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  1. #1
    Best Friend Retriever Java's Avatar
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    WKC Masters Agility - Mia the Beagle

    I love Mia the Beagle's performance at the Westminster Kennel Club's Masters Agility. Because beagles. Bless their merry, independent ways.

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  3. #2
    Senior Dog smartrock's Avatar
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    I saw that, too. So funny. Must stop and lick. What? No lick? But Mom...

  4. #3
    Best Friend Retriever Java's Avatar
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    Yup. I tried agility with my beagle. Lots of respect for Mia & her person.

  5. #4
    Senior Dog labsnewfy's Avatar
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    Mia is absolutely adorable!! I just loved her happy face she was having a great time out there and so entertained the audience and judges

    I have a soft spot for beagles my little Annie was beagle/GSD mix
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    Senior Dog Snowshoe's Avatar
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    So cute. There was a very accomplished little Beagle at our Rally trials. Sure changed a lot of people's minds about the breed, she was so good.
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    That was hilareous!

  8. #7
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    I thought it was sad. She was incredibly stressed. Lots of displacement behaviors. Inability to do the most basic exercises that you know she's done a million times before since she qualified to be at this competition. She just couldn't cope. Like having stage fright even though you are a pro and know exactly what to do.

    It's so hard to know what to do as a handler especially under pressure -- I've had a shut down dog before and certainly haven't always handled it the right way -- but I'm betting the owner is wishing she'd just picked up her dog, told her it was ok and left the ring once she realized the dog was unable to work. The dog did try really hard. I always feel awful for the dogs when I'm at a show and I see this type of stress.

  9. #8
    Best Friend Retriever Java's Avatar
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    That's a really interesting and, for me, an unexpected perspective. I re-read your observations several times, then went back to re-watch the video with your description in mind. I think if Mia were a border collie or another intensely-focused breed, I might agree with your assessment but for Mia, I think I have to respectfully disagree. Having one beagle doesn't make me an expert in beagle behaviour (any more than having Boomer makes me one for labs) but to me, Mia looks like she's happy and typically beagle throughout. From my perspective, I see a beagle with exceptional focus who got distracted by scent, then by the sound of a child crying out (according the article I read). If I take my dog Banjo's stress behaviours and compare, I don't see those here.

    Banjo knew many commands but even when relaxed at home, while trotting towards me for a snack, would occasionally stop to sniff the carpet or sit & sniff. He'd shake himself afterwards, then reach me and take his snack. He could be an inch away from getting his favourite liver treat and whip his head away to sniff the air at a new scent.

    I get where you're coming from and I respect that. I don't have any experience in agility other than an intro class with Banjo so maybe I'm missing something but Mia's a beagle. I just don't see what you see.

  10. #9
    Senior Dog Tanya's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Labradorks View Post
    I thought it was sad. She was incredibly stressed. Lots of displacement behaviors. Inability to do the most basic exercises that you know she's done a million times before since she qualified to be at this competition. She just couldn't cope. Like having stage fright even though you are a pro and know exactly what to do.

    It's so hard to know what to do as a handler especially under pressure -- I've had a shut down dog before and certainly haven't always handled it the right way -- but I'm betting the owner is wishing she'd just picked up her dog, told her it was ok and left the ring once she realized the dog was unable to work. The dog did try really hard. I always feel awful for the dogs when I'm at a show and I see this type of stress.

    I didn't find it as sad as you but indeed, it was clearly over stimulating for the beagle and lots of stress behaviour - but I think they did ok considering that! handler was upbeat and positive.

    Not sure why they set up the ring as they did. Some places it looked like the crows was really close to the obstacles. Seems they could make more room.

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  12. #10
    Senior Dog Labradorks's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Tanya View Post
    I didn't find it as sad as you but indeed, it was clearly over stimulating for the beagle and lots of stress behaviour - but I think they did ok considering that! handler was upbeat and positive.

    Not sure why they set up the ring as they did. Some places it looked like the crows was really close to the obstacles. Seems they could make more room.
    A friend of mine with a Toller went to that event last year and documented how different and difficult it was compared to any other venue she has been to. She showed a lot of behind the scenes stuff. It's pretty nuts! And yes, very crowded. Extremely difficult venue.

 



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