Agility: progress report + Help for Horatio

SUBJECT	TRAINER'S COMMENT	DOG'S COMMENT
Attention levels	Bertie must learn that barking at the horses in the adjacent field is not the point of the exercise.	I like attention. Why do all the other dogs get more attention than me? Especially that Maddy, just ‘cos she’s so hopeless at the ‘wait’ bit.
Speed over obstacles	Bertie could move faster if he put his mind to it, as he shows when chasing fellow trainee Maddy.	Look, if you go quickly then your turn is over too soon and that’s no fun.
Accuracy over obstacles	So long as he actually tackles the jumps, rather than dashing across the field to try and join the more advanced dogs, Bertie usually does well.	“Does well”? Talk about faint praise. I’m brilliant. Have I ever knocked down a jump? Ever? No? I rest my case. Oh and, what do you mean "more advanced"?
General behaviour	Bertie is not the worst behaved of the young dogs we have come across, but his tendency to go AWOL half way round the circuit needs attention.	Hey give me a break. Remember that I am a terrier, and unlike all those swotty collies, naughtiness is my birthright.
Areas for improvement	Bertie is far too fond of the sound of his own voice. We are less so.	I have noticed that some of the other dogs have treats that smell much better than the ones Gail brings for me.
Issues with handler	For someone who claims to have a PhD, Gail’s ability to remember the order of the obstacles seems rather poor.	See comment above. Plus, why are you always so ready to praise the other dogs Gail, yet so critical of me?

Maddy the Manchester Terrier (she's FAST!)

Dawn - one of the many swotty collies

PS My little wire haired fox terrier friend Horatio in Edinburgh needs your help!

He has been attending puppy school this summer, and has apparently made a big impression with his sparkling personality. For the final class next week, he is expected to perform a party trick. His humans are in a panic over this. If you have any bright ideas about what he could do, please do go over to his blog and let him know.


PPS Below is a version of the report card which hopefully those of you who see a big blank higher up in this post can read.