Hector is a Miniature Schnauzer. Once upon a time the breed was known as 'Miniature German Schnauzer'. They are of the terrier class, and originally bred for rodent control. Hector is Black in colour, different from the more common 'Salt & Pepper', and has a wonderfully soft coat that does not shed. Hector has been doing Agility now for about 2 years, and loves it! When watching up set up equipment, he whines, yips and barks with excitement, to the embarrassment of his handler! In his very first trial, Hector gained a Novice Jumping Pass with a place. It took a few more trials before he gained an Agility pass, but then he managed three passes in a row, with first or second placings, and got his Novice Agility Title as well. Hector gained his JD (Novice Jumping) Title at Bairnsdale in March this year, and is working on his first pass in Excellent Agility. He also competed in Novice Strategic Pairs with his best friend Solan, and gained a pass there as well! |  |
 | Left: Hector negotiates the weave-poles. These are a series of 6 or 12 vertical poles, set approx. 2 feet apart. The dog must enter the obstacle with the first pole on the left shoulder, then weave between each pole sequentially without missing one. This little Schnauzer is especially keen to weave, and it is lots of fun to watch him bounce along. Below: Hector takes off through a hoop. In this NADAC trial it was the first obstacle of the course. which gave this little dog plenty of room to get his speed up. Directing a dog through a hoop is a great way to develop directional control. |
 Above: Hector comes over the peak of the A Frame. This is a long way up for such a small dog, being more than 5 feet from the ground at its peak. Right: coming over the single bar jump with drive. Tail in the air, and back legs extended for best clearance. |   |
