88 Posts Tagged With "training"
Smaller Space Training Sequence
31 Jan 2025
I created a 50' x 80' (15m x 24m) jumping version of a fun and challenging Dana Pike agility training course I recently shared. Lots of good challenges with some longer lines even in a smaller space.
Dana Pike Int'l Training Sequence - Video
26 Jan 2025
A Dana Pike designed a Standard agility training course based on a Jan Egil Eide course. I've included the course diagram, a discussion of handling options, and a video of Spark and me running the sequence with some of the options.
Using a Jump Wing as a Training Prop for Back Side/Threadle Slices - Video
21 Jan 2025
I demo adding a jump wing on the take off side of a threadle slice for Spark when he was having trouble finding his take off spot after I raised his jump height up to 24."
Plan the Work and Work the Plan
09 Aug 2024
I got scolded by both my instructor and by Snap!'s rehab vet in class and I knew better!
Short Tunnels are Great for Discriminations!
20 Jul 2024
3ft/1m tunnels are awesome for discrimination training! You don’t have haul out a full size tunnel and all of its sand bags.
Be Persistent Until It Doesn't Help
08 Jul 2024
I reflect on a recent software upgrade experience and how it relates to overcoming frustration/stagnation in dog training.
Spark's First A-Frame Session
24 Jun 2024
I'm teaching Spark to do the A-Frame using Justine Davenport's method. Here's his first session.
Mike Murphy UKI Midwest Cup Masters Series Jumping Course
16 Jun 2024
This was the course I wanted to run more than any other at the UKI Midwest Cup. Mike Murphy's Masters Series Jumping course from Saturday.
Training on a Floppy Teeter - Video
09 Jun 2024
Training on such a floppy teeter helps dogs get used to the worst situation they'll ever encounter. But it can hurt sensitive dog’s confidence!
Agility Course Master Website Update
26 May 2024
Folks try out my Agility Course Master software and think it is a course design program. To avoid confusion and frustration I've updated the website.
Getting started on teeter training with Spark
14 May 2024
First step is unburying the teeter!
Remembering Dana Pike's Spring Maintenance Camps
01 May 2024
This morning brought be back to the days of Dana Pike's Spring Maintenance Camps. I always loved those multi day learning immersions!
Threadle Distance Challenge - Take 2
29 Apr 2024
I tried the threadle distance challenge again with Spark to see how far away I could get.
We Tackle Dave Munning's Threadle Distance Challenge
28 Apr 2024
Here's a great backyard training challenge courtesy of Dave Munnings and Q-Me Agility Training! He called it the threadle distance challenge.
Another Reason to Video Your Training Sessions
23 Apr 2024
I'm glad I videoed my training session with Snap! last week. It helped me get him the treatment he needed.
Dog Walk Supports - Stabilizing My Dog Walk
15 Apr 2024
I wanted to reduce the flex of the planks in my older dog walk. I found some adjustable supports that work great.
Recovering from a Disappointing Agility Practice
13 Apr 2024
Sometimes training can be frustrating or disappointing. Here's how I've learned to deal with it.
Dana Pike Small Space Sequence - Can You See the Paths?
04 Apr 2024
Can you see and handle the four possible dog paths through this sequence? Dana Pike's AKC-ish sequence last night had a little section that had four interesting dog paths.
Spark's Running Dog Walk Practice - Full Length - Left Turns
01 Mar 2024
It's light outside after work! Worked Spark's left turns with ~30' send to a jump wrap about 30' in front of the DW. I love how he…
Dana Pike Masters Training Sequence - Video
24 Feb 2024
I enjoyed running this Dana Pike training course and I think you will too! It has a little bit of everything and is a great way to work on your handling skills.
Staying Connected and Visual Focus - Video
18 Feb 2024
See what folks mean about connection and focusing on the dog's line to help dog's see the path you desire.
Agility Training, Software Development, and Writing Have a Lot in Common!
11 Feb 2024
Agility training, software development, and writing all follow a similar flow. HUH? See how they are similar and how you can use a common process to improve your agility training!
Daisy Peel's Agility Challenge Tip 3 - Engraving Approach
16 Jan 2024
Daisy Peel has an interesting podcast about the "engraving approach" for learning/improving a skill as applied to dog agility handling.
Spark's Running Dog Walk Practice - Raised Plank
09 Jan 2024
Training Spark's Running Dog Walk on a slightly raised plank.
Iwona Golab's Challenging Training Course
06 Jan 2024
A really nice training course from Iwona Golab with many challenges packed into a 25mx20m or 80'x65' space!
Dana Pike Course - Jan 1 2024
05 Jan 2024
Fun and challenging course from Dana Pike. Here's my handling approach/notes.
NFC/FEO for Start Line Training and Snazzy Photos
04 Jan 2024
I took Snap! and Spark to a UKI trial at Agility at the Farm on NYE day. I decided to work Snap!'s start lines by running NFC/FEO. I "ran" Spark in two runs. Here are some nice photos too!
DIY - Dog Walk Mat Attachment
02 Jan 2024
Time to move Spark's running dog walk mat onto the plank. I used some grommets and a bungee cord to hold it in place.
Compassion: Agility Training Facilities
01 Jan 2024
A mean email sent to an agility training facility owner inspired me to share my thoughts on the hard work and dedication of the owners of the facilities we are fortunate to train at.
Masters/Premier Workshop Sequences
26 Oct 2023
Here are two masters/premier sequences that I've used at a recent evening workshop. They had some good challenges!
Novice Optional Weave Workshop Sequences
25 Oct 2023
Here are two novice sequences that can be used with and without weaves that I've used at a recent evening workshop.
Taking Advantage of Not For Competition (NFC) and For Exhibition Only (FEO) - Video
05 Sep 2023
I've put together some notes about the Not For Competition (NFC) and For Exhibition Only (FEO) options at agility trials and how I've used them.
AKC Premier-ish Seminar Sequences
20 Aug 2023
I thought I'd share four challenging AKC Premier-ish sequences I've used at seminars in smaller spaces. They've got "all the things".
(Re)Training Weaves with Guides and 2x2s
18 Jun 2023
In this blog post, I'll explain how to train a dog to weave using 2x2s combined with weave guides, whether they have previous experience or are new to weaving.
Stacie Cwik Inspired Small Space Sequences
07 Jun 2023
I loved running Spark and Snap! on Stacie Cwik's class course last week and the opening/closing made for a perfect small space practice setup. So I mashed the opening and closing together into one sequence and came up with three additional (and challenging!) training sequences.
Are You Training Enough Threadle Handler Locations?
16 Jan 2023
I want my threadle physical and verbal cues to be proofed enough that I don't have to be perfectly positioned for my dogs to take the obstacle as a slice or a wrap. How accurate does your dog need you to be?
Dana Pike/Steve Skills Sequences
25 Nov 2022
I loved running Spark on Dana Pike's skills sequence at this week's class and she kindly let me share it. I've added two more sequences to give you three jump-only skills sequences for a long narrow space that let you work on jump wraps, 270s, back side slice/wrap, and a threadle.
AKC-like JWW/Premier Novice through Masters Practice Courses
12 Nov 2022
Three of each AKC-like Jumpers/Premier sequences for novice/advanced and excellent/masters teams from a recent seminar of mine.
Fun AKC-like JWW Novice/Advanced Practice Courses
07 Nov 2022
Five fun and challenging AKC-like Jumpers sequences for novice/intermediate teams from a recent seminar.
Four Jumps, Two Tunnels, Eight Sequences to Train All the Things - Video
18 Sep 2022
Here are eight sequences for a long narrow space using four jumps and two tunnels that let you work on a lot of different handling skills!
Three Backyard Back Side and Threadle Practice Sequences
02 Sep 2022
Snap! and I need to work on him taking the jump on a back side slice while I'm moving fast away from the jump he is taking. Also threadle wraps when I'm past the plan of the jump. So I created these three sequences and thought I'd share them.
Birgitta Hermansson Tunnels/Jumps Practice Sequences - Video
26 Aug 2022
I always enjoy the practice courses Birgitta Hermansson posts on Facebook. After having so much fun running one of her sequences I came up with three more sequences for the same equipment setup. I also shot some video of me practicing with Snap! and 8 month old Spark for fun.
"Jumperified" Dana Pike Advanced/Masters Sequences
15 May 2022
I've removed the contact obstacles from the Dana Pike Advanced/Masters class courses, that I posted recently, for folks who have a slightly narrower space or who don't have contacts. These sequences will test your skills!
Challenging Dana Pike Advanced/Masters Sequences
06 May 2022
Two challenging Dana Pike Advanced/Masters class courses that will test all your skills!
Practice Sequences Based on Stefanie Semkat's 2022 Polish Open Large Agility
06 Feb 2022
Stefanie Semkat's 2022 Polish Open Large Agility course had some challenging handling sequences! I created a smaller layout, with the same spacing/alignment of her three middle jumps, and came up with three sequences so we could practice her challenges at home.
Fun/Challenging Medium Sized Practice Courses
01 Jan 2022
Three fun and challenging sequences for working on weave entries/exits and lots of handling challenges! I had a great time practicing on this layout!
Weave entries/exits from Courtney Keys' UKI Midwest Cup Masters Series Jumpers
01 Oct 2021
Handlers were really challenged by Courtney Keys' UKI Midwest Cup Masters Series Jumpers course. Specifically, the weave entry/exit was tough for a lot of teams. I created four smaller variations of her course to work on in your training.
Small Space Jump Slice Sequences
01 Aug 2021
I was working on slice approaches to the front and back sides of jumps. I created six small space sequences so you can work on them too!
Practice Sequences Inspired by the 2021 AKC NAC Finals
29 May 2021
I've created six practice sequences in three different sized obstacle layouts to let you practice the closing sequence and a lot of different handling skills. You can practice front/rear/blind crosses, jump wraps, serpentines, threadles, and back sides in these sequences!
Handling the 2021 AKC NAC Finals Closing Sequence
28 May 2021
I set up the closing sequence of the 2021 AKC NAC Finals course and handled it all the ways I could imagine and video taped them. See what worked best for Snap! and me and some handling options you can practice at home.
Around The Clock/Around The World Training
06 Jun 2020
"Around the clock" or "around the world" training is an approach for systematically training and proofing the dog (and handler's) ability…
Tiny Space Training Sequences/Drills
29 Mar 2020
All my training sequences and exercises for tiny spaces with no or only a few obstacles.
Agility Nerd Speaks! Training Tuesday Video Interview
14 Jan 2020
During the 2019 USDAA Cynosport Games I was interviewed about my training strategy, mental preparation for a run, and a common challenge for competitors. The video was just released.
You Screwed Up
18 Jan 2017
Sometimes we make mistakes, loose our tempers, and regret how we or someone else has treated our dogs. Well known trainer Denise Fenzi has…
Moving Towards Mastery: 14 Layouts to Challenge Your Handling
16 Feb 2016
As I mentioned in my previous article: "Move Obstacles to Challenge Your Handling" , you can take any sequence and move the jumps (along…
Moving Towards Mastery: Move Obstacles to Challenge Your Handling
28 Jan 2016
In this second in a series of articles I'll show you another way to improve the quality of your training; even in a small space with a few…
Finding Motivation in Success
09 Jan 2016
I'm probably unusual but I thought I'd share how a "successful" agility run helped motivate me to improve my health and Flyer's skills on…
Moving Towards Mastery: Change Paths to Challenge Your Handling
13 Dec 2015
I want to change how you train and help you improve the quality of your training; even in a small space with a few obstacles. Most training…
Progressive Jump Spiral
22 Jun 2015
A little while ago I posted about using a Progressive Jump Circle to help Flyer learn to adjust his stride/commitment point on long…
Progressive Jump Circle
10 May 2015
There are many ways trainers work on this problem. With Meeker I used Suzanne Clothier's Natural Jumping Method and some people like…
Seeking Inspiration
30 Dec 2014
We all want to improve our agility game and we often look to the top handlers and trainers for inspiration. In fact, there are many amazing…
Improve Your Game by Training Away Your Weaknesses
18 Nov 2014
When it comes to dog agility training there are two areas where many of us need to focus: "Removing the Buts" and "Removing Issues". If you…
Please Warm Up Before Entering the Ring!
03 Sep 2014
All teams do specific things before they enter the ring. Potty the handler, potty the dog, get their treats/toy, go through the Seeing…
Confident and Faster Obstacles: Speed Circles
10 Jun 2014
I'm always looking to build my dog's confidence when performing obstacles and with that confidence comes speed. I thought I'd share a simple…
More Thoughts on Goals and Success
04 Jun 2014
Five years ago I wrote an article on goals and success and I'm revisiting the subject on today's Dog Agility Action Day on Success along…
Dog Agility Coaching: Front Cross Execution and Convergence
11 Mar 2014
Here's my latest video coaching session with Susan and Moon where we concentrate on front cross execution and discuss converging on the…
Dog Agility Coaching: Identifying Timely Front Crosses
12 Oct 2013
When we first saw Susan and Moon she was looking to increase her intensity while running courses with Moon and we found she was…
Coaching: Intensity and Front Crosses
16 Sep 2013
Susan contacted me with a desire to increase her intensity while running courses with her dog Moon and have me identify any handling issues…
Announcing Video Analysis!
31 Aug 2013
I've finalized my video handling analysis offering and have made it available for purchase! I'm really excited to have the chance to work…
Coaching: Handling a Fast Dog and Dropped Bars
09 Aug 2013
When my AgilityNerd Facebook page went over 5,000 likes I offered remote coaching to two randomly chosen handlers and their dogs; here are…
Coaching: Speed and Motivation
25 Jul 2013
When my AgilityNerd Facebook page went over 5,000 likes, which still amazes me, I offered remote coaching to two randomly chosen handlers…
Clicker Upgrade
17 Oct 2012
I've always liked the Karen Pryor i-Click clicker; but I've found a way to upgrade old school box clickers to work almost as well. I was…
Keep Calm and Carry On
27 Jun 2012
Loretta Mueller wrote a great short post on The Secret to Dog Training that inspired me to add my two cents. She wrote: I don't know if…
Are You Aware of Your Dog's Environment?
18 May 2012
As I'm sure you know, part of being a good trainer is adjusting your criteria when you change the dog's environment. Just because "Fluffy…
Play Training: Human "Cavaletti" for Puppies
23 Oct 2011
I thought this was such a clever little game that I thought I'd shoot a quick video of me playing it with Flyer. You can vary how far apart…
Start Line Stays - "Stay" This Time I Mean It!
12 Aug 2010
I'm hesitant to post this tip because it only applies in a very narrow set of circumstances and could be detrimental if applied…
Some Thoughts on Goals and Success
22 May 2009
In a recent trial post I made what I thought was an innocent remark: "from a Q perspective we didn't do very well (only 3 for 7)" and…
Jackpot Rewards
05 Sep 2008
The term "jackpot" usually refers to giving a dog a really big reward, often a large number of treats, all at once. Most trainers focus on…
Safe Fetch Games?
04 Aug 2007
Playing fetch with your dog is often recommended as a great way to give your dog exercise. However, many dogs are injured playing fetch in…
Information for Beginning Flyball Students
22 Apr 2007
I'll use this post as a place to put information for handlers starting my Flyball classes. I'll update it if I add more information or…
Flyball Training - First Class
12 Feb 2007
I don't really have a set course plan for training Flyball ; where I cover specific things in each class. I go at the speed of the dogs…
Flyball Training Progression
29 Dec 2006
I've been thinking about writing this up since before I started this blog. My Flyball training progression has been developed based on my…
Luring, Bribing and Rewarding
27 Nov 2006
Trainers and students often bandy about the terms: luring, bribing, and rewarding. Suzanne Clothier has a good article on her website…
i-Click!
04 Jun 2006
Nancy Reyes at For Your Canine just introduced me to the Karen Pryor i-Click! clicker. Before I used this clicker I figured "a clicker…
Clicker Training Your Dog Across the Internet: Rover@Home
13 Feb 2006
The other night there was a replaying of the PBS show Scientific American Frontiers episode Pet Tech . It was an interesting program and…
Bil-Jac Frozen Food as Treats
12 May 2005
When I first started dog training I used to think Mr. Peabody had no interest in treats. He never showed any interest in any treats we…
Rewarding the Flyball Dog
30 Nov 2004
A lady wrote into the AgilityDogs email list asking about how to get her dog started tugging. I was reminded of a really good online…
Handler Stretching
09 Sep 2004
Sprinting in Agility class last night reminded me of the importance of stretching before running Agility. Stretching is essential for both…
