VERSATILE GOLDEN - Part 19 - Jumping Basics

 

Many versatile goldens will eventually participate in a venue that requires jumping.  Often times we hear owners say that teaching their dog to jump is not necessary.  After all, Fido can clear a six foot fence any time he pleases.  The reality is that although jumping comes naturally to most dogs, it is both important and necessary that you take the time to teach some basic skills of jumping to provide for safety and to encourage efficient jumping style.  These basics are developed through repetition.  Dogs do not learn to jump efficiently and safely overnight.  You need to develop your dog’s understanding and confidence by providing solid foundation elements of jumping.

(In addition, remember that jumping more than elbow height prior to the age of 15 months is not healthy for growing pups as it can damage the growth plates and put undo stress on joints.) 

 

Agility and advanced obedience require repeated jumping that places stress on the musculoskeletal system.  The goal of any jumping program is to teach efficiency and thereby reduce the physical consequences of repeated jumping.   It is essential that you provide some sort of warm up activity for your dog prior to any jumping session.  Appropriate play and warm up exercises designed to increase blood flow to muscles will provide flexibility and reduce the likelihood of stress and injury.   (Muscles, ligaments and tendons that are not properly stretched and loosened prior to jumping are more prone to injury.)  

 

 Providing a solid foundation of jumping helps:

·         prevent undue injury by strengthening muscles

·         provides and maintains flexibility

·         helps reduce wear and tear on joints

·         allows a dog to gauge distance and change stride and momentum

·         builds confidence

·          promotes efficiency and reliability

 

Simply stated, efficient jumping technique requires the dog to approach a jump at a canter (faster than trot, but slower than a fast running pace).  A canter provides flexibility and allows the dog change speed and stride length so he can approach the jump at a comfortable take off point.  The dog must then add both vertical lift (upward motion) and horizontal propulsion (stretching out) in order to clear an obstacle.   Dogs jump the same way each time.  A sound structure enables a dog to:

 

  1. Place the front feet (one slightly ahead of the other) at a take off point in front of the jump.

NOTE: Take off point will vary according to speed of the dog, height of the jump, physical make-up of the dog, footing, body strength and conditioning, and confidence of the dog to clear the jump.

      2.  Lower the head and flex the front legs.

  1. Flex the spine to bring the rear legs forward in order to push off and drive the body forward. (The rear legs will land slightly ahead of the front legs.)
  2. Reach out with the front legs to continue forward movement.  (The dog will raise his head to assist with upward thrust to continue driving the body upwards.)
  3. Once in the air, the dog lowers his head towards the outstretched front legs to help maintain forward motion.
  4. When the dog reaches the apex of height, he lowers his head and lifts the tail to help bring the body forward and down.
  5. The front legs are stretched forward and down to prepare for landing
  6. Once the front legs hit the ground, the rear legs are drawn forward under the body to help absorb the impact of landing and enable the dog to continue forward motion.

 

 

 

_TYPES OF JUMPS AND MOVEMENT REQUIRED

 

  1. High Jump and Bar Jump
    • Requires a natural arc or trajectory in jumping.

NOTE:  Appropriate trajectory is determined by available space, footing, height of jump, energy level of dog, etc. 

NOTE: Small dogs often use less trajectory in a high or bar jump than a larger dog that must use more rounded trajectory to clear these jumps.

    • Apex (highest point) of the arc should be directly over the highest point of the jump.
    • Knocked bars are most often the result of the dog not gaining enough height at the apex.

 

  1. Spread Jump

·         This type of jump requires both depth as well as height in jumping

·         Spread jumps may be parallel (Two poles placed at the same height)  or ascending in height (The front pole is lowest and the back pole determines the height.)

·         The trajectory is usually flatter for this jump (versus a high jump or bar jump).  However, remember that there is still a jump trajectory that occurs at the highest bar. 

NOTE:  Large dogs will tend to jump with more horizontal stretch while smaller dogs may well require more vertical lift to successfully navigate a spread jump.

 

  1. Broad Jump

·         This type of jump requires depth in jumping

·         Often a broad jump is more difficult for the dog to judge.  Setting poles at each corner of the broad jump can aid the dog in accurately reading that jump.

·         The apex of trajectory should occur midway between the first and last board of this jump.

NOTE: Large dogs will jump with more horizontal stretch while smaller dogs require more vertical lift to successfully navigate a broad jump.

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN STARTING A JUMP TRAINING PROGRAM

  • Start jump training with jumps set no higher than the elbow height of the dog
  • Do not increase jump height until the dog is jumping reliably and consistently.

(A few successful repetitions do not mean that a dog understands what is

required.  It takes many repetitions for the dog to build muscle memory, just

as it take time for him to understand and then eventually perform with consistency)

  • Increase jump height very gradually, only 1 to 2 inches at a time.
  • Even after you have taught your dog to jump at his full height, it is not necessary to require full height at training sessions.  The dog needs only an occasional reminder of a full height jump.  It is less stressful on the joints and ligaments to practice at lower heights at least 50% of the time.
  • Be sure to warm your dog up before asking him to jump.  This is essential for the

well-being of your dog.

  • Do not change more than one element of criteria in a training session.  I.e. Never change both the height and distance between jumps at the same time. 
  • Do not jump your dog on slippery surfaces.
  • Keep sessions short, no more than 10-15 minutes.  Watch for signs of confusion or stress in your dog.  Often you can mold understanding more quickly with shorter sessions and fewer repetitions.
  • Be consistent in the commands you use for jumps.
  • Use frequent play, food and/or reward to recognize effort and build confidence for the dog.  (A good attitude is essential if for developing a confident jumper.)
  • Repeated errors or loss of attitude in jumping should signal you to change your

approach in training.  If you have ruled out injury as a cause, then either you need to lower the jumps and/or offer more frequent praise and reward. 

  • Vary jump heights and distance between jumps to help your dog learn to

navigate comfortably.  

  • Be sure to provide your dog with experience jumping from angles before you

increase the height of jumps.  It is not helpful to just have a dog approach a

jump placed directly in front of him. 

  Until next time!

Pat Quinn

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