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CAVALETTI

Although I have had Gold ens and been involved in obedience for the past 14 years,

I acquired my first breed dog just three years ago. I’ve learned a lot, but recognize that I have only begun to scratch the surface of what I still need to learn. Unfortunately, I live in an area where handling classes are not available. At the suggestion of one of my mentors, I began doing cavaletti (or ground poles) to promote better extension during gaiting; more recently I have used this exercise to help minimize/correct pacing in my pup.

Cavaletti or ground poles is a valuable exercise for us “newbies”. It promotes coordination, flexibility, and muscle development while providing a simple conditioning exercise. It also serves to build confidence and a good working attitude. Repetition encourages extension and provides muscle memory and foot timing. Cavaletti also encourages a dog to steady its rear, thus promoting a clean down and back. Frequent practice also helps build stamina, for both the dog and handler.

Stride length is a function of both the length and flexibility of the back and is calculated by measuring the points at which the lead leg hits the ground on successive steps. Length of leg and the degree of angulation of both the front and rear are also determining factors. Stride length is partly determined by speed. When a dog moves faster, more power is put into the limbs as the front legs stretch out as far a possible and the rear legs are extended to increase horizontal propulsion, thus increasing the distance covered with each stride. Stride length shortens at slower speeds, in hot weather, in slippery conditions, when running uphill, and when a dog lacks confidence. It is not possible to accurately determine the proper stride length for each dog due to differences in the relationship of height and body length in relation to front and rear angulation. The goal here is to provide an approximation that will promote as much extension as possible without causing trauma/stress. As with any conditioning program, it is important to have your dog’s overall health, fitness, and structure evaluated by your veterinarian prior to starting cavaletti.

Equipment needed: 8-16 sections of PVC cut 4-5 feet in length (I use ¾ inch pvc) Initially, I use 8 sections of PVC. However, as the dog develops foot timing and confidence, I increase the number to poles used to approximate 30 feet, or the length of a down and back or the short side of a smaller ring. You can use a variety of materials for the poles as in agility training, but since I am concerned only with building muscle memory for extension and foot timing, I just use PVC poles.

Measuring Distance and Placement of Poles: To determine proper placement of the poles (i.e. a distance that encourages extension), measure the distance from a flat surface to the dog’s elbow. Double that measurement for proper placement of your ground poles. (In other words, if a dog measures 12 inches from the ground to the elbow, bars are spaced at 24 inch intervals) Lay the poles parallel to each other on the ground, like the rungs of a ladder. Be sure to measure each side of the “ladder” to ensure equal distance. (The purpose here is to develop extension and foot timing, not coordination and awareness of body as is encouraged by a dog traversing unequal distances and various shapes and diameters of ”poles”.)

Start by walking your dog over 6-8 poles that are spaced appropriately for the elbow measurement. I use the command, “Let’s Go” since my eventual goal is to have my dog go out in front of me with confidence on loose lead. These walking sessions help the dog become aware of the fall of all four feet and help develop coordination of the lift and drop of feet.

If your dog is uncertain and hesitant to step over the poles, place one hand in the collar, hold a treat in the other, and reinforce the desired behavior by praising and treating each step. You can also straddle the poles and walk backward, rewarding any forward motion. Initially, a dog that is hesitant may step out of the poles. Again, straddling the poles and walking backward or using a treat to encourage forward motion are often helpful. Remember to praise and reward only when all four feet remain within the poles. Taking the time to develop confidence in your dog during this early training also helps teach your dog that he doesn’t need to look down at his feet to see where he is going.

To continue to develop confidence and a happy working attitude, reinforce the stepping over the poles. Your dog will quickly learn to avoid stepping on the poles if you provide thoughtful reinforcement from the beginning. With some dogs, you may need to initially reinforce any forward movement. Others will catch on quickly and you can reinforce only when he steps cleanly over the poles without knocking them aside. Reinforcement can consist of verbal play, treats, or toys. Effective reinforcement may vary from dog to dog. Some will respond to verbal praise.

Others will exhibit the desired behavior if rewarded with a treat. And, some will develop confidence more quickly if you toss a toy and spend a minute playing when the dog successfully exits the poles.

Once your dog can traverse 6-8 poles successfully and with confidence, you can gradually increase the number of poles. I typically use 16 poles and gait my dog through them 10-15 times once or twice a day.

Cavaletti has been helpful since I train alone. It has provided me with a means to promote extension and prevent pacing in my dogs. It helps condition me as well as my dog. I hope some of you will find this exercise useful as well.

Pat Quinn
Everlore

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