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Friday, June 15, 2012

Agility Pups

I've mentioned a number of times that Astro and I are doing a lot of agility training.  I finally got some video of us practicing.  These are not our best runs, he was a bit slow.  It was a warm afternoon.  Upper 70's and low 80's is warm for us, especially with direct sun.  Astro's energy is zapped with even a little heat and direct sun so, he wasn't moving very fast.  But, I thought he did a nice job of staying with me and he kept his tail wagging.  I hesitated to post the videos.  You know how when you see yourself on video you find all the little things you don't like about yourself and focus on what a doofus you look like? Well, that's how I felt.  But, I figured everyone starts somewhere and hopefully someday I'll be able to compare back to these videos and see improvement.  Astro is great of course.

Warning - It was a windy day and this made a lot of loud annoying noise on the video in some places.  You might want to turn the volume down.  If anyone knows how to turn the sound off in iMovie or Youtube let me know.

The first video is a standard run.  It was supposed to have a couple tunnels out behind the tire and before the dog walk, but I didn't put them out.  We were the only ones at practice this day because most people were at a trial.  Astro's focus was really nice because we were the only ones there.  Distractions are our hardest thing and at the top of the list for improving.


Our club was really happy to be able to get this field to use as we don't have a permanent home.  It's a horse arena that wasn't being used on some people's property.  This winter they were offering to let people use it, so the club asked if they'd consider dogs instead of horses.  The only bummer is that when it's windy it's like a sand blast. And, we always leave covered in dirt.  The things you'll put up with to practice some agility.  :-)

The next video is a jumpers run.  He was even more tired, and me too, because he had done a few standard runs and some jumpers before this run.  But, I still think he did a good job.


So, there we are.  I'm hoping with continued distraction practice and improvement in my handling that one day we'll be able to enter a trial.  Our distraction problems are that he often still wants to go and visit other people and dogs.  And, in new locations or with new dogs and people around he can get pretty goofy until he settles and gets used to the situation.  Usually after one bout of this he settles and does a great job.  If anyone has suggestions for improving that I'd love to hear them.

I'm really happy and proud of how well he does.  His energy was low in these videos, so I'd like to get some better ones.  He does a great job and can really fly through the weaves.  :-)

14 comments:

Tasha said...

You need to get in touch with Jen at Never Say Never Greyhounds! She is the queen, IMHO, of greyhounds and agility.

I think you guys look really good! You could enter a CPE trial at any time.

houndstooth said...

I think you both look good, if that helps any! Not that I'm any kind of expert, but still.

When you find the secret to getting over a distracted dog, let me know what it is! lol I think they all have their distractions and knowing what they are is half the battle. Sometimes you just have to take preemptive measures.

genji said...

You guys look great out there. Glad it didn't turn into a sand storm.

Angela J. said...

I think you both look great out there!

Sue said...

Looking good.

Declan said...

Oh you must be so proud of him! Deccy x

Greyhounds CAN Sit said...

I haven't watched the videos yet but I do know how to mute the sound in iMovie:) I do it in all the videos I make of the GAP Greyhounds for adoption and then put music over the top. First 'select all' of your short clips or one long clip then go up to Clip on the top bar and in the menu click on 'Mute Clip' and that's all there is to it:) Of course, now that there's no sound at all it's kind of empty so you might want to add some music.

It sounds like you and Astro are doing amazing work together:) Off to watch your videos.

Greyhounds CAN Sit said...

Wow, that is very impressive:) You guys are doing SO well! And what a great area to practice in.

Michelle said...

Looking good! :)

Trina said...

You both look great!!!

Claire Krigbaum said...

So graceful! You guys both look great, I thought your handling was very good.
Amber never used to be able to run very well in the heat either.
I'd love to see more video with Astro flying through the weaves!
Thank you for your comments about Amber, I can't quite believe she is gone.

Never Say Never Greyhounds said...

Awesome! when does he debut? :-)

Elaine Pritchard said...

I am seriously impressed!

Love and licks, Winnie

Sue aka Greyhound Lover said...

We are also very impressed, well done guys xxxx