Dog Training Psychology for Dog Agility

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Walk in Your Dog's Paws

Walk in Your Dog's Paws
During Dog Agility Walkthrough

When you do your walkthrough of a dog agility course, there is a cool method that can help you spot off-course obstacles more clearly and get a better sense of the turns your dog has to make in running the course. Few handlers use this method so if you start doing it you will have an edge.

Just pretend you are the dog.  Actually jump over (or step over) the jumps.  I usually pretend to crawl in the tunnels, too, for a joke.  Sometimes I am told "Don't do it; you won't fit." Hahaha!

For the tunnel, though, you can go to the exit of the tunnel and look straight ahead to see what your dog sees. You will then be alerted to any obstacles that might be attractive to your dog. Many times a dog will take the first obstacle that she sees when coming out of a tunnel even if it is really off-course. If you aware of what "traps" are out there you will be likely to guide your dog proactively away from them and toward the proper dog agility obstacle!
Checking out the Dog's View

Here you can see Sarah FernandezLopez, the queen of Bad Dog Agility standing at the exit of a tunnel to get a clear idea of what the dog sees upon leaving the tunnel. 


Sarah says it is crucial to reconnect with a dog after it comes out of a tunnel, otherwise it is likely to take an off-course jump.  How do you reconnect? 

By clapping, tapping your hip, calling your dogs name, giving a verbal turning cue or (my favorite) calling out "Here! Here!"

You can also start giving your dog proactive directional cues as your dog enters the tunnel, telling your dog which way to turn (if you dog understanding verbal directional cues!) Some just like to call their dog's name as the dog is in the tunnel so they have a sense of where their handler is. 
Pretend You Are the Dog

Here you can see Sarah FernandezLopes stepping over a jump as she dos her walkthrough at a dog agility trial. She is the only one using this approach.  But that gives her a decided advantage in being able to see what her dog sees.
Don't Worry What Others Think

Here you can see Sarah taking a jump and turning right.

Other handlers are checking her out, but go on their own merry way, not getting the benefit of walking in their own dog's paws.


When I use this method, I say the verbal cue I use for the turn to myself as part of my walk through. I find that this kind of walkthrough helps me see potential off-course obstacles.


But also, it also helps me remember what kind of turn I need to make and what I need to say aloud to guide my adorable puppy. 


I don't worry about whether I need a front-cross or blind cross to negotiate the turn at this time.  I decide that later.

Need a Dog Agility Practice Jump?

We like the 2-bar dog agility practice jump shown here. It is not quite as wide as an official AKC standard jump, but works well for practice, both outside and indoors in our living room.

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