Becker began taking formal classes once a week in January of 2004, when he was 7 months old. We'd done some foundation training exercises with him before that. We took training slowly because he was so young, but he progressed so quickly that it soon became clear we'd have to take this a bit more seriously! Even now, I feel that he could do so much more if he weren't held back by his handler (me), and he definitely pushes me to constantly learn more about the sport and improve my technique. The journey has been a fun one so far, and it just keeps getting better as we bond as teammates! It's exciting to think of what the future holds!

Note:The following images are thumbnails. Click on an image for a larger view.

Puppy Preparation: 2-5 months old

To get Becker used to new and different surfaces, we played on the playground.	On the "shaky bridge", a UKC obstacle.	Well, the "bleachers" aren't really an obstacle, but they're still pretty fun.	And the slide...oh, the slide! How fun was that?	He's fearless--a good trait for an agility dog
On a pause table.	And the best part of any agility course (to Becker anyway)...the jumps!	Doing the tire jump for the first time.	Just like everything else, he loves it!

Playing on a real course: 6 months old

Becker took the jumps like a deer!	He was very brave on the tall dog walk.	On the way down, he even hit the contact points!	He LOVED the A-frame. We couldn't get him off of it!	"I'm king of the world!"
Man, this is one happy dog!	All that, and he's pretty, too!

Taking beginner's classes at D.I.G.S. (Dogs in Great Shape):
7-11 months old

Learning the tunnel	It's hard work for me to keep up with him; he's so fast!	He's shooting out of the tunnel like a cannon while I'm still trying to catch up!	Up onto the pause table for a down.	Over jumps...
And more jumps...	And more jumps! Those are his favorite things.	Another jump and he's off to the rest of the course	Into another tunnel	Out of the tunnel again
Up over the A-frame	Maneuvering through the weave poles	Almost there!	Flying through a tire jump	On to the chute
Getting ready to dive right in	Through it and onto the next obstacle already	Heading towards the pause table	Some agility organizations require a sit on the table, and some want a down, so we practice both. Here he is in a sit.

Taking intermediate and advanced classes at Stone City Kennel Club:
12 months old-present

Developing a nice jump form

He never knocks a bar!

This is his favorite thing to do

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Becker waits at the start of the course.


Becker does the second course

Becker's competing! Click HERE to see pictures and video clips of Becker's first six trials!

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Mac's Agility Education

Note:The following images are thumbnails. Click on an image for a larger view.

Mac gets started in the back yard

Starting slow: a single jump.	On the low dog walk, brave as can be!	Coming down the dog walk, looking pretty proud of himself.	As time goes on, Mac gains confidence. Notice the intensity!	Look at that dog sail!
He's really starting to enjoy this.	Look at him go!	His first time through the tire jump.	He did so well! I was very proud.

Mac joins Stone City, too!

His first day of school. Good thing we practiced the tire jump in the backyard!	We'd practiced the tunnel at the playground, so he knew what to do!	The A-frame was completely new.	But as you can see, he did great!	We also did some inside work. Here he is in the tunnel.
Working the weave poles	Holding a nice sit on the table	and he can do a down, too!	learning proper contacts on the dog walk	A nice 2-on 2-off contact on the A-frame

Both boys working out together

Both boys holding a stay at the start line...	....aaaaaaaand RELEASE!	Over the jumps they go...
They both really seem to love this sport!	Sometimes Becker is in the lead...	...And sometimes Mac is in the lead!

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visitors since March 22nd, 2005