After agility class Marley treated me to a frosty mocha. I may finally figured out what I need to do for team Marley. I have spent a lot of time focusing on where my shoulders are pointing. Our trainer keeps saying my shoulders are like Marley's steering wheel. I worked really hard and I think its working.
First we started by doing 2 jumps and the pause table. My shoulders were pointed forward and Marley went over both jumps. No confusion, missed jumps or any shenanigans.
Dog walk, hoop and that worked fine on one side. I then had to do a crossover (where I turn my body and redirect Marley). Marley did fine until I took my eyes off of her and she switched sides and started heeling.
Dog walk, hoop, hoop, tire this was a bit more complicated and Marley did great until I had to crossover and I blew it.
Teeter, hoop, tunnel this was much better especially because it was easy to focus on where I was going. Marley loves the teeter and she is still trying to steal extra turns. When I focus on my shoulders Marley doesn't have any trouble with the tunnel.
It was incredibly hot and we spent a lot of break time in the doggy pool.
When we started agility, I thought this would be something fun for us to do together. I never expected to have to spend so much time and energy focusing on my body position. I also never realized how much klutziness I need to overcome.
2 comments:
It's not just shoulders, don't forgot your feet! :)
Have you been doing any ground work exercises off of equipment? They are very helpful for the 'duck behind' dog. Moe Strenfel's foundation DVD is great for that.
About your trainer post below... You are in the Sac area, yes? Have you talked to the folks at 4 Paws U (www.4pawsu.com)? I don't know if they do the competition Ob that you are looking for, but they may have recs for folks in your area.
I am generally not much of commentor, but I have to say that it's fun "watching" you guys in your agility development! It does get easier, I promise!
2haves,
Thank you for the advice. I'll look for Moe Strenfel's dvd.
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