2004 01 Deluxe

Vol.1, No.
1 January 2004
From the Publisher
A Publication of Laughing Dog Press, LLC
CAUTION AGILITY AHEAD

By Laurie Leach
Laurie Leach and her Sheltie Joys Girl Scout
gility began as filler. In the late 70s, two guys, John Varley and Peter Meanwell, were charged with finding some special event to entertain the crowd between classes at Crufts dog show in Great Britain. They thought of several ideas, all bad. Then they were watching arena jumping at a horse show to distract themselves from the fact that they had no plan, when they both lighted up and almost banged heads.
Agility Workshop I: Teaching Dogs To Enjoy The Stay ...........................................4 Agility Workshop II: A Systematic Approach To Successful Handling Every Time! ..........7 Getting Started: Video Is Your Friend Eliminating Airplane Arms............................11 Judges Forum: UKC Agility: Competing With The Slower Dog.........................13 Conquering Ring Nerves: 8 Steps To Manage Ring Panic .................15 Vet Clinic: The Warm Up And Chill Down.............. 18 Spotlight On Juniors: Agilitys Future .....20 Six Types of Agility Dogs .................................................23
Agility has been
my passion for
six years now. Its not that Im great at it. I will never be asked to join any high level team. I still get lost on course now and then. But I believe that agility is as much fun as a person can have with his or her dog. From the moment I arrive at a trial and stand in line to pick up my number, burrowed in my jacket against the chill, until the time I haul canopy and crates and dogs to the car many hours later, I am happy and interested. I love the way that agility people talk to anyone they are standing next to as if they had known them for years. I love watching a terrific handler who floats through a course like a host at a cocktail party. I love it when my dog growls during a run because she is so excited and happy that we are playing The Game. In designing AgilityAction.com, there have been two beliefs guiding me:
What if, they said, we did an obstacle course like this, but we adapted it for dogs. They raced gleefully from the arena to begin planning. Mr. Varley and Mr. Meanwell were just happy to keep their jobs. Little did they suspect that they had set off a revolution in the dog world. Agility, as the game came to be called, captured the hearts and minds of dog lovers around the world. People have abandoned obedience competition, conformation competition, and their families to play this game. Now that the sport has been in existence for 25 years, some lessons have been learned. Those of us who have been around a few years would like to share those lessons with those of you who are thinking of competing in agility or who have been doing it for a while but have not yet mortgaged your homes to pay the entry fees. Here are eight important cautions about agility: 1 Agility is not just a dog sport. It is an entire orientation to the world. One becomes unable to pass an open field without checking it out as a potential agility field. Those who bought lovely (pre-agility) homes on hilly property find themselves looking longingly at flat, square yards. (continued on next page)
Agility doesnt need to be as technical

as it is becoming. It is about running, climbing, weaving and jumping. Our articles will be straightforward and clear.
It is very important that we dont let

agility become serious. If you doubt that, spend some time in conformation and obedience where there is not much chuckling. Our magazine will include (continued on page 3)
M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T AgilityAction.com is a resource for new and experienced agility participants, providing quality content that is straightforward and amusing.
Caution Agility Ahead (continued)

Previously safe drivers are capable of sudden U-turns complete with squealing tires if an actual agility field is sighted. People who have never built anything find themselves covered with epoxy and surrounded by pieces of plastic pipe used to construct jumps. Holiday cards that used to display doves and Santa are replaced by homemade pictures of dogs in costumes posed on contact equipment.
Little did they suspect that they had set off a revolu2 Everyone knows gambling can be addictive. tion in the dog world. Intermittent reinforcement is a powerful tool in Photo by Fiona Dees behavior modification. Agility is intermittent reinforcement of the purest sort. On those wonderful and rare occasions when one qualifies in an agility trial, there might as well be flashing lights and that wonderful sound of chinking coins. It is easy to become obsessed in the quest of those qualifying jackpots. 3 Agility can cause mental instability defined by huge mood swings. We qualify on an agility run were happy, happy, happy! We dont qualify were lower than low. After a short time competing in agility, otherwise healthy people begin to define themselves by how they do on any given run. Good-bye, healthy ego. Hello, fragile agility ego. One reads frequently in agility literature about the need to set reasonable goals. For example, a reachable goal for me might be that I wont fall over during this run. This advice about goal setting appears to be the work of other agility competitors, but it is really the work of mental health professionals hoping to help competitors keep their perspective and stability. 4 You may be interested in agility. You may see yourself on the national team in five years. However, your couch potato pup may not see himself as an athlete, particularly if it requires getting his feet wet. Let me just plant one thought in your brain if you never considered a Border Collie before, you probably should not get one now or soon. Just hold that thought. You may need it. 5 Agility causes people to tear out award-winning perennial gardens in the back yard to fit in the contact obstacles. In general, this is not a good idea. Half the yard, maybe, but not the whole thing. 6 Agility causes the previously fiscally responsible to unravel. Houses are refinanced to pay entry fees, buy expensive agility equipment, travel long distances to trials, and to pay for the privilege of staying in a motel room that may or may not come with a toilet. PRODUCTION TEAM Editoral/Office Laurie Leach Karen Holm Linda Kimbrough Graphic Designer Rich Gelber Cartoonist Ron Leishman Web Design Carol Clark System Administrator Harley Puthuff
AgilityAction.com is published by Laughing Dog Press, LLC. AgilityAction.coms articles are selected for their general information and entertainment value. The authors views do not necessarily represent the policies or opinions of Laughing Dog Press, LLC, nor does their publication constitute an endorsement. Laughing Dog Press, LLC makes no representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy of any articles or advertisements that are published in AgilityAction.com.
Got something youve been chewing on? Let us know at: Laurie@Agility Action.com
January 2004 2
w w w. A g i l i t y A c t i o n. c o m
Caution Agility Ahead (continued)

7 Agility causes people to give up normal vacations to attend agility boot camps. These events involve attending workshops from dawn to dark and dining with people who think of dog hair as the other seasoning, to say nothing of spending the week in the exclusive company of others who believe that a balanced life is thinking about agility 18 hours a day. 8 Agility can cause tension with spouses. This takes one of two forms. Dragging the spouse who refers to the excitement of agility as watching paint dry along to trials thirty weekends a year. This is not good. On the other hand, leaving the spouse at home thirty weekends a year is not a good plan either. The addicted believe that the solution is getting another dog so both of you can compete. Of course, when the new dog arrives, the spouse is not allowed anywhere near it. That said, I hope you enjoy this first issue of Agility Action Online Magazine. Have fun. Keep it simple. And never lose sight of the fact that first and foremost it is a great game for you and your dog.
Who am I, anyway? Name the Mascot Contest AgilityAction Online Magazine has a new mascot. This exuberant agility dog that you will see in our logo and other illustrations needs a name. Please submit your entry to laurie@agilityaction.com by January 15, 2004. If a winner is selected, the name will be announced in the February edition. If the AgilityAction staff is not enamored with any entries, we will continue until we find just the right name. Maximum of two entries from an individual. The winner will receive a free one year deluxe subscription to our online magazine. (If you have already subscribed, you may select a friend to receive the magazine.)
From the Publisher:

(continued from page 1) several articles each month to amuse both the new and experienced agility participant. Agility Action Online Magazine is a pioneer in delivering training information to you. At present, there are agility magazines and there are agility videos. We are combining the two to help you learn key skills. Thanks to Lauri Plummer, a California agility teacher, you will have the option of receiving the magazine with video clips embedded in a training article so you can see handler and dog in action demonstrating key concepts. As our magazine develops, we want to know what you think. Each issue will include a reader survey asking what you liked and what youd like to know more about. Please come along on our journey and become part of the AgilityAction.com community.
Laurie Leach has an eclectic background with dogs. For many years, she trained and raced sled dogs. When the team became too elderly to race, she competed in obedience. However, obedience made her anxious. The minute agility showed up on the dog scene, she raced into the agility ring where she has been competing for six years. Agility makes her nervous, but she loves it anyway. Laurie also publishes www.laughingdogpress.com, a dog humor web site.
ADVERTISING
Take a look at www.AgilityAction .com for current information on advertising rates, deadlines, and requirements. Advertising is available in both the online magazine and on the web site. Laughing Dog Press reserves the right to accept or reject any advertisement which may be submitted.
January 2004 3
Agility Workshop I
To ENJOY THE STAY

by Lauri Plummer
Teaching Dogs
here are two ways to start an agility course run with the dog or lead out and call the dog over the first couple of obstacles. Increasingly, courses are set up so that a lead out is an absolute necessity. It is fair to say that it is difficult to be competitive without having a dog that will wait reliably at the start line and then respond with intensity when called. At first consideration, a good stay appears fairly easy in the continuum of training. Weave poles. Difficult. Teeter. Difficult. Tire. Moderately difficult. Stay. Piece of cake. However, consider how often you have seen the following from your own dog or another dog at an agility trial: Susie firmly tells her dog to sit and then stay at the start line. She walks briskly out toward the first jump. When she looks back, her dog is looking over her shoulder to see if she might make a break for the hot dog stand which is the source of great smells. Mark orders his Border Collie to wait at the start. By the time Mark reaches the first obstacle, Zip has broken his stay, blasted past him, and is making up his own course. Mary sits her Papillon and instructs her to stay. Before Mary has taken a step, the Pap slumps over and begins sniffing the grass. When Mary calls the dog, it takes several seconds for her to stand and decide to take the first jump. John leaves his Sheltie who immediately begins scooting forward on his rear end. When John notices the forward motion, he calls the dog before he is in the right position on the course. These vignettes above describe a range of behaviors seen from dogs with stay problems. In many cases, the dog is not comfortable with the stay and displaces his anxiety through behaviors such as sniffing, scooting, standing, or running away! The problem is that all stays are not created equal. In obedience, the stay requires inaction on the dogs part. There is nothing in front of the dog that screams, Come on and play! What are you waiting for? In agility, the stay is more complex. First, the dog must stay while resisting a tremendous temptation to run and jump, even though he knows that the fun is coming. Secondly, the dog must
Down, Boy!
This article includes one or more video clips that demonstrate the key concepts. If you have dial-up service, the download may take several minutes.
January 2004 4
by Ron Leishman
Teaching Dogs To Enjoy The Stay (continued)

be ready to shift from a stay to a run as if he is spring loaded. If he hesitates as he performs the first couple obstacles, precious seconds are lost. Many trainers who are preparing their dog for agility count on the traditional method of teaching the command stay to transfer to agility. That is, the trainer sits the dog and corrects the dog if he changes position. The dog learns to stay because of negative experiences and he is never happy or comfortable with the command. [Note: If your dog has a history of exhibiting sit/stay problems, consider the possibility that he has become completely confused about what stay really means. People frequently report, He knows how to stay, hes just being stubborn! However, I find many of these stubborn dogs promptly offer solid sit/stays when given a second command/reminder to sit in place of the command stay. What does that tell you?] The excitement of agility and the need for speed requires teaching the dog to stay in an entirely different way that creates confidence instead of anxiety. The three-phase method I am going to describe to teach the stay works for both low drive and high drive dogs. It works because it teaches the dog self-control even when he is excited. It also teaches the dog to remain keen during the stay because something fun is going to happen. Most importantly, it communicates that sitting and staying is just an integral part of the game. Here are the steps. Phase One This phase assumes that you have already taught your dog to sit on cue using positive reinforcement. If you have been using the words stay or wait, lose them for the purposes of this stay game. The rules of the game are, sit means SIT until asked to do something else. There are three key steps: 1. Start a game with your dog. It needs to be something that requires interaction such as playing with a tug toy or encouraging your dog to run and romp with you. Do whatever you need to do to get your dog excited and playing with you. While in the midst of play mode, quickly tell the dog to sit. As he sits, instantly click and release for the toy (if you are a clicker trainer). If you dont use the clicker, instantly release the dog with an OK as you engage him in play. (Be sure your dog is responding well with step 1 before progressing to step 2.) Video 1 It is fair to say that it is difficult to be competitive without having a dog that will wait reliably at the start line and then respond with intensity when called.
Ring Tips!
Resources for Intermediate to Advanced

The video of the 2003 FCI World Championships of agility held in France provides a unique opportunity to study the best handlers from many countries. Videos from previous years are also available, and each is a gem. These may be purchased from Clean Run Productions. (www.clearrun.com)
January 2004 5
Teaching Dogs To Enjoy The Stay (continued)

2. Follow the procedure in step 1. When the dog sits, merely hesitate a second or two, and take a step away before releasing with an OK. Engage him in a play reward. (Again, if you are a clicker trainer, you may click and play.) Video 2 3. GRADUALLY expand on step 2, extending the length of time the dog holds his sit until released; you will gradually increase the number of steps you take away from and around him. The dog is now learning to STAY with intensity (while you move!), and to release with drive when given the OK. Video 3 If the dog stands up before you release him, tell him I dont think so! and withhold the toy. Go back to the dog. Take a moment to collect yourself and your dog. Then restart the game. He will learn that breaking early delays the game. However, your dog should make only the occasional error. If frequent errors occur, you have gone too far, too fast, in teaching the rules of the game. Once the dog is doing well on the game described above, it is time to make it more complex. Phase Two In phase two, play the same game described above with agility equipment added. Use 1-3 obstacles in sequence. For example, your dog might follow sequences such as: over, over, tunnel, sit, release for toy reward. Video 4 Phase Three Now play the stay game at a practice start line in front of a jump. This will give the dog the picture of sitting at the start line while holding firm until released. In this phase you may add in the element of sometimes behaving more formally yourself. For example, sometimes approach the jump and lead out as you would in a trial situation, or sometimes approach the jump in a playful manner and lead out. In both cases, release with an OK as you throw the toy towards or even behind where the dog is sitting. In closing, this game can be played anywhere from the agility field to the living room. Once learned, you may decide to play Phases One and Two regularly as part of your training routine. It is worth the investment. The game relaxes a dog who is confused, anxious, or never really understood stay. In its place, it creates a dog that enjoys the stay and is alert for the next part of the game. Video 5 Lauri Plummer has been teaching agility since 2000. She recently opened her own training school, LeapDog Agility, in Petaluma, California. Lauris dogs have won their share of blue ribbons and titles in obedience, tracking, and agility. Lauris passion is USDAA agility in which she competes at the Masters level. Her priority is to develop a canine teammate that participates with enthusiasm and style. You can visit Lauris website at www.leapdogagility.com
January 2004 6
A gility Workshop
A Systematic Approach to Successful Handling
Every Time!
by Elicia Calhoun
Learning how to memorize an agility course so that
you can run it efficiently and smoothly with your dog is an art form. It is easy to get mislead at the novice level and think that learning courses is simple since beginning courses are generally a series of straight lines. However, courses get much more difficult very quickly at the intermediate level with the addition of curves and the need to discriminate between obstacles that are close to each other. For my students, I recommend a thorough and systematic approach to memorizing each course. It requires that you think and see like your dog and then that you think and see as the handler who is, at least ideally, in charge of the operation. There are three stages of this process. When you are new to the game, you may want to print them on a card and review to make sure that you are not cutting any corners. Stage One: Prior to Walking the Course Pick up or study the posted course.
Learn the general order of the obstacles and flow of the course. Trace out the dogs path with a pencil. Identify the arcs and curves made by your dogs path on the course. These are places that require more direction from you to help the dog change directions. At each of the arcs, place a handler doton the inside of each arc to note your general position for that curve. Use the map on the next page to practice. With a pencil, connect the dots to obtain a basic handler path. Elicia Calhoun is a top national and international competitor and trainer. She has been a member of the United States World Agility Team since 2001. At the 2003 world championships, Elicia and her Australian Shepherd, Suni, placed fifth out of 129 dogs. This is the highest individual accomplishment in the history of the United States large dog team. Elicia has also been a top ten finalist at both the AKC and USDAA national championships since 1998. Elicia has a BS in engineering from Cornell and utilizes her analytical skills to best advantage in agility. Visit her web site at www.waltzingpaws.com
January 2004 7
This story is based on an article that first appeared in the 2003 Clean Run & Power Paws Camp book.
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Practice Map
A Systematic Approach (continued)

Watch the course being built.
Notice differences between the course map and the real course. Make a mental note about how this might change your path or your dogs path.
Watch the judge walk/measure the course. By watching where the judge goes, you will see what he/she is expecting the dogs will do. Again make a mental note of how you imagined your dogs path compared to what the judge appears to be expecting. For example, on the course above, watch if the judge crosses after the tunnel to get on the left side of the A-frame. Use all of the time allowed for the walk-through
Stage Two: Walking the Course Dogs Perspective Walk the course from this perspective at least two times.
Get down to the dogs eye level to truly SEE what visual choices he will have. For example, does the course turn to the left when
January 2004 8

your dog is looking straight ahead at the loveliest, most inviting tunnel that has ever been on an agility course?
At the handler dots that you drew on your map, decide where you need to place yourself to guarantee your dogs success by pulling or pushing him in the right direction. For example, where will you need to move to effectively call your dog to the left before he streaks into the tunnel? Remember what your dog is seeing and that he does not know the course like you do.
Learning a course requires that you think and see like your dog
Handlers Perspective Walk course from this perspective many times

Now, walk the whole course to learn the flow. Close your eyes and say the course without peeking. Dont worry about what you will do until you can see the course. Then decide how you will run the course to help your dog. Decide where you need to cross and what kind of cross is best. Decide what words you will say. For example, will HERE be strong enough to turn your dog away from the tunnel or will you need to use his name and a COME. Clarify your position relative to each obstacle. Where will your feet be pointing? What will your arms be doing? What verbal commands will you use? Do you need to run all the way to a jump or can you send your dog? Be sure you are ABLE to actually get to the points you plan. Front crossing may be a good idea as your dog comes out of the closed tunnel but only if it does not result in a collision. Identify and walk any alternate plans based on the dogs ability to react differently than expected. For example, if you plan a cross but dont get there in time, what will you do to stay on course? Pattern yourself to be able to move on this course without having to think. Most people walk courses in practice but then
SUBMISSIONS
Laughing Dog Press welcomes submissions of articles and photos. Information about the content and format of submissions is available by contacting laurie@AgilityAction.com.
January 2004 9
Great Resources
for Novices
Photo by Fiona Dees
Agility Fun The Hobday Way (Volumes

1 and 2) by Ruth Hobday provides a terrific overview of activities for pups from babyhood through one year to get them ready for and started in agility. These may
Special Dogs only?
be purchased at www.amazon.com.
Greg Derretts video Agility provides a terrific overview of how to teach a dog to stay, turn, and other skills. He provides enough instruction and examples that you can apply the information with your own dogs. This may be purchased at www.cleanrun.com

get thrown off plan when they go out to run. Before the end of the walk-through, run the course with your invisible dog to become familiar with placement of equipment when moving at full speed and looking down at your dog. Practice using the verbal commands and appropriate arm signals you have planned.
Foundation Training
Use all of the time allowed for the walk-through so that your full attention is on your dog NOT on trying to locate the next obstacle!
Stage Three: After Course Walk-Through
Use mental training techniques to review while you are waiting. It can often be an hour or more between walk-through and your run. When it is finally your turn, take a deep breath and do what you did in the walk-through! Put everything into your run, but most importantly, have fun working with your best friend. Qualifying and titles are icing on the cake to the joy that comes from having fun with your dog. You may only get this one chance to run your dog today, but there are always more days.
The Excelling at Dog Agility books (Volumes 1 and 2) by

Jane Simmon-Moake are the meat and potatoes of agility. They provide basic information from introducing obstacles through sequencing. Published by Flash Paws Productions and available at
www.amazon.com.
Learn from your mistakes, whether in training or handling, and set reasonable goals to improve every time you compete. And remember to never underestimate the importance of knowing the course.
January 2004 10
Getting Started
Eliminating Airplane Arms
Video is Your Friend

by Laurie Leach
n a recent trial, my Sheltie, Scout, and I were working our way through the course. Things were going nicely until we reached the table. Although she had had some early issues with the table why would I get on that thing and stop? she appeared to be solid with this obstacle at the time of the trial. However, during our run, she glanced at the table but tore by and dove into a nearby tunnel. I had no idea what had gone wrong. Fortunately a friend had videotaped the run. When she handed me the camera, she chuckled. When I looked at the tape, I knew why she was amused. Rather than standing by the table quietly and giving Scout clear physical and verbal cues regarding what I wanted her to do, I had started to dance. It looked a bit like a tap dance routine in an old musical. Clearly I had communicated to my dog that we were continuing to move forward. The tunnel was simply a natural place to go next.
Video is a powerful tool to use for improving as It looked a bit like a tap an agility handler. Capturing your run on tape, whether done professionally or by a friend, dance routine in an old can help you analyze and improve your skills. musical. In the trial after my dance routine, I planted myself firmly by the table and kept my feet on the ground. Lo and behold, my dog charged onto the table and dropped like a rock. Over the past several years, video feedback has helped me identify and eliminate several handler errors in addition to my tendency to tap dance: One of the first video tapes showed me making a move that does not appear in any agility books. I called it airplane arms. This was a tendency to lift my arm to direct my arm and not put it down. I looked like a one winged B57. My dog had just learned to ignore the continuous wing and was performing whatever obstacle he guessed was next. Another pair of tapes revealed my tendency to just leave my dog behind while he was on the contact equipment. On the A-frame, I darted so far ahead that I lost sight of him as he was climbing. As a dog who did not think much of being abandoned, he turned around, got off the A-frame, and caught
January 2004 11
Video is Your Friend
(continued)
I cant say I always enjoy watching the tapes. I often prefer my mental image of myself floating through the course like Nancy Gyes. I often creep off to the VCR in the bedroom to play the video in private and cringe at the image of myself making moves I dont remember. Not all the news is bad, of course. More recent tapes have shown that I am running faster and suffering less from the curse of small dog handlers, bending over disease. I encourage all of you to get videotaped regularly. I was impressed recently when a friend asked her agility teacher, who did not see her run, to look at the tape. It allowed the teacher and student to see what skills the student had nailed and what skills still needed practice. Someday, Ill get brave enough to do that too.
Must-Know Agility Organizations

AAC AKC CKC CPE
Agility Association of Canada
www.aac.ca
American Kennel Club

www.akc.org
Canadian Kennel Club

www.ckc.ca
Canine Performance Events

www.k9cpe.com
NADAC Upcoming Features

Living Room and Back Yard Agility
Lauri Plummer will take you through a series of foundation exercises for beginning dogs and pups that everyone can do at home. This article will include video examples of key activities.
North American Dog Agility Council

www.nadac.com
TDAA UKC
Teacup Dogs Agility Association

www.dogagility.org
United Kennel Club

www.ukcdogs.com
Control Your Breathing, Control Your Emotions

This article will walk you through an entire day of agility from the time you leave home until you compete at a trial. It will provide step-by-step information for managing your emotions by controlling your breathing.
USDAA
United States Dog Agility Association

www.usdaa.com
To locate the many other domestic and international agility organizations, visit www.agilityability.com and
www.dogpatch.org/agility
If Agility Had an Announcer

Not a chance. You will just have to wait and see
January 2004 12
J udges Forum
UKC Agility: Competing with the SLOWER Dog

by Rae Tanner
Not only are the number
of agility competitors increasing exponentially, the venues for agility are also expanding. Over the next few months, I will be presenting a brief overview of some of the various programs that are of interest to agility competitors. Depending on your dogs unique talents and abilities, there may be some agility venues that are more likely to lead to your success than others. This month, Ill focus on the UKC (United Kennel Club). If you are frustrated with the need for speed in some of the agility venues or have a young dog that needs a slower paced introduction to agility competition, this agility program might be just what you are looking for. The UKC agility program provides an ideal place for young dogs to start their agility careers as well as a venue where the average dog can be successful. The course times are more generous than in any of the other agility venues. Speed was not meant to be a major factor in this style of agility. In addition, UKC agility allows for the establishment of special course times for exhibitors with disabilities. Also, at the beginning level (Agility I), three attempts to complete an obstacle are permitted. For the novice dog that is having problems with the contact obstacles, this would be a good chance to provide the dog with additional opportunities to be successful. Most of the major pieces of equipment are the same as those used for AKC (American Kennel Club) agility, making it very convenient for clubs to hold both types of events. However, there are some obstacles such as the Hoop Tunnel, Sway Bridge, and Swing Plank that are unique to UKC agility. Although these unique obstacles take some training, most dogs learn them very quickly. UKC agility was originally created by Bud Kramer in 1984. At the time, agility was rapidly becoming very popular throughout England. Bud felt that agility could become a very important addition to the performance activities of dog training in the U.S. However, he did not feel that the English version with the 30 inch jump height would be the style of agility to promote in the U.S. Bud believed that the potential for the sport was too great to make
If you are frustrated with the need for speed in some of the agility venuesthis agility program might be just what you are looking for.
January 2004 13
Photo by owner, Tracy Kenney
Judges Tip
by Rae Tanner Do not manhandle your dog at the start line. In most venues of agility, grabbing your dog by the collar or scruff of the neck to force him This is a picture of Ricky after his first agility show. Ricky is a French Bulldog who had three out of four perfect runs. He qualified and was first in all four runs. or her into position is highly frowned upon. Depending on the severity of the incident, you may even get dismissed from the ring before
UKC Agility (continued)

it available only to those fast-moving breeds that could jump 30 inches. This led to the development of a version of agility in which all dogs, including mixed breeds, could not only participate, but also be successful. Originally, this type of agility was organized by the National Club for Dog Agility (NCDA). Then, in 1994, the United Kennel Club decided to add agility to its list of performance activities. It became clear that the NCDAs approach to agility was a perfect fit for the family-oriented United Kennel Club. The United Kennel Club, based in Michigan, has clubs throughout the country. To find UKC trials in your area, or to obtain information about starting a UKC club, check out their website at www.ukcdogs.com. Rae Tanner began competing in agility in the late 1980s with a Yorkshire Terrier in both USDAA and NCDA (now UKC) agility. She became a NCDA and AKC judge and has multiple obedience and agility titles on her Yorkshire Terriers, Silky Terriers, and Border Collies, including a MACH on her Yorkie, Saydie, and Border Collie, Jet. In addition to her judging responsibilities, Rae teaches agility classes for WAG (Wisconsin-Illinois Agility Group) and co-owns Canine Shenanigans, Inc. which supplies the agility community with agility logo apparel (www.agilitydogs.com).
starting the run. Gently guiding the dog into position is permissible, but be careful that you dont over do it.
January 2004 14
C onquering Ring Nerves
RING PANIC C
by Diane Peters Mayer, M.S.W.
8 Steps to Manage
onquering Ring Nerves will be a monthly column to help you become a calm, cool and collected handler, no matter what! Each month Ill feature training tips, real-life ring nerve stories, book reviews and more. This months tip gives you 8 steps to lessen pre-show anxiety. Scenario: You decide to enter an agility trial that is three weeks away and just thinking about competing makes you jittery. You remember the last time you competed, about two months ago. Your ring nerves went through the roof right before you began your run, and after you started, you found yourself standing in the middle of the course, confused and feeling humiliated. You worry that, If I cant stop my nerves, Im sure Ill forget the course again.
Diane Peters Mayer, M.S.W. is a psychotherapist specializing in anxiety disorders and performance anxiety coach in private practice. Diane has a certificate in Personal Life Coaching from the Institute for Life Coach Training from the University of Pennsylvania. Diane runs Competing At Your Peak, Inc. The Unique Dog Handlers Training Program to Combat Ring Nerves. The program offers seminars, groups, and oneon-one coaching for handlers who compete in all dog sports. Check out the program at www.competingatyourpeak.com. Dianes powerful action-oriented program utilizes exercises and techniques from many disciplines including behavioral therapies, yoga, sports psychology and theater arts. She continues to add to and adapt her training program to help handlers and their dogs move toward success in the ring
Without the tools to calm and relax yourself, pre-show nerves may make the next three weeks miserable for both you and your dog and set you up for panic during your run. Heres what you can do: 1
Breathe. Learn Belly Breath (diaphragmatic breathing). It is the leading technique for lessening anxiety quickly and keeping you relaxed but alert and energized. Practice the Belly Breath daily before the trial so you can call on it when you need it. Note: See end of column for an easy breathing exercise.
January 2004 15
2. Stay in the Moment Be present-centered and you wont obsess about past performances or dwell on what might happen. By
Manage Ring Nerves (continued)

competing in the moment, youll be less worried about your performance and be able to connect fully to your dog and the course. When you can stay focused on each moment, your anxiety will nosedive. To keep yourself in the here and now, concentrate on each Belly Breath. 3. Dont Fight your Emotions. When anxious feelings surface, do not fight them. Trying to stay calm by white knuckling it will only increase both physical and mental tension. Instead, begin Belly Breathing immediately, accept the fact that you are nervous, and at the same time tell yourself that you are prepared to compete. For example, say to yourself, I am afraid I will forget the course, but I know how to relax myself and stay focused under pressure. 4. Its Not Just Winning that Counts. Compete for the love of working with your dog, not just to win titles. Look at each show as a learning experience, one small step along the way to reaching your big goals. Remember, no matter what happens on the course, you get to go home with your wonderful dog. 5. Get Yourself Moving. Physical exercise reduces muscle tension, and helps ease anxiety. If you dont work out on a regular basis, then days prior to competing, get on the move! Walk, run, bike, play a favorite sport, garden, or vigorously clean your house. Stretch properly before any physical activity, and that includes before competing in agility. 6. Detoxify and Fuel Up. At least two days before you compete, do the following: reduce caffeine and nicotine because both stimulate the production of adrenaline; avoid junk foods; choose low fat meats, fruits and veggies. Also drink plenty of water to flush out your system. Sip water on show day to stay hydrated and keep from feeling fatigued. 7. Ease the Pressure. If you feel that you cant handle your anxiety, then do not go to the competition. Or go, but do not go into the ring. Use the time to desensitize yourself to the environment, calming yourself with breathing or other techniques, as you watch others compete. There will be a next time. Do whats best for yourself and your dog, and forget the rest!
Conquering
Ring Nerves
A Step-by-Step Program for all Dog Sports

By Diane Peters Mayer, M.S.W. Conquering Ring Nerves is designed for competitive dog handlers, from novices to seasoned veterans who have mild to severe performance anxiety. Featuring mind/body exercises and techniques, plus chapters on boosting self-esteem, making mistakes, creating a safe mental space and more. Illustrated with real-life handlers stories and packed with training tips, Conquering Ring Nerves will help you to ease your anxiety and compete at your peak under pressure. Published by Wiley/Howell Book House . Available through www.competingatyourpeak.com.
Remember those critical Belly Breaths from Step One? Here are the steps for calming that panic: in a chair with feet flat on the floor, Sit hands resting in your lap.
Set timer for 2 minutes. Close your eyes. Breathe through your nose. taking slow, deep breaths. As you Begin inhale, your belly will fill. As you exhale, Keep each breath, slow, long and smooth. time is up, stay seated and see how When you feel.
it will relax and contract.
8. Practice Makes Perfect. Ring nerves will not go away overnight. It takes practice, time, and determination to stop performance anxiety. Have patience and be kind to yourself. If you want to compete at your peak, you have to train yourself. See you next month. Happy training!
with eyes open and while stand Practice ing and walking. This is especially important in agility where you can walk and practice your Belly Breaths as you wait to go into the ring.
daily and increase time to 5 min Practice utes each practice session.
January 2004 16
V et Clinic
The Warm Up And Chill Down

by Deb M. Eldredge, DVM
Two of the most important parts of your agility runs

should be the warm up and the cool or chill down. Many instructors do focus on teaching a warm up routine, but virtually all forget about dealing with the dog AFTER the run.
Your dog will be required to run and jump. Just like a human athlete you should help your dog to stretch, jog a little and do a couple of practice jumps. If you have time, try to do a low jump or two, then move to your dogs regular jump height. That gives the muscles a chance to warm up. Always make sure your dog gets the chance to urinate or defecate. There are a number of fun tricks that can help your dog to stretch and warm up muscles. I heartily recommend the book Agility Tricks by Donna Duford. Waving, bowing and spins all help to keep your dog limber and make your dog comfortable before your run. I like the plan of a short jog for both you and your dog dont do so much that either of you is out of breath, but get those muscles working and your blood flowing! A warm up stimulates increased oxygen and nutrients to the muscles as well as stretching tendons and ligaments. Stiff joints will loosen up as well. You can use this time to get your dog focused on you and watching your body possibly doing some turns, spins, etc. Bends, movements in which the dog stands facing forward but reaches to either side for a treat, are excellent for the neck and body muscles. A body rubdown can also help to loosen up stiff muscles and joints.
Carefully feeling your
After a run, many handlers pet and praise their dogs, dog all over can re- give them a big drink of cold water and stuff them into their crates. That is NOT ideal! A slow walk for about veal any sore areas. 5 minutes will help muscles to clear the waste products of exercise and minimize the chances of stiffness. I follow the same regimen with my dogs that I have with my horses. We walk a bit, they get a small drink, walk, drink and so on until they arent thirsty anymore. During this walk, you can also watch your dog for any stiffness or lameness. Carefully feeling your dog all over can reveal any sore areas. Remember that your agility dog is a true athlete and treat her as such!
Deb M. Eldredge, DVM graduated from Cornell University and has been involved with small animal practice, training and competing with her own dogs in virtually every dog sport and writing ever since. Deb currently resides in upstate NY where she has run her dogs in USDAA, NADAC, AKC, UKC and CPE agility trials over the years titling Belgian Tervurens, an ILP Lab, a Kuvasz and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Now that her children are also running in agility, her entry fees are totally over the A frame!
January 2004 17
Photo by Fiona Dees
FAULT OF THE WEEK

By Rob White
Have you noticed how dogs get together at a trial? Sometimes they
pair up, circle each other as if in a Sumo contest even going to the extent of standing on their hind legs with their mouths close to the other dogs ear. Sometimes they form a sort of magic roundabout, slowly circling as if in a mobile subcommittee meeting. What are they up to? My theory is that this is a canine group called Committee of the Fault, and they are devising a way to sabotage your agility run. At each trial they identify a specific Fault of the Week. The Corgi leans toward knocked bars. Shelties argue for the off course. The Border Collies advocate for the mistimed spin to incur a refusal. The Papillons support ducking out at the tenth pole. And so on. Eventually, a consensus is reached for the weekend. The Committee briefs the dogs who are competing. It is possible to identify the Fault of the Week if you watch closely. For weeks your dog has been behaving impeccably, learning how to successfully negotiate new challenges. Then at the trial, out of the blue, your dog goes wrong. He does something beyond your comprehension. After your run, you wail, Hes never done that before! This is music to the ears of the Committee of the Fault. The dogs chuckle when they hear you. Bingo, they whisper. Then you begin the excuses:
Course, the weathers changed since last week. Its too hot/cold/dry/wet/slippery/sticky/cool/sunny/cloudy/noisy/quiet She just doesnt like that color. Mother-in-law arrived yesterday.
Now the dogs are seriously amused. Stories about the success of the canine conspiracy sweep the show grounds, passing from dog to dog. Youve been done in. You are a victim of Fault of the Week.
January 2004 18
Spotlight on Juniors
AGILITYS FUTURE
(Or How To Blow Your College Fund On Entry Fees)
by Kate Eldredge
Agility is a great sport for dog lovers
to compete with their dog and have lots of fun! And wherever you find fun, you find kids. Several agility organizations offer special junior programs or recognition. NADAC, USDAA and CPE all offer special junior divisions while AKC offers special recognition to juniors who earn agility titles. Some 4-H dog programs also offer agility usually running under the rules of one of the national organizations. Encouraging junior participation in agility is very important for many reasons. Juniors are the future of agility. Of equal importance, juniors also can do some of those not so fun but necessary jobs at agility trials that adults hate. Think leash runners and score sheet runners. Agility is an excellent way for kids to bond with their dogs, meet new people, and travel. Kids learn responsibility in caring for and training their dogs, as well as persistence and patience, since training is a long process, and most dogs have their own pet peeves (like weave poles or leaping off contacts) that must be overcome. The whole family can enjoy training and competing in agility together! Some juniors start from scratch with their own dogs while others compete with previously trained dogs that enjoy the lower jump heights and slower times of junior divisions. I started in agility with my own Corgi. I have also competed with our previously trained Corgi and with our Belgian Tervurens that I helped my Mom train. Here is some information about the junior programs in several organizations: AKC American Kennel Club Kate Eldredge with Flash
The AKC Junior recognition program is for participants under 18 years of age. In order to receive a certificate of achievement and pin, handlers must fill out a special junior form each time they qualify in agility. The judge must sign the form that is usually available from the trial secretary. One copy goes to AKC, and you keep one copy for your records. Credit is only given if the junior earns the title with her dog by herself.
January 2004 19
Agilitys Future (continued)

CPE Canine Performance Events Once again, juniors must be under 18 years of age. Special junior titles are only offered in the standard classes. Juniors get additional time allowed for their runs and may choose to jump 4 inches lower than their dogs regular jump height. The junior needs 3 qualifying runs to earn her own title. The title goes to the junior, not the dog in this case! To be a Junior Champion, a handler needs 8 clean runs or 10 qualifying runs at Level 5. (Level 5 is the top level and quite difficult even with the extra time and lower jump heights.) NADAC North American Dog Agility Council NADAC juniors must be under 17 years old. Junior divisions are offered in regular and jumpers classes. Clubs may offer special junior divisions for kids 11 years old and under as well as 12 to 17 years of age. Junior teams get additional course time, must jump 4 inches lower than the dogs regular jump height, and have a maximum jump height of 16 inches. USDAA United States Dog Agility Association USDAA offers special junior classes for juniors who must be 18 years of age and under. The first title is JH-Beginners Agility. The course is a simple horseshoe or S design, and the junior handler only needs one clean run. The junior handler has 60 seconds to complete 10 obstacles which include a tunnel, chute, 6 jumps, a 12 inch table with a down on the table, and an A-frame with a 4 12 ft apex. Once a junior has earned her beginner title, she can go on to earn elementary, intermediate, and senior titles with increasing difficulty at each level. Juniors can also be found competing in the regular classes against adults and often winning! For example, Cecelia Madsen with her Corgi, Sage, that she trained herself is now running in Excellent B in AKC earning MACH legs. Juniors in the northeast region of the U.S. run dogs ranging from amazing Heinz 57s to Boston Terriers, Springer Spaniels, Australian Shepherds, Shelties, Border Collies, and even a Harrier! I have personally competed in AKC, 4-H, NADAC and CPE agility. My Corgi, Flash, even managed to leave all the bars up in our first year at the NY State Fair and was Grand Champion Agility Dog! I greatly enjoy the different junior programs and look forward to trying USDAA. Good luck, juniors!
Juniors can also be found competing in the regular classes against adults and often winning!
Kate Eldredge is a 7th grader who loves dogs, horses, and writing. She trains and competes with her dogs in virtually every dog sport. She was the winner of the Dog Writers Association of Americas Junior Writing Award for an article about herding with her Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Flash. Kate has competed in NADAC, AKC, and CPE agility trials. Kates goal is to have two clean runs in a row with Flash who delights in leaping off contacts and knocking bars (see photo on previous page!)
January 2004 20
THE
SIX TYPES OF
Agility Dogs
An excerpt from The Truth About Dog Sports Agility at www.laughingdogpress.com
Agility dogs can generally be separated into six groups by their approach to the sport. Check out the following and rate your pup. The Driven Dog lives to perform a task. Every fiber in her being is focused on some job that might be herding the cat, chasing a ball, or running an agility course. These dogs are the Type As of the agility world. With good training, the driven dog can win agility in the morning and hold down a paper route in the afternoon. In the agility ring, these dogs run with afterburners. The crowd hushes. They finish the course in half the required time. They compete with each other for tenths of seconds. The All Business Dog is a generalist. This type of dog prefers a day with an equal mix of ball chasing, grass nibbling, napping, toy chewing, and a short agility training session. They approach each activity seriously and competently. When they enter the agility arena, they are no-nonsense performers. Dogs in this category make one think of briefcases and commuter mugs. The Eager but Silly Dog would be selected as class clown if they were kids in school. They are exuberant and goofy. These dogs frequently spin between agility obstacles or bark wildly as they run a course. Occasionally, these dogs will see an old friend outside the agility ring or someone eating Chicken McNuggets and make a beeline for him from somewhere between a tunnel and the dog walk. This type of dog is charming but hard to trust. They require that family friends view agility competitions from a distance that requires binoculars. The Introvert is the type of dog who is simply uncomfortable with the showiness of agility. As a person, they would be intense and self-employed. In agility, they appear nervous and uncertain. They would probably be more comfortable in a solitary activity devoid of applause. These dogs can sometimes be lured out of their shell with a soft hand. The Mind is Willing but the Body is Challenging Dog generally falls on either end of the size continuum. Dogs that are the size of a fullback or have very short legs are at a serious disadvantage in agility. If you pick a breed that was developed for entering narrow burrows or could be sold to the pony rides, you simply have less chance of going to the Super Bowl of agility. However, many of these dogs do overcome their challenges and earn a number of degrees. The You-Cant-Mean-Me Dog comprises about 1% of the population. A few dogs simply do not see agility as their lifes work. If you have one of these dogs, it is best to consider a second dog or borrow the neighbors Border Collie. Dogs that are the size of fullbacks or have very short legs are at a serious disadvantage in agility.
Who, me?
January 2004 21
AGILITY QUIZ
Check your understanding of this months articles

1. Dogs are often confused about what stay really means ............................ 2. Teaching the stay for obedience and agility requires different approaches ................................................................................. 3. Toys are powerful tools for training agility dogs....................................... 4. You can reduce ring anxiety by trying harder to relax............................. 5. You can practice Belly Breaths anywhere at a trial.................................. 6. Juniors can compete in their own classes or in the adult classes .............................................................................................. 7. UKC trials have more generous course times than other agility organizations ........................................................................ 8. You should always walk a course from the dogs perspective ................... 9. You should be able to close your eyes and say the course without peeking ............................................................................ 10. A fast Jumpers run requires the handler to give commands more quickly than a standard course........................................................ 11. The high-drive dog can win agility in the morning and hold down a paper route in the afternoon. ....................................... 12. Agility began in Great Britain when two guys needed something to keep the crowd amused at Crufts ...................................... 13. Agility can be the end of a nice backyard................................................ 14. Agility can strain relationships ................................................................
T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T
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15. Agility is addictive ...................................................................................
Answers: These are all true. If you missed any, you may need to sit quietly and reread the magazine. If you answered all correctly, reward yourself by taking your pup out for a nice walk.
January 2004 22

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Vol.1, No.

From the Publisher

A Publication of Laughing Dog Press, LLC

CAUTION AGILITY AHEAD

Laurie Leach and her Sheltie Joys Girl Scout

Agility has been

Agility doesnt need to be as technical

It is very important that we dont let

Caution Agility Ahead (continued)

Caution Agility Ahead (continued)

From the Publisher:

To ENJOY THE STAY

Teaching Dogs To Enjoy The Stay (continued)

Resources for Intermediate to Advanced

Teaching Dogs To Enjoy The Stay (continued)

A Systematic Approach to Successful Handling

Learning how to memorize an agility course so that

A Systematic Approach (continued)

A Systematic Approach (continued)

Handlers Perspective Walk course from this perspective many times

Agility Fun The Hobday Way (Volumes

A Systematic Approach (continued)

Stage Three: After Course Walk-Through

The Excelling at Dog Agility books (Volumes 1 and 2) by

Eliminating Airplane Arms

Video is Your Friend

Video is Your Friend

Must-Know Agility Organizations

American Kennel Club

Canadian Kennel Club

Canine Performance Events

NADAC Upcoming Features

North American Dog Agility Council

Teacup Dogs Agility Association

United Kennel Club

Control Your Breathing, Control Your Emotions

United States Dog Agility Association

If Agility Had an Announcer

UKC Agility: Competing with the SLOWER Dog

Not only are the number

Photo by owner, Tracy Kenney

UKC Agility (continued)

C onquering Ring Nerves

Manage Ring Nerves (continued)

A Step-by-Step Program for all Dog Sports

The Warm Up And Chill Down

Two of the most important parts of your agility runs

Carefully feeling your

Photo by Fiona Dees

FAULT OF THE WEEK

Agility is a great sport for dog lovers

Agilitys Future (continued)

An excerpt from The Truth About Dog Sports Agility at www.laughingdogpress.com

Check your understanding of this months articles

Online Magazine Subscriptions

15. Agility is addictive ...................................................................................

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