keegs is still favoring his leg a little (although it doesn't seem to slow him down in the least bit when he is outside) so we didn't go to class. I think last night's class was his last one before the next session. After the trial this weekend he will have a couple of weeks to recover. I hope I don't have to pull him from the trial but I will if he looks the least bit uncomfortable. I am also going to setup an appointment with a Chiro to have him adjusted to see if that helps.
Kiah's classes were fun; practiced different crosses and did mini courses. Those are fun for Kiah, she gets treats and toys after only doing a few obstacles which keeps her spirits up. Next week is make up for July 4th class and we will do a fun class on Tuesdays during the 2 week of break. Wonderful news, Kiah and Keegs will be going on the same night to class, no more driving 2 days a week. Ky's class will be at 6pm and Keegs class will be at 7pm on Wednesdays.
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