One of the biggest obstacles in dog agility is not the actual obstacles themselves but actually learning how to teach each of these skills. You can begin by simply writing down a list of all the skills that need to be taught and creating a word for commands and a hand signal for the commands, as well. You also should note that while there is a great deal to learn, you and your pet will only be adding one piece of equipment at a time.
The pause table is a fantastic place to start, and this improves your dog's overall obedience anyway, so it really helps you in every area of your dog's life. At this table, dogs must learn to jump on then sit and stay and usually lie still for a few seconds and then jump down. Teach a hand signal and word for each skill. This means they need to be able to see you give a signal for sit and obey, as well as hearing the command and obeying. Be sure that you, and everyone else in the household, uses the same words and hand signals to ensure success.
Of course, patience is highly important because learning new skills takes some time. Just keep in mind that the pause table skills will be highly important in other situations as well. Once they have mastered your pause table teachings, begin what is known as distance training. On the course, handlers are several feet away from the dogs so they must be able to follow your signals when you are not next to them.
As you add obstacles, you also will be adding new signals and command words. This is why it is wise to start slow and add more obstacles slowly after each new skill is mastered. Your second obstacle might be a single jump. Start out each lesson by reviewing pause table skills and then move on to the jump. Once your dog seems to have that down, attempt to begin with the pause table and head straight to the jump. Then perhaps you might add a second jump or maybe a tunnel or even a teeter totter.
It is important to note that treats and other incentives are not allowed on an agility course, and you really shouldn't overstuff your dog with treats anyway. There's no harm in using tiny treats as an incentive in the beginning. Just be sure to stop giving treats and replace it with praise instead. A soft pat or a simple, "good dog," can be enough. Dogs love treats, to be sure, but they really love praise and when they see how excited and proud you are after they complete an agility course, that is all the reward they really need.
When searching for agility equipment, check out the offerings from Carlson Agility. They sell all types of agility equipment, both full-size and miniature versions, which are great for smaller dogs, dogs that are new to the sport and your agility puppy. You can purchase a starter kit with just a few basics or just order one piece at a time. They have agility dog walks, agility a-frames, all sorts of jumps, tunnels, chutes, weaves, teeters and many other interesting items.
The pause table is a fantastic place to start, and this improves your dog's overall obedience anyway, so it really helps you in every area of your dog's life. At this table, dogs must learn to jump on then sit and stay and usually lie still for a few seconds and then jump down. Teach a hand signal and word for each skill. This means they need to be able to see you give a signal for sit and obey, as well as hearing the command and obeying. Be sure that you, and everyone else in the household, uses the same words and hand signals to ensure success.
Of course, patience is highly important because learning new skills takes some time. Just keep in mind that the pause table skills will be highly important in other situations as well. Once they have mastered your pause table teachings, begin what is known as distance training. On the course, handlers are several feet away from the dogs so they must be able to follow your signals when you are not next to them.
As you add obstacles, you also will be adding new signals and command words. This is why it is wise to start slow and add more obstacles slowly after each new skill is mastered. Your second obstacle might be a single jump. Start out each lesson by reviewing pause table skills and then move on to the jump. Once your dog seems to have that down, attempt to begin with the pause table and head straight to the jump. Then perhaps you might add a second jump or maybe a tunnel or even a teeter totter.
It is important to note that treats and other incentives are not allowed on an agility course, and you really shouldn't overstuff your dog with treats anyway. There's no harm in using tiny treats as an incentive in the beginning. Just be sure to stop giving treats and replace it with praise instead. A soft pat or a simple, "good dog," can be enough. Dogs love treats, to be sure, but they really love praise and when they see how excited and proud you are after they complete an agility course, that is all the reward they really need.
When searching for agility equipment, check out the offerings from Carlson Agility. They sell all types of agility equipment, both full-size and miniature versions, which are great for smaller dogs, dogs that are new to the sport and your agility puppy. You can purchase a starter kit with just a few basics or just order one piece at a time. They have agility dog walks, agility a-frames, all sorts of jumps, tunnels, chutes, weaves, teeters and many other interesting items.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt enjoys dog agility training. To discover an agility equipment, or to find helpful agility dog training equipment such as dog agility kit, please go to the Carlson-Agility site today.
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