Clean Run Magazine - December 2009 - 66

Rear feet too high on A-frame. dogs take up this position with very little training. This was certainly the case for one of my own dogs: I knew weight shift was desirable but didn’t understand how to teach it—she just did it. Now I use this position as a model and teach dogs how to take up a more comfortable end contact position. As a result of being more comfortable, their A-frame performances speed up. Working with the dog to correct the end position. Sitting on A-frame. This dog is sequencing an A-frame; note the placement of his rear feet. They are split. Good end contact position with weight shift. I may train the end position on a slightly lowered A-frame, but when training a two-on/two-off position I rarely lower the A-frame below 5'. At this stage of training the dog has a good understanding of the two-on/two-off position. I need to teach him how to assume a comfortable two-on/ two-off position on the A-frame; therefore, it is better he learns on an A-frame close to competition height. If you look at the end position of a dog with a fast and accurate two-on/two-off Aframe, you often see both rear feet either on the last slat or with each foot just above and below the last slat of the A-frame. Some At first I let the dog climb the base of the A-frame and do a U-turn. Then I lure him into the two-on/two-off position. I look to see where he places himself. If his feet are close to the base I draw him forward so that his back feet are low on the A-frame, close to the last slat. Make sure that you don’t stretch the dog so he is reaching forward. I want his back to be as level as possible, which allows him to shift his weight from his front end. Note the rear feet in the first picture and the gap between the dog’s hock and the tunnel in the background. Then look at the second picture with a weight shift. I may train the end position on a slightly lowered A-frame, but when training a two-on/two-off position I rarely lower the A-frame below 5' Next I start backchaining the A-frame. I start the dogs on a 24" table placed beside the A-frame. From the table I ask the dog to get into the two-on/two-off position on the A-frame, while I stand off to the side and use the verbal cue Touch. Once the dog takes up the two-on/twooff position I reward; then, if necessary, I change the dog’s end position by luring and maneuvering him into a more desirable position. I reward the dog a few more times in this position while I walk around. I throw food to the dog and only occasionally feed directly from my hand. This encourages the Cozy, Comfy & Super-soft Catch some zzz’s in the Dolgi Donut Bed ® Motivational tug toys made with real sheepskin and rabbit fur Shee py Octopus Tug www.cleanrun.com Bunny Fur Dynamite Soft Stick ® www.cleanrun.com Clean Run | December 09
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Clean Run Magazine - December 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - December 2009
