Training Update - Aug. 27

Vacation homework
We each packed what equipment we could in the RV's. Our combined efforts yielded: 2 sets of 2 X 2's, 12 weave poles, portable chute, jumps & jump bumps, travel planks, crates & toys. With Sarah overseeing things, we put some great training together in the campground for our 10 canine traveling companions.

Agility
Back at home Bungee is working on small sequences for handling, jumping to height now (22 inches) some of the time. Most sequence of even 3 or 4 jumps offers an off course possibility to something attractive such as tunnel. Then working the sequence both ways, 1st to include the attractive line, and 2nd to run past following a different sequence with the same start and same attractive line, now an off course. Clear as mud? Well Bungee usually aces this one - that circle work is proving to have been worth it's weight in gold. Suffice it to say she will never have a problem turning.

We are also working on poles, table, and contacts. I still have not decided 100% if I would like to teach Bungee a running frame or not. But teaching the contact performance is a lengthy process, especially at the rate we're going with holidays and trips to the U.S. & Finland! Clearly it will be awhile yet until she see starts performing her contacts on equipment and so I still have time to make that decision.

Obedience
This week her performance suffered by lack of attention. She was easily distracted throughout the class and there were only 2 dogs present! ACK! Her skills were very good when she was paying attention, but there was not enough of that to make do. So since Guinness's Tues. night agility class has been moved to an earlier time, I have started slipping quietly in to a busy Beginner II obedience class with Bungee after Guinness's class ends. Bungee & I just work on the side and work attention, nothing else. We work 1 - 2 min. out on the floor and about 5 min. in the crate, and alternating on & off through the hour like this. We actually only get about 45 min. in after I pack off bag & crate from Guinness's class. What a world of difference even one night of such attention work made!

In obedience, Bungee's heeling is a little troublesome with preference for forging close to the front of my left leg. She wants to see all of me every second I think. We're adding U-turns now and we're also working on keeping her in place not lagging slightly. If it's not one thing it's another :-)) Other trouble spots are going down on her long sit, but her long down is good. Everything else is coming good.

Bungee's regular, group agility class is tonight and tomorrow a.m. we have a standing semi-private. Looking forward to both and what new little things our teacher will have for us tonight.

Parting thoughts
I am so lucky to have Guinness and Bungee. It's always a happy time running this black & white girl! There was a time I doubted I would ever enjoy training this much again, but the joy has surely returned to me and to Guinness too. He is really running like a million bucks again and we are having so much fun together too.

I know we have a very special little angel keeping her eye on us and cheering us on too. These moments with our dogs are just so marvelous. Guinness's class last night was just an absolute blast to see him turning on the juice and powering around with me. I came in from running Bungee this morning, and I was absolutely overjoyed with the fun we had. What a thrill to see your training coming to life as you share such a big love between you. Whatever would we do without these big-hearted dogs?

Happy Training...It's About Love