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Dog conditioning platforms A dog conditioning platform is a tool used in dog training to help dogs learn new behaviours and reinforce existing ones. The platform is typically a raised surface, often made of wood or plastic, that the dog can stand on. Examples include: Place Boards  Traditionally used in Gundog Training, but have useful applications in multiple disciplines Buy yours: https://angliandogworks.com/products/dog-training-place-board Position Boxes Traditionally used in obedience and protection dog training, but useful whenever precise movements are required.  Buy yours: https://angliandogworks.com/products/position-box The platform is used as a target for the dog to go to and stand on, and it can...

Adding an oil to your dogs' dies can supply them with essential fatty acids (EFAs) But not always the other beneficial compounds such as resolvins, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) that are derived from ocean sources.   Hemp, chai and flax oil ✓ Healthy oils and fats ✗resolvins DHA or EPA   Cod liver Cod liver oil is liver oil, not body oil ✓ Can be high in vitamins a and d ✗Not high in omega 3s   Salmon oil ✓ Natural source of Omega 3 fatty acids. These essential fatty acids also play a big role in promoting...

Changing Direction Taking part in weeks 1 & 2’s lesson plans, you will have run in one direction. To change your dog’s direction, handlers do a manoeuvre, called a cross. A ‘front cross’ is a handling skill where you get ahead of your dog and turn, plus change your driving arm so that the dog changes which side they are to you.  This gives us the ability to move in a clockwise and anticlockwise direction on an agility course.   How week 3’s session works: Crosses look and feel great when they’ve been practised to the point that they flow, but...

Navigating Turns Agility obstacles can be 5 to 10 metres apart, so, it’s powerful to be able to get in a central position and handle from a distance; therefore we will teach your dog navigate a circle remotely like a satellite by gradually adding distance between you and your dog and how to go left or right on cue (because steering is certainly needed with dogs as fast as ours!). Where in week 1, your dog could see all the way through a straight tunnel, this week we progressively curve it, building your dog’s confidence to run through on command, despite...

Being a healthy weight plays an important role in a dog’s health, well-being, behaviour, and training ability.In a good condition, you should be able to easily feel your dog’s ribs just under the skin, covered in some muscles. You can see me show you a quick check you can do in a short video we've put together over on our Facebook page: Click here to watch video guide   Or, read on to find out more. Before Anglian Dog Works, I worked at the University of Cambridge for 10 years.During this time I worked closely with the vets and one of them told...