Not fast enough for ExB

[Auntkhaki]

I knew this was going to happen. We've been competing a little over a year and Ollie recently got his AX and AXJ. We just did a trial this past weekend running ExB in standard and jumpers and were over time every run. He's just not into running - trotting is more his speed. He's quicker when training, though. I must be doing something that slows him down when we're at a trial. This is my 1st agility dog and I don't know what to do!! He's already 5 years old and I'd like to at least get his MA and MAJ - forget the MACH! Almost everyone says the same thing - confidence! Really? He's so laid back that we can be the next dog up to run and he's laying down at my feet! I've tried everything I can think of to rev him up but it only works for a few seconds. ARGHHH! I can outrun my own dog!
Suggestions are welcome but I really needed to vent my frustrations. Thanks!

 

[HopeShelties]

I would try using forward cues as much as possible, and not asking to collect, collect, collect. Also, don't offer any corrections at home, or at the trial. If he misses a jump, go on. Don't stop to fix it. Sure it's frustrating, but in the long run, it should help some. Dogs who aren't overly game can be easily demotivated by having to stop and fix things.
I'm sure you probably have, but cheerlead. Get out there and push your dog.
I've found that doing distance helps with confidence. It helps to create a dog who is confident to go out and do its' job without needing to be right there by you.
Make sure your handling is spot on. Often, this type of dog is going to slow down even more if it feels you're not giving good cues, and that it needs to slow down even more to pay attention to what you're doing.
You may also want to check out the In Focus Need For Speed dvd.
Some dogs will never be speed demons. Hopefully you'll be able to eventually make time. I do see this quite a bit with first dogs. We correct too much, and get in the dogs way in the beginning. Instead of teaching the dog to run, the dog instead often learns it needs to slow down to run with its' handler, and that it needs to pay very close attention because the handler doesn't know what it's doing.

 

[Auntkhaki]

Thanks Stacey. I think you've hit a big part of the problem right on the head - I do try to keep him in control instead of letting him go ahead. At this point I just need to encourage him to think for himself instead of always sticking right next to me and stop reigning him in. I'm so jealous of the handlers that can send their dogs (especially into the weaves, another problem area for us). We have a lot to work on over the winter!

 

[k9kreationz]

Thanks Stacey. I think you've hit a big part of the problem right on the head - I do try to keep him in control instead of letting him go ahead. At this point I just need to encourage him to think for himself instead of always sticking right next to me and stop reigning him in. I'm so jealous of the handlers that can send their dogs (especially into the weaves, another problem area for us). We have a lot to work on over the winter!

I know for myself, confidence was one thing. However, I also noticed that any distance we got, even if it's 5-10 feet helped immensely. It helped me stay ahead of Koji which made him want to catch me, so he'd go faster. I don't always have distance, but I'm definitely not babysitting obstacles like I used to. Depending on the course, he's running 3.8-5+ yps. I'm worried about speed in ExB too. Hopefully by the time I get there, he'll have more distance and take objects on his own.

Good luck.

 

[Silaria]

I have a 4 year old Sheltie with similar issues to yours. I don't think we've ever hit 3 YPS in a run. Before a run he's lounging at my feet unless I'm having him do tricks for food. I already know that successful Excellent B runs are out of the question and, honestly, I'm planning on stopping at Open titles in AKC for him rather than throw money away.

Basically, I know my dog is not a champion level Performance Dog. It was a bit upsetting to come to this conclusion, to be honest. However, what it makes me do is stop and remember WHY I do this; for me and my dog, not for titles.

So, rather than compete in AKC, I'll compete in other venues like CPE and TDAA where he is competitive. Sure, those venues aren't as glamorous in the dog world as AKC and USDAA but, you know what, we have fun and that's what is important to me. Competing in those venues sets my dog up for a positive experience.

However, in your case I think Stacey has great ideas and suggestions. Learning to 'cut the leash', as it were, and trust your dog to know his job is not easy to do. Heck, mine forced me to do it as he grew more comfortable with the obstacles because he wouldn't perform right if I didn't give him more space.

By the way, those beautiful sends can be trained. I've been working on them for over a year now and we've developed some respectable distance work. I found out on Saturday at a demo that my boy will send out about 20-25 foot. I was floored. Like everything else it takes a LOT of time and patience.

 

[k9kreationz]

I found out on Saturday at a demo that my boy will send out about 20-25 foot. I was floored. Like everything else it takes a LOT of time and patience.

I am sooooo jealous. I need to get working on this more. No more 10 feet stuff. I need more! lol

 

[Auntkhaki]

Thanks everyone! I always said once we got into ExB I'd stop baby sitting him and let him have a little "loose leash" but old habits are hard to break! I think I tend to overcrowd and over direct him instead of just letting him go. He needs more confidence and I need to trust him more. BTW, he does have one JWW Q so I know he can do it! I'll keep you all posted on our progress.

 

[Justicemom]

I have a 4 year old Sheltie with similar issues to yours. I don't think we've ever hit 3 YPS in a run. Before a run he's lounging at my feet unless I'm having him do tricks for food. I already know that successful Excellent B runs are out of the question and, honestly, I'm planning on stopping at Open titles in AKC for him rather than throw money away.

Basically, I know my dog is not a champion level Performance Dog. It was a bit upsetting to come to this conclusion, to be honest. However, what it makes me do is stop and remember WHY I do this; for me and my dog, not for titles.

So, rather than compete in AKC, I'll compete in other venues like CPE and TDAA where he is competitive. Sure, those venues aren't as glamorous in the dog world as AKC and USDAA but, you know what, we have fun and that's what is important to me. Competing in those venues sets my dog up for a positive experience.

However, in your case I think Stacey has great ideas and suggestions. Learning to 'cut the leash', as it were, and trust your dog to know his job is not easy to do. Heck, mine forced me to do it as he grew more comfortable with the obstacles because he wouldn't perform right if I didn't give him more space.

By the way, those beautiful sends can be trained. I've been working on them for over a year now and we've developed some respectable distance work. I found out on Saturday at a demo that my boy will send out about 20-25 foot. I was floored. Like everything else it takes a LOT of time and patience.

I don't know I've seen Edan run and I seen some dogs run in ex B and he is not alot slower than some. Sure you won't qualify every time but some of the time. Ember's Sister Belle runs like Ember and has her MX and almost her MXJ around 130 MACH points and 6 QQ in less than a year showing in B. As long as she doesn't trot, she makes it. It might take her awhile but she'll get there. Steady Belle, she is known as.

It makes me sad as Ember's distance and speed was picking up too with her distance work. She had her first 3+ yps run in her last trial. I was all because I was letting her go , not correcting mistakes and working on distance. I thought if I could pick up time in the weaves and time on the contacts she would be able to make it. I just hope she'll be able to run again.