Thursday, July 16, 2009

Lessons

I've been taking agility lessons since 1999. What aren't I better at this yet?

Tuesday we drilled front crosses. Basics, yet I'm still struggling. Shane is so fast, and if I hesitate for one second, it's over. I understand the technique; it's the execution that's causing me trouble.

At behavior class, I had to put Shane in a sit/stay as we entered the classroom. He did great until the instructor asked me to get a folding chair and set it up next to him. He looked so terrified. So my homework this week is to practice this exercise. Interesting.

Wednesday night we did great until I goofed and uttered a high pitched squeal. Shane instantly become very excited and knocked bars. I need to be very calm and low key when running him.

Thursday learned I can't lead out too far with Shane. He likes me to be moving when he jumps that first bar. Jane told me that Shane was totally tuned into me. Such pressure!

Friday learned that people are fallible. I had signed up Shane and Maggie for a tricks class. We piled everyone in the car and headed to the facility. Maggie threw up on the way. Got there and the person answering the door said the class was postponed a week. No one told me, but I hadn't followed up. So whatever. I had canceled my plans to go to the Reliant Show to watch friends just so I wouldn't miss Maggie's first class. I was pretty pissed, but we saved the evening by shopping. Took everyone to PetCo to buy treats.

Learned lots last week. I guess it keeps you young. So they say.

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