Ready for some Agility?
Well, after a very long winter, I got word that dog Agility classes will be starting up next week. We can’t wait! My dog, Mocca, has been getting in shape with walks, and more and more tosses of the ball. It always takes a few weeks to get things back on track. I think I may set up our Weave Poles this weekend to start her mind in the right direction.
I am however, a bit apprehensive about starting up classes again. You may have noticed there has been a lack of Agility Trial posts from us. Late last fall, not too far before Agility classes ended, Mocca started coming up lame now & then. Limping occasionally, not seeming quite right.
On our last Agility class, she started going up the A-Frame, and promptly jumped right off instead of going over. After a couple tries, it was obvious she couldn’t do it, and then seemed off her game entirely. I was terribly worried, and pulled her from class immediately. I took her to the vet about the arthritis going on, and got her on some Rimadyl. (See that post, Caring for My Senior Dog.)
Mid-winter, she came down with a severe skin infection, and went through a course of antibiotics, during which she stopped taking the Rimadyl. And she seemed fine. So, we’ve been off the Rimadyl most of the year, and she isn’t limping at all, or having any trouble going up the stairs like she was. She does get Joint Care 3 daily, which makes a world of difference for any stiffness she may have. Now, I’m not deluding myself into thinking she’s going to be 100% again when we start classes next week, but I am a little more hopeful. Last fall I thought we’d be out for good! If we at least can go to class and do low jumps, and skip the A-Frame, I’ll be happy!
But maybe she’s got another year in her for competing? We’ll just have to see come next week! I’ll keep you posted. Meanwhile, send good thoughts our way.
Related Posts:
- How to Help a Dog With Arthritis
- Why Agility is a Great Activity for Both Pets AND Owners
- Can My Dog Do Agility, Too?
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I love watching agility shows. I’m considering starting my Queensland/Aussie mix in agility. He would love a Large Bristle Busy Buddy Bone. #PETS
I just started trainIng for this year and Marta is very dictractable
This year first trial two weeks.
Wishing you and Mocha the best of luck! I’ve got my course set up and need to get my boy out to practice, 4 weeks till the next trial.
We could really use the Clean Response Swivel Bin & Rake
Oops. I forgot to indclude #PETS
Wishing you and Mocha the best of luck! I’ve got my course set up and need to get my boy out to practice, 4 weeks till the next trial.
We could really use the Clean Response Swivel Bin & Rake
I’m so happy to read this … great reminder to sign up my aussie for agility as the season is starting. I love all my #pets and would love to win the busy buddy bouncing dog bone to keep him occupied outside of classes!
We pick agility up again this weekend, and can’t wait. Shiloh really needs to get his energy out. ~ Could you put the A frame to half height to help with your dog’s joints? Also just to get her used to it again. She may be fine now, but if she remembers being in pain running up it before, she’d be scared to try again.
#PETS … My two dogs would LOVE to win the Large Bristle Busy Buddy Bone. They “fight” over their bouncy bone now, it’d be nice to have the Bristle Bone so they both have one- plus to keep Shiloh busy between agility practice runs, and to help with Cheyenne’s breath!
My dog Chloe loves agility. Fun to watch, too! #PETS
The place where I train is going to start agility in the next few months and I can’t wait!
#PETS… Busy Buddy Bone