Canine Agility League

14/09/2024

Thanks so much to everyone who attended today! We so enjoyed watching you all and appreciate how kind and respectful everyone was.

I'd like to take a moment to explain something we did today. It feels like a good time to share our thinking on how we handled a little blip. One of the dogs taking the tunnel lesson got a little uncomfortable with two people he barely knows getting so close to him and his mom. We all decided (his mom and Em and Dawn) that we really did not want to force him or risk him having a bad experience. But we really needed him to exit that ring with a win (an accomplishment). So we moved him to the dog walk, even though we weren't planning on teaching it yet. It was really important to us that he didn't leave the ring feeling any anxiety or let down. His mom is a strong lead, so we were able to coach her without getting in his space and he absolutely aced it. Sometimes we have to just deal with whatever situation presents itself and this one had a good outcome. I just wanted to share why we handled it the way we did even though it was out of synch with our plan.

Giving the dogs a positive and safe experience will always be a top priority at Canine Agility League.

Thanks again for coming and thanks for reading!

14/09/2024

Ready to have some fun!

13/09/2024

Our area at Windsor Fairgrounds has no available shade nearby, so if you can get your hot little hands on a canopy you will be much more comfortable tomorrow!

https://www.facebook.com/100071154791284/posts/528876636160825/

Shade. It is essential between runs.

At Union Fairgrounds we have some shade but it's super helpful if you bring an easy up canopy or some other way to create your own oasis of sun-protection. Remember that dogs have just 2 ways to cool themselves: panting and putting their feet and bellies on cool surfaces. A battery powered fan is also very helpful to move the air. You'll see lots of dogs in their dens (crates) with shade, water and fans. You'll also see cars with AC running and cooling strategies there as well. There's no "one right way" to handle the heat and sun, but you should definitely plan for it.

Or maybe it'll rain and we'll all be out there like soggy toast! Canopies are great for creating a dry spot too.

Just some friendly advice to help everyone KEEP IT FUN at agility. If you aren't having a fun time your canine pal won't be either, so keep smiling. See ya Saturday.

11/09/2024

"But my dog only works for cookies!"

It's a challenge most of us face. For some people it is as simple as your praise and excitement becoming the cookie. Your dog wants to please you even if it doesn't always seem that way. And no matter how many obstacles get missed or bars fall, you are out there to have fun with your dog. That's the most important part. Throw a party of praise at the end of your run if it's a good one. Throw a slightly smaller party for a bad one. If you're unhappy with the run STILL praise your dog. They're out there trying and it is up to you to make it fun. And doing that without food or toys IS a challenge, but you got this. And the cookies are in the car!

https://www.facebook.com/100071154791284/posts/527825899599232/

10/09/2024

We were thrilled at Union in August that NO ONE brought their dog to the registration table!

Here is why we ask you to venture solo to registration:

https://www.facebook.com/100071154791284/posts/530712092643946/

08/09/2024

Leash streamers? What the heck is that? Do I need one?

At Registration you'll be offered a streamer (piece of surveyor tape) to attach to your dog's leash if you'd like.

It is not a mark of shame to put it on. It simply signals to other handlers to give your dog a little extra space. It might be because the pup is timid. Maybe over-stimulation is hard on your dog. Maybe you just like a bigger bubble around your dog. Or maybe the dog is reactive. Mine sure is!

If you don't see a ribbon it doesn't mean it's cool to let your super-friendly dog charge up to another dog (or person). Just seek eye contact with the other handler and take your cues from them. It is really easy to get distracted by the cheering and awesome runs as you are walking around so please take this as a friendly reminder to keep the situational awareness on high so ALL the dogs and ALL the people have a great day.

Stay tuned for some other posts this week to help you have the best time at Windsor Fairgrounds this Saturday!

03/08/2024

All set up and ready to go. Come out and play at the Union Fairgrounds!

01/08/2024

Nick is such a wonderful guy and he was a big help to us as we started our journey. Sending him and Scout huge love.

🐾 A Heartfelt Message to My Amazing Clients 🐾

Hey everyone,

I want to take a moment to be real with you all. As a business owner running this operation solo, I’ve been doing my best to stay on top of everything. But life has thrown me a curveball—my loyal dog, Scout, who’s been by my side through it all, is sadly nearing the end of his journey. Scout is the best dog I've ever had, and I couldn’t ask for a better companion.

I know some of you may have experienced delays or felt let down by my customer service recently, and for that, I deeply apologize. I’m taking a short break to focus on Scout and navigate this tough time.

Your patience and understanding mean more to me than I can express. I’m incredibly grateful for the support you’ve shown, and I promise to get back on track as soon as I’ve had the chance to process everything and ensure Scout isn’t suffering anymore.

Thank you for sticking with me. I’m committed to getting back on my feet and providing you with the best service possible, once I’ve had a moment to breathe.

With appreciation,
Nick

31/07/2024

"No dogs at the registration table please."

We've been seeing a lot of this at our last few events and I'd like to explain why we try to avoid it.

At the table we're explaining a bunch of things you need to know and asking you questions to get you in the right group. So you'll be distracted and your dog will be smelling a gazillion smells and feeling the excitement. Then another dog comes along and...well, it's a recipe for chaos. And no one wants that. It's so much better if your dog chills in the car for a few minutes while you get registered and informed.

Same thing for the handler's meeting and then walking the course. Humans doing the human part so they can lead the team a little later, is a good way to think of it.

See you Saturday for a wicked fun time!

28/07/2024

Shade. It is essential between runs.

At Union Fairgrounds we have some shade but it's super helpful if you bring an easy up canopy or some other way to create your own oasis of sun-protection. Remember that dogs have just 2 ways to cool themselves: panting and putting their feet and bellies on cool surfaces. A battery powered fan is also very helpful to move the air. You'll see lots of dogs in their dens (crates) with shade, water and fans. You'll also see cars with AC running and cooling strategies there as well. There's no "one right way" to handle the heat and sun, but you should definitely plan for it.

Or maybe it'll rain and we'll all be out there like soggy toast! Canopies are great for creating a dry spot too.

Just some friendly advice to help everyone KEEP IT FUN at agility. If you aren't having a fun time your canine pal won't be either, so keep smiling. See ya Saturday.

26/07/2024

"Why is food not allowed on the course?"

We get this question a lot. It seems natural to use bait (treats) to get your dog interested and excited as well as to reward. This works great at home or in a class setting. But at the fun runs we have another dog coming into the ring right after and of course they can smell the treats that were just there, or be completely distracted by crumbs or a dropped morsel. It's just not fair.
There's also the fact that in a competition food is never allowed, so it's a good idea to move away from that kind of reward. If you're excited and happy and HAVING FUN, your dog will be too. You're the best cookie in his or her life!

13/07/2024

Huge thanks to everyone who attended today. It was hot but you all did great! It was awesome to see some timid dogs gain confidence. We love helping with that magical connection between handler and canine. Watching the progression from jumps to tunnel to the A-frame and ending with a course, plus the friendly competition among the experienced handlers was so cool!

Thanks again and we hope to see you all in Union in a few weeks.

15/06/2024

Driver's meeting!

06/06/2024

Who else is ready to play at Union Fairground again? It's where we started and we're very excited to be going back there in 9 days!

11/05/2024

Sky doesn't scare us!
We are set up and ready to have fun. This cool weather is perfect for the dogs.

11/05/2024

We’re all set up. Come join us at the Windsor Fairgrounds today. We’re here from 9-3. All are welcome to play.

21/12/2023

Love this guy!

Introducing Our Latest Addition: Gift Cards! Gift Card Quick Note: For a single-dog household, ensure your family’s or friends’ furry companion enjoys a clean space effortlessly! · Weekly Coverage: Treat a single-dog household to a week’s worth of pristine cleaning for just $30 with our gift ...

13/09/2023

While our events are rain or shine, we do actually fear hurricanes. We would feel terrible if a person or dog was injured by flying debris. So sorry for any inconvenience or disappointment. Believe us, we feel it too.
So tomorrow's event at Litchfield Fairgrounds is cancelled. We hope everyone makes the trip next month to Windsor and that there isn't a blizzard or tornado!

10/07/2023

Huge thank you to everyone who attended our event at Windsor Fairgrounds on Saturday.
As we were packing up we found these well-loved toys in the parking area. We would love to reunite them with their pup. Please message the page!

24/03/2023

"Hey Mom, aren't you thrilled that spring has arrived?"

29/08/2022

Come out and play with us!

06/08/2022

Today's the day!

Come out and play with us. Registration opens at 9, first briefing and course walk around 9:45 then we start running at 10.

See you at Union Fairgrounds!

28/07/2022

We're getting ready for our next event (August 6) and getting excited!

Union Fair is going on right now, so please consider attending that to support the venue. They have put a HUGE effort in to improve the fair and we wish them success!

22/07/2022

Thanks to KC Signs!

09/07/2022

Thank you to everyone who participated today! It was a wonderful day and so much fun to watch those tails wagging (and wiggle-butts, of course!).