I know all of you have been wondering how I have been getting on with my Beginners Agility course. Well, it actually finished a week ago and I had a GREAT time during the 8 week course! 
I learnt lots and had heaps of fun! I know some of you have said that the Beginners Agility classes in your countries are very different – like you only practise on single pieces of equipment first – but here, they seemed to push us to do everything really quickly…we were running our first courses by Class 4!
My special way of doing the Tunnel! 
It was a bit difficult sometimes ‘coz I found it really hard to fit through a lot of the equipment…and although I did finally manage to squeeze through the Tunnel, the Head Instructor told my human that it was really too small for me and would be bad for my joints…so he said I could do the Tunnel a different way to everybody else! 
I also started learning how to do the weave poles…which is quite different to weaving through Hsin-Yi’s legs when we’re dancing! And I got quite good at doing the Chute, although the Tyre Jump was always still really difficult for me to get through quickly or without banging my hip on it painfully…so often, the instructors would tell my human to skip those things. But, I must say, that got really boring because all I could do was Jump after Jump after Jump whereas all the other doggies could have fun doing lots of different things! Humph! 
I wish they have Giant Breeds Agility here, like they do in the faraway place called UK, so that everything is scaled up for full-sized doggies like me and then I can really run fast through the whole course – without having to keep skidding to a stop to squeeze myself through things! 
But anyway, it was still good fun. And I made lots of new friends – in particular, Scarlet the Shepherd-cross and Cody, the NZ Huntaway-cross. My friend, Lucky Bear, also came to join a few classes.
Me with some of my classmates!
And here are some shots of me in action!
I also want to share a movie of highlights from the course – Hsin-Yi still took the camera machine every week and tried to ask other people in class to film us, and Paul kept his promise and came back to my last class…so I got lots of good stuff to show you!
Look at me flying over those jumps – not bad for a 6yr old “senior” Dane, huh? 
* from Hsin-Yi: for those of you who are wondering: No – we will not be continuing with Agility. Firstly because I don’t feel that all that impact and crouching is good for Honey’s joints, given that she is now in “middle-age” and is a breed that is especially prone to arthritis and other bone problems already. Maybe if she was still 2yrs old…although I would still be hesitant: almost every person I have spoken to who does Agility with their dogs ends up with dogs suffering from early arthritis, hip problems or similar…yes, I know there are probably a lot of fit, healthy dogs who have done it for years with no problems but I’m sure it increases the risks, just as human athletes and dancers have increased incidence of injuries and other musculo-skeletal problems.
Secondly, I have to confess that I did not find it as rewarding as Canine Freestyle. Yes, it is a lot easier to do and especially to motivate Honey and keep her focus (I don’t even need treats!) but I missed the creative, artistic aspect that comes with the dancing, choreography and music. In fact, once the novelty wore off, I found it a bit mechanical and repetitive. Maybe this was because there was so much Honey couldn’t do due to her size and I found it very frustrating to have to keep skipping things.
It wouldn’t have been so bad, I think, if Honey was very slow but she is actually a very fast, agile dog (for her size!) and it was very frustrating to see her unable to fulfil her potential because she couldn’t fit through the equipment to fly through the same way the smaller dogs could. It isn’t like she isn’t willing – as you can see in the video, she’s trying really hard! – one of the nicest things about Honey is that she is always so game and so keen to please me and do as I ask but although people kept pointing out to me that she could fit in, she just could not move at the same speed as the smaller dogs when she had to belly-crawl or similar…I’m sure a 7ft basketball player wouldn’t dive through a small hole as confidently and as quickly as a 5ft petite lady!
Ironically, although Freestyle also favours smaller dogs, Honey seems less disadvantaged there because it is a much more flexible dog sport and you are not forced to do things according to a fixed code but can adapt and choose moves to suit your dog’s size and abilities. There is no prescribed list of moves that every dog MUST do – you can even invent your own tricks & moves – you are only limited by your own creativity and imagination – and I enjoy the constant creative challenge of choreographing new routines, matching new pieces of music, learning new tricks and moves….
Please don’t think that I’m belittling Agility – I know it can also be very challenging at more advanced levels and requires creative ways to negotiate the obstacles (front & back crosses, etc) but it’s not really ‘creative’ in the same artistic way that Freestyle is, I guess! To me, it is like the difference between being an Olympic slalom skier and a prima ballerina – both of those disciplines are extremely difficult and challenging in their own ways but ballet is more creative in an artistic sense, I think. Anyway, I’m sure that there are lots of people who think that Freestyle is just doing silly tricks to music and stupid and boring in its own way!
Paul thinks that perhaps Agility is more of a proper dog sport whereas Freestyle is more of a creative performing art…and I guess I’m less of a sports athlete and more of a creative, artistic type! Anyway, I’m certainly not belittling Agility and while it is “not really me” – we still had loads of fun and I’m so glad we tried it! (Thank you again to Riley for suggesting it!)
You really are a supersonic girl Honey! You run and jump really fast.
Bobo and Meja
Oh Honey! I suppose it is just as well you won’t do more agilities, you being a full sized gal and all. We do some agilities in our yard, but we can just do stuff that is Mango appropriate.
Those action shots are most wonderful. You are so fit for such a mature doggie.
Slobbers,
Mango
Boy, Honey really can move and jump fast! Too bad they didn’t have bigger equipment for her. I think it’s great that you gave it a try though.
Agility definitely isn’t as creative as freestyle. You pretty much have to run the course that is set up.
Hi Honey – we love these action shots of you, you are a truly versatile doggie indeed. You look amazing in all those leaping shots – wow! We’re glad you experienced agility although it’s a shame that you couldn’t get everything in the correct scale for you – but with your joints you’ll probably be better off swimming on a more regular basis instead (sorry!) Schnauzer snuggles – JD and Max.
For such a big dog. Honey You do good at agility!!!
The Fl.SunDogs Trio
OMG
your agility is soo good for a 6-year old pretty dane 
= happy birthday and many more years to come 
) we vergot to post a comment on your post of your b-day
and a gelukkige verjaardag en nog vele jaren! (thats in dutch
big slobbers
El’bow and hauwii
Whizzy action! I am impressed at how agile you are Honey but understand that agility is probably not the sport for you. It’s a shame though, you really seem to be enjoying it!
What fabulous photos! But I think you’ve made the right decision about freestyle over agility – sounds like it will suit both of you for years to come.
That music was perfect for the video! Honey really can fly! We were walking around our neighborhood today -it’s gorgeous and there’s a big Halloween block party for kids going on so I wore my new costume — and we saw a petite lady walking a pair of HUGE Danes. One was dark gray, the other a black and white harlequin. Both had cropped ears. They weren’t nearly as beautiful as you, but they were quite impressive!
Your pal,
Petey
I was wondering while marveling at those pictures whether you were concerned about Honey’s ability to take the impact of those jumps. Thor used to jump about while playing with us, and we’ve stopped him because he is a senior Mastiff. He is much heavier than Honey, stockier, as befits a gent, and shorter, and we were most fearful that the impact of that giant front body would harm his legs. He’s learned that he can lope gently around the yard with us, and has become quite happy with it. That said, Honey’s action shots are wonderful, and I hope she enjoys her new activities!
Hi Honey,
That is a wonderful video. I’m so pleased that you and Hsin-Yi had fun during the 8 week agility beginner’s course. It’s great that you gave it a go and learnt some new skills – you really are a very multi-talented girl!
Luv
Riley (the Golden Retriever)
Brilliant action shots!! It is a shame the other equipment wasn’t big enough, but to me you looked like you were more than happy to just continue jumping and jumping and jumping :p Congrts on Graduating your Beginners Agility Class
Flappy Ears,
Lexi
Way to GO, Honey!!! Congratulations! I think you totally ROCKED that agility thing! Your action shots are just the coolest – we all love how expressive and free your ears are! Wooooo!!!!
We think your Hsin-Yi is really smart not to pursue agility if she thinks it could hurt your joints!
Luv,
Dave
How cool to see you doing a course already, Honey! You are great at agility – flying over those jumps! I loved your action shots – I don’t blame you for not continuing in agility though. It is too bad that they don’t have giant breed agility there. You are a natural. It’s awesome that you gave it a try and now you can go back to focusing on freestyle which you are so good at!
Way to go Honey!! I am very impressed. I have just started taking obedience school for my very first time and it is very frustrating. Any suggestions on how to get me to pay attention to my mom and not what is going on around me? I do very well at home but in the big class room I want nothing to do with my mom?
I love the flying Honey shots!
Tank woo fur sharing them and the video too!
Once again, we have to khompliment your mom fur being soooo furry smart about ‘things’ -
All of woo are furry furry special!
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
Honey, you are so good at agility, but we think you have a very wise human who only wants what is best for you. We actually enjoy your dances more anyway:) Our Mom has always wanted to do Agility with one of her dogs, but she is worried about getting hurt herself since she has osteoporosis.
Honey, one other thing, you surely were very patient with that pup in the beginning of the video – you really are what you name says, a sweet Honey!!!
Woos, the OP Pack
Hi Honey and Hsin-Yi,
I just watched your video and read your mum’s comments and I do have to admit while it was fun watching you do agility I’m very glad that you will be hanging up your agility boots. I was so scared watching you do all those jumps…..I know it’s fun to jump but remember we are no longer spring chickens and we have to be very careful of our stilts (those are our long beautiful legs you know). I don’t want you getting hurt Honey. But you did a great job!! I do like watching you and your mum doing dancing much more…I can relax when I watch you dance and not worry so much. You are such an inspiration to all us danes out there and other dogs as well.
Thanks for sharing with us and keep the videos and training tips coming as we enjoy them very much.
AARF Kasha the Dane and her human Denise
Hi Honey! Great shots of you in action! You can run and jump really fast! Your mom is very smart in deciding what is best for you!
xoxo
Thor
She’s so bouncy! Agility isn’t for everyone
I love that my dogs love it. And while it isn’t as creative as freestyle there are so many things that need training with it both for me and my handling and my dogs training (outs, go’s, distance work, contact work, weave pole entries, etc) that could keep me occupied for a long time. I guess I just don’t find doing only jump work boring! I’m glad that you had fun though and kept us posted about it. And I’m really glad that you have confirmation that doggy dancing truly is your love 
Hi Honey,
You are great as always! We wonder what other talents you might have. A great thing about you is you always focus on your human. That’s one of the most difficult things for us Beagles!
Honey, you are so lucky to have a mom who loves you as much as she does. I am overwhelmed by all the wonderful activities she does with you. Bravo to her and I want to tell you that Honey, you are magnificent! Seeing those pictures of you flying through the air…wow, you’re AWESOME! You & your Mom are both AWESOME!
your cat pal,
Bruce:)
Most interesting post, Hsin-Yi. I’ve been going to a class for years, with Penny, and it was a casual mix of agility, film work, dancing, pre-flyball skills, and tricks.
Now that the class has closed down, I realise how much we miss it. I saw agility the other day at a local show and, like you, thought of joining it but was put off by the thought of doing the same thing over and over.
i agree that Honey seems quick and agile for her size. i was most surprised watching her birthday video a few posts back–she is very sharp and quick–crouches down then jumps up with quick movements–wolfhounds are not like that what so ever and it really surprised me givin her size.
Hey there Honey and Hsin-Yi
Congratulations on completing that course in spite of the hazzards! Honey is a really beautiful and amazing dog and you know what is best for her. Don’t worry about anything else. She has certainly acheved so much in her short life so far. It is a real privilege to watch this amazing animal!
Lots of love
MAX’s mom in South Africa
Honey you jump so high! That little pup that was after the doberman was really fast, wow.
I prefer to lay on the couch.
woof – Tucker
I agree I think you’d be a fantastic agility dog on a course built for you. You barely had a stride between some of those fences!! You’d think they could at least move them a little further apart. I still think you did brilliantly and congrats on graduating.
Jackal
It’s great that you got to experience agility. You being very creative helps you enormously in freestyle dancing which is why you find it so fun. Us less creative folks do other activities!
The jumping shot underneath your class photo is fabulous. If Honey were a horse, I’d say she’s ready for the Grand Prix ring!!
Hisin-Yi, thanks for the comment on my blog. I’ve just come over to say what I said there:
I hadn’t realised until our first real competition that flyball is taken seriously by the top dogs and their handlers. However, it’s highly unlikely that Penny and I will ever get out of level 6, so that’s a good thing, as this low level is much more relaxing.
And yes, I do so, so, so miss the class I used to go to. The trainer who took it is outstanding and I keep asking her whether she’s going to find a location to start sessions herself, since the shelter closed down her classes, but she’s so busy with her new business – home consultations, pet walking, film work, etc – that she just can’t.
Hi, thanks for visitin my blog, Honey! yea i’ve read abt Ombre & he’s so lovely! we’d luv to see u in person but we’re so far away from u in Singapore =[
my people call me birdee as i’m in lurvvee wit all birds! esp MY Sunset (she’s a lovebird) whom’s left for the rainbow bridge already.
you sure are swift despite your size & age! over in singapore, we’ve a beloved great dane (Ah Dai) passed away recently @ aged 3years+ (nearin 4)… this is his tribute in the media:
http://www.asiaone.com/News/The%2BNew%2BPaper/Story/A1Story20091019-174511.html
you’re really so fit & strong @ 6yrs old & we think that’s cuz of a great raw diet + lotsa exercise & mental stimulation which your people provide for u. you’re 1 very lucky Honey & my humans admire all that Hsin-Yi is doin for u! =p
loves,
birdee & family
WOW..you are AMAZING Honey…. I love watching you.
What great form you have…you GO GIRL!!
Take care…and don’t over do it though..
Paws UP!
GUS
Hi Honey,
We have given you an award! Pop in our blog to pick it up.
Also, this morning Rachael Hale’s photo book was delivered to us! We are so pleased to have a copy of a book that you are in.
We think you did great Honey!!! Can you imagine if we tried to do that?
I love the photos of you in action Honey! You are so agile and quick for such a big doggie. You look very strong and fit too … oh well, at least you have tried and enjoyed agility, and you can now go back to doing what you do best, canine freestyle. I’m sure some of those agility moves will come in handy when you go to the beaches and parks.
Congratulations Honey! You did great!!! Never fail to amaze me! Love, Dino
Honey, Go, Girl!!!!!!!!! You were fantastic! You did so well at agility, but you absolutely shine when you dance. Keep it up! Looking for more great videos from you. Your USA friends
You really did awesome in agility for being so big with wrong equipment. Agility is great for some dogs and freestyle is great for others. What is important is doing things that both of you enjoy!!!