Clean Run Magazine - December 2008 - 32

• When you finish a run, your dog should be placed back on leash immediately after completing the run (at this point, another dog is waiting to be taken off leash). • When it is not your turn, guide your dog to a neutral area either on or off the course where you will not be in the path of dogs running the course. • While running a course, sometimes a particular obstacle may point your dog directly at a group of waiting dogs or an exit from the ring. If you have concerns about this, let the instructor know and an assistant can be asked to help block the exit. Note: The guidelines for managing your dog also apply before class, after class, in the building, and out of the building. The dogs that often need special attention in this regard are the younger dogs that “love everybody,” including other dogs. Their desire to socialize with every dog they see may result in their invading the space of a dog that does not welcome such exuberant advances. than trying to fold and stuff it in your pocket. Since the starting and ending points of the run are rarely in the same area, you can save class time by helping other handlers retrieve their leashes. • Admonish the dog that wants to see the world (dogs that run off the course or out of the training area). When dealt with immediately, this training problem can almost always be nipped in the bud, to everyone’s benefit. If not, the behavior rapidly becomes self-rewarding for the offending dog(s) and robs the entire group of precious class time. When dogs run off the course (for any reason), in most cases they should (at least the first time) be given a second chance. When it appears to be developing into a bad habit, the dogs must lose their turn and go to the end of the line. Or, very briefly, out of the ring for a timeout. It is a rare dog that doesn’t respond to missing a chance to “play.” Although that may mean fewer runs for a few weeks, managing the problem in this manner will be of great long-term benefit. Get Started With Our 4-Jump Kit includes all necessary pipe, fittings and jump cups to build 4 jumps that adjust from 3" to 35" in height Maximize Training Time • Take the mystery out of who goes first. During class, each dog and handler get several turns. But the question is often, “Who goes next?” If the dogs are all about the same size, anyone can go next in the first round. After that, keep it simple. Note the order you ran in the first round, and then follow that order for the rest of class. If the dogs vary in size enough to warrant adjustments in the equipment, the dogs should be grouped according to size. Then follow that order for the rest of class. • Be ready for your turn. When your turn is coming up, get your dog in position and be ready to start when the instructor signals you. Always wait until the dog that ran before you is back on leash. Keep your dog on a short leash or held by the collar until you get the instructor’s go signal. Exception: If the finish line and starting line are the same area, stay clear until the previous dog finishes and is back on leash, but be ready to move into position. What to Do Between Turns Attention games help your dog learn to focus on you (Watch Me, Auto Check-in, Eye Contact). You can calm your dog: with all the activity, it is a great time to work on calming techniques. Downtime between turns can be an excellent time to work on fine-tuning tricks and commands, especially of the obedience variety. Work on long sits and long stays in a new environment with new distractions. Note: If your dog is sizing up another dog, use one of the above techniques to get your dog to focus on you. By training your dog to focus, you will reduce the possibility of a confrontation. All the PVC You Need to Build It Yourself Final Thoughts to Consider Agility Class Is Not Fair Dogs and handlers learn and negotiate the course at different speeds. The emphasis in a beginners’ class is familiarization and overcoming any fear a dog may have of an obstacle. Therefore, some dogs will get more time and attention than others. You can still benefit by observing the training techniques that are being used for the other dogs and also apply that downtime to between-turns training techniques. • Help with course setup and changes. Obstacles get jostled, knocked down, or just have to be adjusted for different height dogs. The more people help with this, the more class time for everyone. Feel free to help out with these tasks. If you are unsure of what to do, just ask. Exception: You may have a dog that has problems when interacting with other dogs. If so, it might be best to relax with your dog, crate him so that you can help, and/or keep him occupied with other tasks (like attention exercises) while others work on course setup. PatiosToGo.com Furniture Grade PVC Low Minimum Order · Box Quantity Discounts There Are Many Ways to Train a Dog You will get different suggestions from different instructors. You will even get different suggestions from the same instructor. All this information can be confusing or frustrating. Yet, the instructors have worked with many dogs (and handlers). Although we all feel we know our own dog best, 352.243.3220 • Help other students retrieve their leashes. As a dog progresses to running off leash, the leash gets tossed aside (gently) just before the dog begins his run (standard procedure in competitions). Tossing the leash takes less time 32 Clean Run | December 08
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Clean Run Magazine - December 2008

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