Agility Home Page What is Agility? Club Contacts Agility Lessons Agility Schedule Agility Trials 2006 Trial Photos P 1 2006 Trial Photos P 2 2006 Trial Photos P 3 2006 Trial Photos P 4 2006 Trial Photos P 5 2006 Trial Photos P 6 Agility Links Where We Meet First Day of Class Sample Agility Video 2007 tournement Tunnel Slides Show The First Day of Class Reflections About Our First Agility Moments. A letter from a new student's perspective My wife, Cathy was flipping through our local newspaper's website to find things to do during the Memorial day weekend. She came across an agility competition at a local park out east. We are the kind of people with no children who enjoy spending time with our two dogs Sweetie and Oreo.  We went to the event on Saturday May 28th and were mesmerized with what we saw. We were surrounded by "Our People".  We were among dog people! The climate was friendly yet focused. Events followed one after each other in a rapid-fire succession. There was much to do and many dogs and handlers that were ready to show off their moves. What stood out the most was the incredible bond we witnessed between the dogs and their owners. When each dog competed, he/she was off-leash and in control. Each dog ran with confidence and looked to his/her handler to find out which tunnel, see-saw, weave pole, A-frame or jump was next.   To make a long story short, Cathy and I went back that Monday (Memorial Day) to see the last agility events. It was then that we picked up a flyer with information about classes in Huntington Station. Our First Class: Today is June 5, Sweetie and Oreo had their first agility lesson. Prior to class we had some concern and apprehension.  Like any dog owner we were concerned with internal factors like our dogs’ special quirks. We were concerned that Oreo, a yapper, (known to us as the as the narrator) would bark too much. We were also concerned that Sweetie with her dominant personality would try to be in charge of the other dogs. To top it all off we were concerned if the dogs would not be able to keep up with the other dogs and not be able to learn agility.   We were also concerned with external factors to us such as if the people running the class were nice. Would the experience be frustration to the dogs and could they learn? I write this because you to probably have similar concerns. Now to answer your concerns: I can't help you with your dog’s quirks but I can tell you that Pat,  Arthur and Sheila were wonderful and the class progressed in such a manner that every dog in the class was set up for success not failure. All activities were taught in a progression ranging from easiest to easy, eventually leading to something more difficult that was so similar to what they already had done successfully that the progression was an easy one. In the first class we used two sized walkways, the A-frame, the weave poles, a jump, the tire jump, and even the table (who knew Oreo would be able to stand still in one spot for a few seconds. As for the internal concerns with our dogs’ personalities, as the class progressed, all of the dogs slowly got de-sensitized and moved towards more social behavior. I think back to the competition last weekend. I remember that with the hundreds of dogs at the event, they were so comfortable with other dogs that when they passed each other they were so socialized that it was just like people walking past other people at the mall. As for Sweetie's dominance, we kept her at a safe distance from some of the other dogs. An extra two feet was plenty.  Prevention was the best decision.  For the record, agility is not for aggressive dogs. Sweetie has a dominant personality but she goes to dog parks and is properly socialized. She just likes to tell other dogs that she is in charge. As a dog owner in the class I would have serious concerns if a fighting dog or poorly socialized dog was within range of my dogs. If you have an aggressive dog, the close proximity of an agility class is not the place to begin socializing. To make an already long story short: Cathy and I had a great time and the dogs had fun too. We made a quantum leap in our dogs training in only one class. I can already predict the long-term benefit to our dogs and us. Everyone was fun to be with. The climate was upbeat and encouraging. The Logistics: Sunday morning . . . 1) Look out your window. If the weather looks like it may not be good, call Pat and Arthur (631) 427-5672 to confirm they will be getting together. Check the Vacation schedule also. The Beginners Class starts at 11:30am You need to Bring: * $10 per dog for the class * A dog * Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers because you are part of the agility team The following might be useful: * Water for the dog (they have some there but the more the merrier) *Water for you *Dog treats (for occasional bribes) most activities were done just for praise and fun * Plastic bags to pick up after your dog * There are no restroom facilities at the playground so plan ahead.