|
|
|
Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 5/27/2010 7:45:18 PM
Posts: 578,
Visits: 70
|
|
| How can I get started with training a Yorkshire Terrier in dog agility?
|
|
|
|
|
Supreme Being
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 7/23/2010 9:17:52 PM
Posts: 586,
Visits: 118
|
|
Training a dog in agility is easier than it looks. And more fun. Effective training requires that you break the process into small, easy to follow steps, make training fun, and make a consistent effort. Here’s the basics.
Dogs can begin training for agility at any time. Care should be taken when training dogs under a year to avoid potential harm to their developing joints. They should start training on easier (smaller, lower) agility equipment and training aids (ladders, wobbling boards) are encouraged.
Each dog will learn at his own pace. In the beginning focus on making sure the dog is safe, isn’t overwhelmed and has a good overall experience with agility so that fear doesn’t replace enthusiasm.
The teeter-totter (see-saw) and the weave poles are often the most challenging obstacles. Dogs are wary of the see-saw's movement, and the weave poles involve unnatural movements for the dog. Contact obstacles are a challenge – it’s tough to get the dog to touch the contact zone without slowing down.
Rely on treat lures to guide him through the course. For some items you may need a partner or two. (For example on the teeter-totter it can help to have a person on each side so he can’t jump off.) For others great rewards helps (if he doesn’t like tunnels but the tunnel has food in it from start to finish, odds are he’s going in and coming out on the other side).
To train the weave poles try
- using offset poles that gradually move more in line with each other
- using poles that tilt outward from the base and gradually become upright
- using wires or gates around the poles forcing the dog into the desired path
- putting a hand in the dog's collar and guiding the dog through while using a treat lure
Agility can be done on your own or with a club that offers classes. (Classes are commonly geared towards novices.) Advantages for joining an agility class include:
- Access to agility equipment.
- The guidance and expertise of experienced handlers.
- Having fun with other people and their dogs.
- A more distracting environment, which is helpful in preparation for competition.
Energy and optimism help a lot. Be enthused, be excited. He will be too.
|
|
|
|
|
Supreme Being
Group: Experienced Dog Owner
Last Login: 8/5/2011 10:39:15 PM
Posts: 3,705,
Visits: 1,089
|
|
|
|
|