Actually no this was not in order. I also flayed around with taking the ball and not taking the ball to the line with me. I wondered if not taking it might make him happier to leave the line so the first 2 runs I just took food (which he loves) then I tried taking the ball and playing with it before we went in and after. I feel that he was better when I took the toy. I have another trial not this weekend but next. Yes I can run with a ball. Most judges will allow it but I will be eliminated which is fine. I have tried this before (a long time ago) He was always good when I took the toy but then not when I did not take it so I actually gave him a long break from agility and have only started running him again the past few months. I have not tried starting without a stay. I could try this depending on the course. I will just need to check the rules about this. When I used the ball at the weekend I faked him out and pretended it was in my pocket but I slipped it into the bucket when I sent him to pick up some food. I will practice with the bucket at home as well
