Are You Listening to Your Agility Dog?

Why Feedback and Teamwork Are the Heart of Success in the Ring.

At Golden Acres, agility is more than just obstacle courses and ribbons; it’s a conversation between you and your dog. It’s a real-time, paws-on-the-ground dialogue where your dog is constantly telling you something… if you’re listening.

From sniffing to zoomies, from skipping jumps to seeking out ring crew, your dog is giving you feedback. Whether you’re in a training session or a trial environment, their behavior isn’t random. It’s communication.

And it’s time we all got better at listening.

💬 Feedback Isn’t Failure! It’s Information!

In her video “Understanding Your Agility Dog’s Feedback,” Susan Garrett lays it out clearly: dogs can’t write us letters or send a text. (I wish they could! I think.) But they can tell us, through movement, body language, and choice, how well we’re doing as trainers.

Some of the most common feedback signals include:

• Sniffing between obstacles? It could mean stress, confusion, or lack of motivation.

• Zoomies in the ring? Your dog is overstimulated, overwhelmed, or lacks confidence in a skill.

• Jumping up, turning back, or nipping at you? They might be saying, “I don’t understand this. Help!”

• Avoiding obstacles or stopping mid-run? They’re unsure, scared, or in pain.

• Visiting judges, bar setters, or ring crew? That’s your dog asking, “Is this more fun than what we’re doing, or is this easier? I'll do this instead?”

  
  

👉 Every one of these actions is feedback. The best thing you can do as a handler is take it, reflect on it, and adapt your training.

Start with Foundations, Not Flash

It’s easy to get obsessed with the sexy parts of agility, like the big A-frame moments, tight rear crosses, and fast weave entries. But as Susan Garrett reminds us: “If the fundamentals aren’t there, the fancy won’t stick.”

In her insightful talk on “Why Your Dog Leaves You in the Agility Ring,” AKC Agility Judge and Trainer, Lisa Selthofer, breaks it down into three simple categories:

1. Obstacle Behavior

If your dog leaves you at a specific obstacle, check:

• Have you taught clear criteria?

• Does your dog know what’s expected before, during, and after the obstacle?

• Is your dog confident and comfortable performing it?

  
  

2. Handling Cues

If your dog peels off during your movement or crosses:

• Have you made it clear what your signal means?

• Does your dog have the reps to recognize your cues without confusion in any environment?

• Are your cues consistent and matched to what you taught in training?

  
  

3. Teamwork (The Big One)

If your dog never even takes the first jump or bolts as the leash comes off, that’s a teamwork issue.

💡 Takeaway: Build the Team Before You Take On The Course.

At Golden Acres, we see agility as a relationship sport, not just a mechanical one. Your dog is talking to you all the time. Are you listening?

Here’s what you can do right now to improve your agility partnership:

Comparison is the thief of joy.

✅ Stop and assess when things go wrong. Don’t blame, get curious.

✅ Train teamwork intentionally. Don’t assume it will show up on course.

✅ Make YOU the most rewarding part of the course.

✅ Break harder skills down to walking speed. Go slow to go fast later.

✅ Celebrate when your dog chooses connection over chaos.

✅ Use video to look for and receive information.

✅ Don't compare your agility journey to others. Stay positive when training.

The Importance of Feedback in Agility Training

Feedback is crucial in any training, especially in agility. It helps you understand your dog’s needs and feelings. By recognizing their signals, you can adjust your approach. This not only improves your performance but also strengthens your bond.

Understanding Your Dog’s Signals

Every dog is unique. Their feedback will vary based on their personality and experiences. Some dogs may be more vocal, while others might express themselves through body language. Pay attention to these differences.

Creating a Safe Environment

A positive training environment is essential. If your dog feels safe, they are more likely to communicate openly. This means reducing distractions and ensuring they are comfortable.

Building Confidence Through Training

Confidence is key in agility. When your dog feels confident, they are more likely to take risks and try new things. Use positive reinforcement to build this confidence. Celebrate small victories and encourage them to push their limits.

🐶 Ready to Strengthen Your Agility Connection?

Join one of our FUNdation Agility Classes, or check out our Confidence Circuits Class, Rally Classes, or Beginner Handling Clinics. You can also sign up for private coaching at Golden Acres. We’ll help you decode your dog’s feedback, sharpen your teamwork, and bring the fun into dog agility.

🎯 Learn to listen. Train with heart. Succeed as a team.

Additional Resources: * video “Understanding Your Agility Dog’s Feedback,” Susan Garrett*