First agility class

D

dogger

New member
We had our first class last night, What a blast!!
Both Boagie and Baby did great,, except Boagie had a hard time with her back legs on the plank (i dont know what it is really called) She had to figure out one foot in front of the other rather than side by side. Next week I am bringing my camera and take pictures.
I have a question for those whe have done agility with their newf. What about the A frame? She is 10 months and I am concerned about her elbows and shoulders... Should I be?
 
Laura_Loomis

Laura_Loomis

New member
I would be a little concerned. Most agility clubs don't enter dogs till they're 18 months (USDAA I know for sure....)

Start with the weave poles as soon as you can. For a dog as big as a newf, offset them to start, gradually bringing them back in line. A newf is big enough that they may have to be pretty twisted (
no pun intended) to get through them, and big enough to snap them.

Another issue with a newf is going to be the tunnel. Get the dog used to tat while still relatively small.

The A frame and teetertotter and I think the dog walk (what you did before) all (at least USDAA) have contact zones meaning the dog has to put at least one paw (part of a paw) in the contact zone. This is to keep the dog from jumping off from to high up and hurting itself. They do this for the speedsters (ie border collies) but a dog th size of a newf could really hurt themselves.

Dogs don't usually have too much trouble adapting to the a frame. Start working on the weave poles, those and the table are usually the hardest. With the table you go rom running through the course, to a 5 second continuous down. This is really hard for the border collies and shelties at the local training class. I don't know if it will be as bad for a newf...

Anyway, if you have any specific questions, let me know...
 
Angela

Angela

Super Moderator
Originally posted by dogger:

I have a question for those whe have done agility with their newf. What about the A frame? She is 10 months and I am concerned about her elbows and shoulders... Should I be?
Click to expand...
dogger,
We do agility with Gracie, she's learning the A frame and it is lower for all the dogs at the moment til they are confident. An instructor goes on one side and the owner on the other and the dog is on leash. I don't see a problem so long as it's taught and supervised properly and there is no risk of her jumping off. I wouldn't do the standard height though with her.
Good luck and have fun!
 
Jeannie

Jeannie

Super Moderator
I don't foresee any problems with doing agility at this young age. AS long as you don't do any jumping and be very careful he does not fall off any contact obstacles. As for weave poles--Sam just loves them. In fact I have to say it is her favorite. She can really fly through them. It really amazes people.
 
D

dogger

New member
Thanks all for reassuring me. I dont think there is anything agility that she does not do in the pasture at home. Both she and Baby love the tunnel.
I am going to get a digital camera so I can post picts as we learn
 
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