TUNNEL FUN
by Marquand Cheek
From Clean Run Magazine, September 1998
These exercises are designed for dogs who are sometimes
a bit lazy at jumping, but love tunnels. A lot of us
have dogs that fit this description. For small dogs,
I recommend that the distance between the jumps and
tunnels be 12', and for large dogs 15'. The jumps should
be set 2" - 4" above the dog's normal jumping
height. Winged jumps are recommended.
The U-turns of the tunnels will give your dog acceleration
and drive to take the jumps with speed, while the shortened
distances will force your dog to concentrate on his
take-off and landings. Whoop it up as your dog is in
the tunnel; keep your hand held high above the jumps
and keep your eyes on the top jump pole as your dog
clears the jump.
- Figures 1 and 2 show just some of the sequences
that can be practiced with this configuration.
- The exercise in Figure 3 allows you to practice
calling your dog off those inviting tunnels
and will come in handy on the agility course.
- Let your dog finish with some fun by ending the
training session with the exercise in Figure 4.
Back to main Tunnel
Training page
This
article is reprinted with the permission of the author
and Clean Run Productions L.L.C. You can obtain a sample
copy of the magazine by sending $5 to Clean Run, 35 N
Chicopee St., Unit 4, Chicopee MA 01020 or by calling
1-800-311-6503. For additional information on the magazine
and other agility publications, visit the Clean
Run website. |
