Wednesday 15 May 2024

A misunderstanding about the seesaw

So Gail tells me the time has come on my "agility journey" for me to master the seesaw.

Well I've seen the little humans in the park playground, so I know how it goes. Gail sits at one end and I sit at the other and we have fun bouncing up and down. 

Given that we don't have a photo, I asked Gail to sketch the scenario, and she duly obliged -  see image below. She says she would have done better, but couldn't find a rubber (that's an eraser to our American friends) and had the cheek to blame me for stealing the one she keeps on her desk.

The problem, as clearly illustrated in the otherwise mediocre drawing, is that I weigh 9 kg versus Gail's 57 kg, so I'll be needing some of my bigger agility pals to balance things out. 

I know, I'll recruit my training partners Harrison and Ripple. They won't mind me asking their weight, will they? 

What?

It seems I've "misunderstood" the whole point of the seesaw exercise.

Apparently I'm supposed to run all the way along the plank, while Gail shouts: "Seesaw! Seesaw!" And I'm not supposed jump off in a panic when it tips and makes a loud clattering noise.

Hmmm. I'll think about co-operating, on the usual condition that there'll be a treat at the end...

14 comments:

  1. Hari OM
    Well, Nobby, that looks an impressive piece of equipment and I hope that your 9kg will be sufficient to tip the plank when it comes to it! I must say, seeing you out in the field again after a long winter indoors, makes agility a tad more attractive, what? Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx

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    1. You're right, it's so much more fun to be outside. And 9 kg is easily enough to tip the seesaw - they're built of (expensive) aluminium and are lighter than they look!

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  2. Practice makes perfect, Nobby. I'm sure you'll soon get the hang of it, even if the tipping part is a little unnerving to begin with.

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  3. We've seen lots of those on TV in the agility competitions and they sure do BANG when they hit the ground. You will get it, Nobby, because you are a very smart Terrier!

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  4. as a child I was challenged with all things athletic, I did love to seesaw and swing, but seems that was not considered Excercise. I can tell you that I would never run up and down the other side, which means I am wildly clapping that you did it even for a treat... agree with Dandy, you are very smart and savy

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  5. Nobby - you could also suggest to Gail that balance could be achieved with a longer lever on your end. However I suspect the objective is not to bounce up and down but to get you to navigate the moveable platform on your own. I have no suggestions other than perhaps a pause in the middle to gather yourself before your nose heads towards terra firma... (from a human who has serious balance issues of her own. The human form of agility training is called yoga and they regularly challenge us to stand on one leg). BTW tell Gail her sketch is well proportioned and just fine as an illustration - no rubbing required.

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  6. BOL BOL Nobby it is always good to have friends to complete this agility trial.
    I can see how it might be a bit tricky to do unless there is a very tasty treat at the other end.
    Love Gail's drawing. I can't draw a straight line with a ruler.
    Hugs Cecilia

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  7. We're sure you will get the hang of it one day, Nobby. That would make a cute picture to see you and your friends sitting on one end and Gail on the other end of the seesaw.

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  8. You are very brave to even attempt such a feat Nobby. Do you think Gail would be as brave as you are if she had to try something similar and it ended with a bang!
    In our dog park we have a big tube which is the same idea as your seesaw and someone has put a big car tyre on the ground below each end. So I expect it's to cushion the blow when it lands and won't make so much noise. Not that I've tried it myself, or even seen any dog actually use it. There are some owners who try unsuccessfully to make their dog run through it - usually someone with a very small dog like a Westie. They won't and I think they aren't offering enough treats!
    Love,
    Paca xx

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    1. Hi Paca!
      A seesaw/tunnel combined? That's novel! I like the tunnels. Sometimes I steal a toy off one of the other dogs and run into the tunnel with it and won't come out. Such fun!
      Toodle-oo!
      Nobby.

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  9. Good luck Nobby!!! That looks a bit scary to us either way!
    xoxo,
    Sunny & Rosy

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  10. If we were close, Nobby, we would gladly oblige you on the seesaw. We might have to put Misty on one end WITH you and then have Timber on the other side for it to work. In the meantime, we are sure you will master that seesaw at the agility ring in no time at all

    Woos - Misty and Timber

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  11. That seems like that skill would be a hard thing for any pup to learn---we would need a VERY special treat to do that! Did Gail bring some cheese or a hot dog? We are very interested to hear how you conquer this seesaw!!!

    Rosie and Redford

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  12. It would be much easier if she would just sit on it.

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We love it when you woof back!