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.

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.

DISTANCE

Mommy and I have been working on distance in agility. I am trying hard. I really want to please Mommy! Sometimes I think Mommy needs to work on her handling...sometimes I don't understand what she wants me to do! We have a private lesson with Mrs. Linda next week. Just me...if I mess up then Molly gets to try...that way I get a breath!

4 Q's

Mommy and I went to Hattiesburg, MS last weekend for an agility trial. I did so good. I q'd 4 times! Q and 2nd in Snooker, Q and 1st in Standard, Q and 1st in Jumpers, and Q and 1st in Gamblers. I almost had a Q in Pairs but my partner was too slow..I ran fast but couldn't make up the time.

Mommy saw some friends from our old training place. She had a good time catching up with them.

I saw my old teacher and went up to her to get petted. I put my head under her hand and was wagging my tail. She ignored me. :( It made Grandad mad. Finally the old teacher look at Grandad and kinda petted me. I don't know why she doesn't like me.

Our new agility teacher is proud of me! I try hard to be a good girl and a good agility dog!!

UKI AGILITY TRIAL

Mommy and I went to an UKI agility trial last weekend. It was so hot, but I ran hard and tried. I Q'd 3 times! Mommy was so proud of me. I even got ahead of her on the course and did all 12 weave poles right! Someone was there from the old training place and all they had to say was "Marley looks good". I look more than good....I look great!! Mommy says I would have never gotten this far if we hadn't changed to Mrs. Linda's agility class. I love my new class!!

AM I HAPPY?

Mommy gets asked by some old classmates if we are happy where we are. Mommy always says yes, this is where we need to be! I like my new class. I made friends and people don't pull their dogs away from me. I fit in nicely!

Mommy says I have made alot of progress in my new class...I can do 4 jumps in a serepentine and Mommy stands at the end of the 4th jump! That's TALENT!!!

MY FIRST AKC Q!

Mommy and I went to an AKC agility trial last weekend. I did good. I stayed in the ring, paid attention to Mommy, and finished all 4 of my courses! I also earned my first Q in Novice JWW. Mommy was so happy!

People who hadn't seen me run agility in awhile couldn't believe how good I did.

My new agility teacher thinks I have incredible potential in agility. I really like agility and I really like my new class.