Thursday, November 29, 2007

Spot's first agility class at 4Paws Academy

Last night was Spot's first class in agility at 4Paws. It was a little crazy. Spot was very excited to be in class and it was hard to keep his attention. He was barking a lot when the other dogs were running around and I couldn't get him to keep still for stretching.

I think there were 9 dogs there? We broke into 2 groups and worked on various obstacles. I'm hoping that was just to see how the dogs handle each obstacle. The other dogs seemed more experienced than beginner, so I'm not sure what the deal is with that. They were doing 12 weave poles and sequences!

So I'm going to rent some ring time at Gemini to work on contact training and the table, etc.

Sunday, November 25, 2007

Thanksgiving!

Well, it's Sunday night and I do not feel like going to work tomorrow! I got used to sleeping in.

Since I had so much time, and I really didn't want to join the throngs at the mall, we went to Willards Woods 3 times in 4 days. The pups really needed the exercise.

I was happy to see they have made some improvements since the last time we went. There's an area near the stream, leading up to the bridge, where it is usually muddy. Some people tried to put down some branches to walk on, but it wasn't really working. So what they did was make a raised ramp on both sides leading up to the bridge. It almost looks like gravel loosely mixed with concrete. Hopefully it will work long term.

Spot and Shelby were very good. They didn't run off where they weren't supposed to at all. Shelby is getting much better at coming back when I call and can be off lead the whole time, except the parking lot. Probably because I bring cookies and reward her when she comes back to me, or walks near me. Spot's been a lot better about coming when I call also.

Two weeks ago Shelby suddenly started going after dogs her size or smaller, so I've been keeping my eyes open whenever we encounter one, and make sure to have my leash handy. Sat there was a Shiba Inu puppy that I think she would have growled at, but I had her on leash, so I didn't let her meet the puppy. Today Shelby was very good. We met a Corgi with no problem, she just wanted to play. Same thing with a small beagle-they ran and ran together. Then as we were heading out we met up with a Shiz Tzu, which is the same breed that Shelby went after at the seminar. I was tense, but there was no problem. Shelby was very interested, but friendly the whole time and came when I called her.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the agressive behavior was just a fluke, but I'll be on my toes for a while.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Jen Pinder Seminar

On Friday and Saturday I took Shelby to Riverside Canine in Nashua for a 2 day seminar with Jen Pinder. There is a CPE trial coming up there in Jan, so it was good to get Shelby used to the facility, if nothing else.

I was on the fence for a while because I wasn't sure if this was too advanced for us, even though it was an intermediate session. Just because we're competing at the novice level and are pretty inexperienced, in relation to a lot of people. I got an e-mail saying a couple of spots had opened and asked if we would be ok and they said yes, so I signed up, and it wasn't cheap. Most of the people there were very experienced and had been doing agility for a while. Plus, it seemed most of them had taken a private lesson with Jen on Thurs, which I don't think is really fair because then they're ahead of the other people who just take the seminar.

Well, I think I wasted most of my money. Don't get me wrong, I got some good handling advice, but Shelby was only really interested in participating half the time. She did what she hasn't done in a while, which is work for 2-3 obstacles and then disengage and check out other stuff. So I got the usual "you have to be more exciting" advice. Then that stopped working and I got advice to be more forceful, which worked a little. Then Shelby stopped even wanting treats, so I got criticized for not working hard enough to find a toy that motivates her. Shelby has never been one for tugging or other treat toys, but of course she was all for it when the instructor tried it, so I looked like an idiot who doesn't know anything about her own dog. Plus, since she was so detached, I wasn't really able to send the way I know she can, etc. and it made me feel like I haven't accomplished anything with Shelby. Oh-Shelby also decided to go after another dog in the seminar. This is a new thing since last weekend. Now she goes after small light-colored dogs and attacks them. Just what I need!

I do think Jen is a good instructor because she tailored her advice to each participant and was able to break down problems to see exactly which part needed working on, and things to practice.

So, maybe in a year from now, we'll try again and have a better experience. I think this was a long seminar for me and for Shelby, since we've only ever done 4 hour seminars before and this was 2 eight hour days. I just don't think Shelby loves agility enough to be "up" the whole time.

Friday, November 02, 2007

The hunters

Spot and Shelby love to hunt chipmunks when we go for a walk in the woods. At Willards Woods, there are a few stone walls, which is where chipmunks love to hide!
Here's a video of some hunting action. Don't worry, they never actually catch anything. When I pan left at the end, look closely and you may see the chipmunk escape.