If I can offer a training suggestion. Some of the dogs may run beautifully after they get away from the start line....but they have very bad impulse control. So go back to your beginning training and do everything in small increments. Using only one hoop or jump, with the leash on the dog, walk to the obstacle, stand up straight and be calm. Let the dog know you have a treat. Tell the dog to sit and give the treat, then turn and walk away from the obstacle. Repeat the same thing but this time touch the collar/leash, don't take it off, give the treat and walk away. The dog NEVER gets the first obstacle. Gradually build on this so that everytime the dog goes to the line, he thinks he will get a treat and he must control his impulses and focus on you. Grow this by starting to remove the leash, give the treat and then put leash back on and walk the dog away from the first obstacle. When you get to where you can remove the leash and walk past the first obstacle, immediately turn and go back to the dog, put the leash on, give the treat and walk away. The dog at this point still never gets the first obsatcle. This process could take weeks. For the handler, it also helps to claim the space as you walk away from the dog, cross in front of the dog between the first obstacle and the dog, keeping the front of your body facing the dog (keeping eye contact). Keep telling the dog to stay. Stand still and go back again, leash on treat and walk away. Eventually you will let the dog come to you (face the direction you will be going), taking the first obstacle and getting a treat. PUT THE LEASH ON AND WALK AWAY> Have fun with this, it takes time to train. The dog will mirror you and your own excitment, be calm and be relaxed.
LinB
mdt-Agility Ability LLC
Nevada
