Elise+Hudson

Was a bit much excitement for my Aussie boy, he crossed his threshold reasonably easily when there were a lot of dogs or exciting games going on. He was also a little upset by the scuffle, but I think he will be fine - He loves goldens. Still learnt a whole heap and have a lot of work to do with him now.

Cleo, I am glad to know I won't be the only one!! Hudson is a great dog, and he is smart.. but he is overly freindly - loves everyone and everything! Can't help saying hello to everyone he sees, much more exciting than coming back to mum! :D

The bike I am looking at has a seat with suspension - was super comfy in the bike shop today, strange at first as it sinks when you sit down onto it! Anyone have something like this? http://www.malvernstar.com.au/range/bike-3041.aspx

Looks like I might be getting a bike! Then can start training when it cools down a little!

Getting very nervous! You guys will all know me by the crazy Aussie causing trouble! :D

Sorry I was under the impression withholding the challenge and non-awarding were essentially the same thing. I know a young afghan can look very different in coat to an adult dog, but if it's structure is correct and it moves correctly then surely the judge will be able to understand the difference in coat? I just don't understand withholding challenges for young/immature dogs which are otherwise a good fit to the standard? I have never been non-awarded/withheld the challenge, but I have had a judge tell me after giving my dog a runner up that he would have got the breed if he was a bit more mature, and that in his/her opinion was the better dog. I just find that extremely frustrating? But I am getting off topic! :)

I might try and find a cheap bike somewhere.. :p I don't think I will be fit enough in time to do it - maybe if I was working towards next year, but not yet! Thanks for your advice!

Too immature to award a challenge? If the judge believes the dog not to fit the standard enough to be awarded the challenge, that is it. I find it hard to see how immaturity does not fit the standard? I doubt this happens all that commonly, more likely with a young dog you get placed down the line in the challenge. But to be non awarded for immaturity?

Yes running on the outside of the poles. I don't have the 2x2 handbook or DVD, going off what I have read and also seen on online videos. I might have to go back to the 2x2 method and start over. I will see if I can buy the dvd this week, seems like a lot of people like it.

Does anyone know where to find the details on Greg Derrett's online courses are, when they start and how much? The website takes me to a password only page and can't get any more details on it?

I do :) And she is learning with me.. At this stage we will be going to our first competition together, she is an experienced trainer, but not as experienced with agility competition. But I can only get to her once every week or two when our schedules work out, looking to continue training in the backyard.

I am starting to get stuck and struggling without a lot of help. Anyone in NSW have any useful DVD's they might be able to loan me for a short while? I am going to start buying them slowly, but they are so expensive here in Aus!

I am sorry, this is probably something that gets asked a lot, but I am really starting to struggle teaching agility on my own when I have never trialed before. I want to get ready to start trialing, and I think the weaves are going to be our downfall! I have tried the susan garrett 2x2 weaves. We got stuck and could not move past 2 sets of poles still at a reasonable distance, and Hudson was getting so overexcited and would just run past the weaves all the time looking for a ball. (hugely treat motivated dog, rather than food!) So I am now starting with slanted poles, and he seems to be getting the idea a little.. But I am just not sure how we are ever going to get there! How did you train the weaves, did you try a few methods? Any ideas what might work for us? He used to get super excited about jumping or any training and I don't want to ruin him.. he isn't seeming to enjoy this as much. It also might be the heat bothering him, but I just don't know. Sorry guys, I am just getting a little disheartened, he is such a good dog, I don't want to ruin him...

Ok, going to have to really work on my running if I am going to be able to make it! Sounds like finding a cheap bike will be the best bet!

Has anyone here done this with their dog running? I am hoping to get to being able to run the 20km as I don't have a bike at the moment, although might have to look into getting one. How long are the breaks between legs?

My family have always been interesting when naming animals! Dogs: Max Bundy Cola and now Hudson Cats: Jack Whoopi Molly Boots Hamish Flynn Horses: Shamrock McFlurry/Spud Bear Frosty Boof Pickles Bailey Elrond/Ronny Meteorologist/Horrace Filly - still nameless and she has just turned 1!

Keen to find out when the NSW tests are on. :) If after 9th of June Hudson will be 2 and able to compete - have to get myself ready to run that far too!

I will do that, thanks Megan :) If I have treats and can get his attention he usually does ok. Like this morning we were agility training with another dog in the ring and he could do his series of jumps, tunnels etc without getting distracted until the end! :p

Just had a training session this morning Ok I am getting super nervous now.. I am so afraid me and my dog will get kicked out!! I just read all about the games and highly doubt we could do them.. hes a super friendly dog, but easily distracted by other dogs/people and when he does get distracted his recall is very average... Maybe I can try and teach him a better recall over the next 2 weeks.. but omg, slightly panicking now!

I have just been approved to attend with Hudson, a little nervous that I won't be good enough.. but also excited!

He was improved again tonight when it comes to the entrance between two poles now. :) Can go further than 180 degrees when he is coming around my right into the entrance, but can hardly get further than straight onto the poles when he comes from my left.. obviously need to improve that side a bit!! Put a couple of jumps back up and the end of the session, have not done any jump work for a while and he did surprisingly well given our break. Going to the trainers on Friday night to use the tunnels and contact equiptment, so that will be a nice change in the routine for him.

Thanks guys for the encouragement! He actually does love to chase a particular ball, but he is getting so worked up at the moment I think he forgets that he needs to do something = go through the poles before I will throw it for him! :D

I have started attempting the 2x2 weave training with hudson :) Just have to get some higher value treats to try tomorrow as will soon have to add the 2nd set of poles into the equation! He is doing pretty well so far, you could tell in the 2nd session (today) that it was starting to click that - oh, I go 'between' the poles.. haha Just to get better entrances from further behind the poles, I can't get past 180 degrees so far, but I am willing to take the time with him until he gets it. :D

No club nearby unfortunately.. minimum 2 hour drive to get to the closest, and it just isn't feasible after work. Thanks though, I will have a look at youtube some more and look into the michael ellis dvds. Hudson is pretty focused when we are training, and he learns tricks quickly. :D

Hey guys - are there any DVD's you found useful when first starting out in obedience? I am having a lot of trouble doing this on my own.. I have never done obedience before and I am now working with an 18mth dog who knows some basics, is VERY smart and I know would be awesome if I could get myself together and actually teach him properly!! I am struggling with heeling training.. getting that nice close focused heel and also with the sits, drops and stands that come with it! I know I am probably not doing it right or going about it the right way.. but I don't know how to start!