Jump Safety
Prerequisites
- None
Supplies You Need
- None
Training Time
Instructor
Judy
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Safety
Jumping is one of the basic skills for agility. Although your dog jumps as a part of normal play activity, agility requires you to teach your dog to safely jump over obstacles on command. Before you begin teaching your dog to jump on command, it is important that you review the following safety guidelines:
Your Dog’s Health
- Consult your veterinarian before beginning the jumping lesson.
- No dog younger than 1 year of age should participate in a jumping program.
- Your dog’s bone growth plates should be closed.
- Your dog’s hips and shoulders should be in good shape.
- Your dog should not be overweight.
Jump Equipment and Training Location
- The jump consists of a cross bar(s) resting on uprights. The cross bar(s) should rest in a cradle that allows the bar to easily fall when lightly nicked.
- The jumping activity should done in a safe environment such as fenced backyard or indoor training facility.
- The jumping activity should be done on an appropriate surface such as grass, loosely packed dirt, or a rubberized matt.
- All dogs should start learning the jump command with the cross bar lying on the ground. As your dog learns the command, you can determine the correct jumping height for your dog to avoid injury. Never ask the dog to jump a height that is too tall for their physical ability.