Stuff-Jumpers on Monday 9/3/07 Tucson

In this clip you can see “Stuff” anticipating the run at the start line.  He is supposed to be waiting to move forward until I tell him the word “GO!”…”Stuff” is so excited to start his run I am telling him “wait” more than once as he can hardly stand the hold up.  We will have to work on this so that his enthusiasm doens’t create a problem controlling him on course down the road.

Many really good agility dogs share this problem because along with being athletic and talented and fast , they must also be able to take direction from their handlers or they will mess up on their course causing them to either loose time or not qualify at all.  The ideal handler /dog team will be able to balance the excitement and “drive” with enough control on the course to work together like a team and hopefully acheive a clean run.

Stuff is still a green dog working at novice levels.  I am trying to work him with as much distance as possible and still keep his speed and accuracy on track.  Look for him to improve with skill and I think enhanced speed as he matures and we do more together in competition. In the mean time we both plan on having fun together while we are getting things figured out!