Dog Agility RSS

What is a German turn? A German turn is a handling option for an S-line bend over a jump where you need to change sides. A prerequisite to trying this move is your dog must know a go-round cue.   Why use this move? This agility move can be useful as there are no backwards steps, the handler moves the whole time and it creates a tight S shape instead of a slice like a blind would.   How to train: Half the ‘S’: using a placed reward which helps the dog focus on the jump as we move Leave...

What is a Forced Front Cross: This handling move guides your dog around to the backside of an obstacle and gets them to 'slice' across the jump. You do this by: Getting ahead of your dog on a course One step behind the front wing with just your arm reaching out for the dog to see at nose level Encourage them to you such as waving your hand/calling their name.  Turn to face the jump pole as the dog arrives, watching their movement. Your guiding arm stays at 45 degrees and no waving. Move your position to be by the back wing...

What is a blind cross? It’s called blind because you will get ahead on a course, so your dog will be behind and you take your eyes off them as you change the handling side.   Why use a blind cross Because a blind cross allows efficient forward motion, it can be useful if you need to get ahead on the course. You don't need any collection from the dog or yourself, which allows for acceleration. Note: only works on angle changes less than 45 degrees.   How to do a blind cross? So, these would be the steps that...

In this course, you have the option to practice Front Crosses, Pivots or something which may be new to a few of you, a manoeuvre called a Ketshker on jump 8. A pivot is when you don't need to change sides, so you stay using the same arm and rotate on the spot.  A  Ketshker, also called a German turn, is a word many agility people use to describe a turn where your dog goes behind you and can be useful to open a clear line to the next obstacle  A ‘front cross’ is a handling skill where you get ahead of your dog and turn,...

Weaving poles in agility The Kennel Club is the governing body for dog agility in the UK. Here are some of their rules for dog agility weaves: The weaves are a standard height and should be "60 cm apart between the poles". Dogs should enter the weave poles with their left shoulder passing the first pole then weave through without skipping any. If they do make a mistake, they will receive faults or penalties, depending on the competition rules. These rules are just a brief overview, you can familiarise yourself with the full specifications here: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/events-and-activities/agility/new-to-agility/agility-course-obstacles/ As your dogs learn the obstacle, they will...