Teaching Directional Commands for the Dog Agility Beginner
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Home Family -> subcategory Pets.
Teaching Directional Commands for Beginners in Dog Agility
Summary
This article provides guidance on teaching essential directional commands?"Come, Go, and Back?"to beginners in dog agility.Keywords
dog agility, agility equipment, dog agility equipmentArticle Body
Training and working with your dog can be wonderfully rewarding, as dogs are naturally friendly, responsive, and quick learners. Agility training is a fantastic way to bond with your canine companion while staying active and enjoying the great outdoors. Dogs of all breeds and sizes, including mixed breeds, can thrive with agility training, making it an excellent way to keep both you and your dog physically and mentally fit.Agility is an enjoyable team sport that combines advanced off-leash obedience, directional commands, and obstacle navigation. To successfully have your dog run off-leash in a 100 x 100 ring, begin by developing control on the leash. Crucial behaviors include Come, Sit, Down, and Stay. While your dog doesn’t need to be perfect with these commands, proficiency will enhance your agility experience. Unlike formal obedience training, which focuses on heeling to the left, agility requires working with your dog on both sides. You can develop these skills through self-training or classes, and there are many books available on obedience training.
Core Directional Commands
The primary directional commands in agility are Come, Go, and Back.- Come: Your dog approaches and moves toward you.
- Go: Both you and your dog face the same direction, and the dog moves ahead of you until directed otherwise.
- Back: The dog turns away from you, whether facing you or from either side.
These commands are taught using a table. Start by ensuring your dog is comfortable jumping onto a 12-inch high agility table, suitable for all dog sizes. Use Sit-Stay or Down-Stay commands on the table, gradually increasing your distance. Release your dog with the Come command.
Training Steps
1. Come Command:- Position your dog in a Sit-Stay about 3 feet from the table, facing it.
- Move to the other side of the table and call your dog with "Come Table."
- Praise your dog upon reaching the table to prevent jumping off.
- Gradually increase the distance from the table, in increments (4, 6, 8 feet, etc.).
- Similarly, increase your distance from the table when calling your dog.
2. Go Command:
- Stand about 3 feet from the table with your dog on a leash, both facing the table.
- Instruct your dog to "Go Table," using your arm to point or guide if needed.
- Practice until your dog can reach the table independently.
- Try this with the dog on both left and right sides, using the corresponding arm to guide.
- Gradually increase the distance to as much as 30 feet.
3. Back Command:
- With your dog sitting 3 feet away, facing you and the table behind, instruct "Back Table."
- Use your arm to point and guide with the leash if necessary.
- Practice on both sides, using your Left and Right arms alternately.
- Once your dog consistently turns to the table, begin increasing your distance.
These versatile commands can be used across all obstacles and throughout agility runs, enhancing your training experience and strengthening the bond with your dog.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Teaching Directional Commands for the Dog Agility Beginner.
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