Since we are coming to the end of our summer series of Agility with Andrea, I thought it might be a good idea to journal where we are at in Tally’s training.
Last night Andrea had two courses set up. My classmate chose the more difficult one, which would probably be categorized as an “international type” course. Depending of course on who you ask, because some people really don’t like that designation….
For Tally I chose the more flowing course. I really didn’t feel like trying to pull him around awkward jump angles and having him plow through jumps because he was confused about where to go.
So here is where we are at during training: If I remain calm, if I give good direction, he pretty much goes where I tell him and keeps the jumps up. And he is still fast. If I get worried, freaked out, hurried, he mirrors that and bars come down. So I really need to work on that. Flow…. Got to get it.
We talked a little about running courses in trials and how it feels. I often feel that I don’t see the dog much when I am running at a trial. I mean, obviously when they are weaving, and sometimes in between obstacles, but the definition is a bit blurred. Like I am not really in the moment. Which can probably be attributed to stress, and probably something I need to work on.
Lots to think about.