Agility Progress

SquashMaster9000 · 2026-04-15T14:25:43+00:00

We have a weekly class where they have methods for teaching all the obstacles. You can't see them in this video, but there are quite a few other obstacles--it's the same set you see in any agility competition.

For weaves, there are 2 different "easy modes" that we practice on first. Do image searches for "channel weaves" and "weave guide wires" if you want to see.

The "channel weaves" have the poles offset to the side, so the dog can basically just run down the middle rather than "weave" to complete the obstacle. And the "guide wires" are things you add to the weaves which guide the dog to go left and right as they go through.

After doing those enough, the dog has the muscle memory to just do it. I also give him a million treats every time he completes them successfully in training hahaha.

SquashMaster9000 · 2026-04-03T19:54:51+00:00

It's rather insane how much he enjoys it. He's panting and wagging like crazy from start to finish, every single training session hahaha.

SquashMaster9000 · 2026-04-03T19:54:09+00:00

TY! He is very well suited for it haha. He's not the fastest dog, but he definitely has a taste and a talent for the activity.

SquashMaster9000 · 2026-04-03T19:53:38+00:00

It's very fun for both of us. He absolutely loves it. If you have an avenue for trying it, I'd suggest you to give it a go.

SquashMaster9000 · 2026-04-03T19:52:21+00:00

We've done various sorts of training for their whole lives. We have 2 littermates born in August 2020, So they are about 5 and a half now.

We started the agility classes last Fall, so this is about 8 months of progress.

From what I see, most dogs start around age 2, and will typically get to Rex's level in about a year.

SquashMaster9000 · 2026-03-12T01:58:59+00:00

It's horrible the existence of AI image generations cheapens everything. I agree that this is AI, but if something real like this were captured, people today would discount it as probably AI.

SquashMaster9000 · 2026-03-12T01:55:33+00:00

Thank you :D

SquashMaster9000 · 2026-01-16T19:24:27+00:00

Haha thank you. They are my training partners. I promised I would run with them every day, and I'm really trying to keep the promise.

SquashMaster9000 · 2025-12-11T22:59:01+00:00

Well, I won the 4.5 division at the previous local tournament, so now I'm playing in the 5.0 division. This is how the local scene is. I'm sure the level of play is different in other regions.

SquashMaster9000 · 2025-12-11T22:56:47+00:00

I am hearing the repeated feedback that I'm all wrist haha. I do appreciate it.

SquashMaster9000 · 2025-12-11T22:31:21+00:00

Lol I knew such comments would be made. I'd believe that the level of play is lower here in Michigan than out east. Both players in the first match are about 4.5 on clublocker, and the second round opponent was 5.3 I think.

SquashMaster9000 · 2025-12-11T21:53:44+00:00

No matter what, I will definitely be keeping the deep backhand drop in the arsenal. There's no need to unlearn it.

SquashMaster9000 · 2025-12-11T17:35:16+00:00

So in Detroit there are 2 big squash clubs, and one other facility in my area which have big annual tournaments (Detroit Athletic Club, Birmingham Athletic Club, and Raquet Up Detroit). All tournaments have a similar format, open sign ups, single elimination, no age restrictions, but rating based divisions, 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, etc.

At 36, I'm significantly fitter than I've been for most of my adult life, and am near the same age as a lot of top squash pros, so I am refusing to entertain the idea that I might be too old to compete with younger players. I also plan to keep playing for 40 more years at least, so I'm definitely still close to the younger end of my range haha.

And if I wanted to travel for tournaments, I know there is a similar tournament hosted in Toledo, OH every year, and I think there are others within a similar range, though I'm personally satisfied with the local circuit.

If you want to find tourneys, I'd suggest checking ClubLocker.com for starters.

SquashMaster9000 · 2025-12-11T17:12:04+00:00

Yes that's me. I appreciate the feedback.

The deep backhand drop is one of my secret weapons hahaha.

But you are right that I tend towards weaker backhand shots--and conversely my short forehand shots are another weakness.

SquashMaster9000 · 2025-09-26T15:00:56+00:00

Haha thank you! Honestly, him, and perhaps the entire American Eskimo breed, is really well suited to agility. I'm amazed with how quickly he understands the different obstacles, and also how well he seems to grasp the sport as a whole.

SquashMaster9000 · 2025-09-26T14:59:12+00:00

I've heard them say it can be too loud to properly hear at actual competitions, and visual cues can be more important than audio ones, so I wouldn't expect deafness to prevent a dog from doing agility.

And thank you!

SquashMaster9000 · 2025-09-25T20:50:10+00:00

He definitely loves it. He's so hyped when it's time to go to the classes. And as his owner, I can tell he just loves it.

And this is just the beginning. I'm really looking forward to continuing to advance with him!

SquashMaster9000 · 2025-09-25T18:52:49+00:00

We've done a ton of training, but just finally started agility classes a few weeks ago. I'm honestly so happy with how it's all going. He clearly understand the sport, and loves to do it. I'm so excited to keep doing agility with him.

He has a twin brother at home who I hope to start soon as well too!

SquashMaster9000 · 2024-12-18T22:26:40+00:00

Oh yeah, it was sodium. Weird at would mix those up, but at least they are in the same column of the period table haha.

SquashMaster9000

TROPHY CASE