Hi Everyone! I have not been starting a lot of new threads lately and I've not posted my own attempt at the March Challenge, which seems to have fallen flat for everyone. I apologize for my absence... I've been having some health problems that have been a little overwhelming, including vertigo which limits my computer time. If you see me on Facebook and think I seem active there, I actually work in social media as part of my job so I have to prioritize that. I'm hoping to be well enough to fly to watch my daughter swim at the Collegiate Artistic Swimming National Championships at the end of next week. It's a *6* hour flight for someone with vertigo, so it may be the worst thing I've ever done to myself. We'll see. I'll keep you posted. So please comment on a few things so we can keep this group going and serving as a supportive, helpful environment for everyone who enjoys dog training! 1. What are you up to? Are you training and/or trialing? In what sports? 2. Do you have any brags from recent accomplishments? If so, please share! 3. What kind of thing would you like to see for the April challenge? Do you want it to be related to tricks? Agility? Basic foundation skills? Rally? Fetch? If you'd like to help support this group, please check out and share with a friend my dog-related coloring books on Amazon (https://amzn.to/4thZu1B) and my dog agility skills and drills books on Clean Run (https://www.cleanrun.com/product/ready_to_run_vol_2_agility_skills_drills_for_small_spaces/index.cfm). I also have several on-demand courses that are dog-sport related, also available on Clean Run (https://www.cleanrun.com/category/online_dog_training_classes/online_dog_agility_courses_by_instructor/brenna_fender_online_agility_classes/index.cfm).

Complete 8 specific behaviors in this order to complete the ParCOURSE Challenge! Video submissions should consist of one video showing the completion of the behaviors in the prescribed order below. The behaviors can be performed as a course, moving from obstacle to obstacle, or separate videos of the behaviors can be edited together into one video. So you can do them in a series around your house or yard, or as single behaviors in a small space. You can even do one recording and pause your camera in between behaviors. No labeling or text on the video is required. You may use the same obstacles more than once, and it is okay to use agility obstacles as they are designed to be used. You may use treats and toys to reward in between behaviors. You must not have food in your hands during the behavior. Please make it clear that your hands are empty before and during the performance of the behavior. If you need assistance understanding how to complete any of the behaviors, or have any other questions, please post them below. DEADLINE: March 31st "COURSE" 1. Sit for 3 seconds on the left or right side of the handler. The sit does not have to be straight and can be angled to any degree. The dog must just be on the side of the handler. 2. Figure 8 around two items. Your dog goes around each of two items/posts/barrels/etc. in a figure 8 pattern. The handler does not do the figure 8. This is done in traditional canine parkour and can be seen in our previous challenge. ALTERNATIVE VERSION: The dog and handler heel around two items in a figure 8 pattern as is done in traditional obedience. Heel position may be imprecise. 3. Front 2 feet on an obstacle of any height. This pose must be held for a minimum of 3 seconds. 4. All 4 feet on an obstacle that is hock height or lower. The obstacle must not be flat on the ground, so there needs to be a height of at least a half inch, approximately. The dog must remain on the obstacle for a minimum of 3 seconds. No specific position is required. The dog does not have to be perfectly still, but should not be walking around for the 3 seconds. The dog must have all 4 feet on the obstacle and may not be resting their front feet on the handler.

If you want to watch some agility on the tube, check it out right now! I just saw a fabulous run by a rough collie doing Jumpers with Weaves. I think the prelims are on for a good chunk of today. Some other sports are on as well, I think. Let me know if and what you are watching. Stay warm out there!

Hi Everyone! I hope you are okay with all the crazy weather! Here's some news: *This is the last week of the Parkour challenge! I've got one more dog's entry to finish. and then I think all of my dogs will have titles in All Dogs Parkour! I'm very appreciative of @Kristine Hammar giving us the opportunity to be led step-by-step through the creation of a Parkour entry, plus free registration in All Dogs Parkour. There's still time for you to enter! Check out the pinned posts. *I'm working on a February challenge that fits in a small space (in case your yard is snowy) and that maybe can be shot in one take or otherwise doesn't require you to label anything, since that's been a problem for some of you. *Skool is a growing platform, and with that growth comes a bunch of jerks who want to try to sell you stuff you don't want or need. I've changed the membership questions to try to keep them out. You can check those out in the attachment. You don't have to answer them, of course. You're already in! But if a spammer reaches out to you by messenger, please report them and block them. There will be 3 dots in your chat message that give you the chance to do that. Also please let me know about them and I'll remove them from the group. Please invite your friends who are real dog people to join this group! The link to see the group is https://www.skool.com/backyard-dog-training-matters-2491. *That said, I'm using this group to announce my dog-related offerings because it's my group and I pay for it :) Please remember that I have dog-sport-related coloring books on sale on Amazon and my author page is available with a new "easy to use" url: https://www.amazon.com/author/brennafender. If you'd go to that link and click "follow," that would raise my profile on Amazon, and it would really help me out. Thanks! *I also have a class for sale on Clean Run! It's a cool, unique course: Semi-Private Lessons: Individualized Help for Your Agility Needs. I hope you'll check that out! https://www.cleanrun.com/product/semi_private_lessons_individualized_help_for_your_agility_needs/index.cfm

I wish I understood the challenge. I’m not going figuring out new stuff. And suggestions I easy terms?