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This Month's Free Training Lesson:
Training With Smaller Dogs
"Dear Professor K. Nyne,
I have a small dog (8 lbs) that's been doing agility with no problems for over a year. At one of our first trials she slid backwards down the a-frame and now doesn't want to do any contact obstacles. Any help would be appreciated. - Kenni Eberlin & Roxy The Professor's Answer: 
When your small dog has to scamper up a steep a-frame, physics are most emphatically not on their side! One of the first things to consider with a small dog and contact problems is a possible change of competition venue. If your dog has trouble with a steep a-frame, perhaps you should look into TDAA. TDAA is an organization for smaller dogs (17" and under at the shoulders), and the equipment is designed and set at heights and distances suited for small dogs. The jumps are narrower, A-frames set lower, and the teeters are smaller.
If that is impossible, consider entering in preferred or veterans' classes to lower the height, and thus soften the angle of the a-frame. Even with using either option, you need to conquer your dogs' fear of contacts. Something to keep in mind is sometimes dogs have difficulty gaining traction on a painted wood surface. If you own contact equipment at home, consider treating it with a rubberized surface for your dogs' safety. While some trials do not have rubberized equipment, some do, and it's great for home use with a dog that has trouble on contacts or is new to them. If you don't own your own contact equipment, consider speaking to the trainer/operator of the center you go to and bring up the possibility of rubberizing their contacts. Go back to basics. Begin by laying the A-frame completely flat on the ground, or up only a few inches. Reward your dog for trotting across it, on or off leash. You may need to gently encourage your dog to complete the obstacle, but remember, positivity is paramount. Don't soothe, or your dog will be reinforced for its' fear. Be positive, encouraging, and upbeat. A-frames are fun, don'cha know? This is no big deal! Once your dog is not reactive to surfaces (which could take no time at all, or a good deal of time), you may begin to raise your A-frame. Hopefully you've rubberized the surface so your dog can get a good grip. Stop if your dog becomes fearful, and go back down a few inches. You may have expected too much too soon. When you're training the A-frame, make certain your dog has a clear shot, even if it costs you a little course time. Head straight for it so your dog can gain momentum to get up on it! Concentrate on helping your dog swarm up the A-frame and go down the ramp safely, without sliding. If your dog can get a good jump up, chances are it can keep going. Encourage your dog to scramble! Contacts can be difficult for small dogs, but if you can decrease the incline, give better footing, and teach your dog to speed up and over, then you'll be well on your way to a solid contact performance! Be patient, and remember to have fun with your dog relearning.
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