This weekend was kind of fun. Freeway has started in agility classes.
he is a happy boy. He isn't necessarily the class star, but he progresses
well. So this week we were increasing jump pattern difficulty. We went
from a gentle curve to right angles. Which Mr. Freeway did *not* grok.
Typically he works out away from me, and he kept going round the outside
of the jumps.

Well it was a really nice pattern for Tsuki, so I asked if Tsuki could
play. And since class was over permission was granted. At first I just
hung on to Freeway and directed Tsuki around. But Freeway kept getting in
my way. So I said what the heck, and released him.

First time Tsuki did the jump pattern Freeway followed him around, but
going round the jumps just as he had for me. Then the little light bulb
went on and I had two dogs jumping in tandem in a circle around me. It
was very smooth and cool looking. They didn't do any bumping or crowding.

I once tried it with Tanith and Tsuki, but Tanith wanted all the equipment
to herself. Tsuki, in contrast, seemed to really enjoy showing Freeway
how it was to be done.

Oh, and I've got Freeway's entry for Junior Herding Dog ready to mail.
There is just one spot left. I hope we make it in.


--
Diane Blackman
There is no moral victory in proclaiming to abhor violence
while preaching with violent words.
http://dog-play.com/ http://dogplayshops.com/

Isn't that cute - feeble little AssHowe thinks he's funny...pathetic is
a better word.

wrote in message ...
First time Tsuki did the jump pattern Freeway followed him around, but
going round the jumps just as he had for me. Then the little light bulb
went on and I had two dogs jumping in tandem in a circle around me. It
was very smooth and cool looking. They didn't do any bumping or crowding.

Now you've got to do it once in a while just for the fun of it! And it's
proof that sometimes we need to remember that they learn as much from other
dogs as they do from us.

I'm not surprised it worked. Our dogs will do that. Just so they can both
play at once! Jumps, tunnels, dog walks. The teeter does get a little
crowded. And looking back, we probably did some of that, just not so
intentionally, when we were first starting Sassy. Now if they both go into
the chute, we take bets as to who is coming out first. (Hint: smart money's
on Sassy. No matter how far she started behind.)

We also did it intentionally at practice for earthdog tests. Normally, they
wouldn't let two dogs go down in the tunnel together - too likely to get
into an argument over ownership of the rat and tempers do run a little high.

Sassy was having a little trouble sorting out what she was supposed to do
once she got to the first turn. Since our two were not only housemates but
also littermates, we sent Spenser down to lead her through. They loved it.

And amazingly enough, in a nine inch square tunnel, Spenser was able to pass
her and get to the rat first! Quite a sight to lift up the panel at the end
of the tunnel and see TWO schnauzers side by side in a nine inch tunnel (!)
attacking the rat!

Good luck on getting into the herding spot!

~~Judy