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Thanks so much, Tracy!
Before we officially started the session, I decided to play “race to the Treat n’ Train”. I wanted Cowboy to know there was a food source out there given how large and open the area was. That probably worked against me a little and may have attributed to him running past the weaves on our first attempt. I also did some hand touches which he is always polite about but never really gets him excited.
I am sharing this video of a brief tugging session near the end. I didn’t video any of the earlier ones. He looks like he is adapting nicely so I would like to try again in the same area.
Video: Cowboy tugging near end of practice session
Cowboy and I headed outside today. Last year when all of the local facilities were closed, I used this field to do some agility practice and after providing 25 – 30 minutes of acclimation, I didn’t think there would be an issue. However, Cowboy and I struggled initially. I took lots of breaks, tossed food, played tug and he was happy to engage but not ready to do any focused work.
This is a long video (almost 5 minutes). I wanted to show the full progression. We are not partnering well at first and then he switches on for the remainder of the session. I was so happy it ended well. I have taken him to a variety of places but this one had a lot of distractions…good information for me, I guess.
I could really use your insights on this scenario. We take outdoor sheep herding lessons but this is the first time we have done any outside agility since last year.
Video: Cowboy Outdoor Weave Pole Practice
Hi Tracy!
I did the exercise you recommended where we practiced going around clock on just one set of poles. It went well; although, I think I probably should have stood closer to the poles since I wasn’t dropping the treats on his line.
Because he seemed solid on the first part, I added a second set, both positioned at 1&7. I also had Cowboy go through in a different direction (towards the camera instead of away from it).
If you believe I should continue with this set up, let me know. Otherwise, I will try adding the wings (outside only…please don’t rain!)Video: Around the Clock Weave Poles
Thanks Tracy!
I definitely will try the up close “around the clock” exercise! I have seen too many courses where the weaves were set at a 90 degree angle (or less) from the previous jump and would like to be ready.
Cowboy has not been officially measured yet. When compared to my other dogs that have height cards, I estimate that he is about 20″. When I watch him go through 4 poles, sometimes he swims and sometimes he bounces. I suspect he would prefer to swim since that is often what he starts with which is why I would like to see what he does outside.
I can’t wait to give it a try and share the results! Thanks again 🙂
BTW…I checked out your “Channels Track”. I don’t have access to channels here. This facility uses the Weavamatic (v-shaped pole arrangement).
Today was Cowboy’s first time using a Treat n’ Train with the weave poles. I set poles 1 & 2 at 6:00 and 12:00 and poles 3 & 4 at 1:00 and 7:00. At first Cowboy wasn’t sure whether to look at me or the TT. However, the head checks became more infrequent over the course of the session.
We did have some fails, particularly at the angles where he has to wrap around the first pole. However, it is improving. This week, I am going to take this outside (providing it doesn’t rain)
Video:: Weaving Around the Clock – Poles 1-4
Thanks so much, Tracy!
I will have a look at the games involving the weight shift. Here is my video of the “Mountain Climbing”. game. I spent the time doing recalls (although, early on he would leave me to go to the target plate so I guess that could be considered a send!)
Video: Mountain Climbing Game – Recalls
Hi Tracy,
I had another teeter practice with Cowboy. During this session, I lowered the downside table to 12″ and then recalled him over the board, sent him to the target, walked and ran with him.
Overall, I was very happy with the session. However, it does look like Cowboy is trying to sort out his striding because he had a “fly-off” at 2:18. On the next rep I went slower and he did well.
I switched gears and did a few reps for the “Uphill Track” and he was great! (I will include that video in my next post). Cowboy drove up to the top of the teeter and looked totally confident. I was thrilled! 🙂Video: Teeter-Table Game – Session 3 using Treat n’ Train – Downside Table at 12″
Cowboy and I were at it again today. I used a Treat n’ Train instead of pre-loading a target plate and turned off the beeper because I wasn’t concerned about marking the end position.
During the session I ran with him, recalled him over the board and sent him to the target. The reps where I stood still and sent him ahead of me appeared to be the slowest (in general, his sends are still a work in progress but getting better)
Cowboy was also not thrilled with the collar grab, especially when there was this “Pez” dispenser at the other end of the board. I guess, I will need to work through that a little more 🙂
Video: Teeter-Table Game – Session 2 using a Treat n’ Train
Fantastic! Thanks Tracy,
I especially appreciate the comment about the end-position. I wasn’t sure if I should be asking. I did see in the “Bang Game” document you are having us work on it there so I will have something to keep Cowboy and me busy over the weekend.
Thanks again!
Hi Tracy!
Today we worked on the “Down Hill Track”. I had the legs on the two tables set at 20″. Cowboy seemed comfortable with that height so I lowered the legs on the PVC table to 16″. He slowed some on the first rep but didn’t appear too concerned. The rest of his passes were very solid.
I don’t plan to lower it further until I complete the different moves/crosses around the teeter. More to come 🙂
Video: Cowboy Intro to Teeter-Tables Game
Thanks Tracy!
Yes! Cowboy was self sending a lot (unfortunately). He is starting to understand the game of agility (I think) so waiting is becoming more challenging!
I have started using a Cato board for my BC for use as a station (and hopefully improve the starline stays). I think I will try using one with Cowboy as well (he already knows how to use a mat but that is more for outside the ring)
I will also begin adding more motion. I think I got into the habit of waiting because I wanted to make sure my motion wasn’t prompting him to enter the poles. I also like the idea of isolating the harder entries by getting in closer. I will give it a try.
Thanks again!
Fantastic! Thanks Tracy!
After I submitted the last video, I went back and reviewed the course materials and saw that I had missed one of the videos! I decided to go back and re-do.
Most of it went well. However, sending from the 3:00 and 9:00 positions are still not 100%. Cowboy’s attitude has been great and he is happily trying to get it right. We are not there yet but feel like we are moving in the right direction 🙂
Video: Around the clock with second set of poles set at 3&9 and 2&8
BTW…near the end of the session, there was this loud banging noise. Turns out it was the garbage truck. I left it in to show Cowboy’s willingness to continue working after the distraction.
I totally agree! Thanks Tracy for providing these great training challenges! We still haven’t mastered that threadle entry but I am going to keep chipping away at that one since I think it would be great to send to the weaves from both my right and left side.
It’s still raining so headed indoors. We started with the poles at round 1&7 and when that went well, I closed them to 12 & 6.
Cowboy was fine at the more straight-on approaches but had questions when I started to close the angles. Before I headed out, I went back to going around the clock with one set of poles set at 6 & 12 and he did well with that (not on video). Because he had a high rate of success it was a lot of fun for the both of us and a great way to end the session!BTW..I removed the Treat n’ Train from the box and now have D-batteries. next step…read the instruction! …small steps 🙂
Video: Around the clock with poles at 1&7 and 12&6
Oops, whatever I said, reverse the position on the clock! Cowboy likes doing the 1:00, 12:00, and 11:00!
Also I watched the 20″ Premier Standard runs at the AKC National Agility Championship and saw a lot of dogs getting pulled into the tunnel instead of going to the weaves after the teeter. It made me think of the exercise you had us do. That tunnel is a brutal distraction, especially when in the middle of a sequence!
Hi Tracy,
It has been raining here for the past two days so I stayed inside. Here is our second session with both sets of poles in the 1:00 & 7:00 position.
Cowboy is very comfortable approaching at 5,6 & 7. However as I approach 3:00 & 9:00 he struggles a bit. If that happens, should I open up the second set of poles? Right now, I just move to an easier angle but that doesn’t teach him how to do the harder ones. I am a little bit stuck on what to do.
Video: Around the Clock Poles 1 – 4 set at 1:00 & 7:00
