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RJL Apr 20 2008, 01:15 PM
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 If he's enjoying it and you are too, then keep going. One thing you may well find (and it is completely normal - so don't worry) is that after picking everything up really quickly and being super-responsive - he goes off the boil, just because it's all 'old' games to him and he's asseting his independence a bit too.

Making progress in class is great - but remember to practice commands outside and build up to working outside with distractions. This has to be done slowly but surely. Irish can be real manipulators (as I am sure you have found out) so watch out for him training you by anticipating what he thinks you might want - doing it - and then practically mugging you for a treat!!! Some dogs get really experienced at this and it looks really impressive - and lulls you into a false sense of security (I know - I've been there :blush: ) Where there is a known environment, like a training class, and they are sure of the reward it's all great - but when something changes - or you want to get them to do something different, you can get a :P from them!

There are Irish competing in obedience and some will enjoy it. Others find it tedious (as do some handlers :P ) and the precision-work just turns some dogs off who really want to learn new things. This is where the handling, practice and patience comes in. While he's still young, you could enter him on the KC Activities Register and go along to watch a few obedience events as 'not for competition' so you can get him used to just being in that atmosphere and see what you think of it.

My Irish loved agility and gunwork. You could also take a look at working trials, flyball and lure-coursin.

:yay: Sounds like you are doing really well with him. How near are you to Herts? There is a lady there who does flyball with her Irish and is starting to look at obedience too.
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Obedience Competitions · Obedience