Lulu Tunnel!

One of the things you wouldn't think a dog like Lulu could do is leap. But leap she can. We have put up little picket fence pieces up on the backyard to keep Lulu out of some of the beds, or from charging the shared fence with our neighbors when they let one of their dogs out in their backyard. However, if Lulu really wants to, she can leap over the picket fence. It's like she is a bunny.

I have wanted for sometime to capitalize on this trick and continue her training so I was able to finally grab a spot in one of Fairfax County Parks and Recreation's dog agility classes. It isn't competitive agility. Just for fun. And last night was our first class. The instructors, Patsy and Karen, were very patience, supportive, and knowledgeable. I really like them. However, I don't really like some of the other owners in the class. There are only four other dogs: Einstein (some sort of mix working dog breed), Ripley (some sort of hound), Spotty (some sort of lab mix), and Theodore (a very interesting standard Poodle). The owners I'm not really fond of are for Ripley and Theodore.

Lulu did very well. While we were working on the tasks. In between tasks she was a hand full. She just wanted to play or charge the other dogs, specifically Einstein and Ripley. Unfortunately their owners couldn't, or wouldn't, see how I was struggling to keep her focused on me and would bring their dogs near us. It was incredibly frustrating.

She has aced getting onto the "table" but that is because she jumps onto the couch, the ottoman, the chair, and the bed all the time. The "tunnel" was more interesting. She will go through but with some coaxing. I am going to see about buying a play tunnel for kids (cheaper than the actual dog agility tunnel) for practicing in between classes.

I'm just very excited about another opportunity to learn with Lulu. And maybe we'll take it to the next level. But we'll see.....