Some trainers like to introduce dogs to jumps by laying jump bars or ‘bumps’ on the ground and encouraging them to complete them like they would a regular course. This exercise helps puppies to learn about handling, cadence, stride, and running a course, without potentially damaging their growth plates.
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27Jan
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18Jan
LIMITED TIME ONLY! We’re offering a new DVD! Foundation Training set starts at the ground and builds up to a ready-to-run agility partner! You’ll learn how to teach name recognition, focus, releases, touches, stays, crosses, flatwork, and many other invaluable agility skills! Available for a limited time only from Affordable Agility. Call (1-800-254-9441) or email us (sales@affordableagility.com) for availability.Tags: Affordable Agility News, agility beginners, agility training
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03Jan
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 StudentDear 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!
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30Nov
How do you decide what to buy? What to borrow? What to just do in class?This is a hard question, and different for every agility learner.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you choose what you want to buy, borrow, or practice in class.
Does my dog have difficulty with this? If so, why? Would more interaction with the obstacle help? If so, it might be beneficial to purchase one. If your dog has issues with wrapping jumps, it would probably benefit from at home practice. Weaves especially need to be practiced at home, in my experience.
Do I have room? Chances are, you can’t fit an entire dogwalk in your back yard. There are ways around that, using benches or a contact trainer to help your dog learn contact behavior, and steady footing on planks.
Is it something my dog enjoys? I think it’s a good idea to have an obstacle your dog absolutely adores on hand, to use as a reward, or just for a quick five minute practice pick me up. It’s a lot of fun to be able to go outside (or in the basement or barn or wherever) and do a five minute tunnel training day. The dogs get so excited!
Tags: agility beginners, agility obstacles, agility training
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07Nov
How can I tell if my dog is jumping properly?That’s a hard question to answer, since I haven’t met your dog! However, there are some basic tips for assessing your dog’s jumping. (if you have doubts, please ask your trainer or a vet. They can help you!)
Is the dog ‘throwing’ themself at the jump or are they jumping it? Some dogs look like they’re hurtling themselves like little rockets at hurdles. They should be jumping in a nice, rounded way, not ‘flat’ like a jet takeoff.
Stutter-stepping If your dog’s cadence goes off consistently before jumping, you may want to videotape them or ask someone else to watch while you run them. See if the stutterstepping is caused by sequencing, or the dog having difficulty finding the jump.
Don’t forget! spacing is important. If your obstacles are too close, it can effect the way your dog jumps.
Look up the jump heights for the organization you participate in, or ask your trainer to help you determine your dog’s jump height. That will really help! (please keep in mind that the shortlong breeds like daschunds and bassetts often jump at preferred heights, as do some of the giant breeds.)
Tags: agility beginners
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