Post by DogGoneGood on Apr 26, 2009 15:07:39 GMT -5
Introduction to Dog Agility
Margaret H. Bonham
Margaret H. Bonham
Chapter 14 - Handling and Sequencing
Once Ace is confident with the obstacles, he is ready to learn coursework. Many beginning handlers, once their dogs become somewhat proficient with the obstacles, are convinced that their dog is ready for competition. Nothing could be further from the truth! Agility is not just running over obstacles. Agility is teamwork. You and your dog should be able to do the following consistently before you enter an agility trial:
- You must be able to direct your dog to an obstacle, both close up and from a distance, with verbal and nonverbal signals.
- You must be able to handle your dog from the left or right sides, depending on the course.
- You must be able to call the dog towards and direct the dog away from you.
- You should be able to work in varying environments with various distractions and still have control with over your dog, even when he's off leash.
If you think that is quite a bit, you're right. Most beginning dogs seldom can do one or two reliably, let alone with great proficiency.
A clean run is 90 percent the dog and 10 percent the handler. A bad run is almost always the handlers fault. Either the handler hasn't trained the dog properly, signaled the dog off course, gave incorrect signals, or has confused the dog. Remember that when your dog makes a mistake on the course, it is your fault, not his. You may be asking for something he hasn't learned, understood completely, or is incapable of doing (at this specific time or at any time, depending on the circumstances). For example, if your dog has been jumping well all day and then knocks over the bar or refuses the jump, he may be tired, sore, injured, or maybe has a thorn in his paw. It may be hot and he may need a drink of water or he may be feeling sick. It is up to you, the handler, to know your dog well enough to understand that he may not be feeling well.
When you begin working Ace, realize that you must first establish your own rhythm between your canine partner and yourself. This comes with time and practice. However, starting with good handling practices is one way to avoid bad techniques, unclear handling, and refusals.
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