Training tips for earning championships in multiple venues …

In a series of earlier articles for Clean Run, I wrote about City/Highway driving (Highway/City, May through July 1999). Today, we more often refer to the idea of "changes of gear" on the agility field as handler focus and obstacle focus. These two concepts form the foundation for our training program at Rising Stars Dog Agility.

When I think of an unusual breed as it pertains to the sport of dog agility, I think of any breed that is not “predominant” by sheer numbers. I also think of one that is not necessarily built for speed or turning ability or that may not have a genetic predisposition to work with humans. Each breed is designed for a purpose, whether it be herding, guarding, hunting, or being a companion. They will have temperamental tendencies, but with some guidance, a trainer can turn on the agility star inside.

Scorn the use of the term "work ethic" if you like or instead adopt the more pretentious but scientifically correct "learned industriousness." But recognize that reinforced behavior persists. The types of challenges mastered and the pattern of rewards doled out can produce dogs with varying degrees of zeal. Continuous reinforcement for passable performance can lead to a reliable dog that methodically racks up the Q ribbons. But intermittent rewards, doable challenges, and differential reinforcement of extra effort and excellence can produce a tireless, prodigious, and fanatical dog: a dog with an inspiring work ethic.

How many times at a training class or trial have your heard mumblings, groans, and exclamations about something on course? I admit that as a student, I've been guilty of mumbling and complaining! But do you realize what the grumbling really means? Those verbal protests mean we are being presented with a challenge that’s out of our "comfort zone." We are looking at a sequence and we don't know how to handle it or how the dog will respond, so our anxiety rises. So what do you do after you’re finishing complaining?
 

Removing the dog during a run is a form of "time-out." When implemented properly, time-out is a negative punishment procedure because the dog learns that when he emits the specific behavior, he is prevented from the opportunity to earn further rewards for a specified period of time. What should you contemplate before using time-outs in your agility training?