The Importance of a Solid Startline in Agility
In dog agility, a reliable startline stay is one of the most fundamental yet often overlooked skills. A solid sit and wait at the startline sets the tone for the entire run, ensuring both handler and dog begin with clarity, confidence, and control. When a dog consistently holds their startline position until released, it allows the handler to get into position and execute their planned course strategy without rushing or making last-minute adjustments.
However, when a dog breaks their startline stay, the entire run can be compromised. Early breaking leads to miscommunication, loss of control, and, in competition, a frustrating loss of time and flow. This is why it is crucial never to ignore a broken startline – every time a dog is allowed to self-release without consequence, they are reinforcing a bad habit that will be difficult to correct later.
How to Train a Solid Startline Stay
Clear Criteria – From the beginning, be clear about what you expect from your dog. Whether it’s a sit or a down at the startline, the dog must remain in position until released with a clear cue (e.g., “OK!” or “Go!”).
Consistency – Consistency is key in training. If the dog moves before being released, always reset them. This teaches them that breaking position does not lead to a reward or the fun of running the course.
Random Rewarding – Reinforce good startline behaviour by randomly rewarding your dog for holding position. This can be done in two ways:
Returning to reward – Occasionally go back to your dog and provide a treat for maintaining their position. This reinforces the idea that staying put is valuable.
Tossing a reward – Another effective technique is tossing a toy or treat behind the dog after they have remained steady. This prevents them from anticipating movement forward and strengthens impulse control.
Proofing the Startline Stay – Train your dog to hold their position even with distractions. This includes adding movement, pretending to release them, or even dropping a toy. They should only go when given their specific release cue.
Resetting After Breaking – If the dog breaks position, do not continue the sequence. Instead, calmly return them to their original spot and ask them to hold the stay again. This reinforces that breaking the startline does not lead to an advantage or reward.
Why Startline Stays Matter
A strong startline stay builds trust and teamwork between dog and handler. It ensures the handler has time to establish the best handling position and reduces stress by creating a predictable, structured start to every run. In competition, it can be the difference between a smooth, well-executed course and a chaotic, off-plan run.
By consistently reinforcing a solid startline, training with random rewards, and always resetting after a break, handlers can develop a dog that understands and values staying in position until released. The time and effort invested in this skill will pay off with more controlled, successful, and enjoyable agility runs.