Harry is totally into agility
I am not sure if it is because we have been working on not pulling during walking but he is becoming more attentive to me during class. He has always waited patiently for his turn. When it was his turn all hell would break lose and mayhem would ensue as Harry ran wildly out of control over the equipment. Now he seems to get the sportsmanship and teamwork. A lot of the other owners praise him and say how great he looks doing the equipment. I have heard comments on how high he jumps and how fast he is. But this week we got a some real praise - last week we had a substitute teacher (one of the owners who teaches at the other location) so when we arrived at class this week the regular teacher (the other owner) told me that her co-owner had complimented me and Harry. She said that she does not hand out compliments very often.  I was thrilled and of course very proud of my boy!
He rocks going through the weave poles. But we are still using gates and wires because most of the dogs in his class hate the weave. His one teacher suggested I get him a set of weave poles. I am not sure how well he will do if there are no wires or gates but I do think he is ready to move on. I have been shopping for weave poles for him. I just bought a mini A-frame for Harry which he loves. We need to work on his contacts since he prefers to take a flying leap on and off the contact equipment thus missing the contacts.  Unfortunately if you put a "spot" board down (where a treat is placed when teaching "spot") then he stops and looks around for treats instead of continuing on with the course. So I have to figure out the balance between treating him and him leaping over the contact points. 
I just wanted to give those interested in our agility adventures a progress report and maybe do a little bit of bragging.  |
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Yea, Harry & Judi!!! 
I love to hear that Old English Sheepdogs can actually get through those weave poles. Nelson is more of an efficiency expert and would just take the shorter route.
Can't wait to meet you both at Sheepiepalooza... and be able to say we knew you before you were both really famous! 
Nita & Nelson, Jr. |
| I love to hear how Harry is doing in agility. It is so fun for the dogs, and fun to watch, too!
Quote: Unfortunately if you put a "spot" board down (where a treat is placed when teaching "spot") then he stops and looks around for treats instead of continuing on with the course. So I have to figure out the balance between treating him and him leaping over the contact points.
Have you done any clicker-training with Harry? That would help in this area, as the treat always comes "after" he does the right thing. The treat is OK at first as a lure, but with a clicker the treat is not a distraction, as he has to figure out what you want him to do. Only THEN does he gets a click and treat. This way it can be used to shape his contact to what you are looking for, by focusing on that all by itself. Click and treat as he gets closer each time. Then you can add it to the rest of the activity. Something to talk to your trainer about.. |
| No helpful hints as I've only admired agility from a distance, but I do want to say CONGRATS!! on getting Harry to enjoy it! |
WOW  that is amazing Judi! Good boy Harry! |
| Yay Harry! Sounds like fun for him and work for you! Will he do a demo for us at Sheepiepalooza? |
Valerie wrote: Yay Harry! Sounds like fun for him and work for you! Will he do a demo for us at Sheepiepalooza?
Actually we are both bonding very well over this. It is fun being a team - they say that but it is really true. Yes, he IS the demo boy for Sheepiepalooza. But I am sure he will be completely uncooperative when the day arrives. Although I am hoping not since I have been so anxious for his breeder to see him do this and she is supposed to be at the picnic Sunday. Keep your paws crossed that he doesn't embarrass himself any more than usual. LOL |
Way to go Harry  |
I hope someone attending the festivities will record Harry's performance on video for the rest of us....please  pretty please  |
| Way to go Harry! I can't wait to see him do his stuff!!
Chewie's mom was an agility demon - very fast and high energy girl. She had a spinal cord injury and is in rehab now - similar to the others on the forum, just no surgery involved. (Not r/t activity - like a stroke to the spinal cord). It should be interesting to see if the Chew Monster has any of his mom's energy - he is such a low key guy so far. Congrats on the compliment, Judi and Harry. That is so nice to hear! |
YAY HARRY! 
Keep up the great work! |
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