Blog updates are like buses ...

2 posts in two days probably is a bit ridiculous .. but I have something to say ... again ...

Sassy has decided she doesn't want to compete this weekend at WBSDS ... she has been favouring her left hind leg and I am concerned that she might hurt herself more seriously if I try to jump her this weekend .... it's only supposed to be a hobby after all, not an obsession ...
I will still go to the show on Saturday (as am down to help on a ring and don't want to let them down) and will see how she is, but if I am in any doubt, I won't run her.

But there is good news ... I had Rush in the garden last night doing some basic one jump exercises (practising my different turn options with him and teaching him to power out of turns - NO problem there at all!!!). Having previously done single turns around the jump wing left and right, I tried a figure of 8 once with him a few weeks ago ... last night he managed a single figure of 8 (then game) ... followed immediately by a double figure of 8 (then bigger game) ... and then just to tempt fate completely, I did a triple figure of 8 (I'm surprised no-one heard me screaming with delight when he managed that!!!!). He is really thrilling me already as he seems to really want to try for me.

He doesn't seem to see the point in having to wait at the start of an exercise though and gets real ants in his pants ... bless him .... he does a real "bum-shuffle" wait .. ie sit .. twitch up .. skip forward a step sit and try to wait again ... etc ...

Roll on next Tuesday when we get started for real ...

time for another update

ok... ok ... so loads of people have been hassling me about getting started ....

So ...

Rush is now 13 months old and about to start his agility training "proper" next week ... I feel excited .. nervous .. concerned about how he will cope in the group ... wondering if I'm a delinquent mother cos I've not done much with him ... etc etc ...

I guess I am mostly feeling a bit nervous because I only get a dog once every 4 or 5 years, so am a bit "out of touch" with what I can do at what stage.

We had a lovely holiday in the Lake District last week, and Rush was introduced to DW and A-frame there and didn't seem too worried ... he also did some jump grids and has a huge stride on him and a big powerful bounce. I love watching him run as he lopes along so easily, but man do you know all about it when he opens up the throttle.

I think I am going to have loads of fun training him, but he is sure going to be different from Sassy.

Sassy is now 5 1/2 and is Grade 6 for her agility. She has been the most amazing little dog for me, making so many of my agility dreams come true... I do wonder what the year ahead will hold for us ... her training is bound to be compromised by me getting started with Rush ....