-sigh- *1st agility class a disaster - need advice*

[Crikit]

Seeing as I help teach Agility classes perhaps I can help you a little.

You have to remember that people teach differently then others and it could take you a little while to get used to this new teachers style.

When we first start agility classes the head instructor goes over some of the rules of the class and the building and also over some of the things that students might need in the class. From there we go straight to the tunnel, the head instructo likes to explain each obstacle as she goes along.

As for Jack I actually go through the same thing with Beaker, only also inculde the IG need to zoom around the room at break necking speeds. What I've learned to do with him is either keep him focused on me while we are waiting our turn by working on other commands, flat work, or on attention commands or I keep him up in my arms unless of course I have his kennel there and then he goes in to his kennel while waiting our turn.

The waiting game is a big thing in agility classes because it's not like obdience classes where you can work on the stuff as the same time as everyone else. That's why I always find it good to work on the other stuff with my dogs while I'm waiting. Some of the things that I do are things like getting the dog to follow my lead hand, which doesn't need any equipment at all. I also do target work with my dogs where they target my hands which will later help when we are running on course because they learn to watch my hands. I have also be known to work on my side changes while waiting or even just working on the dogs commands for the side changes. It's also fairly easy to do attention work while you are waiting as all that really takes is praising your dog everytime they look towards you...I could explain that in more detail if you want.

Jack could have been acting like that for the first class because it was a new place, with new smells and new dogs. I've seen plenty of dogs that are really excited and hard to control for the first week or two of classes but who eventually settle down as they get used to everything going around them.

[Tralee]

This is what my agility instructor taught me to help Toby focus on me when there is distractions


My instructor is having me play a name game with Toby. When I say his name he should look at me within 2 seconds. You start off by having him on a leash and holding no longer then his body. Standing behind him you call his name once and if he doesn't immediatly turn around and look at you, you goose him or give a little pull on his tail to get his attention. As soon as he looks at you, you click and give a high value treat. You build up with more distraction such as other dogs and treat and toys on the ground. When he is consistently responding on a leash you caan move to a long line. You also want to back when you call his name so he has to chase you. You have to be very consistent. The most important thing is to have really good treat and a variety of treats.

[Fear_Nuclear]

I still love Jack don't worry!!!! I have some great advise for you!!! But I haven't thought of it yet But I hope that your second class goes better Remember Jack is the man!!!! I hope this helped you ALOT

[slleipnir]

I think you need to give him time. Zeke was like that at flyball at first. He still likes dogs and sometimes get distracted, but he became much better at focusing on me after a while. I think it was a new thing for him, and very exciting. Does he have a fav toy or treat? Try brining it and getting him to focus on it.

[pnance]

I'm sorry to hear your first class didn't go well. I confess it's a little odd to start with the tunnel but every instructor is different. I don't think there's a right or wrong on what to teach first. As for the waiting/distraction. Targeting helps to keep the focus on you. My class gave each of us a clear plastic small plate that we taught the dogs to touch then gave them a treat. Since it's clear it teaches them to focus on your hands. As for the waiting, our instructors recommended bring a favorite toy that you can play with him. Something like a rope to play tug of war, etc. Gets rid of energy, keeps focus on you, and is a reward for him. It works really well for an extremely hyper aussie in our class that if his owner let him would just sit there and bark and whine the entire class.

[tessa_s212]

Honestly, if the instructor was allowing you to correct your dog alot and was moving THAT fast, they probably aren't quality instructors. Is there any other place you could go? Have you check on www.apdt.com ?

A listing of training places in MI: http://www.otch.com/michigan.htm