Training Tips
KISS principle = keep it simple sweetheart.
When training your dog in agility I recommend that dog owners use the KISS principle - that is, keep the training sessions simple, short AND fun! One of the first rules in agility training, especially in the beginning stages, is to break down each exercise into the most basic form and then make sure your dog is having fun and is interested in the learning process. Be generous with those yummy reward treats that you are giving for each successful attempt to let your dog know that he is doing a good job and is on the right track; take lots of play breaks as well, using your dog's favorite toy to play a game of tug or fetch; and always end the session with your dog wanting more - the key point is to always end BEFORE your dog is ready to end it.
One of the most common mistakes that new handlers/owners make is that they ask way too much of their dog. Consequently, Rover gets frustrated, his handler/owner gets frustrated, and all of a sudden agility training is no longer fun. Like any sport, training in dog agility is a process with many steps along the way.....make sure to keep the process simple AND fun!
When training your dog in agility I recommend that dog owners use the KISS principle - that is, keep the training sessions simple, short AND fun! One of the first rules in agility training, especially in the beginning stages, is to break down each exercise into the most basic form and then make sure your dog is having fun and is interested in the learning process. Be generous with those yummy reward treats that you are giving for each successful attempt to let your dog know that he is doing a good job and is on the right track; take lots of play breaks as well, using your dog's favorite toy to play a game of tug or fetch; and always end the session with your dog wanting more - the key point is to always end BEFORE your dog is ready to end it.
One of the most common mistakes that new handlers/owners make is that they ask way too much of their dog. Consequently, Rover gets frustrated, his handler/owner gets frustrated, and all of a sudden agility training is no longer fun. Like any sport, training in dog agility is a process with many steps along the way.....make sure to keep the process simple AND fun!
