Dutch Shepherd Forum

Diesel and I have been to 2 agility classes so far!
The first lesson he did really well but he was always looking around at the other dogs.
The second lesson he hardly needed any instruction, he saw the tunnel and he went for it!
The only problem we had is when he was on the table in a down position, the instuctor told me to release him, which I did, and at that very moment Diesel saw a fox in the bush and he went chasing after it.

We need to work on the jumps a little, he still tries to go around them. But everything else was a piece of cake for him. I am really loving it and I think Diesel is too!

Great!

However, he's definitely telling you something here...you're going to need to ramp up your engagement with him so you're more fun than all those other distractions in the environment.

Oh No! LOL Did he come back?

A fox at agility class?!?!? Wow!

Sounds like you guys are having alot of fun!

Yes a black fox too! They are pretty rare around here! I had to go get him but it wasn't too hard to get him back. I was suprised that I couldn't snap him out of it since he was so focused on me the rest of the time. We obviously still have lots of work to do on recall.
Our next class is tonight. I would love to get some pictures but it's hard when it's just me there.
I might build some jumps to practice with in the backyard.

Thats coursing + agility )

Go go Diesel! good luck and have fun!

Olie wrote:Thats coursing + agility )

Distractions are hard when they are learning. Its much more fun to chase than think!

Check out Agility Nerd: One Jump Drill (http://agilitynerd.com/blog/agility/cou ... rills.html). It is all kinds of activities that you can do with one cheap jump in your yard. Not only does in reinforce jumping as a fun activity, but it improves your communication and handling skills at the same time!

[quote="Christie M] Check out Agility Nerd: One Jump Drill (http://agilitynerd.com/blog/agility/cou ... rills.html). It is all kinds of activities that you can do with one cheap jump in your yard. Not only does in reinforce jumping as a fun activity, but it improves your communication and handling skills at the same time![/quote]

Thanks Christie! I took a look at them and we will try that for sure. Agility is done for the year, so we will need some activities to keep up his skills.

Overall, I would say the classes went really well. Diesel did get bored when he was waiting for his turn. When it was his turn, he would run the obstacle nearly perfect every time. And when he didn't, it was probably my fault for confusing him with my less than co-ordinated motions.
I really enjoyed the classes and I know Diesel did too.