Well after the past few months focusing entirely on Feature’s agility Swagger finally got his turn. This weekend I decided to enter a trial north of Toronto. This is Swagger’s first time at a trial in 3 months. I actually only put him back on contacts just over 3 weeks ago. So this trial is more about “seeing where we are at after a long lay off of agility.” Day one is down and so far so good! He qualified in 3 of his 4 classes and ended the day winning round one the Steeplechase!
Yes we still have work to do but I am thrilled with how well Swagger is settling into trialling in new environments.
Today I am grateful for Debra Pearce for jumping in and giving Swagger some body work both at the trail and in the evening in our hotel room. Love having a professional on hand to lend their talents to help my dogs out!
To add onto this post, Swagger went on to win the Grand Prix in his second day of the trials! So proud of the baby boy, what a special weekend.
I’m wondering if the footing was slippery in that trial? It doesn’t look like Swagger is having any trouble on the flat but the mats look shiny and slippery. I’m getting ready to trial my first really fast dog so i’ve never had to worry about surfaces before and now I’m learning there is a huge variety!
Hi Susan
I’m sorry to ask what I hope isn’t too much of a blonde question when I know just how super busy you are and how generous you ALWAYS are with your time but for me who is new to this dog speak – what is ‘body work’ please? I’m very keen to learn about anything that can help my dog in all areas of her life. I noticed you talk about a magnetic pad also in another post? If someone else in the land of Garrett devotees reads this and could answer this for Susan to save her the time and trouble that would be cool too.
Thank you heaps – I hope I haven’t made too much of a dork of myself 🙂
Wow! I have to admit it took me a few tries to figure out his legs in the first picture.
Sam
Hi Susan – it was a pleasure and an honour to work with Swagger. He sure did love his treatments and it was wonderful to see how quickly his body returned to balance!
I am grateful for the opportunity and enjoyed the time we spent together 🙂
Hope to see you again soon!
All the best,
Debra
Can’t believe just yesterday this little singleton pup came into this world and now all grown up and showing how awesome your training is, Susan. So very happy for you!
As Zig Ziggler said :”This is not the end of your story…Turn the page and start a new chapter.”
You and Swagger have begun a new chapter!
Go Swagger! It’s very cool that you shared his journey growing up from a wee puppy in Puppy Peaks, and all the little steps along the way from socializing at trials to building confidence and speed on obstacles. Awesome to see how all of that works to build another great team!
VERY NICE, and wow speed!!!!
The monkey looks great, Susan! Glad he’s not TOO sore after his spill!