We are preparing our lab for agility. She will be 4 in May, and we plan to do some events but mostly for fun. Belle is quite athletic for a BIG lab. We have gotten her weight down, she has lost over 25 lbs since last summer (115 > 86 [
]). She contracted kennel cough and during her "lay up" she got FAT. They don't call them "flabs" for nothing. We went just this weekend to watch our first agility event. Belle is an introvert, and she has mentally shut down in other competitions, so we are taking her and making them positive experiences before we start showing.
It was fun. I thought I was a horrible (inexperienced) handler. Watching the "excellent" division at this event, the handlers didn't look so "excellent" to me. So it put everything in perspective for me. Not that I expect to be wonderful, I am novice but to be able to see the mistakes makes me realize we are all human! I saw some good things too but every trip I saw there were pretty major mistakes. This was a local event, so I am sure the "good" handlers are out there. I am glad I didn't see them. I probably would never compete.
Our golden pup starts agility on Thursday! I am hoping since she is so young and immature, my handling skills will improve and help out Belle.
Ann & Art
Maxine CGC, UADNJIII, DDNJ-r (11 yr old Golden)
Belle NJP, NAJ, OJP, CGC, UAGI, UADSJ, UADJJ (5 Black Lab)
Teddi UADJJ, UJJ, CGC (1 1/2 yr old Golden)
Pete 14 yr old TB