As I have mentioned before, my owner Gail has been attending 'agility fitness' sessions on Monday nights for the past month. These involve jogging, sprinting, weights, cardio and flexibility exercises, and I am pleased to report a positive impact although, as ever, there is room for improvement.
Have a wee look at this video, filmed by our friend YAM-aunty at the Granite City Agility Show on Sunday morning, and note the following aspects of Gail's performance:
- Pretty smooth running style, apart from slightly wonky right leg action
- Manages to adjust speed where appropriate and keep up with dog
- Shows sufficient flexibility on the turn (although one fears this will never be her strong point)
- Improved 'proprioception', i.e. didn't fall over, trip up, or collide with any obstacles
- Overall fitness pretty decent for a 65 year old - able to complete the circuit without getting out of breath
So now we can, I think, say that Gail is physically up to the task of dog agility handler, the question turns to the psychological aspects, and here some doubts remain.
Can you believe she seemed really quite stressed on Sunday when, as reported in Monday's post, I stole her handkerchief and raced around in circles playing a fun game of 'catch me if you can' rather than following the set course of jumps.
Perhaps someone could recommend techniques for boosting mental resilience...?
that looks good to us, you are such a fabulous team...
ReplyDeleteHari Om
ReplyDeleteWhheeeee 😁 hugs and wags YAM-aunty xxx
Well, Nobby, we think you both did very well!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to see what's involved in the agility training, and I can relax with peace of mind to know that Carol would never suggest we tried such a thing!
(Oh, hang on though - she was talking to a friend the other day and mentioned that she might go back to gym again this winter. Hope she doesn't want me to go too!)
Love,
Paca xx
Well done to both of you!
ReplyDeletewild clapping for both of you, some how it had escaped me that a trainer has to be agile also.. you both look super in the video. I did see the wonky leg but might not have if not told about it first. about mental boosting, ha ha ha, please advise me if someone gives you something that works
ReplyDeleteNot a bad effort by Gail - your devotion to getting her trained is clearly paying dividends (she makes it to the end of the course - possibly with a pocket full of treats - not so very far behind you). As for your last question about mental resilience - how about 'get a dog' - oh she already has one. You need to teach her yogic breathing exercises Nobby.
ReplyDeleteGail's training is paying off, obviously, and confidence will grow with further participation. Congratulations to you both. It's not easy performing in front of a crowd.
ReplyDeleteYes I can! Keep in mind that every dog owner (whether competing in dog sports or simply sharing a home with a dog) has been there! It's hard not to be stressed in the ring, whether or not something goes "wrong." My agility friend's husband said it best, when his agility dog (with arm-long titles) passed: "His best title was 'Damn Good Dog.' "
ReplyDeleteOMDs Jumpin' WFT on the loose and flying along the course like SuperMan.
ReplyDeleteWOW
I think after your stellar performance Gail's stress totally disappeared.
Clapping wildly
Hugs Cecilia
PS Gail you what an excellent course you ran too.
ReplyDeleteThat was an excellent run by both of you! We know our mom couldn't keep up with us like Gail did.
ReplyDeleteAPPAWS! APPAWS!! We agree, you both look wonderful!
ReplyDeletexoxo,
Rosy and Sunny
We give both of you an A+++. Our Mom could never do that, she wouldn't have made it past the first jump.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Misty and Timber
WOW...Great job for both of you!
ReplyDeleteWhoa!! You are doing great, both of you!!
ReplyDeleteWe would love to play keepaway or castch me too...and we do, BOL!!
I think Gail is going to be a rock star
ReplyDelete