Clean Run Magazine - August 2008 - 45

TO THE LEARNING CURVE PHOTOS .M © WWW Dogs that require more “amping up” to create drive should play games that consist of short bursts of energy that charge them up. It’s the opposite for the crazed agility dog. This dog needs to focus on decision-making games that stimulate more thoughtfulness from him. Peak performance is found only at the top of the arousal curve, where the dog’s level of excitement allows for his best performance. Dogs that are not excited enough by agility may walk or trot around a course. Dogs that are too excited can’t focus well enough to be at their best and may obliterate the course. This overaroused dog is tremendously excited just by walking onto the grounds with you at a trial. He may be vocalizing (screaming, barking, whining, or whimpering) or he may be stalking any movement he sees as his gaze darts from distraction to distraction. He will often pull badly on leash and crisscross your path as you try to walk. A dog like this may refuse to take a tug toy or a piece of food he would otherwise enjoy. He is “over the top” of the arousal curve, outside the area of any possibility of peak performance. We need to lower his arousal level to create more thoughtful performances from him. Agility is about the dog following your lead. Therefore, it is important that the dog learns he must always do as you ask. I am not implying the use of any force or intimidation, but rather, the control of the dog’s access to reinforcement. This starts with the dog always taking a treat or tug when you present it. In this instance I am referring to dogs that will tug on toys in less stimulating situations than a trial, for example, not dogs that have been demotivated around toys. If the dog is too aroused to do as you ask, you need to lower his arousal state by moving away from whatever is stimulating him to a distance where he will tug or eat. If the dog has a history of being allowed to refuse toys or treats from you, you may need to visit many trials or other stimulating environments to work around the ring (without going in) until the dog reliably gives you the appropriate responses. The ability to redirect the dog’s focus is another key to success with an overly aroused dog. The use of a head halter is the best way to control your dog in a highly arousing environment. For more about head halters, see my book, Shaping Success. Please be aware that not all agility venues allow the use of head halters at a trial. Every dog Susan Garrett has owned has become a national champion. In total her dogs have won two World Championships and 15 National Championships (11 in the U.S. and 4 in Canada) at 6 different jump heights. She is a highly respected dog trainer, seminar presenter, and writer. Susan shares her life with John Blenkey and their four dogs in Alberton, Ontario, Canada. Her award-winning books and videos can be purchased both through Clean Run (www.cleanrun.com) and her website at www.clickerdogs.com. August 08 | Clean Run 45 ATTALLIS OGRAPH ONPHOT Y.COM Part 4 Starting as a Team BY SUSAN GARRETT © CLEA N RU N

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Clean Run Magazine - August 2008

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