R is for Results

Now, you all know that my A-Z Challenge posts are based on the theme of dog agility. I have enjoyed doing many posts on how to both physically train and compete with your dog in the sport, and mentally cope with certain pressures which may arise whilst participating. And results are a common way to make competitors crumble, bite their nails into nothing, and lead them to feel rotten about themselves, their dogs, and their own abilities. Therefore I feel that it is just as important to push aside the results when competing, as it is to remember that they exist and push for your name on the top of that piece of paper, stuck to the board at the end of the day. Because that isn't everything, as much as it may feel like it at some times.

So concentrate on running, feel the wind in your face, and enjoy that smile on your dog's face as he leaps round the course, doing every obstacle you point at. Do the course, have a good, positive experience running alongside your best little pal, and let the results come to you if need be. Don't revolve around the possibility of results. Don't be scared if and when your name isn't leading on that all-important results sheet. And when it is on the top, cheer, punch the air with your fist, and celebrate. When it isn't... cheer, punch the air with your fist, and celebrate. Because you have gone out there, you both have had the confidence to break the start line and break the finish. And had a good experience doing just that together.

Q is for Quality

Quality is a brilliant and important thing in the sport of dog agility. And although many people say speed speed speed all the way, and as much as speed is also important and a large factor in a successful career in the sport, quality and accuracy is just as, if not more, important. If your dog goes wrong, gains, faults, or gets eliminated, this is worse than a round which is steadier, but accurate and clear. Because clears will win over faults and eliminations all the time. So aim for quality and accuracy, and along the way, attempt to speed your dog up as much as you and he/she can. This should lead to a more successful round.

For example, at the weekend just passed, over both Saturday and Sunday, we attended an Agility Enthusiasts show, where we got two 3rd places in agility classes, and a 7th in an agility class also. One 3rd place and the 7th were out of around 50 other dogs, and the other 3rd place was out of around 30 other dogs. We are all very happy and proud; and had a ball at the show.

I was very pleased with my boy. He managed some amazing clears and had an accurate weekend. He is renowned for his accuracy; everyone knows it! A good, quality haul he has gained. What a good boy, once again. He never lets me down. I am always proud of the quality of our little team.

We are joining our hosts Snoopy's Dogblog, Alfie's Blog and My Brown Newfies for the Monday Mischief Blog Hop. We send many thanks their way, and you can join in below.

Show Hubbub

This pair don't let the general, excited and anticipated hubbub of our dearest agility shows bother them one bit! In fact, they take it all in their stride. These two house-siblings gaze me down as the background of dogs running, handlers giving clear commands, the crowds of people and the crackling voice over the tannoy go periodically unnoticed. And when they are noticed, they are noticed and enjoyed by my two adorable Borders. Ethel and Earl, as in the photo, love the whole thing to pieces.

Shows may just be the most exciting, thrilling, enjoyable and fun place to go to in the entire world, according to my two! Especially when joining in, Earl says. But Ethel says, as she is currently too young to compete, sitting back and watching all the other dogs run hard is enough for her young and small little puppy legs!

Do you and your dogs attend shows? Do they enjoy the atmosphere?

We are joining our hosts Dachshund Nola and Sugar The Golden Retriever for the Black and White Sunday Blog Hop. We send many thanks their way, and you can join in below.

Sepia Saturday - P is for Paws

Paws are an important part of our dog's bodies when it comes to agility, and every day life. Imagine them thumping across the ground, flexibly tearing up grass and mud as they speed past, over jumps, through tunnel and across dog walks. We must keep them in good health.

These paws do A LOT of work! Care for them!

First, let us talk nails. A dog with nails too long will be in discomfort and will struggle to get around, never mind run with speed. Therefore it is important that you trim them on a regular basis. Once a week is a good idea, however it really depends on how long your dog's nails grow in what time. Also, walking on pavements can help keep nails down.

Wrist and toe injuries can also occur, therefore, just as with any injury to your dog, rest and mending time must be sought and your dog needs time away from impact activities and exercise, until mended again. Strains are most common.

Some dogs' paws can become rough and sore with lots of impact. Some dogs require paw/pad cream, which is a vaseline to be applied on canine pads. Some pads can crack, and cream will come in handy when this occurs. Dogs can also get grass seeds, and more, lodged into their paws, so check this area on a regular basis.

Remember, limping could indicate any type of injury, to the paws, the legs, or even the hips. Therefore all signs should be taken to a vet. Also, grass seeds could make their way up the leg, so always check all areas. Your dog will thank you.

We at Earl's World! are delighted to cohost the Sepia Saturday Blog Hop alongside Ruckus The Eskie. We send many thanks to our fellow host, and you can join in below.

O is for Optimism

Agility keeps both dog and handler fit and healthy. As well as striving to achieve success in the form of ribbons and progress made, striving to keep/get fit and improve both of your fitness levels is also an achievable and motivational goal when you participate in agility. There are so many more aspects of agility, you see! So ensure that, when you set yourself and/or your dog a fitness related goal to work towards, you remain optimistic throughout. Sometimes, with just a tiny bit of negativity in the mind, you can become both physically and mentally exhausted and down. This can easily and quickly rip the enjoyment out of the sport and fitness in an instant.

So, when working towards fitness goals and keeping you both fit whilst using agility as your core area, you must remain positive in order to pull the best out of you and your dog, allow it to shine out, and achieve your hopes and goals. You will both achieve so much, staying healthy and fit.

Keep at it, work hard, have a good time in the process, and you will reach your fitness goals in no time, alongside your precious pooch, who will also achieve the same if you do this. Remain optimistic, and you can do anything through the amazing sport of dog agility.

We are joining our hosts To Dog With Love, SlimDoggy and My GBGV Life for the FitDog Friday Blog Hop. We send many thanks their way, and you can join in below.