If your dog is struggling to keep the bars up, we always suggest making sure your dog is physically okay first. Perhaps they need a check up from the vet or an adjustment from an osteopath or chiropractor. Once you have ruled out the potential of medical concerns, here are some tips for training better jumping skills:
First, make sure you have taught your dog the most important foundation exercise in the OneMind Dogs method, Offering the Jump.
Teach your dog to Tolerate Distractions on Jumps.
When the dog goes into chasing the handler mode, it is common for the dog to knock bars. Teach your dog to Stop Chasing and Focus.
Check out OneMind Dogs Method Inventor, Janita's thoughts on Reasons for Bar Knocking.
There are different types of jumps. Make sure you take the time to teach all the types of jumps your dog will see such as the Double Jump, the Tire, the Broad Jump and any other types of spread jumps that exist in your area.
Understand How Your Dog Sees It - learning to spot what things look like from the dog's perspective can help you choose better handling options that prevent bar knocking.
If you are struggling with Early take-off issues, try the Wing Alley exercise shown in the Double Jump video.
Do you feel like you've tried everything and your dog is still knocking bars? Take our 6 lesson course on Troubleshooting Jumping Issues.