This video explains my top reasons why dogs knock poles in agility courses. An example of a bad exercises which I would stay away from, and then 4 examples of gridwork exercises I do :)
Thanks for the video Martin, this will be really helpful to many! I was really struggling with my Border Collie Floss constantly knocking poles earlier on last year but managed to rectify this problem by using your grid work exercises and pole marking -she is much more consistent now!
Two other considerations to take into account about your dog/dogs are 1) do they neurologically process the information and environment properly and 2) are they totally focused on the job to which the answer is no, they are always in HISP mode (hardwired instinctual self preservation) and work mode. As they’re running a course they are always looking to protect themselves from danger and I’ve watched many dogs ( especially the herding breeds) that look to shift their family or friends to a better safer place. Example at CHB a few years ago where a dog looked to the left at a photographer lying on the ground while in the middle of the jump and then missed the command and the obstacle it was meant to do next.
Why did you just spend 6:30 mins quantifying your expertise? It sounds like your apologizing for the last 10 years. Stop doing that! Stand strong for what you have learned and it will be more believable. please.
Do you have a video for purchase that deals with troubleshooting? For example, im having an issue with a dog who wont collect properly once we get to the adjustable stride grid. The absent jump causes the dog to stutter step before going over the last jump. Place the jump back and the dog collects well over the final jump.
