Woohoo - Chute Training

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Today was Rooney's 3rd beginner agility class and I just have to say how proud I was of him.  Today was the first day of the chute training (full competition size) and in 10 minutes he was doing it totally collapsed!!!!  All little 20 lbs of him.  I was such a proud doodle mom today.  It was pretty funny because before class got started - at 9 months, Rooney got a case of the zoomies and was tearing around the course - up over the A frame and over jumps - everyone was laughing.  He just loves it so much that I'm thinking we might start some private lessons in July so that we could do it two days a week and advance faster.  Is that a good idea or will it lead to burn out, he'd be 11 months by then.

[Gayle Miller]

I had to smile broadly, Jane!  I was on my way to the food store yestereday and passed a sign "dog show" and thought, what the heck, I have the time.  Turns out it was an agility competition that was almost over with just two more scheduled events...for the rookies.  I watched a couple of the dogs run their paces.  I found it so unbelievable!  The intelligence of the dog with his owner's commands!  I can see how this can get addicting!  Doesn't look to be easy for the owner to learn either!!  Have fun!  Look forward to hearing how Rooney progresses.

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Gayle - it is so funny that you said that about it not being too easy for the owner either.  As we drove away from Rooney's class I said to dh "ya know, this is really more about training the owner, there is so much to learn". 

[Gayle Miller]

Just from the little conversation that I had yesterday, I thought wow....I'd be a nervous wreck out in the pen!!  One of the people I was talking with asked me, didint' I see the tee shirt...."Smart Dog...Bad handler"!!! LOL!  Keep up the good work!  I understand some dogs LOVE it and talk about bonding with your buddy!  Don't forget to post some pictures!

[Dori & Rua]

Yeah Rooney!  We haven't done the chute yet...just the tunnel.  I ordered an 18' tunnel yesterday!  I swear I am going to have to take my living room & dining room furniture and put it downstairs so I can use my main living space for Rua's agility training.  I built weave poles yesterday...I will be doing a post on that in a minute, so check it out.  Since Rua is only 16.5lbs and fairly small, I don't think starting some basic weave-pole training will be a problem.

 

I think that if Rooney loves it, and you love doing it with Rooney, I'd go for some private lessons.  Or, continue taking various classes and build (or buy) equipment to use for training at home.  Rua will be taking a 6 week puppy agility class this summer, and then in the fall, start regular agility since she will be over 1 year.  I have directions for making the A-Frame, Tire hoop, Dog Walk and Teeter so I'll probably work on making those over the course of the summer.  I found that I really love making the equipment and I love teaming with Rua on agility.  And as a bonus, agility is good exercise for ME!!!!

[Jane, Rooney & Stuart]

Dori, I about died today out in the sun.  It was already in the high 80's and of course I'm doing a lot of running.  I take a big bowl full of ice water for Rooney and they have a wading pool (that Rooney will not get into of his own accord) to keep him cool.  I stand Rooney in the pool and wet his belly.  This is all great for my weight loss!  How exciting that you love making your equipment!  I just don't have enough storage space (no basements in FL) to do that.

[Dori & Rua]

Good thing you brought ice water for Rooney and that is awesome they have a little wading pool.  You and Rooney should drive out for a visit during the summer!  Rua can show Rooney how wading pool is done!

 

Oh yeah, basements!  Our house is "small" in comparison to the other houses on the golf course.  Our main level (ranch) is 2,200 square feet (great room, eat-in kitch, sep. dining room, laundry, powder, our bedroom suite & small office on main) and we finished 1,700 (2 bedrooms, bath, family room, game room, wine cellar, wet bar) of the basement's 2,200 square feet.  And I have a 3-car garage for our two cars.  If we ever more someplace warmer, I am going to have to remember NO BASEMENTS!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

Way to go, Rooney....and you should be proud of him!  If he really loves it, I can't imagine that moving to twice a week would "burn him out".  It's great physical and mental exercise for him.

[Kyoko]

Oh!! Rooney loves it!!! Have fun!!!

[Kim Williams]

Yea for you and Rooney.  I think twice a week is perfect.