Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael Romanos
The USA has different regulations and different organisations/competitions than does NZ. There is only one organisation in NZ. But as far as Corgis go - I would not start on out and out agility training until a Corgi is at least 18 months old. Taylor did not start until he turned 2. However there is one agility organisation in the USA which is almost non-competitive. Personally I would avoid this organisation - as would almost every New Zealander experienced in agility -because of its simplicity ie lack of a challenge in regard to the height of the rails in the hurdles and the ease of distance or height with other obstacles. But some Americans have different ideas such as the 'fun' aspect rather than competitiveness and that a hurdle is only a means of directing a dog around a course and that a dog following instructions and sticking to the circuit is the real Big Factor.
You can start a Corgi on some simplified agility obstacles (eg upright tunnel, step-over hurdles) from a early age but the danger here is if the fledging Corgi doesn't feel safe or confident, this could affect his/her future involvement in the sport.
The best preparation for a Corgi puppy is to build up bone and muscle density through a top quality feeding programme and to train a Corgi with the basics so that when the time comes, he/she will respond to instructions off-leash.
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Here are the descriptions of the three classes that I was looking at. I'd like your opinion on them, if you're willing to give it.
Agility Fundamentals Class:
$ 60.00 for the four-week class.
This is a prerequisite class for Beginning Agility I
(below). In this four-week class dogs and handlers are
taught the beginning basics of agility, safety in the use of
the equipment, and are taught to "target" by touch with
nose or paw, are introduced to the motion of a teeter by
the use of a Buja Board, and are introduced to single
jumps and tunnels. This class sets you up for Beginning
Agility, where dogs are then introduced to the A-frame;
Dog Walk; Spread Jumps; Broad Jump and Teeter (if dog
has mastered Buja Board in the Intro class).
Beginning Agility I:
$ 85.00 for the six-week class.
This is a six-week class in which dogs and handlers are
introduced to the remaining Agility equipment (except for
weave polls), as set out above in the Intro Class
information. In this class, handlers and dogs are
reminded of safety in the use of the equipment as well as
the names of all the equipment. Dogs and handlers are
able to start on the equipment from the first lesson. This
is a good way to find out if you and/or your dog have the
“Agility Bug”.
Beginning Agility II:
$85.00 for the five-week class.
This is a five-week class in which dogs and handlers will
be introduced to the Weave Polls and work on fine tuning
their runs. Handlers and dogs will work on hand signals,
front and rear crosses, timing, speed, and "guest
instructors" who currently run their dogs in trials will be
on hand to lend their guidance and expertise.