Couple of reflections from last weekend.
I used to think of Wyatt as being inconsistent and perhaps that is more true for agility. However, our scores and more importantly his performance was very consistent in 6 rally runs in 3 days last weekend. Scores were something like: 92, 95, 97, 94, 95, 86. I was consistent in his pre-run rituals except for the last run (which had a lower score). I'll share what is working for us in terms of pre-run ritual at a future date.
I was having trouble getting a straight down in the halt-stand-down exercise. I realized I could bend over and point to the ground straight in front of him and get good position. Not as impressive as putting my hand in air but saves a point.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Quick Rally Results and Video Link
Wyatt had a super weekend going rally. He got 3 more RAE legs (up to 7 now). 5/6 of his scores were in the 90s with the highest being 97 in Excellent on Saturday. More later on what I learned this weekend.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Be Careful Close to an Event
I have been tuning up Wyatt's rally work the last few weeks. We have 3 trials this weekend. I was having some trouble with a stationary stand command. It is very easy to get panicky and frustrated right before an event and make things worse. He would sometimes sit when I asked him to stand and gave the hand command for stand. I think what was happened was that if my hand went too high, he saw it as a sit command. When I bent lower and went out in front of him and not above him at all, it seemed to be more clear to him. I find there is a tendency to panic and want to drill like crazy which adds to the stress. When I relaxed and reflected on what might be going on, things fixed themselves...
Monday, November 19, 2007
Send Direct
I decided to change to "send direct" for scent articles. I used to make him sit before he went but it seems like it will be more motivating to send direct without the second sit facing the articles after you turn around...
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Open Run Thru
Here's a link to Wyatt's open obedience run thru last week.
Video
I was very happy with the results. I made a few mistakes on the retrieves but I thought he did great. His heeling was super. We only lost a 4-5 points. The end was hilarious when he did not know how to finish next to a jump. Probably thought I was throwing some agility in. He went down on the long sit though. We seemed to have regressed a bit since I started training the down again. I am planning on just training the sit for now and doing some heavy treating when he is around other dogs in the long sit.
Video
I was very happy with the results. I made a few mistakes on the retrieves but I thought he did great. His heeling was super. We only lost a 4-5 points. The end was hilarious when he did not know how to finish next to a jump. Probably thought I was throwing some agility in. He went down on the long sit though. We seemed to have regressed a bit since I started training the down again. I am planning on just training the sit for now and doing some heavy treating when he is around other dogs in the long sit.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
The Story of Wyatt and His C-ATCH
I am very proud of my little Wyatt, who earned his CPE agility championship title on Sunday. Wyatt is the first dog I have owned in my life. I am now 48 years old. When my wife insisted that we NEEDED a whippet, I was very resistant. We were pretty overwhelmed with the stress of trying to have a baby at the time. Dawn looked in a book of dog breeds and thought the whippet might be good for us. She found Ray Johnson somehow and went up to see what rescue dogs he had. Wyatt was given up by an older couple that could not handle him and his littermate at the same time. He did come with a bunch of commands and it was clear that his previous owner had played Frisbee with him and taken him to pet obedience classes. He paced around the house for weeks. It was clear that he was a very nervous and high-strung dog. We almost took him back after about a month because my wife and I were having a heck of a time trying to figure out how to deal with a dog. I said no because he was already so messed up, we just could not make him go through another transition. We took him to the local pet obedience class and he was so terrified he cowered between my legs and continually jumped on me because he was so nervous. I started running with him every day, which I quickly grew to love.
After struggling with his separation anxiety for a long time, we decided to get another older dog who was calm. By this time, we had started Wyatt with agility and racing and the dog sport bug had taken hold. I had taken to the Internet to research whippets and ended end finding his breeder who we ended up meeting at a dog show. She had a finished dog she had retired who she ended up giving to us as a companion to Wyatt. He was so pretty, so fast and agile, and so easygoing, we wondered if maybe he could win the AWC triathlon someday. That dog was Patriot and he has been a steadfast and calming influence on Wyatt. After using Clomicalm and doing behavior modification and having Patriot as a friend, Wyatt eventually got over his separation anxiety.
One thing about Wyatt is that he loves to work, he has incredible drive, and he is very smart (almost too smart). We used to give kongs stuffed with Charlie Bears and peanut butter when we left the house and I always wondered how they got everything out of them. One day I decided to watch. As Patriot patiently licked his Kong, I saw Wyatt continually picking up his Kong in his mouth and dropping it on the cement floor as the treats came tumbling out. He also became very attached to me, the guy who did not want him in the first place, and likewise he became a steadfast companion to me. Wyatt quickly learned obedience and agility but was so stressed at trials (he is afraid of other dogs and very sensitive to noise), we had to work many years to bring out his best when trialing. I am still figuring it out actually! As examples of his drive and intelligence, he barks before starting his scent discrimination glove practice because he is that anxious to get started. He jumps over jumps in the backyard on his way to pee just for the hell of it and will retrieve for long stretches of time.
We worked for 3 1/2 years on his agility championship and had to work for years on contacts. I retrained a beautiful contact but found that I could not get it at trials and I had to figure out lots of little different ways I needed to give him more support at trials so we could get successful contacts.
He has never been an easy dog to trial. There were many weekends when we got zero Q’s in agility or obedience and I would drive home discouraged. Meanwhile, Dawn and Patriot would have lots of ribbons to bring home as Patriot is much more consistent (but also slower and less driven.) Luckily, when we were “on”, it was just fantastic as his incredible speed and drive in agility was just a thrill that many only experience with border collies, Aussies, and shelties. We would NQ in novice obedience a lot too as he would go down on his sits or move during the stand for exam when he got fearful of the other dogs or the judge. One day, we got in the ring very early when the other rings had not started yet and ended up with a third place and a score in the 190’s.
We made steady progress towards our goal of a C-ATCH. Wyatt quickly got all his jumpers Q’s and also did very well in games that require working at a distance. But the standard class, with its weaves and 3 contacts was always the hardest for us. About a year ago, I started noticing some reluctance to play at agility but did not attend to it enough. Then at a New Year’s trial, he started to run out of the ring and also avoid jumps. I was crushed and wondered if we would ever get our C-ATCH. I initially blamed it on his temperment but figured out - with the help of an excellent sports vet - that he was having back pain. We took 6 months off and learned massage and how to properly warm up and cool down. It actually helped him a lot as he used to pace when we jogged (even when we first got him) and now he has a nice trot and a flatter topline. It was not until years later that I understood that his conformation (and temperment) were poor as he had a roach back and straight front. One prominent handler said, “What’s THAT???” when she saw him and there were some mean remarks at the racetrack as well when he fouled out as a D dog. I was able to course him for a while as there was no box to overstimulate him but eventually his black dog phobias got the better of him. Well, he recovered nicely from his back injury and we got back to work. In the meantime, I was able to teach him all of the open obedience exercises and most of utility, which he loves. We also worked on rally to help his (and my) ring nerves and he now has his RE and 4 RAE legs. He also started tracking as time permitted and he is showing a nice aptitude and keen interest in tracking.
This fall, we gradually racked up standard Qs even as the rules changed to require 10 standard Q’s instead of 8 under the old rules. Everyone also loves to watch Wyatt run and especially jump as he takes off early, lands late, and goes much higher than required! Finally, this weekend, he got his 9th standard Q on Saturday and his last Q on Sunday with some really nice runs. Sunday night, he seemed even more attached to me than usual as he snuggled up against my leg to sleep. He also followed me around the house and stood near the cellar door as he does when it is time to practice obedience and get some cheese. I was going to give him a break but it was clear he wanted to work and get his cheese. Throwing the dumbbell, he ran out even faster than usual and rushed back to me dumbbell firmly in mouth, almost sliding into me due to his high speed. I could not help being extremely proud of my little rescue whippet who loves to work so much with so much enthusiasm and then insists on getting under the covers with me on the couch snuggled between my legs for a well deserved rest.
To see a photo of Wyatt with his ribbon, click on:
http://www.jheffernan.com/dogs.html
To see a video of his C-ATCH runs this weekend, click on:
http://youtube.com/johnsheffernan
After struggling with his separation anxiety for a long time, we decided to get another older dog who was calm. By this time, we had started Wyatt with agility and racing and the dog sport bug had taken hold. I had taken to the Internet to research whippets and ended end finding his breeder who we ended up meeting at a dog show. She had a finished dog she had retired who she ended up giving to us as a companion to Wyatt. He was so pretty, so fast and agile, and so easygoing, we wondered if maybe he could win the AWC triathlon someday. That dog was Patriot and he has been a steadfast and calming influence on Wyatt. After using Clomicalm and doing behavior modification and having Patriot as a friend, Wyatt eventually got over his separation anxiety.
One thing about Wyatt is that he loves to work, he has incredible drive, and he is very smart (almost too smart). We used to give kongs stuffed with Charlie Bears and peanut butter when we left the house and I always wondered how they got everything out of them. One day I decided to watch. As Patriot patiently licked his Kong, I saw Wyatt continually picking up his Kong in his mouth and dropping it on the cement floor as the treats came tumbling out. He also became very attached to me, the guy who did not want him in the first place, and likewise he became a steadfast companion to me. Wyatt quickly learned obedience and agility but was so stressed at trials (he is afraid of other dogs and very sensitive to noise), we had to work many years to bring out his best when trialing. I am still figuring it out actually! As examples of his drive and intelligence, he barks before starting his scent discrimination glove practice because he is that anxious to get started. He jumps over jumps in the backyard on his way to pee just for the hell of it and will retrieve for long stretches of time.
We worked for 3 1/2 years on his agility championship and had to work for years on contacts. I retrained a beautiful contact but found that I could not get it at trials and I had to figure out lots of little different ways I needed to give him more support at trials so we could get successful contacts.
He has never been an easy dog to trial. There were many weekends when we got zero Q’s in agility or obedience and I would drive home discouraged. Meanwhile, Dawn and Patriot would have lots of ribbons to bring home as Patriot is much more consistent (but also slower and less driven.) Luckily, when we were “on”, it was just fantastic as his incredible speed and drive in agility was just a thrill that many only experience with border collies, Aussies, and shelties. We would NQ in novice obedience a lot too as he would go down on his sits or move during the stand for exam when he got fearful of the other dogs or the judge. One day, we got in the ring very early when the other rings had not started yet and ended up with a third place and a score in the 190’s.
We made steady progress towards our goal of a C-ATCH. Wyatt quickly got all his jumpers Q’s and also did very well in games that require working at a distance. But the standard class, with its weaves and 3 contacts was always the hardest for us. About a year ago, I started noticing some reluctance to play at agility but did not attend to it enough. Then at a New Year’s trial, he started to run out of the ring and also avoid jumps. I was crushed and wondered if we would ever get our C-ATCH. I initially blamed it on his temperment but figured out - with the help of an excellent sports vet - that he was having back pain. We took 6 months off and learned massage and how to properly warm up and cool down. It actually helped him a lot as he used to pace when we jogged (even when we first got him) and now he has a nice trot and a flatter topline. It was not until years later that I understood that his conformation (and temperment) were poor as he had a roach back and straight front. One prominent handler said, “What’s THAT???” when she saw him and there were some mean remarks at the racetrack as well when he fouled out as a D dog. I was able to course him for a while as there was no box to overstimulate him but eventually his black dog phobias got the better of him. Well, he recovered nicely from his back injury and we got back to work. In the meantime, I was able to teach him all of the open obedience exercises and most of utility, which he loves. We also worked on rally to help his (and my) ring nerves and he now has his RE and 4 RAE legs. He also started tracking as time permitted and he is showing a nice aptitude and keen interest in tracking.
This fall, we gradually racked up standard Qs even as the rules changed to require 10 standard Q’s instead of 8 under the old rules. Everyone also loves to watch Wyatt run and especially jump as he takes off early, lands late, and goes much higher than required! Finally, this weekend, he got his 9th standard Q on Saturday and his last Q on Sunday with some really nice runs. Sunday night, he seemed even more attached to me than usual as he snuggled up against my leg to sleep. He also followed me around the house and stood near the cellar door as he does when it is time to practice obedience and get some cheese. I was going to give him a break but it was clear he wanted to work and get his cheese. Throwing the dumbbell, he ran out even faster than usual and rushed back to me dumbbell firmly in mouth, almost sliding into me due to his high speed. I could not help being extremely proud of my little rescue whippet who loves to work so much with so much enthusiasm and then insists on getting under the covers with me on the couch snuggled between my legs for a well deserved rest.
To see a photo of Wyatt with his ribbon, click on:
http://www.jheffernan.com/dogs.html
To see a video of his C-ATCH runs this weekend, click on:
http://youtube.com/johnsheffernan
Monday, November 05, 2007
HE DID IT!
Wyatt earned his C-ATCH yesterday. I am very proud of him and very relieved. We picked up our last 2 standard runs we needed this weekend. Here's a photo. I will write more and post videos later.
Saturday, November 03, 2007
One More
Well, we got one standard Q today but could not get the second one so maybe tomorrow. We have one more chance at our CPE agility championship tomorrow (Sunday)...
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Why Stop?
When practicing agility with your dog, if there is a problem with an obstacle, go back and redo the that part of the course, don’t stop the dog just and redo just that obstacle. Usually it is the handler’s fault anyway, why stop the dog? I’ve seen lots of people express verbal and physical disappointment too when something goes wrong. They complain, stop the dog, and put the dog back on the contact or whatever. Great way to demotivate your dog.
Proofing
I have been doing some contact proofing in the cellar using a painted board. Wyatt seems to know his job pretty well but I can fool him sometimes and get him off the contact board without being released. It will be interesting to see if this has impact this weekend.
I have been reading Controlled Unleashed. This book really opens up ideas for helping your dog deal with his or her own stress. Typically, people tell you dogs have ESP and all their stress somehow comes down the leash from you. I have never felt this to be correct so it is good to have some acknowledge that dogs have their own stress. I do feel like our stress does impact them because our handling changes and, yes, we can make them nervous if we are. However, they have their own stress too. I know Wyatt does! So this book is very welcome with ideas to help with the latter.
I have been reading Controlled Unleashed. This book really opens up ideas for helping your dog deal with his or her own stress. Typically, people tell you dogs have ESP and all their stress somehow comes down the leash from you. I have never felt this to be correct so it is good to have some acknowledge that dogs have their own stress. I do feel like our stress does impact them because our handling changes and, yes, we can make them nervous if we are. However, they have their own stress too. I know Wyatt does! So this book is very welcome with ideas to help with the latter.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Teeter or Dogwalk
Very interesting experience at a CPE agility trial last weekend.
They had a dogwalk and there were metal stands under each side piece. About 80% of the dogs were bailing off the dogwalk after going up 1/2 way up the up contact. Before doing that, many of them were crouching down. I did not figure it out at the time and thought maybe the board was bowed or there was something weird on the surface but sure, enough, the dogs must have thought it was a teeter. Wyatt, of course, bailed off. He will bail if something is not right. They took off the stands for the next game and almost all the dogs had no problem. It looked exactly like a teeter from the dog's point of view on top of it. It is so interesting that the dogs clearly saw it as a teeter while we humans took a long time to even figure that out.
Wyatt had trouble with the dogwalk and other contacts on this run and I was a little frustrating. I have been trying no reward if he really jumps off contacts and did not reward him after this run. I am really rethinking that as it was totally not his fault in this case. We also found in class this week that if I forgot to give him his "tip it" cue, he jumps off the teeter especially if I don't pause. I thought in the trial that the cause of a fly off was my motion but now I wonder if I forgot to say tip it. I usually say teeter, tip it, spot, and then OK as a release word. It's a lot to remember. I wonder what else I am doing differently in trials that causes contact problems. (Though he does them pretty independantly at home and in class without much cueing.)
I am going to give a small reward even on a "bad" run and jackpot him on a good run.
They had a dogwalk and there were metal stands under each side piece. About 80% of the dogs were bailing off the dogwalk after going up 1/2 way up the up contact. Before doing that, many of them were crouching down. I did not figure it out at the time and thought maybe the board was bowed or there was something weird on the surface but sure, enough, the dogs must have thought it was a teeter. Wyatt, of course, bailed off. He will bail if something is not right. They took off the stands for the next game and almost all the dogs had no problem. It looked exactly like a teeter from the dog's point of view on top of it. It is so interesting that the dogs clearly saw it as a teeter while we humans took a long time to even figure that out.
Wyatt had trouble with the dogwalk and other contacts on this run and I was a little frustrating. I have been trying no reward if he really jumps off contacts and did not reward him after this run. I am really rethinking that as it was totally not his fault in this case. We also found in class this week that if I forgot to give him his "tip it" cue, he jumps off the teeter especially if I don't pause. I thought in the trial that the cause of a fly off was my motion but now I wonder if I forgot to say tip it. I usually say teeter, tip it, spot, and then OK as a release word. It's a lot to remember. I wonder what else I am doing differently in trials that causes contact problems. (Though he does them pretty independantly at home and in class without much cueing.)
I am going to give a small reward even on a "bad" run and jackpot him on a good run.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
CPE Saturday
Well, we had one good standard run - just missed the dogwalk contact - that one is still difficult for us. We won't talk about the other standard run quite yet but I did learn something very interesting in that one.
Here is a video of a really nice Snooker run we had.
Here is a video of a really nice Snooker run we had.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Quick Update
Wyatt had trouble last week at obedience class with the group sits. He stood up a few times when I was out of sight and was a little antsy and shifting around. We tried to do too much too fast. It is probally good that he stood though and did not go down like he used to. Finally, I just left him straight out and turned my back for 30 seconds and he was fine. He has been doing 3 minutes out of sight at home. I started to try downs again. I did not practice them for a long time since he was fine and I did not want him to anticipate the downs during the sit. He now sits during the down! So I backed up on that too and am staying close and in sight and doing shorter times. Tibby recommended alternativing sits and down on different days. I decided we are not ready to enter open yet until the sits and downs are really good at class. The good news is everything else is great and I did some amazing proofing at an agility trial this weekend where he did dumbells, gloves, heeling, scent discrimination off leash in the center aisle. I chaired the trial so I could get any with practicing is such as busy spot off leash! We noticed in class that Wyatt will go down if someone else (not me) yells down really loud so I will have to proof that at some point.
We had a bad contact bad Saturday at our CPE agility trial but had a good day yesterday and we got one precious standard Q and one jumpers Q. 3 more standard Q until our championship. I am entered in 4 this weekend so we have a shot. I would be happy with 2 though. I was sleepy Saturday and Sunday I was able to really focus on what was happening in contacts. If he gets ahead of me, I need to call him and talk to him I think and get his attention. If I am ahead of him, looking at him and turned when I need him to stop seems to help. Last year, he had perfect contacts at our home arena but not this year. Go figure.
We had a bad contact bad Saturday at our CPE agility trial but had a good day yesterday and we got one precious standard Q and one jumpers Q. 3 more standard Q until our championship. I am entered in 4 this weekend so we have a shot. I would be happy with 2 though. I was sleepy Saturday and Sunday I was able to really focus on what was happening in contacts. If he gets ahead of me, I need to call him and talk to him I think and get his attention. If I am ahead of him, looking at him and turned when I need him to stop seems to help. Last year, he had perfect contacts at our home arena but not this year. Go figure.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Class Tonight
I am planning on going to obedience class tonight. Big test will be the long sits and downs. Wyatt has been doing 3 minute out of sight sits at home, which is great. I started on the downs last night. I usually don't even practice these since there this seems to be his preferred, safe position and he used to have a big problem going down on sits with other dogs around. Last night, I tried a 3 minute out of sight down and he stood up. I went down to one minute and he was fine. Note that I don't do the down after the sit but keep it separate so there is no anticipation. I am not too worried about the down which I beleive I can fix but am curious if he will do the out of sight in class. It used to be that he would go down from the sit in sight and he's not doing THAT at class so I guess I should not worry too much.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
CPE Trial Last Weekend
I did a CPE trial last weekend. They had 2 standards each day starting first thing in the morning so I just went up to try and get some standard Q's. Before the weekend, Wyatt needed 5 standard Qs for his C-ATCH. We had contact problems Saturday on the first run. The second run was really nice but he did not get the dogwalk contact which was the second to last obstacle. Tough after such a nice run. I ran Patriot too but did not Q on Saturday. Not my best day.
Sunday was much better. I got 2 nice Qs with Patriot. He runs consistently and steadily. I can't get any speed out of him on the weaves though he does go much faster at home. I have to remember to wait for him and race him out of tunnels. Unlike Wyatt, you have to cheer him a long and not get too far ahead. Wyatt had a great first run but again blew the last contact, a dogwalk. I walked him off the course without comment or a treat figuring he really does know his job now and I can't reward him anymore for behavior I don't want. I think I need to put some responsibility on him no matter so that he knows he can do the job no matter where we are and what is going on. We Qd on the next standard run. He stopped on the dogwalk though it was a bit high and he released from there the judge was kind or he got a toe nail. But I think this will be a good strategy for us. I need to at least see an attempt to stop - no more leaping off. He was definately expecting the cheese after the first run.
We now need four more standard Qs. I have a trial next weekend at our home arena and then a trial with 4 standards the weekend after that so we should be able to pick up a few more (at least!)...
John
Sunday was much better. I got 2 nice Qs with Patriot. He runs consistently and steadily. I can't get any speed out of him on the weaves though he does go much faster at home. I have to remember to wait for him and race him out of tunnels. Unlike Wyatt, you have to cheer him a long and not get too far ahead. Wyatt had a great first run but again blew the last contact, a dogwalk. I walked him off the course without comment or a treat figuring he really does know his job now and I can't reward him anymore for behavior I don't want. I think I need to put some responsibility on him no matter so that he knows he can do the job no matter where we are and what is going on. We Qd on the next standard run. He stopped on the dogwalk though it was a bit high and he released from there the judge was kind or he got a toe nail. But I think this will be a good strategy for us. I need to at least see an attempt to stop - no more leaping off. He was definately expecting the cheese after the first run.
We now need four more standard Qs. I have a trial next weekend at our home arena and then a trial with 4 standards the weekend after that so we should be able to pick up a few more (at least!)...
John
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Next Venue in Agility
I have been thinking a lot about what venue to pursue next in agility after (and if) Wyatt gets his CPE championship (C-ATCH). With a toddler and with Wyatt being 5, we need to focus our limited time on one venue. I would like to pursue another championship with Wyatt. These views apply only to us as a team. I respect other people's choices on what venue they choose for their dog. Each venue has something to offer and we are blessed to have so many choices in agility.
One choice is to go for the next level of CPE Championship, the C-ATE. He might be the first whippet to do so, which would be cool. However, you have to go to tons of trials and it would not be any harder in terms of courses. Technically, the C-ATE requires all clean runs in Level C but Wyatt either gets a clean run or a NQ so for us, it would be the same courses and times. So I thinking that I would like to pursue something more challenging that would force me to improve my handling skills.
While AKC is popular for whippets, I just don't get the appeal myself. Runs cost twice as much as other venues ($25/run compared to $10 to $14 per run for other venues). Until the FAST class was created (which still is not offered much), there were no games and only 2 runs per day compared to 4-6 for other venues. Wyatt typically needs the first run of the day for "nerves". I don't like refusals. We don't usually get them on a qualifying run in other venues but it seems like double penalizing the dog since you lose time. I don't like the table in standard and the courses tend to be very tight and twisty which is not good for a long striding dog. In my experience, the atmosphere is one of the least friendly compared to other venues (even though there are many wonderful AKC competitors). I also never liked the fact that there are weaves in jumpers. I love jumpers because it only has jumps and tunnels. Why put a obstacle that slows the dog down in a jumpers course. Only AKC puts weaves in the jumpers game. Also, it can be very formal in terms of rules and I think it is silly that the judges were ties. The only advantages I see is that the Excellent courses are challenging and other whippet people have some knowledge of AKC titles and what they mean.
DOCNA seems cool but there are very few trials in our area right now.
USDAA is a good venue but I have a problem with their jump heights. Wyatt would have to jump 26 inches to be in the Championship program. I do not believe this is a safe height for my dog. That is a full 6 inches higher than he would have to jump in any other venue. This appears to be a problem for many dogs who are close to the cutoff. Wyatt is about 21 3/4 and the cutoff is 21 inches. As soon as I express this concern, folks suggest I do performance but I don't feel that I should have to be in the second tier program to perform safely. While I am not suggested performance is easy by any means, I want to pursue the championship for the best dogs as Wyatt is an exceptional agility dog. Many USDAA people don't agree that Performance is second tier or a veterans type class but there are reasons I think that way.
From the USDAA web site:
The Championship Program jumping height classes were developed to be congruous with international standards demonstrating the highest standard in training and performance, fully revealing the dynamics of canine performance capabilities. Time has proven that these jump heights provide both a fair and safe competitive environment when a dog is trained properly.
The Performance Program was developed for recreational competition purposes, placing less emphasis on demonstrating the agility of the dog. This program offers lower jumping heights for dogs, more generous time constraints on course, and a lower A-frame for all height classes that requires less strength and muscular control to perform.
I do not believe that the championship heights are safe as they claim and the wording about Performance being "recreational" is off putting to me. Also the equivalent of a championship for a Perfomance Dog is called "Accomplished Agility Dog". The word champion is nowhere in the title.
That leaves NADAC. I like a lot of things about NADAC. The courses are open and flowing which is good for dogs, especially long striding dogs. There is no table in standard. The distance challenge in regular (standard) force the handler to be good at distance work. Chances and tunnellers also force you to be good at distance. The times are very tough in the proficient class. Any bobble and you don't make time in elite. Times in Elite are harder than USDAA. (I calculated this using a typical course length and including 5 second for the table in USDAA). There are 5 or 6 runs per day and many trials have 2 regular classes a day. Someone I know claimed NADAC was easy because you could get a regular title in a weekend. While it may be possible at Novice, it would be very difficult in Elite and just because there are 4 runs in weekend in regular, that does not make the title easier to get. You still have to get 3 qualifying runs. NADAC is the only venue (DOCNA may as well) that allows training in the ring. While you don't qualify, this allows you to correct problems in the trial setting. Wyatt has had many trial only issues (most notably contacts) so this is a huge plus for us. We still don't have reliable trial contacts so NADAC is really the ideal venue for us as we can develop reliable trial contacts. I finally figured out how to steer him really well and avoid off courses so he will be unstopable with reliable contacts. NADAC seems to be the best venue for us in many ways.
One choice is to go for the next level of CPE Championship, the C-ATE. He might be the first whippet to do so, which would be cool. However, you have to go to tons of trials and it would not be any harder in terms of courses. Technically, the C-ATE requires all clean runs in Level C but Wyatt either gets a clean run or a NQ so for us, it would be the same courses and times. So I thinking that I would like to pursue something more challenging that would force me to improve my handling skills.
While AKC is popular for whippets, I just don't get the appeal myself. Runs cost twice as much as other venues ($25/run compared to $10 to $14 per run for other venues). Until the FAST class was created (which still is not offered much), there were no games and only 2 runs per day compared to 4-6 for other venues. Wyatt typically needs the first run of the day for "nerves". I don't like refusals. We don't usually get them on a qualifying run in other venues but it seems like double penalizing the dog since you lose time. I don't like the table in standard and the courses tend to be very tight and twisty which is not good for a long striding dog. In my experience, the atmosphere is one of the least friendly compared to other venues (even though there are many wonderful AKC competitors). I also never liked the fact that there are weaves in jumpers. I love jumpers because it only has jumps and tunnels. Why put a obstacle that slows the dog down in a jumpers course. Only AKC puts weaves in the jumpers game. Also, it can be very formal in terms of rules and I think it is silly that the judges were ties. The only advantages I see is that the Excellent courses are challenging and other whippet people have some knowledge of AKC titles and what they mean.
DOCNA seems cool but there are very few trials in our area right now.
USDAA is a good venue but I have a problem with their jump heights. Wyatt would have to jump 26 inches to be in the Championship program. I do not believe this is a safe height for my dog. That is a full 6 inches higher than he would have to jump in any other venue. This appears to be a problem for many dogs who are close to the cutoff. Wyatt is about 21 3/4 and the cutoff is 21 inches. As soon as I express this concern, folks suggest I do performance but I don't feel that I should have to be in the second tier program to perform safely. While I am not suggested performance is easy by any means, I want to pursue the championship for the best dogs as Wyatt is an exceptional agility dog. Many USDAA people don't agree that Performance is second tier or a veterans type class but there are reasons I think that way.
From the USDAA web site:
The Championship Program jumping height classes were developed to be congruous with international standards demonstrating the highest standard in training and performance, fully revealing the dynamics of canine performance capabilities. Time has proven that these jump heights provide both a fair and safe competitive environment when a dog is trained properly.
The Performance Program was developed for recreational competition purposes, placing less emphasis on demonstrating the agility of the dog. This program offers lower jumping heights for dogs, more generous time constraints on course, and a lower A-frame for all height classes that requires less strength and muscular control to perform.
I do not believe that the championship heights are safe as they claim and the wording about Performance being "recreational" is off putting to me. Also the equivalent of a championship for a Perfomance Dog is called "Accomplished Agility Dog". The word champion is nowhere in the title.
That leaves NADAC. I like a lot of things about NADAC. The courses are open and flowing which is good for dogs, especially long striding dogs. There is no table in standard. The distance challenge in regular (standard) force the handler to be good at distance work. Chances and tunnellers also force you to be good at distance. The times are very tough in the proficient class. Any bobble and you don't make time in elite. Times in Elite are harder than USDAA. (I calculated this using a typical course length and including 5 second for the table in USDAA). There are 5 or 6 runs per day and many trials have 2 regular classes a day. Someone I know claimed NADAC was easy because you could get a regular title in a weekend. While it may be possible at Novice, it would be very difficult in Elite and just because there are 4 runs in weekend in regular, that does not make the title easier to get. You still have to get 3 qualifying runs. NADAC is the only venue (DOCNA may as well) that allows training in the ring. While you don't qualify, this allows you to correct problems in the trial setting. Wyatt has had many trial only issues (most notably contacts) so this is a huge plus for us. We still don't have reliable trial contacts so NADAC is really the ideal venue for us as we can develop reliable trial contacts. I finally figured out how to steer him really well and avoid off courses so he will be unstopable with reliable contacts. NADAC seems to be the best venue for us in many ways.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
OB Update
Wyatt is now showing rock solid sits for one minute out of sight.
He is really motivated for obedience right now. I think Open will be easy if the stays hold (famous last words no doubt).
Last night, he was whining and barking to start scent discrim. He can't wait to get that article. How many dogs would do that?
Gloves are looking real good though I am still working on the left turn for one of the far gloves.
We are entered in CPE this weekend for 2 standards a day only. Still need 5 standard Q's for his C-ATCH.
He is really motivated for obedience right now. I think Open will be easy if the stays hold (famous last words no doubt).
Last night, he was whining and barking to start scent discrim. He can't wait to get that article. How many dogs would do that?
Gloves are looking real good though I am still working on the left turn for one of the far gloves.
We are entered in CPE this weekend for 2 standards a day only. Still need 5 standard Q's for his C-ATCH.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Vexing Contacts
We had a pretty good weekend at the CATS CPE trial but we are still having some vexing contact issues at trials. The good news is that we had great weaves and no off courses. I seem to have finally figured out how to steer Wyatt so he does not go off course. It seems to be a matter of anticipating the off courses, planning for them, and giving cues in time so he knows where to go. There were tons of weaves (including 3 in Wildcard yesterday) and also a set of 12 yesterday in standard. I had to restart weaves only once and he did not pop out once. However, the dogwalk contacts were vexing us. We had a great standard run Saturday be missed the dogwalk contact. I had thought after last weekend (we had a perfect day Sunday with 5 Q's and no missed contacts) that looking at him and maintaining eye contact would cause him to stop but, while this seemed to help, it was not the magic bullet that I thought it would be. He seems to be wound tightly at trials so that any little thing will cause a premature contact release. Also, he got way ahead of me on the dogwalk at times so I was not there to give eye contact. At home and at class, he does a totally independent 2 on 2 off no matter what I do or where I am and I do not even have to look at him. Sunday, I used jackpot to do 2 dogwalks and got both of them but he still missing the contact in standard. We had a great jackpot run and he was one of very few dogs to even get to a dogwalk some 15 feet from the tape but he stalled up there above the yellow zone and I had to move in to get him moving again. The good news is when everything is working for us, he is fantastic. We got 2 level C Q's Saturday and 2 firsts in Snooker and Colors and 3 level Qs Sunday in Snooker, Wildcard, and Jumpers with 2 firsts and a 3rd in Snookers. See the link below for a video of our jumpers run.
I am thinking of trying some more creative ways to put some stress on him at class such as having the instructor act crazy and standing near the contact, putting crated dogs near the contact, or scattering toys around the contact. We are 5 Q's from our CPE C-ATCH and will probably focus on NADAC next where I can redo contacts but if anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.
-- John Heffernan
-- http://goodwhippet.blogspot.com/
Whippet Wyatt of Dodge City, CD, RE, SC, NA, NAJ, OAC, EJC, OCC, TN-O, TG-N, WV-N, CL4-R, CL5-HSF, CGC “Wyatt”
Whippet AWC Triathlon Winner C-ATCH Ch Seaspell’s Concord Point, CAV, CD, SC, OA, OAJ, RN, CR, OTR, NJC, NAC, TG-N, CGC “Patriot”
I am thinking of trying some more creative ways to put some stress on him at class such as having the instructor act crazy and standing near the contact, putting crated dogs near the contact, or scattering toys around the contact. We are 5 Q's from our CPE C-ATCH and will probably focus on NADAC next where I can redo contacts but if anyone has any advice I would appreciate it.
-- John Heffernan
-- http://goodwhippet.blogspot.com/
Whippet Wyatt of Dodge City, CD, RE, SC, NA, NAJ, OAC, EJC, OCC, TN-O, TG-N, WV-N, CL4-R, CL5-HSF, CGC “Wyatt”
Whippet AWC Triathlon Winner C-ATCH Ch Seaspell’s Concord Point, CAV, CD, SC, OA, OAJ, RN, CR, OTR, NJC, NAC, TG-N, CGC “Patriot”
Friday, September 14, 2007
Wyatt Wins Big Buck in Obedience
Wyatt did great at Tibby Chase's open/utility drop in class last night. He actually won a dollar.
Tibby has tons of great ideas I have never seen from anyone else. She put a dollar down on the floor and the person who dropped their dog (as in the open drop on recall) closest to the dollar won the dollar. Wyatt was second to last and before that, the closest dog was about a foot away. When our turn came, I made sure the dollar was in the direct line between me and Wyatt. He was doing very ncie drops all night and I had a good sense of how far he was moving forward before dropping (not very far). Anyway, I dropped him right on the dollar. We beat a cattle dog, a golden, and an Aussie, and bunch of other dogs. That was fun. He also sat solidly for 3 minutes with me across the ring. Next step is start working out of sight. I also did some good proofing with scent discrim. He is having trouble sometimes with one dumbell on an outside corner, which was not part of the Around the Clock method. We did a lot of proofing with drop on recall. Wyatt was not distracted except when offered food by someone close to where he dropped, which was not too surprising. Tibby said we have to get that sit problem fixed because he is very ready to earn his CDX. That was good to hear. Wyatt has become such a good boy.
Tibby has tons of great ideas I have never seen from anyone else. She put a dollar down on the floor and the person who dropped their dog (as in the open drop on recall) closest to the dollar won the dollar. Wyatt was second to last and before that, the closest dog was about a foot away. When our turn came, I made sure the dollar was in the direct line between me and Wyatt. He was doing very ncie drops all night and I had a good sense of how far he was moving forward before dropping (not very far). Anyway, I dropped him right on the dollar. We beat a cattle dog, a golden, and an Aussie, and bunch of other dogs. That was fun. He also sat solidly for 3 minutes with me across the ring. Next step is start working out of sight. I also did some good proofing with scent discrim. He is having trouble sometimes with one dumbell on an outside corner, which was not part of the Around the Clock method. We did a lot of proofing with drop on recall. Wyatt was not distracted except when offered food by someone close to where he dropped, which was not too surprising. Tibby said we have to get that sit problem fixed because he is very ready to earn his CDX. That was good to hear. Wyatt has become such a good boy.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Whipet Results from CPE This Weekend
Whippets Shine at Connecticut CPE Agility Trial
November 8-9 2007 – John Heffernan
Whippets shined this weekend at the SCAT CPE agility trial in Southington, CT despite the record temperatures and humidity. Sharon Dunston and Gypsy finished their level 1 CPE title. They make a nice team with good speed and focus. Paula Milnes and Mini-Me (love that name) also did well at their first ever agility trial and received at least one level 1 qualifying score (Q) that I saw. Mini-Me also showed good speed in the Colors run I witnessed. Danielle Gregoire and Webster also had a good weekend and had at least one Q in Jackpot Friday night. I was amazed at the improvement Webster showed this weekend. It does take some of our whippets quite a while to get used to the stimulating environment at an agility trial. Webster stayed very focused during the entire standard run I had the pleasure of observing.
Veteran CPE whippets Wyatt and Patriot were run by John Heffernan, while wife Dawn vacationed on Cape Cod with their son Aidan. Dawn usually runs Patriot who earned his CPE agility championship last February. Wyatt did very well in the heat Saturday, staying fast and motivated all day. He got a first and Q in level C (Championship) jumpers, a 2nd place and Q in level C Snooker, and a first and Q in Level C Colors but had contact issues all day. Patriot had a Q and a 4th in Level C jumpers and a Q in level C colors before succumbing to the heat.
Wyatt, Patriot, and John had a perfect day on Sunday having clean, qualifying runs in 9 classes they entered. Wyatt received 5 Qs earning 2 firsts and 2 seconds while Patriot earned a second, 2 thirds, and a fourth place. They ran in the championship level in all classes except for Wyatt’s standard classes. His level 5 standard Q means that he has earned 5 level 5 Qs and needs only 5 more for his CPE Agility Championship. John reports that he had a breakthrough day - finally figuring out how to get reliable contacts at trials. While Wyatt does a perfect, independent 2 on, 2 off contact at home, John finally figured out that Wyatt needs more support at trials. He requires eye contact at trials during the contacts even though John does not look at him during the contacts at home. In combination with increased ability to steer this very fast and motivated dog, getting reliable contacts resulted in Wyatt’s first perfect day in agility. Patriot also qualified with in his 4 runs. John was thrilled to have perfect days with both his whippets.
[I will write another post about Wyatt's progress next.]
November 8-9 2007 – John Heffernan
Whippets shined this weekend at the SCAT CPE agility trial in Southington, CT despite the record temperatures and humidity. Sharon Dunston and Gypsy finished their level 1 CPE title. They make a nice team with good speed and focus. Paula Milnes and Mini-Me (love that name) also did well at their first ever agility trial and received at least one level 1 qualifying score (Q) that I saw. Mini-Me also showed good speed in the Colors run I witnessed. Danielle Gregoire and Webster also had a good weekend and had at least one Q in Jackpot Friday night. I was amazed at the improvement Webster showed this weekend. It does take some of our whippets quite a while to get used to the stimulating environment at an agility trial. Webster stayed very focused during the entire standard run I had the pleasure of observing.
Veteran CPE whippets Wyatt and Patriot were run by John Heffernan, while wife Dawn vacationed on Cape Cod with their son Aidan. Dawn usually runs Patriot who earned his CPE agility championship last February. Wyatt did very well in the heat Saturday, staying fast and motivated all day. He got a first and Q in level C (Championship) jumpers, a 2nd place and Q in level C Snooker, and a first and Q in Level C Colors but had contact issues all day. Patriot had a Q and a 4th in Level C jumpers and a Q in level C colors before succumbing to the heat.
Wyatt, Patriot, and John had a perfect day on Sunday having clean, qualifying runs in 9 classes they entered. Wyatt received 5 Qs earning 2 firsts and 2 seconds while Patriot earned a second, 2 thirds, and a fourth place. They ran in the championship level in all classes except for Wyatt’s standard classes. His level 5 standard Q means that he has earned 5 level 5 Qs and needs only 5 more for his CPE Agility Championship. John reports that he had a breakthrough day - finally figuring out how to get reliable contacts at trials. While Wyatt does a perfect, independent 2 on, 2 off contact at home, John finally figured out that Wyatt needs more support at trials. He requires eye contact at trials during the contacts even though John does not look at him during the contacts at home. In combination with increased ability to steer this very fast and motivated dog, getting reliable contacts resulted in Wyatt’s first perfect day in agility. Patriot also qualified with in his 4 runs. John was thrilled to have perfect days with both his whippets.
[I will write another post about Wyatt's progress next.]
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