Agility
training is a great way to have fun and build your dogs confidence.
Below are a few tips for experienced dog owners.
1. Build a solid foundation by training in small
increments. Change only one variable at a time.
2. Build confidence by setting up success.
Set up your training to ensure success.
3. Train using visual and verbal commands.
Canines are more inclined to respond to body language. Train visual and
verbal commands separately or the canine may tune out the verbal command.
4. Tailor the training to meet the needs of the
individual canine. Use more control
if he is too independent and less if he is too handler dependent.
5. Use a reward system (food, toy or praise) that
works for you and your canine.
6. Handler must train confidence and body awareness
in his canine insuring that he works calmly effectively and minimizes injury.
1.Use spotters to help avoid mishaps.
Canines must feel comfortable working with spotters.
2. Always
check equipment BEFORE you begin to make sure it is secure and stable.
3. If a slip or fall happens it is important to
restore confidence immediately. Back
up to lower criteria if
necessary to end with success.
1. The agility field must be flexible to allow for
versatility. It must be easy to rearrange and modify.
2. Introduce
obstacles individually, and then chain them together.
3. Each
piece of equipment has it’s own rationale.
4. Each
behavior must be trained so that it can be generalized to any and every
situation.
1. If you are not having fun, neither is your dog.
2. Work
must be calm, but upbeat and repetitive, but never boring.
3.
Be
creative.
4. End
with success.
For more information on canine agility or lessons contact lorrie@pethomesitters.com