Clean Run Magazine - October 2008 - 76

CirCle oF stays Have the class form a large circle with their backs to the center and their dogs in a sit-stay at their side, facing outward. Now ask the handlers to walk in front of the dog on their right, then reverse direction and walk in front of the dog on their left. Each time, increase the distance until the handlers are walking the entire perimeter of the dog circle, back to their own dogs. If necessary, a handler can break out of formation and reinforce her dog as often as needed, but ultimately the goal is for the entire class to make one rotation while all dogs stay. Ready for more challenge? While the dogs maintain their stays, have the handlers do any of the following:  Run the outer perimeter of the circle  Walk the small inner circle, behind      the dogs Walk serpentine style around the perimeter, not only distracting their dogs but also the other dogs as well Lead out, turn around, then walk through the circle like the spokes of a wheel Sprint away from the dogs Toss cookies at their dogs’ feet Offer cookies in an attempt to lure the dogs from their stays it’s not really about the reCalls Experienced instructors know that even the most reliable stay can degrade quickly if not reinforced. At least once every new beginner session I like to do an exercise that demonstrates this point. Each handler puts the dog in a sit-stay and leads out. All handlers call their dogs at once, enthusiastically rewarding the recall and immediately putting the dog in a sit-stay. Handlers lead out again, call, reward. We repeat this cycle several times in rapid succession. The students think this is an exercise about recalls, but what always happens is the dogs start to break their stays as they anticipate the happy, fun recall and reward. Some dogs start breaking their stay in anticipation of the recall within three repetitions. Almost every dog breaks his stay within eight recalls or is scooting, shifting, or otherwise showing some inclination to break. Many of the dogs start to break as the handler is turning back toward them after leading out, thus presenting an excellent opportunity to point out the importance of pausing in between the turn and release, so the turn toward the dog does not become part of the release. From this lesson I see a marked increase in students taking responsibility for rewarding dogs’ stays. now it’s about the reCalls Here are some recall drills:  Assign every other team an A or B designation. Have all handlers line up their dogs and then lead out. Ask all A handlers to call their dogs while the B handlers return and reward their dogs for not moving.  Call your dog while the instructor stands between you and the dog and offers cookies to the dog.  Call your dog past toys or treats on the floor. What’s EZ about training weaves? Looking to buy? Looking to sell? Channels, angled poles, or both… on one set! www.waytoweave.com AKC, USDAA, NADAC Compliant 76 866.814.4DOG PATENT PENDING www.performancedogsplus.com The place where buyers & sellers connect for everything Agility Clean Run | October 08 Find Find it. Find it, it Sell it, it Sell Sell it.

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Clean Run Magazine - October 2008

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