Black and White Sunday - Ethel's first Puppy Agility Lesson

What a wonderful day had, full of doggy training and happy fun!!! 

Today was extra special and delighting because Ethel had her first ever puppy agility lesson! No jumps, just poles and wings, because of her developing joints and body, however she has already mastered a kinked tunnel stretched out full length, and is getting there with the weaves! She could already do jumps and lefts and rights, but she showed me she could also do these with the proper poles and big wings of the jumps! She was amazing - and she has so much enthusiastic speed on her! PAWfect! Just what I hoped for when we brought her home. She is LOVING her agility, and I can't wait to do more and more and more!!!

And my little Early wurly also had a rocket up his bum when it was time for his agility class after Ethel's - he was so happy and enjoying every piece of equipment he flew through like the expert he is. And the best bit was when he shifted all his wait onto his front half of his body when doing a standing contact, two paws off two paws on! Resulting in him doing a handstand on the end of the sea-saw!! Everyone burst out laughing and Earl simply stood there, puppy dog eyes up at me as I studied his weird position, as if to woof 'er… what? Not impressed with my professional contact?!'. Oh of flipping course I was impressed my sweetheart.

Ethel also had her weekly obedience lesson, which she struggled to turn from agility mode to calm, obedient mode at!! She was raring to run, so I had to calm her down. She did well again though, and really got into the rhythm of the heel. Whilst this was occurring, my mum took Earl for an off-lead adventure around the lake at the venue, alongside his Border Terrier friend and her owner. They had a great time!

Now why do puppies under the age of 1 year have to go over poles and not full height jumps? The answer is - puppies are growing all the time, and their bones and joints are developing too. High impact regularly can hurt and/or impact on their growing joints, and do damage, which can be long-term. So we stick to poles on the floor with the usual wings and we can move and teach jumping over the dog's adult sizes' typical jump height suitable to the dog once the dog is over the age of 1, when growing has just abut reached its full size and won't impact the body anymore.

We adore agility - and hopefully Ethel's early start in the sport will give her more of an advantage and secure future as a successful agility competitor dog with me. Earl is amazing, truly, at his agility, and he started his first agility after he was 1 - no foundation puppy lessons or anything. So hopefully, all being well, Ethel will be also amazing!!!!!

We're delighted to be participating in the Black and White Sunday Blog Hop, very kindly hosted by Dachshund Nola and Sugar The Golden Retriever - thanks again, guys!