1. Teach your dog how to play with you and with toys. It is the most important team and relationship building exercise you could ever have.
2. “Rover!” is one of the most effective commands you have on the agility course. But DON’T use use your dog’s name before every obstacle or to send your dog AWAY from you.
3. If you are in control of the start line, you’ll be in better control of the course.
4. Be PROactive, not REactive. Tell your dog what you DO want him to do, not what you DON’T want him to do.
5. Meat and potatoes handling. Work every part of every obstacle, one obstacle at a time.
6. Trying to save a foot could cost you a leg! Take the extra step to help your dog on the course if you are physically able.
7. Point before you shoot; Direction BEFORE Object. Tell your dog WHERE to go before WHAT to do.
8. Run with Intent.
9. Don’t take your eyes off your dog, you should have at least peripheral vision contact with your dog at all times.
10. Dragnet handling: Just the facts, Ma’am. Don’t carry on long continuous conversations with your dog on course.
11. Train out your weaknesses, but compete to your strengths!
12. Train like you compete; compete like you train.
13. Say something pleasant , or keep quiet . Never meet a fellow competitor, student, teacher or friend at the finish line with a blow-by-blow of their faults on course.
14. Strive first to be the best Good Sport in the country. Never show anger towards your dog on course. YOU ARE THE ONE WHO TAUGHT HIM HIS JOB. Leave the ring smiling and reward the dog for the job he did.

© Nancy Gyes & Jim Basic, Power Paws 2008
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