Clean Run Magazine - April 2007 - 21

never run agility in the midday heat until a competition weekend when it is almost certain they will have to do so. Likewise, classes are often cancelled for rain, and we are not inclined to go out in our backyards during a downpour and train. So, unless you plan to enter only indoor trials, make a point of training and running in various weather conditions. I don’t advocate overdoing training in serious heat or in slippery conditions for a dog that’s just learning. Reserve adding the environmental factor of various weather conditions to your training regimen after your dog is competent and conﬁdent on all obstacles. How to do this? Pick a drizzly day and go out in your backyard to do some simple jump and tunnel drills. Next time add the table and a contact or two. If you live in an arid climate where you don’t often deal with precipitation, it’s still a good idea to train for it even if it means you may have to pour some water on the table or contact surfaces to simulate a rainy day. Some dogs will need to increase their conﬁdence running in soggy conditions, while others will have to learn to control themselves better on slippery obstacles. F o r those who train primarily in evening classes at climatecontrolled facilities, you’ll need to get a few obstacles at home or elsewhere so you can get your dog working in and acclimating to the heat of the day, the cold, or the rain. One of my students was planning to go out west to a warmer climate for a national event and made a point of driving home on her lunch hour a couple days a week just so she could get her dog outside practicing in the noon sun. Coping with inclement weather on course is something that you and your dog should train for. © SABY ROCHON/SPORTPHOTOGRAPHY.CA Your dog may not initially appreciate working in the rain or the heat, but I think it’s important to work him through these conditions. While some dogs may never run their absolute best in weather they don’t like, you can improve their performance if you persist in practicing under the very conditions they least favor. So, don’t be a fairweather handler. Don those rain coats, parkas, or sun hats, grab your dogs, and get out to train. you’re “hot” doesn’t mean you or your dog’s muscles are warmed up. Rain and mud pose different problems. The ground can become slippery or even suck off your shoes while you’re running your dog. If your dog is very fast and doesn’t have a “slow gear” then your best bet for your partner’s safety probably is to scratch if the wet weather becomes extreme. What if you have a dog that has what I call a “midrange” speed? If this is your dog and safety isn’t in question, this could be a run where you take the points. Sometimes wet grass is safe for Jumpers. If the footing is safe you can probably manage. Contacts are deﬁnitely a problem when wet since they become slippery. A straight approach increases the safety factor but a bad approach can be dangerous. Chutes and tables can also pose problems in wet weather. Practice on a wet table and with a wet chute. I teach the table as a default, automatic down; dogs that down automatically learn to slow down on the approach by themselves. Dogs that wait for a command often overshoot or slide off. My rain- and mud-fest trial list is as follows: • Train ahead for a wet table and chute. Practice in the rain (but only in the absence of lightning). April 07 | Clean Run • Have the right gear for rain. Gortex is the only thing that works. People generally do their best when they are not miserable. Get good high-top boots if you plan on running in mud. I’ve actually opted to run barefoot rather than have my shoes sucked off. Don’t skimp on good gear for you or your dog. • Do not run in lightning even if the judge wants to keep going. • Be realistic when deciding whether to run. I’ve run the Jumpers course but scratched on Standard. Remember that the approach to the contacts is extremely important since they are slippery when wet. • Remember that warm-up—yours and the dogs. • Fire ants ﬂoat—they create little “ant islands” that can be deadly. Cold—I’ve judged and trialed in “extreme cold” and have suggestions. First, icy conditions (or frost) can be slippery. Your warm-up is even more important when it’s very cold. Human injuries are much more common in extreme cold. Take extra time to warm up yourself and your dog. Breathing is more difﬁcult as well. Your body uses moisture to heat the air so hydration is just as important (but often overlooked). Caffeine acts as a diuretic, further depleting your water supply. Drink water instead of coffee and hot chocolate. Here’s a list for the “oh my gosh, it’s too cold” trial. • Warm up. It’s more important than usual and it’s always important. • Hydrate both you and your dog. Avoid excess caffeine. • Invest in lightweight, non-binding cold weather gear. You lose heat through your head and feet so wear a hat and warm socks. (Please wear other clothes, too.) • Provide your dog with protection from the elements. Some dogs love the cold and run faster and better. Most will appreciate a warmer place to snuggle between runs. • Eat a good breakfast and refuel both you and your dog if you’ve been cold enough to shiver. Remember, you are the one that decides if the conditions are safe for your team and scratching could be your best option to prevent injury. There will always be another weekend if you err on the side of caution. You can sometimes run in inclement weather if you are both prepared and you keep safety ﬁrst. Now go have fun in some “challenging weather.” 21

Clean Run Magazine - April 2007

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