| Dog Agility Training |
From "Pet Care"
episode PCW-104 |
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Dog agility training is an obstacle course consisting of a variety of tunnels, fences and other obstacles that will challenge a dog and entertain him at the same time. - Rigid tunnels (also called vacuums on the course) can be easily made from air-conditioning ducts (figure A).
- Start with the tunnel short (figure B). With your dog on a leash, have a helper hold him at one end of the tunnel. Go along the tunnel on the outside as the dog passes through it, encouraging him to come all the way through to you by calling him and repeating "tunnel." Hearing your voice on the outside will reassure him and prevent his becoming frightened. As he becomes accustomed to the exercise, you can lengthen the tunnel and add angles to it to make it more challenging.
- Collapsed tunnels (or chutes) are rigid on one end and flexible on the other. You can make a collapsed tunnel out of a plastic barrel and a length of nylon parachute fabric sewn into a tube (figure C).
- To acclimate a dog to the collapsed tunnel, there are several steps you should follow (remember to call him the whole time so he knows where you are):
- Shorten the flexible end by rolling it up. Then hold it open and encourage him to come through it to you (figure D).
- After he's comfortable with the rolled fabric, lower it slightly so it will touch his shoulders as he passes through it (figure E).
- Unroll the fabric and hold it open as he comes through.
- Finally, stretch out the fabric to its full length on the ground and let the dog come through it (figure F).
Once he's used to the collapsed tunnel, you can begin "sequencing," or combining it with the rigid tunnel. In order to maximize your dog's enjoyment of his new pastime, remember the following: - Never discourage speed.
- Never discourage his efforts.
- This is for fun!
Guest: Mike Omartian
Owner, California Cage Works
3314 Burton Ave, Burbank, CA 91504
Tel: 818/ 843-MATE
FAX: 818/ 843-7409
Web site: www.californiacageworks.com Web site resources for Dog Agility Training: Canine Agility Training Society United States Dog Agility Association North American Dog Agility Council
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