Dog Agility: Training For The Trainer
When you get started with agility training, your biggest worry might be wondering how to teach all of the skills to your pet. Creating an agility training plan can be a good way to get started. There is much to teach and much for your pet to learn, but the good news is that your dog doesn't have to learn every skill immediately.
One great way to start is by using a pause table. This is a table where dogs must hop up and sit, stay and lay down for an extended period of time. Not only will you be teaching important obedience skills, your dog also will be learning an important component on the dog agility course. Be sure to always use the same words for each skill and pair it up with a non-verbal signal. For instance, for "sit" use the word sit and then use a specific hand signal for sit. Then create a signal and word for "stay" and "lay down." Don't forget to teach them signals for jumping up on the table and off the table, as well.
Of course, patience is highly important because learning new skills takes some time. Just keep in mind that the pause table skills will be highly important in other situations as well. Once they have mastered your pause table teachings, begin what is known as distance training. On the course, handlers are several feet away from the dogs so they must be able to follow your signals when you are not next to them.
As you add obstacles, you also will be adding new signals and command words. This is why it is wise to start slow and add more obstacles slowly after each new skill is mastered. Your second obstacle might be a single jump. Start out each lesson by reviewing pause table skills and then move on to the jump. Once your dog seems to have that down, attempt to begin with the pause table and head straight to the jump. Then perhaps you might add a second jump or maybe a tunnel or even a teeter totter.
It is important to note that treats and other incentives are not allowed on an agility course, and you really shouldn't overstuff your dog with treats anyway. There's no harm in using tiny treats as an incentive in the beginning. Just be sure to stop giving treats and replace it with praise instead. A soft pat or a simple, "good dog," can be enough. Dogs love treats, to be sure, but they really love praise and when they see how excited and proud you are after they complete an agility course, that is all the reward they really need.
When searching for agility equipment, check out the offerings from Carlson Agility. They sell all types of agility equipment, both full-size and miniature versions, which are great for smaller dogs, dogs that are new to the sport and your agility puppy. You can purchase a starter kit with just a few basics or just order one piece at a time. They have agility dog walks, agility a-frames, all sorts of jumps, tunnels, chutes, weaves, teeters and many other interesting items.
One great way to start is by using a pause table. This is a table where dogs must hop up and sit, stay and lay down for an extended period of time. Not only will you be teaching important obedience skills, your dog also will be learning an important component on the dog agility course. Be sure to always use the same words for each skill and pair it up with a non-verbal signal. For instance, for "sit" use the word sit and then use a specific hand signal for sit. Then create a signal and word for "stay" and "lay down." Don't forget to teach them signals for jumping up on the table and off the table, as well.
Of course, patience is highly important because learning new skills takes some time. Just keep in mind that the pause table skills will be highly important in other situations as well. Once they have mastered your pause table teachings, begin what is known as distance training. On the course, handlers are several feet away from the dogs so they must be able to follow your signals when you are not next to them.
As you add obstacles, you also will be adding new signals and command words. This is why it is wise to start slow and add more obstacles slowly after each new skill is mastered. Your second obstacle might be a single jump. Start out each lesson by reviewing pause table skills and then move on to the jump. Once your dog seems to have that down, attempt to begin with the pause table and head straight to the jump. Then perhaps you might add a second jump or maybe a tunnel or even a teeter totter.
It is important to note that treats and other incentives are not allowed on an agility course, and you really shouldn't overstuff your dog with treats anyway. There's no harm in using tiny treats as an incentive in the beginning. Just be sure to stop giving treats and replace it with praise instead. A soft pat or a simple, "good dog," can be enough. Dogs love treats, to be sure, but they really love praise and when they see how excited and proud you are after they complete an agility course, that is all the reward they really need.
When searching for agility equipment, check out the offerings from Carlson Agility. They sell all types of agility equipment, both full-size and miniature versions, which are great for smaller dogs, dogs that are new to the sport and your agility puppy. You can purchase a starter kit with just a few basics or just order one piece at a time. They have agility dog walks, agility a-frames, all sorts of jumps, tunnels, chutes, weaves, teeters and many other interesting items.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. To find an agility equipment, or to find helpful agility dog training equipment like dog agility kit, please go to the Carlson-Agility.com website now.
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