101 Things You Can Do with a Plank
by Mary Champagne

Plank work is fundamental for your agility dog’s initial training. There are 101 things you can do with a plank and you can start when your pup is young.

Planks come in all shapes and sizes. A beginner plank may only be 6' long and 10" wide, but you may also want a 12' board. We’ll discuss the value of more than one training board later. If you have a small workspace like an apartment, you may choose to stick with a 6' board.

Plank work is not limited to just a narrow board you walk your dog back and forth on. Another type of
plank, which is a favorite of mine, is a mini contact trainer that resembles an A-frame but is very portable. This is a piece of plywood, 3/4" thick for stability and 4' long by 2' wide. These boards can be purchased precut in most large home supply stores like Home Depot or Lowes. You might also want a round or square plank that can be made to tip in all directions, otherwise known as a Buja or wobble board..... See page 51 in the December issue

Comparing the Derrett and Mecklenburg Handling Systems, Part 10
by the Clean Run Staff

In the final wrap-up article of this series, we review the guidelines or rules of each system as well as the underlying principles of the system. In addition, we discuss foundation work necessary for each system, expectations of the dog, and the teaching and application of each system.... See page 36 in the December issue

Trainer's Forum
by Brenna Fender

This month's question: In my area, the number of trials has increased from one a month to two or three every weekend, with a choice of venues. We used to not have winter trials so I could give my dog the season off, but now we have a fair number of indoor trials. Should I worry about trialing all year round? Should I give my dog a block of time off during the winter?.... See page 24 in the December issue

10 Tips I Wish I'd Known When I Started Agility
by Terry VanHook

1. When you take the leash off of your pup, instead of saying “Go Play,” you should be saying “Come Play!” When the leash comes off, the fun starts with chasing mom or the toy she has. It is so important to practice handling on the flat.

2. It may be tremendous fun for you to have your dog do an obstacle like a jump (figure eights over one jump or sends to a table you have in your backyard) over and over. But drilling your dog on any obstacle can lead to your dog’s disliking that obstacle and even things associated with performing the obstacle...... See page 11 in the December issue

Take Home Lessons from the Clean Run Instructors Conference The second annual Clean Run Instructors Conference (CRIC) held August 1-3, 2008, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, was no less exciting, stimulating, and thought-provoking than the inaugural CRIC held in Massachusetts in 2007. Networking with fellow instructors, and discussing and analyzing our common concerns was beneficial as always. But the phenomenal presentations that integrated content with new, improved, or enhanced methods and techniques were impressive. I am still trying to absorb and incorporate all the information from the various presentations, but some ideas and techniques really stood out and I’ve been working with other instructors to integrate those ideas into our classes...... By Debbie Harrison

Observations of a Gate Steward I have competed and worked at many agility trials over the years, often landing the plum job of gate steward (or Gate Goddess or Gate Bitch, depending on how you look at it). I’ve been privileged to watch many truly beautiful agility runs executed with grace and precision, and I’ve been privileged to rub shoulders with some of the nicest people you’ll ever find anywhere. Unfortunately, I’ve also witnessed and been subjected to inconsiderate behavior, foul language, and even worse from fellow exhibitors. It occurred to me that a reminder about a few basic aspects of trial etiquette might make agility trials more enjoyable for all concerned. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a short list of dos and don’ts developed during my various stints as an agility trial worker...... By Marty Siegrist

Chinese Herbs and the Athletic Dog As a growing number of dog owners seek natural and holistic methods to keep their dogs healthy and happy, some understanding of Chinese herbs and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) can expand available health care choices. Chinese herbal formulas are especially effective to support the health and unique nature of a canine athlete. From the Chinese medical perspective, your athletic dog is very yang in nature: active, outward, energetic, all about movement,” says holistic veterinarian and Herbsmith, Inc. founder Chris Bessent, DVM. The canine agility breeds provide perfect examples of this nature, but they’re not the only ones...... By Jean Scherwenka