Learning Agility
Agility was always a sport I was keen to learn but never had the correct dog to try it with. I knew my quest for the right candidate was finally over when I first met Teddi - she was 12 weeks old and even at that young age was keen, bold and exuded intelligence.
Teddi learnt basic obedience as a puppy, she passed her KC Bronze Good Citizen and also regularly attended ringcraft classes as I wanted her to be well socialized. Before I commenced with the Agility training my vet assessed her to confirm that she was extremely sound and healthy - I would recommend to anyone wishing to try Agility that they do the same.
In September we started a Basic Agility course run by a local dog training club- in fact the course started on Teddi's 1st birthday. She absolutely loves it and we've just enrolled to take the Advanced Agility course in '08. We are both having a wonderful time learning - as we progress I hope to add short videos of what we are doing - so please keep checking back periodically for updates.
So far on our course Teddi is learning to go over a series of jumps in both directions - we practice the "heel" and "side" commands and "over" for when she goes over the jumps. She is also going on the A-frame and walk-way - she is still on her lead at this stage. Each week she jumps through the tyre and goes through the tunnel several times.
Teddi is the smallest dog on our course - the next size up being a Bichon, Border Terrier and a Beagle. Most of the other dogs participating are Collies or Labs. I'm making some new equipment for practicing at home and while googling up information came across this fantastic website about Agility in the UK - Agility Bits
Here are some links to some really good Agility websites:
Crufts Website
Below are various video clips of Teddi practicing on the Pomkins YouTube Chnl. One is at home in our back garden - she is practicing the "Tunnel Through" command. I got the tunnel at Ikea in the childrens section, all the dogs love it. The tunnel at our classes is much longer - but she still has fun with this one and it's a way of learning the command and also recall.
There are also videos of Teddi in her class practicing the various equipment and jumps. At this point we are working on commands, direction and building her confidence.
A menu will come up where you can pick between the clips
