#rally class

[fayeandknight]

I've been leaving for agility/rally classes early so we can take 15-20 minutes to sniff around this walking trail that's on the way. It's like a pre-decompression walk and I've noticed it makes a positive difference for Faye.

The reason I haven't talked much about our agility and rally classes is because it's lost a lot of the fun. One of the neighbors shoots their gun during and the sound freaks Faye out. We've been working through it and building up her confidence around it. But she's clearly not enjoying the classes the way she used to.

I did learn that it won't stop her from doing her job though. Something triggered me during agility and Faye alerted without hesitation and gave me pressure therapy to calm me down. She was on it so fast I don't think anyone else even noticed.

Anyway, giving her time to run and sniff freely before class seems to help. Yesterday I even saw some of Faye's enthusiasm start to return.

[fayeandknight]

Had week two of what I'm calling Sport Sundays.

We are taking the level 3 agility class and then rally right after. It went better than our first week because it entirely too hot, according to Faye. I was worried at first that two classes in a row was a mistake. But it's working out pretty well.

Faye gets to be crazy go fast dog in agility and then is happy to move at a slower pace in rally. It's really cool to watch her brain click over when we move from the one area to the other.

It's also nice because most of the people in our agility class are the rally class too. Even though I am by far the "baby" among the group of women I tend to sit with, I like their company. I can't relate to much of their lives (kids and grandkids) but when we get to talking crazy dog lady stuff it feels good to share the laughter. I will miss them as this is our last round of classes before I move.

I only did a little looking for groups in NY, where I will be staying for a few months before the Colorado move, but didn't find much. Hopefully there'll be a good group I can join once we're settled in Colorado.

[fayeandknight]

I have to say an important part of why I enjoy rally classes so much is the people. They are all more advanced than us and have completed with their dogs. And they are all kind and encouraging to Faye and I.

Today they all told me Faye is more than ready for competition. They encouraged me to sign up, told me they all park together and would cheer us on. Practically fell over each other to offer to answer any questions I'd have, reassure me that I wouldn't be alone, that they remember being new, etc.

One woman me they want new people in the sport so it's their responsibility to take care of them.

I honestly almost cried.

These are the kind of dog sport people I hope everyone gets to encounter.

[fayeandknight]

So it turns out we enjoy rally more than expected. We completed a five week training course and are doing another four week course.

I find the group really encouraging. Most of the faces in our second course are new but they are all just as nice. Quick with compliments, critiques are constructive without being condescending, and just an all round good vibe.

It's also a fun way to practice focus in distracting environments.

The biggest compliments we got last class were about Faye's attentiveness to me. It really makes me feel good to know she's engaged and eager to work. She's such a fun dog to work with and I love that she finds it just as rewarding to work with me.

[fayeandknight]

Rally Class

Had our first intro to rally class today. It was cool to learn about a new sport. Much less intense than agility but I think we'll both enjoy it. Also it provides an excellent opportunity to build our teamwork. Faye had a little bit of a hard time setting and focusing at first. But once she got in the zone she did really well. We even got compliments on how good her focus was while we were doing a course.

Looking forward to the next class and using this to strengthen our partnership.

[fayeandknight]

Had our 2nd rally class and enjoyed it. Faye settled faster and gave noticably better engagement when it was our turn.

Lots of compliments, especially from the lady next to me who competes and is there for her dog to be a demo dog. She also asked if Faye had trick titles because in the beginning I had her so some tricks to blow off some steam. So proud of Faye.

It's proving to be a fun, but low key way to work on ignoring distractions and being more in sync with each other.

I also like that the group is pretty relaxed. Aside from the lady with the demo dog, everyone is at about the same level of my dog knows basic obedience but needs better focus in distracting environments. We all politely clap for each other and offer compliments.

It's a nice change of pace.