· Space is your dog’s best friend. Use it to create comfort when needed. If the space you put between your dog and what is bothering him is not enough, give him some more. Repeat as needed. errors (even just withholding a cookie is strong communication) without being harsh at all. · If the dog is not comfortable enough to take a cookie, do a sit, or play a bit with you, then he is too stressed to work. And, even if he is able to take the cookie, it does not always mean he is able to work. · Acclimate the dog to every new environment. I recommend taking these dogs to all four sides of a ring at a trial and having them do a bit of obedience and bit of fetch and with any luck at all some tugging. If the dog can’t do it he is telling you he feels stressed. If he does not change his mind, it may not be in your best interest to show that day. Do not hesitate to seek out prescription medication for these dogs. Several years ago I was strongly against adding dogs to our over medicated population. Since then I have seen dogs have remarkable personality improvements from a little pill. Remember, you can always stop giving it if you don’t like it. · The leash is another good friend. It can create comfort and safety for these dogs. (Leash aggression is another kettle of fish.) · Don’t spend too much time giving strong or prolonged encouragement; it can turn into stress for the dog if you go overboard with it. · · Consistent and well-trained basic obedience skills are critical for these dogs. Too many people confuse being clear with a dog as being hard on the dog. In a misguided effort to protect the dog’s feelings they do not practice being consistent with cues. Being wishy-washy with criteria is the worst thing for these dogs. Let the dog gain confidence by learning; he cannot learn if you are not consistent. It is the greatest gift you can give. It is possible to communicate The Unmotivated Dogs Lack of motivation will be either physical or mental in nature. Try not to assume, explore both. Start with the physical by seeing both a veterinary internist and an orthopedic specialist. I have a dozen stories to support this advice. Fitness level must also be looked at; dogs must be fit to do agility and that does not just mean thin. Cross training is critical. This list may help uncover issues that are more mental than physical: · Your dog may be bored with your training style. Animal Artist Marianne Harris Realistic Pastel Portraits Specializing in Dogs …and Horses too! Commissions Welcome Gift Certificates Available www.mebsart.com U 530.320.0029 October 13 | Clean Run 43http://www.mebsart.com http://www.rubbermats.com