John Heffernan

I have been using the same, fairly small agility space for many years.  Right now, I only work on distance so it’s been challenging to think about the space in new ways.  I’ve come up with some general ideas and I will share those next along with an interesting challenge on a directional tunnel from a distance:  whether to go for the near end so the dog will follow the outer line or whether to try and push out no matter what.  Wyatt had one way that worked and one that did not.  I’ll post when I have a chance to make up some maps.

I am working with Wyatt outside in agility.  We seem to be doing very well with our distance work but still having trouble bringing that to trials.  I think that piece is also coming.  That extra, little bit of nervousness really has a big impact on putting it all together smoothly.  I feel so comfortable now in regular, tunnelers, jumpers, TNG that it seems easy.  But Chances still feels difficult and not so easy even though it would be if I was just a bit more relaxed.  A little bit of a Catch-22.

No obedience or rally planned for now.  I may check for some summer trials during the week.  Not a big priority though.  Patriot stills need long sit work and long dumbbell throw work.  I did do the latter outside and he did great. Need to do more of that.

Not missing the AWC National though I do miss seeing the dogs and the supportive and nice people in the breed who love their dogs and love to do things with their dogs.