I've just started agility (2nd week so early days) with our 14-month old and, as expected, he goes totally beserk and almost pulls me off my feet every time another dog goes over a jump or through a tunnel etc.  Killing my hands on the lead and have ended up in tears at both classes because I just can't control him, plus it's exhausting as he's so strong.

What I find really frustrating and can't work out why is that though he won't listen to me (e.g. trying to get him into a down stay), he'll do anything to obey the class teacher.  Do they have special powers as this has happened at all previous dog clubs we've been to?!!!  It's not that her treats are better quality but she can just get his focus instantly in a way that I can't.  He acts all goody-goody and then loses himself again once I've got him back, making me look totally rubbish!

Sorry, just having a moan, we're continuing obedience classes where he is slowly improving and I know agility is a lot more exciting, I just want some of those special teacher powers! Are there any pills :)

The first pup obedience class we went to ended up like this, but the second one was much better (not perfect, but reasonable). The main difference seemed to be that i really disliked the first instructor and so the classes made me feel uncomfortable and anxious, whereas i felt really comfortable with the second class.
Try to act relaxed (even if you don't feel it). Stand with your shoulders back so you give out firm signals to your dog, if you are normally seated whilst waiting, stand up if he starts to act up, so you feel more in control.
The most important thing is to relax and stay calm, because if he is excited and you get anxious and excited, it is going to escalate.
Could you keep him on a halti/gentle leader or similar while he is waiting, to stop him pulling you about?
I found having a pocketful of toys better for keeping my dog calm while waiting, and also to do some obedience training quietly using hand signals only, so as not to disturb anyone else, but he has to watch you to see what you want.
It's great really that they so want to join in the fun.

Animals have a great ability for showing us up in public don't they :)  Dogs are often more polite with people they don't know very well, I guess they don't feel so confident with testing their patience.  Try taking him for a long walk before you go, he'll probably still get excited because he's young but won't pull you about so much. Also a head collar when he's waiting his turn will make life a lot easier for you.

All the dogs who do things like Flyball look like looneys when they waiting their turn to do their thing so looks a certain element of craziness and willingness is needed! lol

It will get better, my early agility classes were a disaster.  My GSD was over keen and very over excited and I got dragged about all over the place, I can sympathise with the sore hands too. I got a very soft leather lead in the end and she got half her breakfast the morning of the class (it was at 6pm) so that she was very very interested in my treats! Might not work for everyone but she soon got the hang of it.  We kept up the obedience classes too and she got good at both.  Sadly her hips are no good so she doesnt do much now.

I'm sure they play up in front of "experts" just for a laugh!  No special pills. I think its a case of "I don't know this person as well as my Mummy so I'm going to behave and sus them out".

Thanks for the replies, he's been a rascal all his short life and has been improving so will crack the agility problem yet! :)

try getting her focus on a special toy such as a tuggy is good as soon as she has had her turn give her the tuggy to play with ..with you  while you are waiting for your next go.
Only take this 'special' toy to agility she doesnt get it any other time to play with so she will make the most of it when she can!
This should have her looking up at you to play rather than the excitement of watching the other dogs.

HTH

Roni

Also I would recommend a Gencon headcollar (figure of 8).  My GSD girl has high prey drive and as such as soon as anything fast (i.e. collie) has a go or any dog looks like it is enjoying itself she barks and lunges.  A headcollar has saved my arms, my sanity and our relationship at agility.

It doesn't substitute teaching focus at training, or working your dog but it does stop you from coming home in tears cos you feel like you have gotten no -where.  It definitely tipped the balance in my favour at training.

BTW - all our dogs at club are angels for the trainer.  And then when I am a trainer at obedience everyone else's dogs are angels for me.  I wonder if it's because the trainer so obviously gives off an 'in charge' aura and also everyone at training stops and listens that the dogs pick up on this and take them as pack alpha at class.

With Jayne on this one. Zak HAS to wear a gencon, especially at agility shows. He isn't too bad with the other dogs, he just spends all the time trying to get into the ring, to do his run! I can't hold him, he gets so excited. I sometimes take a spray water bottle with me too. His continual barking drives me mad. Having said all this, we absolutely love it & Zak normally comes home with a rosette. I would also suggest raising your voice. I was told when I first started agility that it was no good just talking to Zak, I have to shout & have authority in my voice. When I train Tilly (X terrier) I use a completely different tone in my voice, although I have had to be firm when she has attempted to 'do her own thing' ie. running off. Good luck.