Sunday, November 28, 2010

TURNING POINT

In early December, I went to a different agility trainer on a consultation. To see if Marley could be helped. Why she still couldn't weave after a year and to see if we could get her to jump her required height. Also, to get advice on her dog reactivity issue.

I left feeling more optimistic than ever about Marley. She was jumping 22" and I got some good advice about her weaving. Most importantly, I got great advice about her dog reactivity issue.

That day was a turning point for us. I felt at home with this trainer. I knew that day that if I was going to continue to train Marley in agility, I would train with her.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

CROSS ROAD

About a year ago I was at a cross road with Marley. She wasn't making progress in her agility and even worse she had developed a dog reactivity issue. After over a year of agility, she couldn't weave and had NEVER jumped above 12 inches. She got labeled a 'bad dog' and spent lots of time being punished and crated at class. I usually left class frustrated and upset. Frustrated at her behavior and the class treatment of her and upset at myself for not standing up for her. Why I let this go on for so long, I don't know.

It's not like I didn't try to help her. I enrolled her in more advanced obedience classes and worked with her at home.

One particular class finally made me decide to do something about it. Marley had had a bad class...arguing with another dog and then being overly corrected for jumping up on someone. I had finally had enough! My choices were to quit agility or find someone that could help me handle a dog like Marley. Marley can't help that she is strong willed, spirited, and super smart. We needed help corraling all of her potential into reality.

By this time Molly was having trouble with her agility. She was freezing in the competition ring and wouldn't or couldn't do it anymore. She then began balking the teeter in class. I was at a loss at what to do with her too.