Agility Trial Video – Cockers Ready, Set, Go!

Ahhh, the ups and downs of agility trials. When you get to the top levels of competition, there is no room for error, it’s all or nothing to earn those elusive championship qualifiers. I liken dog agility to gambling, every so often you hit the jackpot that keeps you coming back for more. In this video you see my 10-year old, normally consistent, cocker spaniel having a wonderful run until…

Since TJ is not the high drive border collie (especially in a big and somewhat overwhelming arena), I did a restrained start to get the motor running while whispering “ready, set, go”. He had a beautiful start making it past the “C-shaped” tunnel which I was extremely nervous about him taking the wrong end and even through the dreaded weaves (his least favorite obstacle). Once we completed the weaves, I thought to myself “yes, we are going to qualify” and with the adrenaline pumping we started into the closing loop of jumps. Just as I started to think we were home free, TJ turned 180 degrees to take a jump off course. I was so bummed.

What went wrong?? After watching the video, my hypothesis is two-fold.

1. I took my eyes off TJ for a second losing that all important connection. My mistake was thinking that we can run a sequence like this in our sleep so I started to let up.
2. You’ll notice that the chute tunnel is pointed out of the ring as if it is the last obstacle. I suspect that TJ thought he was finished with the run and he was trying to complete the final jump sequence as I have trained him to run ahead to finish the course.

Although I was disappointed, it was a great run with my best buddy who is quickly reaching retirement age. Any day I can run with him is a good day.

agility, Cocker Spaniels, dog