A relaxed Annie in froggy position
This was the fifth and last class in the Beginners Agility course at The Collared Scholar. It was Annie’s starring moment all the way around…
We had personal goals for the course, Annie and I… Annie is a shy little girl. My hope in signing her up for this class was to work on her lack of confidence when confronted with new places, people, dogs – and strange objects such as the different pieces of agility equipment.
Each week proved challenging – but showed improvement… As always, baby steps all the way. Once she got used to something new – be it human, canine, or inanimate – she then became curious. Her tail would start wagging, and while waiting her turn to run the equipment, she’d assume her froggy lying down position. This she does only when totally relaxed – a very good sign!
For the final class, the course was loaded with equipment – and so was the training center. There were three extra people and a new dog. Normally, all this stimulation would have worried Annie. She was nonplussed. In fact, she was very much taken by the new dog, an English Bulldog, who was set up right next to her. She kept looking over at her new friend and wagging her tail. The extra people and noise they created didn’t cause a ripple in her placid demeanor.
As for the loaded agility course… she was raring to go! One of the things I particularly like about taking classes at The Collared Scholar is that they deliberately keep classes small. This way they are able to zero in on each dog’s individual needs – and each dog gets plenty of opportunity to practice in class. Unlike previous weeks where Annie had to go through the course two or three times before feeling comfortable, this week she zoomed through the course on all FIVE runs… SHE LOVED IT!!!!
Annie accepting her diploma
At the end of the class, a graduation ceremony was held – complete with the playing of Pomp and Circumstance. Each dog marched up and received his diploma. For Annie, her diploma stands for more than just completing the course… she achieved all the personal goals we had set for her, as well. She’s a very happy dog!
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