It has almost been a year since Baxter started agility. Last night we ran our very first course. It was 15 obstacles (2 tunnels, weaves, and 12 jumps.) After walking the course a couple times with the trainer, we were ready to give it a go. On our first try, we missed two jumps and Baxter missed the very start of the weaves (I think the numbers threw him off,) but on the plus side we successfully navigated a very tight lined jump. It was so much fun!!

After breaking the course down, we were able to do much better, especially after I got my foot work down. It is really amazing how important knowing your front and rear crosses are and how much the foundations of flips and wraps help your dog to understand your movements. It was also amazing just how fast Baxter ran. It was a struggle to keep up with him at times. I will definitely have to work on sprints or on the flip side, I could just work harder to teach him to be more independent.

We also did some contact work with the contacts finally at full height. The A-frame at full height is just jaw dropping. Baxter is definitely not afraid of it, even after having braking issues on the way down. Having a such a long body really throws off his control. Needless to say Baxter will need to work on his descent a bit more. The teeter went really well. Baxter never had any issues with it, but at some point decided that he didn't like the "bang." During one of the foundation classes, we worked on getting Baxter to just put his paws on the teeter and make the "bang" noise. Every time he did it, he was treated. Immensely. Now he loves it. The noise and thankfully the height did not even phase him. The last contact we did was the dog walk. I think the dog walk has to be Baxter's favorite. Super speedy up the walk and no problems with descending. He has a very good two on two off and looks to me to be released.

Back at the ranch, my boyfriend taught Ziggy how to roll over. So Ziggy is now up to sit, lay down, shake, and roll over. He's a quick learner just like his brother.

Every week for the rest of the summer, the trainer is having Monday night Rally and Wednesday night Agility. She's setting up courses and inviting all her students to drop in. Monday night we are going to try Rally for the first time. I know it won't be as quick pace as agility, but it sounds like it will be a lot of fun.