Agility-Daisy Mae Style

Because I teach agility, obedience and agility, I started working with Daisy Mae in all in all three. I had no idea what events, if any, Daisy Mae would excel at. The three dogs I trained before her had all had tons of drive, so this is what I was used to. I do not find it enjoyable to "cheerlead" my dog round the course. When I watch someone else run a dog like that I always wonder why they bother, as the dog certainly does not appear to be having fun...so it must be just about the handler. But, I have also seen dogs who are unsure at the beginning, but pick up speed and enthusiasm as they gain experience. Which dog did I have?

Finally, I decided that Daisy Mae had all of the basics, and was very controllable, and entered her in her first CPE Trial...only two classes...so I could evaluate how her training was going to hold up in the ring. Anyone who has trained multiple agility dogs will tell you that it takes time to develop that partnership with each dog. Daisy Mae started slowly but stayed with me...until she went thru the tunnel...which acted like a "particle accelerator." She almost took me out at the knees!

Next I decided to try Daisy Mae in NADAC agility, since I was doing it with Saber.  I spent the next year trying to gain control of crazy Daisy Mae. From the time she took off...she was gone. She did not just run around the ring...she ran courses...her courses...her way...with great enthusiasm! How could I gain control but not lose that enthusiasm! The best was Tunnelers...she did the first tunnel I asked for...and then took off for tunnels unlimited! Every time I asked to come, she did several more tunnels...all I could do was laugh:>)

Daisy has continued to go from insanity to worried and quiet. I like the crazy Daisy! But it is easier to qualify with quiet Daisy. Attached is a video from CPE in January 2013. The control is coming along. My handling needs work...I am still thinking Saber. But wait for the tunnel A-frame sequence and her first A-frame. she came across the top and was airborne...and I am praying she hits some part of the contact on the way down. I yelled "touch"...and somehow...she brings herself down with a 4-point landing on the contact, before she is off for the tunnel again!

Next weekend we will do more CPE. Daisy Mae is now in Excellent in AKC, Elite in NADAC, and Level 3 & 4 in CPE. Patience & perseverance are paying off...