[Michael Romanos]

Bonnie - Taylor had just turned two when I first took him to agility. I would have given him a go at the sport earlier but I had thought that the min age was 2 - whereas he could have gone to agility training after he turned one and competed after he reached 18 months. I assumed he would be hopeless - but I assumed wrongly. I guess he was very enthusiastic about it and not every dog or Corgi is as much.
When you actually compete - no treats are allowed to be carried on the circuit, can only be given before starting on the course and after it is over - and away from the finish. So I quickly learnt not to offer Taylor any praises until he completed the event. A lot of handlers come unstuck by always or often praising their dogs whilst in the middle of a stack of obstacles. It upsets their concentration and they might prematurely think the 'game' is over before it is.
The trick with Corgis is to keep up with them - I don't thnk they are good at firing in and over obstacles with their handler standing still. So it pays for the handler to keep fit - the faster you stay with your Corgi, the quicker they will be. I'm actually starting a fitness ( jogging) campaign on the First of September which is officially NZ's opening day of spring.
When Chip gets out of that tunnel, you should be positioned ahead of him having already yelled "jump" or whatever, if that is the next obstacle. You generate enthusiasm for him to emulate - that's why it is a partnership thing.