Well this is definitely one of the more upbeat LGT blog posts. Scotty won two grade 4 agility classes at Dashin Dogs last weekend. He was fab, and worked really hard to keep the poles up.
Over the whole weekend we only knocked 2 down, and all the runs showed composure one some hard courses. Our clear round percentage was also 50% again, which is pleasing. One of the agility courses had a tough dog walk entry, but Scott (with the help of me putting him out a bit!) was fine onto it. Looking back at the video I am so pleased with his contacts, as I really can just leave him on them. It gave me several advantages in the two classes we won.
Jack and Che also did very well in their grade 7 classes, having 4 top 3 places in total. They were some hard starts which required a decent start line wait, something Jack and Che are very good at, which enabled me to recall through a gap to the far side of a box! (Jacks run is on the end of Scotts video)
Last week I also did a lot of training with Scott. I decided to actually work really tight to him, to practice him keeping his poles up. We did several push rounds also, something I will develop further over the coming months. However I decided to do some tight pushing handling on some of the jumping courses, and Scott coped really well, no poles, just one missed weave entry.
I am off to Belfast this weekend, I fly from Birmingham at 7am Thursday morning, where I will conduct a training seminar Thursday afternoon/evening, and then judge Saturday & Sunday. I intend to take my laptop with me and update what I’ve been up to, I’m not taking any dogs but I think it will be good fun.
Scott’s video of his weekend and two wins is below. Gina and myself spent another day working on an exciting media project yesterday... more will be revealed soon!!
All the best, Lee
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Bromsgrove Agility Show Review
After the events of last weekend it was nice to focus on the agility rather than the journey. Bromsgrove show is only 42 miles away so we did it each day, rather than camping over.
I was intent on improving Scotts clear round percentage this weekend, and after a positive weeks training was in a confident mood that we could get round some courses clear. This proved to be correct and a 50% clear round rate (3 from 6 runs) was a good return.
Scott won grade 3 jumping by 2.4 seconds, and had a 5th place in the open agility. Both runs were technically excellent in my opinion. The second box in the grade 3 jumping class was set so that it really only one chance of working it neatly. As long as I shaped the approached and timed the left and right commands okay, I thought he should do it, and it worked really well. I was very pleased with him and myself for standing still long enough!
The agility class was also pleasing, with two lots of weaves. Watching the video back I am also pleased with the shaping over jump 5 into the second set of weaves. Watching the video (below) back though, I was rather lax working the approach to jump 9, and Scott really recovered well considering. I do need to focus all the way around as we easily lost 0.6 at least there. The grade 3 agility class was nice also. I know for a fact I didn’t give a left weave command, which was defiantly needed. Because he had slightly come off the seesaw, I moved back, and then of course I was moving as he came out of the tunnel, and he looked at me because all I said was ‘go weave’... no directional (big slap for me!) although this was the only missed weave entry all weekend, 6 out of 7 weave pickups is pleasing.
Sunday proved to be more of a reality check, but still had some pleasing elements. We came 5th again in the open jumping class, 0.6 behind the grade 7 winning dog and Scotty also beat Jack, who came 9th 0.8 behind Scott’s time. However what then happened was not quite as pleasing. The grade 3-5 jumping class was technically difficult in two places, Scott worked these as well as any dog, but he knocked three (two consecutive) poles before the weaves. I know his confidence was high, but the manner in which he knocked them proved we still have plenty of work to do.
Our last run in grade 3 ever was in the agility class last thing on Sunday. I admit I did want to win it, and Scott was on course to put in a decent run until he knocked a pole midway round, so I trained the dog-walk and finished the course.
The video is below (thank you to Gina for all your hard work!)
Jack and Che were also running this weekend. Jack had a 9th, 6th and 3rd in grade 7 classes. Che had a 13th in grade 7 agility and a 10th in the open jumping, but also showed some rather poor contacts. Rusty, more like totally memory loss!!
A huge well done to all the LGT crew who had places this weekend: Joyce Lewis, Gina Graham, Wendy Williams, Ceri Jones, David Russel, Lyn Gibson, Christine & Alice all had places and well done :) to you all. If ive missed anyone... apologies again. I struggle to remember my own runs!!All the best, enjoy Scott’s video. Grade 4 up next for Scott at DashinDogs show next weekend!
I was intent on improving Scotts clear round percentage this weekend, and after a positive weeks training was in a confident mood that we could get round some courses clear. This proved to be correct and a 50% clear round rate (3 from 6 runs) was a good return.
Scott won grade 3 jumping by 2.4 seconds, and had a 5th place in the open agility. Both runs were technically excellent in my opinion. The second box in the grade 3 jumping class was set so that it really only one chance of working it neatly. As long as I shaped the approached and timed the left and right commands okay, I thought he should do it, and it worked really well. I was very pleased with him and myself for standing still long enough!
The agility class was also pleasing, with two lots of weaves. Watching the video back I am also pleased with the shaping over jump 5 into the second set of weaves. Watching the video (below) back though, I was rather lax working the approach to jump 9, and Scott really recovered well considering. I do need to focus all the way around as we easily lost 0.6 at least there. The grade 3 agility class was nice also. I know for a fact I didn’t give a left weave command, which was defiantly needed. Because he had slightly come off the seesaw, I moved back, and then of course I was moving as he came out of the tunnel, and he looked at me because all I said was ‘go weave’... no directional (big slap for me!) although this was the only missed weave entry all weekend, 6 out of 7 weave pickups is pleasing.
Sunday proved to be more of a reality check, but still had some pleasing elements. We came 5th again in the open jumping class, 0.6 behind the grade 7 winning dog and Scotty also beat Jack, who came 9th 0.8 behind Scott’s time. However what then happened was not quite as pleasing. The grade 3-5 jumping class was technically difficult in two places, Scott worked these as well as any dog, but he knocked three (two consecutive) poles before the weaves. I know his confidence was high, but the manner in which he knocked them proved we still have plenty of work to do.
Our last run in grade 3 ever was in the agility class last thing on Sunday. I admit I did want to win it, and Scott was on course to put in a decent run until he knocked a pole midway round, so I trained the dog-walk and finished the course.
The video is below (thank you to Gina for all your hard work!)
Jack and Che were also running this weekend. Jack had a 9th, 6th and 3rd in grade 7 classes. Che had a 13th in grade 7 agility and a 10th in the open jumping, but also showed some rather poor contacts. Rusty, more like totally memory loss!!
A huge well done to all the LGT crew who had places this weekend: Joyce Lewis, Gina Graham, Wendy Williams, Ceri Jones, David Russel, Lyn Gibson, Christine & Alice all had places and well done :) to you all. If ive missed anyone... apologies again. I struggle to remember my own runs!!All the best, enjoy Scott’s video. Grade 4 up next for Scott at DashinDogs show next weekend!
Wednesday, 17 September 2008
Training Event 1st November
Hello.
Ive been training for 4 hours today, and have another 2 hours this evening. I have set up a popular start sequence this week, 2 jumps into a pull through and on to the dogwalk. I have been practicing with Scott today. He was doing well, and we have also done some more weave training!
Ive updated the training day page of my website. I am holding a Training day on the 1st of November. Click here for details
All the best, lee
Ive been training for 4 hours today, and have another 2 hours this evening. I have set up a popular start sequence this week, 2 jumps into a pull through and on to the dogwalk. I have been practicing with Scott today. He was doing well, and we have also done some more weave training!
Ive updated the training day page of my website. I am holding a Training day on the 1st of November. Click here for details
All the best, lee
Monday, 15 September 2008
Weekend Review
Hello
Well the weekend at Prestbury park was certainly eventful in more ways than one. We set out in glorious sunshine Friday, but as we neared the venue the rain had started. We were about 4 miles from the venue when the can developed a fault, resulting in a virtual loss of breaks and severe grinding coming from the front left. I stopped and saw that the break calliper was grinding on the wheel, but there was little I could do.
We managed to crawl to the show, where we were faced with the prospect of driving across a soaking wet field. We enviably got stuck, but were camped by the entrance so the RAC man could come and see to our van. He eventually showed up about 8pm, and was quick to diagnose that we were ‘screwed’ and needed a lift home. It was tipping it down by this point, and walking about in mud, I was pretty fed up!
Saturday and Sunday, thankfully turned out to be dry and sunny, and we were taken by recovery truck, without any further incidents, back to Shropshire Sunday evening. Now I can tell you about our runs.
I am the type of person who looks at facts, and I believe results and league tables, for example, do not lie. So with that in mind, I was slightly disappointed, because we ended up with 6 runs, none of which were clear! This sounds pretty bad, and if you consider my other two dogs Jack and Che once had a combined run of 37 consecutive clears (June/July 2006), I consider 0 clears in 6 not to impressive...
However, two of the classes we had just 5f (one pole), in two classes we missed the weave entry, 1 class I sent him over the wrong jump (I was really grumpy at that point haha!) and the other, Scott fell off the dog walk! These were the only mistakes we made. In fact, Scott had 6 stunning runs, he never dropped a directional, or took the wrong course, he worked very very well.
His weave entry training showed some good signs by one of the weaves he picked up (a 90degree left turn out of a straight flat tunnel) where he had to put his head round the first pole. But the real problem is ‘discipline and approach into obstacles’ this was highlighted by the two entries he missed, both were quick approaches to ‘flat’ entries. He is only breaking on entry, which is too late. I need him considering the angle and adjusting accordingly.
What also reinforces my view is when he fell off the dog walk in grade3. The turn was about 110degrees right off a jump. I shaped the jump and was planning a cross behind (knowing Scott will find his contact position every time I can just send him) so I didn’t run in, I watched him lock onto the dogwalk and then accelerate despite the angle. He managed the up plank, but as he struggled to stay on the top plank I knew he was going to come off. He actually twisted quite badly but no damage was done thankfully!
I really have never had a dog with such a consistent high tempo in agility. For his own good he needs to be a little disciplined on his pick-up of obstacles, but we will work on this, I know what he is capable of and we will get there. I am pleased with how the jumps are coming on. Only two poles in six classes is pretty pleasing, but those who know me will know I am always pushing and goal setting, so we still have hard work to do.
Next week we are at Bromsgrove, Scotts last weekend of grade 3. Jack and Che are also back in competition next week after their end of season leave! I have a fairly busy week training again, but will do a bit more with Scotty this week than I managed last week.
A big well one to David & Cae for another win, Janet & Cody for a fabulous 5th place, Ceri and Teckyn who were placed high (I cant quite remember where!), and David with Poppy for some good runs this weekend. Also to Gina and Cas on your places and winning a place in the HTM semi finals!! The other members of LGT had their show cancelled I believe... after they had driven to the north east and walked courses!
All the best, Lee
Well the weekend at Prestbury park was certainly eventful in more ways than one. We set out in glorious sunshine Friday, but as we neared the venue the rain had started. We were about 4 miles from the venue when the can developed a fault, resulting in a virtual loss of breaks and severe grinding coming from the front left. I stopped and saw that the break calliper was grinding on the wheel, but there was little I could do.
We managed to crawl to the show, where we were faced with the prospect of driving across a soaking wet field. We enviably got stuck, but were camped by the entrance so the RAC man could come and see to our van. He eventually showed up about 8pm, and was quick to diagnose that we were ‘screwed’ and needed a lift home. It was tipping it down by this point, and walking about in mud, I was pretty fed up!
Saturday and Sunday, thankfully turned out to be dry and sunny, and we were taken by recovery truck, without any further incidents, back to Shropshire Sunday evening. Now I can tell you about our runs.
I am the type of person who looks at facts, and I believe results and league tables, for example, do not lie. So with that in mind, I was slightly disappointed, because we ended up with 6 runs, none of which were clear! This sounds pretty bad, and if you consider my other two dogs Jack and Che once had a combined run of 37 consecutive clears (June/July 2006), I consider 0 clears in 6 not to impressive...
However, two of the classes we had just 5f (one pole), in two classes we missed the weave entry, 1 class I sent him over the wrong jump (I was really grumpy at that point haha!) and the other, Scott fell off the dog walk! These were the only mistakes we made. In fact, Scott had 6 stunning runs, he never dropped a directional, or took the wrong course, he worked very very well.
His weave entry training showed some good signs by one of the weaves he picked up (a 90degree left turn out of a straight flat tunnel) where he had to put his head round the first pole. But the real problem is ‘discipline and approach into obstacles’ this was highlighted by the two entries he missed, both were quick approaches to ‘flat’ entries. He is only breaking on entry, which is too late. I need him considering the angle and adjusting accordingly.
What also reinforces my view is when he fell off the dog walk in grade3. The turn was about 110degrees right off a jump. I shaped the jump and was planning a cross behind (knowing Scott will find his contact position every time I can just send him) so I didn’t run in, I watched him lock onto the dogwalk and then accelerate despite the angle. He managed the up plank, but as he struggled to stay on the top plank I knew he was going to come off. He actually twisted quite badly but no damage was done thankfully!
I really have never had a dog with such a consistent high tempo in agility. For his own good he needs to be a little disciplined on his pick-up of obstacles, but we will work on this, I know what he is capable of and we will get there. I am pleased with how the jumps are coming on. Only two poles in six classes is pretty pleasing, but those who know me will know I am always pushing and goal setting, so we still have hard work to do.
Next week we are at Bromsgrove, Scotts last weekend of grade 3. Jack and Che are also back in competition next week after their end of season leave! I have a fairly busy week training again, but will do a bit more with Scotty this week than I managed last week.
A big well one to David & Cae for another win, Janet & Cody for a fabulous 5th place, Ceri and Teckyn who were placed high (I cant quite remember where!), and David with Poppy for some good runs this weekend. Also to Gina and Cas on your places and winning a place in the HTM semi finals!! The other members of LGT had their show cancelled I believe... after they had driven to the north east and walked courses!
All the best, Lee
Thursday, 11 September 2008
Training
Hey,
Only a short post today, because in 30mins I start teaching again. Ive done 5 hours so far and have another 2 this evening. Yesterday (Wednesday) I did an epic 10 hours, finishing at 9pm. It was great, because all the lessons were successful, and handlers have been learning lots. I have set up some box exercises this week.
Some of the handlers wanted to see Scott do some contacts, so I managed to get a little bit of training in myself today!
The show at Presbury Park is on, so I will see some of you there no doubt, I hope its dry! Only running Scott this weekend as Jack and Che are having some time off after all the seasons excursions and shows!!
Speak soon - Lee
Only a short post today, because in 30mins I start teaching again. Ive done 5 hours so far and have another 2 this evening. Yesterday (Wednesday) I did an epic 10 hours, finishing at 9pm. It was great, because all the lessons were successful, and handlers have been learning lots. I have set up some box exercises this week.
Some of the handlers wanted to see Scott do some contacts, so I managed to get a little bit of training in myself today!
The show at Presbury Park is on, so I will see some of you there no doubt, I hope its dry! Only running Scott this weekend as Jack and Che are having some time off after all the seasons excursions and shows!!
Speak soon - Lee
Tuesday, 9 September 2008
Tuesday 9th September
Hello,
Well today was very wet. I did 6 hours of lessons and it was pretty wet all day. It’s now eased a bit, but tomorrow (Wednesday 10th) I have 9 hours of lessons, so it is a busy one!
I had to write an interview piece this evening for a foreign agility Magazine, well I had to finish it, I’ve been working on it for ages, and I dug out some pictures from the summer. I’ve uploaded a couple, one very nice one of Scotty on the dog-walk!
31 different countries have visited this blog so far, I think thats fantastic and would like to say Hello to everyone who is following it. Tell me about yourselves... & please feel free to comment. I hope the formatting improves though!!
Bye
Lee
Monday, 8 September 2008
Ps - poor formatting
Sorry about the poor formatting of the latest post ;)
I am still getting used to it, I shall try harder next time!!
I am still getting used to it, I shall try harder next time!!
LGT - Sunday
Hey everyone.With the shows being called off, I put on a relaxed training day for everyone at LGT. Thanks for the great support and it also stayed dry which was a bonus!
We did some exercises about directing dogs into some hard weave entries and were comparing the use of front crosses and cross behinds. Then we worked an exercise with the tunnel under a-frame, this proved to be difficult if the handlers got drawn into the space. I was teaching that if the obstacles are close together, then the dog needs space to work in, or they get “pushed” into the tunnel.
We then had a lunch break, a nice spread that everyone helped put together. After lunch we then had a go at a complete course which we worked several ways. It did have traps in it but depening on body language and shaping/the quing of the dog you could make it easier!
I ran Scott all day, he was good and after some of my weave entry training he got all the entries which was pleasing.
Well done everyone for a fun and worthwhile day, you all worked really well!
As for this week, I have very busy week training, but the forecasts are not great. I have my doubts about next weekend’s show if it carries on like this!
Speak soon - Lee
As for this week, I have very busy week training, but the forecasts are not great. I have my doubts about next weekend’s show if it carries on like this!
Speak soon - Lee
Friday, 5 September 2008
No show this weekend!
Hey everyone.
Wrexham and Ows show has been called off due to the weather this weekend. Im not surprised to be fair, its been rough this week! I had 5 lessons yesterday and got soaked, the course is land drained so flooding etc is not normally a problem, but I did cancel this mornings lessons as it was just horrid out.
Those of you who train at LGT and have not yet heard from me about Sunday, please contact me. Im not putting anything up on the website cause I cant take more that ive planned for!
On a social note, i think il head out this evening maybe seeing as we now dont have an early start Saturday!!
Stay dry!
Wrexham and Ows show has been called off due to the weather this weekend. Im not surprised to be fair, its been rough this week! I had 5 lessons yesterday and got soaked, the course is land drained so flooding etc is not normally a problem, but I did cancel this mornings lessons as it was just horrid out.
Those of you who train at LGT and have not yet heard from me about Sunday, please contact me. Im not putting anything up on the website cause I cant take more that ive planned for!
On a social note, i think il head out this evening maybe seeing as we now dont have an early start Saturday!!
Stay dry!
Tuesday, 2 September 2008
The first LGT post
Well everyone seems to be jumping on the blog band waggon, so if you cant beat them join them I guess.
I will be posting when im out and about, cause I have pre historic dial up at home, but il try and keep the blog up todate.
Today I did one lesson in the morning, and it rained all day. I live in Shropshire by the way, and today it felt like December!!
I will post LGT news on here, as well as results and congratulations, and anything else that could be of concern...
actually having read some blogs I dont think they do need to be of concern do they?
here is my favourite song at the moment!!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_7Hf2kh9Mz4
Hope everyone is well, please feel free to reply, comment, rate or watever you wish!
Im going home for some dinner now, been a long day ;)
I will be posting when im out and about, cause I have pre historic dial up at home, but il try and keep the blog up todate.
Today I did one lesson in the morning, and it rained all day. I live in Shropshire by the way, and today it felt like December!!
I will post LGT news on here, as well as results and congratulations, and anything else that could be of concern...
actually having read some blogs I dont think they do need to be of concern do they?
here is my favourite song at the moment!!
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_7Hf2kh9Mz4
Hope everyone is well, please feel free to reply, comment, rate or watever you wish!
Im going home for some dinner now, been a long day ;)
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