In this episode, I am sharing a bit of my personal agility journey. This part is about my very beginnings and my very first competition experiences. Back then, I was a 13-year-old training and competing with my first agility dog—and my very first "dream" dog—a small black schnauzer named Arnie.

Arnie loved to train, and he especially loved the cooked chicken I used for treats. He loved a familiar environment and chill vibes in general, but he did not like the stress of competition, the arousal around the ring, or even traveling by car to get there. Competing was definitely not his favorite activity, and he was actively looking for ways to let me know.

It took me a while to understand that he really meant it seriously. I cried a lot during that time and felt so much frustration, but I still had this deep belief that the "click" would come at the next competition.

I am sharing the "funny lessons" he gave me at the very beginning of my journey. Even though it was painful for young me, I believe those moments helped shape my understanding and support for almost any situation that can happen on the field—and I have seen a lot of them.

See more of our life on the road:

Website: https://agilityontheroad.com/

Newsletter for more behind-the-scenes stories from our travels and agility adventures: https://agilityontheroad.com/newsletter/

Have a good one,

Vendula