This is Diane. Welcome to Online Dog Coach. Today, we’re going to teach you to teach your dog how to walk comfortably on a buja board. A buja board is an excellent tool to use when you’re starting agility.
For someone at home with their dog, it’s a great way to instill confidence and help your dog get over fear. Anyone can make a buja board. The object of it is to have it wobble so that your dog gets used to movement and also can get over fears. I have a ball here that can fit in here and once you placed it on the ground it will create a wobble. You can also use a soccer ball. The larger the ball the more wobble.
First you have to get the dog’s attention. That always works well if you have treats. What I’m going to try to do is to entice the dog to walk on the board. First you have to get them to step on the board. If the dog even touches the board lets’ give him a treat. If he’s encouraged and wants to continue walking, go ahead and take him across the entire board. If your dog hesitates, it’s time to just step back and go a little more slowly. You might even put your other hand on his back to steady him and give him lots of treats, very close to his face.
Eventually, you could toss them in the middle of the board to have him try to reach and go a little further. If your dog is hesitant you might want to place your foot on the board to steady it. Now, she’s on there. I'm going to prize her “good girl” and to keep my hand on her to offer her some comfort and stability but lots of praise because she is touching it.
This is Shiner and we’re going to work with Shiner on the buja board. I'm going to ask him to touch it. He doesn’t have any fear. He’s actually having a great time.
Thank you for joining us on Online Dog Coach for this lesson where we are committed to teaching you how to have safe and responsible fun with your dog.
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