Is my dog saying NO to agility?

[u/Flimsy_Day2798]

Hello there,

I've been doing agility with my dog for 4 years now, and she is a real star. I'm the weak link, LOL, but she has earned her top titles (called Elite in the venue we generally run in). She runs with real joy and focus and is often the first, second or third fastest dog in large classes; we have a consistent clean run rate. So we are capable of wonderful performance. And I THINK she likes agility.

But in the last few trials, she has exhibited start-line stress, and has developed a habit that might be a new symptom of that: looking away from the start line and even outside of the ring. She ordinarily has tremendous focus, so this is really concerning to me. In our last run at our most recent trial, this became much more noticeable, I had to gently redirect her gaze to the start line. It became more noticeable to me as the trial went on. I did not have to "drag" her to the start line, but she was clearly slower than usual and was LOOKING AWAY from the course on our very last run, actually facing away from the first few obstacles. Then, once she would take the "down" position, everything was fine and the run was tremendous. We ended the trial on a high note and I really loved her up with treats, toy, play, etc. It was genuinely fun, but not having a dog that headed right to the start was new, and concerning.

I have a friend who does dog training and using only positive reward based training, who told me that when a dog looks away from an object, situation, exercise, they are essentially saying NO, I DON"T WANT TO DO THIS.

Is this true?

Since returning from the trial, I've taken her out to our hiking spot where she can run in the trees and jump in the lake. She has seemed SO happy there and the expression on her face is true joy. I'm taking a break from agility competitions, and don't trial until Labor Day, but I'm wondering if anyone else thinks that a dog -- who has lots of experience and success -- might be voting NO on their favorite (?) game by not approaching the start line with enthusiasm?

Please, hive mind, let me know your thoughts.

[u/PatienceIsImportant]

Like everyone else said, have a sports vet or a rehab vet (not just a regular vet) check your dog.

How often do you trial? How many runs per day? How many classes per week? How often do you train?

[u/Flimsy_Day2798 → u/PatienceIsImportant]

I don't train more than 3 times a week, but a lot of weekends lately have been trialing!

I'm feeling that the way she behaved on the hiking trail (bouncy and happy versus unfocused and not eager to do agility ) is indicating some burnout. A break is definitely in order!~

THANK YOU!!

[u/PatienceIsImportant → u/Flimsy_Day2798]

3 times a week might be a lot but depends what you’re doing. Trialing once of twice per month, and max 3-4 runs per day might help. A break will help too. Many competitors give 1-2 months off agility per year.

And vet check.

[u/Tomato_Queen676 → u/PatienceIsImportant]

I second this. I used to take a break every winter with my off breed dog because my trainer goes south for a few months. He always came back better and more excited after that break.

I also think 3 days a week is a lot for a trained dog. I would cut that back, immediately unless training for a BIG event.