Watch those Wings

It's easy to forget to practice jumps with wings, because they are bit more complicated to construct. Yet, 50% of jumps in an AKC course must be wing jumps. Wings are only 18 - 24" wide, but they do alter the way you handle jumps. If your dog has never been exposed to wings, he may be completely confused on initial introduction -- wondering if he should jump over the wing parts or run around them. Wings also force the handler to approach a jump at a different angle or distance, further confusing your dog about how to actually complete the obstacle. Make sure to introduce your dog to wing jumps before you encounter them in a competition ring. You'll be glad you did!

The Value of Conditioning

Conditioning is important for any competitor. Whether you consider yourself a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, you and your dog will suffer far less physical stress or injury if you make efforts to condition yourselves -- especially during the change of seasons. Take special care when preparing to attend an all-day workshop or trial outside. The weather can change drastically between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. -- ranging from cool and damp to hot and dry and back to cool and damp. Before you attend a special event, plan on taking some short walks during the warmer part of the days ahead. Work up to moderate walks during the warmest part of the days. And make sure to cool down after any unusual exertion.

Watch Where You're Going

Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it. But when you’re worried about your dog completing an obstacle correctly or you’re simply enthralled by your dog’s jumping style, you may spend more time watching your dog, than watching where you’re going. Keep in mind that the direction your head is pointing also helps your dog decide which direction to run. Turning your head to look back over your shoulder is actually one of the first steps in performing a front cross. So, if you turn your head to look at her, your dog may pull up and slow down expecting you to “complete a front cross.” Instead, look ahead at the next obstacle you plan to take. Keep it safe for you and clear for your dog.

Celebrate the Good Stuff

It's easy when you're learning something, to focus on the things you don't know -- to notice your mistakes and track the areas that need improvement. The strength to overcome obstacles, though, comes from the energy you gain from your successes. That which you know will help you learn that which you do not. So, don't forget to honor the stuff you're good at. Feel free to spend entire practice sessions simply repeating those skills at which you and your dog ROCK! And be excited by even your small accomplishments -- that's the stuff you get to celebrate. : )

Arms

Remember to use your arms mainly to motor yourself around the course and to keep your balance while running. Extend your arm only when you need to "push" your dog out or away. If you run with your arm(s) constantly extended it will be less clear when you need your dog to respond to a hand signal. You wouldn't run a course muttering, "jump... jump... jump... JUMP!... jump... jump, etc." -- shouting "jump" louder only when you encountered an actual jump. Be just as clear with your arm and hand signals as you would be with your verbal signals.

6 Obstacle Approaches

There are only 6 ways to approach an obstacle on an agility course. Make sure to practice all 6 with each new obstacle.

1. Run by left:
   You run past (by) the obstacle with your dog on your right (left side of your dog).
2. Run by right:
   You run past (by) the obstacle with your dog on your left (right side of your dog).
3. Send:
   Send your dog ahead of you over an obstacle.
4. Recall:
   Call your dog to you over an obstacle.
5. Rear cross left:
   Start on the right side of your dog and rear cross to the left side as you approach.
6. Rear cross right:
   Start on the left side of your dog and rear cross to the right side as you approach.

Directionals

Use your right hand to signal a right turn and your left hand to signal a left turn, rather than using one hand to signal both. This not only makes the cue clearer to your dog, it can also help you remember which direction you're turning. "I'm turning towards my right hand, or I'm turning towards my left hand." ; )

Release

A consistent, clear, concise verbal release cue helps establish a solid stay at the start line. Your dog will hold a stay more confidently if he knows he's listening for one particular verbal cue to move. Otherwise he may think he can abort his stay as soon as you get past the jump, or as soon as you fix your hair, or as soon as you bend your knees.