Clean Run Magazine - June 2009 - 72

Judy Keller Many people think they have to have a full set of obstacles and run courses to get results from their training sessions. But, for those of you with small spaces, the good news is that is not true. You can perfect many skills with just one jump. For example, you only need one jump to practice your start-line routine, whether you opt for a stay or a running start. A start line consists of more than just walking in and running your dog. You can practice the steps you will take as you enter the ring and set up your dog for his run. You want your start-line routine to become smooth and automatic, so practicing with a single jump before you walk into a real ring can be helpful. If your dog tends to get overexcited and has trouble controlling himself around agility, you can practice and reinforce his start-line stay in front of a single jump. Walk up to the jump with your dog on a loose leash, remove the leash, and toss it behind him (just like you’re at a trial), and confidently step away. You can then click and reinforce your dog for holding still. Once you click you can either toss your dog a toy or cookie, or go back to him to deliver the reinforcer. Practice the entire process of walking in, removing the leash, tossing it behind, and stepping away. Continue to go farther away as long as your dog is successful. Be sure to toss or go back to deliver the toy or cookie to your dog; don’t Judy is a three-time AKC World Team member with MACH4 Morgan (Team Gold in 1998). Her other dogs include MACH Sabre, Smudge, MX MXJ, and Quest, who is just starting his agility career. She is co-author of In FOCUS Developing a Working Relationship with your Performance Dog. Contact Judy through her website at www.k9infocus.com. let him come toward you to get it. If your dog gets up before you click, break off the exercise and start over. Make the next repetition easier so your dog can be successful. For instance, take the leash off, toss it behind, and stand up straight. Reinforce if your dog can hold still at this level. Then you can add taking a step away. For those dogs that need more speed and motivation, you can practice running starts. For example, you might do a slingshot start. Walk up to the jump, remove the leash, toss it aside, and turn so your dog is next to you at your side. Be sure you are both facing away from the jump. You and your dog will be off to one side and your dog should be on the side farthest away from the jump. Now turn toward the jump as you bring your dog around your body and send him over the jump. The slingshot start is motivational for your dog because he does not have to stay while you move away from him. This technique gives you an opportunity to send your dog while in motion yet still be a step ahead as he takes the first jump. Practicing a start-line routine until it becomes automatic is important. When you go into the ring with your dog it will be one less thing to have to think about. A fluent and consistent start-line routine helps your dog by making the beginning of the run predictable. You can make good use of a single jump by practicing your start-line routine regularly. Sandy Rogers What can be taught with just one jump? It’s a favorite question of mine and I have the answer: plenty! Here is list of skills that can be taught on one jump. I have a DVD coming out soon that has the detailed instructions for teaching many one- and two-jump exercises. 72 Sandy owns and operates ACE Dog Sports in San Francisco, California. She has competed with her dogs in all the USDAA finals multiple times, winning Speed Jumping in 2007 and 2008, and Performance National Standard in 2007. Her three USDAA champions are also high in trial obedience dogs. Look for her new DVD One Jump, Two Jump this summer. Contact Sandy via www.acedogsports.com. Jump Around the Clock Practice lead-outs at all angles; pretend you are standing on each of the numbers of the clock and work your way around the clock. Increase the size of your clock to the size of your space. Clean Run | June 09

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Clean Run Magazine - June 2009

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