Saffi's first agility lesson starts next week - help!

[Pip895]

I have booked Saffi in to start agility lessons next week - its actually a ten week course but we have missed a couple of lessons.  They don't think it will be an issue as another dog is starting this week too, and one of the others only started last week.  I believe there will be a total of 6 dogs including Saffi on the course. 

My question is, is there any ground work I can do to make up for the two missed lessons?   I did ask that question of the lady who runs the course and she said just make sure you can control your dog! . 

Apart from puppy socialisation I haven't actually done any other training classes with Saffi although we do a little training session at home a few times a week.  I'm a little concerned that she might misbehave when there are other people and dogs about.

At home Saffi has a pretty reliable sit, stay, down etc - any other suggestions - is it worth trying to familiarise her with any of the equipment for example?

[ClareB]

To be honest, the only thing you really need when you start agility is a reasonable level of obedience.     If she can do a stay then that's perfect, I'd maybe just practise a bit more when you're out and about and there are a few more distractions.     The other thing you could practise is running with her alongside you, without her jumping up at you.  These are often done as "running circles", where you run in a small circle with the dog onlead and running beside you. 

It's best not to try and tackle any of the equipment on your own, a lot of it needs to be introduced gradually as you don't want her to freak out on/in a piece of equipment as it will set you back ages and will take you a lot longer to get her confident on that particular piece.   

The only other thing you could start to do is teach her a "left" and "right" command, so that she will turn to the left or right on command.   

Above all, just enjoy it.     I've been doing agility for years with Milo and had forgotten what it's like to be a beginner, but having recently started with Mocha I've remembered that every dog is different and while some pick up some bits really quickly, others take a bit longer but then may be quicker with other aspects of agility.   

[Pip895]

Thanks for that - with left & right do you start with hand signals and move on to voice? Is there a recommended method of teaching direction? 

I think I may be in trouble - always been pretty hopless at remembering my left & right.

[MegandMolly]

I think I may be in trouble - always been pretty hopless at remembering my left & right.

Felt tip pen - Big R and Big L drawn on hands?? 

[Pip895]

I think I may be in trouble - always been pretty hopless at remembering my left & right.

Felt tip pen - Big R and Big L drawn on hands?? 

  just might come to that 

[Sarah1985]

Waits and recall are the biggest things you'll need.

With regards to direction we were given methods while we were there. But if you want a secret head start We had the dogs running along side us. we had a toy in the hand over the dog and shouted the direction and instantly turning and throwing a toy in the direction you've shouted.

 At agility the dog is always on the outside (they take the longest route) so if you are teaching lefts you're dog will be on your right so they go round the outside of you are you spin. THis means you will have the toy in your right hand for teaching left and your left hand for teaching right....

...So to be perfectly honest Its prob a good thing if you dont know your lefts and rights.  

Good luck

[Max X 2]

One of the top handlers simply teaches left & right by getting your dog to spin infront of you, start with a treat or toy in your hand & lure the dog round gradually decreasing your arm movements until the dog is spinning on his own with only a vocal cue. In time the dog should be able to spin left & right when they're behind or at the side of you.

A good "stay" is a benefit, you could also teach Saffi to touch a target, I find teaching things like this is handy if you use a clicker

You also want the dog working ahead of you, so you could start by throwing a toy & saying GO then build up over time to saying GO & throwing the toy as a reward.

It's an addictive hobby, so go & have fun  

[jla]

You and Saffi will be fine.   

Which club are you going to?

[RoxyRed]

Roxy had her first agility class on Saturday so will be reading this thread with interest,

Good luck for Saffi,

xx

[Max X 2]

Forgot to mention, take your sense of humour as you must be able to laugh at yourself & will probably be on your knees at one end of the tunnel calling your dog through at some point

[Pip895]

Thanks for all your replies - The club I'm going to is at Bagshotlea Farnham.  Most members seem to compete, so my only concern is that they might take it a bit seriously - if they don't have a sense of humor I might not last long

I'm going to try and teach left & right, but first I need to make sure the stay comand works in an exciting environment with other dogs around. 

Stay is pretty solid generally - for instance I can get her to stay in the hall whilst I pop upstairs to get something, or even change if I'm quick.  However if she is excited e.g if she gets the idea we might be going out, she cant quite resist the temptation to come up and "help" after 10 seconds or so.

[JohnW]

Thanks for all your replies - The club I'm going to is at Bagshotlea Farnham.  Most members seem to compete, so my only concern is that they might take it a bit seriously - if they don't have a sense of humor I might not last long

I bet it will be the opposite.... Most competitors in agility are very supportive of new people and while you get 1 or 2 idiots around taking it far too serious and can be quite negative they are few and far between, the chances are you will soon make freinds and the vast majority in your new club will be great with you ...... dont worry we all started somewhere and if someone is crappy towards you give them a wide birth.

[Rosie]

If that is Badshot Lea they then are all totally fab - Ange is amazing and one of the most hilarious relaxed and wondeful people I know and the rest of then are lovely.  In fact if it is the club I am thinking of JLA with Reah trains there.

I think they are one of the friendliest loveliest clubs going - so do not worry!

[black taz]

Stay is very useful for starting off the course.  Unfortunately, Taz is too excited to stay (and if i try he quickly gets board and goes and does his own thing) therefore i have to start level with him - as he is quite a fast little boy i really struggle.  Kira has now had 4 sessions, and the last session i started to make her wait at the start - its so much easier.

Max xXx 2 - you will have to give me a demo on the left/right.

[lindseyp]

Can't offer any advice Pip but just wanted to wish you & Saffi, the very best of luck 
 hope you both enjoy yourselves & have great fun - I bet she'll be a little star