I sat down and watched videos from recent trials and thought about what we struggled with in classes. From that I made a list obstacle performance and handling we need to work on. If you were curious, here is my list:
Abby’s Training
Obstacle Performance
Chute: Work on getting head
down when exiting.
Weaves: Work entry angles and
continue having at least one obstacle after weaves to reduce toy anticipation. Put on wires if necessary. Proof saying yes at entry. Also use other words.
Contacts: Proof end
position. Put fencing at the end of contact and work on getting on straight.
*Run past
*Stay behind
*Throw toy
*Use other words to proof release
*Stop at the end
Table: Work on fast down and
hanging onto table with speed.
Handling
Wraps: Work on cueing early.
Front crosses: Tighten. Make her honor them and offer treat.
Accel, decel, and combos on
flat.
Foundation work with toy: Do
this before every training session. Work
on start line stays, release word, fast sits and downs, directionals. Use a combo of rewards – food, toy, release
to the next obstacle. Add in some
obstacles with foundation work.
After doing this I felt REALLY overwhelmed, but organized. I now keep this list in my car and review it when we get to the field. No more doing random sequences because it is convenient.
My apologies to the club members who have been doing agility for years and this kind of list is something you already use. To the new club members this might be something you look into putting together. I will be constantly adding and changing this list, but I will become a better handler and we will become a better team.
AUSSIES RULE!
Lindsay Shuler
Rascal and Abby
