Nedra pulled out the Clean Run class exercise book for tonight's lesson. Jesse has likely jammed a toe or two so she couldn't play. Kay checked her out and couldn't find any heat or swelling... crate rest for Miss Jesse. Since we were down to 3 dogs for class we grabbed Amanda with Skye from Polly's class (another 20" dog). So for class we had Georgie/Zing, Lisa/Oreo, Amanda/Skye, and Cheryl/Grace.
The course we used was a box made of four winged jumps, parallel to one jump was the A-Frame with a long tunnel running straight underneath it. We were having so much trouble turning the novice dogs enough to get a straight shot up the A-Frame that we finally put a 90 degree turn outward in the tunnel. A 180 degree wrap shot each dog straight up the A-Frame.
Grace struggled with some of the exercises... 270 degree turns are not her thing. On several occasions she would cut behind me and change sides. We put a 6" leather tab on her so I could grab the tab and help her follow the directions I was giving. I also tried holding some food in the directing hand. Nedra and I were both pleased with her progress by the end of the class session. She is catching on quickly but still struggles when I start moving, and if I move too fast, she panics offering defaulting herding moves. The pull tab to keep her moving in the direction I wanted and not cutting behind seemed to do wonders for her understanding tonight. Lets just hope some of the lesson sticks so I have a bit more steering next week in class.
The club had its monthly meeting last night so Bern missed class. I did get to brag about Grace's new title. Her first official club brag. The club will be buying some new lightweight obedience jumps, a new trailer for the obedience equipment, and moving the stored equipment to a cheaper storeroom. To support this action there will be an unused equipment auction at the old warehouse location in June... I'm not sure I want any of those heavy wooden jumps.
Additionally, LCCOC decided to support a lure coursing trial in the fall but only sight hounds (Afghan Hounds, Basenjis, Borzois, Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Italian Greyhounds, Pharaoh Hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds, and Whippets) are eligible to compete in this AKC venue. The lure is pulled along the track ground using a system of pulleys. There will be some fun matches where dogs of other breeds can give it a try. I could see that Grace might enjoy this sport.
