Say the Word, Send the Dog: Building Brilliant Obstacle Commitment Young dog agility teaches the dog that each obstacle means something. At our Young Dog Workshop with Jody Lolich, Layla and I zoomed in on one powerful idea: when I say a word, she should go out and find the job. No babysitting. No guesswork. Just clarity, commitment, and confidence. Words That Work: Tunnel Means Tunnel Homework starts with a deceptively simple game.

What if “tunnel” actually means go find the tunnel? Layla is learning bold obstacle commitment, sharper weave entries, and forward drive that pays. Fewer guesses, more clarity, and a whole lot of fun. Read the full training breakdown on the blog! 🐾 #BlueBlur #Agility #Appetitive #SportDog

Smooth Lines, Strong Starts: Pre-Novice With Layla This week’s semi-private was all about commitment, clarity, and keeping the line honest. Some things clicked. Some things needed a little more storytelling. All of it moved us forward. Startline Truths: Commitment Is a Skill We worked commitment to the first obstacle, and Layla told me exactly where the gaps were. The tire and tunnel needed more clarity, so we broke it down and reinforced the tunnel commitment until it felt easy again.

Grateful for every run with this joyful girl. 💙 Layla makes agility so much fun, whether we’re solving puzzles or running together. She tries her heart out, and I get the best seat in the house. #BlueBlur #LaylaLearns #Appetitive #Agility #SportDog

Joy and Verve If joy and verve are to be judged, Layla is winning. Here she is lure coursing at the North Texas Saluki Club and Afghan Hound Club of Dallas AKC Coursing Ability Test this easter Sunday April 5, 2026.

If joy and verve are to be judged, Layla is winning.

Here she is lure coursing at the North Texas Saluki Club and Afghan Hound Club of Dallas AKC Coursing Ability Test this easter Sunday April 5, 2026. #BlueBlur #Appetitive #SportDog

Target Found, Game On: Pre-Novice With Layla This week in pre-novice agility, Layla and I enhanced our A-frame experience, solved a tricky weave puzzle, and had a very important reminder about staying connected in the game. Running A-Frame: Give Them a Forward Focus We started building a running A-frame using a target mat. First on the flat at home with a clear “target” cue. Then we brought it into class.

A power word unlocked our A-frame. 💥 Layla hit a 100% success rate with her target, worked through a tough weave puzzle, and reminded me to reconnect before release. Clarity builds the behavior. Connection keeps the joy. Pre-novice fun. #BlueBlur #Agility #Appetitive #SportDog #LaylaLearns

Pre-Novice Confidence Building Layla is growing up in pre-novice agility, and it shows. This week we played sequences packed with rear crosses, front crosses, and blind crosses. One highlight is her growing understanding of her rear cross verbal, “Switch!” Rear Crosses A rear cross means I change sides behind Layla as she takes off for a jump. The magic only works if the verbal comes first.

“Switch!” actually means something now. Confident weaves, coherent crosses, and stride-building grid homework. Pre-novice agility is about clarity, power, and smart lines. Layla is growing up and it shows. #BlueBlur #Agility #Appetitive #TeamLayla #SportDog