The purpose of this blog is ultimately for me to be able to write down where Pre and I in terms of training. Feel free to read and comment! But mostly I am using this blog as the only means that I will track his progress... since I am too lazy to write down everything that comes to mind. And I can type faster than I write.
Pre is now 2 (turned 2 on May 17th 2009). We are now back where we (I guess, technically belong) on Long Island. Well, I will put it this way, back from where we don't belong (which was living with 2 Border Collies in a studio apartment in Queens).
Anyhoo... starting this past Monday (7-6-09) Pre and I began agility class again at SNAP (Suffolk Nassau Agile Paws) in Nassau County. It has been a while since we last set paw and foot in a training center for regular classes. I have put Pre in 2 AKC shows, showing only in Novice JWW. We basically were wingin' it, which he did surprisingly pretty well... despite limited training.
So, this week's homework (til next class, next Monday) is to work on...
1. His weave poles: Pre was trained using Susan Garrett's amazing 2x2 method. I heart this method. He learned 6 poles in 6 days, but I slacked off in his 12 poles in 12 days. What I did not do, was spend the time when the poles were open, putting pressure on him as he entered the poles. At class, Pre would not collect and nail his poles if I was moving when he was. He got his entries, which is a plus, but kept skipping the second pole. New environment... and in the D A S H philosophy, H for habitat, is important. He will weave 6 poles amazingly at home... but I am going back to the basics for a short while.
2. Lead Outs- I had originally wanted a standing lead out with Pre. As I look back he's laying down... I am not sure I want to keep a standing lead out anymore... might go to a sit like my older BC Chase...
3. Again in terms of lead outs... Pre watches me too much. I need to click treat him for looking at the obstacle ahead of him, and not me!!
Okay, that is it for now. Hope to post video later.
