AgilityPaws Agility and Barn Hunt Training

12/08/2023

Trial updates:
The January trial is almost full, but there are a few spots left. Get those entries in if you want to experience the magic of Judge Sharon Webb.

February trial entries open tomorrow (Dec. 8 ). Dont hesitate! I hear a really neat judge has a special fun in store for the pups ;)

link to premium:http://www.agilitypaws.com/ApFeb24Prem.pdf

12/07/2023

Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Info:

Robin Nuttell, the creator of Barn Hunt, has been watching this very closely and said the following today:
We do not actually have an idea of what this novel bacteria is. They do not think it is viral. Trupanion put on a panel discussion about the illness, and after listening, I am, while not dismissing it, not nearly as concerned as I was. The video discussion is free to view and is available here: https://k9illness.trupanion.com/
Everyone should view it themselves and draw their own conclusions on the best approach to showing right now, but my personal take aways were:

It's a lot more rare than the media portrays; the preponderance of infections are actually in Quebec. You do need to be alert in hotbed areas, especially the Pacific Northwest. However, I do not hear from my dog show friends in that area that there are huge outbreaks.
There is actually no big uptick in respiratory diseases. They have been increasing in general for several years, especially since the pandemic. This particular disease is not brand new, it's been occurring for a couple of years now.
It is more of a threat to bracycephalic breeds/dogs as they are already susceptible to respiratory issues.
Dogs who are healthy and fully vaccinated, including for canine influenza, are less likely to get this disease, which then leads to...
If you have an elderly or immune compromised dog, a short-nosed dog, or if your dog is not vaccinated, your dog is at higher risk.

There is no real "protocol" to put into place, since we don't even know what this is. I have a feeling we will know much more in the next 2-3 months as researchers continue to look at the disease its causes and transmission. We are looking into Novasalin to wipe tubes, especially in areas where the disease is more prevalent.

I cannot make anyone's decision on whether or not to enter any dog event right now. I will tell you that I personally weighed whether or not to show (I have a Rally trial this weekend) and decided, after viewing the panel discussion, that it was safe for my dogs. They are all fully vaccinated, not immune compromised, very healthy. s

Only you can make a decision for your own dogs.

12/06/2023

12/06/2023

December calendar note:
Im here all month ;)

12/05/2023

One of Rachael & Declan’s high in class runs from the December trial . It makes my heart smile to watch this team ❤️. I think I should add…Rachael is blind, which adds a wow to the amazing runs they had

12/05/2023

December Barn Hunt Trial wrap-up:
This was a fantastic trial, which will be talked about for a while. I am posting this as a judge and the club.

Judge Des says: You folks were AWESOME!!! Not only were the competitors gracious, but Q or no Q, you folks made me proud to be a part of your Barn Hunt journey. I preach and practice the tenants of “Never let your dog know that the run was an NQ”, and I saw everyone following that

12/04/2023

Edit: the other person has been found.

I am going to do our trial wrap up post this evening. I am in the middle of returning normalcy to my life/property. What a GREAT trial. In the meantime, since im old and will forget to post this in 5...4...3... There was someone needing a tunnel clinic, and im sorry to say, I cant remember who.... Renee and Murphy will be having a tunnel clinic this Thursday and wanted to offer another pup the opportunity to join us. The class time has not been set, just the day. Let me know.

Des -the old guy

12/04/2023

REMINDER: This Saturday (December 9 ) is our Intro to BARN HUNT class, from 10:30-12:30. No experience or obedience needed. Its my favorite class that we teach. $30 per pupper (cash or check, no credit cards). Come out and have some fun...rain or shine.
What you will need for Barn Hunt?
A dog, a chair, treats, and a sense of humor
so here is some practice:
Why did the cowboy get a Dachshund?
(Because someone said "Get a long little doggie!")
if you laughed, come on and have a good time. If you snickered, you will be fine. If you rolled your eyes or groaned, you may want to work on that sense of humor before Saturday

11/30/2023

It’s beginning to look a lot like Barn Hunt. Everywhere you go…(debating when to start playing Christmas music) 🥰

11/27/2023

Reminder: There are no classes this Saturday (Dec. 2), as its PARTY TIME (Barn Hunt trial).
7:00am – Facility opens (please do not arrive prior to 7:00am)
7:45 am – Check-in – General Briefing
8:00 am – Judging begins in Ring
Class Order for Friday, Saturday & Sunday:
Novice 1 Novice 2
Open 1 Open 2
Crazy8’s
Senior 1 Senior 2
Master 1 Master 2
We will have a food truck here with great Lunch only on Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday and Sunday. There will be limited crating areas under cover, or you can crate from your car. Make sure to know the rules for the class you will be entered in. Lets have a great time! See you here

11/21/2023

I forgot to post this...im old. Congratulations to the AgilityPaws babes of Barn Hunt for a great showing!

11/20/2023

Novice Barn Hunt News:
Its time for Novice Barn Hunt, this Saturday November 25, at 10:30.

We are going to make a change to our normally scheduled program. This Saturday, we will be utilizing a blind, and will be covering some rules you may not know, but need to know before trialing.

Lets have some fun and find some Ratties. $20 per pupper, Drop in class; as long as you have attended an Intro class.
See you then, Des

11/13/2023

Reminder: There will be NO Barn Hunt class on Saturday, November 18, as I will be hunting with Rico the red dog. We will see you on Saturday 25th for Novice! Wish us RATS!

11/06/2023

11/05/2023

Lost and found. This cup was left here during intro to Barn Hunt, November 4, 2023.

11/05/2023

Sat., November 11 @10:30 Open/Senior hunters: Just because Des is away judging at NOLA, doesn’t mean the ratties can’t come out to play.

Due to all the trials upcoming, the Benefield’s will be running an Open/Senior practice here at AgilityPaws. This will give everyone a chance to work with their puppers before the upcoming trial at AgilityPaws. Des will be providing a trial legal course for us to build. We just want to get some practice in since there won’t be another public practice before the trial.

We may not have the dad jokes that Des tells us, but we will do our best to help you get in some good practice. We’ll have some Des-free fun. What more could you ask for?😂 Post in the comments if you plan on attending. $20 per pup. -Heather, Drew, Rogue, and Lexi

11/04/2023

December and January trial status:

the December trial has a couple of openings left...who wants them? Entries close on November 17.

the January trial is half full. Entries opened on Friday for a spot with the fabulous/fantastic rock-star, judge Sharon Webb.

11/02/2023

Ho Ho Ho: Mark your calendar...on Wednesday, December 20 we will be hosting our "FREE" 8th annual Pawsome Christmas party and Holiday Bash. Come join us to help celebrate this holiday with our friends! We will have an agility course set up for you to play with your puppers, We will have Rattie meets and greets and a Barn Hunt Novice/Open course set up (for when I am available to run someone through it) -limited to the first thousand dogs, And our favorite "Doggie Dash" game...remember last year, the dice, the mitts, the laughs....

What to bring? Anything edible. A dish of something yummy, or a dessert, or a bottle of soda, anything you would like to share with all us pup people. We will be playing "Naughty Santa". If you would like to participate, bring a wrapped gift with a value of less than $20.00.

Remember, if you RSVP (comment on this post) we will have a goodie bag for you. We will start at 5:00pm. If you cant be here, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. -the AgilityPaws staff -Des, Marilynn, and our quadra-ped children

10/29/2023

REMINDER: This Saturday (November 4 ) is our Intro to BARN HUNT class, from 10:30-12:30. No experience or obedience needed. Its my favorite class that we teach. $30 per pupper (cash or check, no credit cards). Come out and have some fun...rain or shine.

What you will need for Barn Hunt?
A dog, a chair, treats, and a sense of humor
so here is some practice:
Why did the cowboy get a Dachshund?
(Because someone said "Get a long little doggie!")
if you laughed, come on and have a good time. If you snickered, you will be fine. If you rolled your eyes or groaned, you may want to work on that sense of humor before Saturday

10/25/2023

November calendar notes:

Sat. Nov. 4: Intro to Barn Hunt @ 10:30
Sat. Nov. 11: No Barn Hunt @ NOLA
Sat. Nov. 18: No Barn Hunt @ Havanna
Sat. Nov. 25: No Agility @ FFDTC. Novice BH@10:30

10/23/2023

Novice Barn Hunt News:
Its time for Novice Barn Hunt, this Saturday October 28, at 10:30. This is the class that we concentrate on getting motivation from our pups. Bring GREAT treats or toys. Lets have some fun and find some Ratties. $20 per pupper, Drop in class; as long as you have attended an Intro class.
See you then, Des

10/15/2023

Reminder: There will be no classes on Saturday, October 21, as we will be playing at the PanHandler's ASCA agility trial in Baker! Come out and cheer us on. Bring your pup for some great stimuli-practice.

10/14/2023

Thank you for coming out today hunters! I thought our "back to basics" lesson went awesome, and we all learned something today. Thanks for the smiles ;)

10/08/2023

Novice Barn Hunt News:
Its time for Novice Barn Hunt, this Saturday October 14, at 10:30. This is the class that we concentrate on getting motivation from our pups. Bring GREAT treats or toys. Lets have some fun and find some Ratties. $20 per pupper, Drop in class; as long as you have attended an Intro class.
See you then, Des

10/08/2023

Thank you for all who came out to the membership clinic! I had a blast, and we even learned along the way. Thanks for helping me smile ;)

10/06/2023

October Calendar notes:
Saturday, Oct.7: Intro to Barn Hunt @10:30
No classes on Saturday, October 21. @ the greatest show on dirt

10/02/2023

Saturday Novice Pics...courtesy of Heather

10/02/2023

Reminder Membership clinic is this Saturday, Oct.7 at 3:00.

If you are wanting to become a member of the AgilityPaws Barn Hunt club, this is where you will want to be. We will not charge a membership fee. Your cost will be volunteering at our trials. There are many benefits to being a club member, which we will discuss.
On October 7 (Saturday) at 3:00, we will have club signup, a job fair (job training), and free runs.
Refreshments, snacks, and smiles will be provided.
JOBS WE ARE GOING TO LEARN:
SCRIBING
One of the best jobs in the game. We will teach you how to do this job inside and out.
INSIDE RAT WRANGLING
How to ride ponies in the ring
OUTSIDE RAT WRANGLING
How to lasso those pesky ratties
GATE/LEASH WRANGLER
We will cover all the important aspects of this critical position
BLIND STEWARD
One of the most critical positions, this position determines the speed of the trial. We will cover the most time efficient methods.
CHIEF RAT WRANGLER
Being a chief wrangler is a critical job. I will show you the system we use to keep on track.
COURSE BUILDING/READING MAPS
Even if you cant build, you can direct. This requires excellent map skills, which we will cover.
If this is something you will be attending, add a comment with the class you want your dog to run in. (Nov, Open, Senior, or Master)

10/01/2023

REMINDER: This Saturday (October 7 ) is our Intro to BARN HUNT class, from 10:30-12:30. No experience or obedience needed. Its my favorite class that we teach. $30 per pupper (cash or check, no credit cards). Come out and have some fun...rain or shine.
What you will need for Barn Hunt?
A dog, a chair, treats, and a sense of humor
so here is some practice:
Why did the cowboy get a Dachshund?
(Because someone said "Get a long little doggie!")
if you laughed, come on and have a good time. If you snickered, you will be fine. If you rolled your eyes or groaned, you may want to work on that sense of humor before Saturday

09/25/2023

Newly edited: Novice Barn Hunt News: (after thinking a lot about this, we are going back to basics. Bring you distracted/weak tells pup, and we will work on that) (I’m talking to you Wicket, Goose, Bailey and Jax)
Its time for Novice Barn Hunt, this Saturday September 30, at 10:30. This is the class that we concentrate on getting motivation from our pups. Bring GREAT treats or toys. Lets have some fun and find some Ratties. $20 per pupper, Drop in class; as long as you have attended an Intro class.
See you then, Des

p.s. No agility this Saturday, as Marilynn is trialing with the Red Dog 🥰

09/25/2023

September Barn Hunt Trial wrap-up:
There is another fantastic trial in the books. I am posting this as the judge and the club.
Judge Des says: Well done to all competitors!!! I cant tell you how pleased I am with all of the teams I had the privilege to judge. I had a wonderful time, and enjoyed every team. Side note...not a single potty in the ring...WAY TO GO TEAMS! Every team was a winning team, Q or no Q. Speaking of wonderful, I created the most technical courses of my judging career, and what did the teams do...they Q'ed. WOW! I was seriously impressed.

Club statement: Thank you all for chipping in and helping out. This trial went super smoothly, and even with a full MRV, we ended before 5pm on each day. FANTASTIC! All of the smiles were contagious, all of the happiness was also felt. This trial was so laid back and fun, it made me feel validated for creating this club in the first place. You folks were the best, and we feel privileged to be a part of your Barn Hunt journey.

Please add your bling pictures to this post so I can create a brag video. Thank you all for coming out. I hope to see y'all in December. -Des & Marilynn

as for pictures, Loran has created a space for when the trial pictures are ready. https://lmpphotography.shootproof.com/gallery/agilitypawsseptember/

09/17/2023

I forgot to introduce our newest employees, Hera, Athena, Aphrodite, Nike, Eos. Can anybody tell me what’s common in these names? Anyway, your pups won’t meet them for a couple of months, but you may as I socialize them.

09/17/2023

Reminder: There are no classes this Saturday (Sept. 23), as its PARTY TIME (Barn Hunt trial).
7:00am – Facility opens (please do not arrive prior to 7:00am)
7:45 am – Check-in – General Briefing
8:00 am – Judging begins in Ring

Class Order for Saturday & Sunday:
Novice 1 Novice 2
Open 1 Open 2
Crazy8’s
Senior 1 Senior 2
Master 1 Master 2
We will have a food truck here with great breakfast and lunch. There will be limited crating areas under cover, or you can crate from your car. Make sure to know the rules for the class you will be entered in. Lets have a great time! See you here

Master hunters: A spy plane has taken a snap of the excavation site....shhh, keep it a secret

09/16/2023

Mock Trial wrap up: Thank you all for coming out and joining in the fun. What a wonderful time we had. You folks made me smile, and I hope you had as much fun as I did. I would love to see all of your pictures of dog/dogs with ribbons. Post them as comments to this post please. Great job teams! You all left here with the best dogs ever.

Des

pictured is a wonderful Golden sitting on a rat tube in a hole ;)

09/11/2023

Here are premium links and opening dates for the future AgilityPaws Barn Hunt trials!

December 1-3, 2023 Judge Shea Opens Oct. 8
http://www.agilitypaws.com/ApDecPrem.pdf

January 5-7, 2024 Judge Sharon Webb Opens Nov. 3
http://www.agilitypaws.com/ApJanPrem.pdf

February 2-4, 2024 Judge Des Opens Dec. 8
http://www.agilitypaws.com/ApFeb24Prem.pdf

March 1-3, 2024 Judge Kathy Opens Jan. 5
http://www.agilitypaws.com/ApMar24Prem.pdf

April 5-7, 2024 Judge Des Opens Feb. 2
http://www.agilitypaws.com/ApApril24Prem.pdf

May 25-26, 2024 Judge Dianne Anstine-Fuller Opens March 30
http://www.agilitypaws.com/ApMay24Prem.pdf