Crating At Agility -Need a reality check please:)

I have realised that this is the most important test for me. The point of any activity - agility or other - is that it is FUN. For the dog, first of all, and for me next of all. This may seem obvious but it was a bit of a lightbulb moment for me....and now I find it very easy to decide whether or not to join in.

 

Interestingly, at the old agility class that I was at they asked me why I wanted to be there and I said because I want Harley to have fun and I was told that she will have fun if I am having fun, that it doesn't really matter to dogs. In some ways I know that Harley has a "better" time when I am genuinely enjoying myself, even if we are rolling on the bed, playing a game but then there are times when I am having no fun, like when she eats duck poo and she is having a great time. I do believe in the autonomy of her feelings too but within reason. However, I do think she needs to be enjoying what we are doing.
It was different when she was younger and she didn't want to be doing stays and wanted to be sniffing in the field. The lesson there was her staying put and focussing but now that she is older and has the basics I do want her to enjoy it.

 

No offence taken

At our dog club we have the agility rings set up right next to the obedience rings and then the normal training classes run off to the side. You rarely hear dogs barking from crates as they're comfortable and relaxed in their crates. I couldn't stand it if it sounded like you've described your agility setup. I totally understand why you don't want to be a part of it.

 

How many dogs are in this class that the trainer thinks it necessary to crate/car them?

I've only ever done pet training classes, but there were plenty of dogs left in cars - but these were dogs from 2 dog families. The owner would leave dog A in the car whilst doing a class with dog B, then dog B would be left in the car while the owner did a different class with dog A. That makes sense to me, or in competition or competition training situations like Emily mentioned, but it seems extreme for a fun pet class.

 

There were about 10 dogs in the previous class, I don't know about now - I haven't been to a class with the new trainer but this is also only the second class because of the trainer being away for shows etc. There are definitely people that use a crate or their car for their second dog or even only dog. I have absolutely no problem with that. But I don't want to do it with my only dog. And there is isn't an option. When I explained that Harley is crate trained and that I like her being with me he told me that I don't yet comprehend the benefits of crating or leaving her in the car. It will provide confidence, drive and safety for her. That is where I had a bell ring in my head. Firstly, as I said, I want her WITH me. It is why I go there. It DEFINITELY is not to socialise while my dog is away from me. I am WAY too introverted for that and also it is at the end of a long day of psychotherapy. I just want to be with Harley. And secondly, I do understand what the crate can provide, she is crate trained but I dont want it providing DRIVE for her. That is not what I want to train with a crate. A toy or treat as reward yes. Play yes. Locking in a crate or a car - no.

 

After all my issues over agility reading this is making me at these agility trainers. I really feel for you @Harley Quinn , just when you think you have got a good class for your dog it all goes t*ts up.

 

Quite.

 

This just sums up the frustration that I sometimes feel with trainers, that there is an unwillingness to take on board the relationship we have with our dogs, what we want from them, why we have them in our lives and most importantly what we already know about dog training. Yesterday Kate @Beanwood commented that I'm probably further on with modern dog training techniques than many people including trainers, just because of being a regular participant on here. Not because I have any particular skill, I don't, (I put that down to not having any fish cubes).

 

It's a funny kind of mindset they get into. The trainer who runs our agility class is an absolute diamond, completely positive focus and with a brilliant attitude. But even she said to me (very early on in our experience of agility!) something about "if you want to stop Pongo from being so distracted by all the smells and running off to explore corners of the field, you could have him neutered - that will reduce his drive to sniff everywhere." It struck me as very bizarre..... sniffing is obviously one of the great pleasures in Pongo's life, so why would I deprive him of that just so he'd be more willing to play the agility game that I want to play? It seems rather selfish....given that the point of the agility class is for both of us to have fun.... (It would be different if his love of sniffing was actually causing a serious behavioural issue that endangered him or others, of course.)

I'm not criticising her because she is, as I say, a diamond. But it just shows that even the best trainers can have a slightly odd view on priorities...

 

You must not be having the deathly hot weather we are or they sure wouldn't be leaving their dogs in cars. Windows open or not.

 

No, we are in what consider to be winter but our temperatures are very moderate here. It is currently 19 degrees celcius and it is a lovely afternoon.
I highly doubt the trainer would allow any health risks to the animals, and for instance, I don't have a crate that I can travel with so it must have been for people in similar situations to me.

 

But yes, I do think the relationship (and what that is) is lost. I belong to the biggest, most popular club in our city and at maximum there are 15 people in a class. But the club is far more focussed on competitors than on things that will appeal to the likes of me. And I am not the only person from our original focus class who doesn't want to compete.
My current and previous obedience trainer are/is great. I would be very excited to attend a class on something less formal given by them.