eat my socks

Agility last Sunday was fun, Elvis seems to have conquered the dogwalk. Still slowing down on the teeter just to keep me on my toes. He can do weaves pretty well without treats and is getting towards offside weaves. Time to set up the poles in the yard again and maybe build some jumps.

Some photos for your enjoyment, from a damp backyard afternoon:



Elvis lays down for a break




Riley poses - I tried to take this again without the flash, but he moved




Another frisbee break for Elvis




Riley would really like to catch the frisbee, but needs to be faster

The one almost photo

The howling league outing was a lot of fun, but I felt pretty bad watching elvis in the view finder of the camera, break out of step to run off to the sideline for approval. The scoring was a little difficult to get the hang of and despite of the side trips elvis still got in the top 5 or so. However I spent the rest of the league in the car with Riley and outside of the arena where the dog couldn't see me.

Still no weave pole action pictures.

The most interesting thing for me on the trip was seeing the demographics of the people who are doing agility with their dogs. Alot of luxury cars in the lot to say the least. The next youngest person at the event looked about 35. Its funny to see Emily out there in the arena as she seems one of the few people that do not look out of place running. They need extra points in aglity for not getting winded out on the field.

First Howling League was successful! 26 points. We did several dogwalks and tunnels. Elvis was distracted by Vincent and kept running over to check that he was still watching. We lost some time as a result but still had fun.

There were pictures taken but as we were moving quickly they are too blurry to post.

Next Howling League is November 11.

Tomorrow is regular agility class. We'll continue working on the teeter.

Friday 10/14 - 7 PM - Howling League!

Elvis and I's first Novice agility game. We'll be playing Jacks:

“Jacks”

Based on the children’s game of jacks, with an agility twist.

1. Each dog and handler team will try to score as many as possible in 60 seconds.
2. Time starts when the dog goes through the tire jump. The tire must be completed before going on. There is no fault charged for missing or going around, but you must complete the tire before going on.
3. After completing a “bounce” of tire you may proceed to do ONE obstacle of your choice (the one-sies). Then they must return to the tire, and complete another bounce. Then you can go for TWO obstacles of choice, to earn two your two-sies. Then back to the tire, and you go for three obstacles. This is continued (tire – 4 obstacles – tire – 5 obstacles etc.) until your 60 seconds is up.
4. If the there is a fault during the attempt to earn points, the dog and handler must go back and complete a bounce (tire) before trying that level again.
5. Faults are
a. Missed contacts
b. Knocked bar
c. Repeating the same obstacle during a single level (can’t do jump and back jump for two-sies)
d. Doing more or fewer obstacles than the level the dog is working on.
6. Points will be awarded as follows (no points for weave poles):
a. 1 points for jumps
b. 3 points for tunnels
c. 5 points for aframe and teeter
d. 7 points for dogwalk
7. The dog and handler must successfully complete a level before going to a higher level.
8. Time stops when the dog crosses the finish line.
9. A whistle will blow at 60 seconds. No additional points or faults will be earned for obstacles taken on the way to the finish line after 60 seconds. The clock will continue to run until the dog crosses the finish line. Time is very important in this game, it will break any ties.

This will be challenging, Elvis misses the tire usually at least once a practice. Should be fun!

ARBORETUM DOGS

Emily taught riley an new trick, "bounce."

Basically he goes from sitting to doing a jump/hop in midair on command.

Elvis is filled with hate.

COUCH DESTROYERS UNITE