Running Agility
I do not profess to be a writer but I would like to put some thoughts out there to consider.
After spending the greater part of the last 2 days watching the Agility Nationals I have come to the conclusion basics are where it is at. From start lines stays to driving to the finish. More dogs failed because of simple miscues from the handler. Some of the weak basics start line stays, wraps, sends and go outs. And people forget the natural cues like movement, shoulders and eye contact. So many stopped at jumps causing the dog to stop. The surprising thing is the weaves were really not a problem for the better dogs but the basics were.
Here at Big Times we are are into basics, nothing fancy just the basics. We pride ourselves on looking at lots of course, pulling out the problem areas and presenting basic solutions to the problems to our students.
If your really interested in doing agility it starts in a basic beginners class with good sit stays, come on recall and walking on leash. Nothing fancy just basic good manners.
Not much else to say except you sure can learn a lot watching the AKC National Agility Championships.....
Well got to get back to watching !!!!!!