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July 6, 2015

Agility Class Boot Camp

Before putting buns on the grill at a Fourth of July barbeque, Penny and I got our buns grilled at our very first agility class with Chicago Agility. It was a great training experience for us both.  When we walked in, neither Penny nor I was certain
Before putting buns on the grill at a Fourth of July barbeque, Penny and I got our buns grilled at our very first agility class with Chicago Agility. It was a great training experience for us both. Rhodesian Ridgeback, chicago, agility, puppy

When we walked in, neither Penny nor I was certain what to expect

Rhodesian Ridgeback, chicago, agility, puppy

Despite having run for an hour at the beach earlier that afternoon, Penny was still itching to let loose at the beginning of the lesson

Dee, the Director of Training, is part ringleader, part maestro, and 100% awesome. In just our first class she dropped so much new training knowledge, tactics and strategy on us that my head is still spinning.

What I enjoy most about the class is the focus and attention it requires from both Penny and myself.

Rhodesian Ridgeback, chicago, agility, puppy

Of course, Penny wasn’t focused on me at first – she just wanted to romp with the other pups

Rhodesian Ridgeback, chicago, agility, puppy

When I wouldn’t budge, Penny gave me the stink-eye and resigned herself to sniffing around the ladder

Rhodesian Ridgeback, chicago, agility, puppy

Which is just what we were hoping for! We’re taking baby steps to shape a positive relationship with the equipment. Each time Penny interacted with the ladder she got lots of treats and praise

Rhodesian Ridgeback, chicago, agility, puppy

By the end of the exercise Penny was practically a firefighter with the way she was going up and down the ladder. Granted, it was not even close to the right form, but we’re only just getting started

Rhodesian Ridgeback, chicago, agility, puppy

No that’s not an evil creature (well, I guess it depends on who you ask), that’s Penny checking out the tunnel at the end of class

Rhodesian Ridgeback, chicago, agility, puppy

Whether she darted through to get to me or to prison-break herself so she could play with the other dogs is anyone’s guess

Rhodesian Ridgeback, chicago, agility, puppy

Ok, no guessing needed. It was a prison break. The inmate was quickly apprehended

Rhodesian Ridgeback, chicago, agility, puppy

After the physical exhaustion of the beach and the mental exhaustion of class, Penny-girl slept like a rock

I think this agility class is going to be great for Penny, me and Eko’s sanity. He’s certainly earned some quiet time. We have plenty of homework to keep us busy so I’ll be sure to share some of the fun training-exercises we learn along the way.

Hope everyone stateside enjoyed the holiday!

Comments for Agility Class Boot Camp

  1. What a great experience for all of you. I’m sure Penny’s jailbreaks will become less and less of an issue. Agility was made for dogs like Penny and with you by her side to show her the ropes, I’m sure we’ll be hearing about the record breaking times you guys set! Have a blast.

  2. Emmadog says:

    Sounds like a good plan for learning and getting familiar. Bailie and I love our tunnel at home, so when Bailie had an intro to dog sports class, she was one of only a few pups who couldn’t get enough of running through the tunnel.

  3. This is going to be GREAT!!! Can’t wait for updates! You are a training guru…..the fact that YOU have so much more to learn makes my head spin!! How could that be????Seriously!! If you lived closer I would hire you 😉

  4. Kismet says:

    Firefighter? She’s closer to being an arsonist.

  5. Penny looks like she had a great time! As I said, my sister’s dog just LOVED showing off with the equipment and had a ball – AND it tired him out and he slept better and behaved better overall……….!

    Hugs, Pam and Sam

  6. Cupcake says:

    Penny, your stink-eye is MASTERFUL! Best. Stink-eye. EVER. And good work at class, too!

    Love and licks,
    Cupcake

  7. C Taylor says:

    I wish we had something like that where we live. Bentley does need some stimulation, other than eye-balling the squirrels outside the front door . I hope Eko enjoys his time by himself. How often does the class meet?

  8. Shana and Hobbes says:

    I think you and Penny are going to have an awesome time! It will be fun to hear how you both do. Hobbes often knows where he is supposed to go and I mess him up going the wrong way 🙂 It will also be interesting to see what obstacle Penny likes the best. Hobbes has tunnel suction unless there is an a-frame nearby. He will always try to take the a-frame!

  9. My dream is to have a dog I can take through agility classes one day! I attended a few intro courses with Rufus and while he was smart enough to run the course, he just didn’t have the speed or passion to really get into it.

  10. coastingnz says:

    I know whenever we do a bush walk with trees down, low overhangs, narrow gaps etc the boys love the challenge of how to get through so easy to see why Penny would love agility class. I think as pet owners we forget sometimes our kids need mental exercise as well as physical – well some of us do (sorry boys).

  11. Marcela says:

    That is wonderful what you are doing with Penny by keeping her active and engaged. Have fun:-)

  12. Eve says:

    Can’t wait to hear more about Penny’s agility classes!! Good luck and have fun!

  13. what a exciting first day, what a adventure this is going to be.

  14. fredrieka says:

    I want momwithoutpaws to take me back to school it is so much fun woof woof

  15. We finished our second round of training and have thought about the agility classes but are not sure if it would be good for Stella’s size, but the mental part I believe she would love!

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