June 21 Agility Camp

It's been a dedicated effort so far this summer working with the dogs. Domino is finishing off his first round of CGC class next week and doing great. He'll continue in the fall after the hot weather cools down and take his test. I can vouch for the fact that dog training not only creates well-mannered dogs, it creates a deep bond between you and your dog. I would never have believed my boisterous boy could work off leash in the midst of dogs and rampaging chipmunks! What a treasure he is!

Yesterday we were off to agility camp with Marja and her dog, Ra.

And Domino's good friend, Maggie.

We battled muggy weather, rain showers and all to get a day in with lots of swimming breaks for the dogs in between and lots of ice and ice packs on hand.

But under the tall trees we found some respite from the weather and one and all had a great day of agility.

I wonder sometimes what the dogs think of agility camp? But the most outstanding thing is how much they watch each other and it is obvious they are fully engaged mentally.

Agility is one of the most and least competitive sports at the same time...the dogs swing towards the competition while the handlers take misteps in stride.

Afterwards we were off to a barbecue at the "Eureka Dog Park" as we like to call it. Where the dogs took turns pulling neighborhood kids in a wagon and practiced their begging skills.

The dogs were completely worn out and ready for naps.

Here's some video clips from the day with Marja and beginner Ra taking a try at the regulation course, and then me and Charm doing our run through and me and Domino doing our run. The course was a bit slippery after the rain so the beginner dogs skipped the contact obstacles, but Charm finally got the teeter and made it through pretty well.

I am looking forward to next week because I think Charm is ready for a timed run through the course. She and Maggie are teaming up over the summer for some weekday run throughs, and Maggie is a tough competitor. Going into fall camp...we should be well set. Maggie and Charm are tearing up the fly ball course and just a click away from being able to play for real.