Iliopsoas Injuries and Prevention
by Dr. Julie Mayer 

Canine athletes, working dogs, and active house dogs that accelerate quickly (like sprinters), jump, brake abruptly, make tight turns, or twist in the air are prone to iliopsoas strains and injuries. The torso of the dog needs to be strong, stable, and flexible, all at the same time, to allow the nervous system to ignite the muscles groups that move the frame and appendages through space and for locomotion to occur. The ilopsoas muscle is one of the muscle groups that is part of the core of the lower half of the trunk. It works hard when excessive forces are placed on it both in static positions and active movement.

 

 
 

Out Spot Out! Teaching Independent Obstacle Performance, Part 1
by Lorrie Reynolds

Independent obstacle performance is the ability of the dog to complete an obstacle and maintain criteria regardless of the handler’s motion and position relative to the obstacle. It is essential for all facets of agility and is particularly important for distance work. A dog cannot perform at a distance if he cannot perform the obstacles independently. This article is for teams who have already trained obstacle performance but do not yet have dogs that will perform the obstacles on their own; however, if you are just beginning to train obstacle performance, you can use the principles explained here to teach independence during your dog’s initial obstacle training and be a step ahead of the game. 
 

Power Paws Skills: Lead-out Pivots
by Nancy Gyes

No matter what handling system you use lead-out pivots (LOPs) should be taught for a variety a lead-out scenarios. The teaching of the LOP focuses on some important skills all agility dogs should understand: 1) Whether I am moving or standing still, my dog should know to follow the line he is on and he should stay on that line, until I give some kind of turning cue; 2) The dog should perform his job even if I am lateral of his line, whether I am standing still or moving. 
 

Eating to Win
by Alison Bryant

Agility articles often involve training techniques, handling techniques, and course analysis. Some even discuss dog and handler fitness and conditioning. But there are very few articles that have discussed how the handler’s food choices affect their agility runs.

 

 

Knowledge Equals Speed! Teaching Verbal Directional Commands, Part 2 When you get behind your dog, you need to provide him with information to allow him to continue with the course or he will have to slow down and head-check back to see what you want. This month we'll look at verbal commands to turn your dog right and left. By Dawn Weaver

Puppy Agility Games, Part 2 These games teach your puppy some of the most important aspects of our sport without any agility equipment. This month you’ll learn the advanced stages of the games you taught your puppy in Part 1, and put the games together to teach your puppy brilliant responses to your handling maneuvers as he interacts with "obstacles." By Anne Stocum

Living Room Agility: Come, Out, and Go To successfully navigate an agility course with you, your dog needs to clearly understand where he’s going. Verbal cues can help you be more precise. This month in your living room you'll work on a recall to side cue, a cue to tell the dog to move laterally away from you, and a cue for the dog to go on ahead of you. By Frankie Joiris