Clean Run Magazine - November 2008 - 15

never enters his mind (remember to check the list of motivators you created). Start with sit. Do a very fast sit followed by an immediate high-level reward. Now repeat this nine times, taking a step backward to create movement before each sit. You should be able to complete 10 speedy sits in less than 30 seconds. Look at your dog. Is he looking at you in anticipation of a reward? Sure he is. Sit predicts a reward, which predicts the opportunity to sit again. You can make everything in agility predict a huge reward. Once your obstacles and behaviors are self-rewarding, delay the reward for two, then three, then four obstacles. Make your reward worth the delay! While you are building these behaviors, create very consistent sequences. When your dog sees a pinwheel, he should know exactly what to do each and every time. Finally, perfect your handling skills so you are smooth and consistent, and leave no room for disconnecting. Practice your handling maneuvers without a dog until you no longer think about doing them. Add the dog back into the picture when you can focus on him rather than what you are doing. By working through all four elements of PATH, you should be able to train and trial in total comfort, never again questioning whether your dog will pay attention to you. he is not working, put him in a crate or a dog bed so he can relax and does not have the opportunity to sniff or self-reinforce. If he starts to sniff when you are training, interrupt him immediately by gently lifting his chin. A dog that has some understanding of impulse control will quickly change his behavior. If he does not change his behavior, move him farther away from the distractions and try again. A Gentle Leader can be a helpful tool for this. Be sure not to call him or say Leave It when he is sniffing. Recalls or other cues will accidentally reinforce the sniffing and chain it into your dog’s agility performance. Also, be sure to refrain from using any physical or verbal corrections. Punishment can lead to avoidance or stress behaviors, one of which is—you guessed it—sniffing. Remember to keep your training sessions very short and exciting, with lots of reinforcement spread throughout. Give the dog frequent stress breaks, where you can leave the agility area and give him permission to sniff. November 08 | Clean Run © clean run Allison Bryant Running a Beagle (or any type of scent hound) can be challenging, but not impossible. You have to realize that you are working against instincts that have been bred into the dogs for many years. When training, remember one key element: you need to be more interesting than the smells on the ground. That means you have to have better treats and really fun toys to make it worth your dog’s time to pay attention to you. Only use the “good stuff” like chicken, liver, and steak when training. Don’t feed your dog before class so that you can be sure he’s really hungry. At first, keep your sequences really short when training. Ask your dog to do a short sequence and then reward him for it. Try to end your training before he starts sniffing. Allison and husband Michael live in Georgia with their Australian Shepherds, including ATCH Roper. They compete in agility and stock dog events and also teach agility and stock lessons in addition to their day jobs. Contact Allison at ally@busydog.com or visit www.busydog.com. Don’t keep running until you lose his interest. Also make sure your handling is very clear. Often dogs resort to sniffing when they are confused or the handler is getting in their way. Ask your instructor if your handling can use some improvement. Try to increase your dog’s toy drive by playing games with him when not at agility class. When you’ve developed the dog’s interest in toys, then incorporate toys into your training sessions. Always reward on a high note and try to quit before your dog loses interest. Don’t fall prey to the “one more time” disease. 15

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Clean Run Magazine - November 2008

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