Agility Dog Training ~ avec Michelle Johnston

The training structure

ONE TO ONE LESSONS BY APPOINTMENT

BASIC TRAINING

AGILITY INTRODUCTION

ADVANCED AGILITY TRAINING

INTRODUCTION TO HOOPERS

HOOPERS TRAINING

CLICKER TRAINING

BASIC TRAINING

This lesson is organised to teach you how to work with your dog and build a working relationship with him. This is necessary for all forms of training.

It may not seem long to you, but for your dog, it can be quite mentally exhausting. Because many dogs are young, and not used to training there will be plenty of emphasis on play.

The objects of basic training

Recall

Walking on the lead without pulling

Positions, - sit, down, Close (heel)

General good behaviour ? i.e. not jumping up at strangers when meeting.

Learning some challenges, i.e. in the playground, tunnel, log walk etc

RECALL. We work on the recall because this is the most important thing you can teach your dog. If your dog can always come back to you the first time you call his name he will enjoy the freedom of being allowed off his lead on walks. Your dog will not be allowed off the lead at training to run around unless he can come back immediately when you call him.

POSITIONS. You will be teaching your dog to sit, or to lie down. This is important for those times where you may be crossing the road, or you need him to be patient and wait for you - such as when you are talking to a friend over coffee.

WALKING ON THE LEAD. Dogs that can walk nicely on the lead without pulling are a pleasure to take anywhere. Your dog is your friend, and you want to be able to go out with your friend and walk side by side.

The ladder walk. This may look simple, but isn't. Dogs have to think about their back feet as well as their front feet.

Pacing Poles. This works the muscles that ordinarary walking just doesn't do !

Dogs can learn and have fun at the same time. The adventure playground is built for this very reason. Dogs still have to learn their basic good behaviour, but they can also have some fun and have the added challenges which will help him work with you. An example is the log walk. The logs are designed to be uneven, but still safe. With the handler beside the dog, the dog is happy to walk and not to pull on the lead.