Description
This course describes a step by step method of teaching a reliable 2on-2off behavior for use on the dogwalk, A-frame and teeter in dog agility. There are 6 lessons with multiple parts per lesson. One of the big advantages to training a 2on-2off at the end of the contact obstacles is that nearly all the training can take place on a target plank or training board, reducing both the physical stress on the dog and the space needed to do the training. If you don’t have access to full contacts or live in a place like I do, where training is limited due to weather, teaching a 2on-2off behavior using a target plank makes a lot of sense. This is the program I followed for my young border collie Nick who is featured in this video description of the course.
Whether you are starting out a puppy or need to re-train an adult dog or just clean things up a bit, this course will help. If your dog is already performing full contacts and you are not satisfied with your dog’s behavior, you can use this method to re-train your 2on-2off behavior. This course does not cover all the elements of teaching the dogwalk, teeter and A-frame. It does cover all the elements of creating a great 2on-2off behavior using a training board or stairs including distractions, handling and even a bit of sequencing.
This course is designed for SELF-STUDY. I will answer questions and you are welcome to contact me for additional lessons. You can contact me via Facebook Messenger or the Contact page on this site.
Equipment needed:
- Contact training board – 4 ft long by 4 inches high with a non-skid surface. Color doesn’t matter.
- Access to a set of stairs can be useful
- Target – flat object like a yogurt container lid
Lesson outline:
Lesson 1: Flatwork elements – including the release cue, focus forward and impulse control.
Lesson 2: Introducing the Target and the Target Plank (training board)
Lesson 3: Introducing the 2on-2off position on the Target Plank and Adding Easy Distractions
Lesson 4: Angling the board, using stairs and adding more distractions
Lesson 5: Adding movement onto the board and adding more distractions. Fading the target.
Lesson 6: Handling around 2on-2off behavior and “sequencing”
