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Tables
Aug 18, 2008 18:50:11 GMT -5
Post by DogGoneGood on Aug 18, 2008 18:50:11 GMT -5
Tables: There are two obstacles that can be considered as "Tables" (though only one true Table). The object of the Tables is to teach your dog to slow down, take a 5 second pause while on the fast paced course, and help you regain your bearings and figure out what your next move is. The two kinds of Tables are: In order for your dog to learn either he must first know how to down on command and stay, as he will be doing both for either Table. Although, sometimes the dogs are asked to sit rather than down, but most often a down is asked for.
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Tables
Aug 18, 2008 18:56:20 GMT -5
Post by DogGoneGood on Aug 18, 2008 18:56:20 GMT -5
Pause Table: The Pause Table is the most commonly seen on the Agility Course out of the two tables. It looks just like a little squat table, with the surface usually painted yellow and the rest of it pained whatever colour chosen. The dog must jump up onto the Table, Stop, Lay Down, then Stay for what's usually a Five Second Count by the judge. HubPages - Dog Agility Equipment and Obstacles84 AAC Rules and Regulations V 1.0.1 APPENDIX C Obstacle Construction Standards Table:The table shall be a sturdy surface three (3) foot square with a non-slip surface (carpet or rubber matting is acceptable). Whatever the surface it must be light in colour to reflect heat. It shall be supported on a stable base that shall be capable of being securely anchored or weighted to the ground. The height of the table shall be adjustable to each of the five (5) jump heights: 6", 10", 16", 22", and 26". The top frame of the table shall be at least three inches (3 in.) high for good visibility. If carpet is chosen for the surface of the table it is suggested that an alternate table top be available in case the surface should be fouled. See Obstacle Breakage in Section 2. Training on the Table...
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Tables
Aug 18, 2008 19:05:42 GMT -5
Post by DogGoneGood on Aug 18, 2008 19:05:42 GMT -5
Training on the Pause Table: Training your dog on the Pause Table can be quite simple, especially if your dog already knows how to jump up onto things (like in your vehicle for example). The main problem with the Table is teaching your dog to slow down and take his time getting on it because several dogs have been known to slide right off the end of the Table! When approaching the table give your dog a command to slow down (as you should have already taught him with the Contact Obstacles), then give the command you choose for the Table (I use "up" but most commonly used is "table"). If your dog refuses to jump up right away that's okay, encourage him by patting the table top and telling him "Come on Fido, Up!". He should follow your encouragement and jump up onto the Table. If he doesn't, you can always lift him up there once just to show him it's nothing to be afraid of. Once he's on the Table, praise and give him the "Down" command. Now this is one of the reasons it is SO important to use two different commands when training your dog for the command "Down" (meaning to lay down) and "OFF" meaning to get off of people or furniture. If you've trained your dog 'Down" to get off of furniture you may come across a problem on the Table; he'll be jumping off every time you tell him to down! You don't have to do a full five count right away since your dog is still learning, just a quick one second count should suffice for now. Give him the release command ("okay!", "off!" etc.) and continue on. Keep practicing until your dog is jumping up automatically and he may even start to lay down automatically, which is okay for him to do! Start extending the time he's on there. Instead of one second count do two, then three, then four, then five! It's quite easy to learn and most dogs pick up on it quickly. The problem you'll have is when he becomes over confident and FLIES onto the Table (and possibly off the end!) which is why it's good to teach him a command to slow him down just before he gets to the Table early on rather than later. Good Luck, and Have Fun!
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Tables
Aug 18, 2008 19:11:40 GMT -5
Post by DogGoneGood on Aug 18, 2008 19:11:40 GMT -5
Pause Box: The Pause Box is quite different from the Table because it isn't raised off the ground. It consists of four sides (most commonly made out of PVC pipe) and the dog must sit IN it rather than ON it for a five second count. Affordable Agility - Agility Equipment AAC Rules and Regulations V 1.0.1 APPENDIX C Obstacle Construction Standards Pause Box:The pause box consists of a well-defined, four (4)-foot-square area on the ground that may be defined by poles four feet (4 ft.) high at each corner. The edges of the box must be no greater than four inches (4 in.) high and must not be sharp or otherwise create an unsafe condition for dogs or handlers. Training on the Pause Box...
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Tables
Aug 18, 2008 19:15:23 GMT -5
Post by DogGoneGood on Aug 18, 2008 19:15:23 GMT -5
Training on the Pause Box: The thing to remember with the Pause Box is that the dog must have all four paws and head inside the box. He shouldn't have any of these parts on top of the PVC box or outside of it. He IS allowed to have his tail hang out though Have your dog approach the box and give him the command you choose (example: "pause"). Lead him into the box and tell him to down. If any of his paws are outside the box tell him "nope, get in there!" and place his paws back inside the box. If he puts them back out you put them right back in there! Keep his paws in there until he stays like that for a one second count. Give him the release command and lead him back out of the box. Repeat this process until he is going int he box on his own and keeping all four paws inside the box. Once he's accomplished this you can start slowly raising your count like you did with the Pause Table. Leave him in there for two seconds, then three, and so on up until you reach a five second count. Good Luck, and Have Fun!
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