YES: Agility is similar to Dog Jumping
YES: The dog should enjoy both
YES there is handling involved in both
Does the dog know the difference between the two on it's way to the line?? NOPE, probably not...
But regarding MY training - I do not train for Dog Jumping. I train Agility. I train smooth fast concise handling with correct foundation. When I take my dogs on a course I WILL handle the Dog Jumping as I would the Aglity to ENSURE that my dogs do NOT know the difference.
Ever noticed a handler's jerky and odd handling in the DJ compared to when they handle in Agility? That's because the sport has a run-off and people reckon that they can slow their dogs down because they will get anbother chance.... now HOW do the dogs know the difference then? All of a sudden mum is acting odd and shouting and running differently.... Hmmm
In addition the course design requirements in the rules for Dog Jumping is different, often pulling people into the trap of training specifically for untidy scenarios - which I won't do.
At least my dogs know that they can count on me for good training and consistent handling to ensure great rounds, no matter what they label them. So YES I train in AGILITY! And I try my best to HANDLE in Agility, even while on a Dog Jumping course.
To sum up this hasty blog post: I do not train Dog Jumping. I train Agility.
Please feel free to disagree with me, but this is MY blog and how I train.
This blog chronicles my views while training and competing in Agility during the life of Q (from 2010) with my Border Collies & Shelties...
About Me
- Mackland
- I have had dogs all my life, the first being a Rough Collie, and then my first Border Collie in 1978, and I was instantly hooked. An Australian Shepherd followed I was in the dogworld to stay! I have been training dogs since 1996. I practiced as an Obedience instructor from 1998, and an Agility instructor from 2001, including specialised foundation and puppy Agility classes, clicker training, and advanced Agility. Since then the Shetland Sheepdog has captured my heart and I have been studying them ever since! My goal is to encourage great performance dogs while, at the same time, promote the good & healthy breeding, and pure lines of these wonderful breeds that I have chosen!
Have you ever attending a DJ handling class? Is DJ evolving like agility is - training and handling wise? NOPE. DJ is standing still. Agility is moving forward. So we will use those skills learnt in agility in a DJ course.
ReplyDeleteWell, this is my point exactly. I use my AGILITY skills on a DJ course. I do not train Dog Jumping.
ReplyDeleteAnd to answer the first question - yes - I have attended Dog Jumping classes & workshops - back in 1999 that is all we got. Agility was very new and the DJ courses were WAAY different to Agility courses back then, unfortunately aiding in messing up a lot of handlers skill for Agility.