Aine tries agility

[Kassie]

The locaL agility club had a "try it" seminar on Saturday, so Aine and I went. She really had fun and caught on quickly. Joni tried to take pictures but she was far away and behind a fence so most of them weren't any good. There were about 12 dogs there from a little terrier mix to a bearded collie pup (6 months old.)

The first thing we tried was the dog walk at about 8" off the ground. First time accross Aine stepped off twice, but every time after that she scampered accross like an old pro!(excuse the lousy picture)

http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc20/kassiejoni/IMGP2499.jpg
After that through the tire set at ground level, no problem.Next was the jumps and she had Aine and the puppies at one set and the big dogs at the other. Aine tried to go around 1 time but once she figured out what we wanted she practically flew over and back into line to go again!
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc20/kassiejoni/IMGP2513.jpg

They were keeping it practically flush with the grass for her but we got around so quickly one time that I didn't notice till we got there that she hadn't lowered the bar! Didn't phase her a bit!
http://i219.photobucket.com/albums/cc20/kassiejoni/IMGP2509.jpg

After that the big dogs went on the teter (with a stopper at about one foot) and the little dogs went on a wobble board. She wasn't afraid at all, just ran back and forth accross it! I had to leave early for a baby shower so the last thing we did was the tunnel which she ran right through.All in all a good experience and she had a blast. The trainer has never worked with someone on a scooter before, but is willing to try so we may try her intro to obstacles class in June!

[Bobbie]

She's a natural! There is a list for agility handlers on wheels on Yahoo that you might want to look up for pointers on doing it with a scooter.

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/agilityonwheels

[jcj528]

Oh Wow Kassie!!! That is so cool. You and Aine should seriously think about going for it. Its great that trainer is interested in working with you.

There is a scooter lady who shows her Belgan Malinous here in Miami. The team does very well.

[Jespah]

Way to Aine!! You can see from her expression going over the jump that she's not in the least bit intimidated and is having a blast!!

Give it a try Kassie - I bet you can find someone who's trained folks with scooters before. I'd imagine eventually it would mean that Aine would have to train to take her commands and encouragement from more of a distance than dogs that have a runner by their sides!

Go for it!! Barrier-free rules!! +TUP+

Deb

[colbycorgi]

well everytime i hear about another dog doing agility it makes me want to try it again...i dont know about colby but i do think cammie would love it, once she got used to it...our dog park has some things set up and we could do some there, but she was afraid of the tunnel last time...it is very long...jamie says he would make me some equipment if i would use it, so we will see....but way to go!!!! you have inspired me...maybe i will look around and see if they have any try it agility classes near here...i dont know exactly what to say or do, i have only seen it on tv...i am sure i could find some stuff on line or get a book though.....oh...gotta go...mad frapping going on..must stop it so miss cammie doesnt open up her belly....

[CorgiMum]

What a fantastic experience for both of you! +CTHUMB+

The pictures show what a great time Aine was having trying out some the equipment. I hope it works out and you both get to go further with agility. Good luck, and please keep us posted.

Danny is now doing 4 jumps at a time and he loves it! (bar below his knees because of his age)

I've purchased 3 jumps like the ones in your picture through our trainer and have ordered 2 more so that we can practice at home.

[MVons]

I like the photos, because it is truly how I would see the event on the sidelines. Sounds like such a fun time.