It's finally done! The condo is sold. A new house has been bought in the community where I found my new job. I moved into the new place last week during one of the worst rainfalls in history. Several of my neighbours have had serious flooding in their basements, but that isn't surprising after 60 mm of rain fell in just 12 hours. I count myself lucky after only founding a very small puddle downstairs and a leak in my fireplace.
Ever since I accepted the new job in late June, no real breakthrough has happened in agility, except for Jasmine's first try at standard courses in a trial environment. I was a bit worried in July when she started limping down the A-Frame and even the front door steps at home. Even so, I ignored the voice of reason and got into a frenzy of competitions in August and September. What I was thinking? I finally scratched Jasmine from the trial at Dreamfields last month. Too much going on and my sanity was being affected. Not only that, but I decided I didn't want to invest hundreds and even thousands of dollars in vet bills later on.
Jasmine went on a complete break from agility for at least three weeks. The result is no serious limping has been observed for at least 14 days. Yay! We participated at an agility fun match today and she did well. No zoomies and boy, was she focused. She did a good A-Frame but stayed on top during the other tries. The contacts could have been better.
What about flyball you ask? Well. After three (or is it four?) years of training, mademoiselle Jasmine has finally caught the ball while the box was triggered.
Sometimes, it pays to take some down time.....
Showing posts with label Agility. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Agility. Show all posts
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Q
Such a simple letter, but what a long road to earn it. At long last, we've done it. That long unatainable Q has finally crossed our path and yes, we grabbed it with both hands and four paws.
The trial is hosted by the Chomedey Kennel Club in Chomedey, or if you prefer, Laval, Québec. I've never been there before, but it's a great excuse to stay overnight at my big brother's place in Boucherville. Not many of my Ottawa area agility friends are there, so other victims fall prey to my unending chatter during the weekend.
Our jumpers run during day 1 is uneventful. Jasmine zooms away after a series of flicks and blind crosses from my part. I calmly decide to withdraw her.
Day 2.... Ah yes. Day 2. My two Ottawa agility buddies are very supportive, but my flicking reputation preceeds me from a Facebook post the night before. They have been instructed to help me analyse the course. Still, I'm extremely nervous. I prespire like a little piggy, and I can't feel my legs. Am I worried about a Q? No way! Not flicking my dog is more on my mind.
It's finally my turn and Jasmine allows me to do a lead-out like an old pro. The rest, dear blogging friends, is history. Here is the video.
After the run, a felllow participant came to me to announce that the judge hadn't raised her hand. That simple sentence was music to my ears and I screamed like an idiot. Yep, I screamed. A lot.
That scream represented all the work both Jasmine and I put into training for the past three years. As I'm writing this, I feel an Oscar moment coming up and this strange urge to start thanking everyone I know, including the ones I don't, for helping me get this far.
Rest assured, I will not.
You know who you are, and to you, my thanks. We couldn't have done it without you. : )
At long last, like other blogging agility enthousiasts, I can finally add Jasmine's AAC achievement page on my blog.
I'm feeling all tingly inside as I click.
The trial is hosted by the Chomedey Kennel Club in Chomedey, or if you prefer, Laval, Québec. I've never been there before, but it's a great excuse to stay overnight at my big brother's place in Boucherville. Not many of my Ottawa area agility friends are there, so other victims fall prey to my unending chatter during the weekend.
Our jumpers run during day 1 is uneventful. Jasmine zooms away after a series of flicks and blind crosses from my part. I calmly decide to withdraw her.
Day 2.... Ah yes. Day 2. My two Ottawa agility buddies are very supportive, but my flicking reputation preceeds me from a Facebook post the night before. They have been instructed to help me analyse the course. Still, I'm extremely nervous. I prespire like a little piggy, and I can't feel my legs. Am I worried about a Q? No way! Not flicking my dog is more on my mind.
It's finally my turn and Jasmine allows me to do a lead-out like an old pro. The rest, dear blogging friends, is history. Here is the video.
After the run, a felllow participant came to me to announce that the judge hadn't raised her hand. That simple sentence was music to my ears and I screamed like an idiot. Yep, I screamed. A lot.
That scream represented all the work both Jasmine and I put into training for the past three years. As I'm writing this, I feel an Oscar moment coming up and this strange urge to start thanking everyone I know, including the ones I don't, for helping me get this far.
Rest assured, I will not.
You know who you are, and to you, my thanks. We couldn't have done it without you. : )
At long last, like other blogging agility enthousiasts, I can finally add Jasmine's AAC achievement page on my blog.
I'm feeling all tingly inside as I click.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
AARF Jan. 30th, 2010
Never will I write such a long post! My previous entry tends to go on, and on, and I haven't even finished translating it for the French blog, that already something new has happened.
Yesterday was our second trial of the month and the first one ever at AARF. The facility is in beautiful historic Spencerville Village, Ontario. How I love these small communities who don't tare down their historical buildings.
During the last few days, our area has been hit by cold weather and when I started my car this morning, I could read -25 degrees Celcius on the dashboard. Good thing I plugged the thing last night because the motor cooperated and started like a charm.
As much as I try to treat Jasmine like a big dog, I do put my foot down when she's cranky, and that's what she is when it's really, really cold. Therefore, I made the poor creature wear her Winter coat, which I'm sure she considers it very humiliating indeed. However, as the day went on, the temperature got warmer to a more comfortable -15 degrees and the coat was no longer necessary. Jasmine was free to trot proudly around.
Here is the video of the Starters Jumpers Run. I chose to do a lead-out since Jasmine has always been very good at them. This time, I hold her quite securely in my arms to the startline, remembering quite well what happened at MorningStar earlier this month. Once in sit-stay, I bravely run to the third jump in the sequence (I've never done that in a trial before) and release her.
What worked well
Yesterday was our second trial of the month and the first one ever at AARF. The facility is in beautiful historic Spencerville Village, Ontario. How I love these small communities who don't tare down their historical buildings.
During the last few days, our area has been hit by cold weather and when I started my car this morning, I could read -25 degrees Celcius on the dashboard. Good thing I plugged the thing last night because the motor cooperated and started like a charm.
As much as I try to treat Jasmine like a big dog, I do put my foot down when she's cranky, and that's what she is when it's really, really cold. Therefore, I made the poor creature wear her Winter coat, which I'm sure she considers it very humiliating indeed. However, as the day went on, the temperature got warmer to a more comfortable -15 degrees and the coat was no longer necessary. Jasmine was free to trot proudly around.
Here is the video of the Starters Jumpers Run. I chose to do a lead-out since Jasmine has always been very good at them. This time, I hold her quite securely in my arms to the startline, remembering quite well what happened at MorningStar earlier this month. Once in sit-stay, I bravely run to the third jump in the sequence (I've never done that in a trial before) and release her.
What worked well
- The lead-out
- The tire (I was a bit worried about this obstacle, since Jasmine ignored it twice at the fun match two weeks ago)
- Jasmine took the first tunnel with no hesitation. In a past life, she would have gone straight outside the ring to investigate.
- Yes, she did zoom, but came back to me every time. : )
- I was suprised that Jasmine didn't try to gorge herself with the footing. This arena is usually used with horses.
- Forgot to call her after the first tunnel, even though Seebee had warned me to. I was too much relieved after the lead-out, tire, tunnel sequence, that I forgot her suggestions.
- Jasmine went straight out after the first jump of the pinwheel, something that happens quite often lately.
- She's coming at an angle at the winged jump, resulting in throwing her off her line and zooming away. I didn't expect that.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Red Gates Fun Match, January 16th 2010 - Not the best of days, but.....
The day didn't start well at all. Like every ordinary day, I wake up and extend my arm to where my glasses usually wait for me on my night table to grab them. After blindly shuffling my hand around, I realise that nothing is there. I get up and sit on my bed, squinting my eyes to make sure I'm not mistaken. Nope, still nothing. I don't worry because I may have forgotten them in the bathroom last night, so off I go. Still nothing. Okay, deep breath, don't panic. It's only 8 am, and I still have ample time to find them before leaving for the fun match. Still, although I'm not completely blind, I prefer to go through life seeing things clearly and not only blurry outlines.
First breakfast, then shower, clothes, and getting my gear ready. At 9:20 am, I still haven't found anything. Glancing over to the living room, Jasmine looks at me from the sofa with a slightly guilty look. Could that be it? The last time this happened, she had chewed the glasses to pieces during the night and when I woke up, she hadn't followed me during my morning routine like she usually does, but stayed put on the chesterfield, and simply watched. Mmmm. Something fishy is going on.
At 9:30 am I check my e-mails and take the time to change my facebook status to discribe my current blind predicament. At 10:30 am, it's time I leave for Red Gates. 10:45 am, the car is loaded, I'm wearing old glasses from five years ago, feeling grumpy, and Jasmine is very picky in choosing her bathroom spot on the street. Argh! We finally leave at 11 am and it will take a miracle, or an X-Wing Fighter from Star Wars, to get to Red Gates on time.
I arrive at 12:08 pm, but the check-in time was at noon. The owners have finished their welcome speel and participants are already walking the course. I count myself lucky not to have come across too many red lights. After walking the course with a very preoccupied mind (not good), one of the owners tells me I'm up. Now? Already? Jasmine is usually second or third but the other usually 6 inches dogs aren't here today.
Sh**!
I run back to the car, make Jasmine pee, yet again, and run back in. We reach the startline with no treats in my pockets, only the tug in my hand. Uh Oh! I have a plan to run Jasmine through several different sequences but my head is so in shambles right now, I have trouble thinking straight. This isn't good because as I mentioned in my previous post, I'm one of those handler who needs to focus on her dog before a run.
Oh dear.
Standard Run - First Try
Our first attempt at the standard could have been worst. The first sequence offers an obstacle discrimination, something we haven't really practiced, and my plan is to stand beside the tunnel she's supposed to take. It doesn't work on the first try, but considering we haven't done this before, I'm not really worried.
We start again and, I try to put her in a sit in front of the first jump, but the next dog in line is one of her good friends, Mongo. Major distraction, no doubt about it. I show her the tug and succeed in getting her focus by playing a few seconds with her, but that obviously isn't enough. She runs back to Mongo, then to Lisa, to finally come back to me. On a side note, this is a great exercice to judge how Jasmine can overcome distractions and concentrate on me. Our second try to the sequence works and I reward her at the exit of the tunnel.
The next sequence is blotched when she takes the wrong end of a tunnel, but I'm probably to blame. It's hard to see from the angle of the video. I tug with her anyways, because I have the distinct feeling I'm not giving her the right signals.
Standard Run - Second Try
Whenever I have a set of 12 weaves available during a course, I always attempt it with my little weaves' lover. Jasmine completes very well the sequence I choose, but avoids the tire, twice! This isn't the first time this happens (never in a trial environment, but still) and I plan to include this important obstacle in a future training session soon.
She also stops a few times to sniff the ground around the weaves. I wonder if this is because I haven't played with her enough before?
Jumpers Run - First Try
What I've always feared comes true. The machine which gives the electronic "go!" with the Voice makes Jasmine release herself before my cue. You see, our release word is "go" and I was afraid this would come back to haunt us. Oh well. I corrected her and hope this isn't repeated.
I underestimate her and don't try a huge lead-out at the startline. She barrells out of the tunnel, and since I'm not there to direct her, off she goes. Always in a rush, I don't give us time enough to regroup and it pretty much goes downhill from there. I won't make the same mistake twice.
We attempt the sequence a second time, a tough sequence might I add, and everything goes well, except for my duh! moment of the day. After doing a superb rear cross, I forget the tire before a turn at the end of the sequence. You can hear the audience laughing because my mistake is pretty obvious and my verbal handling is in the "Jasmine, uh oops! uh Tire!" category as well as having my body angle all over the place.. Poor Jasmine doesn't have a chance of understanding what I want.
We continue with a good rear cross before a tire, turn, jump, but a second "duh!" makes me forget the last jump. Bad, bad, Lyne
Jumpers course - Second Try
I'm so proud of the leadout and Jasmine is soooo good. I reward the first one at the exit of the tunnel and try the complete course after that. The rear cross before the jump doesn't work but that's another skill in the works. The one before the tunnel does, so yay!
Things to practice or to remember
Tire! (No kidding!)
Rear crosses (they're so fun to do too!)
Directionals (They may have been handly in the Jumpers course)
Remember to anticipate important distractions and not to underestimate them. (Mongo)
Trust Jasmine in leadouts. (Oh yeah!)
Leaving my glasses at the same spot every night before going to bed. (Hmpf!)
I used the slip-lead like in a real trial
Here is the video. Enjoy!
First breakfast, then shower, clothes, and getting my gear ready. At 9:20 am, I still haven't found anything. Glancing over to the living room, Jasmine looks at me from the sofa with a slightly guilty look. Could that be it? The last time this happened, she had chewed the glasses to pieces during the night and when I woke up, she hadn't followed me during my morning routine like she usually does, but stayed put on the chesterfield, and simply watched. Mmmm. Something fishy is going on.
At 9:30 am I check my e-mails and take the time to change my facebook status to discribe my current blind predicament. At 10:30 am, it's time I leave for Red Gates. 10:45 am, the car is loaded, I'm wearing old glasses from five years ago, feeling grumpy, and Jasmine is very picky in choosing her bathroom spot on the street. Argh! We finally leave at 11 am and it will take a miracle, or an X-Wing Fighter from Star Wars, to get to Red Gates on time.
I arrive at 12:08 pm, but the check-in time was at noon. The owners have finished their welcome speel and participants are already walking the course. I count myself lucky not to have come across too many red lights. After walking the course with a very preoccupied mind (not good), one of the owners tells me I'm up. Now? Already? Jasmine is usually second or third but the other usually 6 inches dogs aren't here today.
Sh**!
I run back to the car, make Jasmine pee, yet again, and run back in. We reach the startline with no treats in my pockets, only the tug in my hand. Uh Oh! I have a plan to run Jasmine through several different sequences but my head is so in shambles right now, I have trouble thinking straight. This isn't good because as I mentioned in my previous post, I'm one of those handler who needs to focus on her dog before a run.
Oh dear.
Standard Run - First Try
Our first attempt at the standard could have been worst. The first sequence offers an obstacle discrimination, something we haven't really practiced, and my plan is to stand beside the tunnel she's supposed to take. It doesn't work on the first try, but considering we haven't done this before, I'm not really worried.
We start again and, I try to put her in a sit in front of the first jump, but the next dog in line is one of her good friends, Mongo. Major distraction, no doubt about it. I show her the tug and succeed in getting her focus by playing a few seconds with her, but that obviously isn't enough. She runs back to Mongo, then to Lisa, to finally come back to me. On a side note, this is a great exercice to judge how Jasmine can overcome distractions and concentrate on me. Our second try to the sequence works and I reward her at the exit of the tunnel.
The next sequence is blotched when she takes the wrong end of a tunnel, but I'm probably to blame. It's hard to see from the angle of the video. I tug with her anyways, because I have the distinct feeling I'm not giving her the right signals.
Standard Run - Second Try
Whenever I have a set of 12 weaves available during a course, I always attempt it with my little weaves' lover. Jasmine completes very well the sequence I choose, but avoids the tire, twice! This isn't the first time this happens (never in a trial environment, but still) and I plan to include this important obstacle in a future training session soon.
She also stops a few times to sniff the ground around the weaves. I wonder if this is because I haven't played with her enough before?
Jumpers Run - First Try
What I've always feared comes true. The machine which gives the electronic "go!" with the Voice makes Jasmine release herself before my cue. You see, our release word is "go" and I was afraid this would come back to haunt us. Oh well. I corrected her and hope this isn't repeated.
I underestimate her and don't try a huge lead-out at the startline. She barrells out of the tunnel, and since I'm not there to direct her, off she goes. Always in a rush, I don't give us time enough to regroup and it pretty much goes downhill from there. I won't make the same mistake twice.
We attempt the sequence a second time, a tough sequence might I add, and everything goes well, except for my duh! moment of the day. After doing a superb rear cross, I forget the tire before a turn at the end of the sequence. You can hear the audience laughing because my mistake is pretty obvious and my verbal handling is in the "Jasmine, uh oops! uh Tire!" category as well as having my body angle all over the place.. Poor Jasmine doesn't have a chance of understanding what I want.
We continue with a good rear cross before a tire, turn, jump, but a second "duh!" makes me forget the last jump. Bad, bad, Lyne
Jumpers course - Second Try
I'm so proud of the leadout and Jasmine is soooo good. I reward the first one at the exit of the tunnel and try the complete course after that. The rear cross before the jump doesn't work but that's another skill in the works. The one before the tunnel does, so yay!
Things to practice or to remember
Tire! (No kidding!)
Rear crosses (they're so fun to do too!)
Directionals (They may have been handly in the Jumpers course)
Remember to anticipate important distractions and not to underestimate them. (Mongo)
Trust Jasmine in leadouts. (Oh yeah!)
Leaving my glasses at the same spot every night before going to bed. (Hmpf!)
I used the slip-lead like in a real trial
Here is the video. Enjoy!
Monday, January 11, 2010
First Trial of The Year In Kingston
We don't attend competitions that often so trials are still very important to me. I was looking forward to the Morning Star Trial because the venue is wonderful, the organisors very welcoming and Jasmine's comfort level very high in the soccer dome
I registered us in one event only, starters jumpers. I arrived the afternoon before to take the time to settle in and avoid having to worry about the road conditions. Mother Nature cooperated and we only had to cope with the cold. We still attended flyball practice in the morning and this resulted in my nodding off on the road somewhere around Spencerville. Good thing the highway has those grooves in the pavement on the side. It jerked me awake and I was able to steer the car back on the road. I consider myself very lucky and next time, I'll go to bed very early if I have to do a long drive somewhere on my own the next day.
Sunday morning was a bit warmer, around -15 degrees celcius and the venue, which is really soccer dome was warm enough. Our run was the first of the day.
I'll scan the course and upload it later, but I was surprised to see a rear cross was required in there. I've practiced it before with Jasmine and even included it in fun matches but who knows how it'll work in a competitive environnent? Needless to say I wasn't impressed. I could always have done a front cross instead, but Jasmine being the little speed devil she is, I'm pretty certain I wouln't have been able to position myself in time to do it.
Needless to say, in the end, all this debating wasn't necessary. Jasmine avoided a jump and when I directed her to take it again, I positioned myself on the other side and the rear cross wasn't required anymore.
What didn't work out
We got two refusals, both of them were jumps. The first time, Jasmine tried to avoid one. The second, she was sucked in by the black hole which is actually the soccer goal. She also tried to enter the tunnel by the wrong end, but I was able to avoid the judge's "hand up". I'm still not sure how that happened. By the by, the "black hole" refusal was supposed to be avoided by my great presense of mind and my calling her while she was still in the tunnel. Been there and called her too late. The black hole sucked her in instead. : )
I got carried away with my chatting before the run. I met a handler who has bichons and both dogs hit it off right away. I also have a flyball buddy whose little chihouaoua is in the same height as we are, so I was talking a mile a minute and was having a bit too much fun. It seems that I'm one of those handlers who MUST focus on her dog and her course before a run. Poo! I'll have to limit my talking. Sheesh!
Result: We finished the course in 34.09 seconds (the max was 41 seconds) with 10 points deducted. I guess that's two faults?
What worked well
Jasmine didn't zoom around, hurray! She stayed by my side like the good little girl she now is. I also tried not to use my arms and run silent but her avoiding that first jump affected my confidence so I called a few obstacles and pointed when it wasn't necessary.
Jasmine is very comfortable at Morning Star. Her tail is up and she trots in a cheerful way. Stress was pretty much absent all weekend.
What was weird
I decided to walk with her at the starline, so while I was "on deck", I put her down. Mademoiselle trotted off to investigate a table and chair left aside for the judge. She's never done that before. I called her back, picked her up, put her at the startline and kept a hand on her back until our turn. That's not something I want to repeat.
Here is the video. Enjoy!
I registered us in one event only, starters jumpers. I arrived the afternoon before to take the time to settle in and avoid having to worry about the road conditions. Mother Nature cooperated and we only had to cope with the cold. We still attended flyball practice in the morning and this resulted in my nodding off on the road somewhere around Spencerville. Good thing the highway has those grooves in the pavement on the side. It jerked me awake and I was able to steer the car back on the road. I consider myself very lucky and next time, I'll go to bed very early if I have to do a long drive somewhere on my own the next day.
Sunday morning was a bit warmer, around -15 degrees celcius and the venue, which is really soccer dome was warm enough. Our run was the first of the day.
I'll scan the course and upload it later, but I was surprised to see a rear cross was required in there. I've practiced it before with Jasmine and even included it in fun matches but who knows how it'll work in a competitive environnent? Needless to say I wasn't impressed. I could always have done a front cross instead, but Jasmine being the little speed devil she is, I'm pretty certain I wouln't have been able to position myself in time to do it.
Needless to say, in the end, all this debating wasn't necessary. Jasmine avoided a jump and when I directed her to take it again, I positioned myself on the other side and the rear cross wasn't required anymore.
What didn't work out
We got two refusals, both of them were jumps. The first time, Jasmine tried to avoid one. The second, she was sucked in by the black hole which is actually the soccer goal. She also tried to enter the tunnel by the wrong end, but I was able to avoid the judge's "hand up". I'm still not sure how that happened. By the by, the "black hole" refusal was supposed to be avoided by my great presense of mind and my calling her while she was still in the tunnel. Been there and called her too late. The black hole sucked her in instead. : )
I got carried away with my chatting before the run. I met a handler who has bichons and both dogs hit it off right away. I also have a flyball buddy whose little chihouaoua is in the same height as we are, so I was talking a mile a minute and was having a bit too much fun. It seems that I'm one of those handlers who MUST focus on her dog and her course before a run. Poo! I'll have to limit my talking. Sheesh!
Result: We finished the course in 34.09 seconds (the max was 41 seconds) with 10 points deducted. I guess that's two faults?
What worked well
Jasmine didn't zoom around, hurray! She stayed by my side like the good little girl she now is. I also tried not to use my arms and run silent but her avoiding that first jump affected my confidence so I called a few obstacles and pointed when it wasn't necessary.
Jasmine is very comfortable at Morning Star. Her tail is up and she trots in a cheerful way. Stress was pretty much absent all weekend.
What was weird
I decided to walk with her at the starline, so while I was "on deck", I put her down. Mademoiselle trotted off to investigate a table and chair left aside for the judge. She's never done that before. I called her back, picked her up, put her at the startline and kept a hand on her back until our turn. That's not something I want to repeat.
Here is the video. Enjoy!
Sunday, December 13, 2009
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!
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!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
K9 Kup 2009
We had the chance in participating in the K9 Kup competitions again this Summer with The Fast and the Furriest Team. Here are a few pictures of our adventures...
Here is our little corner at ADSC (All Dogs Sports Club) in North Gower. A baby tent for the dogs and a big tent for the humans. You can see Tucker and Jasmine.
Very much like the "shovel 3000" in the "Têtes à claques" videos, here is one of the many uses of the travel plank. One minute you can teach your dog how to do contacts and the next, use it for a pot luck.
Here is the whole group. Great people who are always ready to have fun and a good laugh. We ended with a 7th place finish and there were 14 teams. Wow! This is also where Jasmine got a "Q" in Gamblers. I know, I know, it doesn't count, but a girl can dream, right?
Here is our little corner at ADSC (All Dogs Sports Club) in North Gower. A baby tent for the dogs and a big tent for the humans. You can see Tucker and Jasmine. 
Very much like the "shovel 3000" in the "Têtes à claques" videos, here is one of the many uses of the travel plank. One minute you can teach your dog how to do contacts and the next, use it for a pot luck.
Here is the whole group. Great people who are always ready to have fun and a good laugh. We ended with a 7th place finish and there were 14 teams. Wow! This is also where Jasmine got a "Q" in Gamblers. I know, I know, it doesn't count, but a girl can dream, right?Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Contacts
This is one of the steps that need to be mastered for contact training. I prefer the 2o2o method.
I forgot the plexi so the hand will do.
I'm pretty happy with the results. Just for the heck of it, I included some recalls in the session. I love to see her barrelling to reach me. What a fast dog!
Next session: Need to practice the teeter. Since a "plank" is required, a training partner is essential.
Sigh.
I forgot the plexi so the hand will do.
I'm pretty happy with the results. Just for the heck of it, I included some recalls in the session. I love to see her barrelling to reach me. What a fast dog!
Next session: Need to practice the teeter. Since a "plank" is required, a training partner is essential.
Sigh.
2 x 2 Training
The number of posts on this blog is caused by the training I do with Jasmine. In other words, I don't have much time. The chosen method to teach Jasmine how to weave is the 2 x 2. She already knows how to weave, but she's too slow and we're starting all over again.
This video shows where we are right now.
Sessions June 30th 2009
Weather: 22 degrees celcius, raining off and on.
Time: Evening
Location: Backyard
To reward Jasmine, I use a toy which is currently a favorite of hers. I also put the poles closer together. For a reason or another, she doesn't "see" the second set of poles and off she goes to zoom. Is she too focused on the toy? I try to finish the session with some easy attempts. Is it normal that she doesn't understand?
Sessions July 1st 2009
Weather: 27 degrees celcius, windy, humid
Time: Mid-afternoon
Location: Agility field
I use the same toy but the poles are farther apart than yesterday.
The training goes very well.
I add distractions. Unfortunately, the human distraction isn't fast enough for Jasmine. I abandon this method for the toy. Toy is more reliable than the human. ; )
The mistakes at the end are caused by the fact that I'm not pointing her in the right direction. Bad, bad Lyne.
This video shows where we are right now.
Sessions June 30th 2009
Weather: 22 degrees celcius, raining off and on.
Time: Evening
Location: Backyard
To reward Jasmine, I use a toy which is currently a favorite of hers. I also put the poles closer together. For a reason or another, she doesn't "see" the second set of poles and off she goes to zoom. Is she too focused on the toy? I try to finish the session with some easy attempts. Is it normal that she doesn't understand?
Sessions July 1st 2009
Weather: 27 degrees celcius, windy, humid
Time: Mid-afternoon
Location: Agility field
I use the same toy but the poles are farther apart than yesterday.
The training goes very well.
I add distractions. Unfortunately, the human distraction isn't fast enough for Jasmine. I abandon this method for the toy. Toy is more reliable than the human. ; )
The mistakes at the end are caused by the fact that I'm not pointing her in the right direction. Bad, bad Lyne.
Oh miracle!
This is like the fisherman who cought the catch of his life. At least I have witnesses. I ran Tucker for the K9 Kup and while I was walking the Jumpers course, I made a spur of the moment decision to try it with Jasmine as well. The course is simple and all the FC are after tunnels so the risks of zoomies are minimal. At least I think so.
Play by play description
Although Jasmine self-released herself at the startline, I stuck to my guns and made her sit again. She complied, did the focus forward and only then did I release her. I'm the boss, right?
Tire, jump, tunnel, FC after the tunnel and pinwheel. She runs off after the second jump of the pinwheel and I call her back. OMG! She obeys and comes back. SHE COMES BACK! I admit my heart did a little somersault but what a day! After that, it's a breeze.
It's no coincidence that I chose a Jumpers course. Jasmine does zoomies after transitions. Obstacle to a jump, etc. In this case, there is none and I didn't need to skip obtacles. I also chose a course I knew she would be confident about.
I'm still in la-la land.
To work on: Startline stays, pinwheels and I need to get fit. Jasmine runs so fast, she always ahead of me.
Play by play description
Although Jasmine self-released herself at the startline, I stuck to my guns and made her sit again. She complied, did the focus forward and only then did I release her. I'm the boss, right?
Tire, jump, tunnel, FC after the tunnel and pinwheel. She runs off after the second jump of the pinwheel and I call her back. OMG! She obeys and comes back. SHE COMES BACK! I admit my heart did a little somersault but what a day! After that, it's a breeze.
It's no coincidence that I chose a Jumpers course. Jasmine does zoomies after transitions. Obstacle to a jump, etc. In this case, there is none and I didn't need to skip obtacles. I also chose a course I knew she would be confident about.
I'm still in la-la land.
To work on: Startline stays, pinwheels and I need to get fit. Jasmine runs so fast, she always ahead of me.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
It feels soooo good
It feels so good to do a fun match with a dog who cooperates. Today's goal is to practice our start line stays as well as put into practice the techniques learned during our lessons.
In my opinion, the results are quite good. Of course there are zoomies but one of them happens after a tunnel where jasmine has no directions from me, because I wanted to reward her at the exit. Unfortunately, she keeps on going straight, which is the normal thing to do and off she goes. At our second try, she does a blind cross before the table but I correct her right away and restart the sequence 2 obstacles away. Success.
I'm so proud of her right now.
In my opinion, the results are quite good. Of course there are zoomies but one of them happens after a tunnel where jasmine has no directions from me, because I wanted to reward her at the exit. Unfortunately, she keeps on going straight, which is the normal thing to do and off she goes. At our second try, she does a blind cross before the table but I correct her right away and restart the sequence 2 obstacles away. Success.
I'm so proud of her right now.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Let’s not waste this good weather so I joined the weekly practice at the Krazy Kanines Dogs Club. Environment Canada is forcasting rain for tomorrow. My goal is to attempt Gregg Darrett’s diagrams 3 and 4 (see previous posts). I also remember CB’s advice to always keep Jasmine within my sight.
Please note that I’m not including the images of the diagrams from the DVD because, quite frankly, I prefer to respect the copyright.
Diagram 3 & 4 from the DVD "Great Dog, shame about the handler".
Diagram 3, 1st attempt: Success
Diagram 3, 2nd attempt: Jasmine leaves me to zoom so I take her in my arms and give my spot to someone else.
Diagram 4, 1st attempt: Everything goes well, except I set up my front cross too soon between jumps 3 and 4 so Jasmine doesn’t complete her 180 but follows my body and does a threadle instead. In my opinion, that’s worth a “screw-up cookie”. ; )
By the way, I’m now knowledgeable enough in the sport to understand why she didn’t do her 180. Wow! I’m getting good at this eh? (wink, wink) I take a few minutes to pat myself on the back.
Ahem, Ahem.
Diagram 4, 2nd attempt: Success!
I finish the practice with a 2 x 2 session. The poles are set in the 8 o’clock and 2 o’clock position. I use the command “Allez” to signal Jasmine to cross the poles.
Success: When Jasmine is on my right and must cross the poles from the left.
Must improve: When Jasmine in on my left and must cross the poles from the right.
Note: We were at the field maybe 1 hour but worked maybe a total of 8 minutes. I gave Jazz a lot of breaks in her crate.
Please note that I’m not including the images of the diagrams from the DVD because, quite frankly, I prefer to respect the copyright.
Diagram 3 & 4 from the DVD "Great Dog, shame about the handler".
Diagram 3, 1st attempt: Success
Diagram 3, 2nd attempt: Jasmine leaves me to zoom so I take her in my arms and give my spot to someone else.
Diagram 4, 1st attempt: Everything goes well, except I set up my front cross too soon between jumps 3 and 4 so Jasmine doesn’t complete her 180 but follows my body and does a threadle instead. In my opinion, that’s worth a “screw-up cookie”. ; )
By the way, I’m now knowledgeable enough in the sport to understand why she didn’t do her 180. Wow! I’m getting good at this eh? (wink, wink) I take a few minutes to pat myself on the back.
Ahem, Ahem.
Diagram 4, 2nd attempt: Success!
I finish the practice with a 2 x 2 session. The poles are set in the 8 o’clock and 2 o’clock position. I use the command “Allez” to signal Jasmine to cross the poles.
Success: When Jasmine is on my right and must cross the poles from the left.
Must improve: When Jasmine in on my left and must cross the poles from the right.
Note: We were at the field maybe 1 hour but worked maybe a total of 8 minutes. I gave Jazz a lot of breaks in her crate.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Slowly but surely...
Another plateau has been conquered I think. CB kept us very busy during our lesson yesterday, but with great results! Last winter, we had attempted Diagrams 1, 2, and 3 from Greg Darrett’s “Great Dog, Shame about the Handler”. At that time, Jasmine wasn’t capable of doing more than 2 to 3 jumps without zooming.
What changes winter and practices can bring. Yesterday, we did those same diagrams. I was so confident that Jasmine would zoom away, that I didn’t take the time to program my head to remember the sequence after the third jump. Was I ever wrong! Yet again, I underestimated my mutt and sure enough, she zoomed away alright, but only after I hesitated in the sequence.
At our second try, Jasmine leaves me to join one of her boyfriends, Fidget, who was working close by. She had to say hello, didn’t she?
We hit jackpot at our third try. I don’t lose her and we completed the sequence.
Reason for our success: Keep my eye on her and don’t hesitate.
What a great day!
Other improvements :
She can now keep her balance on two dyna discs.
She comes back to me when I call her during a zoomie.
Must work on:
Jasmine has trouble staying in her crate when the door is closed (or open for that matter). She even tore the netting on the crate. Bad Jasmine!
We’re still having trouble with the basket. Yes, CB, it’s a new one with lower edges.
Keep an eye on Jasmine during sequences. Always.
Anecdote:
I think I’m now part of the hard core agility crowd. The lesson was outside and we kept on working even when it got dark. The moon was out and here I was taking notes by the light of the barn, which isn’t very useful by the way. If there’s no movement, it shuts off.
Homework for the week (time and venue permitting)
Keep working with the basket
Find an extra dyna disc from someone
Try diagram 3 from the DVD
Try the exercice CB explained called « slicing ».Start working on the 2 x 2
More crate games
What changes winter and practices can bring. Yesterday, we did those same diagrams. I was so confident that Jasmine would zoom away, that I didn’t take the time to program my head to remember the sequence after the third jump. Was I ever wrong! Yet again, I underestimated my mutt and sure enough, she zoomed away alright, but only after I hesitated in the sequence.
At our second try, Jasmine leaves me to join one of her boyfriends, Fidget, who was working close by. She had to say hello, didn’t she?
We hit jackpot at our third try. I don’t lose her and we completed the sequence.
Reason for our success: Keep my eye on her and don’t hesitate.
What a great day!
Other improvements :
She can now keep her balance on two dyna discs.
She comes back to me when I call her during a zoomie.
Must work on:
Jasmine has trouble staying in her crate when the door is closed (or open for that matter). She even tore the netting on the crate. Bad Jasmine!
We’re still having trouble with the basket. Yes, CB, it’s a new one with lower edges.
Keep an eye on Jasmine during sequences. Always.
Anecdote:
I think I’m now part of the hard core agility crowd. The lesson was outside and we kept on working even when it got dark. The moon was out and here I was taking notes by the light of the barn, which isn’t very useful by the way. If there’s no movement, it shuts off.
Homework for the week (time and venue permitting)
Keep working with the basket
Find an extra dyna disc from someone
Try diagram 3 from the DVD
Try the exercice CB explained called « slicing ».Start working on the 2 x 2
More crate games
Sunday, March 22, 2009
March 5th, 2009
Nose touch : This exercise is to improve a dog’s contacts. At the moment, Jasmine nose touches my hand but licks it as well to make sure I get the hint. “Yo Lyne!” I’m touching your hand. Gimme a treat already!” Of course, I wait for her to really nose touch but I get only licks. CB recommends not reinforce the touches that are licks. Focus on getting good touches.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Our Waterloo!
Standard Starters, Take 1
Zoomies Galore, but CB is on hand to corner Jasmine. The best thing to do in this kind of situation is to pick her up and leave. My original plan was to reward after two or three obstacles throughout the course but this decision backfired on me. My timing was horrible and I lost her focus.
Standard Starters, Take 2
CB recommends to start a the same sport where Jasmine lost it and zoomed. Okay, no problem. However, she refuses to do her Start Line Stay. Do we have to do that? I have no idea but I don’t insist either. I’ve lost her so many times in the past in this very same spot and frankly, I don’t want to risk to risk it.
Her contact on the Dog Walk isn’t one of her best accomplishments. I’m more and more tolerant of the finished product and as a result, she is now stopping at least half a metre for the floor. As CB says in the audio commentary (which I muted by the way, just in case), “Gotta work on that”.
After the tunnel, it’s the table. Ohhhhhh. I’m so proud of her. LR noticed in the last several months, that Jasmine always does a great table during practices but not in competitions. I just forget to reward her LR, but not this time.
I hesitate at the next obstacles because quite simply, I’m lost. We don’t do the weaves but my strategy isn’t very effective. Next time, I’ll do some shadow handling instead of offering her the tug to keep her busy.
I sooooo want to reward her now and then that I forget my front crosses several times. You’ll notice, dear reader, that I do them at the very last minute. I’m looking forward to the day where I’ll be able to complete a course and not worry about losing Jasmine’s focus.
Oh dear. Now I’m in bit TOUBLE! I use luring so that Jasmine does her contact on the A-Frame and this is against CB’s training method. She’ll be butt-kicking me at next our session for sure. Forgiveness is required. In fact, look closely, and you’ll see that I glance beyond the camera’s focus each time I think I’m made a mistake. That’s because CB’s is standing in that general area.
Starters Jumpers, Take 1
My little brain finally understands that if the dog’s line is a straight one, it isn’t necessary to stop the dog and reward her. Therefore, I CHARGE! Yes, I still insist on rewarding Jasmine at every tunnel exit, but she has a tendency to zoom out. I’m just proofing.
Because of our work during the summer of 2008, Jasmine heads for the A-Frame after completing the jump and no indeed, it’s not on the course. : ) I muted out the audience’s chuckles. Little gates had been placed to stop the dogs from trying the Frame but lo and behold, did that bother my little mutt? Nooooooooooooooooo. I take her in my arms and reposition her before the first jump. Yes, I hesitate. What should I do the first or the second jump? I cut that out from the video.
Blush, blush. I’m a bit embarrassed by my attempt at a rear-cross. Gotta work on that.
Starters Jumpers, Take 2
Mademoiselle has cold paws. : )
Same course, less rewards. This time, she refuses to take the tunnel in the corner and I’ve noticed that often happens when the equipment in put in a, well, a corner. Gotta work on that. I insist she take it but it’s a no go. Should we try to repeat obstacles or just let it go? I wonder.
Rear-Cross on the jump before the tire....? Bwahahahahahaha! Nuff said.
At the very end, you can see CB gesturing and saying « Reward ! Reward!”.
I swear to you, one day, we’ll get it!
Zoomies Galore, but CB is on hand to corner Jasmine. The best thing to do in this kind of situation is to pick her up and leave. My original plan was to reward after two or three obstacles throughout the course but this decision backfired on me. My timing was horrible and I lost her focus.
Standard Starters, Take 2
CB recommends to start a the same sport where Jasmine lost it and zoomed. Okay, no problem. However, she refuses to do her Start Line Stay. Do we have to do that? I have no idea but I don’t insist either. I’ve lost her so many times in the past in this very same spot and frankly, I don’t want to risk to risk it.
Her contact on the Dog Walk isn’t one of her best accomplishments. I’m more and more tolerant of the finished product and as a result, she is now stopping at least half a metre for the floor. As CB says in the audio commentary (which I muted by the way, just in case), “Gotta work on that”.
After the tunnel, it’s the table. Ohhhhhh. I’m so proud of her. LR noticed in the last several months, that Jasmine always does a great table during practices but not in competitions. I just forget to reward her LR, but not this time.
I hesitate at the next obstacles because quite simply, I’m lost. We don’t do the weaves but my strategy isn’t very effective. Next time, I’ll do some shadow handling instead of offering her the tug to keep her busy.
I sooooo want to reward her now and then that I forget my front crosses several times. You’ll notice, dear reader, that I do them at the very last minute. I’m looking forward to the day where I’ll be able to complete a course and not worry about losing Jasmine’s focus.
Oh dear. Now I’m in bit TOUBLE! I use luring so that Jasmine does her contact on the A-Frame and this is against CB’s training method. She’ll be butt-kicking me at next our session for sure. Forgiveness is required. In fact, look closely, and you’ll see that I glance beyond the camera’s focus each time I think I’m made a mistake. That’s because CB’s is standing in that general area.
Starters Jumpers, Take 1
My little brain finally understands that if the dog’s line is a straight one, it isn’t necessary to stop the dog and reward her. Therefore, I CHARGE! Yes, I still insist on rewarding Jasmine at every tunnel exit, but she has a tendency to zoom out. I’m just proofing.
Because of our work during the summer of 2008, Jasmine heads for the A-Frame after completing the jump and no indeed, it’s not on the course. : ) I muted out the audience’s chuckles. Little gates had been placed to stop the dogs from trying the Frame but lo and behold, did that bother my little mutt? Nooooooooooooooooo. I take her in my arms and reposition her before the first jump. Yes, I hesitate. What should I do the first or the second jump? I cut that out from the video.
Blush, blush. I’m a bit embarrassed by my attempt at a rear-cross. Gotta work on that.
Starters Jumpers, Take 2
Mademoiselle has cold paws. : )
Same course, less rewards. This time, she refuses to take the tunnel in the corner and I’ve noticed that often happens when the equipment in put in a, well, a corner. Gotta work on that. I insist she take it but it’s a no go. Should we try to repeat obstacles or just let it go? I wonder.
Rear-Cross on the jump before the tire....? Bwahahahahahaha! Nuff said.
At the very end, you can see CB gesturing and saying « Reward ! Reward!”.
I swear to you, one day, we’ll get it!
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