Clean Run Magazine - March 2009 - 29

Teach the dog to drop sphinx style, or elbows first rather than rear end first. This is required for braking on the table and for efficiency. Because the dog’s weight is so far forward, he can’t “hold on” to the table. He must be able to shift his weight back. This is why the sphinx or elbows first down is so important. Send Training Tips „If the dog’s speed is causing failure, decrease his momentum by shortening the distance between your dog and the table so the dog is successful. Then gradually increase the send distance. „If your dog is still sliding off after you have taken out the momentum, put the table 6' from a wall or fence. With success, gradually increase the send distance and then move the table away from the wall or fence. „If your dog leaves with the toy after getting on the table, put the toy on a long cord. „If your dog is running around the table to steal the toy, shorten the send distance, lower the table, or use ex-pens to make a chute (only use the ex-pens with a low table in case a physical reason is causing the dog to choose to run around the table). „Do not let the dog look back to you when you send him. If he does, call him back to you and shorten the send distance. „Work up to a 25'+ send from all sides of the table. „Add traps like tunnels to the other side of the table. Don’t make it too difficult at first; start with the trap at a reasonable distance from the table and gradually move it closer. ASO Training: Recall Start the recall training with both you and the dog close to the table. Face the dog initially to help him brake. Have a toy in your hand and be ready for a game of tug once dog reaches the table. If your dog prefers food to toys, you can meet the dog at the table with treats to help promote braking. Be clever when you train this. Think about what is happening and adjust your plan for success. Working at an 80% success rate is best: if the dog is not making “mistakes” 20% of the time, the training is not challenging the dog enough. Place the dog in a sit in front of the table; start with about 10' between dog and table. Go to the other side of the table, about 5' past the table, turn away, and recall the dog. As he lifts onto the table, rotate back, move in toward the dog, and meet his mouth with food or a toy on the table. Have a really big party. With success, gradually increase the distance between the dog and the table as well as the distance between you and the table. Also face away from the dog in a sprint stance as shown. uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu The Gentle Art of Restraint Teaching your dog to drive away from you is essential in agility. Done correctly this exercise will build drive and develop concentration while rewarding your dog’s focus on a destination. „Start by placing the dog’s dinner bowl or favorite toy about 5' in front of him. „ Place your hands on the dog’s shoulders, one on each side with your fingers across the front of the chest. „Put gentle, steady pressure on the shoulder with just the tips of your fingers (as if you are loading a spring). The instant you feel any resistance, let go. „Do not jostle or shake or rock the dog back and forth. These are common mistakes that annoy most dogs. „Match your voice to the steady tension; softly whisper while building to the release. I like to say Go or Get It when I let go. „As you train, require the dog to stare at his destination. „You are done when the dog will stare hard at his goal and pull hard into your hands. If he struggles against you, that is great. March 09 | Clean Run 29
Clean Run Magazine - March 2009

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