Dog agility is a dynamic sport that brings together precision, speed, and the deep bond between a dog and its handler. Among the agility obstacles, the dog agility teeter totter (often simply called the “teeter”) stands out as a unique challenge.
This moving obstacle requires confidence, balance, and skill from both the dog and the handler. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to perfect your teeter technique, here are some top tips and tricks to help you master the teeter.
Understanding the Agility Teeter
Before diving into training, it’s essential to grasp why the dog agility teeter can be so challenging. Unlike other agility equipment, the teeter moves under the dog’s weight, which can be startling for many pups. The sensation of a shifting surface underfoot can create hesitation or even fear. Therefore, building confidence and ensuring safety is paramount.
1. Start with a Solid Foundation
Flatwork Basics: Before introducing any equipment, ensure your dog is comfortable with flatwork exercises. These include basic cues like sit, stay, come, and heel. A solid understanding of these commands creates a foundation for more complex instructions.
Focus on Balance: Use tools like wobble boards or balance discs at home to get your dog used to shifting surfaces. This helps in developing core strength and balance, which are crucial for the teeter.
2. Gradual Introductions Are Key
Static Introduction: Before making the teeter move, let your dog inspect it while it’s stable. Reward curiosity and any interaction with the obstacle. This will establish a positive association from the outset. This is good advice with any new piece of agility equipment, especially intimidating obstacles such as the agility dog walk and dog agility a-frame.
Tiny Tilts: Don’t rush into full teeter movements. Begin by allowing only slight movements, rewarding your dog for staying calm and confident. Gradually increase the motion as your dog becomes more comfortable.
3. Prioritize Safety
Use Spotting: Especially in the beginning, stand close enough to catch or support your dog if they slip or panic. This ensures they won’t develop fear from a bad experience.
Choose the Right Equipment: Ensure the teeter is of professional quality, with a non-slip surface and appropriate for your dog’s size and weight. All of our equipment is competition-quality, including our full-size dog agility teeter and our mini agility teeter, which is a great option for small and toy breeds.
4. Develop a Consistent Cue
Dogs thrive on consistency: Develop a unique cue for the teeter, like “tip” or “teeter.” Use this cue exclusively for this obstacle, so your dog knows exactly what’s expected.
5. Reward Patience & Confidence
The Two-on, Two-off Method: This is a popular technique where you train your dog to keep their front two feet on the ground while their back two feet remain on the teeter, ensuring they ride it down safely. Reward them generously when they hold this position.
Positive Reinforcement: Always celebrate successes, no matter how small. Whether it’s a treat, praise, or play, positive reinforcement helps in building confidence.
6. Add Varied Training Scenarios
Once your dog is more comfortable with the teeter, you will want to mix things up a bit, especially if you intend to compete at some point. This includes adding more pieces of dog agility equipment, naturally, but also a few other tips, including:
Change Environments: Dogs generalize differently than humans. Practice in different locations to ensure your dog’s confidence remains high regardless of the setting.
Add Distractions: Introduce toys, other dogs, or noises to mimic the competition environment. If you choose to compete, your dog will be competing off-leash in front of hundreds of people, as well as other dogs, so this type of practice is essential whether you are training with the teeter, weave poles, dog jumps or any dog obstacles.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
Consistency is crucial: Regular short training sessions are better than occasional long ones. This ensures that the teeter becomes a routine and familiar obstacle.
8. Trust Your Dog
As you progress in training, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Avoid Over-Cueing: Over time, try to trust your dog to handle the teeter without excessive commands. Over-cueing can confuse or distract your dog.
Celebrate Each Achievement: Again, positive reinforcement is crucial. Each time your dog masters a new level of the teeter, celebrate. This not only boosts their confidence but strengthens your bond.
Mastering the dog agility teeter is a journey of patience, consistency, and trust. By ensuring safety, reinforcing positive behaviors, and building confidence step by step, you and your canine companion can conquer the teeter with flair and finesse. As with all agility training, the journey itself offers countless moments of joy, deepening the bond between handler and dog. Embrace the process, and the results will surely follow.
Shop Now For Dog Agility Teeters!
Whether you need a dog agility teeter totter or another piece of dog agility training equipment, we have everything you need at Carlson Agility. Each piece of equipment is handmade, using the highest quality materials. In addition to a dog agility teeter, we have all types of dog agility jumps, tire jumps, pause tables, weaves, a dog tunnel, a-frames, dog walks and more. We also have a plentiful selection of mini agility equipment for those smaller breeds. If you have any questions about our products, please get in touch with us at any time.
