We recently interviewed one of the most inspiring members of the OneMind Dogs community, Elaine Hamer from Australia. Elaine is a dog enthusiast who embraced the exciting world of dog agility with her beloved dogs as she approached retirement. Living on a farm, she has always been surrounded by working dogs, including Kelpies and Border Collies.
Her journey into dog agility began unexpectedly and, despite facing challenges like hearing loss and memory issues, she has truly thrived and is loving the experience. Elaine’s early success can be attributed to passion, dedication, and the supportive OneMind Dogs community.
Join us as we explore her heartwarming story, the joy of agility, and how OneMind Dogs has made this journey accessible and fun.
Q: To start off, how about you tell us a bit about you and your dogs.
A: Well, I’m 72 years young and have spent my entire life on a farm. My dad managed sheep and cattle properties and I also married a farmer, so we’ve always had working dogs around—mostly Kelpies and Border Collies.
I recently retired from running a Farmstay where people stayed over or came for day visits to spend time experiencing farm life, which meant even more animals!
Right now, my family includes Ruby, my old Border Collie, Charlie Brown, my energetic Kelpie, Scooter, my cheeky Jack Russell Terrier, and Jessie, my young Kelpie. Oh, and I can’t forget Jessie’s mum, Chloe, who lives here too since she’s my son’s dog. Now that I’m retired, I’m thrilled to have more time to enjoy my dogs and even travel a bit!
Q: What inspired you to start dog agility training with your dogs?
A: We were on a caravan holiday, and I had Charlie Brown with me. We were camping at a showground with a horse cross-country course, and I thought, “Why not let him have a go?” I pointed at the obstacles, and to my amazement, he jumped over everything I indicated!
A couple of weeks later, guests at my farmstay were in town for a dog agility competition and encouraged me to reach out to Niki Drage, they said I was so lucky to have her within an hour’s drive as she was an amazing coach. I took their advice and I’ve been hooked ever since!
Q: What challenges have you faced in starting dog agility at a later stage in life, and how have you adapted to them?
A: Where do I start? One of my biggest challenges is that I’m quite deaf. I often struggle to hear instructions during training and competitions, which can be frustrating. I’ve got some new hearing aids that help, but it’s still a challenge.
Then there’s my memory. Let’s just say I’ve gotten lost on courses more times than I can count! I’ve learned to break the course down into smaller sections instead of trying to remember it all at once. I also find it hard to remember all the names of the moves at times. It’s a work in progress!
And let’s not forget about my little dynamo, Scooter. He’s a Jack Russell with a ton of energy and potential, but he can be a handful! He actually has a few not-very-polite nicknames. Fitness is another challenge. I walked a lot when I was running the farmstay, but I never really ran. Now, with all the sprinting required in dog agility and my heart condition, I often find myself winded.
Since retiring, I’ve been focusing on my fitness. I had a heart procedure that has made a difference, and I’ve started doing Aqua Aerobics 3-4 times a week. It’s a lot of fun and helps with my cardio! I’m still working on my fitness so that once on the course, it’s more about connecting with my dogs and not about the physical.
Q: How has OneMind Dogs helped you overcome these challenges?
A: I feel incredibly lucky to have Niki and Lynn from OneMind Dogs as my coaches. They really understand my limitations and my dogs’ abilities, and we focus on distance handling during our sessions. One of the best parts is that OneMind Dogs makes it so easy to train online! I can access resources and coaching from the comfort of my home, which is a fantastic support.
Q: Can you describe your training journey? What were your initial goals, and how have they evolved?
A: My training journey has always been about having fun with my dogs. Sure, getting a clear round at a competition is satisfying, but that’s not the only goal. When I first started competing with Charlie Brown, we often came home with placements. He’s now reached the Masters level, but I still have a long way to go!
I make the one-hour trip to Niki for lessons nearly every week, and it’s the highlight of my week. The dogs seem to sense when it’s lesson day too. Scooter starts whimpering with excitement long before we arrive!
Initially, I had no intention of competing in dog agility, but it quickly became addictive! I even closed my farmstay to have more time for competitions. Now, my goal is to enjoy as many competitions as possible as long as my dogs and I are having fun. I’ve set up some basic homemade agility equipment at home, and I’m working on filming our training sessions to send to OneMind Dogs for feedback.
Q: What are some memorable moments or milestones you’ve experienced during your dog agility training?
A: Oh, there are so many! Our very first competition stands out. I had no idea what to expect, and Charlie Brown managed to get three clear runs. He missed the fourth only because I stopped running!
Then there were those tough moments when Charlie seemed disinterested after a few competitions. I thought we might have to give up. I realized I was too intense about trying to remember the courses, which made him feel like he wasn’t doing the right thing. We shifted our focus back to having fun and enjoying smooth runs, and that made all the difference. Now, I always make sure he feels like a good boy after our runs.
I always get such a thrill when I see Niki or other skilled handlers run Charlie Brown or Scooter. The boys love the clear handling, and it’s a joy to see their true potential shine through.
Q: How has your relationship with your dog changed or deepened through dog agility training?
A: Dog agility training has really strengthened our bond. Charlie Brown has this instinctual desire to herd sheep which was initially a big distraction. The first time he saw an Old English Sheepdog at a competition, he was completely focused on it instead of the course. Thankfully, he’s learned that it’s just another dog!
I also love how much the dogs enjoy it, Charlie Brown absolutely loves to jump, especially when there are nice long stretches between the jumps. As for Scooter, he just loves everything about it! The moment he steps into the ring, he’s bouncing with excitement!
Q: What advice would you give to others in their 60s and 70s considering dog agility training with their dogs?
A: Dog agility training has given me a reason to keep moving and stay active. It’s mentally stimulating and brings so much joy. I’ve learned that having a purpose, especially at my age, is vital for my well-being.
I wholeheartedly encourage anyone to give it a go if they want to have fun with their dog! It’s fantastic to attend competitions and feel comfortable with your age, physical ability, and your dog’s training level. Everyone is accepted, regardless of their background.
Find a club or trainer or join OneMind Dogs online to get started, and just dive in! You won’t regret it!
Q: Has the OneMind Dogs community supported you in your journey?
A: Absolutely! The OneMind Dogs community has been incredibly supportive. I can always ask questions and find solutions or suggestions. It’s been a wonderful resource throughout my journey.
Q: So, what are your future goals with your dogs?
A: My only goal is to continue enjoying the journey! I want to keep learning, moving, and being around wonderful people who share the love for their dogs.
This inspiring journey into the world of dog agility highlights the joy and connection that can be fostered between dogs and their handlers, regardless of age. With the support of OneMind Dogs, it’s easy to embrace new challenges and adventures, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your passions.
