Clean Run Magazine - October 2006 - 51

I often do this type of work before I go into the Once your dog has
mastered coming in close with agility ring after working on the warm-up
jump. distractions, start to add these commands into Besides being a fun
game for the dog, it gets him to your sequencing and course work.
Remember, it is concentrate on me near the ring instead of on other
important to use your command to come to your side dogs. You can move in
very small circles or boxes if efficiently, when you really mean it and
are ready to there is not a lot of room. reinforce with toys or treats.
You should also be ready to stop in the middle of your sequence at
practice to The Next Steps tell your dog where he should be if he doesn't
follow Now that your dog understands staying by your side your direction.
Just like you will lose your contact until release, it's time to introduce
distractions. I do performance if you don't maintain criteria, you will
heel work with my puppies near the agility ring while lose the
effectiveness of your Side or Here command holding onto the leash to
ensure they don't run away if you let your dog get away with anything less
than and also to abide by the rules. I do this when I know coming to your
side when asked. It is very important my dog understands his job and won't
be a nuisance not to give a command if you are not ready to maintain to the
dog in the ring, and I never get so close that I'm and reinforce your
criteria. in the way of the trial. I also work my younger dogs Use your
Side or Here command to walk to the start line during the break at agility
class when I'm attending and set your dog up on your left or right side
without with my older dogs. I work my young dog on the side pulling on the
leash or collar to get your dog set up in of the agility class and
reinforce often for enthusiasm the correct position. Use your Side or Here
command and attention. when you play Snooker so that you can pull the dog
Once I start going to agility class with my young dog, through obstacles
and also run across the ring at speed I do my heel work before class
around the obstacles while your dog stays at your side. I am sure you can
and especially in front of my dog's favorite obstacles. think of many more
reasons to have your dog come His rewards for doing this correctly are that
he can do in close to your side. his favorite obstacle and also that class
begins soon. Remember that once you teach your dog a Side or Try to work
around as many distractions as possible. Here command, you should be ready
to reinforce the There are many times in foundation agility class when
behavior often, and remember to only use it when it is necessary. D you
are standing around waiting for your turn. Why not use this time to work
on your close work? 6 Karen Holik has been involved in agility for over 10
years as a competitor and also a USDAA and AKC judge. She has competed in
the finals of the USDAA Grand Prix World Championships seven times with
all her dogs: two Shelties, a Border Collie, and an All-American. Her
youngest dog, MACH Triune's Feelin Hot Hot Hot a.k.a. Sizzle won the USDAA
Steeplechase Finals in 2003. Karen and Sizzle were members of the AKC/USA
World Team in 2003, 2005, and 2006. Karen offers private lessons and
seminars and can be reached at oncourseagility@comcast.net. | October 06
Clean Run 51
http://www.SmartPakCanine.com http://www.SmartPakCanine.com
Clean Run Magazine - October 2006

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