• 10Jan

  Ladders to Dogwalks

  Dog Agility Equipment, Dog Agility Training No Comments

  Dogwalk planks are 12” across and require great foot dexterity to navigate safely.  If you begin teaching puppies and young dogs on the flat how to keep their paws under control (and under their bodies!) you will have a step ahead on safely navigating dogwalks and A-frames.

  Lay the ladder flat on the ground and coax or shape your dog to walk it.  When they trot along the length of the ladder confidently, flip it onto its legs and ask the dog to walk that way, raising each foot high, like a football player.

  Ladders teach the dog not only to be aware of their feet, but also to walk along a long, narrow length.  By training your dog on a ladder, you are helping them learn how to run over a dogwalk beam.

  After your dog has mastered ladders, start them on a plank on the ground, then on cinderblocks.  Soon you’ll have a brilliant dogwalker!

  

  Tags: agility safety, agility training

• 03Jan

  Can drive be trained?

  Dog Agility Training, Dog Training (General) No Comments

  I understand that as your dog becomes more confident as as we become better handlers, that the dog’s speed will often increase. But aside from that, or in addition to that, can speed and drive be trained/encouraged? Thanks for your help! An Agility Student

  Dear Agility Student,
  Yes, speed and drive can be trained and encouraged! Reward the fastest performances highly, and give lesser rewards for not-so-quick but still-good work. Your dog will catch on, unless they are VERY ‘soft’. Another trick is to speed up yourself! If you’re running, suddenly agility is WAY more fun. Be careful not to outrun your dog too far when they’re not ready for it- I’ve done that with mine and it makes him bail off the side of an A-frame – SO dangerous.

  You can also try varying your rewards – maybe different kinds of snacks, or new toys mixed in sometimes will get your dog revved!

  

  Tags: agility beginners, agility training

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