Today I went outside with Rusty and did a single two by two weave pole training. He was not excited and didn't want to work. I tried going inside and ignoring him whenever he decided to sniff around. It didn't work. I played tug with him, running after the toy to make it more exciting. Still, his enthusiasm wasn't what I wanted it to be. I threw all the rules to the wind and did it my way.
I played chase. I ran after him all over the yard. He was running with the toy, growling and speeding around for all he was worth. I did it over and over, every time he went through the poles. He was going nuts with joy, happy as he could be. Isn't that the point of agility? To actually have fun? I was laughing, and I could tell he was smiling. Away with the rules and on with the fun.
Now I'm not saying you should do this with every dog. It might encourage the dog to do victory laps in the agility ring. It's something I'm willing to risk - all in the name of having fun. Rusty and I have a very special relationship - it trumps his desire to play with toys and run laps and not come when called. He knew the exact moment I wanted the toy back, and he brought it to me without any more loops - he came strait to me and offered me ownership of the toy.
It's the same thing when we wrestle. Yes, I wrestle with my dog all the time. He bites and growls and barks and jumps on me. I in turn pull him off his feet, pin him, and growl at him. But again our relationship keeps him from biting me hard - he usually just mouths me, if that. Somehow he knows when I'm done, just by my body language. Without knowing I'm signaling him, I'll grow tired of the game and he quits immediately even when he's not tired. All I have to say to end any game is "enough" and it's over, no questions asked.
Other things apply the same thoughts - When I play tug with him I yank him around, get on the ground with him, steal the toy and run. I let him on the couch and bed - yet he doesn't assume that he can get up whenever he likes. He can walk in front of me on walks, but he pays attention, not pulling, and can heel when asked. He gets human food once in a while, but doesn't beg at the table. All the things I was told were "taboo" to training have turned out to be just fine with him and for what I want out of him.
Go against the rules. Allow your personality and your dog's personality to dictate how you train. I'm still learning to do this - I don't do it with others around. It's something to work on, and worth it too.
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