|
Text and photo: Torsti Mäkinen We may not think about it but many of our gundogs do something in their everyday work that we in other connections with dogs call "agility". Different types of terrain offer different challenges for our dogs. In the agility competition the difference is the co-operation with the handler. The agility track may not add much to our gundog's ability to tamper with terrain. Instead it will, when training agility, learn to constantly be observant to the slightest signal from the handler and for many breeds like birddogs, retrievers and spaniels this is a very valuable proficiency.
Lärka, 4,5 months old now, is here for the first time on the agility track. Since she after all is a genuine gundog by force of habit she had no difficulties worth to mention to learn to force the obstacles. The co-operation, the most important part of this spectacle, is another matter but that will come by and by as we train her more. Then there is also a part of confidence. Should we have a slightly nervous dog that is shy of the dark tunnels or high bridges, then our guidance to make it force them will teach it confidence to us. It will learn that when the owner asks it to do something scary, then it can do it knowing that nothing bad can happen - since its master or mistress has said so!       |
