I think it’s extremely important to build a solid foundation and basic skills for a young dog. There’s no rush to do agility obstacles because, when the foundations have been done properly, “real” agility will be easy.
I could talk for hours about how to build cooperation and different tricks, but I’ve chosen only one theme for this challenge, which is essential when it comes to agility - it’s handler movement as a distraction and teaching it to a dog.
Building blocks:
1. A strong drive for a toy or treat > the dog needs to be interested in the reward and actively strive for it
2. ”Focus” - building the cue > a cue that makes the dog scan what’s right in front of him, regardless of the handler’s position or movement
In addition, teaching the cue “where” > e.g. ”where’s the jump?” ”where’s the tunnel?” > with this cue we want the dog to understand that he needs to scan and find different obstacles at his sides
3. Desensitizing to handler’s movement, teaching the basics of movement as a distraction
4. Increasing the level of challenge
5. Adding obstacles, learning to tolerate movement as a distraction on obstacles > only after the dog masters this in flat work!
In this training challenge you’ll find exercises that cover all the building blocks. So get stuck in and enjoy the free training challenge (in English and in Finnish)! The detailed instructions, videos and course maps can be found in the AgiNotes app. Register for free - there’s no time limit for the free trial.