[singlepic id=471 w=320 h=240 float=left]One of the challenges of having a super-smart dog like these Australian Labradoodles is that you have be creative and keep them mentally challenged. This is especially true of Sam. I can keep him physically exercised, but if he doesn’t get the mental challenges he craves, he just doesn’t burn off the same kind of energy. I’m not exactly sure how to describe the difference. I think it’s mostly the difference between being tired and being relaxed. He doesn’t really relax until he’s used up all his mental energy.
Don’t get the wrong idea, though, he’s not crazy. And one of the things I like best about Sam is that he’s energetic and fun, but he has an OFF switch. He will calm down when I ask him to. Most of the time, anyway. He is still a young dog, so he can’t always just knock it off when I ask him to. But he’s really, really good!
Luke’s a different kind of dog. In some ways he’s more energetic than Sam, but he doesn’t have the same kind of intense drive that Sam does. He loves to learn and is super willing and engaged. It’s just different. He doesn’t turn into the same kind of bucking bronco that Sam will when he’s under-stimulated.
[singlepic id=465 w=320 h=240 float=right]So I’m always looking for ways to burn off the mental energy. That’s why we do training and play games at home like “find it”. To add something else to the repertoire that does double duty, I’ve been thinking about doing agility with the dogs. I especially think Luke will be really good at it because he’s little and springy. Sam will enjoy it for the challenge, but he’s so big! I’m not sure he’s really built for it as a “sport”…maybe more as a pastime.
I have been eyeing a new indoor agility place that recently opened in Claremont—the Zoom Room. I decided to take the Doodles in to check it out. Well, that was fun!
[singlepic id=475 w=320 h=240 float=left]What a cool place this is! To understand how nice this is, you have to appreciate how heavy and big dog agility equipment can be. You either have to set it up semi-permanently in your yard (because trust me, it’s not that fun to set up and break down over and over), or go to a facility and use theirs. This place is really nice because it has great equipment, easy to move around, plenty of room to (sorry) zoom —and it’s perfect if the weather is not great. I can see coming here especially if it’s raining or really hot.
It was fun to teach Sam to go up and down the A-Frame. He was loving it…Up and Over, Up and Over! Luke did it, too, with a little encouragement. He didn’t love the A-Frame. He really prefers to dive through the tunnel. What a cutie he is going through that thing like a little champ! Neither one of the dogs was down for the “dog walk”. I didn’t get a picture of that thing…it’s kind of a balance beam with an inclining ramp on either side. Too narrow for the Doodles to think that was fun. We’ll spend some time on it, and I’ll bet they will figure it out. I hear that there are some super-special treats that dogs will do anything for. Maybe that’ll do the trick. Sam and Luke are really smart, so it may just take a bit more encouragement to get them into that piece of equipment.[singlepic id=473 w=320 h=240 float=right]
Zoom Room is a little pricey, so you might want to team up with a friend if you are going to rent the place for private time. That will make it more affordable. The sign up process is a little detailed, so don’t think about just dropping in like I was planning to do! I’m really glad I called ahead. There’s a whole reservation process for getting a time slot and if you are going for the first time, you have to register your dogs, show proof of vaccination and (I think) that they are neutered/spayed. Be sure to bring copies of those with you when you go. I got everything lined up before I got there…it would have been a pain to get all the way to the place only to have to turn around to get documents.
[singlepic id=464 w=320 h=240 float=left]This is turning into more of a review than I wanted it to be…it’s a bit of a process to register, etc. But! It’s really fun to do! Now that the dogs are all signed up and in the system, we’ll be able to go more spur of the moment—when the mood strikes, or the Doodles are going nuts for lack of stimulation. I may get some lessons for these guys or join an agility group. Luke is too young to do it much, but we can do the low impact stuff….
More on this the next time we go!
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We’re so happy to hear that you, Sam and Luke are enjoying our new Claremont Zoom Room! Don’t worry about the dog walk — Luke and Sam will have it mastered in no time!
We’ll keep trying to make the sign-up process as easy and user-friendly as possible; the reason all of this is required is for everyone’s safety. Unlike a dog park, we want to provide you with a unique training area in which every single dog has current vaccination records on file, and every dog has been pre-screened for aggression issues to ensure the best experience and socialization for everyone. That does make things a bit more of a hassle – but we hope it’s worth it!!!
We always welcome suggestions, so be sure to let Angela (the head trainer in Claremont) know if you have any ideas to make your stay even more enjoyable.
that place looks awesome. I am going to take Kona and Kael there Friday.
I finished reading your post after I called them,it is overly complicated. I am bummed because i cant take both dogs to open gym( without a second handler). so i asked about the rental and you are only allowed 3 dogs, which again i was disappointed because, I thought it would be great to take the doods and rotts and Harvey. Maybe they will change their mind on the 3 dog limit. I guess I will just take Kael Friday (more socializing for Maya) if they have a drop in class available.
Hey gang, I would love to do that over vacation. Dan, could the rotts and Harvey go at one time and how much is it?? Something to do when we are off on vacation. I think If Harvey likes it I would like to do that with him but I know to be serious about it the dogs must be closer to 2 yrs of age due to stress on the bones and they are still forming.
Hi Mark—Thanks for stopping by the blog. You found this fast! 🙂 We had a really good time. The sign up process is detailed, and I completely understand why. I didn’t realize the registration process is as involved as it is, so I was taken a little by surprise. People might not know, especially if they are just dropping in on a whim, that there is extra documentation needed, etc. I agree with your protocol, but would not necessarily have known. I hope lots of people attend these classes and get into doing agility with their dogs. I think it’s a lot of fun, and such a great thing for the pups!
@ Dan: Sorry you couldn’t find a way to take both dogs. I agree, it would be more fun if we could go together. I’d be willing to just bring Luke or Sam if you want to bring both the Rotts one of these days soon. And yes, taking Kael keeps you off Maya’s list of shame. LOL
@ Sandy: Now you guys…I can’t go over the Thanksiving holiday… 🙁
I’m going to be out of town with the doodles (you can bet there will be some posts as a result!). I hope you will go, but we do need to see if there is a way we can all go together. I understand the policy of managing the number of dogs. But we do have dogs that are all accustomed to playing together, are well-socialized and we are responsible with our pups. I don’t know if they ever make exceptions on a case-by-case basis…or maybe not. If not, we could also look into going to one of the agility courses that are around. I think there is one in Chino? And maybe on in the Brea/Placentia area? That’s another option…
@ Sandy we could set something up for kona, Kael and Harvey. I am leheading to to a meeting this morning at Lake Skinner and then taking the rest of the day off. I will stop by there this afternoon. to inquire. I will text you the info. I am off all next week
@ Puparazza I called them several times yesterday and I think we can use the birthday party angle to get the room for 2 hours @ $150. I just dont under why we cant for go all the party favors and rent the darn room for about $125. I may through Kona a darn 7th birthday party just to prove a point to them. she’ll be 7 in december 31st.
Hey Puparazza and Dan, yes i want all the dogs to be able to get together at the Zoom Room. Dan keep working on a angle and yes Puparazza, Our dogs are well socialized and it should be no problem. Love all the pics posted and have a great Thanksgiving and hopefully we all get together when you get back.