Stressed out at agility help!!!

Baby Ripley · #1 01-26-2009, 11:30 AM

I have enrolled Ripley for his second class of agility. We have been to two classes and so far I feel like quitting. I am having a problem with him wanting to play with the other dogs. I can have his full attention..then in a split second he looses my eye contact and focuses on another dog. Energy goes from 0 to 10...and he starts to go in charge mode, with the low grow. It takes all I can do to hang on to him when he is like this. Another problem is he will go through the tunnel, tire, chute...then he takes off in what ever direction. I'm at my wits end. He is the only boxer in this class, so other people think he is being agressive and pull their dogs away from him which make him want them more. Any and all idea's are welcome. Ripley is a year and a half . Thanks Kathy.

ehayes21 · #2 01-26-2009, 12:00 PM

Are you tiring him out before class? And how much obedience work have you done prior to joining this class? I know with my agility class we had to complete two ob classes before we could even start.

Baby Ripley · #3 01-26-2009, 02:46 PM

Are you tiring him out before class? And how much obedience work have you done prior to joining this class? I know with my agility class we had to complete two ob classes before we could even start

I take him for a least an hour walk before we go. He has been to a begginer obedience (8 week class) . He was about 7 months. Just so you know when we walk he walks at heal, sits at stops and comes on call. Its when we are around other dogs that he looses it. BTW I have 2 other dogs, and a cat. He is great with all three.

ehayes21 · #4 01-26-2009, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baby Ripley

Are you tiring him out before class? And how much obedience work have you done prior to joining this class? I know with my agility class we had to complete two ob classes before we could even start

I take him for a least an hour walk before we go. He has been to a begginer obedience (8 week class) . He was about 7 months. Just so you know when we walk he walks at heal, sits at stops and comes on call. Its when we are around other dogs that he looses it. BTW I have 2 other dogs, and a cat. He is great with all three.

Walks don't really do the trick when trying to burn off some energy. I might try the dog park or some place he can run off leash for a good 30 minutes before going.
Has your agility trainer suggested anything?

Baby Ripley · #5 01-27-2009, 11:26 AM

Thanks ehays!

Yes running him might be a good idea

The agility trainer keeps telling me to to try to maintain a positive connection and not to give up on him ....make him believe that I am the best thing since slice bread..so to speak..lol. Like I said before..when it is just the two of us he is the most well behaved dog. I am going to try running him before next class (Sunday) If his excitement doesn't die off a bit then maybe he need another obedience class. <sigh> I love the little guy to death!