Friday, January 8, 2010

Agility Trial

Hello from the frozen tundra of northeast Ohio! Since today ended up being a snowday for me, I finally had time to upload and edit the videos from out agility trial last weekend.

Let me start by saying this was our first "away" trial (the other was at our "home" facility) with lots of new sights, sounds, and smells. This was also our first time competing in Level 2 (having qualified out of all but one class of Level 1 at the first trial), with much harder courses than we had last trial. Although there were lots of good moments, Brutus was plagued by the "zoomies" all weekend, causing me to spend a great deal of time chasing him around the ring.

While Brutus was on the course (as opposed to around it, checking out the photographer, bar setters, interesting smells in the corner, ect.) he did pretty well. Never took an obstacle out of sequence all weekend, despite twisty, tight-turning courses. Did a broad jump for the first time ever (never trained on one), and the weave poles and teeter were no problem.

But out of 8 runs (over 2 days), only 4 were Qualifying; the time we wasted getting back onto course after random distractions was too long and we NQ'd on time faults three times. Then there was the run where Brutus got frozen on the dogwalk, taking 36 seconds to get across it since he stopped and stared at the photographer for about 25 seconds. Oh, well....

Three runs are shown below. If you notice little edits, it's only because I didn't think I needed to include the zoomie parts (it's funny enough as it is). Mind you that the handler can't touch the dog during a run, so getting Brutus back on course involved a lot of luring with "air cookies" (no treats allowed in the ring either). Don't be mid-sip into a cup of coffee when you watch - or you'll need a napkin, possibly a shower....


It was fun and if nothing else, and we were most certainly entertaining. I always envisioned Brutus being funny to watch, but after seeing the videos I think that I myself am at least as comical, with lots of frantic handling and cheerleading. That being said, one of the runs shown (colors) in the video was our best ever, not only qualifying but also winning that class with 0 faults and a fantastic time (it's amazing what happens when I can keep Brutus on the course!). What a team we make LOL!!

So back to the drawing board for now. It's not the obstacles that are the problem, it's the distractions around them that make it challenging for Brutus. He is one of the youngest dogs competing (at just over 17 months old), and we just need more exposure to the trial atmosphere so that it isn't as stressful for him. So until our next trial (back on home turf at the end of January) we've got plenty of work to do. Up to now most of our lessons have been private, but we are now enrolled in group classes (both obedience and agility) so that we can practice working with more distractions during training.

There are some fantastic still shots of Brutus being processed by the trial photographer that capture my little guy in some amazing moments. Can't wait to share those with everyone, hopefully will have the images by late next week. Until then, hope you got a chuckle from watching our videos!!

Have a great weekend!

18 comments:

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

How dare they say you aren't a WINNER. Geez, what do they want from a guy??? I think you should just stop and PEE on someone. That would teach them a thing or two.
I loved the video. I think you are a winner.

dw said...

I think Brutus (and you!) did a great job! Then again, I kinda like a case of the "zoomies" and don't take points off for that. :)

Brutus, Ellie, Pippa and Otto said...

We get distracted all the time, Brutus was flying over those jumps!

Look forward to seeing the action pictures.

Pugs & Kisses,

Yoda & Brutus

Bijou said...

Hi Brutus,

Hey it's suppose to be fun right? We think you did a terrific job!

Waggles,
Bijou

Unknown said...

Brutus was amazing. I loved your post because it was informative for those of us not familiar with agility training. So Brutus is one of the young ones, huh? Wow, now I'm even more impressed by how he managed the scary teeter. Great workout for the human too. Maybe I could get my mom to get her bum off the chair one of these days. I'll volunteer my sister for the training.
Good luck in the future and congratulations on this last show.
Twink!

Sam said...

My awful internet won't let me watch more than your first run. But, 4 out of 8 really isn't bad - I suppose I'm biased though, our first trial we went 0 for 2 - LOL. But really, like you said Brutus is a young dog, this is a new place for him, and the courses were harder - so for you to Q in half your runs should be a huge accomplishment.

Beautiful front cross into the weaves, BTW - you looked confident and ready for it!

Kari in Alaska said...

Brutus it sure looks like you had a good time and a case of the zoomies is always cause for fun!

Deborah said...

I love to watch your videos. Brutus should get first prize. I loved it when you said, he stopped for the camera! That was a riot.
Have a nice weekend!

Scooter said...

Hey Brutus, I thought that you looked great!!! It is very interesting to watch and so is your mom lol You did a great job and you certainly are a winner no matter what. I could never do any of that stuff. So again WTG!!

Big paw knocks
Jazzi

Martine said...

I love seeing Brutus in action! I don't think either of you look funny, I think you look good and super cute!!!

Way to go with the colors run!!

xo martine & the kiddlets

The Adventures of the LLB Gang said...

What a great team you two are!!

Smileys!
Dory

PeeEss...Thanks for the Colt sympathy....sniff, sniff

Unknown said...

You are such a funny dud, Brutus! You did a great job though and I would say three Qs isn't so bad!! Congrats!!

Golden Woofs! SUGAR said...

Woof! Woof! Happy New Year! I'm back from my long holiday break. I see that you've been busy with your agility trails. I used to do trails too. WOW! you did a great job. Lots of Golden Woofs, Sugar

Olive said...

Wow, I am in awe!! You are amazing!! You must work very hard :)

Hope you like snow...I know it has been bad up your way. We are hoping to get above freezing tomorrow..maybe 33 they think. OY!

Licks to yoou..I have not seen you in a while :)

Olive

Two French Bulldogs said...

Oh Brutus..how dare momma say YOU stopped at a pawtographer. You probably thought it was time to strike a pose for the pawparazzi! Those humans are blamers. Benny & Lily

Molly the Airedale said...

You did an awesome job, Brutus! You and your mom are a great team!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

Hi Brutus, you asked about my posting times. I do pre-post quite often. I'm not an early morning kind of guy. I have even been known to post days in advance... like when I am going to be gone for a day or so.

Anonymous said...

wow! that was super fun to watch. we do those obstacles at school but only for training not for competition. it's obedience training WITH agility. it's kind of an interesting tie on the 2 things. fun but obedient...as usual, the human needs to be trained as much as the doggie, if not MORE! i think you guys looked great!
wags-n-wiggles,
wild dingo