Agility Cues

Thought it would be worth sharing cueing again (from class last night, learning from Linda Mecklenburg, Developing Handling Skills for Awesome Agility Teams).

The six cues used in agility are:

• motion
• shoulders
• location
• eye contact
• verbal
• arms/hands

The first four cues listed are natural cues for your dog (so be aware of what you are doing here . . . your dog sure is). The last two cues are trained cues.

Motion naturally trumps all other cues and is the primary cue (motion is the backbone of handling). Providing direction information and motivation are key to good handling. Location relative to your dog naturally provides a direction cue.

• Forward motion with acceleration = forward cue
• Lateral motion with deceleration = turning cue
• No motion = true collection and round jumping arc

Arms and hand signals are trained cues. Arm signals can be used to provide direction information. 

• Inside arm = forward cue
• Outside arm = collection cue

Eye contact naturally cues your dog. 

• Direct eye contact = collection cue (strong, natural side cue)

Remember, by looking over one shoulder or the other when you are in front of your dog you are providing a natural cue for your dog to "collect" to that side.

As a handler you are always providing motion cues, so be aware of them.

Thanks for letting me teach class Tuesday night, I had fun and hope those who attended were able to take a few things home that were new for you and that you want to continue to work on and develop.