Though not a rule, agility often runs high to the herding dogs. Given the many herders, it’s only natural that nipping and driving handlers can be a problem on the course! What can you do to avoid the dreaded nipping?
Nipping can be a sign of frustration, especially in high-drive, octane-fuelled dogs. They want to know what to do next, and they want to know it now! I see their thought processes as ‘Why so slow, person? WHY SO SLOW? If I nip you, will you think faster?’ In order to head off this kind of nipping, don’t let your dog become so frustrated with you. Either give the directions quickly, or keep the dogs arousal lower. (I realize that slowing a dog down is not usually suggested, but at a certain point revving up is counter-productive, at least until the handler can work the dog when it is fully excited.)
Another reason for nipping is the dog simply never learned that nipping is unacceptable social behavior. This can be easier to deal with than excitement nipping – or harder, it very much depends on your dog. Some trainers have success when they remove the dog from the course at the first graze of teeth. Also, redirect the dog’s energies to an appropriate item, such as a tug.
Recently a customer came into the warehouse looking for help with her dog’s teeter terror. We discussed the options for a while, and decided that a rocker board would be the best bet for Oslo, since he’s mostly afraid of movement. She took this video to show us how well he’s doing – with a little help from a friend!
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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!
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!
Though not a rule, agility often runs high to the herding dogs. Given the many herders, it’s only natural that nipping and driving handlers can be a problem on the course! What can you do to avoid the dreaded nipping?
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