Clean Run - May 2013 - 33
© TERI AND JACKIE PHOTOGRAPHY/DOUG DUKANE
OUT SPOT OUT!
Teaching independent
Obstacle
Performance, Part 2
By Lorrie Reynolds
Photos by Katelyn Scott except where noted
Independent obstacle performance is the ability of the dog to complete an obstacle and maintain criteria
regardless of the handler’s motion and position relative to the obstacle. It is essential for all facets of agility
and is particularly important for distance work. A dog cannot perform at a distance if he cannot perform the
obstacles independently.
The process for teaching independent
contacts is similar to that for teaching
independent tunnels, which we covered
last month. However, the difficulty is increased because the dog can see you
while he is performing the obstacle. It
is crucial that you maintain your body
language and support the obstacle until
the dog has completed his performance.
a-fraMe anD DogWaLK
Send
Place a target with food on it or a toy
at the end of the dogwalk or A-frame
based on your contact criteria. For running or four-on-the-floor contacts, place
the reward about 1 ½ strides from the
end of the contact. For two-on/two-off
contacts, place it between 6"-24" away,
depending on the size of your dog. Correct placement ensures that the dog can
reach the target while keeping his back
feet on the contact.
May 13
| Clean Run
Take the dog by the collar, and show him
the reward. Get the dog excited about it
by letting him pull toward it and telling
him that it is for him, doesn’t he want
it, etc. It is very important at this point
not to tell the dog to Leave it or use any
method to keep him away from the reward other than the collar.
Walk the dog to the beginning of the contact obstacle, still holding the collar; be
sure to leave the dog enough room to
gain momentum before starting up the
contact. Give your verbal cue for the contact and release his collar. Move with the
dog for three-quarters of the length of
the obstacle, then stop and let him finish
it himself. Maintain the appropriate body
language when you stop, leaning forward
with your arm extended in front, until the
dog reaches the reward. Use your clicker
or marker word to mark the successful
completion as the dog reaches the end and
gets the reward, as shown in Figure 1.
Repeat the exercise, stopping progressively farther back from the end of the
contact, until the dog can complete the
entire contact obstacle without you
moving forward.
1
When sending the dog over the A-frame,
maintain the correct body language until
the dog has completed the obstacle.
As the dog gains an understanding of
the game, vary your position and distance from the contact obstacle. Send
him from different angles, but make sure
33
Clean Run - May 2013
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - May 2013
Clean Run - May 2013
Contents
Reflections from a Novice Handler or What I Have Learned from My Dogs
Tip of the Month
Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Agility…
Backyard Dogs
So You’ve Got a Small Dog Now
Training to Your Strengths
The Judge’s Debriefing
Front Cross Footwork
Club Games to Light the Competitive Fires
The 10-Minute Trainer
Out Spot Out! Teaching Independent Obstacle Performance, Part 2
Knowledge Equals Speed! Teaching Verbal Directional Commands, Part 3
How to Choose Your Best Agility Instructor
4 Easy Steps to Getting More Accomplished When You Train
Carpal Hyperextension Injuries
Power Paws Drills: Timing Turns
Ultimate Instructors: Lesson Planning & Foundation, Part 2
Busting the Myths: Too Slow for Your Dog?
I Know That’s Not the Way You’re Supposed to Handle This, But…
Training with the Stars: Amanda Nelson
Clean Run - May 2013 - Clean Run - May 2013
Clean Run - May 2013 - 2
Clean Run - May 2013 - Contents
Clean Run - May 2013 - 4
Clean Run - May 2013 - Reflections from a Novice Handler or What I Have Learned from My Dogs
Clean Run - May 2013 - Tip of the Month
Clean Run - May 2013 - Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Agility…
Clean Run - May 2013 - Backyard Dogs
Clean Run - May 2013 - 9
Clean Run - May 2013 - 10
Clean Run - May 2013 - So You’ve Got a Small Dog Now
Clean Run - May 2013 - 12
Clean Run - May 2013 - 13
Clean Run - May 2013 - 14
Clean Run - May 2013 - 15
Clean Run - May 2013 - 16
Clean Run - May 2013 - 17
Clean Run - May 2013 - Training to Your Strengths
Clean Run - May 2013 - 19
Clean Run - May 2013 - The Judge’s Debriefing
Clean Run - May 2013 - 21
Clean Run - May 2013 - Front Cross Footwork
Clean Run - May 2013 - 23
Clean Run - May 2013 - 24
Clean Run - May 2013 - 25
Clean Run - May 2013 - Club Games to Light the Competitive Fires
Clean Run - May 2013 - 27
Clean Run - May 2013 - 28
Clean Run - May 2013 - The 10-Minute Trainer
Clean Run - May 2013 - 30
Clean Run - May 2013 - 31
Clean Run - May 2013 - 32
Clean Run - May 2013 - Out Spot Out! Teaching Independent Obstacle Performance, Part 2
Clean Run - May 2013 - 34
Clean Run - May 2013 - 35
Clean Run - May 2013 - Knowledge Equals Speed! Teaching Verbal Directional Commands, Part 3
Clean Run - May 2013 - 37
Clean Run - May 2013 - 38
Clean Run - May 2013 - 39
Clean Run - May 2013 - How to Choose Your Best Agility Instructor
Clean Run - May 2013 - 41
Clean Run - May 2013 - 4 Easy Steps to Getting More Accomplished When You Train
Clean Run - May 2013 - 43
Clean Run - May 2013 - 44
Clean Run - May 2013 - 45
Clean Run - May 2013 - Carpal Hyperextension Injuries
Clean Run - May 2013 - 47
Clean Run - May 2013 - 48
Clean Run - May 2013 - 49
Clean Run - May 2013 - 50
Clean Run - May 2013 - Power Paws Drills: Timing Turns
Clean Run - May 2013 - 52
Clean Run - May 2013 - 53
Clean Run - May 2013 - 54
Clean Run - May 2013 - 55
Clean Run - May 2013 - 56
Clean Run - May 2013 - Ultimate Instructors: Lesson Planning & Foundation, Part 2
Clean Run - May 2013 - 58
Clean Run - May 2013 - Busting the Myths: Too Slow for Your Dog?
Clean Run - May 2013 - 60
Clean Run - May 2013 - I Know That’s Not the Way You’re Supposed to Handle This, But…
Clean Run - May 2013 - 62
Clean Run - May 2013 - Training with the Stars: Amanda Nelson
Clean Run - May 2013 - 64
Clean Run - May 2013 - 65
Clean Run - May 2013 - 66
Clean Run - May 2013 - 67
Clean Run - May 2013 - 68
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