4 to 8 Dog Agility Jumps Makes Ideal Training
August 31, 2009
4 to 8 Dog Agility Jumps Makes Ideal Training
by: Brad Carlson
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 threadles.
Go the next step and get eight jumps. Now you can setup two boxes with one introductory jump. You’ve now multiplied your drills that you can practice with your dog. Your jump grids can be of recommended size and quantity of jumps. You can also setup your jumps in a circle with the jump bars perpendicular to the circle or on the circumference of the circle. This pattern also enables you to train a variety of skills.
Teaching Dog Agility Weaves With A Weave Chute
August 30, 2009
Teaching Dog Agility Weaves With A Weave Chute
by: Brad Carlson
There are many methods to teach dogs how to weave. Having attended a variety of agility camps and agility seminars, I’ve seen quite a few of the top handlers present their preferred method of weave training. Their training techniques vary,but the one thing they do have in common, the end result, their dogs all weave fast and efficiently.
The Weave Chute is one method of training weaves. The Weave Chute is a structure where the weave poles pull apart and the dog runs down the middle channel. The weave poles are setup on a base either PVC or metal, the even number poles pull back to the same side and the odd numbered poles pull apart to the same side. The poles are brought closer together, training a chain of sessions, until the weave poles are in a straight line.
To start, the weave poles are about 3 feet apart. Set your dog on a Stay (Sit, Down, or Stand). Leave your dog and go to the other end of the chute or channel. Call your dog, allow them to run as fast as they can through the chute, when they get near you through a toy straight ahead or between your legs. You want them to keep moving past you and not slow up as they get near you.
Dog Agility Training for Your Puppy
August 29, 2009
Dog Agility Training for Your Puppy
by: Brad Carlson
You may be asking, “When can I start agility training with my new puppy?” You can start immediately, with certain recommendations. Puppies are always learning, so every time you are with your pup you can be playing and socializing with agility in mind. Always remember, if you can control your puppies environment, you can teach and train the behaviors you want, left on their own, even in a fenced yard, puppies will learn and develop behaviors that later we may want or need to extinguish.
Expose your puppy to different surfaces. One of the first behaviors we teach our pups is “Box” or “Table”. This behavior transfers to the agility pause table. Lure pup up on a low pause table, treat them on the table. You can call the pause table anything you want. (If I was starting over I would name the pause table “Box” instead of “Table” for my dogs because on the agility course there is the potential to have too many “T” words, i.e. tunnel, tire, table, and teeter. The problem is I am also a creature of habit, and under pressure revert back to my default words, “table” would be one of them.)
Facts about Dog Agility
August 28, 2009
Facts about Dog Agility
by: Brad Carlson
Dog agility trials are becoming more and more popular the world over. They began in England, as so many good things, do, but “agility fever” quickly spread all over the globe. Now there are clubs and events everywhere that there are dogs.
Some clubs include the Kennel Club (in the U.K.), the United States Dog Agility Association (USDAA), the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Agility Association of Canada (AAC). However, you need not be affiliated with or even live near a club or training facility to enjoy the sport of dog agility
Dogs are intelligent creatures, and they love a challenge. As the aforementioned kennel clubs are well aware, every breed has its own strengths and assets, both physically and intellectually. It’s great fun to explore what your dog can do, and even train for competitions!
Even if you train your dog on your own dog agility course, and don’t wish to be affiliated with any groups, it’s still a good idea to stay in touch with them via phone or e-mail to stay aware of any events that may be happening in your area. Dog owners are a great group of people, and love to share advice and success stories. Dog agility events are also a great way to get outside and meet and greet other great pets.
Puppy Agility Training
August 27, 2009
Puppy Agility Training
by: Brad Carlson
You may be asking, “When can I start agility training with my new puppy?” Puppies are always learning, so every time you are with your pup you can be playing and socializing with agility in mind. Always remember, if you can control your puppies environment, you can teach and train the behaviors you want, left on their own, even in a fenced yard, puppies will learn and develop behaviors that later we may want or need to extinguish.
One of the first behaviors we teach our pups is “Table” or “Box”. This behavior transfers to the agility pause table. But more than that, the table is the center and control point of our puppy training. We introduce pups and older dogs to the table set at a 12 inch height. If you have a very small pup you could use an 8 inch table, but even with bigger dogs we use the 12 inch table and not higher. To begin, lure pup up on a low pause table, treat him for getting on the table. Once the pup is comfortable getting up on the table, then lure the pup up to a sit. You can also lure to a down.
Dog Aggression Training
August 27, 2009
Dog Aggression Training
by: Russ Richer
Why do so many dogs get euthanized when there owners could have taught them not to bite?
When it comes to dog aggressiveness, there are laws that state the dog’s owner can be charged and the dog put down if the dog bites someone. Of course, with some serious dog training, dogs can be taught to enjoy people and not be aggressive.
There are a number of reasons why dogs become aggressive. The dog may feel his territory is being compromised, or he feels threatened. A lot of dog aggression comes from lack of confidence and insecurity. Simple dog obedience training will not solve your dog’s aggressive problems, only some serious dog training will do the trick. Dog aggressiveness doesn’t just mean biting; it means barking and lunging at people as well. This type of behaviour needs to be addressed as soon as possible to prevent anything serious from happening to a person, child or another dog.
Aggressive behavior will not go away without proper corrective action from the owner and will not get better as the dog ages. The biggest mistake that owners make is to excuse away aggressive behavior for their dog or puppy, and hope that the behavior is outgrown. The behavior only worsens with age.
How to Begin a Dog Training Career
August 26, 2009
How to Begin a Dog Training Career
by: Katie Brandt
Do you love dogs? Do you find yourself automatically trying to train each dog you come across? Would you like a fun, satisfying career that revolves around working with dogs? Then starting a dog training career could be the best career option for you. As a dog trainer you will be able to work one-on-one with loveable dogs and help them to learn the proper behaviors.
Having a successful dog training career is dependent upon the time and effort you place into the venture. The odds of having a productive dog training career are low if you decide to just read a book or two on the subject and set up shop. This type of surface level preparation for your dog training career may leave you ill equipped to deal with the business aspects and typical obstacles.
If you do garner any clients they may not be satisfied with your services and your reputation goes down the tubes. Remember if you embark on a dog training career that you need to establish a good, respectable reputation from the beginning. This is especially true if you wish to expand your dog training career from the average household to dog shows. The competitive dog world can be a small, close knit group that watches the performance of dog trainers closely.
How To Take Care Of Your Pet Parrot
August 25, 2009
How To Take Care Of Your Pet Parrot
by: Naldo Camarones
Parrots make wonderful family pets because they are great companions, they are beautiful birds with colorful feathers and you can teach them to talk. But you must have a strong level of commitment to your parrot because he will need daily and weekly maintenance, as well as plenty of attention.
What a Parrot Needs
When you consider how to take care of you parrot, you will have to consider what you will need to get started. The first thing you will need is a large cage for your parrot to live in. Make sure it is big enough for him to move around a bit and be comfortable. To occupy his time and make him feel comfortable you should place a mirror, a swing and a toy in the cage. You will also need something to properly line the cage.
What To Feed Your Parrot
A parrot should have a healthy, well-balanced diet. It should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, meat and grains. Peanut butter and cooked eggs are other sources of protein that are good for parrots. Pre-packaged parrot food is certainly another valid option. It takes the guesswork out of feeding your bird a wide variety of balanced nutrition.
Dog Agility Equipment: Where do I begin?
August 24, 2009
Dog Agility Equipment: Where do I begin?
by: Brad Carlson
There is such a wide selection of dog agility equipment, where do I begin? There are several factors to consider when making your agility equipment purchases. Two major factors are your goals and your dog.
Are your goals to develop a deeper bonding with your dog by taking agility classes together, having fun, and seeing how far you and your dog can progress with agility skills? Do you have a timid dog and want to develop confidence in him? Or do you have a high drive dog and want to help him burn energy in a controlled manner? Do you want to do agility as a just for fun activity or are you setting your sights on making it to the nationals and becoming an agility instructor? All the previous factors are important to consider when purchasing your equipment.
5 Big Reasons to Crate Train your Dog
August 23, 2009
5 Big Reasons to Crate Train your Dog
by: Nathalie Lafleur
Are you frustrated with your dog?
Does he chew everything in sight? Does he leave puddles and piles everywhere? Is a car ride with your dog synonym of a nightmare?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, I have a simple solution for you: crate training.
Here are 5 big reasons why you should start crate training your dog:
Reason #1: A Crate Stops Destructive Behaviors
Most dogs are destructive because they don’t have anything more interesting to do than chew on everything they can sink their teeth in.
You have to remember that chewing is a natural dog behavior and an excellent way for your dog to burn his excess of energy.
Consequently, your job is not to stop your dog from chewing, but to prevent him from chewing on the wrong things, like chair legs, shoes, socks, etc.
By providing safe chew toys to your dog in his crate, you accomplish two things: you make the crate a wonderful place to be in and you teach him what are the acceptable chew toys in the house.
