In This Chapter
- Showing your dog where to jump and how to race through tunnels
- Exploring chutes and mastering the table
- Getting your dog to nail the contacts every time
- Navigating the A-frame and dog walk
In an introductory agility class, you find out how to direct your dog through a simple agility course, navigating obstacles with commands and body cues. This chapter gives you an overview of some of the obstacles in an agility course and prepares you for the adventures that lie ahead. If you want to pursue teaching more tricks, check out Dog Tricks and Agility For Dummies by Sarah Hodgson (Wiley).
Planning for a Good Training Session
After you’ve decided to take the
plunge into agility, you’ll be sharing the journey with other participants in
various stages of learning. Some will be way ahead of you, making you feel like
an eternal freshman. But in time, you’ll find yourself lending a hand to a new
team, and you’ll realize — “Hey! We’re getting somewhere!”
Remember
In the meantime, keep the following advice in mind as you get started:
- Make it simple. Many of the obstacles have adjustable heights, so start at the lowest position. This ensures your dog’s safety and success.
- Find a helper. Many introductory steps require an extra set of hands. Partner up with another newbie, and you’ll be doing each other a favor.
- Use leash control to start. Keep your dog on leash in the beginning, and listen to your instructor. Think of holding the leash as holding a child’s hand: In the early days of agility, it will make you both feel more secure. Your dog will need to be off leash eventually to execute the course, but the leash is helpful when directing your dog in the early stages. Wait until your dog really understands the program and your instructor tells you it’s okay to go off leash.
- Keep your lessons short and sweet. If you’re taking a group class, chunks of time will be spent listening to your instructor and taking turns with the various participants. Your dog won’t be “on” for long stretches of time. If you’re practicing on your own, a good rule of thumb is to do three to five repetitions on no more than three obstacles. Use lots of treats and end each practice session with a game. Though every dog is different, and some breeds or personality types might enjoy hours of practice, these dogs are the exception — most dogs burn out (physically and mentally) when pressed to perform.
- Stay positive. Throughout the learning phase, you’ll have days where you feel confused and awkward. Confusion is a little contagious, and your dog may catch it like a cold. She’ll show her confusion by acting up or racing around. If you compound the problem by showing frustration, your dog will misunderstand your displeasure and begin to associate it with the equipment or the activity. She’ll want to go home, where everything is predictable and safe.
- Listen to your dog. Some days, everything will be going right. Your dog will be eager, your signals will be crystal clear, and the sun will be shining. Other days, your dog will bolt, your knees will hurt, and everything will be just . . . muddy. On those days, lighten your practice load: Simplify the routine, end on a high note, and toss in the towel until another day.
Warning!
- As you practice, be mindful of your dog’s stress signals. Repetitive motions such as scratching, lip-licking, and barking can be a sign that your dog is losing focus or has overexerted herself. If you’ve just started your practice session, see whether a walk, ball toss, or some soothing pats will get her on track. If you’ve been out on the course a while or the weather is extreme, go home and chill. No one — dog or person — likes to be pushed beyond their limits.
- Have fun. Agility is about having fun and being together. Repeat it like a mantra — “Having fun and being together. Having fun and being together!”
- Keep it slow and simple, and smile! Remember the three-part cardinal rule when introducing any new obstacle: Keep it slow and simple, and don’t forget to smile!
The Jumps: Taking a First Leap into Agility Training
Most dogs love to jump. Teaching
them to do it on command can be the easiest step in agility, but there’s more
to a good jumper than meets the eye. Dogs must not only clear the object but
also be able to take a jump at any angle and land squarely.
This section gives you advice on
setting up the jumps for training. It also explains how to get your dog used to
clearing obstacles — at your direction — in different combinations and from
various angles. Finally, you get some quick tips for tackling the specific
kinds of jumps you’ll see in an agility trial.
Setting up the jumps for training
Tip
Regardless of competition jumping heights, set your jumps very low for training purposes. Make each one easy to clear and fun to do. A jump for a novice jumper should be below the dog’s elbow. Got a toy breed? Set the bar on the ground to start. When arranging a set of jumps, leave enough space between them for a proper five-stride approach and a clear landing.
Remember
Repetitive stress on your dog’s body increases the risk of injury.
As you and your dog get more
comfortable with the jumps, you should vary the height to keep your dog ever
mindful of the jump set in front of him. Lower the jump during routine practice
or on days when the workout is demanding.
Going over: Making the jumps
To teach your dog the agility
jumps, you follow a step-by-step process that ends with your ability to direct
your dog to any jump from various locations on the field.
Step 1: Calling your dog over the jump
Your dog’s first introduction to jumping should be easy and fun. Set up a low jump, say “Over,” and trot over the jump with your dog. As you move with her, try to get a feel for her movement — ideally give her five full strides to clear the jump and three more when she lands before interrupting her movement. Praise and reward her enthusiasm.
Now you’re ready to have her jump
on her own:
1. Have your helper stand and
hold your dog in front of the jump as you walk to the far side of the jump.
Stand, but don’t turn around and face her.
2. Twist back and make eye
contact with your dog; wave a toy or treat cup from the hand on the same side.
3. Call, “Over — Come,” as
your helper releases your dog.
4. Click or call out a praise
word like “Yes!” as your dog clears the jump.
Reward and praise your dog from the side you’ve twisted from when she reaches you.
Tip
Practice twisting, calling, and rewarding your dog from either side. This conditions her to move toward either the right or the left side as you indicate, which will become important as you sequence to other prepositioned obstacles.
Step 2: Running alongside
Next, your dog will learn to take
jumps as you run alongside him next to the jump. Here’s how to accomplish this
step in jump-training:
1. Hold your dog in front of
the jump and let him watch your helper execute the next step.
2. Ask your partner to walk
ahead of you, indiscreetly placing a toy or treat on the far side of the jump.
Tip
Place the reward several strides past the jump to allow your dog to land squarely. Have your helper ready to remove it in case your dog races around the jump.
3. Release your dog as you say
“Over!” and run with him toward the jump. Let him run just ahead of you and
take the jump as you navigate to either side of the jump.
Tip
As you shout “Over,” signal, too, with an exaggerated bowling motion directed at the jump. Your signal arm should be closest to the jump.
4. Click or shout your praise
as your dog clears the jump.
As he lands, let him enjoy his reward and/or break for a favorite game!
Tip
If your dog runs around the jump, have your helper remove the reward quickly. Calmly return your dog to his starting position, and show him the baited target before you release him. If he still dodges the jump, try trotting over the jump with him to let him see the reward, but don’t let him have it until he’s cleared the jump on his own.
Practice running and signaling
from both directions. You dog should be comfortable jumping with you
strategically positioned anywhere on the field.
Step 3: Encouraging your dog to run ahead
The term Velcro dog refers
to a dog who clings to her owner and can’t think well or enthusiastically on
her own. Although your dog’s affections may reassure you, discourage
overdependence by teaching her to go forward and tackle life . . . one obstacle
at a time.
Set the jump very low or lay it
on the ground. Then follow these steps:
1. Have your helper set the
lure just beyond the jump or set the target on the other side of the jump
yourself.
2. Send your dog out with “Go
on over” as you let her go.
Click or mark the moment she clears the jump. If your dog races around the jump, have your helper remove the reward before she reaches it.
3. Follow your dog past the
obstacle and then turn to play with, praise, and reward her for her efforts.
Phase out placing the target on
the far side of the jump. But don’t forget to praise and reward your dog
enthusiastically when she clears the jump.
Step 4: Setting up multiple jumps
Now you’re ready for multiple
jumps. Lay them out in a direct line, allowing your dog five paces between each
one.
Go back to Step 1, working with
your assistant to help your dog understand your new focus. Place the treat at
the end of the jump sequence and keep the hurdles low to ensure success and
safety.
Step 5: Adding angles
Enter “dog agility” in the search
box on YouTube (www.youtube.com), and watch a competitive run. Notice how each
jump’s placement sets up the overall performance.
Before you think sequencing, however, practice your jumps one at a time. Teach your dog how to approach and clear each one from any angle, as you encourage him to watch you for direction. Send or run your dog over jumps at different angles, varying your position to the left or the right to simulate a competitive agility experience.
Working on specific types of jumps
A professional course includes
many different types of jumps. Here are some tips on approaching specific kinds
of jumps:
- Single jump and panel jump: These jumps are straightforward: A single bar or flat, wall-like board is positioned for your dog to jump over. Your main goal is to build your dog’s success rate and enthusiasm so she doesn’t become a “bar knocker.” Dogs who clip the jump or dislodge a bar lose points or, worse, are disqualified in competition.
Keep the jumps low, giving your dog room to clear each one. Positively reward each step of this learning phase. Your enthusiasm and patience will ensure that your dog learns to jump high and clear.
- Spread jump: Spread jumps are a spread-out arrangement of several ascending bar jumps that your dog must clear. When practicing, keep the bars low to ensure your dog’s success every step of the way.
- Broad jump: These low, angled boards are spread out on the ground to simulate a wide environmental obstacle that your dog must jump over. If you’re experienced in trial obedience, you’ll notice the similarity.
Tip the boards on edge so they’re progressively more pronounced and harder to walk over. After your dog is jumping up and across them, you can lay them down one at a time, back to front, till the series is laid flat.
Tip
If your dog hits the boards, try laying an uncomfortable surface over them, such as chicken wire.
- Tire: A “tire” obstacle is usually an elaborate hoop suspended in a wooden frame. This jump may jar your dog’s concentration. When first introducing the tire, make sure that it’s braced tightly to prevent both motion and sound as your dog acclimates to it. Stay positive, and use plenty of tantalizing food lures and toys. Lower the tire to floor level and kneel down as you bait your dog to come through the circle.
If your dog’s still resistant, use a leash to steady her and lead her through. Toss a toy or treat ahead of her, or let her watch a favorite friend manage the obstacle. Leash her and cheerfully guide her through several times. After she’s coming through when you call her, raise the tire slightly. Good with that? Go back and practice Steps 1 through 4 in “Going over: Making the jumps.”
Warning!
Never force your dog through this obstacle. Frustration will ensure one thing: She’ll never get near a hoop again. Watch your temper.
Going Through Tunnels
The difficulty here isn’t so much
teaching a dog to run through a tunnel as it is teaching him to avoid it to
work on other obstacles.
There are two different types of
tunnels:
- Open-ended: A 15- to 20-foot-long open-ended tunnel that can be positioned straight or curved
- Closed: A 12- to 15-foot-long closed tunnel or chute with a barrel opening and a collapsible fabric tail that a dog must push through to get out
Make sure that each tunnel is
secured: Flexible tie-downs are best. You can make one with an overlying strap
or tether that’s affixed to sand-filled water jugs on either side. Dogs who
love the tunnels are called tunnel suckers.
Introducing open-ended tunnels
Begin training on the straight,
open-ended tunnel. Let your dog explore the tunnel as you walk along the
outside of it together. Look down the hollow as though you were exploring a
cave. If your dog grows wary, avoid looking at or reassuring her — your
attention will reinforce her concern. Instead, crawl into the opening in sheer
amazement, rewarding any sign of confidence.
Two unusual-looking tunnels are
used to compete for UKC titles. The hoop tunnel and crawl tunnel are open
frames that your dog must navigate in the same way she moves through the
tunnels discussed in the following sections.
Tip
When practicing your tunnel runs, direct your dog from both the right and left side. Later, your position will help orient her toward the next obstacle.
Step 1: Calling your dog through
Ask a helper to assist you. If
possible, scrunch up the tunnel to shorten its length. Then proceed as follows:
1. Ask your helper to hold
your dog at the mouth of the tunnel.
3. Have your helper release
your dog when you shout, “Tunnel!”
If your dog shoots through, reward and praise him enthusiastically. If he balks, stay calm and do whatever it takes to fan his enthusiasm . . . find more tasty treats, use a host of favorite toys, or position his favorite dog friend at the far end of the tunnel.
Super-sized tall breeds will need
to scrunch to get into the large tunnel. To encourage your large breed into the
tunnel, make it as short as possible. Lure him in with a tantalizing treat or
favorite toy.
Step 2: Running alongside
The next step is to teach your
dog to run through the tunnel as you run alongside it.
1. Set up and secure the
tunnel in a straight line.
2. Hold your dog at the mouth
of the tunnel while your helper maneuvers to the far end with a baited target.
When your helper has your dog’s attention, ask him to set the target on the ground.
3. Release your dog, saying
“Tunnel!” with enthusiasm. Thrust the arm closest to your dog forward in a
bowling motion.
If your dog ducks in, run alongside her, cheering her on as you do so she can better orient herself to your position as she exits. Reward her enthusiastically. If your dog runs around the tunnel or is confused, ask your helper to remove the reward, ignore her, and start over again.
Remember
Practice running along both sides of the tunnel. As you learn sequencing, the side you’ll stand on will depend on the location of the other obstacles.
Warning!
This obstacle is very, very exciting. Some dogs get wound up and forget their manners. To help ground your dog, let her drag a light leash. Should she start to zoom off, you’ll have an easy way to stop her. Laugh it off; then up the quality of your food rewards or practice just before mealtime.
Step 3: Sending your dog out
Next, you teach your dog to race
ahead of you to take the tunnel:
1. Keep the tunnel straight
and shortened.
2. Stand way back, and run
toward the tunnel saying “Go on–Tunnel!”
3. Slow your pace so that your
dog gets ahead of you.
4. Ask a friend to toss a
treat pouch or a toy to your dog as he emerges from the tunnel (or, if you’re
fast enough, greet him yourself!).
The chute: Introducing closed tunnels
The closed tunnel is slightly
more complicated than the open version. Here your dog must run into an open
barrel without being able to see her way out. What’s blocking her view? A
collapsed fabric tail, known as the chute.
Warning!
Make sure that your dog doesn’t get tangled in the chute. Fluff it before and after each use.
Getting your dog to navigate a
closed tunnel is similar to the preceding section on open-ended tunnels, but
with the following variations.
Step 1: Variations on the call-through
If possible, get your dog used to
going through the tunnel without the cloth section attached. Remove the cloth
section and call your dog through the barrel. Repeat Steps 1 through 3 as
outlined in the previous section on open tunnels. When your dog’s familiar with
the equipment, place the collapsible section on the barrel and proceed:
1. Fold the fabric section
back like a pant cuff, making it as short as possible.
2. Hold the fabric open so
that your dog is able to see through the tunnel.
3. Have your helper hold your
dog back; then call your dog through as described in the earlier section, “Step
1: Calling your dog through.”
Praise and reward him enthusiastically as soon as he enters the chute.
4. After your dog is
confidently racing through the tunnel, drop the fabric on his back gently as he
exits the chute.
5. Gradually drop it earlier
and earlier — using your cheerful enthusiasm to reassure him that everything is
okay.
Some dogs freak out when the
chute covers their head. Delay this as long as possible — when you’re first
dropping the fabric, make sure that it doesn’t cover his eyes.
Tip
You can practice a game of peek-a-boo with a lightweight towel and some favorite treats. Toss the towel over your dog’s head and say, “Peek-a-boo,” as you whisk it off and reward her.
Step 2: Variations on running alongside
Here you repeat Step 1, but you
enlist the help of a friend, freeing you to run alongside your dog.
1. Ask your friend to fold
back and hold the chute open.
2. Have her wave the baited
target so your dog sees it, and then drop it on the ground at the end of the
opening.
3. Shout “Chute” and signal
with your full-arm swing (the bowling motion) as you release your dog and let
her race through.
4. Run out to meet and
congratulate your dog with praise and play.
5. Have your friend lengthen
and drop the fabric as you did in the preceding section.
Remember
Run on either side of the chute to condition your dog to locate you as he moves through.
Step 3: Variations on sending your dog out
When your dog is comfortable
moving through the chute, you’re ready for the last step. Ask your friend to
hold the tunnel open for the first send-outs.
1. Stand back and run toward
the tunnel, shouting “Go on — Chute” as you signal and release your dog from
your grasp.
2. Slow your pace to let her
race on ahead of you.
3. Ask your helper to toss a
toy or treat bag down so that your dog is rewarded the moment she emerges.
Alternatively, run alongside the chute and do this yourself. When you reach your dog, play with and reward her some more.
Modifying tunnel positions
In competition, your dog will
have to navigate the tunnel on-course. At higher levels, the open tunnel may be
curved so that your dog will have to run to an opening that’s out of sight.
Here are a couple exercises to challenge your dog’s tunnel comprehension:
- Curved open tunnel: Curve the tunnel, both to the left and right. Send your dog from either side, conditioning him to take your direction from anywhere on the field.
- Hidden opening: From the same curved layout, gradually angle back away from the curve so you’re sending your dog around the tunnel to enter it. Use dramatic bowling signals to urge your dog to navigate around to the opening. Toss a toy/treat out as he races through. Bend the tunnel the other way and work the same exercise from the opposite side.
Waiting on Tables
The table obstacle tests your
dog’s ability to put on the brakes. While the rest of the agility course is
pure form, function, and speed, the table is the one obstacle where your dog
must come to a complete stop and hold a specific position for a full five
seconds.
If you’re planning on getting
some equipment to practice at home, put “table” near the top of your list. Why?
The skills you teach here have side benefits in everyday life: For instance,
when the doorbell rings or your dog sees a squirrel, the table can help ground
your overstimulated dog. A dog who has mastered the table has been taught the
obstacle with a fine balance of patience and enthusiasm. You can spot this dog
a mile away. She’ll
- Run directly to the table without hesitation.
- Quickly respond to “Sit” or “Down” as directed.
- Stay steady as a rock, yet be poised to spring on her release cue.
- Fly off tilt and onto the next obstacle, when given the cue.
But aren’t you supposed to be
teaching your dog to stay off the table? Well, yes, when it comes to
your furniture, but the agility table is a different type of table. It’s low
and square with a roughened surface area to prevent slipping (you can even
jury-rig a table out of a low, sturdy, resurfaced coffee table — sanded and
coated with sand-textured paint or nonslip vinyl strips). The height of the
table is adjustable to your dog’s height.
Step 1: Encouraging quick positioning
The first step is done off the
table: You need to speed up your dog’s reaction time to the “Sit” and “Down”
commands. Use your dog’s favorite lures and a clicker or word cue to highlight
his speediest renditions. Begin with the speedy “Sit.” When your dog gets the
knack of that, move on to the speedy “Down.” Follow these steps:
1. Give the “Sit” or “Down”
command as you lure your dog into position.
2. Reward your dog’s initial
cooperation — no matter what his speed.
3. Then withhold the treat for
faster positioning, urging him with faster luring motions and more urgent
tones.
Step 2: Going to the table
After your dog has mastered the
speedy “Sit” and “Down,” teach her to run to the table and get on it with eager
enthusiasm.
Tip
Make table time special by pulling the table out when practicing, but storing it away when not in use.
When you first approach the
table, let your dog explore it . . . allow her to sniff it, put her paws on it,
jump on it, and so on. If your dog gives you a double-take, do your best to
erase her skepticism by staying enthusiastic and encouraging your dog to climb
up. You’re ready for the send-off.
1. Ask a friend to stand
behind the table with a loaded target disc — an object laced with a treat.
Have your friend wave the object to get your dog’s attention.
2. Stand back 5 to 10 feet.
Shout “Table” as you let your dog go.
3. Mark the moment she lands
on the table with a clicker or a praise cue such as “Yes,” or “Good!”
Let her have the reward by approaching behind her and praising galore.
Always use your release word, for
example, “Okay,” to end the praise fest. You’re conditioning your dog to get
off when she hears the word cue. Increase your dog’s understanding by
practicing from different angles and increasing the send-off distance.
After you’ve accomplished all
this, try practicing solo:
1. Show your dog the target
and place it back and slightly off the table’s center.
2. Bring your dog back, and
then release her with the command, “Table!”
3. Run with her to the table.
If she leaps on, mark it with your word cue and/or clicker, and stop in front
of the table and praise her.
If she’s hesitant or runs by, move to the opposite side and encourage her to get on from the front.
If she ducks behind and tries getting up on the far side, put her on a short tab leash and calmly maneuver her back to the front side.
4. When she has mastered
jumping on the table, send her from different angles and distances.
Remember
Always release your dog from the table with “Okay.”
Tip
Some dogs approach the table with such force and excitement that they slip off. If this happens to your dog, shout her name as she nears the table.
Now phase out your use of the
target object:
1. Put the object up on the
table without lures.
Mark the moment she hits the target, and then run up and reward her by hand.
2. Remove the target
altogether.
Reward your dog instead with a marker cue (click or word) and treats.
Step 3: Practicing table positions
When your dog is super-happy
about the table, you’re ready to introduce your stationary commands, combining
quick positioning (Step 1) with going to the table (Step 2):
1. Bring out the table.
Practice a few familiar runs (see the preceding section) to stoke your dog’s
enthusiasm.
2. Send your dog to the table
by commanding “Table!” When all four paws hit the table, direct “Sit.”
Verbalize clearly and with urgency. Command from an upright posture — your dog may misconstrue any bending forward as threatening.
3. Cue or click and reward
your dog the instant he nails the posture.
Tip
At this stage, get close enough to your dog to treat him while he’s in position. Otherwise, you’ll be conditioning a position-pop-up — a big no-no in this sport.
4. Work on the quick “Down”
the same way you approached the “Sit” cue in Steps 1 through 3.
Your only focus at this point is
to teach quick positioning.
Step 4: Holding — 1-2-3-4-5 go
When your dog will assume whatever posture you direct on the table, you’re ready for the final move: holding still. In trial, the judge will stand near you and count to five: Initially, vary the holding time from five toten seconds.
You can practice this move at
home with or without a table. Do your quick “Sit” or “Down,” count out loud,
and then release with “Okay!” Use a more urgent tone than that of your everyday
command voice so your dog will know these short counts to five are different
than your other, lengthier, expectations. Follow these steps:
1. On every third “Table” run,
add the command “Stay” after your “Sit” or “Down” positioning cue.
Vary the stay time from 5 to 10 seconds.
2. Hold the treat in your hand
while your dog holds the position, giving her the food just before you release
with “Okay!”
3. Is your dog holding her
stay? Ask someone to volunteer as the judge — standing next to the table and
counting “1-2-3-4-5 GO!”
The bottom line? You don’t want
this obstacle to dampen your dog’s enthusiasm for agility. Make it a fun and
exciting challenge, and your dog will look forward to it as much as the other
obstacles on the field!
Acing the A-frame
The A-frame is a truly beautiful
thing. To condition your dog’s movement, practice the dismount first (known as back-chaining)
to help your dog learn to run through the contact zones (colored areas your dog
must touch). After this is accomplished you can work on your approach to and
motions over the frame as you chain together the rest of the steps, as follows:
1. Find a helper for the
initial learning stages.
2. Lower the frame to its
lowest point.
3. Put your dog on leash, and
surprise him with food or toys.
Tip
When practicing on leash, do your best to keep the leash loose. A tightened collar can throw your dog off balance and slows your dog on the very obstacles for which he needs momentum the most.
4. Lure him up the frame
saying a chosen command, such as “Frame!” or “Climb!”
If your dog balks, ease off. Let him watch other dogs manage the frame. Climb it yourself. Do whatever it takes to help him overcome that initial trepidation.
5. Don’t allow your dog to
stop on the obstacle, even as you’re rounding the top of it.
Encourage him to move quickly as you lure him forward.
6. After your dog is
cooperating on leash, raise the frame to its normal position (5 to 6 feet).
Perfected that? Is your dog
excited to scale the A-frame? You’re in good shape. Now you’re ready to
practice off leash. Your helper should continue to spot your dog. Move toward
the frame, using your familiar command and a bowling signal with the arm
closest to the obstacle.
Tip
If at any point your dog reverts back or tests the crazy jump-off maneuver, back-chain it, and start over. Stay happy — you need your dog’s pumped enthusiasm to complete all the obstacles on an agility course.
Staying Balanced on the Dog Walk
The dog walk is a bit precarious.
A raised, 12-foot-long, 4-foot-high, 12-inchwide bridge extends between two
planks — a balance beam for dogs. Mindful of their footing, few dogs will fall
off if they walk it, but you will eventually be asking for speed. A slow and
steady training regime ensures that your dog will be more mindful of her
footing when you speed things up. Here’s how to get your dog ready for the dog
walk, both on and off the agility course.
Off-course
Introduce this fun game in a
nondistracting setting. Here’s what to do:
1. Lay a wooden plank along
the floor.
Ideally, set the plank against a wall to discourage darting.
2. Use treats to lure your dog
(or puppy) onto the plank on leash.
3. Guide him down the entire
length of the board, praising and treating your dog as you go.
4. Lead him straight off the
end — straight off, every time.
5. When he’s comfortable with
this exercise, begin to use your agility command word: “Plank!” or “Walk it!”
6. Direct your dog to run the
plank in both directions, pairing the command with a bowling arm signal
whenever possible.
7. Remove the leash, but keep
enforcing the entire run — straight off, every time.
8. Elevate one end of the dog walk a few inches (use a big book or a brick). It will seem awkward. Go back to Step 2. Lure your dog on leash as you command and reward him. Proceed through Step 7, using this configuration.
9. Now elevate both ends and
repeat Steps 2 through 7.
Got that? You’re ready for the real deal!
On-course
When possible, introduce your dog
to using the Baby Dog Walk — it’s lower and safer than the raised
version, and it seems less scary to your dog. Here’s how it works:
1. Find a helper to spot your
dog on the opposite side of the plank.
2. Lure your dog on leash, as
you did for the A-frame (see the earlier section, “Acing the A-frame”).
Tip
If your dog is hesitant, create a Hansel-and-Gretel pathway with favorite treats. Use this grazing method a few times (and only if necessary) to encourage your dog’s enthusiasm on this obstacle. Hold the leash loosely to prevent unconsciously slowing your dog’s progression.
When your dog can manage this
obstacle with comfort, you’re ready to try the official dog walk. For the
raised dog walk, repeat the preceding steps, asking your helper to channel your
dog’s movements to prevent early slipping. If your dog does fall, stay as calm
and cheerful as possible. As they say in horseback and bike riding: If you fall
off, get up, get back on.
by Eve Adamson, Richard G. Beauchamp, Margaret H. Bonham, Stanley Coren, Miriam Fields-Babineau, Sarah Hodgson, Connie Isbell, Susan McCullough, Gina Spadafori, Jack and Wendy Volhard, Chris Walkowicz, M. Christine Zink, DVM, PhD
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