In agility, we want our dogs to run at full speed and make correct choices based upon information from the handler. The first thing we must realize is that most errors in performance occur because of bad handling, late handling, or lack of handling. Dogs that are criticized for making the wrong choices start to lose confidence. They stress down or up because they thought they made the right choice and then found out that they were wrong. Having someone watch you or video you can really help you see that you may be giving your dog incorrect information or incongruent information as to which obstacle he should perform or what turn you want him to make.
Repeating failed performances only to have them fail again can really undermine a dog’s confidence. This can result in a dog starting to refuse obstacles – “if I just don’t do it, then maybe I won’t be wrong.” Then we criticize the dog for not performing and now we are creating an even bigger confidence problem.
There are some agility venues that do not count refusals and allow you to continue to try and get your dog over the jump. Repeatedly trying an obstacle that has been missed is seldom a good idea. It is much better to go on and enjoy the run and think about how you could have handled the obstacle with more clarity so your dog could have been successful.
Sometimes dogs do not take the correct obstacle because other obstacles have been made more valuable to them. Table, A frame, and weaves usually pay much more than jumps and pick-ups. We begin to expect and assume our dogs will jump and come to pick-ups. To keep these behaviors strong, we must variably reward for them. You never know when a pick-up or jump could pay “big time”. When was the last time you paid your dog for setting up brightly at the start? Success and the ultimate reward the dog is looking for builds confidence.
Concentrating for an entire course takes mental stamina and is harder for some dogs than others and needs to be developed. Longer courses can be damaging to confidence especially when there are not enough rewards along the way. Timely praise is important because it will tell your dog that he is right and eventually will be rewarded. Nagging and pushing the dog on the course can lead to shut down. Dogs learn how to stop the nagging voice by stopping their work. Many inexperienced handlers at this point will take out food or a toy to get the dog to continue to work. So, now shut down pays!
Some dogs enjoy agility because they like the obstacles. These dogs get “high” on running and jumping and usually need rewards to maintain focus. Other dogs like agility because they like the reward they get for doing the obstacles. Obstacles need to be made to be valuable for this type of dog. The jumps, contacts, weaves, etc. all must signify potential reward sites to keep these dogs working and enjoying their work.
If we put pressure on the dog, criticize mistakes, and make the courses harder and longer, the game is no longer fun and even rewards are not worth the work for some dogs. We need to build confidence in our dogs and go back and make things simpler if they are losing confidence.
Remember - success builds confidence. So set your dog up for success and watch the confidence build!
On Track Agility Club of Maine is holding a two-day AKC Agility Trial at North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine on September 12 and 13, 2026. This small and friendly trial will be geared to beginners. See Downeast Dog News Calendar of Events for more details.
Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 200 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 4 Champion Tracker titles. Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 30 years. You can contact her with questions, suggestions, and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolynfuhrer@gmail.com