New Series:- Pups Progress
You will be aware that we have been following our Foundation Agility programme for a while now and as a
couple of our youngsters near their 1st birthday we thought it would be of interest to read how they have progressed
seen through the eyes of the owners.
The first two contributors are Jayne Widdess from Norfolk with Dolly, and
Nicky Collins and Yam from Lincoln. Jaynes views begin today and I think they make interesting reading.
We will also add in the next couple of weeks an insight into the second set of younsters starting the programme,
which even in this short time has evolved slightly from our first,and finally highlight the progress of our soon to
be Border Terrier team as Hannah and Sarah Patrick outline the obstacles they have had to overcome in training this particular breed.
Our foundation training offers the most up to date techniques so enjoy reading as the pairings progress.
Julie Chapman and Ozzie
Day 1 of Training Yippee
My mum has just told me that today is the first day of my agility training – we are going to be doing “crate games” (whatever they are!)
Hmm, not to sure about these crate games – my mum just stood there looking at me; so I stood there looking back at her. I got really bored of that so I decided to sit down. But as I sat down something happened – she opened the door so naturally I tried to get out. My mum very quickly closed the door on me! “What is happening?” I thought. This happened a few times, we played the “lovingly looking at each other game” (with me getting bored), I sat, she opened the door, I rush to get out, door closes. I thought to myself, this is not getting me anywhere so the next time I didn’t rush to get out. When I didn’t rush, as she opened the door, she started to very quickly push her hand into the back of the cage and feed me with some of that lovely cream cheese! (Hmm, if she is going to give me cream cheese every time she opens the door then maybe I shouldn’t try to escape!)
15th April
Just got back from training – this agility thing is really cool. My dad came with us and I made him laugh.
The first half of training tonight was “Crate Games”. I was a little bit naughty tonight but then again I blame Pauline cos she got the tunnel out to see if we could resist it. Unfortunately my silly mum had already taught me the tunnel at home and as I find running through a tunnel far more exciting than waiting in a crate I decided to release myself from the wait and go and play in the tunnel! I had a whale of a time but my mum wasn’t impressed. Never mind - mum stills loves me.
My mum made my trainer really laugh tonight. We played another crate game. This time my mum had to go out of sight! Silly woman – if only she would trust me. She left me in a “Wait” in my crate, slowly walked away, then ran around the porta-cabin as quickly as she could in case I moved – I showed her – I didn’t budge an inch! She was really really pleased with me for that so gave me a bit lick of the cream cheese.
We tested each other tonight, I had to wait in my crate, with the door OPEN! and watch my friend play with her mum in front of me – I couldn’t resist that I just had to go and play with her cos she is so gorgeous – they call her Skye! Ooops, big mistake, my mum was not happy she tried to call me back but I was having so much fun I just carried on, then Drift my other training buddy came out of his cage and we ended up running riot around the field – it was fantastic we all loved it. We were eventually captured and returned to our crates – just aswell cos I was getting tired!
Overall, I think I definitely need to learn to control me desire to run off and play. More work needed – but then again I am still a puppy and that’s what puppies do!
Second half tonight was gridwork with Bob – I just love this game – I’ve sat for weeks and weeks watching my big bro jump over really high things – now it’s my turn, my chance to jump, jump, jump. Won’t do too much of this though as I am still only very young and don’t want to hurt myself. My mum tells me I am really good at this – she thinks I was pre-programmed to do agility, but I just think she is training me really well (got to say that, I might get a bit more cheese!). I was very well behaved tonight in the second half, I have good “start line waits” which I think is down to the crate games. I will try to keep these up (but you never know, my desire to move may just kick in at some stage so I hope we will keep on with the crate games – must overcome this desire thing!)
22nd April
Hi guys - just got back from training - I don’t seem to be improving much at the moment – mum thinks I have taken a step back but really I am just testing her – pushing my luck a bit at the moment to see how far I can push her! She doesn’t let me get away with much though. If I put a paw out of the cage before she releases me the door is shut straight away – she nearly took my nose off!
I still don’t trust her when she walks around that portacabin thing - so I wait til she’s round the back then I go to see what she’s upto! Only thing is; she’s not happy – I get put back into my cage and she doesn’t even thank me for checking on her! Huh.
Bob’s bit was kind of OK tonight – couldn’t quite get my pacing right to start with, but soon sorted that out I think. I also kept running out at the last jump to see my mum but that wasn’t good. Serves her right for standing to the side.
29th April
Just thought I’d update my diary before I go to bed – been working hard tonight. Got on OK tonight – well I think I did. Pauline really tested our waits tonight – yep you’ve guessed it – I failed! Just couldn’t resist the tasty treats she was throwing at me. Well, what do you expect, I’m a puppy! Still don’t trust my mum you know round the back of that Portacabin! Failed at that again too. I was good at the recall games though – you get loads of treats playing this game correctly. My mum keeps letting me down with the circle work - I don’t think she is trying as hard as I am. “Mum – we must do more of this if I am to run nicely and not get in your way!”. Hmm, did I say I got on OK tonight – well perhaps not.
We only did a little bit of gridwork tonight – Bob showed us some more “wait” training tricks to do at home so I guess there will be even more homework. Did a couple of jumps and I was good at that. That’s all folks – will write again soon. Nite.
1st May
Tonight my mum took us out into the field. We did a bit of wait training where she kept throwing the ball behind. Took me a few attempts to realise that when she releases me I am to go behind me and get the ball and not run to her. I think I understand the difference now between the two release commands. We also did a bit of training where by she would only release me over the jumps when I looked straight ahead of me (at the ball) and not at her! Soon got the hang of this. The best thing ever was when she attempted to run Scotch (by big brother) over a few jumps – she put me in a down stay and then called Scotch. She did a three jumps with him and then came running over to me and gave me a hugh cuddle and lots of cream cheese – just for laying and waiting!
Jane Widdess and Dolly Bird
Well after attending Susan Garrett seminars last year and struggling immensely
with my strong-willed Grade 6, I figured that I should have the knowledge now
to apply the correct foundation training to my new pup Nedlo Trollie Dollie –
Dolly for short (DB as she is referred to now – Dolly Bird).
The first day home we embarked immediately on a training programme. Crate
games, sit stay, it’s your choice amongst many of the games and behaviours we
commenced. We worked especially hard on the sit stay within the first month,
along with some basic 3 jump grids with poles on the floor. DB took to it like a
duck to water. Driving down the grids to the tuggy the other end.
Her sits were awesome and still are. She does not need a reinforcer i.e wait or
stay command, a sit until she is released on the word go is all that is required.
We worked might hard on this as Flo my grade 6 taught me you are limiting your
chances the 6/7 classes without a solid start line wait. Trying to establish this
with Flo a highly driven, strong willed bitch was proving to be very taxing!
Within a couple of months in DB was excelling at a great rate of knots. Her
nose touches on the stairs were very strong; her sit waits perfect and her puppy
jump grids just great. Rear end work commences too. DB just loves to work!
Time to test her waits else where. I took DB round all the exercise areas at
shows testing her waits and adding distractions to instil the criteria. Along with
this we had incorporated some of Greg Derrett’s basic foundation exercises.
Front crosses, rear crosses, circle work etc all on the ground away from
equipment. These were all performed in the exercise areas at inter clubs and
anywhere else we went that had a field. Think the term obsessed came to mind
but I was determined to get things right this time.
As I train as often as I can at The Field of Dreams with Bob, DB accompanied on
the 220 mile round trip. Once at his DB would come out and I would show him
what we had been doing. We set up some small jump grids so she could perform
in a different environment. We would discuss the next step and she go to work
alongside her half brother – Blaze who is around a month or so younger.
Often on my visits to Field of Dreams, we would try to see if we could get DB to
break her sit position to no avail – great I must be doing something right!
At about 8 months, DB was able to race down the stairs to the target and offer
nose touches independent of my whereabouts. Great!! Time to up the anti!
DB’s grids had now increased in size and different pacing etc. had been
incorporated along with her focus exercises and bend work. She was going great
guns.
At about 9 months we transferred the target to a plank and slightly elevated it.
DB was rewarded for her nose touches initially then progressed to taking a few
steps into position. She is driving ahead and performing sequences like she has
been doing agility all her life obviously the poles are not very high, some on the
feet and some at small height. It is the quality of the training that counts not
the quantity.
Next stage at about 10 months, we changed the criteria yet again. A slightly
raised A frame with DB in the correct position at the end she was rewarded – no
problem that was until I tried to get her to perform the whole thing – umm
Bambi came to mind. OK so back to just rewarding the nose touches in the
correct position and helping her steady her rear end with the lead.
So at the
Field of Dreams we have been dong straight lines and curves etc, now he
suggests doing a sequence – what? “She can do it” he says. I am not so sure.
Sure enough he is proved right yet again – DB can do it or should I say we can do
it. Lead outs, change of arm, push thros and pull thros – DB can do – awesome.
11 months and DB is increasing in speed all the time. The A frame is no longer a
problem, so can consider raising (after consulting with Mr Sharpe) and
performing the A frame on numerous occasions at his venue accompanied by the
comments “reward her quicker”, “don’t you think you should be rewarding her”,“she is not being rewarded enough”.
Ok this visit we are going to incorporate
some rear crosses – she has never done them I cry! Guess what show is right
again – Mr Sharpe – she done them. The sessions with the pups only last for 10
mins at a time before anyone comments about the dog not being old enough.
Height of the A frame has increased, DB coping really well and driving to the
bottom with me in all different positions.
April 2008.
Decide to purchase some V weaves, DB under the supervision of Bob on one of
his twice a month visits to my field to train two groups, drives through and he
thinks I have practised them before – I have only just set them up!
Started DB on the down plank of the Dog Walk, little bit scary at first, and she
wobbles a little. Once rewarded in the correct position we commence the back
chaining. DB doing well. Within a week she has accomplished the dog walk. Is
there no stopping her?
DB is a year old on the 17th. Mmm hip scoring time just in case I want to breed
from her. Have I done too much with her – I don’t think so. 18th April DB goes
for hip scoring, vet calls me over to look at x-rays, “perfect hips in the socket –
nice and tight” he quotes – I await the score.
21st April we set out for our marathon drive to the Field of Dreams. Bob has an
exercise for Flo and I which we modify for the pups. Jumps, tunnel and Aframe– “she won’t do that I shout – she has never done an A frame in a sequence. This
time I am right – DB drives done the 5 jumps, front cross back down the 5 into
the tunnel (some distance away from the A-Frame, and I cue her, she runs
straight past the A –Frame to me! Try again he says – ok – same happens again.
Ok so lets break it down, jump, tunnel A frame – she does it straight into
position – nose touching. After a couple of times we do the whole sequence again– DB races to the A Frame up and over into position – nose touching – I am
elated but won’t let on! Let’s try some rear crosses he says, umm, ok I say.
DB
waits in perfect sit, I lead out, “ready, steady, go” she’s off and awesome we
perform a rear cross but DB a bit wide. Move sooner he says (never bloody
satisfied I say to myself). Ok I move sooner, diagonal line she does it, front
cross and on to A Frame – nose touching hurray!!!
26/04/08
Been doing some short sessions on a small dog walk today as well as earlier in the
week. Have decided to put stop walk on it to see how she is performing. Slowest
time was 2.4 seconds – can’t believe it. Only been doing this piece of equipment
for about a week and a half.
30/04/08
One of Bob’s bi weekly training sessions at my field. Umm pressures on, DB can
participate as basic handling skills no weaves included! DB never trained in a
group – she is extremely excited when the first dogs go.
I work hard to get her
attention back on me and under control – success!!! DB watching me and I am
rewarding frantically.
Oh no – jumps moved done to medium DB’s turn. Sharpey says before I set up“you should have no problem with this”
Great I think bloody typical – pressure – as if I don’t apply enough of my own!
DB sits on the line – I lead out – she holds position.
“Ready, steady” pause “go”. Perfect – she does it and my handling seems to be
nearly up to scratch. Always room for improvement – compliments have to be
earned!“ Bit panicky 7 – 8” says Bob- you should be strolling. Is there no pleasing him.
DB performed all the exercises really well, not without a blip as she jumped the
first jump and smelt the grass! What is that all about I think. Position her back
on the line umm can’t afford that to happen again - some not as quick as others
but as we were nearing the end her pace rapidly increases! Now I have to
concentrate.
Last exercise walked, I have incorporated the infamous serpentine move.
Bob says “I would put two front crosses in Jayne, she won’t read it”
I say “OK but I will give it a go the first time”
He states “ I will write on this piece of paper what she will do and put it in my
pocket”“Ok” I say quietly confident – not letting on.
Round 95% of the sequence perfect, DB is really driving – out on the arm, cue,
serp position, perfect move, she does it straight over the last jump!
Yes, yes, yes I proved him wrong. I praise DB extremely enthusiastically.“OK I was wrong” he states.“Do it again”.
Lead out good, out on arm, serp position – YES YES YES she does it again!!!!!!
No fluke there. Lots of praise from everyone even Mr S. DB is a star for a day
anyway.
05/07/08
I had arranged today to go up to “Field of Dreams” to commence on DBs see saw
training as she is confidently accomplishing the dog walk with a nose touch in the
2o2o position independent of my position.
After doing some handling sequences with DB which she seemed to complete
with ease. DB is easier already to handle at the tender age of 1 year which puts
my grade 6 dog Flo to shame. More evidence that the foundation work we have
done is essential and most importantly makes my job a lot easier.
After allowing DB adequate breaks because of the intense heat the elusive see
saw training commences. DB appears to be quite confident at first and runs to
the end of the plank (which is static) initially a little cautious, DB is confidently
running up the see saw. Time to change the criteria says Bob.
We introduce a
slight tip, DB runs up the plank and then seems to jump the last foot or so as
the see saw tilts and bangs. We attempt this a couple of more times, DB
showing some resistance. I encourage her on lead as she is bailing out and at
times turning round and getting to the start of the see saw and offering a nose
touch.
“Didn’t think she would be that nervous” says Bob.
“She can be” I state , “also wilful”
Back to the initial criteria. The see saw with no tip. DB only gets as far as the
up contact and jumps off the side. This happens a couple of times before we
decide to put her back on lead. I also introduce a tastier reward. DB eventually
runs to the top and her speed increases where the plank had tipped – no
movement and big reward.
We continue down these route a few more times until
she is back to confidently running the plank. Off with the lead and she
completes the manoeuvre with ease.
“Leave it at that and continue at home until next week”
Just one more. I position myself at the end of the see saw plank and recall DB
from a few feet away – her speed has increased and she appears to have
conquered the fear for today at least!
