Lucy is nearly 9 and she still LOVES this game. She still barks with excitement as we pull into class, and is impatient while waiting for her turn ♡. Im so greateful for her role in introducing me to this sport, she's always been such an increadible joy to run with and has taught me so much. ♡ #it's never too late - do what you love.
Tuko's favorite reward is a frisbee throw.
Baby dog Tuko is coming along
Tuko measures 16" for AAC and 20" for UKI. I've been preparing him for 20" jumps for a while, last night we put it to the test and during a workshop last night through multiple short sequnces, he didn't drop 1 bar. ♡
This is brave and adorable little Lacey at her 7th Agility class.
Only six weeks ago she wouldn't go near a jump and reluctant to go close to any of the obstacles. Over the last 6 weeks class members have witnessed her gain confidence and demonstrate pure enjoyment learning new things. She now comes running at full speed accross the field excited to join her Agility class and to greet her fellow learners. You can imagine how heartwarming it was to hear cheers all around as she ran joyfully with her handler last night. Meet Lacey the cutest little pup!
In our class last night I was asking my students to fall behind their dogs to practice the "go ahead without me" cue. Asking their dogs to keep going and take the obstacles in front of them even when their handler falls behind. This is important because we can't run as fast as our dogs. Here's Rufus running ahead confidently with the Go cue. We had such a blast in this class, and all teams improved greatly. Next week we will practice a turn cue. ♡
If you have been contemplating trying Agility, now is the time. A 1 time drop-in is available this Thursday. PM for details.
Our New Flyball team debuted today. Introducing Treat - Laugh - Play - Love Kickass Dogsports. This is our 1st kick at the can competing as a team and a few of us are fairly new to the sport. Even so, on our last Heat we were 4 for 4. Unfortunately we "broke out" (ran faster than the division we entered) too many times, so we are disqualified from winning the tournament, but not a terrible problem to have. Today Tuko is running as the 7th dog, just doing practice runs before each race - we are experemtiming with our start distance and the timing lights and getting accustomed to the atmosphere. Next time he will run for real. #Dogsports
My baby dog Tuko pulled it together for a beautiful 1st place Speedstakes run this weekend. Listen to the supportive environment that comes along with this sport. It's increadibly rewarding to become a team with your K9 companion. 17 obstacles and 33 seconds of bliss!
Irena and Nova #2. Calm and joyful leash walking.
Nova the Border Collie often herds her handler and lunges or pulls on the leash towards other dogs wanting to visit. We had an amazing session this morning! Look at that focus and understanding. Nova is walking calmly, and focused on her handler. It's not ALL work though, we also taught "go sniff" where Nova is given more leash extension, but knows to return to Irenas side when requested.using the cue "With me". What a lovely team and what fantastic progress. ♡♡
This weekend I was lucky enough to attend a Hoopers Workshop with my 8+ year old Lucy. In this drill, the goal was to have Lucy focused forward. The verbal marker "yes" was to mark the moment she turned and took a step towards the hoop. As she gets older Hoopers will be an option for us to keep playing dog sports. It's a game without jumps therefore it will be kinder on her joints. When the team becomes proficient the handler handles from middle of the course, so it's easier on the handler too. :)
Tuko's weaves are coming along.
Sunday night practice with my two ♡
Flyball is another fun dogsport. This is my young dog Tuko executing a box turn in slow motion. For safety, dogs 1st learn the swimmers turn, then migrate to the flyball box. Introduction to flyball classes are coming soon. PM for details.
Lucy and I at the Moto Seminar today. At 9 she still has spunk and sass. This was such a fun and challenging course to run. She still barks at me when I'm late ♡
Many of my students know Yuri and Archie and how much they have come to LOVE agility. I strive to instill a love of the sport in my students and here you can see that these two know how enjoy their time running as a team.
This weekend Yuri and Archie earned 1st place (with a qualifying run) at Zanee Agility in the U.S
A heart felt congratulations to you both!
Agility in the park will be resuming classes Mid March. This year I will be offering Agility, Hoopers, puppy socialization and confidence classes. PM me for details.
Sit, stay and come - rainy day training games and practice. Part 1. It's important to stay as still as you can when you say your release word, this way any movement doesn't get paired or confused with the release.
Tuko my baby dog's NYE run. I'm so very proud of his progress. The learning in this video: it's best not to talk when your dog is over a bar. You will notice that when I said tunnel while he was executing a jump, the bar dropped.