Private Agility Classes?

[koalathebear]

Random question - there are plenty of trainers around who give private obedience classes. Does anyone know of a trainer who gives private agility classes in the Canberra area?

My two Kelpies love agility to bits and are currently in intermediate - Elbie's actually quite a bit better than Hoover because he's been doing it longer. We have been told that we're going to have to move into the trialling class next term with all of the advanced people/triallers. One, to make room for the next batch of people and two, because they're both getting to a relatively proficiently level. They're actually very good - I'm not a great handler. But we all have fun.

I don't want to trial and don't really want to be in the trialling class with all of the serious agility people because the intermediate class offers the degree of fun and complexity that we enjoy. It's looking like we might have to drop out of club classes after the end of this term. The people are friendly enough but I've heard enough of the less than nice comments made about non-triallers like: "So and so has been bringing her dogs to training for almost 2 years and never even bothered to trial" like it's a bad thing or something. Yes I could just develop a thick skin and bring my dogs to that class anyway, but I just don't think we'd have fun anymore.

I have some of my own agility equipment - jumps, chute, tunnel, weave poles - but it's the full course that's most fun and there's no way I have the space for see-saw, dog walk, a-frame etc :) So if anyone knows of any private instructors, please let me know because we really don't want to stop. I've never heard of anything - but thought it was worth asking!

Thanks in advance!

Edited August 8, 2012 by koalathebear

[Kavik]

KTB,

Most triallers are friendly and don't bite :) I'm sorry you have heard some negative comments I encourage those in the pre-trialling class to consider trialling, and suggest they go and watch some and remind them that a novice course is easier than what they encounter in training (as pre-trialling and trialling people train on the same sequences). Most people, including triallers, are in it for fun and the challenge and I have found that people are very helpful (including at trials).

Even if you don't decide to trial, I have found that I improve my training and handling when I train with better and more experienced people, I prefer to not be the most experienced person there.

I don't know who is around in Canberra for private lessons, sorry, hopefully someone can help with that.

[aussielover]

I've heard there are waiting lists to get into agility classes in Canberra so perhaps that is why triallers are a bit miffed that some people who have the privilege of going to classes don't trial? Not that I think that is an excuse to be rude or make someone feel unwelcome.

I don't know of anyone doing private lessons in Canberra but perhaps you could ask your current instructor or even some of there more experienced triallers in your club?

[koalathebear]

I've been with the club since 2010 and know/know of pretty much all of the people in the trialling class. Many are lovely human beings.

I've also attended quite a few agility trials as a spectator and stewarded at trials so know enough to know what I do not enjoy and what my dogs aren't likely to enjoy. We love running around the field for an hour without pressure and at present, the intermediate classes are perfect for that. It's a shame that there aren't any private classes. It's sad but I might end up dropping agility and doing something else with them - perhaps DWD where there isn't the same intensity/expectation about competition. aussielover - you are right, there is a very long waiting list for agility so I can see why people like me are seen as a bit of a waste of time if we don't intend to trial.

[Kavik]

That's too bad KTB

Shame you aren't closer - there are lots of clubs here! About 5 within 45 mins of my house! Some of the clubs are bigger than others, but there is certainly room for those who just want to do it for fun.

I am glad that in NSW there is also ADAC agility - competitions but a lot smaller and less formal than ANKC trials - a good way to get your feet wet and have fun.

[aussielover]

Can't you just ask if you can stay in intermediate then? Maybe just say you can't make it at the time the advanced class is on or something?

I'd be inclined to at least try some of the trialling classes rather than drop out completely.

Are you worried your dogs would misbheave or DQ in a trial? Because the majority of novice dogs in all of the trials I've been to have been DQ'ed and some have run around like lunatics. I was worried myself about DQing and my dog going feral and both have happened and its really not a big deal. People are more focussed on themselves and their dog to worry about what other people are doing with their dogs!

[megan_]

Not all dogs enjoy trialling, there is nothing wring with that. After all, agility is meant to be about having fun with your dog. They don't care about letters after their name.

I've heard that some judges in Vic get narky if you play with your dog or rouse them up - I don't want my dogs to think agility is a serious thing.

I also agility with my girl and she will never trial, at least it isn't in my plan. Agility has helped build her confidence immensely but it has been hard to find a club for a dog that won't ever earn a title.

[aussielover]

Really? I am surprised that so many clubs seem to be only for "serious": competitors. Most of the Sydney clubs couldn't really care if you trial with your dogs or not. I am a member of 3 different groups and none of them have put any pressure at any time to trial, except to tell us that it is a lot of fun.

If you think your dog won't enjoy the trial environment that is totally understandable- it can be a bit full on and a lot of sitting around and hanging out with other dogs etc.

ETA= I am sure there would be someone in Canberra who would do private lessons. I hope you can work something out KTB!

Edited August 9, 2012 by aussielover

[wuffles]

In defence of clubs in Canberra, we only have a very small population and finding volunteers to teach classes is VERY difficult... if we had more volunteers we could offer more classes, so I think that's where the attitude may come from. Unfortunately all the volunteers are also very busy with their own dogs so it's a vicious cycle :)

[koalathebear]

In defence of clubs in Canberra, we only have a very small population and finding volunteers to teach classes is VERY difficult... if we had more volunteers we could offer more classes, so I think that's where the attitude may come from. Unfortunately all the volunteers are also very busy with their own dogs so it's a vicious cycle :)

Absolutely. The waiting list is long and some people have been waiting for ages. In the beginners group, some of the people elected to start trialling after only one term and are super keen so of course it's 'fair' that they should get priority. One of my dogs has been doing it 1 year and the other 6 months.

aussielover- it's about the equipment as much as the handling :D O to have the space to set up my own private agility course :)

I think agility requires so much more additional effort and is more time/equipment intensive that there's more of an expectation that you will take it 'seriously'. With obedience, I think there are far less of an expectation for people to go to trialling etc.

Edited August 9, 2012 by koalathebear

[megan_]

KB - it is interesting that the top triallers - GD and the like - spend about 2 years doing foundation before they trial!

[Kavik]

I've found obedience people much more 'serious' than agility!

Even if you trial, I like that in agility the focus is on making it a good ring experience for the dog, more so than getting it right.

[Guest Panzer Attack!]

I also agility with my girl and she will never trial, at least it isn't in my plan. Agility has helped build her confidence immensely but it has been hard to find a club for a dog that won't ever earn a title.

That's really sad In the foundation class at the agility club I'm a member of, there are 4 of us and only 2 want to trial (and the two that don't are much more relaxed and better at agility than the two of us that do :laugh:). The more I get into agility, the more I understand WHY so many don't want to/can't trial, it puts an immense amount of pressure on the dog! I still want to do it, and I've only been in the classes for 2 months(ish), but my outlook, expectations and training plans are vastly different and I'm now doing a lot of independent research.

Blah blah blah, I wish there were more options out there for people that don't want to trial, and it's a problem that is only going to get bigger as more people learn about agility and want to get involved.

[Tassie]

Can't you just ask if you can stay in intermediate then? Maybe just say you can't make it at the time the advanced class is on or something?

I'd be inclined to at least try some of the trialling classes rather than drop out completely.

Are you worried your dogs would misbehave or DQ in a trial? Because the majority of novice dogs in all of the trials I've been to have been DQ'ed and some have run around like lunatics. I was worried myself about DQing and my dog going feral and both have happened and its really not a big deal. People are more focussed on themselves and their dog to worry about what other people are doing with their dogs!

Sorry OT a bit ... but I couldn't resist saying that it's not just Novice dogs that can do this. Masters dogs can be pretty good at it too . Friend's Whippet redesigned a course one time - the lovely judge said he actually preferred the dog's course to the one actually on the ground :laugh: . But you're right in saying that most people either don't notice much, or have "been there. done that" and are sympathetic.

[koalathebear]

I've found obedience people much more 'serious' than agility!

I can only speak from personal experience. For instance, both my dogs have already passed silver obedience and are in Gold but there's no worries about hanging around in Gold class forever. Similarly, last term I took Hoover back to do silver again just for fun and socialisation (because there is no gold class on Thursday nights) and there was absolutely no problem with that. There are more instructors for obedience - but I also feel like with obedience, people just accept more that you can be doing it just for fun/enrichment. By picking agility which is so much more effort, I think people just think you should be Doing More or Aiming Higher.

Are you worried your dogs would misbheave or DQ in a trial? Because the majority of novice dogs in all of the trials I've been to have been DQ'ed and some have run around like lunatics. I was worried myself about DQing and my dog going feral and both have happened and its really not a big deal. People are more focussed on themselves and their dog to worry about what other people are doing with their dogs!

It's a consideration that crosses my mind but it's not the main reason I don't want to trial. The bolting and zoomies is actually hilarious at trials.

For me, agility practice is sooooo much fun - one hour of running around the field with your dog(s). By contrast, a trial is several minutes of running around with your dog and a lot of waiting/organisation/stress and hanging around with the other triallers (sometimes a whole day) - none of which would be fun for me. I know it's very rewarding and fun for some, and that is great for those who enjoy it - but it really isn't what floats my boat or that of my dogs.

Edited August 9, 2012 by koalathebear

[Kavik]

Apart from the competition and running my dog, I like trials as a way to catch up with friends who I don't get to train with, watch some amazing (and some hillarious!) runs, have a day to myself without the kids, and have a whole day I can spend with my dog/talk about and watch dogs without people thinking I am crazy :laugh:

ETA: In Sydney there are several people who I know of that give private lessons

Edited August 9, 2012 by Kavik

[megan_]

Are you able to join the trialling class and just not trial? Maybe come up with an "excuse" (not that you need one) to shut them up (eg I'm following Greg Derrett's advice and not trialling them until they are well above novice level).

[DeltaCharlie]

Are you going to be at the BDOC trial next weekend stewarding again? Tailwag and I will be there (the idiots who have entered 7 x 500 height border collies in a small trial :laugh: ) If we aren't running around like headless chooks going back and forth between rings and swapping dogs I will try and get over to have a chat with you. We just might be able to help :)