| CONTACTS IN AGILITY AN INTRODUCTION TO CONTACTS An Introduction to Contacts is the first in a series of articles aimed at training successful contacts in Agility. Included in this first article, are some general points regarding contacts as well as a few safety issues to keep in mind. The focus of this article is the explanation of the various contact methods available to the handler. The key to success in contact training is to choose a method that suits you and your dog and train it in a regular and consistent manner. Follow up articles will focus on each of these methods, their suitability for various types of dogs and step by step instruction based on information gathered from successful agility teams. The purpose of the articles is to allow handlers to make informed choices. While they are aimed at relative newcomers to agility, it is hoped that they may also provide some ideas for more experienced handlers who may still be having some performance issues on contacts. CONTACT ZONES A contact zone is a painted area on a contact obstacle that the dog must touch in order to perform the obstacle without incurring a fault. Contact zones exist to test the team’s ability to exhibit control while negotiating the obstacle as well as to ensure a safe performance of the obstacle. TYPES OF CONTACT OBSTACLES: Dogwalk – Contact zones vary for different sizes of dogs. Both “up” and “down” contacts are judged. A-Frame/Scramble – One contact zone for all sizes of dogs. Only the “down” contact is judged. See-Saw/Teeter - One contact zone for all sizes of dogs. Both “up” and “down” contacts are judged. For a successful performance, the dog must not leave the See-Saw before the plank has hit the ground. Pause Table – Does not have a “contact zone”. The dog must enter the table from the front, without hesitation and is required to remain on it for a judge’s count of 5. SOME GENERAL POINTS ABOUT CONTACTS: Marking and Rewarding Correct Behaviour – The instant that it is performed by the dog, the handler should “mark” the correct contact behaviour, either verbally, such as the word “yes” or by using a clicker. Once the marker has been given, the dog should be rewarded, usually with food. Incorrect behaviour should either be ignored or communicated by using a verbal No Reward Mark such as “Uh-Uh” or “Wrong”. Verbal Reprimands or Physical Punishment in agility (or any other training) can lead to dogs becoming unmotivated, fearful and uncooperative and should always be avoided. Such behaviour will also lead to deductions or disqualifications in the competition ring. Natural Contacts – Many dogs naturally “get” the up contact on an obstacle and often training is focused on the down contact. Without correct instruction, many handlers start out with their first agility dog and perform unsuccessful contacts for a period of time. It is only when they start to think about competing that they have to go back and retrain the contacts to eliminate the mistakes they have been allowing the dog to make. Some teams go thought their agility career and never have to train intensively on contacts. These are the lucky minority and often include slow or steady dogs that may trot across a contact obstacle or small dogs with a very small stride. Dependency on the Handler – The dog relies on the handler to be close to them while performing the obstacle and to beat/meet them at the contact zone. Distance Handling – The dog is able to perform the obstacle independently of the handler. The handler has the advantage of being able to take a different line in order to prepare for the next set of obstacles. This is a useful tool when working with fast dogs and is a real advantage when competing in the game of Gamblers. It should be initially trained in increments, and ideally on lower than regulation equipment. Training aids such as hoops and barriers also help the dog on and off the obstacle safely and correctly. Crossing in front and behind at a contact obstacle – Many handlers, providing their dog will reliably wait for a release command, use the contact point of an obstacle to cross in front of the dog in order to be in a good position for the next sequence of obstacles. The handler can also change sides as the dog enters, once the dog has shown commitment to the obstacle. Using Training Aids – Hoops or Barriers are often placed at either end of a dogwalk to guide the dog safely on and off the contact zone and to pattern the dog to do the right thing…(very similar to guides in weave poles). These aids are useful when training a sequence that includes a dogwalk but is focusing on handling maneuvers or another obstacle. Using aids enables the sequence to be performed without the interruption of correcting unsuccessful contact performances. Contacts…Perfect in training, Poor in Competition – this is a very common scenario where the dog has learned that there is no consequence of missing a contact in a trial situation. A motivated dog can and does provide it’s own positive reinforcement by continuing the course, as it is more rewarding than displaying control on a contact zone. Mock trials are a great way to proof training under simulated trial conditions. Contact faults at a mock trial can and should be corrected. Backchaining – is a method where initial training begins at the contact point. For example, in order to get a drop at the end of a dogwalk, the dog would firstly have a drop on command (away from the obstacle), then a drop on the end of the obstacle, then a few steps on the down ramp to drop, then the whole down ramp, and progress all the way to being sent onto the beginning of the obstacle & dropping at the end. Each next step would not be taken until the preceding one was performed reliably. Backchaining can be and is used for many different methods of contact training. Training Contacts at Home – Most of us are not lucky enough to have our own agility equipment, however initial contact training can often be done at home, using a solid board with a non-slip surface, such as carpet or non-slip paint and sand. |