Jun 12 2010

Why The Best Number Of Dog Agility Jumps Are 4 To 8

We are often asked, “How many jumps should I start with?” You can never have too many single jumps to practice agility. A good starting place is four jumps. This is the absolute minimum number of jumps that we recommend.

It is possible to teach your dog a wide range of exercises, skills and drills with four jumps. The four jumps will make it possible to work on short jump chute or jump grid. You can also setup a “box” with the jumps and teach collection, handling and 270 degree jumps.

You can learn your dog to jump left and right. You can handle it from the inside the box or you can be outside and send your dog. Or you can setup the jumps in a horizontal line to practice treadles and serpentines.

The next step in the training is eight jumps. Here you can setup two boxes and one opening jump. Now you have multiplied the maneuvers that you can train with your dog. The jump grids can be of suggested size and number of jumps.

Another option is to setup the jumps in circles with jump bars at a 90 degree angle to the circle or on the bounds of the circle. With this pattern you can train a lot of various skills.

Your next consideration is a double jump and a triple jump. You could set two or three single jumps together to make your expanded jump, but having double and triple jump in your course work is really valuable to practice. We’ve seen many dogs run a clean course and the last obstacle is a triple and the dog is not prepared for it, and bang, down comes the bar.

If you really want to be ahead of the pack, you should have two sets up eight jumps. Because you can keep the jump grip at all times, it is the ultimate in training. The jumps can be separated from the course work. And when you then includes your double and triple jumps, it is possible the practice all the jumping drills and skills to get the “Qs”.

Martin Elmer is the editor of Hundefan - a website about hundetilbehoer. Here you can also read about hundesnacks.

categories: dogs,agility,dog agility,dog training,training,practice,equipment,agility equipment,dog agility equipment,jumps,pets

Jan 20 2010

Why 4 To 8 Dog Agility Jumps Are Ideal

We are often asked, “How many jumps should I start with?” You can never have too many single jumps to practice agility. A good starting place is four jumps. This is the absolute minimum number of jumps that we recommend.

You can teach a variety of skills, drills, and exercises with four jumps. Four jumps will allow you to work on a short jump chute or jump grid. You can setup a “box” with your jumps and practice handling, collection, and 270 degree jumps.

It is possible to teach you dog to jump right and left. You can stand outside the box and send your dog; or handle from inside the box. You can practice serpentines and treadles by setting up the jumps in a horizontal line.

The next step in the training is eight jumps. Here you can setup two boxes and one opening jump. Now you have multiplied the maneuvers that you can train with your dog. The jump grids can be of suggested size and number of jumps.

Another variation is to setup the jumps in a circle with jump bars vertical to the circle or on the edge of the circle. This variation can teach the dog a lot of new skills.

Your next consideration is a double jump and a triple jump. You could set two or three single jumps together to make your expanded jump, but having double and triple jump in your course work is really valuable to practice. We’ve seen many dogs run a clean course and the last obstacle is a triple and the dog is not prepared for it, and bang, down comes the bar.

If you really want to be ahead of the pack, you should have two sets up eight jumps. Because you can keep the jump grip at all times, it is the ultimate in training. The jumps can be separated from the course work. And when you then includes your double and triple jumps, it is possible the practice all the jumping drills and skills to get the “Qs”.

Martin Elmer is the editor of Hundefan - a website about hunde tilbehoer. Here you can also read about hunde gitter.

Jan 14 2010

Why The Best Number Of Dog Agility Jumps Are 4 To 8

We are often asked, “How many jumps should I start with?” You can never have too many single jumps to practice agility. A good starting place is four jumps. This is the absolute minimum number of jumps that we recommend.

It is possible to teach your dog a wide range of exercises, skills and drills with four jumps. The four jumps will make it possible to work on short jump chute or jump grid. You can also setup a “box” with the jumps and teach collection, handling and 270 degree jumps.

You can teach your dog jumping left and right. You can be outside the box and send your dog or you can handle from the inside of the box. Your jumps can be setup in a horizontal line, so that you can practice serpentines and treadles.

The next step in the training is eight jumps. Here you can setup two boxes and one opening jump. Now you have multiplied the maneuvers that you can train with your dog. The jump grids can be of suggested size and number of jumps.

Another option is to setup the jumps in circles with jump bars at a 90 degree angle to the circle or on the bounds of the circle. With this pattern you can train a lot of various skills.

Now you can think about double and triple jumps. You can choose to setup two or even three single jumps to make your extended jump, but the real value of practice comes when doubling or tripling the jumps. You see it every time; the dog runs a clean course until the last triple jump obstacle, and then the dog is not ready for it. The result: the bar comes down.

You can really be ahead of the pack and have two sets of eight jumps. This is the ultimate in training because you can keep a jump grip up at all times that is separate from your course work, and have eight single jumps to have for course work. And when you include your double and triple, you can really practice all the jumping skills and drills necessary to get you those “Qs”.

Martin Elmer is the editor of Hundefan - a website about hundetilbehoer. Here you can also read about hundeseng.

Jan 11 2010

Why 4 To 8 Dog Agility Jumps Are Ideal

We are often asked, “How many jumps should I start with?” You can never have too many single jumps to practice agility. A good starting place is four jumps. This is the absolute minimum number of jumps that we recommend.

You can teach a variety of skills, drills, and exercises with four jumps. Four jumps will allow you to work on a short jump chute or jump grid. You can setup a “box” with your jumps and practice handling, collection, and 270 degree jumps.

You can teach your dog jumping left and right. You can be outside the box and send your dog or you can handle from the inside of the box. Your jumps can be setup in a horizontal line, so that you can practice serpentines and treadles.

The next step in the training is eight jumps. Here you can setup two boxes and one opening jump. Now you have multiplied the maneuvers that you can train with your dog. The jump grids can be of suggested size and number of jumps.

Another option is to setup the jumps in circles with jump bars at a 90 degree angle to the circle or on the bounds of the circle. With this pattern you can train a lot of various skills.

Now it is time to start thinking about double jumps and triple jumps. It is fine enough to setup two or three single jumps, but double and triple jumps is of much more value to the dog agility practice. It is not unusual to see a dog doing a clean course until the last triple jump; and then lose it all, because it is not ready for it.

You can really be ahead of the pack and have two sets of eight jumps. This is the ultimate in training because you can keep a jump grip up at all times that is separate from your course work, and have eight single jumps to have for course work. And when you include your double and triple, you can really practice all the jumping skills and drills necessary to get you those “Qs”.

Martin Elmer is the editor of Hundefan - a website about hundetilbehoer. Here you can also read about hundefrakke.

Dec 16 2009

Build Confidence In Your Dog With Agility

Is your dog timid around people or other dogs? Is your dog sensitive to sounds? Agility training can provide the environment and structure to build confidence in your dog. Agility classes are a great place for people to learn about the sport and learn how to train, but the timid dog may take a long time before he is ready to venture from under your chair or off your lap.

A timid or shy dog can only learn inside their comfort zone. So, training must begin where they feel safe and behaviors must be taught in very small increments. Home will probably be the best place to train and have learning takes place for your dog.

So, how do you train at home? You will need guidelines and equipment. There is a multitude of websites that can give you information on agility training. There are also books and videos that will give details and visual aids and lesson plans for beginners thru expert levels.

You can find a lot of equipment that is helpful and useful to have at home for dog training. All the equipment recommendations are based on location of training and the available space. Do you e.g. have a large yard with room for 10 obstacles? Or do you only have a small yard, so you have to tear down the equipment before you can setup something else up? Will the training be in the basement or garage; or maybe in the living room?

When you are training a timid dog the equipment has to be sturdy and safe. A pause table is a good starting point for dog training. Buy a 12″ high pause table, which is good for dogs in all sizes. Set it up in a familiar area, if your dog is shy. You can leave it in the house or yard for a couple of days, if your dog is the barking type. Then it can smell and inspect it in its own pace. Always remember to use baby steps training an insecure dog.

Use treats or your dog’s favorite toy to encourage it to get up on the table. Be patient because it may take more than one lesson. If the dog looses interest, try something new; e.g. place yourself on the table holding the dog. If it is not possible, have it on leash when you are sitting on the table. And only treat it when it comes to you. Never do it, if it is pulling away.

When the dog gets more experienced, you might want the dog to jump on the table using a cue word like Table, stay on the table as you back away with the word Stay and Come to you, when you call. You should extend the distance slowly, not pushing the dog to hard.

If you follow the above instructions, you can introduce new obstacles that can give your dog a new success. When it success a new piece of equipment, its confidence will grow.

Martin Elmer is the editor of Hundefan - a website about hunde tilbehoer. Here you can also read about hunde bur.

Dec 10 2009

How Agility Can Builds Confidence In Your Dog

Is your dog sensitive to sounds or is it timid around other dogs. Then agility training can provide the right environment and a good structure to build the necessary confidence in your dog. The classes are great places to learn about the training and sport. But it can still take a long time, before the dog is ready to leave your lap or the hiding under the chair.

A shy dog can only learn when it is inside its comfort zone. So all training must start where it feels safe, and all learning must be done in small increments. The best place for training and learning is probably the home.

If you want to train your dog at home, you need equipment and guidelines. There are multiple websites to be found with information about agility training. You can also study books and videos to get information, visual aids and lessons plans for both experts and beginners.

There is a wide range of equipment that can be both helpful and useful for dog training in your home. So you have to look at the location and available space, before you choose the equipment. Do you have a large yard? Well, good for you. But most people only have a small yard, where they have to setup the equipment every time. Or they might have to train in the garage or basement; or even in the living room.

The equipment has to be safe and sturdy when training a timid dog. A good place to start your agility training is a pause table. A 12″ high pause table (preferable with adjustable legs) is a great starting point for dogs in all sizes. Setup the table in an area that the dog is familiar with. If your dog is the type that barks at everything new, you can leave in the house or yard for a couple of days before using it. Then the dog can inspect and smell it. Remember you need to use baby steps with an insecure dog.

With treats in a dish or his favorite toy placed on the table encourage your dog to get up on the table. This may take more than one lesson, be patient. If your timid dog looses interest in food or toys when you attempt something new, trying holding him and you sit on the table. If your dog is too big to hold, have him on leash and you sit on the table. If he backs away coax him, only treat or reward him when he comes to you, never when he’s pulling back away from you or the table

When the dog gets more experienced, you might want the dog to jump on the table using a cue word like Table, stay on the table as you back away with the word Stay and Come to you, when you call. You should extend the distance slowly, not pushing the dog to hard.

You can follow the above techniques introducing new obstacles as your dog is able to succeed. As your dog succeeds on each new piece of equipment you will see his confidence grow.

Martin Elmer is the editor of Hundefan - a website about hunde ting. Here you can also read about hunde toej.

Dec 01 2009

How Agility Can Builds Confidence In Your Dog

Is your dog sensitive to sounds or is it timid around other dogs. Then agility training can provide the right environment and a good structure to build the necessary confidence in your dog. The classes are great places to learn about the training and sport. But it can still take a long time, before the dog is ready to leave your lap or the hiding under the chair.

A timid or shy dog can only learn inside their comfort zone. So, training must begin where they feel safe and behaviors must be taught in very small increments. Home will probably be the best place to train and have learning takes place for your dog.

If you want to train your dog at home, you need equipment and guidelines. There are multiple websites to be found with information about agility training. You can also study books and videos to get information, visual aids and lessons plans for both experts and beginners.

You can find a lot of equipment that is helpful and useful to have at home for dog training. All the equipment recommendations are based on location of training and the available space. Do you e.g. have a large yard with room for 10 obstacles? Or do you only have a small yard, so you have to tear down the equipment before you can setup something else up? Will the training be in the basement or garage; or maybe in the living room?

For the timid dogs make sure your equipment is safe and sturdy. The pause table is a good place to begin your agility training. A 12″ high pause table, with adjustable legs for later use, is a good starting place for all size dogs. Remember with your shy dog, setup your table in an area that is very familiar to your dog. If your dog barks at anything new, just leave your pause table in your house or yard for several days, let your dog inspect and smell it on his own or with a little coaxing, but don’t push to fast, remember baby steps with the insecure dog.

To encourage it to get up on the table you can use treats or its favorite toy. And remember it may well take several lesson. If it loses interest, you should try something new like placing yourself on the table. Then you can either hold it or have it on leash, while you are sitting on the table. But remember only to treat it when it comes against you. Never reward it, when it is pulling away.

When the dog gets more experienced, you might want the dog to jump on the table using a cue word like Table, stay on the table as you back away with the word Stay and Come to you, when you call. You should extend the distance slowly, not pushing the dog to hard.

Following the above instructions, you can slowly introduce new obstacles. When it is able to succeed new pieces of equipment, you will see its confidence grow.

Martin Elmer is the editor of Hundefan - a website about hunde artikler. Here you can also read about hundenet.

Nov 25 2009

Build Confidence In Your Dog With Agility

If your dog is timid around people or other dogs, then agility training can to build confidence in your dog. An agility class is a great place to learn about the sport and how to train your dog. But it may take some time before it is ready from your lap or under the chair.

A timid dog is only ready to learn from inside its comfort zone. So the best place for training is probably the home, where it feels safe and the learning can be done in small increments.

But how do you train your dog at home? You need two things: guidelines and equipment. You can find multiple websites with information on agility training. Other options are books and videos with details, visual aids and lesson plans for both beginners and experts.

There is a variety of equipment that is useful and helpful to have at home. Equipment recommendations are based on your available space and location of training. Do you have a large yard that will hold 10 obstacles? Do you have a small yard where you will need setup equipment and then tear down before you can setup again? Will you be training in your garage or basement, or as some agility addicts, in your living room?

The equipment has to be safe and sturdy when training a timid dog. A good place to start your agility training is a pause table. A 12″ high pause table (preferable with adjustable legs) is a great starting point for dogs in all sizes. Setup the table in an area that the dog is familiar with. If your dog is the type that barks at everything new, you can leave in the house or yard for a couple of days before using it. Then the dog can inspect and smell it. Remember you need to use baby steps with an insecure dog.

To encourage it to get up on the table you can use treats or its favorite toy. And remember it may well take several lesson. If it loses interest, you should try something new like placing yourself on the table. Then you can either hold it or have it on leash, while you are sitting on the table. But remember only to treat it when it comes against you. Never reward it, when it is pulling away.

Eventually, you want your dog to be able to jump on the table with your cue word like Table (or whatever word you use), Stay to have it stay on the table as you back away and then Come when you call. Build your distance slowly so that your dog is not pushed too soon.

You can follow the above techniques introducing new obstacles as your dog is able to succeed. As your dog succeeds on each new piece of equipment you will see his confidence grow.

Martin Elmer is the editor of Hundefan - a website about hunde ting. Here you can also read about toej til hunde.

Nov 24 2009

Build Confidence In Your Dog With Agility

Is your dog sensitive to sounds or is it timid around other dogs. Then agility training can provide the right environment and a good structure to build the necessary confidence in your dog. The classes are great places to learn about the training and sport. But it can still take a long time, before the dog is ready to leave your lap or the hiding under the chair.

A timid or shy dog can only learn inside their comfort zone. So, training must begin where they feel safe and behaviors must be taught in very small increments. Home will probably be the best place to train and have learning takes place for your dog.

So, how do you train at home? You will need guidelines and equipment. There is a multitude of websites that can give you information on agility training. There are also books and videos that will give details and visual aids and lesson plans for beginners thru expert levels.

You can find a lot of equipment that is helpful and useful to have at home for dog training. All the equipment recommendations are based on location of training and the available space. Do you e.g. have a large yard with room for 10 obstacles? Or do you only have a small yard, so you have to tear down the equipment before you can setup something else up? Will the training be in the basement or garage; or maybe in the living room?

When you are training a timid dog the equipment has to be sturdy and safe. A pause table is a good starting point for dog training. Buy a 12″ high pause table, which is good for dogs in all sizes. Set it up in a familiar area, if your dog is shy. You can leave it in the house or yard for a couple of days, if your dog is the barking type. Then it can smell and inspect it in its own pace. Always remember to use baby steps training an insecure dog.

Use treats or your dog’s favorite toy to encourage it to get up on the table. Be patient because it may take more than one lesson. If the dog looses interest, try something new; e.g. place yourself on the table holding the dog. If it is not possible, have it on leash when you are sitting on the table. And only treat it when it comes to you. Never do it, if it is pulling away.

Later you might want the dog jumping on the table using a cue like Table, Stay on the table and Come when you are calling. Build your distance to the table slowly, so you do not push the dog to hard.

Following the above instructions, you can slowly introduce new obstacles. When it is able to succeed new pieces of equipment, you will see its confidence grow.

Martin Elmer is the editor of Hundefan - a website about hundeartikler. Here you can also read about hunde gitter.

Nov 01 2009

Your First Dog Training Guide

It can be an overwhelming experience to have a dog in your house for the first time. It needs care and attention, but it does also have to learn to behave. So training is an important part of your dogs life.

It looks so simple, when experienced dog trainers trains dogs. But you will probably find even the simplest methods to be difficult in practice. But before you give up, you must remember that a dog try to please its owner. So spend a lot of time with your dog. Then it will both love and obey you.

When the dog is between the age of 3 and 16 weeks, it is a good time to start training it. The bond between you and the dog will take hold. And the training will be easier in the future, if you earn its respect there.

The pillar of good dog training is commands. But even though it looks simple, when the professional dog trainer is doing it, you might find it difficult. And the dog will probably not obey you.

The secret is in the tone of the voice. Professional dog trainers do not posses special animal talking skills; they are just experienced in dog behavior and know how voice can get the dog to do, what they want. And you can learn the same by practicing.

Your command tone must be firm; but also non-threatening. You must show who is the dominating part in the relationship between you and the dog. If you not do so, you will not be able to make your dog obey. And you cannot do it by threatening or yelling at your dog. It will only make it fear you.

Instead you should praise your dog, when it is doing something right. A positive attitude is the most effective thing in dog training. A dog is able to distinguish between right and wrong; but it is not capable to understand the difference without the proper feedback from the trainer.

So by using the tone of your voice to show it, when it has done something right or wrong, you can learn it to distinguish between what is good behavior; and what is not. Again remember that the dog will try to please the owner, the dog will learn to everything it can to follow your instructions.

When you master the tone of the voice, you can start to search for more complicated training methods to take the training even further.

And a final issue; the temperament and intelligence are different for all dogs. So when a method might work on one dog, it might not on another. So learn which methods that works with your dog; and stick to them.

Martin Elmer is the editor of Hundefan - a website about hunde artikler. Here you can also read about hundeseler.

categories: dogs,training,dog training,beginner,methods,commands,tone of voice,praise,intelligence,temperament