dog walk anxiety

[Apollo's mom]

Apollo and I have sartd our Agility 1 class and we are having the time of our lives! He has really done a terrific job on the obstacles that have been presented to us... that is until tonight. We had some difficulty on the dog walk. It was set rather low- about 3 feet and the first time he did OK but rushed a little and it started to bounce. After that he was extremely reluctant to get on it again. I'm looking for any training tips or advice that can help us on this obstacle. Thanks!


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Elizabeth & Apollo
Chicagoland

[Krikkit]

Hi Elizabeth, you could try placing a plank on the ground and getting Apollo comfortable walking that before trying the real walk again. Make sure you square up to the plank, get him to walk on straight, and walk off straight as well. If he still wants to hurry across it lure him into a sit with a treat at the start, middle and end of the plank.

Another thing to try is backchaining the walk. Place Apollo on the end of down ramp of the walk first, facing off the dogwalk and reward him with food and praise for staying there. Then lead him off it gently. Next , place him in the middle of the down ramp and do the same thing (this is assuming you can lift him onto it http://216.55.5.229/ubb/smile.gif ) Next have him at the top of the down ramp. Do not progress from here until he is focusing on the end of the plank, walking down steadily, waiting for a food reward before hoping off, and generally seems comfortable. Next off, place him in the middle of the middle plank and repeat leading him across and off it. Last step is to start from the up plank.

Yet another thing to try is to walk him through a ladder on the ground (one of the flater timber type ladders). The ladder generally makes the dog more aware of where he places his feet. Walk Apollo through the ladder encouraging him to watch where he puts his feet. This will help build his confidence.

It is important that you stay calm and cool when training this and always reward Apollo with a lot of praise and great treats. If he does not do something 'properly' simply ignore it and try not to even 'feel' disappointed http://216.55.5.229/ubb/smile.gif It won't be long before he loves the walk. Perhaps you could stay after class and get some one on one work with your instructor as well?

These links have great tips on the dogwalk:
http://dogpatch.org/agility/FAQs/faqwalk3.html
http://dogpatch.org/agility/FAQs/faqwalk2.html
http://www.agilityshop.com/training_contacts.htm
http://www.netscenes.com/pawsabiliti...ining.htm#Spot

Have fun http://216.55.5.229/ubb/biggrin.gif

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Sharon
Bella (Red&White 03.07.94) Layla (Brindle&White - 03.12.94) Ruben & Amy (Red&White littermates 15.09.98) Bo, Tess and Rebel in our hearts.
AgilityBoxer.Com

[This message has been edited by Krikkit (edited 07-25-2000).]

[Apollo's mom]

Thanks so much those are great ideas! I had read about back chaining in a book but had forgotten about it until you wrote. I think that is the route that I will try along with a board on the ground. We have practiced with a ladder and he is no longer phased by that which is good. At this club we are fortunate enough to be able to rent ring time when there are not classes - so that will help too. I think I'll search out some extra special food rewards, too. M-m-m-m-m hot dog peices http://216.55.5.229/ubb/biggrin.gif!

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Elizabeth & Apollo
Chicagoland