I'm trying to figure out how to get Matilda to do poles at a trial. At home she can do them fast from anywhere, any angle, or any distance. I've decided to add big distractions at home to try and equal the distractions and heightened energy/stress level of a trial. I took one of her favorite toys, a ball on a fine line to use as a distraction. I often throw it as a reward for running the weaves.
Today I placed it along side and fairly near the weaves. Then I sent her to weave. On a few tries she started to weave but then pulled out after the toy. On a few other tries other she went straight for the ball. I pulled the ball back with the rope. Finally, she got so she would weave to the end and I rewarded her by tossing the ball forward for her. I'll try this tomorrow with another toy.
