I’m beginning to think that I should re-name these sections “Self-discovery Monday”!

While the intention was to blog about a bunch of things we’re learning as a team, I’m finding more and more that I’m the one who needs to do a lot of learning.

learning about ourselves

A couple of weeks back, I wrote a blog post about patience and finding our inner Zen for agility. Today I’m finding I’m more and more reflecting on that lesson & taking it to the next level.

Saturday was another trial for us, and this time a triple jump trial. The weather was horrific, and the trial rings were muddy and wet. Yet everyone was there, happy, busting to have a run & roaring to go.

With a lot going on, and no confidence in Jaxon running in the rain, I really wanted to go home. We stayed for one run, and the weather was clearing up enough to perhaps even stay for two.

Then we had our first run. The first 4 obstacles were no problem, and coming out of the tunnel, Jaxon decided that it was sniffy time. I jumped around and called him, ran forward. He basically followed me, then found the biggest muddiest spot to stop and sniff at. I had lost him to the ground yet again.

So I ran off the course, and he eventually ran after me with great speed and happiness. I think he was sure he was out there for a play and a sniff, not a trial. He had fun, and that’s what matters. Although this is not a recipe for getting anywhere with agility 🙂

Now I’ve been given advice from a bunch of different people and at the end of the day, I know the issue is mine and not Jaxon’s. So! back to training for me!

A few things am going to try next:

1. Just have fun!

• I know Jaxon just wants to have fun – and me too! So from now on, it’s about fun together on and off the course.

2. Keep the connection with Jaxon

• Along with some good connection games and exercises, I know I have to keep Jaxon interested and playing with me. This will take some time, and I’m looking forward to building that bond even more!

3. Mix it up!

• Building confidence playing in lots of different places, with lots of different distractions.

4. Celebrate, celebrate, celebrate!

• Celebrate the wins, and keep laughing.

Now – if you want a laugh, here is a video of me trying some things and failing. It’s always fun to really look at where we can take failure and use it as a foundation for success.

What I see in this video is a happy engaged dog – now just to get that into a trial ring 🙂

Happy Monday! 🙂