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Tucker's Training Tips |
A Toy Motivated Sport
Its
all about
getting the Toy. An un-interruptible desire to get the toy. What I
like to call “a Predatorily Instinct to GET the Toy”.
The more the dog wants the toy the more the dog will do to get it.
The dogs state of mind should be “They want the Toy so much; they’ll
do just about anything to get it.”
It’s the difference between simply wanting to jump, retrieve and
swim, and doing what ever it takes get the Toy. |
Energy Requirements
Diets for the Canine Athlete need to
have sources of Fat, Protein, and Carbohydrates in appropriate
proportions to meet energy needs and optimize athletic performance. |
Speed then Height
Its the perfect combination of Speed and
Height that produces the big jumps.
This combination will be different for each and every dog.
Work the Speed first. When confident the Speed is at its Max, then
work the Height as a result of that speed. |
Speed, Hit the End of the Dock, Work the Lift
(in that order)
Speed: a direct result of
Confidence and Drive
Hit the
End:
accomplished through
Obedience (solid Sit / Stay), Stride Work, and Handler Technique
Lift: Hurdle Work, Chasing
the Object
The goal is
to bring it all together while maintaining Confidence and Desire.
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Ice the Dog
(technique)
This requires the dog to sit and stay at the start point while the
handler releases the dog while standing somewhere between the start
point and the jump point.
Process
Ice the Dog for a brief moment. Freeze your dog at the start point.
Get the dog to focus completely at the task at hand. You'll know
when the dog is completely focused when the dog doesn't move. You
have now Iced the Dog.
Benefit
The dog displays complete focus. Anticipation will build. A strong
spring at the start will be the result. The strides will be accurate
and the Drive will be at its peak. |
The JUMP LINE
(definition)
a: the path the dog must
follow to achieve a direct route to the object
b:
the path perpendicular to the
measuring line of sight
Following the JUMP LINE is important
Learn to have your dog run
straight to the object. Make sure you the handler are not
obstructing that path.
Make sure that path is perpendicular to the measuring line of sight.
The more the path is off perpendicular the more distance can be lost
off the jump. |
Focus
(definition)
a:
a point of concentration
b:
directed attention
Motivation
(definition)
a:
something (as a need or desire) that
causes a dog to act
Focus and Motivation are Key
Learn to build an uninterruptible
concentration level. The dog must have complete focus on the task at
hand. Distractions
are common and will cause loss of desire. Have a plan and stick to
it.
A strong desire or need to get the object is necessary for speed as
well as height if using the 'Chase' technique. |
Confidence
(definition)
a:
a
feeling or consciousness of one's powers
or of reliance on one's circumstances
Trust
(definition)
a:
assured reliance on the character,
ability, strength, or truth of someone or something
It's about Confidence and Trust
Always use the "Start Short",
"End Long" process. This will build a strong level of confidence and
trust. Once that is accomplished, the task at hand becomes second
nature. Distractions become minimal and the focus will be set at
performing the jump itself. |
Drive
(definition)
a:
to dash, plunge,
or surge ahead rapidly or violently
b: to progress with strong momentum
c: an urgent, basic, or instinctual need ,an impelling
culturally acquired interest or longing
Strive to Build the Drive
A strong,
intense drive is the basis for a successful Dock Jumping dog.
Most dogs are
born with natural drive, some more than others.
Dogs with a
strong, intense drive will have a much better chance to take it to
the next level than those with a lesser drive. Dogs bred from field
lines will generally have more drive, and will often exhibit more
energy. Dogs bred from show lines might not be as fast, and will
often exhibit less energy. One must continually strive to build the
drive. |
Big Air Training can be broken down in to
2 categories.
1) Introduction
Introducing
something new is a gradual process. It takes a certain amount of
time for a dog to learn new motions.
Small steps progressing through
to the final goal will produce results.
Use high number repetitions.
2)
Improvement
Improving something already
learned. This is where you want to be careful not to over train.
Use low number repetitions. End
the sessions wanting more. |
Dogs are incredible
athletes and jumping comes naturally to most of them. They jump to
clear obstacles, they jump to express themselves, and YES, they jump
off docks.. They jump when they’re happy, when they’re excited, and
when they’re curious. Jumping builds a dogs confidence and gives
them an overall feeling of strength and energy.
Training assures the dog will be the best jumper the dog can be.
Weather your goal is to entertain friends and family at a back yard
barbeque at the cabin or to achieve Gold at a National Championship,
proper training will assure your dog achieves that goal.
A properly trained dog will utilize the entire dock to achieve
maximum speed, learn to jump from the 'end' of the dock and obtain
just the right amount of lift to achieve maximum height and
distance. |
Camaraderie between the Dog and the Handler
starts the minute you bring your puppy home and lasts their entire
life.
Build a Bond: this is the
foundation that allows your dog to learn quickly. Continuously build
and improve a working relationship that structures your dogs
thinking and willingness to learn.
Learn to Praise:
interaction through Praise strengthens your ability to interact with
your dog. If that Foundation has been built, the interaction will be
an invaluable tool in the future. Confidence and more Enthusiasm
will be a result. |
