Any one doing warm ups before the jumps? Such as stretches and what not? I have just started to train the jumps with two of my dogs, and I would like to keep the possibility of injury to a minimum.

I do a shoulder and hip stretch right now, and toss the ball a few times to get them warmed up; any other suggestions?

Also, how often do you increase the height of the jumps? I have started with 18" (they are adult dogs, 4.5 yrs and 1.75 yrs). How soon and how much do I move it up?

Is there a technique for teaching the jumps, to reduce the risk of injury, such as placement, body position going into the jump, etc? I know human (and equine) athletes have to go through lots of training so that there are less injuries and more speed height, etc. Is there a relieable resource about this?

Thanks for any replies!

I always do some warm ups, usually I run around with the dog hyping them up and playing some, toss the ball a few times, etc.


It's a good idea to get the juices flowing.

I've got some great tips for the A-frame training to reduce the risks of injuries, but as far as jumping the wall I don't really have anything extra to do.

Other than starting low and really taking the time to reinforce correct jumping. Basically using your voice or a clicker to pinpoint correct height and form throughout training.

I always jumped at low height throught training. Elbow hight. Every dog has it's comfortable stride for jumping. It's a matter of trial and error to determine it. To close or to far will throw the dogs stride off. Once the dog is matured, and jumping smoothly and comfortaably, then OCCASIONALLY go to full height. Although I've never seen it, Ed has a tape on teaching the jumps. Anyone have any comments on the tape? I do have the agility tape and that's pretty good.

Robert, what are the tips for the A-frame? I have heard of a few, such as teach the dog to touch a contact point, such as in agility, so the dog doesn't leap from the apex. I'm building an A-frame in the next few weeks for the yard, so any tips would help. And what is the correct form for jumping? What are you looking for in the dogs posture? I searched the web and I didn't really find much about jumping form.

Bob- I have already noticed what seems to be comfortable for one dog; he has a nice fluid horizontal propulsion; the other likes to go vertical (she is the one I have to teach form to, I believe the horse term is rushing, altho it's not panic, its drive!). Does the agility tape go into this?

Thanks for your replies, guys. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

I've built dog-sized cavaletti and use them to teach timing and rhythm for the dogs that need it.

I've also worked with older dogs by moving them up with their chest to the jump and taught them to jump from that position (low jumps)to build confidence and lower back strength. I used to do this especially when teaching my field coursing greys to jump after they came off the track. They are hell for either rushing jumps and badly timing approaches.

Before I work my dogs (greys or gsds) I do range of motion exercizes with them. I always start with the same leg and run them in the same pattern, picking up the foot and curling the leg in, rotating-flexing the toes, then all the joints up to rotating the shoulder or hip. Be sure and rotate the hip away from the body, too. Then start at the stifle or elbow and stretch everything out in line. After that I stand over the dog and bend their head/neck toward each hip (circle spine), to each shoulder, then up and down, and on the axis left and right. End with a quick massage over the loins. Only takes a few minutes.

When I'm done, most of them finish on their own with a bone-cracking, yawning, stretch and a good shake.

I learned this at the track, and I also do something similar after they've cooled off coming off the field (yes, rigorous obedience or bitework too).

How many cavalettis do you set up in a row? I did a search for cavaletti and found a good deal more info on training jumps. Thanks, Stephen!

My ROM exercises are pretty much the same as yours, I forgot about the ankle flex/extention, tho.

Did you make the cavalettis out of pvc pipe?

I usually built up to 4 or sometimes 6 in a row, as they gradually get better moving through them at speed. Dogs are so much more flexible than horses, but then, they aren't carrying any body but themself.

Mine are very old and made of wood. I got the original plans from Front and Finish in about 1980-ish. The X are free-standing and the pole just rests in the crotch. I use very light poles (dowels). I want the dog to notice them, but not get hurt on them.

I've seen the greys play over and through the cavaletti on their own. Tig just likes to grab them and run around the yard trying clothes-line the other dogs!

My dogs will lunge. I teach them to follow a (baited for beginners) buggy whip. Not so good, I guess, if you've been using it to gear up their prey drive <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

http://www.sscgb.org/Misc/Cavaletti.html

I thought those looked interesting, but I still like the pole to be free...

Stephan. Funny you should mention caveletti.Correct me if I am wrong..in jumping.Start very small..as a walk over..and then build up..height of jump..on lead.Take off point for jump..is set from a simple pole on the ground.The farther set away from the actual jump creates intensity and sureness of the task at hand...given time in training.As far as warming up..That is an individual choice.My preference would be..a good rag down..on the individual..then lunging left and right..

I have to add that when you work a dog..in whatever arena of your choice.You have to consider and understand what muscles are you working in your dog.I like to compare..bodybuilding vs dog handling...or horse handling. To get the best out of the animal..physically...You have to work all the muscles..otherwise you do not have balance.That is where injury occurs.Working or stretching the muscles also creates an oxygen source to the brain as well...and heart of the individual.You can hype up and make a dog do anything..as he/she wants to please..as per your training.Step foot in their course by our choice..be one with them.