While dogs adore running through agility courses, speeding through weaves, jumping through tires and navigating teeter totters and a-frames, the pause table is probably not the favorite part of the agility course for any dog. However, not only is this table a big part of competition, the pause table can be used to teach a variety of important obedience behaviors.
For those new to the sport of dog agility, the pause table is pretty much just what it sounds like. It is an elevated platform on an agility course where dogs must jump upon and then either sit or remain in a down position for a fixed amount of seconds. The height of these tables varies, but the goal is the same. The dog must obey the command of the trainer or owner and not leave the table to complete the course until they receive a specific signal.
One important side note is that all of the competing dogs run the course leash-free and receive no treats or incentives for doing the obstacles on the course. This means that the level of obedience with the dogs is extremely high. When you stop and think about it, who wouldn't want their dog to follow a variety of commands at any time even when not wearing a leash? Obedience training not only makes life easier for you, it also keeps your pet safe and secure in many situations.
When it comes agility training, puppies should not be learning how to use many pieces of equipment simply because their bodies have not developed enough and it can cause injury. Of course, they also are too small for most of the obstacles, anyway. However, a low pause table or a flat pause box can be used on puppies, and is a great start to both obedience training and agility training. Once your puppy has been weaned, you can begin teaching proper obedience skills. This training not only will improve your dog's behavior, it makes them easier to walk and handle and even cements the bond between the two of you.
Once your dog can sit and stay on the table for four or five seconds without the use of treats or incentives, it is time to increase the level of difficulty. All you need to do is use the same commands or signals but from a couple of feet away. At first, your animal might seem a bit unsure, but soon they will obey. Then keep putting more distance between you and the dog and eventually you will be able to be quite far away.
Not only is the pause table a great place to learn basic obedience commands, it provides animals with a small break during their agility runs. A short pause can help them regain focus, and actually you will see that your dog will do better on an agility course when the pause table is used. You can purchase pause tables, dog agility jumps, dog tunnels and chutes, agility dog walks and any other dog training equipment you need from handy online sites such as Carlson Agility.
For those new to the sport of dog agility, the pause table is pretty much just what it sounds like. It is an elevated platform on an agility course where dogs must jump upon and then either sit or remain in a down position for a fixed amount of seconds. The height of these tables varies, but the goal is the same. The dog must obey the command of the trainer or owner and not leave the table to complete the course until they receive a specific signal.
One important side note is that all of the competing dogs run the course leash-free and receive no treats or incentives for doing the obstacles on the course. This means that the level of obedience with the dogs is extremely high. When you stop and think about it, who wouldn't want their dog to follow a variety of commands at any time even when not wearing a leash? Obedience training not only makes life easier for you, it also keeps your pet safe and secure in many situations.
When it comes agility training, puppies should not be learning how to use many pieces of equipment simply because their bodies have not developed enough and it can cause injury. Of course, they also are too small for most of the obstacles, anyway. However, a low pause table or a flat pause box can be used on puppies, and is a great start to both obedience training and agility training. Once your puppy has been weaned, you can begin teaching proper obedience skills. This training not only will improve your dog's behavior, it makes them easier to walk and handle and even cements the bond between the two of you.
Once your dog can sit and stay on the table for four or five seconds without the use of treats or incentives, it is time to increase the level of difficulty. All you need to do is use the same commands or signals but from a couple of feet away. At first, your animal might seem a bit unsure, but soon they will obey. Then keep putting more distance between you and the dog and eventually you will be able to be quite far away.
Not only is the pause table a great place to learn basic obedience commands, it provides animals with a small break during their agility runs. A short pause can help them regain focus, and actually you will see that your dog will do better on an agility course when the pause table is used. You can purchase pause tables, dog agility jumps, dog tunnels and chutes, agility dog walks and any other dog training equipment you need from handy online sites such as Carlson Agility.
About the Author:
Cheng Bernhardt loves dog agility training. To find an agility equipment for dogs, or to find additional agility dog training equipment such as obedience jumps, please check out the Carlson-Agility.com website today.
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