Agility Dog Association of Australia Ltd

Handler Profile (September 2005) ~ Lyndal Nichols

Where do you live? On a little ex-dairy farm about 100kms north west of Brisbane.

Occupation: I had a commercial crop of Rosellas in over Spring / Autumn.
Apart from the occasional agricultural endeavour, I look after my children and manage the sheep, chooks, turkeys, house cows etc. I procrastinate about doing the BAS for our steel fabrication business, I consider cleaning the house, I mulch the vege garden, I send out bills. I walk the dogs over the paddocks, worm the sheep, consider the weather, “work” on the computer. By then it is time to cook dinner and go to bed.

Describe yourself in 25 words or less: I get great ideas. I am very optimistic and am usually sociable. I can be vague.

Describe your agility vehicle:  A twin cab ute with a dog crate on the back.  We have Sections. The first section is usually adults. The one behind is a fairly intensive section of “tweens” and teenage humans. The next section, divided by glass and steel is taken up with a varying number of dogs. The last section is full of luggage or fold down crates or both. I have often wistfully dreamed of swapping the second section with the third section.

When did you start playing agility, what drew you to the sport?  The idea of graceful teamwork between woman and beast really interested me. Also I found it easier to get to agility training once a week than getting up very early to train the kelpies for 3 sheep trailing.
Sheepdog trials are hard to place in and are held mostly over the other side of the range. Agility is much more convenient. And easier on the ego. I have kept the sheep as accessories and as dinner.

Dogs and their achievements: Shadow (blue and tan Kelpie) MAAD and useful sheepdog. Soot (black and tan Miniature Pinscher.

Where do you train?  Suncoast Fundogs in Caboolture, about 30kms away.

What do you like about agility?  I really like the way a meeting of dog agility fans validates my love of dogs. I like to be with people who also appreciate the way dogs move, the way dogs fly over hurdles, the way dogs turn and neatly tighten their muscles to accomplish glorious feats of agility.

When did you start in agility?  1996.

What is your favourite ADAA event? (Agility/Jumping/Gamblers, etc) and Why?  Agility. I like a straight forward course which has plenty of do-able challenges.

What was the most important piece of advice that you have been given about agility?  Keep the dog motivated, whatever it takes.

What was the most difficult training problem that you have overcome?  Getting some done!

What will your next dog be and when do you think you will get it?  My next dog is a Miniature Pincher. She is 13 months old and here in the office, right now, tearing up bits of paper. Why did I go Toy? I am not ready for another working sheepdog just yet, but she is still black and tan with pricked ears. (See Lyndal's article on little dogs).

What is your favourite training game and how do you play it?  Something with weave poles, hurdles and a drum (barrel) to keep things moving. I can play on this equipment at my place which makes it opportune as well as fun. Just walking out into the paddock and having game of fetch with 1-5 dogs is entertaining.

What is your next goal in agility?  To have a speedy little black and tan dog which will “soot” her way around the agility field and amaze all my friends.
 

Lyndal with Soot and Shadow
Photo by Audrey Harvey

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