How to Train a Dog to Perform a Teeter Totter

Correctly performing a teeter totter is one of the most difficult portions of a dog agility course. The teeter is one of the only obstacles to move, and can frighten even the most stable agility competitors. However, you can train your dog at home to master this confusing obstacle in just a few short sessions.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Teeter totter
• Collar
• Lead
• Treats

1. Begin training the teeter totter with your dog on lead. It is much easier to control your dog when he is on lead, and the lead adds a little extra bit of confidence to an otherwise nervous or insecure dog. You will remove the lead later when the dog is working well on his own.

2. Give your dog the command you will be using for the teeter totter. “Teeter” or “walk it” are phrases that are used often, but you can use whatever command you choose. The word you use is not as important as the consistent use of the command. Be sure you give the same command every time you want your dog to perform the obstacle so that the dog associates that word with that obstacle.

3. Walk your dog slowly onto the end of the teeter totter, making your dog pause with all four feet in the contact zone. As with all contact obstacles, it is mandatory that your dog places at least one foot in the contact zone, and making your dog pause on the up part of the ramp will help to ensure that the dog hits the contact zone.

4. Slow your dog down as he reaches the pivot point on the teeter totter. This is a vital part of the obstacle, as you do not want to allow the end to slam down, as it can scare your dog. Dogs with a higher weight will make the teeter move faster, so make you’re your dog it taking his time crossing the teeter.

5. Encourage the dog to walk slowly across the pivot point, steadying the down side of the plank with your hand. Lower the plank slowly as your dog walks down the ramp, setting it down gently. If your dog is large or you cannot hold the teeter yourself, you can have someone else standing by to lower it for you. Have your dog pause once the down ramp is resting on the ground to avoid him rushing off the end.

6. Move the dog to the end of the teeter, again making sure all four of her feet are in the contact zone. You can ask the dog to sit on the end of the contact zone if you like, which will slow her down and allow the teeter to come fully to the ground in actual competition. This sit can help keep the dog from running off the end of the teeter before the she touches the contact zone, and will help her avoid injury.

7. Repeat this process on lead until the dog is confident enough to perform the teeter totter without someone having to lower the ramp for him. He will gradually pick up speed as he becomes more confident, and will perform the teeter much better with each run. Do not allow him to miss any of the contact zones, and slow him back down if you notice any flaws or mistakes in his performance.

8. Remove the dog’s collar and lead once she is completing the teeter totter without any mistakes. Give her the command to perform the teeter from greater distances, ensuring that she maintains good performance with each run. The more control you have over your dog from a distance, the easier it will be for you both to compete in an actual competition. Before you know it, you and your canine companion will have mastered the teeter totter and will be ready to venture into the world of dog agility.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep the dog on lead for the first few training sessions. The collar and lead offer much more control that simple voice commands, helping to eliminate any confusion for the dog.

• Start off slowly. You dog will not learn well if you try and teach him a hundred different things at once, so keep your sessions short and frequent.

• Do not allow your dog to jump off of the teeter before it hits the ground. This can be cause for disqualification in actual competition.

• Never overwork a young dog. Too much hard work and agility training can permanently injure growing dogs.