The Agility Table, how does it relate? Milton Ontario Dog Training

The table in agility might be one of the most "obvious" pieces of equipment, it's a table, what can really go wrong? But there is plenty that can go wrong, and I have seen it happen many times.

A lot of times the focus is on the harder pieces of equipment, such as the teeter and weave poles, or difficult jump sequences. The table just doesn't seem as important because at first glance, the obstacle looks very simple, however, it is not. Many a dog has pooched (pun intended) a run due to lack of proofing on this piece of equipment.

A dog won't "down" on the table in the rain, refuses to "down" after another dog has been on it, doesn't like the surface texture, hasn't been trained to "down" any where at any time, waits until the 6th time you repeat down before she complies, prefers to sniff than lay down. The dog has never been required to "down" ... if he doesn't, oh well, just try again.

How does this relate to training when you're not interested in competing in sports with your dog?

Well, you may think down is simple and obvious once the dog "knows" the command, so you over look "proofing" the "down". Most dogs tend to be contextual learns, meaning, that sure, they can "down" on the carpet in your living room, but "down" can mean something totally different on the sidewalk outside your home if you have not trained them in that location as well.

Proofing a command by repetitive practice on all surfaces, and in all environments that you think you will need the command in, is vital in order to have a dog that will respond to you where ever you are. Over looking simple things, such as this, may result in confusions for your dog and frustration for you. This goes for all commands, not just "down". Sits, stays, comes etc., all need practice in different environments. This doesn't mean hours on end, but rather a few minutes here and there weekly in order to get and maintain the training that you are hoping for.

Another important factor that is often overlooked is the requirement of the command. If you never require that your dog responds, then don't expect her to respond in all situations or under distraction. Requiring a command means there is a consequence for misbehaviour which can take the form of a verbal or physical correction once the dog fully understands the command. Of course, to be fair, you need to be sure that your dog is well aware of what the command is before you start correcting for lack of response. This means that you've taught the command in all situations with many repititions, and the dog can comply without a lure, coercion or being physically placed. In other words, if you don't require the down at home, why should your dog down on the sidewalk or the agility table. This applies to any and all obedience commands.

Here's two videos of table training with two different dogs. One is experienced, and just practicing, the other is new and just learning. Both are "proofing" their "downs" on a different surface from a normal down.





If you are interested in learning how to proof your dog for all commands, or are looking for help with basic training or issues that you are having with your canine, please feel free to contact us at dogtraining101@hotmail.com and check out the website for details on our training www.smartdogsk9.com