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 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
   
Location: MD | As some of you know I started my Winnie in agility a few months ago, he's doing SO well! We started because he was overweight, and I could tell he needed more stimulation other then doing chores with me. We did a big diet change on top of this too. He started at 75.9 lbs...he's down to 66.7 lbs!! WOOT! He still has a few pounds to lose but so far we are really on the right track!
We are doing the jumps, the tunnel, and kind of weaving quickish(we still have the guides on and he'll trot through them). My class ended for after the new year and he wants to still go, I don't want to lose momentum. Of course this ended at the worst time, how long do I need to keep the guides on the weave poles? I don't want to take them off and have him really messed up, but I don't think I need to leave them on there for 2+ months either? I'm looking at building him a pause table to add to the mix, I would like some tips in introducing him to it if anyone knows how?
-We practice for 15 minutes a day(5 days a week), 5 in the morning, 5 in the afternoon, and 5 at night to keep him fresh and active.
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 Shelter Dog Lover
Posts: 10277
| I love watcing dog agility, the dogs are always so HAPPY!! Good luck- post a video!! |
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 A Somebody to Everybody
Posts: 41354
Location: Under The Big Sky Of Texas | Went with my sister to watch a agility show once and those are the most happyest dogs I have ever seen, they love running  |
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 Extreme Veteran
Posts: 434
Location: Northwest Florida | Awesome! I love watching it:) |
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 It's not my fault I'm perfect
Posts: 13739
Location: Where the long tails flow, ND | I did Agility with my border collie until I couldn't keep up with her anymore, LOL. She was obsessed with the tunnel and weaves and would do them 100 times in a row if I didn't catch up to her fast enough  |
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Extreme Veteran
Posts: 538
Location: Central Texas | "how long do I need to keep the guides on the weave poles? I don't want to take them off and have him really messed up, but I don't think I need to leave them on there for 2+ months either?"
Once he is doing the weaves without any problems with the guides in place, remove one side of the guides. When he is doing that well, put that side back on and then remove the other side. Practice for a while. Then remove the other side. If he messes up just go back to the step he was doing well. It just means he isn't ready to progress just yet. Weaves are a very mentally tiring obstacle. Only do them 4 or 5 times at most. If he is having a bad day, when he does something good stop and praise him and come back later.
"I'm looking at building him a pause table to add to the mix, I would like some tips in introducing him to it if anyone knows how?"
Start by having him get on the table. You can lead him with a leash. Give him a treat each time he gets on the table. Once he is getting on the table start calling the obstacle. Then have him sit, down, or stand on the table, treating each time. Slowly start increasing the distance and sending him to the table. The goal is to send him to the table, have him sit/down/stand, then release him off the table back to you/or the next obstacle and treat.
Good luck! I did agility for a few years with my corgi. I also trained my catahoula, but he is more interested in smelling things and running than doing obstacles. I have helped to teach several classes with our club. I still take my catahoula to practice. We work with a lady who knows a lot about agility. |
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  Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | I see alot of people from here are doing this now.. I love to watch it to.. |
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