First ever agility competition!

Well, what can I say? Indi's found his sport.

I'll start from the negative and go onto the positive. He did have a few nervous issues. Someone who goes to our dog training went down to stroke him and he had a bark and was not happy about it. So, one thing we have to work on. Also, while on a walk we were joined by that same persons cocker spaniel, he went charging at it. Back on the lead for him. There the only negatives I think.

Now onto the positives :). We went with my trainer who took there 3 dogs, a Japanese Spitz and 2 collie crosses. The Japanese spitz was also competing so was practically always with him. He did really well with them :). He did have a few issues to begin with, but then we went on a walk along the beach and he ran with them completely not even realising they were there :). Good boy Indi! He did have a run and bark at the cocker spaniel, but once put on the lead he was perfect :). They also had a huge German Shepherd that walked with us, and he completely ignored him. I was very suprised at that, and very pleased as the GSD was a bit funny too and had to go on the lead in the end as well. But I learnt a lot, we went with our trainer again and she gave the woman with the GSD and me some good advice on how to handle our dogs. But overall, I am pleased.

Agility-wise, he did brilliant! Our first round was probably our worst (mainly my fault). It was agility, and I completely forgot the course and had to go back and read the numbers! Embarassing... but inevitable. We missed out the tunnels and the see-saw, I didnt want to stress him out as it was his first time. The 2nd obstacle in the first round was the A-frame. He went up, then came back down. Then went up again, and went all the way over! No problem :). My handling skills were pretty rubbish... and his jumping skills need work, but hey we have only ever had 1 agility class ;). His weaves were STUNNING! Our trainer was really impressed by his weaves, 1-footed plus got the entries, plus they were his first time on 12 poles! Amazing! If it was just his weaving, he looked like he'd been doing agility for years! His dog walk was really good. We'd been over one before in a show, and this time he went straight over it, no hesitation! I still held onto his collar, but he did so well :).

Our 2nd agility round was the best of the day :). He was fast, focused and I didnt forget the course :). His A-frame was great and we even did a little contact :). His dog walk was AMAZING! I lead him up, but let go on the top and he went on walking, and then I told him to wait on the contact while I got in position for the next jump! Then off he went! It was a perfect 2on2off contact! His weaves were stunning again! His jumping was great, I was pretty pleased with my boy :).

The 2 jumping rounds werent too bad, but we need lots of training on my handling and his jumping skills. He doesnt know the concept of 'go on' and kept coming back to me. But he still did well.

All in all, well done Indi! He was fast, focused and barking with enthusiasm! Well done Indi :).

So, I really hope we can do more agility. He just loved it so much. After seeing the contrast between flyball and agility, I think im going to give flyball a break. After they shouted last time, I think we need to do some confidence work. Its a shame I cant drive or I would be finding an agility class and joining straight away, plus entering every competition I could! I loved it, and so did he. Its a sport ive always wanted to do, and something Indi would benefit so much from. We learnt a lot from the day, and both had tonnes of fun. The area was beautiful with a lovely sandy beach, its a shame the weather was so miserable!

Overall, it was a great experience for him. He walked with completely new dogs and was with completely new people for the day. It was just such a new environment, and he did so well. Now just to teach the tunnel and see-saw and he would be one very good agility dog :). We'll just have to see what the future holds...