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Writer's pictureJeanette Bider

Agility Is a Personal Journey


Almost ready for our first run

Barklay and I participated in our first agility trial since March 2023. This was Barklay's first trial since his illness and surgery, so we started off with only three runs on one day. I wasn't sure what to expect but I did everything I could to make it a pleasant experience.


We left home around 8 AM, and Barklay was excited to get in the car. He was aware that I had packed all the things that normally go with us to a trial: crate, chair, tote bags with treats, slip lead, toys, towel, crate cover, etc, plus another tote of snacks. when we got to the venue he did bark loudly, but it was unclear which emotion he was expressing. I left him in the vehicle while I set up his crate inside.


With time to spare before our first run, I took Barklay for a walk outside so he could familiarize himself with the smells. He did have some loose stool, which was slightly worrying. Then I took him inside the building. The building is unlike any agility venue we had previously been to and had the feel of veterinary clinic. Barklay immediately started showing signs of anxiety. When I sat down to change into my running shoes (you can't run in winter boots), he cowered under the bench beneath me. So the next step was to walk around the building and let him sniff, then enter the agility hall and show him his crate. The sight of the crate was definitely a positive for him and he dove into it to await a treat.


The next step was getting him measured. Of course I forgot to grab treats, so it did not go well. He was either too tense, or leaning into me. After a few moments I thanked the judge and left to get treats. With treats in hand he finally relaxed enough to get a decent measurement. Then, on our way back to our crate he regurgitated all the treats back up again.


When it came time to warm up, I couldn't get Barklay to engage with me. He was very distracted, trying to sniff. I gave up on the treats and brought out his favorite toy. THAT got his eyes to light up!


Our first run was a standard agility run. He was sniffy at the start line but once I gave the release word, he was with me. I was pleasantly surprised at his performance. No zoomies, one off-course tunnel (my fault with a botched blind cross), and some stress at the weave poles. When I saw his hesitation at the weaves, I immediately told him to skip it and we moved on to the finish the course flawlessly.


When we got back to our crate I heard my name being called. Turned out the A-frame was set too high for Barklay's jump height (I thought it was tall, but I had never run UKI agility before), and they asked if would I like to run again. I politely declined, which I think surprised some of my fellow exhibitors, but Barklay had run it exactly as I had asked and I was not going to tire him out by doing it again.


After the first run, I packed Barklay into the car and we left the site to spend a couple of hours at my niece's house (only 15 minutes away). Barklay was able to relax completely and snooze on my lap despite the presence of a cat and two young children in the house.


We returned to the venue for two more runs in the afternoon. Barklay pulled me towards the door when we got there (a very good sign). Our second run was a jumpers with weaves. We ran the course beautifully but again he was not confident enough to complete the weaves (he managed to do every other one instead). I just laughed and we continued on.


We had a fairly long break again before our final run, and I watched Barklay closely for signs of stress. I didn't see any. He was relaxed in his kennel, and would occasionally ask to come out to sit on my lap or on the floor in front of me. At one point, he was sitting on one hip, looking quite chill. Never once reacting to dogs walking by, or even towards the cute fluffy neighbor who thought Barklay's treats were more interesting than what her mom had to offer.


Our last run of the day was something called Speedstakes which is just jumps and tunnels. Despite it being the last run of a long day, Barklay was quite enthusiastic. Even gave the gate steward a kiss. I wasn't sure if he'd stay still for a lead out, so I started with him and as a result, predictably, I pulled him away from the second jump, but we recovered and completed a clean run in 36 seconds earning a qualyfying score and a first place.


By paying close attention to what he was telling me with his body language and responses, I was able to take him from a cowering nervous pup who thought he was at a vet clinic (AGAIN!), to a smiling, happy, fast and successful agility dog. All in one day. With that success, our agility journey can continue.

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