| The article is explaining and describing how | | | | is comfortable on the table, use his Sit-stay |
| to teach directional commands for the | | | | or Down-stays on the table. Develop your |
| beginning agility student. The directional | | | | distance away from him slowly. Release your |
| commands discussed are Come, Go, and Back. | | | | dog to you with Come. |
| | | | |
| Playing, training or working your dog is | | | | Place your dog in a Sit-Stay about 3' from |
| incredibly rewarding. Dogs are generally | | | | the table, facing it. Leave your dog in a |
| friendly, responsive, and quick-to-learn. | | | | sit, walk to the other side of the table, |
| Agility training is a healthy sport for both | | | | call your dog, "Come Table". When he gets on |
| canine and owner, as it gets you outside and | | | | the table step toward him and praise him. |
| active building your bond in the fresh air. | | | | This will help prevent him from jumping off |
| We see dogs of all shapes, sizes, and breeds | | | | the table to come to you. Build your dog's |
| (including mixed breeds) come into their own | | | | distance from the table, move him away from |
| when presented with a bit of agility | | | | the table in increments, 4', 6', 8', and so |
| training. This really is a great way to keep | | | | on. As your dog is comfortable coming to you |
| you and your dog fit, physically and | | | | and sitting on the table, the next step is |
| mentally. The experience of being out of | | | | for you to build your distance from the table |
| doors, working with "Prince," "Rover," or | | | | as you call him to the table. Build your |
| "Rex" is stimulating, and lets you experience | | | | distance also in increments. Have your dog |
| the immense capacity that dogs have for fun | | | | sitting 10' from the table, you walk to the |
| and challenge. | | | | other side of the table about 6' away from |
| | | | the table, call your dog, "Come Table". |
| Agility is a fun team sport that you and your | | | | Build your distance slowly so that your dog |
| dog can enjoy together. Agility is a | | | | can succeed at staying on the table. |
| combination of Advanced off-leash obedience, | | | | |
| Directional commands, and Obstacle | | | | Starting from about 3' from the table, with |
| familiarization. In order for your dog to | | | | your dog on leash, you are both facing the |
| have off-leash control to run around a 100' x | | | | table, send your dog to the table by saying, |
| 100' ring, you first want to develop that | | | | "Go Table". You may need to extend your arm, |
| control on leash. Control behaviors that are | | | | point or step to toward the table. Practice |
| beneficial for your dog to have are "Come", | | | | this until your dog is able to go to the |
| "Sit", "Down", and "Stay". Your dog does not | | | | table without you having to place him on the |
| have to be perfect at these commands, but the | | | | table. Practice with the dog on both your |
| better he is the more you can accomplish with | | | | left and right side. When the dog is on your |
| the actual running and playing of agility. | | | | left side use your left arm to point to the |
| The formal obedience "Heel" on the left side | | | | table, and when the dog is on your right side |
| is not necessary for agility because you will | | | | point with your right arm. Develop your |
| be working with your dog on both your left | | | | distance so that you can send your dog easily |
| and right sides. You can develop these | | | | from 30'. Now, its time to teach the next |
| behaviors from your own training or taking | | | | Directional Command, "Back". Have your dog |
| classes. There are a multitude of books on | | | | on leash again, and start from 3' away from |
| the market on obedience training. | | | | the table, but this time your dog is sitting |
| | | | on the ground facing you with the table |
| The main Directional Commands we teach are | | | | behind him. From your dog sitting tell him, |
| "Come", "Go" and "Back". Come means | | | | "Back Table". Extend your arm pointing to |
| approaching and moving to you. Go means you | | | | the table and guide him with the leash if |
| and the dog are facing and moving in the same | | | | necessary until he understands the new word. |
| direction and the dog moves out ahead of you | | | | Practice sending your dog to the table |
| and keeps going until other wise directed. | | | | several times using your Left arm, "Back |
| Back means the dog turns away from you. This | | | | Table", extending your left arm. Then |
| can occur when he is facing you and turns | | | | practice with your Right arm pointing to the |
| away or when he is at either your left or | | | | table, "Back Table". When your dog is |
| right side, and turns away from you. We | | | | turning to go to the table then start |
| teach Directional Commands using a table. For | | | | building your distance from the table. These |
| training we use 12" high agility tables for | | | | are three very versatile commands that you |
| all dog sizes. First the dog must be | | | | can use and develop on all obstacles and |
| comfortable jumping up on the table. Once he | | | | throughout an agility run. |