W is for Wings

When training your dog in agility, the wings on the jumps are important. This is the difference between a wide wrap, and a tight wrap; the difference between seconds gained and seconds lost. You want to loose those seconds, and beat the clock. And on agility courses, you are going to see a lot of jumps. So ensure you teach tight wing wraps. Toys are a great way to teach this; tugging rewards are a favourite in many motivated agility dogs.

To teach your dog to wing wrap, you must use difference commands for wrapping tight left, and wrapping tight right. I use 'right' and 'left' for wing wraps in those directions... it's as simple as that! If you are worried about the general right and left commands, as in changing direction from one obstacle to the next, I use 'wide' for right and 'low' for left. Devise your own commands. Remember, calling it 'banana' would work with your dog; he doesn't know! Using tug toys or high value food rewards, depending on your dog's motivation, is a good method. Leave your dog in a wait, release him, and just as he goes to jump, say your wrap command for whatever direction you are practicing. Back up and wave the toy excitedly, crossing over to the other side of the jump, for an extra tight wrap. As your dog wraps tight to get at the toy/treat faster, reward hugely. Keep practicing on each side, and soon, you will have a dog with a drive to get that reward as quick as he can, by wrapping all those wings tight. You have just saved seconds!

We are joining our hosts Snoopy's Dogblog, Alfie's Blog and My Brown Newfies for the Monday Mischief Blog Hop. We send many thanks their way, and you can join in below.