CAVALETTI
Although I
have had
Gold
ens and been involved in obedience for the past 14 years,
I acquired
my first breed dog just three years ago. I’ve learned a lot, but recognize
that I have only begun to scratch the surface of what I still need to learn.
Unfortunately, I live in an area where handling classes are not available. At
the suggestion of one of my mentors, I began doing cavaletti (or ground poles)
to promote better extension during gaiting; more recently I have used this
exercise to help minimize/correct pacing in my pup.
Cavaletti or
ground poles is a valuable exercise for us “newbies”. It promotes
coordination, flexibility, and muscle development while providing a simple
conditioning exercise. It also serves to build confidence and a good working
attitude. Repetition encourages extension and provides muscle memory and foot
timing. Cavaletti also encourages a dog to steady its rear, thus promoting a
clean down and back. Frequent
practice also helps build stamina, for both the dog and handler.
Stride
length is a function of both the length and flexibility of the back and is
calculated by measuring the points at which the lead leg hits the ground on
successive steps. Length of leg and
the degree of angulation of both the front and rear are also determining
factors. Stride length is partly
determined by speed. When a dog moves faster, more power is put into the limbs
as the front legs stretch out as far a possible and the rear legs are extended
to increase horizontal propulsion, thus increasing the distance covered with
each stride. Stride length shortens at slower speeds, in hot weather, in
slippery conditions, when running uphill, and when a dog lacks confidence.
It is not possible to accurately determine the proper stride length for
each dog due to differences in the relationship of height and body length in
relation to front and rear angulation. The goal here is to provide an
approximation that will promote as much extension as possible without causing
trauma/stress. As with any conditioning program, it is important to have your
dog’s overall health, fitness, and structure evaluated by your veterinarian
prior to starting cavaletti.
Equipment
needed: 8-16 sections of PVC cut 4-5 feet in
length (I use ¾ inch pvc)
Initially, I
use 8 sections of PVC. However, as the dog develops foot timing and confidence,
I increase the number to poles used to approximate 30 feet, or the length of a
down and back or the short side of a smaller ring.
You can use a variety of materials for the poles as in agility training,
but since I am concerned only with building muscle memory for extension and foot
timing, I just use PVC poles.
Measuring Distance and Placement of Poles: To
determine proper placement
of the poles
(i.e. a distance that encourages extension), measure the distance
from a flat
surface to the dog’s elbow. Double that measurement for proper placement of
your ground poles. (In other words, if a dog measures 12 inches from the ground
to the elbow, bars are spaced at 24 inch intervals)
Lay the
poles parallel to each other on the ground, like the rungs of a ladder.
Be sure to
measure each side of the “ladder” to ensure equal distance. (The purpose
here is to develop extension and foot timing, not coordination and awareness of
body as is encouraged by a dog traversing unequal distances and various shapes
and diameters of ”poles”.)
Start by
walking your dog over 6-8 poles that are spaced appropriately for the elbow
measurement. I use the command, “Let’s Go” since my eventual goal is to
have my dog go out in front of me with confidence on loose lead. These walking
sessions help the dog become aware of the fall of all four feet and help develop
coordination of the lift and drop of feet.
If your dog is uncertain and hesitant to step over the poles, place one hand in
the collar, hold a treat in the other, and reinforce the desired behavior by
praising and treating each step. You
can also straddle the poles and walk backward, rewarding any forward motion.
Initially, a dog that is hesitant may step out of the poles. Again,
straddling
the poles and walking backward or using a treat to encourage forward
motion are
often helpful. Remember to praise and reward only when all four feet remain
within the poles. Taking the time to develop confidence in your dog
during this
early training also helps teach your dog that he doesn’t need to look
down at his feet to see where he is going.
To continue to develop confidence and a happy working attitude, reinforce the
stepping over the poles. Your dog will quickly learn to avoid stepping on the
poles if you provide thoughtful reinforcement from the beginning. With some
dogs, you may need to initially reinforce any forward movement. Others will
catch on quickly and
you can
reinforce only when he steps cleanly over the poles without knocking them aside.
Reinforcement can consist of verbal play, treats, or toys. Effective
reinforcement may vary from dog to dog. Some will respond to verbal praise.
Others will
exhibit the desired behavior if rewarded with a treat. And, some will develop
confidence more quickly if you toss a toy and spend a minute playing
when the dog
successfully exits the poles.
Once your dog can traverse 6-8 poles successfully and with confidence, you can
gradually
increase the number of poles. I typically use 16 poles and gait my
dog through
them 10-15 times once or twice a day.
Cavaletti has been helpful since I train alone. It has provided me with a means
to promote
extension and prevent pacing in my dogs. It helps condition me as
well as my dog. I hope some of you will find this exercise useful as well.
Pat Quinn
Everlore
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