Forward command

[hunden]

Hi!

Well now the slalom is getting really good in the Agility training. Now I only need to lern my dog to go forward alone, like more then 2 jumps at the time. I know people train it with food or ball at the end...is it the only way?

[malndobe]

One exercise I have used is a "jump circle"  It's basically exactly what it sounds like.  You set up a series of jumps in a large circle.  You stand on the inside of the circle.  At first you run around the circle with the dog telling them "jump, jump, jump"  But as the dog learns what to do, you do less running until you are just standing in the middle of the circle telling the dog "jump, jump" as the dog runs around the circle.  This will help the dog to understand to jump the jump in front of them, even if you aren't next to them, and also helps them understand how to do a series of jumps.   
I also practice sending the dog to an obstacle from a distance.  At first fairly close, but then from further and further away so the dog learns to go forward away from you to do the obstacle.  Once they are solid on this, then you can add a second or third obstacle.  If your dog has a favorite one, then have them do a jump then that favorite obstacle since it will encourage them to keep moving away from you.

[hunden]

Thanks alot for that explanation. I will start as soon as possible doing this...

[Nikki]

I agree with malndobe, we did the same with circle, but later also from straight line. some train forward like far out, with target or with placing toys after the hurdle. In agility this is fairly easy since the motivation is very high. You just have to pay attention to the dog of what kind of handling he prefers, some like more distance work, some need to be closer with the handler. But in AGI 3, all gets harder and the set up is very close which does not allow much distance work anyhow apart from some straight finish lines.

[hunden]

But in AGI 3, all gets harder and the set up is very close which does not allow much distance work anyhow apart from some straight finish lines.

I know, thats why I would like to train him for that now allready and Im also giving different names for all stuff, so he wont take wrong later, when it gets alot harder...