agility...and behavior

["Lyn L. Nelson" <lnelson@mail.portup.com>]

Hi everyone,

Yesterday, Monza and I went to an agility course just down the road from
where we live.  I could immediately tell that we've been out of a class and
not around a bunch of other canines in a while.  Monza was a pulling
monster.  Even if I stopped, went the other way, or circled him, he
continued.  He's usually so good at the watch-me command, but had a memory
lapse yesterday.  Could this be adolescence?

I didn't try anything with him until he got familiar with the area and the
others, but he could've still been there familiarizing himself.  Treats
barely phased him, although that may have been my fault.  He doesn't really
care for the generic Pupperonis I brought.  The other people were giving
scarce, but kind, suggestions to me about how in their puppy classes they
first learned to have the pup watch them.  Well......we've been there, but
he's just not a willing participant at the moment.  Since I didn't know any
of these people and none of them were trainers, I was a little hesitant in
how strong of correction I could give and I'm sure Monza could sense it.

So, the people said they limit puppies & new people to the A-frame and
tunnels.  Monza took me to the A-frame and over he went without even
pausing.  That's when I told the on-lookers that Monza likes to climb....it
was a slight reprieve.  On to the tunnel and I thought he'd be wary of it.
A very nice, older gentleman offered to hold him, once, while I crouched at
the other end.  I called Monza - THRU and he raced on through it.  Next
assignment?  The closed tunnel.  I went to the other end and stuck a fake
Pupperoni treat in the end.  Monza, Monza - thru!  He sauntered through it
smelling along the way.

We used these three things for a while until Monza kept inching over to a
panel jump with 3 bars on it.  He practically tore for it and instead of
jumping, barrelled right through it.  Did you say, BRAWNY, Gina?!   So, the
whole thing fell apart.  I had to let him go since I was on the other end of
busted apparatus.  He went directly to where the Shelties, Border Collie,
and Corgi were all sitting watching him.  Yes, my face was red.  Not too
easy to put it back together while stepping on Monza's lead, either.  No one
wanted to hold him for me.  I almost put him back into the Jeep when he
wouldn't settle after the first 30 minutes.  Maybe I should have?  I don't
know if he would've made the connection between his behavior and my putting
him back in the vehicle early?

The only piece they're missing that I could see is a see-saw.  They have
pause blocks, weave poles, dog walk, tire jump, etc.  It costs $2.00 @ time
and they meet every Sunday morning from 10-11:30am.  I'd like to go back
there, but I need someone there that can teach me what to do.  I think these
people were a little taken back by Monza's anxiousness since what they
mostly told me was about obedience.  Yes, I need to get into another class.

Lyn