On Friday July 3, 2015 Aiden was entered in the Middlesex County Kennel Club Agility Trial in No. Smithfield, RI.
The first class of the day was Open FAST. The “Bonus” in this class was very difficult for the Open level. It involved going through a tunnel at a distance and then an entry into 12 weave poles at an angle. At no time during the “bonus” could I cross a line that was less than 15 feet from the obstacles. A iden was the only dog in the Open Class (all heights) to get the bonus and qualify. Obviously he placed 1st. This was his 3rd leg for him Open FAST Title (OF).
The second class was Excellent Standard Agility. This is the second trial that Aiden has been in the Excellent level. He had an awesome run and qualified with a first place and his 1st leg.
Later in the afternoon Aiden was in Open Jumpers with Weaves. He had a good run but unfortunately he knocked one bar. Aiden has no legs in Open JWW – something always seems to go wrong! We will keep on trying!
There was a 4th class at this trial, Time 2 Beat. Aiden had a clean run and was the second fastest dog in the 24″ class earning 8 points.
After the trial we took Aiden to Lincoln State Park for a hard earned walk and swim.
Tomorrow (Saturday) we have the second day of the trial.
Have a great and safe 4th of July.
It is always fun to watch Aiden’s runs! Lynda, do you get to walk through what you are supposed to do before you go through with Aiden? I think I would have a hard time remember where to tell him to go next — especially when you are going past equipment sometimes. I mean if it were all in a straight line it would be one thing….
Also, I think I have discovered your secret to staying so trim…. what a workout!
Laura,
You get a course map with the obstacles numbered that you can study first. Then there is a “walk through” for each class. The competors get 8 minutes where everyone walks the course, without their dogs, to plan strategies. Jack used to laugh at everyone running around the course waving arms and spinning around without dogs….still does!
Some courses are harder to memorize than others. Jumpers courses are the worst as they are mainly jumps and some jumps are taken multiple times.
It is definitely a team effort between handler and dog. Aiden and I love agility!
Lynda,
Congratulations! I have no doubt you and Aiden will conquer the Open JWW. Perhaps, today is your day?
You guys find the most awesome places for your pups to kick back at. 🙂
Happy 4th of July
Terri and Qwendi
Excellent job, Team Aiden!
Aiden looks fabulous – both on and off the course.
Best wishes & clean runs for the rest of the weekend!
Way to go Lynda and Aiden. What a great way to burn off an AT pups energy. Wish our sites had that footing. Many run on rubber matting and the fast dogs slip when they make tight turns. Is that a lake in RI or ocean?
Lisa,
The footing is great. It is an indoor soccer field. It is the only place around that has that type of flooring. Most of the other agility places have the rubber matting.
This is a lake in Lincoln Woods State Park. We had promised Aiden a swim but it was hard to find him a place to get in the water. The “good” lake beaches were crowded with people and dogs aren’t allowed at this time of year. The thick woods and bushes made getting to the water very difficult. Aiden found a small path to the water and went right in. There was no beach but he was content just swimming.