I have a 2year old border collie and she is also coming into me nipping and jumping up in agility, it usually happens in competition because she knows its competition and that’s when she is most excited so its very hard for me to correct when im in competition and it does get very frustrating because she will do a lovely run and then 1/4 to the finish she will jump up and nip at me!

Working alone is definitely what we need to do. It’s a matter of finding the right training center where we can do this.

He doesn’t know the command “quiet” and I do think this could help us somewhat.

Thanks for the tips!

Also, try to determine why you dog is barking (e.g. wants something, play bark, barking in communication with other dogs). Perhaps you can arrive at agility early, practice “quiet” and run through the agility course silently 10-15 min. before other dogs arrive. Then, he will have practice heeding the “quiet” command in a solitary situation (simpler task) and can work towards quiet behaviour in a busy, noisy group situation (more challenging).

As my dog gets barky when he is craving stimulation, I make sure he gets his morning and after-work walks to keep him calmer, tire him out and reduce any later hyper, neurotic, self-stimulatory barking in the evening (e.g. excessive behaviour in the backyard, in the house). Perhaps he needs a brief, yet interesting walk (around trees, on park benches, down steps)around the block before agility class.

I’ll have to look into a training center that is more one-on-one. I like your ideas.

Now, with my cattle dog… I initially thought it was cute. She was a rescue, and completely shell shocked when I got her.. She’d roll over and pee herself at every little noise/movement. Through flyball, she found her confidence…and 5 years later – she has a little TOO much confidence So in agility, she often get stubborn, combative, nippy and barky. She’ll start making up her own course because it is FUN. I have a friend whose dog will often break start lines and nip her because IT’S FUN!

First thing I would try is whenever your dog gets nippy – just cross your arms and walk off the course. Do it calmly and assertively. Once your dog calms down and comes to you, then try again.

If your dog just then starts to run around like a crazy (like my Border Collie), then I’d make them do a time out. What we’ve found to work is a very calm time out.. say nothing.. pick the dog up (or clip a leash to its collar), walk off the course and put the dog in time out by itsself for a few minutes. Car, crate, bathroom..wherever. Don’t say anything. After 5 minutes or so, try to run again and be super fun! As soon as the dog gets nippy or out of control…calm time out again. Don’t hold a grudge… make sure every time you just calmly put them away without saying anything or throwing them into the crate/car/etc… and when you get them out again – be super positive and fun.

Good luck!