Clean Run Magazine - March 2008 - 39

Don’t forget to work on both sides. Once you’ve mastered it in your backyard, try a gradual progression to more distracted off-leash work—at first separated (in a large training area) from other dogs or distractions, then working closer as your dog gains more focus, then out to a field or other similar area. This is also a great time to work on an off-leash recall. We guarantee it will come in handy either at a trial, at home, or while traveling. When your dog gets better at staying with you in the face of distractions, you can progress to more complicated ground work, such as crosses (changing sides while in motion), sending the dog ahead of you, sending the dog away from you laterally, and pulling him closer. Once you’ve mastered these without equipment it will be a piece of cake to incorporate the maneuvers on the field with all the standard equipment. Now imagine trying to do that first on the equipment! © ALISSA BEHN / PET PERSONALITIES © ALISSA BEHN / PET PERSONALITIES That will come in handy when you practice in a class full of other dogs playing with toys, as well as when you are running a course next to the exercise area. Bottom line, if working with you is fun, not a chore, the dog will love what he’s doing as long as you’re there with him. about their dogs can be traced back to attention problems. Dog missed a cue or left the ring chasing a squirrel? Can’t keep him at the start line, get his nose off the ground, or get him headed in the right direction? He’s worried about other dogs or people? Those can all be traced back to attention problems. “Attention” is a big training goal. But you can break it down into small doable bits. We’ve already talked about the importance of play. Think about it in terms of a human equivalent. Is it the entertaining speaker or the one that drones on that keeps your interest and attention? You don’t want to be the drone for your dog. The central question is: Is being with you fun for your dog or would he rather do something else? A good starting point is to check and see if your dog will run next to you. You’ll Attention and WorkingTogether Most newcomers to agility are surprised by the proximity of other dogs during the competition—with no fences! To compete in agility, you need your dog’s attention in the face of distractions such as other dogs, a fascinating smell, or an interesting person. Many competitors neglect working on attention and proximity games. Yet most of the complaints handlers have be doing plenty of that in agility, and it is a basic ground work exercise—no equipment required. If you can’t keep the dog interested in running beside you with nothing else going on, how on earth are you going to manage it on a field full of equipment, people, and other dogs? You can use a toy, treats, or a hand touch while walking slowly in a large circle to get started. Gradually build up to a jog, then a run. The dog should stay with you if your arms are at your side, keeping pace until told to do otherwise. And he should think it’s great fun! So make sure to use plenty of rewards while you’re training. Groundwork, addressed in the second part of this article, teaches your dog how to work as a teammate and follow your body language. It also gives you a chance to practice clear body language and smooth maneuvering. Many handler s neglect working on their own physical skills. Can you run and change direction quickly? Use your arms and body to signal smoothly? While it seems obvious, learning how to run well can significantly help your performance. For those of us who have never engaged in competitive sports before (ahem!), sessions with a personal trainer may be very helpful to teach physical skills. 39 March 08 | Clean Run

Clean Run Magazine - March 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - March 2008