[Isabeau3393]

I'm starting my dog Gretta to agility. She's very timid. I have taught my other dog before to jump and he was very brave and went right over them. My question is how do I make her used to the jumps and try not to let her go under them, the jumps are very small and when she goes under them she hits the pole. Thanks!

[Lunareclipse]

Can you put something under the jump she she can't go under it? And give her lots of treats and praise when she does jump over it. If otheres in the agility class don't think you are retarded, you aren't giving enough praise.

[metallicrab]

If your other dog is still available, have that one show your timid canine how the jump is performed, and then you can show that you reward for it. If your canine is timid, I would first suggest some proper introductions first. Gretta is most likely going under the jump because she has not been properly introduced. Some dogs would jump over the obstacle because they were not curious. Gretta is less likely timid, and actually just curious. She is looking to you for advice. Show her the jump in detail, let her examine every aspect of the jump and reward her after she is no longer curious. Just do not nurture her! If she is timid of it, give her time and let her sniff and what not...the worst thing you can do is the classic "It is okay Gretta...you can do it." Get back to the basics with her, and hang in there!

[clickntreat]

Make your jumps even smaller. It can be helpful to start with ground poles then move to cavaletti, similar to horses.