Comet's Agility Training

During my agility training and realising how much I love the dog sporting world I have always had a dream of competing in the Agility World Championships!  With Duke being a rescue I was never able to compete in the World Agility Championships because he was not a pure bred Border Collie.  Then I got Blaze and he wasnt really interested in the agility scene.  He would much rather be a therapy dog and recieve plenty of love!  When I got Comet...my agility world changed!!  Comet is possibly one of the most enthusiastic dogs I have ever owned!  He is a truly amazing agility and flyball dog! 

I started the basic agility training with Tracey Lander at her amazing dog school "Puppy Land".  It has been a FUN and hard working 2 years but possibly the best 2 years of my life!

I have taken my time with Comet, I do not push him and I refuse to push him!  He is a fast and willing Border Collie who to be honest, couldnt be bothered if he was thrown into an A3 course. 

I wasnt sure what method of training I wanted to use on the contacts, so I never pushed that issue until I was 100% sure what method of contact training I wanted to use!  I dont believe in trying three or four methods and seeing which you like!  Comet is a dog who any method will work for him!  I opted (after careful thought) to go with the "Two On Two Off" method as I believe that is the best!  I also considered running contacts.

I will not push my two year old Border Collie for anything and because I am not putting preasure on him with regards to the agility world, he is loving agility as am I! 
These are some steps you can follow to a successful agility dog:

* Always have fun,
* Never make a fuss of the mistakes
* Never set your dog up to fail
* Always be positive (remember dogs work in the NOW not the yesterday or later or tomorrow)
* Always reward - you can choose how you want to reward, either food or toy or both. 

Point 1: Always have fun:
Your dog works on energy, when your energy is low, your dogs energy is low.  Remember, you are the "PACK LEADER" and your dog thrives of your emotions.  When you are upset your dog knows and then your dog will not respond well.  So...if you are feeling upset or down about something, instead of training your dog, rather play ball with him.  Do something fun...I garentee you, your spirits will be lifted!

Point 2: Never Make a Fuss of the Mistakes:
Your dog works on reward base, whenever he does something correct, you praise and your dog does that same positive action to get that kind of reward again!  When your dog does do something that is not right or negative, ifnore it, your dog will never re do a negative if he only gets praised or acknowleged for the positive!

Point 3: Never set your dog up to fail:
At the age of 2 years old I know that Comet is not ready for a show because I havent pushed agility.  I will never take an A1 dog and Compete in an A3 course!  As a handler you should know your dogs limits, how far you can push them without your dog crumbling!  NEVER PUSH YOUR DOG PAST HIS LIMIT! It is not fair on your dog or on you!

Point 4: Always be Positive:
Agility is a "team" event, the dog needs you and you need the dog....remember, your dog thrives off your energy!  So always stay positive and PLAY with your dog as much as you can!  Remember your dog lives in the NOW, not the yesterday or tomorrow but the TODAY!

Point 5: Always Reward:
I ask my students are they going to work at a company that expects them to work 7 days a week and then at the end of the month not get a single cent!  The answer everytime: HELL NO! What I am saying is, praise your dog everytime he does something right.  For Comet his reward in the tug toy, on the contact traning (two on two off) I use food.  So....use what ever your dog enjoys and works too!

So to have a successful agility dog you need to learn how to not push your dog!

This is a photo of Comet taking the jump!