Clean Run Magazine - January 2010 - 3

® Cover The magazine for dog agiliTy enThusiasTs january 10 Volume 16 Foundation Fundamentals: Teeter Preparation Exercises and Games The teeter is an obstacle that can cause problems for many dogs. To prepare your dog for this challenge and avoid problems, there are many games and exercises you can train long before your teammate sees an actual teeter. By Moe Strenfel number 1 13 Tuning Up Your Dog’s Jumping for Trials Here’s a three-step plan to tune up your dog for an important trial day and have some fun as well. An appropriate tune-up regimen allows the dog to stay in top form and to happily provide those moments of jumping brilliance when it counts most. By Susan Salo 22 A-frame Contact Behaviors and Joint Stress Does a two-on/two-off contact place more stress on the dog’s joints than other methods? In a first-of-its-kind study, the author examines joint angles and body movement on the A-frame descent using Dartfish software. By Dr. Deborah Gross Saunders Choosing a Video Camera for Filming Agility Video is a valuable tool for competitors of all levels. But choosing a camera can be a nightmare unless you identify your needs and understand the types of cameras available so that you can make appropriate comparisons while shopping. By Anne Popper Turning Agility Goals into Reality From qualifying for Nationals to helping your dog overcome teeter fear, we all have long- and short-term goals we would like to achieve. Too often these ambitions are forgotten as life becomes busy. With a little planning, setting goals can provide direction and purpose to your training sessions. By JoAnna Lou Features 5 Editorializing: USDAA Weave Pole Spacing With the growing sentiment among competitors for 24"-spaced poles and the body of evidence showing less physical stress on the dogs, it has been a bit puzzling as to why the USDAA board thinks staying with 20" to 22" spacing is better. By Sue Fregien 60 Consequences, Schmonsequences: Understanding Reinforcers and Punishers Every training method uses the same fundamental technique: the dog does a behavior, and there is a consequence for it. Depending on how the dog feels about that consequence, the behavior may increase (be reinforced) or decrease (be punished) as a result. By Jane Killion 69 In Cider: Why My Dog Didn’t Q There are lots of reasons why a team doesn’t qualify. Are any of them the dog’s fault? By Bill Gates 73 National Velvet at the AKC Agility Invitational Karen and Riley’s journey to the AKC Agility Invitational reminds us that with enough practice, patience, and perseverance, any team can realize their agility dreams. By Karen Schelling 29 How to Ruin a Great Training Tool in 2 Easy Steps or How to Use Food Toys Properly The Tug-N-Treat and other food toys are powerful training tools when used properly. Learn how to avoid the potential pitfalls of food toys and actually get your dog to play. By Nancy Gyes 41 Can You Handle It? Test your skills on a sequence from a 2009 USDAA Southwest Regional Grand Prix course designed by Sharon Wirant. By Ann Croft 48 Shelter Champs: Ollie While many competitors dream of earning titles, animal shelters continue to house dogs that were relinquished because they are too energetic, too smart, or too busy for most pet homes. Many of these dogs are great agility prospects. This month, meet Ollie. By Lisa Barrett 53 Power Paws Drills: European Style In this month’s drills you’ll get multiple opportunities to practice finding the back of the jump and to try some interesting lead-outs. Why practice these European-style challenges? Judges at U.S. trials are beginning to use elements from European courses. By Nancy Gyes 66 Gaits, Leads, Horses, Dogs, and Misunderstandings In agility circles we’ve been told we must ensure our dogs are on the correct lead for each turn While it is undeniable that dogs must be balanced to make a turn, is which lead the dog is on at any point on a course important? By Kate Eaton, DVM, PhD 78 It’s Your Turn! Training and Perfecting Your Turn Cues Having a dog with well-trained turn cues makes your life easier and is also much easier on your dog’s body and brain. In this series, you’ll learn how to teach your dog the seven turn cues. But first you’ll work on an important jumping skills for turn work. By Sandy Rogers Columns 6 7 8 Tip of the Month By Sandy Rogers Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Agility… By Brenna Fender Backyard Dogs By Sharon Freilich 59 Nested Courses for a Small Universe By Debbie Sacerich 81 My Favorite Course By Daniel McDonald Cover Dog MACH5 Squawcreek Silver Charm, a.k.a. Casey, a 9-year-old Miniature Schnauzer owned by John Nys of Rhode Island. Photo by Lesley Mattuchio, www.pbase.com/ lesleylou. Clean Run (ISSN 1089-8506) is published monthly by Clean Run Productions, LLC. Principal office: 17 Industrial Dr., South Hadley, MA 01075. Periodicals postage paid at South Hadley, Massachusetts 01075-9902 and additional offices. © Copyright 1995-2010 Bud Houston and Clean Run Productions, LLC. All world rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Clean Run, 17 Industrial Dr., South Hadley, MA 01075. January 10 | Clean Run

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Clean Run Magazine - January 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - January 2010