"Working Retirement"

So, yeah, you know me... I can't just completely stop.  ;-)

Tripp, at 10 years old,  is still officially retired.  We're not competing in anything or entering events.  But we get bored.  Or at least dull.  As most of us realize, it's perhaps especially important in older age to stay active and maintain physical & mental wellness!

I recently decided to take up some "easy" parkour with the boy to keep him sharp.  He is so happy to be working again!  :-)  It's good exercise for mind & body, and can be reasonably adapted to the dog's abilities (which can fluctuate day by day in later years). 

I'm following guidelines from the International Dog Parkour Association for direction & ideas.  I have also found that opportunities for titles & such do appeal to my competitive side, and motivate me to actually stick with something.  So while another title isn't the main goal, it is something for us (me) to aim for, alongside staying healthy.

IDPKA as a dog sport is kinda perfect for us right now.  It's about working with your dog, being active, stimulating the brain, and just having fun, without the expense or commitment of competing in trials; yet you can (when ready) submit videos to earn titles.  It has an element of complexity, certainly some challenge to get to a qualifying level, following every rule, but done right, you aren't likely to have wasted entry fees or travel time.  I particularly appreciate that at this point in my own life.

We've just started on this, although many of the behaviors Tripp already knew to some level.  We are mainly training for "cleaner" performance on most things, trying to learn & adhere to a new set of rules.   It'll be a while, I'm sure, until we are ready to submit anything for titles.  But until then we're just having fun.

Today I was lucky enough to have time for JZ to take some video of us working at the local park.  Neither of us were at our best - lower energy and head not completely in the game - but it was decent practice overall.  And a start to what I hope will be an ongoing, and ever improving, new youtube playlist.  Plus a chance to get feedback from the parkour group, so we can work on better performances.

Here we go, staying active & healthy in retirement!  :-D

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvQGzBYo7ifLMbyWTZ1LzKVGzu5jyp34h