Parkour (4/9)

Originally I got an email saying we'd be the only dog in class, then when I got there, was told there would be another little dog there as a make-up. The make-up dog didn't show, so Gimme got to do everything off leash - a rare treat.

Jo was supposed to be here, but she's involved in search and rescue and was called out to search for a little girl. Haven't heard what the outcome of that was. 

Sequence 1 video - This was a simple little sequence. It wasn't perfect, but you can see how much more focus Gimme has when she isn't distracted by the presence of other dogs. 

Barrel racing video - Diane is familiar with barrel racing horses, so we were talking about how the sequence should go.

We spent a bit of time showing off Gimme's tricks. Diane is always so impressed with all Gimme can do. I like doing her tricks and moves in other places, since I think it furthers her understanding. Sadly, no video.

Sequence 2 video - Gimme was having difficulty with her 180° "flip" on this narrower board. Normally she does this better, but just didn't have her sea legs this day. Diane is very impressed with her immediate response to the verbal "halt". Actually she's impressed with a lot of things Gimme does. 

Working "flip" video - I spent a little time working on her "flip" on this narrow board. I'm not sure why she was having difficulty with this. We have a board at home, about half an inch narrower, same height, and she does "flip" on it with no problem.

Between these two sequences, Gimme took the opportunity to check out the toy barrel. Turns out they've added some new ones and she found a red man toy she especially liked. She brought it to show Diane and me, being her best silly, wiggly self. I make her leave the toy for each sequence and then each time, after I release her, she runs back to it after I release her. 

Sequence 3 video - It's not immediately obvious on the video, but there were 4 pool noodles in the "thru" and I think Gimme just didn't see a way through. To her credit, with a little encouragement, she tried and discovered she could get through it. The wide turn at the second cone was because her line of travel was taking her straight toward the red man toy and she forgot what she was doing for a second. She made a good effort to work through the distraction on her second try and her reward was to be sent to the very same toy. 

Working "thru" video - We did a quick back and forth "thru" just to cement the idea it could be done. Easy peasy. 

Sequence 4 video - I was definitely late with the "below" cue. We were trying to get a turn away from me, like we do in RallyFrEe. There really wasn't enough space. After the course I showed Diane what I was trying to do - whilst warming up the sequence for Gimme. 

Working "turn" video - Diane increased the spacing for us so we could try the "turn" in a sequence. It worked best when I had a little lead out.

My pretty little con artist worked her magic on Diane and managed to come home with a new toy.  Remember the little red man she got out of the toy barrel?  Diane thought she looked so cute playing with it and clearly "needs" it, so she gave it to her. This is the third time Gimme has managed to talk one of our instructors out of a toy. It's her system and it certainly works for her.

By the way, Gimme says "con artist" must be a fancy word for "cute and charming". Just sayin...