Chanagility: weaves

We bought a set of 12 weave poles early April to practice weaves at home. I did not like the luring technique used in agility classes, so our training imitating Susan Garrett's 2x2 methods began. Well, I modified it greatly, so we ended up having a dog who does 12 poles nicely but has very weak concept of entry... I have to be as creative as possible so that Chana knows what "Go weave" means. 

One of the difficulties I am having is that we are practicing in the public park where Chana is greatly distracted. When she gets frustrated, she is looking for troubles. Another is that I have practiced too much with her sitting before she starts weaving. The result is that Chana has no idea of doing the weaves in the sequence. 

I feel like I am doing everything backwards, but we will work and adjust so that we will have a bright future ahead!

Agility in France No. 3 (The grass is always greener on the other side)

As two months of summer holiday for students began on July 2nd, most of the activities also wrap up for the summer. With my Flamenco class, we had a small performance to celebrate the end of the season, and with yoga, a nice gathering at the teacher's place. At the dog club of CCDU, it seems the same thing is happening and more and more practices are being cancelled. The instructors are on the volunteer basis, so we cannot really complain. The club will be hosting a trial on July 14th (French National Day), and after that, I have no idea if they will organize practices or not.

On the other hand, our agility in St. Nazaire-les-Eymes is HOT (excitement+temperature)! The ground covered with stones is a bummer, but I feel some progresses being made after every class. The coach has been showing more directions these days, and I truly appreciate her advice. After all, I love drills and exercises, and am always amazed how my body movement and positions make a big difference in Chana's run. One great thing about our coach here is that she is punctual, regular with schedule, and organized.

And thanks to her organization skills, we got to see another agility training center in the area which is literally just across the street. We have always envied to see what it was like over there (Question: Do they have rocks?), so we were thrilled to go for a visit for a fun agility match.

The answer to the question is, No! They have no rocks! BUT, they have no agility equipment either!! I have never been so scared of running a course before, as the handmade objects were so dangerous with no grips on the contact objects. It was my first time seeing a set of 5 weave poles as well, and I was surprised to learn that it does exist! Apparently, the teacher there does not do agility himself, but he responded to the requests from his clients. There were many dogs who were afraid of doing things, and I feel truly sorry for them. That was for sure one of the biggest "oh my goodness" moment in my life.

My only hope is that no dogs get hurt over there and no humans get hurt over here.

Joyeux anniversaire Canada!

Chana proudly representing Canada in front of the artwork in Parc Michallon

Happy Canada Day