Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Agility Trial Jitters

Now that Rudy has moved on to Open Jumpers and Standard, I am already feeling the jitters of 3 days of trialing, starting in only 2 days!  The sweltering 90 degree temps don't help a hairy dog who whithers in heat to the speed of a Basset Hound on a mission (no offense to any Bassets doing agility!).  Added to my worries is bringing my baby (without a sibling helper the first day), who is not known by her loved ones for being "easy".  Fortunately, the trial is in a beautiful outdoor location which baby M will love.  So, as long as she can get her naps, I hope this will be a fun getaway from our daily routine!

I have begun to work through Linda Mecklenburg's Handling Skills book.  So far, Rudy is reading my handling well.  The one exception would be rear crosses (which we've NEVER done).  It is fun to have a training "plan" when I head out to work with him.  I look forward to the more complex handling issues that will pop up in the next few lessons.  Unfortunately, I must take the next few days off of practice in order to increase Rudy's drive/desire to play agility.  He loves it, but absence definately makes his heart grow fonder!