Agility, but not competing?

Khiera · 07-09-2008, 11:09 AM

I hope this is not a stupid question: Where do you go in agility after finishing all the various levels of classes, learning all the equipment, moves, commands etc., but don't want to go into competing?

I've been trying to think about additional activities my Dobie and I could participate in together, and agility is one of them. I just sort of want to envision where it would lead to ... Pardon my newbie naiveness

MaryAndDobes · 07-09-2008, 11:24 AM

I just keep going to class (not that Zeke "knows it all", far from it) but each week, the instructor has several different runs set up for us to do so we're not doing the same thing every week. My goal is to compete ... eventually. Nerves and physical problems are holding me back.

DobeGirl07 · 07-09-2008, 11:26 AM

I love agility. Suri and I go every week and she loves it! I plan on competing in maybe a year.

And I agree with Mary, if you don't plan on competing just keep taking classes. The classes are fun.

sorthund · 07-09-2008, 11:26 AM

Yup, you just keep training and perfecting handling skills, as well as the speed you can do a course in.

Dobes&Hounds · 07-09-2008, 11:26 AM

If you don't want to compete, you can do fun matches and show n goes. They are sorta like real competion, but there's no judge and you can usually run your dog a couple of times (like $5 per run)
Or are you asking what activity to go to next? Just trying to make sure I understand the question.

Khiera · 07-09-2008, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobes&Hounds

If you don't want to compete, you can do fun matches and show n goes. They are sorta like real competion, but there's no judge and you can usually run your dog a couple of times (like $5 per run)
Or are you asking what activity to go to next? Just trying to make sure I understand the question.

I was wondering about what the options were in terms of taking it to the next level in agility once all the classes were completed but we didn't want to be competing, so yes, your first interpretation was correct

I guess continuing to go to classes would be an option, but wouldn't cost be a factor, in terms of continuously paying for classes in order to do agility? Are there people who do agility outside of a class or competition environment, or is that just not feasible because of the different types of equipement required, space requirements, etc.? Do my questions make sense??

**ellenm** · 07-09-2008, 06:43 PM

You can make a lot of your own agility equipment and just have fun at home, if that is your wish.
I find I have made good friends with dog people who do things in common with me....so dog shows end up being me doing obedience, then running to the breed ring to see someone show, then dash to the agility building to see someone else do a run. It is a fun social circle which reminds me of when my kids were in preschool!!!

alwayshadpets · 07-09-2008, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Khiera

I hope this is not a stupid question: Where do you go in agility after finishing all the various levels of classes, learning all the equipment, moves, commands etc., but don't want to go into competing?

I've been trying to think about additional activities my Dobie and I could participate in together, and agility is one of them. I just sort of want to envision where it would lead to ... Pardon my newbie naiveness

Never a stupid question! Like everyone said keep going to class. A lot of people do. Someplaces have drop in, where you just show up and practice.

hrd2gt · 07-10-2008, 10:34 PM

Shucks, if your not going to compete, why not learn something else?? Expand to other things I guess. I would suggest obedience if you havent, I never done it with any of my dogs (i am a huge agility person, love it love it love it although its getting expensive) At least with obedience its something you can do at home and perfect and doesnt seem to need a lot of equipment. I find competition obedience a real challenge, compared to agility which i thing is a piece of cake!

Khiera · 07-11-2008, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrd2gt

Shucks, if your not going to compete, why not learn something else?? Expand to other things I guess. I would suggest obedience if you havent, I never done it with any of my dogs (i am a huge agility person, love it love it love it although its getting expensive) At least with obedience its something you can do at home and perfect and doesnt seem to need a lot of equipment. I find competition obedience a real challenge, compared to agility which i thing is a piece of cake!

Yeah, we are currently working on obedience right now, and are reaching the point where i'm wondering if i should go into competition obedience with him. The thing is, i want to do an activity that Dante likes as well, and not just because i absolutely like it or love doing it or want to compete in it. I want him to work for me, but i want him to have fun doing it in the process as well. I'm getting him certified as a therapy dog in the fall (they don't have the evaluation sessions going again until the fall), and plan to be getting his CGC in the fall as well (again, no session until the fall).

I was just thinking about agility as another option. I don't believe he has the necessary temparement to do bite sports (something which i want to get into with my next one). My trainer suggested rally obedience so maybe we will check that out as well. I just wanted to see what all my options are and where they might potentially take us