Clean Run Magazine - March 2009 - 28

By Sandy Rogers, photos by Laura Tsuk uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu In the olden days every dog loved the table—you couldn’t keep them off the obstacle. In fact, table sucking began years ahead of tunnel sucking. The dogs loved the table because we brainwashed them to seek out the table in exchange for riches beyond their wildest dreams (high rate of high-value reinforcement). The only game in town used to be USDAA and almost every gamble ended with a table, no sit or down position required. Training sessions often focused on hitting the table and having a delicious snack or fabulous game there. So now you have the recipe for teaching terrific tables: make your dog love the table; do a total brainwash. Prove to your dog that the table is a sacred, happy place where only love awaits, where nothing bad will ever happen. This training is not just to encourage fast performance; it is to keep the dog from resenting the table. Table resentment is a demon that is hard to exorcise. So, you’re thinking, nothing bad has ever happened to your dog on the table—why wouldn’t he already love it? Ask yourself whether your dog has ever „Been corrected for sliding off: Dogs that have a bit more gas in the tank when they are at a trial often have not had the luxury of “anti-slide-off training.” „Been told he was wrong about his position: Many dogs with table troubles don’t have a strong understanding of sit and down commands when on the move. „Been told he got up too soon: Lots of table haters don’t have the important fundamentals of good stay work. „Had to stop running when he got to the table: Gotcha! I think all dogs that love to run already have a beef when there is a break in the action. That break in itself should be enough to increase your motivation to fatten up the “you will (if it’s the last thing I do) love the table” account. Now that you understand why your dog might not love the table, let’s look at some specific training goals and ideas for each part of the table performance that needs to be trained. One word of caution before you begin: Table trouble can also be a sign of physical 28 discomfort. I had a dog with a neck strain that did not show on the A-frame or weaves, but he could not jump onto the table. The mechanics of jumping on the table are different from those of any other obstacle. Refusing any single obstacle can be reason enough for getting an orthopedic evaluation. table, and then the added position is practiced only occasionally. You can use the drills throughout the dog’s career when you need to refresh his memory of his table job. ASO Training: Send Anti-slide-off Training Anti-slide-off training (ASO) is part of the “you will love the table” brainwashing plan. It is a game—a game of skill and timing. Don’t tell the dog, but you will be artfully manipulating the outcome of the game. What you need: „A table (preferably adjustable) with the surface that your dog will see in competition „A dog that loves toys or treats, or that is really hungry „A dog that understands restraint games (see sidebar) „At least 50' of space, 70' is better „Lots of energy The three drills for ASO training are simple: „Send „Recall „Run-by All three drills end with a big party on the table, but only if the dog sticks the table. If he falls, jumps, or slides off, do not put him back on the table to reward him. This game is all or nothing. Drills should not include a sit or a down until those positions are perfected away from the Place a toy or treat on the far side of the table, away from you. If you use food (a toy is better, but use food if the dog doesn’t love toys) be sure it is easily visible. If the dog has to sniff around on the table to find the treat, it isn’t visible enough. Move away from the table until there is about 10' between the dog and obstacle. This is where the art of restraint comes in. You hold the dog back by the collar or shoulders, and then rev him up and make him crazy (soft whispering will excite the softer dog better). Next you send him to his toy or treat on the table. You stay where you are until the dog hits the table, and then drive in behind him to have a big party on the table. When I let go I use the command Table, but only after the game is in the dog’s head. You can start by using your command for a sendaway. Notice the position of the toy on the far side of the table (away from the handler) during this send. Clean Run | March 09

Clean Run Magazine - March 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - March 2009