Clean Run - September 2012 - 13

only three were the same in training and competition; the other three were initially noticeably different:

faster · One wasstop onand wilder in the ring and by his second show decided he didn’t need to any contact. very insecure · One wasthe obstacles. and not confident at the start line or when performing some of competition environment and slower · One wasatdistracted byI the currently using these exercisesthereforethroughthan he was home, and am to work this issue with him.

To me it is not important to discuss why there is a difference for some dogs. In all my training I look at where my dog is and where I want him to be, and then I train the difference. In most cases I have found that by training the dog in a manner that more closely resembles the competition environment and by changing the dog’s training routine—not carrying toys and food, therefore, delaying the reward—I see an improvement in the competition ring. Although it is not always necessary to change your training regime in this way, I do think you should test your dog under the following conditions to assess where you and your dog are so that you can, if necessary, alter your training before you attend your first trial. Note: If your dog is still having general motivation issues or you are in the process of training a specific skill, it is not appropriate to make these training changes. Continue to train using frequent, timely, and high-value rewards during your training sessions.

Before Starting the Exercises
Before starting these exercises decide how you are going to reward your dog. I have found that I reward dogs slightly differently, depending on the type of dog I am working with.

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happy to the agility course to fetch his · For the high-drive dog that isback to youleave you and the exercise to play with you. own reward, encourage him at the end of An example of playing with you may be jumping up, weaving through your legs, being patted on the rib cage, or having his butt scratched—anything that he likes and is interactive with you. After this type of interaction (which initially may need to be brief) run to the reward, pick up the toy or food, and give it to your dog. As you run to the reward, if your dog leaves you to help himself, do not let him. Call your dog back to you until you reach the place where you left the reward. If your dog comes back to you but he immediately leaves you again, call him back again. Next time you may need to place the reward closer to the end of the exercise so that it is easier for you to reach the reward first. You do not want this type of dog running to fetch his reward or standing and staring it at waiting for you to arrive.

lower you nearly you need to encour· For athe dogdrive dog thatfront areyou. Soalways ahead of, dog to drive forward age to get out in of encourage your

and fetch his own toys at the end of the exercise. However, make sure that you release your dog to get the toy on a verbal cue or phrase, for example: Get your toy, Off you go, etc. When your dog starts to anticipate that you will release him to his toy, ask him to interact with you first and then send him to his reward. No one wants a dog to run around the last obstacle in anticipation of fetching his leash!
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September 12
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Clean Run - September 2012

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