New to agility

Baby Ripley · #1 09-21-2008, 08:55 AM

Ripley had his first agility class last week. The class was based on a introduction to the equipment. Toward the end of the class each dog was put through the tunnel. Ripley was reluctant to go through, but was lots of help..he did. I guess I am wondering if there are any tricks to the trade to help him along. He recieved lots of praise, and did the bean for about 2 mins

Also wondering if anyone would know of a good beginners book for this sport.

Thanks much

Caney Creek · #2 09-21-2008, 10:59 AM

Good for Ripley!

I don't know a whole lot about agility, but I've been thinking that it would be a really great thing for Caney to do to help boost her confidence. I assume the best thing to help Ripley through it would be to keep up with the sessions, and he'll get better and better.

Box Boys · #3 09-24-2008, 11:58 AM

How old is Ripley? I can't wait to take Buster for agility training but heard you should wait until they are at least 12 months old (if not older). It's going to be a long wait. Buster is already showing signs that he would do well. We have a large landscaped area in our back yard with three rows of different bushes of different heights and they all stagger each other. Buster already (on his own) finds it great fun to run through them as if it's his own agility course. He also likes to hide in the bushes from us - a little game of his. He wants us to find him and then he runs off like lightening.

I'm excited for you that you are able to take Riley in for classes already! I love the kidney bean move!! I've heard you can buy equipment for your back yard too...maybe you could put the tunnel in your yard and let Riley get used to it more.

Baby Ripley · #4 09-25-2008, 07:52 PM

Ripley just turned 1 year on the 9th of this month. It is so funny because this week at class he went through the tunnel..no problem..It was the weave poles where he froze...lol. I am learning that it might be something diferent each class until he feels comfy with the exercise.
Your right Buster sounds like he would have a blast at agility. The class that I am in has such a positve enviroment. Its all about fun! There are no bad dogs and no dog can make a mistake! I am thinking about buying some agility equipment. I think it might help also.
Boxers are so funny looking when they are running wild lol. Goog luck with you little guy, he sounds like a lot of fun.

Sepra · #5 09-30-2008, 06:55 AM

When I was at toys r us with my kids, I saw they had a huge American Kennel Club section with all kinds of their products including agility jumps, tunnels, weave polls etc. I looked online and they only advertise two jumps but it might be worth looking into. The prices are reasonable enough.

I'm glad you're having fun with agility.

It's something I've been really thinking of doing lately with my dogs.

Box Boys · #6 09-30-2008, 07:25 PM

My kids have gotten older, so it's been a long time since we've been to Toys R Us. I'm surprised they have an AKC dog section. Amazing. I will definitely be buying some agility equipment for my back yard, but will wait until Buster is older.

Baby Ripley · #7 10-01-2008, 10:19 AM

Thanks fot the info...will check it out for sure

. We have classs tonight. I can hardly wait!

chrystel · #8 10-21-2008, 02:15 PM

we just started - on our second class, Oxford did awesome!
he passed the tire, simple jump,. tunnel, A-frame and walk-it (the bridge)

he loves it and is very tired afterwards.

there are online, simple plans to make your own with PVC pipes

Baby Ripley · #9 10-23-2008, 06:30 PM

Horay for Oxford!!!! It is great that he is doing so well!!! We have one more class next week , then thats it until Jan. Ripley does well, but he gets distracted very easily. He will tunnel...and if there is any excitment in front of him..he's gone..lol. He is still young so it is a work in progress. He enjoys it and has a good sleep afterwards

Good luck with your baby

chrystel · #10 10-24-2008, 11:38 AM

Thanks! good luck with your too!

Oxford is still very young, the jumps are very low (like a step for him)
we are still on the leash.. otherwise, i'm pretty sure he would be over there, chasing birds

we are the only 2 boxers in the group (Snatch and Oxford)

otherwise, it's sheltie-land

there is a Briard, a westie, a groenlandael, .. and shelties/collies everywhere