Training
Engagement games.
Three short games that build your dog's willingness to work with you when there is a lot else going on.
Agility asks your dog to work with you while a field full of other dogs, people and equipment competes for their attention. Engagement games build that willingness to focus on you, and they take a couple of minutes rather than a training session. Two of the three below are ideal while you're waiting your turn on the equipment in class.
Download the engagement games handout (PDF)Printable version for ringside. The page above has the same content.
Back up and invite
The goal is engagement and interaction between you and your dog. Dogs like to chase things moving away from them.
Start by taking a single step back, so you don't get far away. Use a toy, but don't get fixated on the toy. If your dog grabs it, wonderful. If not, be energetic and inviting and just play.
Keep it upbeat and make inviting sounds. Tug should be energetic at a level your dog enjoys, and very, very short. The dog always wins: let go of the toy rather than asking your dog to let go.
Good for: while you wait your turn on the equipment.
Making food come alive
This is about delivering food in an exciting, dynamic way rather than handing it over. It builds enthusiasm for chasing you and creates focus on your hand, which is the foundation of handling cues later on.
Your dog should chase your hand to get the food, a sort of keep-away. Adding a sound like "shooosh" makes the game livelier.
Good for: while you wait your turn on the equipment.
Restrained recall
Have someone hold your dog or the leash. Lead out a few steps and sink slightly into your knees to build excitement. When your dog is straining to get to you, call their name and take off running. Your helper releases, and your dog races after you.
Build the excitement and anticipation before your dog is released. Keep eye contact, and make sure your dog comes to the target hand on the side you cued. Work both sides, and reward in the reinforcement zone with a "yes!" marker.
Where this fits
These games came out of our own beginner agility classes in Chandler, and instructors use them between turns. You don't need equipment or a field, and five minutes in the yard counts.