Agility Challenged

Hi All,

Today was disappointing here at Poodle Place. Baron had an agility lesson and, as usual, was the worst in class. This was quite an accomplishment as he was the only one in the class. The class was held in the outside ring of a sheep barn; more agility equipment is set up inside the barn (the sheep hang out in a paddock). The other handlers watch as they wait for their turn. Baron got to run around like a maniac and then we started the more "formal" part of the lesson. He did run up and down the "A" frame, but basically tried to avoid it. He loved running through the tunnel, which was odd for 2 reasons. 1) Large dogs don't usually like the tunnel and 2) He was not asked to run through the tunnel, he just felt like it. When he was done with the tunnel he ran over to the 3 observing handlers and tried to engage them in play. The observers are my friends, who were awaiting their turn with their well-behaved dogs (2 of whom are younger than Baron).

After this fiasco, Bunny (the instructor) suggested I call it quits for today. I took Baron into the barn, where, without distractions, he cheerfully jumped 3 jumps and had a jolly time running a small course. No one witnessed this feat but me - and who would ever believe the word of a newfoundland owned by Lord Byron (that would be Botswain) over the word of an agility trainer and 3 nonbiased observors?

I think we might return to duck hunting. Judging from his ability to hunt and retreive kleenex and tomatoes, I feel Baron's true talent lies in hunting (and making mischief).

Klutzily yours,
Botswain

PS
Perhaps Baron has a future as sheep herder?