JUMPING

At the command OVER, the dog mustjump over an obstacle or jumping board.

This, the liveliest exercise of the entire training course,is welcomed by participants because of the variety it givesto the sometimes monotonous, oft repeated routine. It isusually executed with real enjoyment by the guide aswell as by the dog; and it is remarkable how a dog, whichin the beginning may show aversion and even clumsiness,later becomes a very graceful jumper.

Students frequently object to the jumping lesson outof fear that the dog will jump every fence or obstacle inhis way and thus get out of control, as for instance, whenhe is confined in a yard. This fear, however, is withoutfoundation inasmuch as the dog is taught to obey a com-mand. To jump of his own accord, whenever he has thedesire, would prove lack of obedience which can and willbe overcome by permitting him to jump only on com-mand.