Agility training challenges allow you to develop your ability to design courses with different sequences and obstacles, and then decide on or even invent the best ways to handle them. Training challenges offer fun steps for achieving a common language with your dog!
Hands have a big meaning to us humans, but not for dogs. All the energy that the handlers use for moving their hands is usually missing from the energy that should go to their feet. Out of all seven handling elements, hands and voice are of least importance to the dog, unless the dog is specifically trained to follow these elements.With the 3rd Training Challenge, you'll get to know the other handling elements better.
Try handling a sequence with no hands and you'll be amazed how little your hands mean to your dog. The rhythm of your movement, your position and direction of your gaze, your chest and your feet give your dog a lot more information than your hands. For example, taking one step when sending your dog behind the wing of a jump or when preparing your dog for a Front Cross, is much more important than any hand signal.
If your dog is frightened of you wearing a garbage bag you can just put your hands in your pockets or keep yourself from waving your hands in some other way.
You can try this challenge with any course plan. However, click here for a printable version of the course map used in this video.