Abby went to her first agility CLASS tonight. And boy was I scared. I was afraid that she would refuse obstacles, that she would cower and shake. That she would try to run away. After all, there would be at least 4 new people and 4 new dogs in a yard that she is only semi-comfortable with. And it was only recently that she really started jumping her full height - and going all the way through the tunnel. . .
The class we attend is for young/baby/beginner dogs. But most of these people have been doing this for a few years. . .We have only been doing this for a few MONTHS. And only a hand full of times in that yard. And, if you know Abby at all, you know that the new environment is the biggest challenge! Since most of these people have been doing this for a bit, many of the obstacles are strung together to form a sequence. Sequences are not something we are really doing. We are rewarding for EVERY jump, EVERY tunnel. This was going to be a new experience on so many levels. I really wasn't sure if my dog was up for this. . .
But the girl surprised the crap out of me!
Sure it took her a few requests to do the first jump, but after that we were "golden". And not just golden for Abby. . .golden for ANY new dog. Abby had no fear of the strange people or dogs. She took every jump I asked, although a few I had to ask more then once. She took every tunnel. She happily walked down the A frame and the dog walk (we are still working on the "up" part. She did a great job on her weaves. . .but then again, she has always done well on her weaves. . .And not only did abby do well with the agility, she also did well when I asked for obedience. She was a completely NORMAL dog tonight. It was so weird to watch, and be a part of. Who was this dog attached to the other end of my leash whose tail wouldn't stop wagging?
No comments:
Post a Comment