When contact training doesn't go to plan

Ever wondered what goes on behind those seemingly flawless agility runs we see posted online? Last week, I described the contact equipment used in dog agility, but this week, let’s be real. It’s not always perfectly positioned paws!

Behind every seemingly flawless run you may see, there are hours of dedicated training to get to this level of ability.

Instead of those picture-perfect moments, I thought it would be fun to share a little glimpse into the sometimes-frustrating reality of agility contacts. The seesaw seems to have a particular flair for the dramatic!

While these moments might make handlers sigh or even despair (we’ve all been there!), They’re important when it comes to learning. They highlight where our amazing dogs might need a little extra support, where our cues could be clearer, where we are being inconsistent with our commands or expectations, or where we are pushing a little bit too hard.

Let’s be honest, a missed contact may cause frustration, but they make for some pretty dramatic photos!