Clean Run Magazine - May 2008 - 5

Editorializing… Agility People Are Nuts! (And Happy About It!) By Todd Curtis Lately I’ve been reviewing my training journal and reflecting on the first nine months of my personal version of the agility journey, and I’ve chuckled to myself several times about some of the things I’ve learned. I thought I would share. It all started innocently enough. After a decade-long absence from showing German Shepherds in obedience, I bought a Springer Spaniel named Nike; two more pups joined us a short time later. While at a puppy obedience class at Boom Towne Canine Center in Farmington, New York, I noticed what appeared to be a playground for dogs (I was right). The instructor told me that it was the agility ring. I stayed to watch a class and decided to give it a try. Life hasn’t been the same since. I joined the next beginner class and after a few sessions my instructor saw some potential and suggested private lessons with a local trainer, who continues to have great success with her Shelties. Nike and I were having fun so we scheduled a private. After a few more classes and private lessons I found myself wanting more. I was informed that a subscription to Clean Run was a must. While reading my first issue I was sure the articles were describing military maneuvers rather than agility courses, but I figured it would all make sense eventually. Next came new definitions for old words. The seesaw isn’t just for kids anymore, and Alley-Oop doesn’t just apply to the NBA. Then there’s my favorite: BARF. “You buy dog food from a supermarket?” I didn’t know that feeding raw parts was better than feeding processed parts. Sorry. I now know how the wealthy must feel when caught buying a suit “off the rack.” Learning the agility terminology has been interesting. There’s the popular front cross (FC) and rear cross (RC). There’s also a blind cross (BC) that seems to be taboo in this area. Handler focus is good. Obstacle focus is good. Here, Close, Out, and Go seem to be necessary cues. Left and Right really impress the heck out of people. Mowing the lawn used to be a relaxing hour or so reflecting on the work week. It now is an anxious adventure in avoiding toys, poles, chains, bungee cords, and weave pole guides. I remember when dog training meant a leash, collar, dumbbell, and if you had “what it took,” scent articles and a couple of pairs of cheap gloves. This brings me to the agility journey. So many people have told me to “enjoy the journey.” I guess I am, but I’m certain my credit card company is loving it! Kinda reminds me of the MasterCard commercials: • Seesaw, weave poles, dogwalk, tunnels, and an endless variety of jumps, $800 (so far) • “Un”commercial, “Un”processed globs of frozen dog food, about $60 a month. • Private lessons once a week, $30-$50. • Bank account, penniless. Really. On the subject of weave poles… it seems you can’t have just one set. Channels are a must, stick-in-the-ground poles are a must, and it would be a very good idea to have a competition set. I’ve got them all. The AKC changed the design of the competition weaves right after I got mine Early on I was informed: “You must have a toy and treats for training.” This is a new concept for someone who came from the outdated jerk-and-pull method of dog training. So, I bought a toy. Little did I know that a single toy just wouldn’t do. Now, my toy bag would give Santa Claus a backache. The Clean Run toy department has replaced Cabela’s for all my shopping needs. I’ve also been given an education on the proper purchasing, preparing, and distribution of training treats. “You buy your training treats from the supermarket?” Here we go again. Organic chicken breast is okay; venison is okay; string cheese is okay (only occasionally). Carrots, lettuce, and string beans are perfectly acceptable. My dog would rather eat the jump. The best training toys I’ve found so far are my wife’s shoes; the best treat seems to be rabbit poop, which, luckily, is organic. The latest “must” for the agility dog that has everything (but a title in my case) is canine massage therapy. I thought it was a joke when I first heard it. I quickly found out that agility people don’t joke about doggy rubdowns. Under no circumstances will I allow her nails to be painted unless it makes her run faster. In conclusion, it’s my opinion that agility people are nuts, but from what I’ve seen so far they are also happy. I’m thrilled to be part of your club. A big thanks to all who have contributed to my happiness. Todd Curtis Todd Curtis lived in Canandaigua, NY, where he spent all his free time doing agility with his dogs Nike and Keela. He was an active member of all the dog clubs in the community, but it was agility he loved most. Todd passed away on November 7, 2007. May 08 | Clean Run 5
Clean Run Magazine - May 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - May 2008
