tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74382729388399184052024-03-05T23:57:45.424-08:00Agility EngineerBecause Engineers Analyze. Everything. Including Dog Agility.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-45632174992119714832016-01-28T20:37:00.001-08:002016-01-28T20:41:25.226-08:00Airlines WANT You to Fake a Service Dog!In early January, I attempted to book a flight on American from Phoenix to Reno for an agility seminar. V is too large to be an in-cabin pet, so I need to check a dog. American has direct flights, so MAJOR score, right?<br />
<br />
WRONG.<br />
<br />
American inherited USAirways crappy Airbus fleet, and this fleets does not have temperature control. There are some configurations/variation of Airbus for which this is true. It appears that American has some Airbus fleet that are pet-friendly.<br />
<br />
When you research flights, you only get "A321", and not the "S" or "H". So... you're supposed to call reservations?<br />
<br />
Seeing as how USAirways was headquartered in Phoenix, the majority of the fleet are these crappy Airbus. Thus, with Delta and United only accepting pets as cargo, Southwest only accepts in-cabin pets, and American not having appropriate aircraft... honest folk are stuck driving or hoping that a smaller airline accepts checked pets. Or, you can do what is popular among the agility crowd...<br />
<br />
FAKE A SERVICE DOG.<br />
<br />
When I flew Bug to USDAA Nationals for several years, I witnessed it all at the airport. "Service" dogs panting and freaking out. A competitor fighting with Southwest Airlines over her TWO "service" dogs. "Service" dogs playing in the terminal. "Service" dogs wandering around at baggage claim. Other travelers at the airport in disbelief over the number of black-and-white service dogs in the airport. There must be a service dog convention!<br />
<br />
With Delta no longer offering checked pets, that leaves American as the last major airline accepting checked pets. However... they have an Airbus issue.<br />
<br />
I wrote American when I was attempting to book a flight, and asked why they weren't upgrading the USAirways fleet.<br />
<br />
They took 21 days to respond with a copy-and-paste from their website. Thanks! Shockingly, I do know how to read.<br />
<br />
Here's my response:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>You didn't answer my question about the aircraft. By not retrofitting the USair fleet, you are encouraging fake service dogs. <br clear="none" />
<br clear="none" />
Thanks for the "copy and paste" response from information I found verbatim on your website. <br clear="none" />
<br clear="none" />
When I was researching flights to Reno, I couldn't tell WHAT Airbus
variation was used. Just A321. That doesn't help someone flying with a
checked pet. <br clear="none" />
<br clear="none" />
So you lost my business to Alaska Airlines. </i></blockquote>
Okay, wow, I got a quick response to that. Not sure why all of a sudden American is interested in my business after taking 21 days to initially respond.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span class="yiv8642118044c9" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453987010485_55704">Thank you for contacting us again and giving us another opportunity to take a look at this situation.</span> </i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span class="yiv8642118044c9" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453987010485_55702">As
you mentioned, our USAir Airbus fleet is not pressurized for checked
pets. For the safety of pets, we do not allow customers to check pets on
these flights.</span> </i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span class="yiv8642118044c9" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453987010485_55701">As
a pet owner, I certainly understand your frustration and apologize for
the inconvenience this is causing you and others when trying to travel
with your pet.</span> </i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span class="yiv8642118044c9" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453987010485_55699">Our
Reservations team will be happy to assist you with any additional
information. They can be reached at 800-433-7300 and are available 24
hours a day, seven days a week. Be sure to have your flight details
ready when you call.
Calling from outside the United States or Canada? Click here for
contact information.</span> </i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span class="yiv8642118044c9" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453987010485_55697">If you have questions or concerns after your trip is completed, we'd be happy to hear from you in Customer Relations.</span> </i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div class="yiv8642118044c18" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453987010485_55696">
<span style="color: blue;"><i><span class="yiv8642118044c9" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1453987010485_55695">We appreciate your business and look forward to welcoming you onboard.</span></i></span></div>
<span style="color: blue;"><br /></span></blockquote>
<br />
Actually, when you call reservations to make your reservation, you pay hefty fees for talking to someone. They also cannot identify which Airbus variation it is. Just ask someone who flew to AKC/Eukanuba in December with his German Pinscher. He called, told his flights were friendly, and then American re-booked him on an earlier, friendly flight WITHOUT TELLING HIM. So sure, that phone call will go over real well...<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I talked to someone last night who had issues getting from Phoenix to
Orlando despite calling customer service. Almost every flight was
airbus, just like the flights I looked at from Phoenix to Reno or
Sacramento. I could get one way on appropriate aircraft, but not both
ways, or had to change planes in LAX and still not get to Reno. </i>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>
You need to do something about the airbus. Period. </i>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>
I'll buy a service dog vest for my dog in the future since it's
impossible to get a checked dog out of Phoenix. No Delta. No United.
No Southwest. No American. No choices. </i>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>
I booked a most inconvenient flight on Alaska because that was my only
option. In order to go east. .. I'll be stuck driving or joining the
masses faking a service dog since airlines encourage this behavior. By
not upgrading the airbus, this loss of revenue must be American's
business strategy. You'd rather let me fly a large dog in cabin for free
than provide appropriate aircraft in Phoenix. </i></blockquote>
I bet you are not surprised that American did not respond. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-69735185507852644602014-08-21T09:18:00.001-07:002014-08-21T09:36:17.535-07:00FOR SALE: UNUSED Channel Weaves made by someone who doesn't know how to paintThree coats of paint that do not adhere to metal. Three. My 14 year-old car has three coats of paint (base coat, pearl coat, and top coat), AND it's not that thick AND has survived the elements. Three thick layers of paint ADD to the width of the metal, thus the parts do not glide easily. Of course, if there weren't so many globs of paint adding to the width/height, the pieces would glide easily.<br />
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I was accused of keeping these out in my landscape in standing water.<br />
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<br />
Nope, these parts don't move not because of RUST, but because of sub-standard painting. And don't play that "offered powder coating". Because I wasn't. REDACTED said that he doesn't powder coat anymore because it's too expensive. Shouldn't that have been my decision?<br />
<br />
In any case, I'm not willing to invest any more money into these. I am not willing to strip the paint and re-paint or powder coat. $75.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: yellow;"> Redacted,</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: yellow;">I am really disappointed in these channel weaves. Not only is ALL the paint chipping off, I struggled for over 30 minutes this morning trying to get the channel part to budge. I tried silicone lubricant. I tried hammer. I cannot get this to budge.</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: yellow;">These weaves look ghetto because I re-painted the parts where the paint is chipped, and does not appear to be bonded to the metal. They are unusable, and I'd like to return them, either for an unpainted set or a full refund.</span><br />
<span style="color: yellow;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: yellow;">Me</span></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>If they set out in the weather and in the irrigation that is what happens, I am not responsible for your abuse of your equipment, you did not request powder coat paint which would cost another $100.</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Use Break Free on the bolts and inside the slides, once they lock up from rust and neglect it will have to set 24 hrs to free up. I have to do the same thing for mine.<br />And if they are powder coated and abused they will also rust, just a few months slower</i></blockquote>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: yellow;">They do not sit in the irrigation. Why am I responsible for paint globs? That's why the channels don't move. The paint had been peeling ever since I brought them home and in my garage. I complained then. You should stand by your work. That's the worst paint job I've ever seen.</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i> If you want them repainted I will but only one time. I use the best quality rust preventive paint I can find.</i></blockquote>
Repainting will only help if the paint is stripped. Another layer and these are stationary weaves. And why is this so thick?<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: yellow;"> I'd prefer to have the paint stripped to bare metal, and I will either take them to be powder coated near my home, or I will paint them myself.</span></blockquote>
To which I received no response, thus, these need to stop taking up valuable space on my block wall fence. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-60792653854913815412014-06-04T05:53:00.003-07:002014-06-04T05:53:52.371-07:00DABAD: One Small Success for Dog, One Giant Success for TeamSuccess doesn't have to mean winning it all. It doesn't have to mean standing on the podium. I measure success based upon overcoming struggles I have in training my dogs. Big success comes from accomplishing small successes.<br />
<br />
When Scout was nearing the end of her career, I ran her in a few Veteran's classes. The dogwalk was the next to last obstacle. She blew the contact. Someone came RIGHT up to me after the run and snapped, "It WAS a nice run until the dogwalk." <br />
<br />
I retorted, "She's 12 and a half years old, she can do whatever she wants."<br />
<br />
My version of success: My dog can still play with me enthusiastically. Scout earned her PDCH-Platinum, VVD, and LAA-Gold. One missed dogwalk contact is nothing.<br />
<br />
Boo, the little white scruffy dog, has been a challenge in training. He did not enjoy a group class format - he'd return to his crate for his turn, so he was primarily trained in my backyard. He does well at private lessons. He has been a struggle from Day One:<br />
<ul>
<li>Boo is fearful. It's a big world for a little dude. I had people give him treats at trials to overcome his fear of strangers.</li>
<li>Boo is terrified of the teeter.</li>
<li>Boo is selective about how fast he will run and when.</li>
<li>Boo is distracted. He sees lots of shiny things. And then visits them.</li>
<li>Boo is a clown... he wallows in the grass as his start line. I sometimes abandon the lead out to bring him back to this planet.</li>
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<ul>
<li>Boo likes to down on the table, then poke his butt up in the air, wag his tail, and laugh at me. </li>
</ul>
I chose not to give up on this dog. He is what he is, and things will come when he's ready. Boo has had great PGP runs... until he ran off to take his favorite obstacle (A-Frame). Here were our successes:<br />
<ul>
<li>He ran full-speed.</li>
<li>He made course time even with the off course.</li>
<li>He bounced the weaves.</li>
<li>He performed the teeter with confidence.</li>
<li>He stayed with me (except for the A-Frame... it was shiny!) </li>
</ul>
Heck, he even got a teeter gamble at the same trial! <br />
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Boo loves Snooker. Boo doesn't do well in Standard and Gamblers. Naturally, I was tickled when he started getting a few Standard Qs. Then a few Gamblers Qs. Next thing you know, it's PDCH Boo!<br />
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When my students finish a run, I never talk about what needs improvement - for the most part, they are already aware of that. I talk about what went right, especially if the team has been struggling on a particular move, sequence or obstacle. Eventually, more and more things will go right, and each student will have a BIG success.<br />
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Start measuring small successes. It will build your confidence. Larger successes will naturally fall in place.<br />
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This blog entry is part of the Dog Agility Blog Action Day: Success! Read more here: <span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401721779566_16100"><u id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401721779566_16106" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif;"><a href="http://dogagilityblogevents.wordpress.com/success/" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1401721779566_16105" rel="nofollow" shape="rect" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://dogagilityblogevents.wordpress.com/success/</a></u></span> <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-317211265957416742014-03-05T05:10:00.001-08:002014-03-05T05:10:49.180-08:00I Got My First Puppy. What Was I Thinking?My 40th birthday present to myself: Puppy! <br />
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She looks really sweet, and, for the most part she is. Until...<br />
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We put holes in clothing. </div>
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We get stuck under nightstands. </div>
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We refuse to get out of the dishwasher, regardless if the dishes are clean or dirty. </div>
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Need a paper shredder? Toilet paper, envelopes, paper towels. You name it. </div>
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We dumpster dive. </div>
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We hate dryer sheets...</div>
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And door trim... </div>
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And wood... </div>
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And tree roots... (from a tree that I removed) </div>
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And Lantana with red flowers (purple, yellow, and orange are okay). </div>
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She is an expert counter surfer.</div>
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Don't get me wrong, I love this dog. However, getting a puppy has made me appreciate my rescues even more. Someone dumped my other dogs AFTER they got through all the crap I chronicled above - when they were just right. AND they were, for the most part, house-trained. </div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-85696404628283032632013-11-06T06:55:00.002-08:002013-11-06T06:55:49.862-08:00New Hobby: Poles!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I was asked to help make new poles. Arts and crafts? Count me in! Little did they know that I would just take off on my own. These are unfinished (no caps/plugs) because the club does something special for them.<br />
<br />
I estimate that a 4' bar will be $20 and a 5' will be $25. Really depends on the amount of artwork that goes into it, and if the ends need streamers/ribbon.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-18191082095249144362013-09-04T06:27:00.001-07:002013-09-04T08:14:41.076-07:00Action Day "Aging": Don't Be "That Guy"I had two criteria to determine whether or not to retire my dog: willingness and ability. This dog will always be willing to work for me. Ability, as in still able to run, jump, and climb without issues, I figured would be the deciding factor.<br />
<br />
I retired her anyway.<br />
<br />
A few issues arose when some jerk ran into my truck in a parking lot, despite the truck being big, red, and parked far away from the store. These behavioral issues in the car were major factors in my decision to retire Scout, although once out of the car, she was fine - willing and able to play.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Scout enjoys the brand new truck before the backseat became crates.</div>
<br />
I retired her even thought a few titles were still achievable.<br />
<br />
I retired Scout at age 12.5 60 Qs short of LAA-Platinum. It was doable. I trialed at least twice a month. I entered her in two things a day. She had a high Q rate in those two things (Snooker and Jumpers).<br />
<br />
She's still retired. Why? I don't want to be "That Guy".<br />
<br />
"That Guy" is the one EVERYONE at the trial talks about, but not to his/her face. "That Guy" is so obsessed with titles, "That Guy" doesn't see the pain his/her dog is in. "That Guy" has a dog that is old, trots through the course, and barely makes Veteran's course time. "That Guy" believes his/her dog still <i>wants</i> to play agility, despite the dog clearly displaying otherwise. "That Guy" could let the dog be a "One-Jump Champion" or a "Backyard Champion", but insists upon torturing the poor dog by entering the dog in <i>each</i> Veteran's class, and acting surprised when the dog shows no enthusiasm. "That Guy" is one step away from attaching the leash to the dog and dragging a half-dead dog over obstacles. <br />
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Don't be "That Guy".<br />
<br />
Retire your dog with style and class. I threw a party at a local trial. I made a tearful announcement. It was difficult. However, I consider myself lucky that <i><u><b>I</b></u></i> got to make the decision and not some other event - death, severe injury, etc. And, I know people weren't talking about me behind my back for being "That Guy".<br />
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Scout's well-earned cake.</div>
<br />
I brought Scout out of retirement for one run. I did this to enter a contest for rescue dogs. That's when I realized, at 13+ years, she's completely deaf. She ran amok in Snooker. I didn't care. She had fun. I enjoyed running her again. <br />
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Scout is still retired. Oh, and she won the random draw contest.<br />
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Scout poses with her prize.</div>
<br />
This entry is part of the Dog Agility Blog Action Day topic on Aging. For more articles, visit <a href="http://dogagilityblogevents.wordpress.com/aging/" id="yui_3_7_2_1_1378265231421_3932" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://dogagilityblogevents.wordpress.com/aging/</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-46437114151610590052012-06-05T19:01:00.000-07:002012-06-06T20:05:25.508-07:00Does Your Attitude SAG?<div class="MsoNormal">
I have been under the mistaken impression that
agility was for ALL dogs, no matter the size, speed, or breed. However,
I have observed a certain attitude exhibited by some competitors that
challenge this notion. These competitors ruin agility for the rest of
us. I call this elite group the “self-appointed gurus”, or
SAGs. Your market may vary, but most SAGs seem to own border
collies. A SAG makes the other BC handlers look bad.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A
SAG deems most other competitors as unworthy adversaries. This
competitor watches and cheers only for dogs and handlers he deems
worthy. He dismisses all other dogs and handlers regardless of ability,
as these are just not worthy of his time or attention. He dismisses
all dogs measuring 16” or less, performance dogs, and most dogs that are
not border collies.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A
SAG owns a dog as a tool for fame in the tiny world of dog agility.
You seldom see a SAG petting his or her dog. The dog’s life consists
of eating, training, competing, some play or reward and returning to a
crate.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The
SAG feels he or she deserves special treatment, and can behave in an
unsportsmanlike manner. These special competitors expect the trial
committee and the agility community to bend over backward to support
their not-so-unique needs, such as:</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span>Demanding late entry, as deadlines are for mere mortals.</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"></span>Demanding a team change after closing </li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span>Demanding a new DRAW partner</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"></span>Allowing his dog to bark and lunge at others</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"></span>Using outside equipment at the trial site</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"></span>Demeaning other competitors</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"></span>Yelling at the volunteers</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"></span>Faking course building to pre-walk the course before the mortals</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span>Refusing to team/pair with a small dog</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"></span>Refusing or giving poor instruction to those with a different dog</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"><span style="font: 7pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span>Bringing un-entered dogs to indoor trials when expressly asked not to do so</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol;"></span>Slap on a service dog vest for priority boarding and free animal transportation to competitions</li>
<li>The SAG, when called out for the poor behavior, finds it beneath him to
apologize for it, even if said apology would most likely be insincere.</li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Example behaviors:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
As
I was preparing my dog, Bug, for a run, a SAG allowed her dog to give
eye. The SAG allowed the dog to lunge and bite Bug. This happened
twice at the trial. The SAG did not apologize. At the same trial, the
same dog lunged at a BC and the owner received an apology. At a later
trial, the same dog lunged at an Aussie, and never offered an apology.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
A
competitor who receives instruction from a SAG approached me at the
regional, requesting handling suggestions on a course because I have “a
small dog”. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
Before
I quit taking classes, the instructor brought her BC pup to classes and
it screamed and barked the entire time. Another student brought a new
adult dog to class once and, after all the complaints, worked from her
car because of “excessive barking”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
During
the IFCS classes at USDAA Nationals, the arena emptied after the large
height dogs finished competing. No one cheered for the small dogs.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
SAGs tell their students that they will NEVER accomplish things. I had two
instructors tell me that I would NEVER SuperQ with Scout, one of the
smallest P16 dogs you will meet. One went on a fishing expedition by
asking how many SQs I needed. When I replied, “One,” he snapped,
“Where’d you travel to get those?” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
SAG instructors complain about the lack of competition at local trials yet
have the ability to create better competition. However, SAGs seem to
be uninterested in helping anyone else improve.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
SAGs only volunteer at trials if it has some benefit, such as walking
courses before open to all competitors. I use “Volunteer” loosely, as
it may be only setting one jump. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
At
a recent trial, a scribe sheet arrived at the score table incorrectly
marked “E”. The SAG complained about it well after the class completed
and another event began, despite the results being displayed
immediately upon computer entry. The SAG raised his voice at me no
less than three times demanding that I change the scribe sheet, and even
did so in the presence of the other judge. The SAG took the timer and
thrust it at me, demanding that I review all the times. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 40.5pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
A
friend had taken a private lesson from a SAG, and he did not want to
help her because he deemed the dog as having “no drive”. At the Rocky
Mountain Regional, the same competitor witnessed the same SAG belittling the Starters and Advanced dogs to the judge. He stated that,
“None of those dogs have any business being out there.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
The number one complaint at the Rocky Mountain Regional was other competitors complaining about SAGs complaining about the order of classes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
The club for which I trial secretary has laid down strict rules about entries after competitors demanded changes up to the day of the trial. One of these rules included no late entries. I had one entry arrive late. During the test dates, I was cornered at the hotel by a competitor wanting to know WHY I denied the entry. I was further told I needed to be "more accommodating", despite the level of poop I have been through by accommodating competitors. Had this been someone NOT in the in crowd, I doubt that I would have been accosted.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I
understand that not every dog and not every handler has Nationals or
World Team potential. My agility accomplishments and titles represent
the relationship I have with my dogs, the dogs that are first and
foremost loved pets in my home. Winning, either locally, or regionally,
or nationally, or internationally is just icing on the cake. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
I
have played sports long enough to understand the value of the
relationship I have with my teammates, and can certainly appreciate that
same relationship that other handlers have with their pets. It is
truly a shame that there are the unsportsmanlike few that cannot see
beyond winning at the highest level.<br />
<br />
I have played team sports since fifth grade in 1985. At the end of a game, regardless
of your feelings towards the opponents, you always shook hands and said,
"Good game." You did not talk smack for fear of being benched. If children can be good sports, why can't adults be the same? Would I not be fired from my job for creating a hostile work environment for yelling, cheating, and being ornery to my co-workers?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://dog-agility-blog-events.posterous.com/pages/attitude%20">Dog Agility Blog Action Day: Attitude Blogs</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-78829265316229294392012-02-05T17:41:00.000-08:002012-02-05T17:52:46.418-08:00PerspectiveI was chatting with Lisa Barrett today at the Contact Zonies show. She mentioned how tense all the Starters/Advanced people were, and how agility used to be more about fun and the relationship with your dog. I agree - it's not all about ribbons and placements. This was Boo's third show, and he's showing enthusiasm and speed that I didn't know he had in him. Qs and ribbons just iced the cake!<br /><br />Anyhow, another competitor was grousing about how much shows were better where she used to live and was, in general, upset by her dog's performance (read: her handling). I told her something along these lines:<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Wow, that really puts life in perspective. I found out this morning, at this very show, that my mother has terminal cancer, with only 3-6 months left to live."</span><br /><br />And then I left.<br /><br />Dog agility is not curing cancer. It's not solving hunger. It's not creating world peace. Everyone has highs and lows, but it's just dog agility, and cannot compare to the real suffering and other horrible things in this world.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-47721223413274168172011-11-20T22:09:00.000-08:002011-11-20T22:12:41.145-08:00World's Hardest Jumpers Course - For Memory Management<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhGRAdb-rpINPrKB1oxRAuV9cPSFO_5GdUyJfRF15Y2qPs0k5U573LImDSJwAlYe114T1KmJuUFP5lp12C9bUY9mBpBQyktxLffUiqsX2XvFkknKYTJD_qcaXihZU86bwxRhX_JtkkwDP/s1600/kula_111113_mjmp.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 291px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrhGRAdb-rpINPrKB1oxRAuV9cPSFO_5GdUyJfRF15Y2qPs0k5U573LImDSJwAlYe114T1KmJuUFP5lp12C9bUY9mBpBQyktxLffUiqsX2XvFkknKYTJD_qcaXihZU86bwxRhX_JtkkwDP/s320/kula_111113_mjmp.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5677327576770514722" border="0" /></a><br />Too many parallel jumps just boggles the mind! This course is a true test of the handler's memory skills. This would be an awesome course for a national event.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-39332898942137690012011-09-24T06:41:00.001-07:002011-09-24T07:42:33.524-07:00Where are the USDAA small dogs? Part 2The rules at USDAA trials are rather loose, like no requirement to have a dog on a leash, and some vague "sportsmanlike conduct". AKC, well, there's long list in their code of conduct. I can see how this code is appealing to the small dog handlers.<br /><br />There appears to be an "us against them" mentality between the small dog handlers and the larger dog handlers. Just because your dog is bred to give eye, bite, herd, give chase, or whatever doesn't mean the behavior is acceptable towards other creatures.<br /><br />Someone posted a picture of a dog gripping a cow on Facebook, very pleased with her dog's (a relative of the pictured dog) mouthiness. Only thing about it is... this dog does NOT participate in herding - it's an agility dog.<br /><br />Bragging about this got my panties in a bunch. Why? Bug has been a victim of this dog's mouth. Twice. And, the handler NEVER apologized.<br /><br />Scout just doesn't like most other dogs. I monitor everything around her, as I don't want her to have the opportunity to react. I give warnings. "My dog doesn't like other dogs." I apologize if I haven't been vigilant. Upon hearing Scout's story during an award presentation, most handlers were surprised that she is reactive. "I never knew... you manage it well".<br /><br />Here are some of the things that my dogs have been subjected to:<br /><ul><li>Walking Boo around at a trial where there was limited space. I chose to return to my setup with my dog that looks like a walking lamby toy through an uncongested area. A border collie rips out of a setup and nails Boo. Boo is clueless and keeps walking. Handler came to me in tears, apologizing, and offering to pay for any veterinary care. </li><li>Getting Bug ready for a run. He's at my feet, and I have him growling and tugging. A leashed BC is giving him the eye, then goes in for the bite. No apology.</li><li>Same trial, getting Bug ready for a run. Same BC does same thing. This time Bug reacts, snapping and lunging at the other dog. No apology.</li><li>Walking Bug, getting him to do his business before his run. Walk 6' behind a BC at ringside whose owner is getting him jazzed up by watching other dogs (BAITING). Dog turns and nips Bug. I get the "why is your dog harassing mine" look.</li><li>Bug's first day in agility class. Aussie in the other group has fixated on him from the moment we walked in the gate. Aussie is over 75' away and attacks Bug, who is leashed and attached to a weave pole.<br /></li></ul>Oh, and don't think I'm on a tear about border collie owners. Some small dog owners can be just as guilty!<br /><ul><li>Scout, Ms. Reactive, is being prepared for a run. Her routine is a series of left and right spins and barks. She jumped 16" in Performance, first dog in a large class, so I'll never understand why these morons had their 16" Championship dog out 30 minutes early. The handler of an Italian Greyhound, a breed with petite bones, was rubbing his dog's side, asking him if he wanted to... get Scout - the last dog to ever use as a bait dog.</li><li>Getting Boo ready for his turn in class. I'm about 30' away from equipment, and he's doing his "rev" routine - kicking his hind legs and barking. The dog currently doing the exercise makes a beeline towards Boo. Twice. I am fortunate to still have quick reflexes, and snatch Boo off the ground. Twice.<br /></li></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-39814598105440353522011-09-22T20:24:00.000-07:002011-09-22T20:47:55.529-07:00Where are the USDAA small dogs?<p class="MsoNormal">I have three (rescue) dogs:</p><p class="MsoNormal"> </p><p class="MsoNormal">Scout is probably a Shiba/Kelpie Mix, 17" and 20.5#. She is an open dog, though one of the smallest.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Bug is a Chihuahua/Dachshund mix, 12.25" and 12.5#. He is a mini dog, jumping 16" in Championship.</p><p class="MsoNormal">Boo is a Chihuahua/Something mix, about 10" and 7#. He is in training.</p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZTwdxlEyyNyIUtcGo-8PzRfA-UPmVhRcrXn5eewv_zb7DM5q6nARb6jPRYE5yNUVWr3BwZVRGMlgJ2Sycdoch9mibY58uFhbEVCP2bTYxroEI73MNURHxr85UQMnFoIS4WFQgp5g0J9A/s1600/web3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 387px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsZTwdxlEyyNyIUtcGo-8PzRfA-UPmVhRcrXn5eewv_zb7DM5q6nARb6jPRYE5yNUVWr3BwZVRGMlgJ2Sycdoch9mibY58uFhbEVCP2bTYxroEI73MNURHxr85UQMnFoIS4WFQgp5g0J9A/s320/web3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5655391873926832178" border="0" /></a><br />Boo has been special needs since the day I brought him home. He was tranquilized for his neuter surgery, arrived dopey, and remained so for a week. He also refused to eat. And do his business outside. He's lucky that he's adorable.<p class="MsoNormal"> </p>I know there is the argument about the USDAA jump heights, as the little dogs would either jumpe 12"/16" Championship or 8"/12" Performance. This is part of the issue.<br /><br />I had trouble with Bug popping weave poles. No one could tell me why, that is, until I came across a small dog person. "You're too close to him. He sees feet, and thinks you will step on him." <br /><p class="MsoNormal"> </p>Therein lies the problem: Training the small dog in a world of BC-only instruction. <br /><ul><li>How many agility seminars are given by people who train something other than a border collie?<br /></li><li>How many pictures in Clean Run are NOT of border collies?</li><li>How many articles have you read that give specific training advice to a dog that isn't a border collie/sheltie/aussie?</li></ul>USDAA<br />Technical courses with tight course times, the IHC flair, the long distance in gamblers.<br /><br />AKC<br />Technical courses with generous course times, optional games. <br /><br />Perhaps AKC appears to be a more viable option for the small dog handlers because the handler has difficulty applying large dog training into their small dog world.<br /><br />This really bothers me, as I am having trouble training Boo, especially with fear of the teeter, and subsequently, the dogwalk. My class is a waste of both time and money. Oh, and the other fun thing about a small dog: other dogs want to eat them AND the other dog owner doesn't apologize.<br /><br />Boo is a little fella living in a world of giants. I know he has it in him, but I need help unleashing his inner beast.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-20344614277273855322011-06-27T21:10:00.000-07:002011-06-27T22:07:41.719-07:00Blog Action Day Post: Thoughts on VolunteeringI am a software engineer. I work 40+ hours a week, in a cube next to a wall - a dead-end pathway. I plug away, having a little code fiesta at my desk with very little interaction with others. But, hey, it pays for my agility habit!<br /><br />Since I work a lot, my time is very valuable to me. Attending agility trials becomes MY time: time for me, time for my dogs, and time to turn into a social butterfly. Working like a dog at a trial, especially after working like a dog at my job, can be unappealing. There are a lot of factors that determine whether or not I volunteer at a trial.<br /><ol><li>Most people like getting a paycheck, especially when it supports their agility addictions. Trial bucks are a great way of encouraging people like me to help. $2 here and there can add up to a free run or two. It's also a great way to get the volunteers to enter a future trial, as those bucks are burning holes in their pockets.</li><li>If a club is new and/or struggling, I will work. I selfishly want the club to continue having trials, and it's to my benefit to pitch in when needed.</li><li>If I am being or have been treated poorly, forget it. <br /></li></ol>I trial secretary for a club, and am rewarded with certificates for free entries. If you think it's a cake job, think again. You get tons of emails, phone calls, rules questions, and change requests. I also joke that I am a full-service trial secretary - I do all the paperwork, I'll score, and I bake goodies for the workers.<br /><br />I am the chief scorekeeper for a small club. I get non-tournament entries in return for 1.5 dogs. I say 1.5 since one dog runs everything and one is nearing retirement. I really want this small club to be successful so I can continue playing with my dogs locally. I have score kept for a small club out-of-town as well, and I did it for lunch, and, well, the people were just so darn nice!<br /><br />What prevents me from helping can be how the club, in general, behaves. <br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Screech Owl</span><br />I used to travel to a particular trial in California frequently. However, it's difficult to even <span style="font-style: italic;">want </span>to attend, much less volunteer, when you have venue-specific people "helping" at a venue that he/she doesn't like, especially listening to the screeching of how said volunteer is missing a great trial in his/her venue non-stop. This particular club also is known for being slow, as the course builders snarl at those willing to schlep equipment around.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Beaten Dog</span><br />Another club has few members able to do scoring. I am asked to score. I spend the entire weekend running numbers like an accountant, away from my dogs and my friends. I am "rewarded" with trial bucks that don't even cover the cost of one future run, and no thanks. I do not volunteer for this club anymore. This is akin to running a course with your dog, and not playing with or treating your dog afterward.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Yell-Off</span><br />Listening to the trial committee YELL constantly. Hey, when labor is either for a pittance or free, you get what you get. Don't yell at us! Kill us with kindness.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Hostage Crisis</span><br /><a href="http://agilityengineer.blogspot.com/2010/10/why-this-akc-show-sucked-or-what-is.html">I blogged about being held hostage at a trial earlier.</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Clipboard Master</span><br />Someone who walks around, bossing others, demanding everyone pitch in, being ungrateful, yet all this trial committee person does is carry a clipboard. Does he set a bar? Nope. Does he help move the A-Frame? Nope. Does he even say "Thanks"? Nope.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Hoarder</span><br />This happened to a friend of mine. She pole sat for a class that lasted for over an hour, and the volunteer coordinator wouldn't give her a raffle ticket unless she worked three classes. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">The Winner</span><br />What tickles me the most is having someone come up and say, "Thanks for helping out. You're doing great." I think this is the best reward of them all. An email to the Yahoo Group thanking everyone is insufficient. Everyone likes when their boss tells them, "Job well done," and it's perhaps the BEST thing a club can do to encourage volunteers.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-61493299364761205612011-05-30T14:59:00.001-07:002011-05-30T15:19:52.794-07:00Learn Thy RulesI hate admitting this as much as admitting that this is true: I am the walking USDAA rulebook. <br /><br />I've read the rulebook (both the 2004 + modifications and the one that begins June 1), and can rattle off answers to a lot of questions. The ones that kill me the most are the Masters handlers who have competed with multitudes of dogs that ask, "How many points to qualify in snooker?" and those that can follow USDAA's titling requirement matrix.<br /><br />I encountered another problem this weekend: Trying to stack the deck in snooker.<br /><br />A competitor asked a long-time USDAA judge about the running order rules for Masters/PIII Snooker. The answer is that the order is randomized. You *may* space out dogs, but the dog can only move up in the running order. Question asked and answered. Done deal, right?<br /><br />Wrong! The competitor cornered the inexperienced trial secretary to talk about the running order. The competitor is running a dog for someone else as well as this person's own dog. Since the other dog is known to mess up, the competitor wants the other dog to ALWAYS run first. I happened across the conversation.<br /><br />I should preface this by saying that I've helped the trial secretary with the software and the rules in preparation for this trial. Both the judge and I told the trial secretary that Snooker is randomized, and WHY it's randomized, and that the order can only be changed by moving up. There is NO spacing between dogs guarantee - the ring will be held. The trial secretary was very understanding and receptive to help with the rules.<br /><br />The competitor then got pissy when I rearranged the Veterans dogs. Once again, someone not familiar with the rules. The USDAA Veterans program is NOT COMPETITIVE. There are no real placements and no SuperQs, only Qs going toward Lifetime Achievement Award. Another competitor got pissy about it as well, telling me that eventually there will be SuperQs. Uh, no. It's non-competitive. Period. <br /><br />There were a grand total of TWO Veteran Snooker dogs: one mini and one open. Once again, if competitors could, uh, actually read the rules, they would quickly learn that OPEN dogs are scored separately from MINI dogs.<br /><br />It was awesome for USDAA to offer a Veterans program, but it's still a shame that handlers cannot fathom it not being a competition. At Nationals, it's called the "Veterans Showcase", and I like to think the same of the Veterans Program.<br /><br />Please, familiarize yourself with the rules. You don't need to know all of them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-38355949248932981462011-04-12T20:38:00.001-07:002011-04-12T20:49:10.352-07:00Dear Clean RunThe following is my letter to the editor of Clean Run regarding someone's letter.<br /><br /><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Dear Clean Run,</p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">I did take offense to seeing a breeder advertisement in Clean Run. Regardless of how accomplished and/or responsible the breeder is, Clean Run is NOT a purebred-only and breeding publication. If I want to see breeder ads, I can subscribe to AKC publications.</p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">However, what I found more offensive are the rebuttal letters, namely So-and-So's comment regarding rescue dogs, “However many do it while suffering through health and structure problems.” Where are the numbers that back up this claim? </p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">I never knew that all three of my rescue dogs (and mixes at that) are suffering health problems, while all those well-bred purebred dogs are not. There are plenty of “reputable” breeders breeding dogs with seizures, dogs unable to jump, luxating patellas, among other physical issues. I can name these dogs.</p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">I have yet to meet a rescue dog that is one of these “many” unfortunate dogs mentioned. I do have a rescue with a collapsed trachea. That’s not poor breeding – that’s poor care before I got him. The other two are very healthy, including an 11.5 year-old who can still compete.</p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">I am disgusted with the amount of pure hatred people have towards rescue dogs. I terminated a friendship when one person said, “All rescue dogs should be euthanized.” </p><p style="font-style: italic;" class="MsoNormal">Please cease perpetuating the rescue dog myths. </p><p style="">What I did glean from the letter writer is that she bought a dog from a backyard breeder (BYB), and had to retire the dog early due to physical problems. Here's what I don't get: How is this a rescue dog? You paid a shitload of money to "rescue" a puppy from a backyard. If your issue is with BYBs not giving a crap about the health of a dog, then say that! Don't lump all rescues in your diatribe. Dogs from reputable breeders end up with a rescue group or in the pound as well.<br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-45436190631081829982010-11-07T17:06:00.000-08:002010-11-07T17:31:25.256-08:00Foundation WorkJust open up any Clean Run magazine to find articles on "Foundation". All are about foundation for the dog. What about the handler?<br /><br />I had an interesting conversation with my friend, Gail, this weekend about handling. We came to the same conclusion: Everything we needed to know about handling we learned growing up playing basketball.<br /><br />Here are some basketball skills:<br />Pivoting<br />Passing<br />Running<br />Stopping<br />Working as a team<br />Reading body language<br />Hand/eye coordination<br /><br />These are all important agility skills!<br /><ul><li>In basketball, you always know where the ball is, but use your peripheral vision for movement from other players.</li><li>In agility, you keep your eye on the dog.</li></ul><ul><li>When you get the basketball, you either dribble, pivot, or shoot.</li><li>Is a pivot any different than a front cross? No!</li></ul><ul><li>Is passing or shooting a basketball any different than sending your dog out to an obstacle? No!</li></ul><ul><li>Basketball is a lot of stop and go movement. Can you say "acceleration" and "deceleration"? I knew you could!</li></ul>When I played basketball, I learned how to use my peripheral vision, see what was around me, and anticipate "things", like other players cutting through the lane, the recipient of the pass (since the passer usually looks at the recipient), who is going to shoot, etc. I do the same thing in agility. I walk a course. I see what my dog may see at each obstacle. I know if I twitch, my dog may react to the twitch by popping weaves or pulling off a jump. Yet most handlers blame the dog!<br /><br />As a handler you are both the coach and a player. You guide your dog through the play. It is your job to anticipate the off-course potential. You send your dog on in gamblers. You snake your dog though a snooker. And you do this without flailing your arms and screaming.<br /><br />It may be worth having a handler foundation class on a basketball court. A few bonks in the head by a basketball (trust me, it hurts), may be what some people need to get into the game.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-80649962265823776902010-04-28T06:38:00.000-07:002010-04-28T06:58:31.619-07:00Now this is a good SnookerThe following course is Tammi Stone's, ran at Happy Dog Agility on March 7, 2010.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4gUrFj6NjmKGdoRU_I27kM0BbJ0oZHD4P2JTTlp2V0YJ4VIUEM2nDdKvrYqQqxTc5mDfye35mSDdQJZf1Btt3ab5Pw0c5yQtxjaRK2RHmpWNX8UIvRV_4p5Bv7mF0oCL8TYYvwSfd9YQ/s1600/stone_100307_msnk.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4gUrFj6NjmKGdoRU_I27kM0BbJ0oZHD4P2JTTlp2V0YJ4VIUEM2nDdKvrYqQqxTc5mDfye35mSDdQJZf1Btt3ab5Pw0c5yQtxjaRK2RHmpWNX8UIvRV_4p5Bv7mF0oCL8TYYvwSfd9YQ/s320/stone_100307_msnk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465183094561414978" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's why I like it:<br /><ol><li>Three OF Four. Handlers must pay attention to the details.</li><li>The #7 Combo must be taken as marked.</li><li>The #7 Combo is NOT easy to handle.</li></ol>Sure, you could go for all sevens - some people did. Most were not successful.<br /><br />As for flow, the ONLY option I liked to enter #2 nicely into the closing was the #7 combo. There are two reds on the map (bottom reds) that open to either nothing, or no points. If you started with Red #2 (bottom right), it opened to some small points. I try to only do fives, sizes and sevens in 3-Red snooker. I discounted that strategy.<br /><br />Other than all sevens or starting with a low value obstacle, I saw only one flow course with points: 6-6-7.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSh6lGS6krV78KDmPlvP1-YWoZM3-B18oBpobqbD8J2Ghzji20fNqx2-tDDVW56P6Sk6oVtWkxUFPbiQIcN_UDL1ZiDcAuOEO8NlqeyC6yFlOLf8hp3NvhEM1s4hyphenhyphend0NQCrO2DIMrhhvz/s1600/stone_100307_msnk_jcourse.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 306px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSh6lGS6krV78KDmPlvP1-YWoZM3-B18oBpobqbD8J2Ghzji20fNqx2-tDDVW56P6Sk6oVtWkxUFPbiQIcN_UDL1ZiDcAuOEO8NlqeyC6yFlOLf8hp3NvhEM1s4hyphenhyphend0NQCrO2DIMrhhvz/s320/stone_100307_msnk_jcourse.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465186979157933906" border="0" /></a>It was flow enough for both dogs to win their jump heights.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-72883576166746367432010-04-26T19:18:00.000-07:002010-04-26T19:20:04.989-07:00USDAA Performance TitlesHere's an excellent blog entry about the title names for USDAA's Performance program.<br /><br /><a href="http://agilepooch.wordpress.com/2010/04/26/wackronyms-time-for-usdaa-to-join-us/">http://agilepooch.wordpress.com/2010/04/26/wackronyms-time-for-usdaa-to-join-us/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-16934625939805689662010-03-19T08:34:00.000-07:002012-02-09T19:08:39.485-08:00Good Dog Agility - Team Gamblers<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH8kRfSQsB7j93TDnxoTzbkSNw4pK2HYEC_R1LN1EYZlj6SP8EQbU6GSJhwNCm2aevkjJhaDLvc31ijc2NaWFgArH_8cOnH33cm3Gf_4c2mepjszPVRQn4ohNArow85HQtIK3SWrNTU_5/s1600/gadsby_100228_tmgmb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMH8kRfSQsB7j93TDnxoTzbkSNw4pK2HYEC_R1LN1EYZlj6SP8EQbU6GSJhwNCm2aevkjJhaDLvc31ijc2NaWFgArH_8cOnH33cm3Gf_4c2mepjszPVRQn4ohNArow85HQtIK3SWrNTU_5/s320/gadsby_100228_tmgmb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707338441709627106" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span>Uh, yeah. There was a nice, steady rain the evening before, and the ring was muddy. Judge Martin Gadsby changed the obstacles locations. The rules were as follows:<br /><ol><li>Same opening and closing times.</li><li>Closing points are doubled if you cross the finish jump before the buzzer.</li><li>Back-to-Back contacts ok</li><li>No consecutive contacts (e.g. teeter to A-frame)</li></ol>Hey! A straight time gamble!<br /><br />Normally, I'd go for 16-17 magic points in a 30-second opening with Scout. However, given the MUD (and she slid out of a tunnel in snooker on her belly), I thought 15 was more fair. It was a 1-3-5-7 system with no 7-point obstacle, no consecutive contacts, back-to-back contacts okay. When you watch the video, you'll find that the teeter is near the finish jump. The teeter was an ideal obstacle to take twice and get the heck out because of this, and it was worth 20 points (5 pts x taken twice x multiplier of 2 for closing). This video demonstrates a PERFECTLY TIMED gamble using magic points (point-time estimation).<br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e9a2dcJwGGQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e9a2dcJwGGQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="385" width="640"></embed></object><br /><br />This was a 4th place and LAA Q run.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-13008592481712708812010-03-16T20:54:00.000-07:002010-03-16T20:54:47.903-07:00R-E-S-P-E-C-TOkay, so everyone loses interest in things. It happens. To everyone. <br />
<br />
I lost interest in some agility venues. <br />
<br />
For the most part, I have been quiet about my displeasure, and just slowly faded off into the sunset. I owe no one any reasons. I just stated that I am not interested. End of story, right?<br />
<br />
WRONG! <br />
<br />
I have made up my mind: you cannot polish a turd - it will always be a turd. Yet, in the small world of agility, I still have people cornering me, droning on about how great venues are in which I hold no obvious interest. Unless I have vested interest (READ: I own stock or have other financial incentive), I have no loyalty to much of anything. Your venue doesn't love you - just your checkbook. So what is the motive for people without any incentive to try and get me to rejoin the cult?<br />
<br />
I just don't get it. Please, just be respectful of others, okay?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-4895485211654115342010-03-11T07:28:00.000-08:002010-03-11T07:28:32.996-08:00BusyI've got a couple of things going on right now:<br />
<ul><li>Trial Secretary business for SWAT</li>
<li> Old Dinosaur Cake for a friend's 50th Birthday Party</li>
</ul>I have some upcoming trials, and I hope to get my video camera out for some strategic runs.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-35069176929816424512010-03-01T20:48:00.000-08:002010-03-01T20:58:13.363-08:00If you have nothing nice to say...I have two dogs, both are rescues from animal control. I love them to pieces.<br />
<br />
What irritates the hell out of me are people who are such losers that the denigrate my dogs.<br />
<br />
Every dog, whether rescued or purchased as a puppy, has a set of challenges. My challenges including fixing issues that some asshole created. Scout has "space issues" - she doesn't enjoy the company of 99% of other dogs, and will react to that 99% 100% of the time. I manage these issues, and most people do not realize that there is one.<br />
<br />
At Good Dog Agility's trial this past weekend, they have a Parade of Veterans for dogs 8 years of age or older. At the end of the parade, an award is presented to a dog that:<br />
<ol><li>Contributes to the community</li>
<li>and/or has overcome some issue</li>
</ol>There is a point system for the award that includes the essay for the above, and points for accumulated standard qualifying runs and titles earned. Most of the award is purely mathematical. The essay, of course, is subjective. <br />
<br />
Scout won the award in 2009. It was especially sweet since she was tossed from the club. The 2010 winner was rescued as a puppy and performs community service by visiting nursing homes and hospitals.<br />
<br />
There was one VERY sore loser. This loser has stated before, at USDAA trials, in front of others, that "all rescue dogs deserve to be euthanized" and that "all rescue dogs have issues." Loser here has two purebred, purchased-as-puppy dogs. Loser entered the older one in the contest. Loser was convinced that you HAD to have a rescue dog to win.<br />
<br />
Not true. The 2008 winner was a purebred, purchased-as-a-puppy that went deaf.<br />
<br />
Loser's older dog makes Scout look like a saint most of the time. Loser's dog has attacked and drawn blood on at least one other dog.<br />
<br />
My dogs:<br />
<ul><li>I never had the opportunity to meet the parents and see their temperament</li>
<li>I have never seen the pedigree</li>
<li>I have no idea if the parents were healthy or have any known genetic defects for which there are tests</li>
<li>I risked having to fix problems someone else created </li>
</ul>Loser's Dogs:<br />
<ul><li> Loser was able to meet the parents and the breeder and preview temperament</li>
<li>Loser can view the pedigree</li>
<li>Loser has documentation as to potential genetic defects</li>
<li>Loser had the opportunity to create the dog she wanted</li>
</ul>Notice any differences? Loser got a puppy and had every opportunity in the world to shape the dog's behaviors and attitude as she saw fit, yet Loser chose to create a nasty one, perhaps in her own likeness. The only reasonable thing Loser did was not make HER mistake the problem for someone like me. Despite having the potential to create a well-rounded dog, Loser chose to create a "dog with issues", overcame the issues SHE created, and still expects to be rewarded for it?<br />
<br />
I FIXED two dogs that someone like Loser ruined. I don't expect to be rewarded externally for it. My reward is the love I get from these two critters of mine.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-2744886114637009262010-02-16T04:33:00.000-08:002012-02-09T19:06:42.912-08:00Flow is Helpful. Somtimes, It Wins.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCLjrJCOhMYGJ3VYalGFGKIjcC0c5Wv1nnRqprR3lRpaAxKpF9QscMi_Wku60NWoWy8T_Cxdx0EnkXdBOztVOKYiffbz89pEUOpB2bIOQPQU-EwbuibRf8VYnaDsMdpo2cGYd_nbbhAFR/s1600/gloor_msnk_100129.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 182px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVCLjrJCOhMYGJ3VYalGFGKIjcC0c5Wv1nnRqprR3lRpaAxKpF9QscMi_Wku60NWoWy8T_Cxdx0EnkXdBOztVOKYiffbz89pEUOpB2bIOQPQU-EwbuibRf8VYnaDsMdpo2cGYd_nbbhAFR/s320/gloor_msnk_100129.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707338075520530226" border="0" /></a><br />Here is Judge Karen Gloor's Masters Snooker course from Driven Dogs on Janurary 29, 2010.<br /><br /><br /><br />It's four reds (more strategic), with two combos, #5 and #7. My older dog, Scout, will either retire or semi-retire this year. I am no longer going for Top Ten, which she has been in for the past two years. My little guy, Bug, typically gets the same course as his sister because it's easiest one me, though I have been known to run different courses. This time, I chose the same course.<br /><br />At first I thought I liked the #5 combo. It turns out I didn't, as it covers a lot of yardage. I avoided the #7 combo: jump, weaves, jump. 7c opens to the 5a tunnel. 7a, heading north, opens to the 5a tunnel. 7b heading north opens to the 5a tunnel. See a pattern?<br /><br />I considered starting out with 1-6 and 1-6. While time was on my side (50-something seconds for jumpers with weaves), I chose something nice for my dogs. It was not a high-point course.<br /><br />I chose, starting from the left, 1-3, 1-3, 1-5 and 1-4. I ran the outside of the 5a tunnel to get to #4. Combo #7 and #4 were the best entries into the closing.<br /><br />Most people bit it in the opening, handling the #7 combo. When I said that the combo opened to tunnels, the dogs took the tunnel. Heck, Bug took the tunnel in the closing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-37593373310592169922010-01-23T09:23:00.001-08:002012-02-09T19:04:16.723-08:00Magic Points: Video Example<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVP2mjtyKvuhYD-N2Kfda_J92ZCFG8L2s9Lckww9gRf1nmC6A8lhRAWBjApvn9tGLduRob0pr4PwA7HtRyOSctX7_xAKyEY6cBvkXV3eReew2WrdyMiUkBxDXCndxlJhotarR4qPP8JHRS/s1600/jarvis_100117_mgmb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 277px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVP2mjtyKvuhYD-N2Kfda_J92ZCFG8L2s9Lckww9gRf1nmC6A8lhRAWBjApvn9tGLduRob0pr4PwA7HtRyOSctX7_xAKyEY6cBvkXV3eReew2WrdyMiUkBxDXCndxlJhotarR4qPP8JHRS/s320/jarvis_100117_mgmb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707337431994529538" border="0" /></a><br />This is Lisa Jarvis's Masters Gamblers course at Agility Club of San Diego in January. This post is not about the gamble - it's about the opening.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span>I filmed several dogs with the intent of showing point-time estimation, aka <a href="http://agilityengineer.blogspot.com/2009/02/gamblers-opening-strategy.html">Magic Points</a>. I filmed Performance dogs, so please don't snort at them. Most of these dogs are older but still have the spunk and desire to play.<br /><br />Most medium to fast dogs need 15-20 magic points in a 30 second opening. I was unable to add the magic point text to the clips.<br /><br />When you watch these dogs and see how I counted the magic points, you'll understand why it is often <a href="http://agilityengineer.blogspot.com/2009/05/case-against-high-point-gamble-obstacle.html">better to avoid the high-point obstacle</a>.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyiF5GysM8mB0HQtBH5LbrYceqJasaK8QZMTCBRq-lju81jjZcaY3C4ouLmM9zF_q4c-rhnD9StqrnunnXaWw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />Chute: 1<br />Jump: 1<br />Teeter: 2.5 (Most dogs are about a 2 on the teeter)<br />Jump: 1<br />Dogwalk: 4<br />Dogwalk: 4<br />Tunnel: 1<br />Jump: 1<br />Jump: 1<br />TOTAL MP for 30sec opening: 16.5<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzUmLerkX_Araq4RpPUKP4VCYOUVdMGcfgAOclJIx6cd4ViJYlbCKK04XCcS1l5ad7jN57_wkzDWHO8a40CZQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />Chute: 1<br />Jump: 1<br />Teeter: 2<br />Jump: 1<br />Dogwalk: 3<br />Tunnel: 2 (It's a 20' tunnel more than 20' from the dogwalk)<br />Dogwalk: 3<br />Tunnel: 1<br />A-Frame: 2<br />TOTAL MP for 30sec opening: 16<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy1vQgzyzxZNLCLbIoVTs2gvX7mBStOteR6HDHaQHC8KRbSh3A5451YHSQPvOhxghDlnuVAG4P7pK_0w1nQpQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />Chute: 1<br />Jump: 1<br />Teeter: 2<br />Jump: 1<br />Dogwalk: 3<br />Messing around after dogwalk: 1<br />Dogwalk: 3<br />Tunnel: 1<br />Tunnel: 1<br />Tunnel: 2 (Consider the distance between the tunnel under the dogwalk to the one in the corner)<br />Tunnel: 1<br />TOTAL MP for 30sec opening: 17<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyNA49j-GhTvp9NzWeVbuNjewbi2LW83g5yQLwfQxLHQx3k5gCWFsZDbL7sLInoc3l3-C6NjTdowfg_AmJoZA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />Chute: 1<br />Jump: 1<br />Chute: 2 (obstacle completion plus time to get there)<br />Jump: 1<br />Teeter: 2<br />Teeter: 3 (obstacle completion plus time to get there)<br />Jump: 1<br />Dogwalk: 3<br />Tunnel: 1<br />Tunnel: 1<br />A-Frame: 2<br />A-Frame: 2<br />TOTAL MP for 30sec opening: 20<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyidRCAJ1Rpe9QtyuCrKs_71rKB-F7CkVSSQdB2qbNZGjvp2lMn6zC2BXsDU_9nnohkEUxANG93LseSBuFd' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><br />Chute: 1<br />Jump: 1<br />Teeter: 2.5<br />Jump: 1<br />Dogwalk: 4<br />Dogwalk: 4<br />Tunnel: 1<br />A-Frame: 2<br />Jump: 1<br />Jump: 1<br />TOTAL MP for 30sec opening: 18.5<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Case Against the Dogwalk</span><br />I have one dog that is about a 3 on the dogwalk and one that is a 4. For the same seven points, I can do two tunnels and a jump (look at the tunnel under the dogwalk!) for the same points and 3 magic points instead of 4. Add an extra jump in the mix, and I have 8 points in the same amount of time I can do the dogwalk and get 7 points.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-26897298215417100472009-08-19T07:09:00.001-07:002009-08-19T07:14:54.950-07:00Find a Flow Course. I dare you.Seriously, I couldn't find a flow course with this one. It was, perhaps, the lowest qualifying snooker course I've ever witnessed.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGwAuieDSm_Zv4T4BLYNNs1o6c4THLDNrdNYF4F4bi_4_u53zIAfSRSeCf0fYtWIrOyt6-L6oOTE0zngogDvOS0hdqRywBtMeIxjIMYT_qbZqjSMtniNuQL0Yrfbnbbih83yDogVVFbi6/s1600-h/domico_081122_msnk.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 311px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqGwAuieDSm_Zv4T4BLYNNs1o6c4THLDNrdNYF4F4bi_4_u53zIAfSRSeCf0fYtWIrOyt6-L6oOTE0zngogDvOS0hdqRywBtMeIxjIMYT_qbZqjSMtniNuQL0Yrfbnbbih83yDogVVFbi6/s320/domico_081122_msnk.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371677040263602082" border="0" /></a>The seven had to be taken as indicated, and it's a TON of handling. So the seven was out of the question.<br /><br />All the other obstacles surrounding the cluster of reds were not worth many points. Those are out of the question.<br /><br />There's a one near the number six obstacle, weaves. I avoid weaves. It was out of the question.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7438272938839918405.post-14730809485455566302009-07-14T05:20:00.000-07:002012-02-09T19:36:03.267-08:00The ONE Run<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxKhYj2JLdbUHzmO6G1hCkraTZD8_5-qSV5OEFDNBgzsDpwcdG7l-GDfMmS1miaQ9t2I5_lOAWZwqpqHdEowiamWcpsvpg0JEG83xPMo5WPs33KmBfeJVCS5KXj9pWXsxnapRMxJMd2Lg/s1600/gaiser_090711_mgmb.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZxKhYj2JLdbUHzmO6G1hCkraTZD8_5-qSV5OEFDNBgzsDpwcdG7l-GDfMmS1miaQ9t2I5_lOAWZwqpqHdEowiamWcpsvpg0JEG83xPMo5WPs33KmBfeJVCS5KXj9pWXsxnapRMxJMd2Lg/s320/gaiser_090711_mgmb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707345613950742866" border="0" /></a>I'm not going to say much other than I was in shock. Scout had been blowing me off on weave gambles. I didn't bother having anyone film it because I assumed that it would be another weave gamble failure.<br /><br />I was wrong.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQenbOvB8yBASEo9F7n38k9qU1IQuFH_b85pxRG39xDbu6_b5whscpROIcBqHIpSMknq3HRnSuwrOvuDv1niKhPAu5LpFhMETvizVQSRXjK1Dm_cgieBfQnWpwL81v6gT_00w7oOJ4kCSz/s1600-h/IMGA0004.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQenbOvB8yBASEo9F7n38k9qU1IQuFH_b85pxRG39xDbu6_b5whscpROIcBqHIpSMknq3HRnSuwrOvuDv1niKhPAu5LpFhMETvizVQSRXjK1Dm_cgieBfQnWpwL81v6gT_00w7oOJ4kCSz/s320/IMGA0004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358291049860792738" border="0" /></a>This 4th place run earned the LAA-Bronze and APD-Bronze.<br /><br />Scout's USDAA Statistics<br /><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Standard Level - 39<br /> Gamblers Level 3 - 16<br /> Jumpers Level 3 - 31<br /> Snooker Level 3 - 41<br /> Relay Level 3 - 21<br /> Performance Speed Jumping - 7<br /> Performance Versatility Pairs - 6<br /> Performance National Standard - 22<br /> PVP Standard - 2<br /> PVP Gamblers - 2<br /> PVP Jumpers - 1<br /> PVP Snooker - 4<br /> GRAND TOTAL: 192 PIII Qualifiers! </span><br /><br />And something else pretty cool... Scout appears in the <a href="http://sgvtribune.mycapture.com/mycapture/enlarge.asp?image=24632978&event=795399&CategoryID=0">San Gabriel (CA) Tribune.</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0