I set up a course at home that mimicked the part of last Sunday’s Chances course we did not get. It is a very common part of many NADAC Chances courses. Here’s the part we missed.
Anyway, on the first day at home, I just could not get him to take the tunnel unless I was very close. I was surprised because I thought we were much further along. So I planned to work on it and gradually improve the distance. Well, on the second day, after and initial failure, Wyatt was doing the tunnel (and the A-Frame if I signaled that) with ease. Well, I was happy but still mystified on why it was so difficult the day before. Was my timing off? Did we just need some practice? Is the A-Frame in the yard a big draw because of all the treats that have been received there?
In any case, I did get clear on what kind of signal I need to give. It has to be a strong push against his line 1/3 of the way to the A-Frame with arm extended (but not pumped) with multiple voice commands. I am finding with agility now that so little is about training the dog what to do. It is about 99% finding the right signal and timing to give to your dog!
We are going to stop in tomorrow at a NADAC trial and just do Chances and Regular courses.
Interesting…I have the exact opposite problem with a discrimination…”out” is her first choice, “in” requires tons of extra work on my part to get…and often I don’t. Nicely put and I agree with you…often our training isn’t so much about “training” as it is about practicing my timing and my connection with my dog. Good luck on your runs tomorrow.