AGILITY TRAINING - JUST THE TWO OF US

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Someone asked me who was Leo more attached to – me or Harley? Hummmmm?

Harley and Leo have been close since day three (it took exactly two days for them to bond)…

If they asked this same question and referenced any other two legged family member I could unconsciously blurt out -  “me!” But because they asked me to choose between Harley and I – there was hesitation in my voice when I replied with a questionably meek  tone – “me?”

The question the person asked had no motive or hidden agenda behind it, they were simply inquisitive. However, I’m not kidding when I tell you this one question haunted me. I couldn’t stop thinking – unlike Harley, Leo’s never had “all of me!”  It’s always been the three of us.

In three years we’ve never spent any real “doodle mom and me” time together. Curious – I sought after information regarding dogs that are NEVER separated from one another. I mean, I take both boys to the vet, when only one needs to be seen! I always focused on “not” separating them. And now I wondered if I was doing something wrong.

Among tons of articles I discovered that:

1. I’m not a bad doodle mom
2. It is never too late to start spending “quality-time” with Leo

Taking into consideration that I probably should select an activity which both he and I would enjoy, I knew immediately whatever we did, it would have to be outdoors.

After more internet research and constant dialog with other multi-dog pet parents, I believed“Agility Training” would best entertain the two of us. The four main benefits all made pawfect doodle sense to me! Agility Training would:

1. fulfill my dogs natural instinct
2. be great exercise for my dog
3. help me get in shape too! HEY NOW!
4. help strengthen the bond between me and my dog – BAZINGA!

Old Towne Pet Resort had a class starting in June, AND Harley could ride with us, and hang out in day camp while Leo and I trained.

We started our 6 session class on Saturday. With an 8am start time, I was so excited – we got there 15 minutes before they opened…

Karen the instructor made furrends fast. She is such the “Doodle Whisperer”, Leo gravitated to her quickly…

Oscar (the hound dog) and his pet parent, along with Leo and I, waited patiently as they adjusted and moved some of the equipment…

I thought Leo would be afraid of the A-frame apparatus…

Turns out that was his favorite thing to do…

He mastered it quickly and would pause at the top for his reward…

As a matter of fact anything with height seemed to be a breeze for him. To include the “narrow board”…

The tire is a totally different story all together. He’s supposed to walk through it. Let’s just say for week #1 our greatest accomplishment was getting him to stick his head through it…

We listened intently to our instructions on the proper way to maneuver the “jumps”…

For Leo – this was more like a”hop”, but Karen assured me the poles will be higher next week…

I must say though, Leo get a pawfect score when it comes to the table position. He can follow my silent hand command, get up there and sit pawfectly still for a count of 5. With this part mastered, it now frees us up to focus on 9 things vs. 10 – HA!…

The class is small. On on hand that’s pawtastic – it allows for a bunch of “hands on” attention, but on the other hand – 90 minutes is a long time when there’s only two in the class.

Towards the end, Katy dropped by to see Leo in action. He jumped up on her as if to say “please tell her I’ve had enough for today”, and with only 14 minutes left in the class, for us it was a wrap…

So with a “farewell / good job” kiss from his teacher, we were off to grab Harley from camp, then home for some breakfast and a mid morning muttssage from me…

I’m looking forward to the rest of the classes. I don’t feel bad not including Harley – I believe he enjoyed his solo moment, and I had a ball spending time with Leo. This is a pawrrific thing for us to do.

Modern Dog Magazine has a great article on “15 Minutes To A Better Bond With Your Dog”, it’s a good read check it out…

For the next 6 days, I’m gonna practice my “touch” command, and Leo is gonna practice his“response” to my touch command, and we promise to take more photos to share.

I have on good authority that Harley wasn’t fazed at all with Leo’s absence. They said for him it was “doodle business” as usual.

Thanks for reading, come back soon and read some more…

[Cathy C. Bennett]

We tried to treats but he wasn't moved with that one. I will let you know how throwing Wilson through works out. You're talking about the "shoot" where there's material that they have to plow through. I'm not even holding high hopes for that on Saturday. We've got some work to do before we attempt that one.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

You can start clicker training now. The click marks the behavior you are looking for and is always followed by a treat. I have taught Riley today to put his two feet on the ramp and now just say ON and he goes to the ramp and put his two front feet on. I now have to find a way to teach him to just put his two back feet on....that will be harder.

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

Riley knew the tunnel from Day Care and I know they start by throwing treats into the tunnel and then when the dog is in go to the other end with more treats.  Once he goes through lots and lots of praise and more treats. Riley loves the tunnel now even the one where he has to lift the end which is closed. 

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Oh wow - are you smart! I didn't do clicker training with the boys so I have to go through touch the hard way. Leo loves everything except the tunnels, he is afraid. Please show pics next week when you go back. I will post on their website again Sunday night after Saturday's training class. Thanks for sharing!

[Nicky, Riley & Boris]

I just started an Agility class with Riley last night it was so much fun. Luckily I did a lot of clicker training with him already and he knows touch but boy I was tired out by the end of it. Love your photo's. Hopefully I will have some next week too!

[Cathy C. Bennett]

Please tell me how you got Gracie to go through the tunnel. Leo won't have anything to do with it! I am seriously thinking about taking Wilson to training with us on Saturday and tossing it through first and hoping for the best. 

[Nancie & Gracie Doodle]

I did the Agility Training with Gracie Doodle mainly for the bonding and fun.  We really enjoyed it.  She loved the tunnel!  

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

Great story-and great idea!   Thanks for sharing!