Question: Novice Agility want to learn

[MoonStr80]

As some or everyone know I lost two dogs, who both died of cancer expect other died of other illness.

I'm planning on searching for a Aussie hopely from this Aussie Rescue that I'm eying.

I'm really interested into agility. Do you think I should bring a sibling with the first time so that way I can get a better understanding? Reason I ask is b/c I'm deaf but yet I can hear well with hearing aids.

What are your advice/suggestions?

[BostonBanker]

I'd say check out the facility to help you decide. I'm not sure how those things might affect your ability to hear, but, for example, the place I take classes is in an old warehouse - pretty big and open, and there can be a lot of echoing if there is a noisy dog. Maybe ask if you can go sit through an already-running class and see what you think will work best for you?

[adojrts]

I agree, BB has made some excellent points. One of my students is almost deaf, outdoor training is certainly easier for her and I make sure to keep the indoor classes that she is in at a min number of people. When she competes in agility for a couple of the classes if she thinks she is going to have trouble hearing the buzzer we know what to do........when the buzzer goes off, I lift and wave a towel.
For trials that don't have electronic systems and the judge does the call for the table, my student tells the judge during the Judges briefing that she has a serious hearing problem, all the judges agree to move close to the table for the count and to call it loudly. We also trained her dog to be very comfortable with strangers moving in and around the table and speaking very loud etc.
I know of two other people that are completely deaf that compete in agility, both of them have had great success.

Good luck
Lynn

[MoonStr80]

Wow. that's really kwel! Very good info adojts, and that is a good idea BB :)

[milos_mommy]

Yes you should bring a sibling.

Not because you're deaf, but because the first time, it's just easier to have an extra set of hands. Especially if you're talking about the first class you bring a dog. I always brought someone so they could hold stuff, pay attention for me if Milo needed a break, pour water, etc.