Mocca's 4th Agility Class

At tonight's class we only had 4 dogs which was nice. We started out doing some jumps to warm up as usual then went over & practiced the A-Frame multiple times. Mocca RUNS over & up this thing which is where the "Target" practice comes in handy. At the top of the a-frame I tell her "TARGET" & she knows to slow down because there is a treat at the bottom. This way we make sure to hit all the contacts at the end of the A-frame.

Next we moved onto a sequence. We did 2 jumps with a lead out (me in front while Mocca sits behind the first jump), and then onto the plank & then over 3 more(1 big jump) jumps - all around in a large circle so we end up back where we started. It was exhausting!!! Mocca flies through things so quickly I have to run to keep up with her & stay ahead of the game. I have to be ahead to direct her where to go. I am POOPED. But we did really well & ran 1 whole sequence flawlessly. We still have that problem with her running off with her nose down to find stray treats but it is getting better.

Then we learned the Teeter Totter! This is one of the most challenging tasks because it moves when they walk over it & can be very frightening. We started out with a table on the other end so the tetter totter doesnt go all the way to the ground & is less scary. We lead the dog over slowly & Try to get them to slow down at the crest so when it tips they are ready - then there is a plate with cheese whiz on it for reward. Very fun. Mocca of course runs across without a thought except that there is cheese whiz to be had. All the dogs did it very well. Next week we will use a table that isnt as tall & then the last week it will go all the way to the ground.

Next we did some practice with the weave poles - Mocca is getting better & better at them. We are doing 6 now instead of 4 & she is finally starting to learn to turn her body around the poles & I think learn what "weave" means. We ran a sequence that was jump, big jump, tunnel & weave. We did quite well.

Last we learned a new game to play at home which I thought was a really good thing to learn & everyone should try it. It's called "1-2-3". What you do really is say "1" and give your dog a treat in an excited tone...do the same with "2"...and then at "3" you get REALLY EXCITED & dash off in the other direction so your dog will follow & then when they do you give them the treat. The goal is then that your dog learns that 1-2-3 means come run after you! It is very good training really & the trainer said she's heard of more than 1 story where this has saved a dog's life running out into traffic or something. They hear "1-2-3" and come running because they know it is SO EXCITING! and they will get rewarded.

Looking forward to next week!!