I started agility back in the late 1990s with my Chinese Crested Powder Puff, Iiro. But it was my white poodles, Viivi (medium) and Ville (miniature), that really got me into the competition scene. Both made it all the way to class 3, and Ville was an absolute rocket on the course. Unfortunately, we had to stop just one qualifying result short of an agility championship – a little sting that stayed with me all these years.

Fast forward 17 years, and here I am again – this time with my lovely Lhasa Apso Siiri, or officially, Yarmilan Shipshape’N Bristol Fashion. She’s fluffy, fabulous, and… a little slower than my poodles ever were. 😄

For our comeback, I registered us for two jumping courses only. We’re still practicing the seesaw, so I didn’t want to enter full agility runs just yet. And honestly? Two courses were more than enough!

Of course, Siiri decided to go into heat just in time for her first competition. Not ideal. It also meant I couldn’t really play and hype her up near the start area without risking chaos among the male dogs nearby.

The first run… well, let’s say it was cautious. Siiri stopped several times to really think things through, especially in the weave poles. The second course was better, with more flow, but we still had a couple of halts and one correction at the weave poles.

We were disqualified on both runs for exceeding the maximum time. But honestly – we had so much fun! I remembered both courses (which is no small feat), and Siiri stayed with me the whole time. So I’m calling it a win. 😄

Now we train more, keep having fun – and maybe, just maybe, skip the heat cycle for our next trial?

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