About a month ago, I finally decided to get plans together for Rip's obedience and Rally debuts. Two of my favorite trials take place here on consecutive weekends in late March/early April. One of the trials offers the "regular" obedience and rally classes; the other trial offers those plus the optional titling classes.
My plan was to do 2 days of Novice B Rally at the first trial, then 3 days of Rally and 3 days of Beginning Novice obedience at the second trial. Hopefully, and ok, maybe a little optimistically, this would gain us two titles in two weekends.
In order to meet this goal, I started taking Rip to Rally practice once a week (when I was home), and I signed him up for a CGC class as well. He really needs work around distractions (too much practice at home!) and work on his "stay."
All was going well (or well-ish, depending on how wild Rip was on a given day), then about a week and a half ago I messed up my knee by slipping and falling on some ice while taking Rip for a walk. Not Rip's fault at all -- he wasn't pulling or being naughty -- I just hit some ice hidden under snow.
So now I'm doctor-imposed rest, ice, brace, etc. I'm hoping to find out early next week what I can expect for recovery time and activity levels. At this point, though, it seems that my goals for Rip's first titles might have to be postponed.
I'm trying to do a bit of training each day, but since I can't move much or quickly, my options are limited. Any ideas for tricks I can train while seated with my knee elevated?
In the meantime, Rip is going on snowy, woodland adventures with The Husband and The Small Human.
My plan was to do 2 days of Novice B Rally at the first trial, then 3 days of Rally and 3 days of Beginning Novice obedience at the second trial. Hopefully, and ok, maybe a little optimistically, this would gain us two titles in two weekends.
In order to meet this goal, I started taking Rip to Rally practice once a week (when I was home), and I signed him up for a CGC class as well. He really needs work around distractions (too much practice at home!) and work on his "stay."
All was going well (or well-ish, depending on how wild Rip was on a given day), then about a week and a half ago I messed up my knee by slipping and falling on some ice while taking Rip for a walk. Not Rip's fault at all -- he wasn't pulling or being naughty -- I just hit some ice hidden under snow.
So now I'm doctor-imposed rest, ice, brace, etc. I'm hoping to find out early next week what I can expect for recovery time and activity levels. At this point, though, it seems that my goals for Rip's first titles might have to be postponed.
I'm trying to do a bit of training each day, but since I can't move much or quickly, my options are limited. Any ideas for tricks I can train while seated with my knee elevated?
In the meantime, Rip is going on snowy, woodland adventures with The Husband and The Small Human.
Scouting the woodland for small creatures
Channeling his friend, Irie the Adventure Corgi
(Rip says she's lucky that she gets to hike so much!)
Working on natural agility
If he doesn't already know how to shake hands, this may be a good time to teach him. Bobby's PT involves lots of hand shaking as a core strengthening exercise.
ReplyDeleteClaire - Thanks for the suggestion! Rip does shake hands, but he generally then uses the extended human hand as a launch pad to propel himself into the human's face for a good lick. Maybe I can work on a "polite" shake?
DeleteOh, NO! I am so sorry you hurt your knee! I hope it heals quickly! I always live in fear of me or Jimmy get an injury in the days leading up to an agility trial!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Taryn - Yes, timing is everything. Sigh.
Deletesits and downs from across the room, stays, come front can be done too,m with the additional challend of him having to figure out to go around your raised leg. Hope you feel better very soon.
ReplyDeleteDawn - I appreciate the suggestions! I like the distance work idea. And we do need work on fronts :)
DeleteSorry about your knee! You could work on targeting (pre go-outs). Any focus work. Any of the rally stationary exercise (if you can stand). Nose-work could be fun as well. Get better soon.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestions! I did some stationary Rally exercise work with Rip last night. Now i need to get out my Rally cards and find a few more to do!
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