-
Step 1
Place your hurdle on a flat, even surface. You can work your dog on nearly any footing, although something with a good amount of shock absorbency, such as grass, is most comfortable to your dog. Be sure the area is dry and level to avoid slips or injury.
-
Step 2
Set the jump bar on the lowest height available. Your dog will learn how to navigate the hurdles much faster at a lower jump height, and this will enable your dog to learn how to properly perform the jumps before adding in the element of height.
-
Step 3
Walk your dog on lead up to the hurdle, and have the dog wait in front of the hurdle. Let out the lead and walk to the opposite side of the jump. With your dog’s favorite treat or toy in your hand, give the dog the command to jump. It can be something as simple as “jump” or “over,” as long as you use the same command every time. Take a few steps back while calling the dog over the jump.
-
Step 4
Offer the dog the reward right away and praise her for coming over the jump. This praise and encouragement will keep your dog excited and make her want to jump for you. Keep working with her until she is jumping over the jump every time, without any faults.
-
Step 5
Stand beside your dog and give him the command for the hurdles. Walk forward with your dog, encouraging him to jump without you calling him across the hurdle. This is the next step in perfecting your dog’s hurdle performance. The dog will need to learn to perform the hurdles without you in front of him, so be sure your dog jumps steadily with you from the side.
-
Step 6
Remove your dog’s lead and continue her training. She should be jumping over the hurdles without knocking the bar or running around the hurdle every single time. If she makes a mistake, put her back on lead and try again before moving the hurdles up.
-
Step 7
Place the bar at a higher increment and work with the dog. Your dog will need to clear the jump bar without touching it or knocking it off, which is a fault in an actual agility trial. You can continue to increase the jump height until your hurdle is back at the proper competition height for your dog.
-
Step 8
Encourage your dog with happy tones and treats to get his speed up, as speed is a vital portion of proper hurdle performance. You can toss a treat or toy out in front of the jump to tempt your dog into running and jumping over the hurdle faster. The faster you can get your dog to properly and accurately perform the hurdles, the faster you will both be in the winner’s circle.
