Herding dogs need a job. Those without one will invent one for themselves (Bryson could be the Chief Leftover Patrol/Garbage Recycling Manager). But if you don't want your canine friend to be too creative around the house, you should challenge them with activities that make them feel like they're fulfilling their God-given mission on this earth.
Agility seems to be one of these great canine sports that fits the bill for these busy bodies. We're encouraged by the few corgi owners we've met who all swear agility is the best thing they've done with their dogs. We thought perhaps it's something Bryson could dabble in since in our opinion he's shown real potential already; he'll jump over anything- bike racks, fences, tree branches, skyscrapers (if needed, we're pretty sure)- as long as he knows there's a treat awaiting him on the other side.
Bryson: I wish some day I could learn to fly like that and still carry a smile and strike a pose
So today, we packed our snacks/treats, slathered on the sunscreen, and made the trip to Sunnyvale to watch the CPE (Canine Performance Events) agility trial. It was quite a scene to take in once we set foot on the soccer-field-turned-agility-trial-course. Rows and rows of tents sheltering the canine competitors and their handlers sprawled out around 3 competition rings with non-stop canine action.
We don't have a tent so we'll just sit on a towel and get roasted
There were over 200 dogs competing in 5 levels in matches with titles like "snooker", "fullhouse" and "jackpot" (which was all very confusing even after people repeatedly trying to explain to us what they are). But if one thing is clear it's how much people and dogs all thoroughly enjoyed the event. There's just this electricity in the air as dogs at their highest level of excitement jump and weave and dash around the course under their handler's perky but surehanded guidance. It's like a 100-m dash and a cheerleading event all rolled into one.
The agility star in the video is Star (appropriately named), and handler Lissa is also an agility trainer
Everyone there was so helpful in clueing us in on what's going on in each ring. We even ran into another corgi competitor, whom Bryson wish some day will be his mentor.
Bryson: Master Mei Mei, would you be my See Fu some day?
Mei Mei: let me sniff out your potentials
Competitors and handlers heading off to competition
I'm having a good time!
After today, I can see agility classes in Bryson's future...
