PawFest demo, our first event

[larrygs]

Layla and I were invited to demonstrate beginner agility at last weekend's PawFest. Others more advanced would show how it is really done. We have only been at this for 15 weeks. I immediately agreed, without much thought and without knowing what PawFest was.

I had been nervously telling my DW I was hoping there would be fences around the agility area. You can imagine what was going through my mind as we pulled up and saw how big the event was with many people, dogs, cars, tents, frisbees, food, loud speakers.... and a lake. Layla became charged up the moment we drove in. So many distractions, Layla wanting to explore them all, and not a hint of a fence. I, like everyone, was certain Layla was going to head everywhere except agility once we got started. Especially troubling was when she refused to make eye contact at the start. Yet once we got going, she was extremely connected, and did everything with eagerness and joy, including her first time on the large teeter. It was liberating as it occurred and we both gained a lot of confidence. Turns out she is quite the show off when it counts. I am so proud of her. We had a GREAT time.

We are hooked on agility and can't wait for real events! Just had to say something.

[whiskers]

No video??? Well this is a worthless thread.

I love it when they surprise us. Good girl, Layla! What a great experience too, doing it with all those distractions!

[Sansal]

That's great! What a good girl

[DiverDiva]

What a good girl you are, Layla, performing beautifully at PawFest!
Oscar has usually done very well at demonstrations, with one exception: the first time we did agility outdoors for my club's appearance at our state fair. He was so distracted that I felt I had no dog so I can appreciate how pleased you are with Layla.
BTW, Oscar redeemed himself last year with some fine agilty runs at the demo.
Carry on, Layla. Be sure to let us know how the first trial goes.

[larrygs]

Layla thanks all, ..... and has instructed her handler to get a video next time!

[whiskers]

Originally Posted by DiverDiva

Oscar has usually done very well at demonstrations, with one exception: the first time we did agility outdoors for my club's appearance at our state fair.

How come I've never seen agility at the state fair!!
I want to see more boxers doing agility. There was a training club that did a demo at this little dog park event last year but of course it was your typical border collie mix.

[larrygs]

I agree, it would be great to see more boxers doing agility. They certainly have the intelligence and athleticism for it. Plus it is a form of play, which boxers absolutely love, especially with people.

Their independent decision making and impulsiveness can be a wee bit challenging (LOL). However that makes it all the more rewarding. In addition, I have also learned the bond with your dog deepens.

So those of you who may be considering agility, go for it!

[DiverDiva]

Originally Posted by whiskers

How come I've never seen agility at the state fair!!
I want to see more boxers doing agility. There was a training club that did a demo at this little dog park event last year but of course it was your typical border collie mix.

My club does their demonstations at the fair on Tuesday, outside the pet building. Unless I have a scheduling conflict, there will be a Boxer there. If there are a lot of agility dogs and fewer obedience dogs, we will do obedience demos instead. Oscar likes to retrieve a dumbell over a jump, and I like all the expressions of surprise from the audience, e.g., "I didn't know Boxers could retrieve!"

[chrystel]

That's awesome!!! way to go!!!

DiverDiva.. actually, even my husband is quite skeptical that a "boxer" can do agility we prove him wrong every Sunday! hahahah

[johann]

Awesome, I'm glad Layla was such a good girl. It's funny how much they like to show off.