Agility Trial Success Tip #4: Kennel for comfort and safety.
Set your dog up for success by focusing on the location you choose to crate your dog. Event stress can be minimized by choosing a crating area that presents the best possible environment for yourself, your dog and your fellow competitors. No one likes to have to walk their dog by an ex-pen with dog lunging and barking at them… and it can’t be very restful for those lunging barking dogs either!
“A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power.” ~ Brian Tracy
Today I am grateful to all of the dog lovers the world over who set their dogs up for success by playing Crate Games.
Visit all the tips: Tip 1, Tip 2, Tip 3, Tip 4, Tip 5, Tip 6, Tip 7, Tip 8, Tip 9, Tip 10
Remember that soft-sided crates don’t protect your dog from being attacked by another dog or from being stepped on by a careless handler. Also, keep your crate door closed even when your dog is not in it. Some inconsiderate jerk at a recent trial let their dog push into my crate and drink from my dog’s water bowl, spilling it all over and soaking his mat.
In addition, I keep my crate door covered at trials and class. This seems to provide comfort and separation to my dogs. My youngest is reactive and this seems to keep him relaxed and ready to go.
and PLEASE cover your reactive dog!! So many people think their dogs are fine- they are until another dog passes by and they go ballistic! Unnerving for both dog and handler.
Such an important reminder. When we start new students, we make sure they understand the importance of crating efficiently and kindly for dog sports. It starts with practice at home in quiet environments, something lots of beginners need help with – I have to get back to playing bits of crate games for my students and friends again!