angelad

Thanks Dizzycharm, great advice and I think you've hit the nail on the head in that I need to relax, Didn't realize till I read this just how stressed I feel about the whole thing - mostly because I felt it was me letting Merles down in some way. Thanks again everybody. ( Off to make some makeshift jumps in the garden)

Thanks for all the replies. He's jumping and nipping at my arms when I point him to the right drection/obstacle. We're on about our 9th lesson now and doing about 6 obstacles in a set order. (Sorry, Terminology is probably wrong) Merlin has got steadily worse at the nipping over the last 3 weeks and the last lesson was awful. The trainer suggested I put him in a down and walk away, then go back and stroke/talk to him calmly. Had no effect. She then suggested I cross my arms and used my shoulders and he started nipping my legs. She's suggested a 1:1 with the woman who runs all the classes which I can't do for 2 weeks so wanted to try something on my own at home. Perhaps I should try going back to one jump and throwing a toy which is how we started off and he did perfectly. Its since we've been doing more of a course and I've been using my arms that it has started. Or, how can I throw a toy when the course involves sharp turns between jumps (I'm feeling a bit thick tonight)

Merles - worn out after agility class He's doing well but has just started getting really excited and jumping up and nipping/biting when directing him over jumps. Help please - how do I stop him

Dancing Fool - Frank Zappa

Smoke on the water - deep purple

Holding back the years - simply red

Merlin, (no confidence) went through the tunnel on his third lesson after solidly refusing previously. AND he was so pleased with himself I collapsed in an emotional heap. Izzy, on the other hand, only barked at the dogs in the ajoining class and did the wall of death for 50% of the time this week. A vast improvement on the 100% in the previous 2 classes

Brilliant, Thanks

Where is everybody getting their personal message avatars from? I've searched through the site and can't find anything. Are you making them yourselves? Thanks Angela

Did you know Frogs are homing? If they were spawned in your pond, they'll be back. (All our frogs were named Arnie. we spent many happy hours taking them to the canal and then watching them hop bacK )

Been healthy eating for 2 days. Went in garage to buy paper, they were selling Cadburys chocolate Flapjacks for 20p. Bought 6, I've got 1 left and I don't even feel ill!!

My two have got it, I think quite brilliantly (but then I would) but they won't do it without the treat?

And me to please Handler: Angela Dog: Merlin Breed / Type: Lurcher/collie Dogs age: 2 Handler: Angela Dog: Izzy Breed / Type: Lurcher Dogs age: 1 Joined challenge: week one

Me to please Trainer: Angela Dogs: (From Clare24, EGLR originally) Merlin - Lurcher/Collie Izzy - Lurcher History: 4 sessions of clicker training so far