When the dog is more talented than the handler...

KristenC · 09-22-2008, 10:51 PM

Hogan and I are finally back in training, it's been awhile since we did anything "formal". We're doing Agility Conditioning - we work on obed. and agility each session. {Hogan's training background is 4 months of puppy agility (from 7 months old to 11 months old) followed by basic obed, agility fundamentals, basic obed again :-)}

Anyway, as usual, Hogan is very boisterous as we pull into the parking lot of class... his nub is about to fall off from wagging too fast as we walk into the club... he starts leaping in the air once we get to the training room and he sees our trainers... There are 5 other dogs in this class, mostly young, laid back dogs. So we stand out a bit, as Hogan is practically moving, just sitting still ;-) I decided to just see what we both remember, no pressure, have fun! I have to say that in the time we were away from classes, the boy has grown up! His heeling was great, about turns, u-turns, fast, slow, great eye contact, etc. We did some low jump work and he started getting revved up. Then the instructors decided we'll bring out the tunnel. Hogan is drawn to the tunnels to the point of silliness. He kept his sit/stay while I helped bring equipment out, but he was basically vibrating with excitement. The instructor asked to use him as the tunnel demo dog, which made his night (although he went through then turned right around and went back through). She asks if anyone is comfortable running a series of jumps + the tunnel, off leash. I figured why not, and volunteer to go first.

It was basically a jump, slight turn to the right into the tunnel, right turn to 3 jumps in a row. I completely forgot how fast he is, and I'm not as agile as I'd like to be, to say the last. I take his leash off, set him up in front of jump 1 in a sit/stay and walk over to the tunnel. I tell him "over, tunnel" all at once and while he's in the tunnel I head to the next jump, tell him "over" while he's JUST coming out of the tunnel, then 2 more quick "overs" as he PASSES me up!!! He does both jumps and then sort of slams down into a sit, his whole butt wagging and the silliest grin on his face :-) The instructors and the class all start cheering, to which he "a-rooo-rooooos!" and goes into the zoomies ;-) I called him back to me, he came, so I gave him some chicken. He then went and picked his leash up in his mouth and brought it over to me.

I realize the way the little course was setup was pretty basic and easy, but it was pretty cool none the less :-) Cali was a bit miffed that I took Hogan out somewhere, but all was forgiven once I took her outside for a bit and "danced" with her.

**Burns** · 09-22-2008, 11:01 PM

Wow how cool! What a smart boy Hogan is! He sounds like a hoot to train with. Isn't it great when they are having so much fun?? And also so gratifying to see them excel in class and impress everyone. Well done, both of you!! Hogan needs to teach Red how to do the tunnel, Red is a bit confused by it, lol

waiting · 09-22-2008, 11:04 PM

Wow, sounds like all taught stuck in his head, what a great night zoomies too, a good memory for sure.

bleh60 · 09-22-2008, 11:11 PM

Hogan sounds like he loves agility! I could imagine everything, and lol at the tunnel, I don't think I could get Strike in one.

hrd2gt · 09-22-2008, 11:12 PM

That is so funny, when I read your topic line, the first thing I thought was "They must not have ever seen an agility event' LOL!! That definitely will be your agility life story from here on out. Glad your having fun, the speed is definitely a factor!! I have a lot of experience with fast lil dogs, but I am learning that is NOTHING to a fast BIG dog like Karma!! She is an overachiever too

Take advantage and practice your distance work! Think thats the only thing that is going to save us!!

The best thing is they learn SO FAST!! I am amazed how much Karma is picking up, she literally is running the same courses as my IG, and he almost has his MACH and the other dogs in his class do have the title!! Mind you I am not as graceful... (more of a make sure i dont get run over... again!) but we are getting there, hehe.

**Jenny** · 09-22-2008, 11:29 PM

Sounds like fun. Vader loved the tunnel they set up at puppy school. I could just imagine it all from your post.

**doberkim** · 09-23-2008, 06:53 AM

yay hogan!!! and welcome to my life! my poor dogs, having to have me as a handler..

KristenC · 09-23-2008, 09:44 AM

Thanks guys. Yeah, the poor dog would be stellar with someone who had a clue ;-) I'm glad what he was taught early on was retained, but most of all I'm so glad to see him have so much fun :-)

**ellenm** · 09-23-2008, 11:53 AM

Sounds like a fun night!

I've been in a class with Cheers off and on since last spring. She is way better than me, although at first we said she had more speed than skill over the equipment. It is amazing how fast and agile the Dobes are, isn't it? I'm really enjoying doing agility.

KristenC · 09-23-2008, 12:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ellenm

Sounds like a fun night!

I've been in a class with Cheers off and on since last spring. She is way better than me, although at first we said she had more speed than skill over the equipment. It is amazing how fast and agile the Dobes are, isn't it? I'm really enjoying doing agility.

The speed can be troublesome, especially on the contact obstacles. We haven't done the a-frame or dog walk yet since we've been back to class, but we really had to slow Hogan down when we did them in the past. I have no desire to risk injury. It seems his rear end awareness is better now, so that will help :-)