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10Aug
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09Jul
Most people don’t have a regulation measuring device at home, so I have my students practice using a coat hanger. The shape of a coat hanger is very similar to the “arm” of a measuring device and you can rest it on the dog’s shoulders to replicate that part of the measuring process.Start with teaching the relaxed stand at home, then have the handler incorporate swinging the coat hanger over the back and then touching the shoulders. When the dog is comfortable with that, a friend or spouse can do the coat hanger part. Then bring it along to class and have other people or strangers do it.
Of course, the coat hanger isn’t going to report the height of the dog!!! :0)
By Elizabeth from www.bestfriendsagility.com
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30Jun
I’m not a naturally organized person. I get ready for class the day of class, and sometimes I can’t find what I’m looking for in time.I started keeping all of my agility gear- agility only leash, agility only Mr. Squeaky and extra special squeaky kong, agility only treats- in a Toy Tote that I keep in the back of the car with Quick’s agility crate. Neither of them leave my car. Ever. I’ve added a few things to it as well, like a water bowl, a doggie poop bag roll, and a drool rag, and since then I have really been all ready for class except for fetching the dog! I put my keys and wallet and cellphone in a wallet within the bag so that I keep track of them as well as everything else.
What’s your trick for being prepared for agility? What’s in your grab bag? How big is it?
Tags: dog products
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25Jun
I’m just starting to work on the dogwalk with my dog, and he won’t get on it at all! What do I do? He’s too big to just lift him up on it!”- An Agility Student
No, lifting your dog isn’t an option with bigger dogs, and not a very good idea with smaller ones, either! Your dog won’t learn to mind you very well, and will still be leery of the dogwalk. Instead, work to conquer his apprehension so he’ll approach the dogwalk with confidence! read more and see the video here…
Tags: agility obstacles
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22Jun
Q. Both my GSDs go flying into the flat tunnel, get half way along the flat part and get twisted up in it. I then have to send them through with someone holding the end up a little way. I always make sure the flat is laying in line and untwisted before they go through it toavoid this. It doesn’t happen every time but quite often. Of course they are big dogs and take up a lot of tunnel. Any suggestions please?
Thank youA. Hmm, this is a bit of a pickle. When dogs are consistently getting stuck and tangled, they tend to develop fears (no matter how mild) that affect their performance, which in turn can make the unintended result repeat.
Go a step back in your training, and start with getting them going fast through just the barrel. When they’re speeding through, add the chute, but fold it up so that it’s shorter. Recall your dog through the flat tunnel, cheering them on for speed. When they’re driving through that, gradually lengthen it and reward speed.
If your dog has enough force going through the flat tunnel, they’ll make it. Always make sure to talk to your dogs while they’re in the collapsed tunnel so they know where you are, and that they’re not hopelessly lost forever in the flat tunnel! Give them jackpot treats when they work their way out of the cloth, so that they know their reward is for getting through as quickly as they can, not being hauled out and petted to overcome their entanglement.
Another idea is to help your dog get used to chutes and tunnels, try putting another tunnel or barrel into the exit end of the chute to hold it open. Your dog can see through! it’s a miracle! Slowly faze it out after your dog gets the idea of running all the way through.
Can anyone think of any more suggestions to help?
Do you have any training questions or general questions? Ask us at admin@AgilityFusion.com!
Tags: Q&A
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