Run-outs and Refusals

            During our last Zoomdog trial, my dog Keahi refused the tunnel a number of times.  After our trial I walked the course to try and figure out why.  The tunnel was slightly tilted away from doggy at the point of entry.  Also, the tunnel was in such an “easy” and stand-alone spot, that my signals were probably rushed and unclear.  This caused my poor confused (and maybe stubborn) little shortie to refuse the obstacle and loose points and time.

Run-outs are when a dog runs past an obstacle.  A refusal is when a dog balks at or hesitates before an obstacle. Both are common during agility trials and practice.  Here are some things to keep in mind to keep run-outs and refusals to a minimum.

Run-outs

If your dog hesitates before an obstacle, try to figure out why.  Is she scared?  Is she unsure of what you are asking?  Make sure you give clear commands and start working scary obstacles more often in practice to make them more comfortable. 

Refusals

Is doggy refusing an obstacle because she is bored?  Try speeding up the run or making it more exciting with your hands and voice.  Keep in mind that doggy might be refusing an obstacle because she doesn’t have enough space to perform it.  Small dogs may struggle with jumps that are too high and may need a longer run at things like the A-frame. 

No matter what doggy does or does not complete in your trial, make sure to keep it FUN!  If you are not having fun, its likely doggy won’t be either.  Trials are something for doggy and handler to do together that challenge both animal and human brains, allow for a bit of showmanship, and have a good time!

Credit for this  lovely article goes to: Maria