Lunging with a dog is a new, creative form of training that can be done with or without a leash. The effective training of lunging with dogs is already widespread and has also arrived on the dog sports fields. You can find more information in this article.
What is lunging with a dog?
Lunging training is mainly known from horse training. But herding dogs are also trained for their tasks in guarding the herd by lunging with a dog. The sheep stand in a circle and the herding dogs learn to walk around the sheep.
Dog training is also carried out in a defined circle. At the beginning, the trainer stands in the center of the circle. The dog walks around the circle on a lunge, a long leash. Each correct step of the dog on the outer edge of the lunging circle is rewarded. The dog must always keep a certain distance from the trainer and must not run within the boundaries of the circle.
What is lunging for dogs?
When lunging, the dog runs in a given circle around the dog owner. Changes of direction or other commands are conveyed by posture or visual signals.
How does lunging work?
After marking out a circle with a radius of four to five meters, the dog must learn to walk on the edge of the marked circle. The trainer walks with the dog inside the lunging circle. The dog receives a reward for every correct step. The dog must not enter the inside of the circle. If the four-legged friend runs to the trainer, he is consistently brought back to the outer boundary of the circle.
When the dog understands that it has to run outside the circle, the trainer stands in the center of the lunging circle. Communication with the dog takes place via the long lunge line, commands and hand signals. The trainer always pays attention to the dog’s body language. Dogs that have already mastered lunging are no longer connected to the trainer by the leash. Man stands in the center of the circle. The dog runs along the perimeter. Commands to change direction are given by verbal commands or hand signals.
How does lunging with a dog work?
The dog learns to walk on the outside of the circle. Each change of direction is indicated by the owner.
Why is lunging useful for dogs?
During lunging, the dog must constantly pay attention to the owner. So that the dog, when the owner looks at him, deduces from the body language that he should run to the center of the circle, the first exercises must be carried out together. After some time, the dog understood that he should run outside the circle and obey the commands of the owner.
Physical exertion
Running in circles physically exhausts the dog. The radius of the circle must be chosen so that it is not too small for the dog. The dog’s joints and muscles are trained and remain flexible. Physical fitness increases.
Mental workload
During lunging, the four-legged friend must concentrate on the owner in the center of the circle. The responsiveness with which tasks are carried out is trained. The dog’s ability to concentrate increases with the exercises.
Training together strengthens the bond between the dog owner and the dog. The better bond also leads to a greater basis of trust.
Which dogs are suitable for lunging?
Lunging is particularly suitable for sporty dogs that like to exercise outside. However, the dog does not always have to walk around the lunging circle during training. He can also walk around with slow steps, following various commands from the dog’s owner. The walking training, which can be precisely controlled and controlled by the owner, is therefore also suitable for sick or senior dogs. Even puppies can be introduced to lunging with a dog and learn the basic commands in a playful way.
The size of the dog is not important for this dog sport as the radius of the circle can be adjusted to suit the dog. Dogs that are supposed to develop a certain degree of independence during their training are not suitable for this dog sport. These dog breeds include hunting dogs or mountain rescue dogs.
How long does it take for a dog to lunge?
If the dog masters the basic commands, it can learn to lunge within a few weeks. The clearer the dog owner’s body language is, the faster the dog learns.
Which dog breeds are particularly suitable?
Herding dog breeds such as the Australian Shepherd, Collies or mixed breeds of these dog breeds are particularly suitable for lunging with dogs. With this dog sport, the herding dogs satisfy their innate need for herd work. Even poodles who like to exercise like to practice the training.
When can you start lunging?
The first exercises can already be carried out with puppies. The little dog learns the first basic commands in a playful way during the training. If the dog is already more independent and has built up a good basis of trust with its owner, you can start lunging without a leash.
Requirements: What do I have to fulfill as a dog owner?
The dog owner must consciously carry out the movements of his body and thus give the dog clear signals through body language. Every look and every posture must be used precisely, as the dog is informed of a change in direction by the shoulder position or a look from the owner.
When lunging with a dog, the dog is primarily rewarded by the actions of the human himself. In addition, food rewards are built in between the individual stops.
Tips for getting started: This is how the dog learns to lunge
First the dog must learn to walk on the outside edge of the lunging circle. After that, the exercises can be performed without a leash. Basic commands that are already known, such as sit, down or stand, are built into the dog’s run. Each executed command is rewarded. As soon as the dog has become accustomed to the commands in the circle, the dog owner only gives more visual signals.
The next exercise is changing pace and running direction. The signal to stand is given by turning your body directly towards the dog. Sideways glances indicate the desired walking direction. In order to increase the level of difficulty of the exercises, distractions can be built into the circle that the dog is not allowed to pay attention to.
Dog sports club, dog school or teach yourself?
Of course it is possible to teach the dog to lunge yourself. In a dog sports club or a dog school, however, an assistant is available during the exercises. This can correct mistakes in posture or coordinate the right time for a reward for the dog. If the dog masters the exercises, no more food rewards are used. The reward is exclusively based on the body language of the trainer.
What do you need for lunging with a dog?
To lunge with a dog, you only need a long lunge line and barrier tape for the circle. Food rewards should also be available for the first exercises.
Lunging with a dog: the best methods and exercises
Lunging with a dog is communication training that increases the dog’s attention and makes the dog’s body language easier to understand. Various training methods can be used for the exercises:
Lunging with a taboo zone
The dog must not enter the inside of the marked circle. If he runs to the keeper in the center of the circle, he is brought back to the outside line.
Lunging without taboo zones
The dog should walk on the outer edge of the circle. If he exceeds the limit, he will not be returned to the edge. However, only running on the outer edge is rewarded.
Free lunging
This training method is only suitable for advanced dogs. The circle is not marked by a . The dog runs around the owner at a constant distance.
Trick lunging
Two circles are marked out here, which complement each other to form an eight or an oval. The dog has to change direction more frequently.
Cooperative lunging
Signals such as sit, stand, or down extend the dog’s tasks during the exercises. The lunging circle can be enlarged.
Employment lunging
Here hurdles or various obstacles are installed on the outer edge of the circle that the dog has to overcome.
Coordinating lunging
Distractions are built into the circle. The dog learns to focus exclusively on the owner.
What is the goal of lunging and which methods are best suited for this?
By lunging with a dog, the dog is physically and mentally exhausted. The ability to concentrate and the bond with the owner are strengthened. In order to achieve an even better bond, coordinated lunging and free lunging are particularly well suited.
How do I motivate my dog to lunge?
Dog behavior is reinforced by rewards.
Equipment for the perfect start in lunging with a dog
For lunging with a dog, a four to the five-meter-long lunging line is required. The circle can be marked by pylons or barrier tapes attached to poles stuck into the ground. Additional food rewards are required for the first exercises.
Conclusion: Is my dog suitable for lunging?
Any dog that likes to move and concentrates on the commands of the owner is suitable for lunging. If the dog is older or has problems with the joints, the circle can also be completed while walking.
