Fun with A-frames

Here is a simple set-up for backyard practice. All you’ll need are four jumps, one tunnel and an A-frame (although you can substitute the dog walk or teeter – just tweak the spacing to accommodate those obstacles.)

How are you going to handle the tunnel discriminations? Handlers who have trained a stopped contact will have a different plan than those with running contacts. The level of independence in obstacle performance will also influence handling choices on these exercises.

Another challenge on these sequences involve running by the A-frame and the tunnel, without the dog getting permission to take them! Many agility dogs consider A-frames and tunnels to be “high value” obstacles and will often flick away in close quarters to get on them. Be sure to reinforce the dog for following your handling and ignoring the A-frame and tunnel unless he is told to take them!