Distance Work

I have been using this little course for a few weeks with both Wyatt and Patriot.

Running the circle course from behind the jumps is good distance practice.  More importantly for me and Wyatt, running the square course gets lots of practice at the "switch" command at a distance.  I am finding that the timing has to be just right.  The command for 4 has to be in time and also, very important, I can't just focus on on 4 but have to give the "go ahead" command for 5 in time or Wyatt will turn back to me. 

Wyatt Does Want To Practice

Wyatt seems recovered after his fight with Patriot Saturday.  They had a crate fight at an agility trial.  Drawing blood a first in the crate together.  I have very occasionally heard growling if they knock into each other when I back up in the driveway.  He did not want to run Sunday and he was very anxious as Sunday progressed.

In my last post, I was wondering why Wyatt does not seem to want to practice agility in the yard.  Well, I tried again early this week and had the same trouble.  It was hot and they had gone on a run.  I tried before running and earlier in the day.  Wyatt did not seem to want to come down to the field so I (deliberately) started with Patriot and Wyatt came charging down ready to play.  Today, I just started without him, running an "invisible" dog and, once again, he came down.  Again, it was prerun and cooler.  He did some great distance work too.  I'll post the course soon though I am camping Thursday to Sunday and off the net.  

Wyatt Practicing Agility At Home or NOT

After a few months break, Wyatt, at least yesterday at around 5, was not into practicing agility at home.  I had set up a few hoops and a tunnel.  I did lure him, with difficulty, into doing some obstacles, but he clearly was not into it.  He seems fine in class and at trials.  Not sure what is going on.  Maybe he would rather do obedience, which we do twice daily and is part of his routine?  Maybe he got a bee sting or something doing agility in the recent past?  Maybe he was sore after 2 walks yesterday and it was still a little hot?  I am not going to push it but I find it very curious. 

Checking In Too Much

I have seen at agility class the same issue with Wyatt.  After the first run, he tends to check in too much and not go ahead as well.  Part of this could be my stopping short but I don't think that's the main issue.  I can - with many commands - get him to go ahead after he checks in but it doesn't feel good and reduces our flow and distance.  Last night, I did move in closer and kept positive, which helped a lot.  I don't see this at trials much unless I stop short.  But I think I need to work at home (and class is now over) with automatically going ahead unless told otherwise.  I now have 3 hoops and materials for 2 more so I am planning to work on this.  The hoops will help to reduce jumping stress.  We have not practices at home for months.  If you recall, I was seeing some resistance to practicing at home (but not at class.) 

Taking A Break

I've been on vacation the last 2 weeks and have been doing minimal training with Wyatt and Patriot but they are getting lots of walks and hanging out time.  We have a NADAC trial next weekend and I have the chance to pick up more Chances Qs.  My other goal right now is to get Patriot ready for Open A obedience.  I think I'm going to focus on Patriot rather than Wyatt.  Wyatt learns so quickly and is very high drive but gets so stressed at obedience trials.  Patriot takes much longer to train but is a much more confident dog.