Success is so sweet!

I am so proud of Jasmine today.  Yesterday was the last fun match of the year at a local facility.  I'm very much addicted to fun matches so here I was, again, trying to make Jasmine an agility star.

Two courses were offered to us, and like always, I avoid all the contact obstacles.  Jasmine isn't up to par yet.

Standard Run 1

I choose the starters level for the first run, a standard.  My plan is simple ; keep it safe, reward Jasmine as much as I can, and keep her in my line of sight.  I do a lead out, but from the video, I see I'm much too close to the third obstacle, the tunnel.  I reward Jasmine after the jumps, but that wasn't really necessary.  The real issue in our practices are her tunnel exits. The judge remarks that my dog has much more confidence than she did in the past and her voice was enough to entice Jasmine away from me for a little walk to visit  her.  Yep, it's becoming more and more obvious that more "it's yer choice" exercices will be necessary.


Standard Run 2

What I love to see, a happy table.  Jasmine's wagging tail is one of the reasons why I do agility and leaves me with a good feeling.  Unfortunely, I take a few steps back and off she goes and self-releases.  Must work on this.

A first: I try a sequence of "tire, weaves".  She nails it on the first try!  I'm so proud of her!  And the weaves!!!  She's so fast!  I trained her to do this?  Wow!  CB must take the credit, but still, I'm the one who would take out the equipment every night to practice.  Mmmm.  CB also took the time to comment on all the videos I sent her.  Argh!!!  Oh well.  Let's both pat ourselves on our backs.  (pat, pat, pat)

Boo-boo: When Jasmine skips poles, I call her back to start again, but I don't position myself so she won't weave when she comes back.  I remembered on the second try.  Finally.


I took the time to do a couple of 180s.  Piece of cake. 

Steeplechase Run 1 - (Advanced level)


Again, I ask Jasmine to complete two sequences with weaves.  Success.  As I'm running, I'm trying to remember not to use my arms.  Ahem.  Not much of a success.   : )  It seems that Jasmine skips poles when I rush her through the waves.  More practice is required.  Her startline stay could improve but I'm wondering if the cold sand has anything to do with it.  She pops up and I have to ask her to sit again.


Steeplechase Run 2 - (Masters level)

It took all this time for me to realise the importance of "finding the line".  At the startline, I have to correct Jasmine for not keeping her stay.  What I mistakenly did is position her so she sees ME and not the next jump in "her line".  Result, she avoids it and runs to the next obstacle.  This is an obvious testimony of this very essential skill and my error.  Yes, she is rewarded a "screw-up" cookie.

Another first: I do a rear cross before the weaves.  I've tried this before in practice but never in a sequence. What happens?  Success again!

This fun match was a great way to finish the year.  Only last March, Jasmine would zoom away in this very same arena.  What a change.  Thanks CB!