A successful Big Air dog can result from many different things such as physical genetics, psychological genetics, environment, training, and the ability to interact with the handler. Training is best achieved through a structured program that includes strength, conditioning, desire work, and technique work. Once of the most effective tools in training is the use of positive reinforcement. The idea being, the dog does something good they get rewarded. Correction or use of negative reinforcement can be effective tools in other arenas such and Hunt Tests, Retriever Trials and Obedience, but is not effective in Big Air training. Big Air is all about a positive release of energy. Correction or negative reinforcement will only diminish that energy.

Trainers and Handlers have quite the task at hand when it comes down to rewarding a dog in Big Air. You see, in order for positive reinforcement to be effective in dog training, it must be applied immediately after the action. Applying positive reinforcement when a dog is swimming 20+ feet out in the water can be a difficult task. Sure we can jump up and down on the dock and yell “Good doggie” as the dog swims back in. Sure we can give lots of “At-a-Boys” after they’ve retrieved the object. But, by that time the Jump is long gone in the dogs mind. The reward needs to be instantaneous.

A successful Big Air dog can result from many different things such as physical genetics, psychological genetics, environment, training, and the ability to interact with the handler. Training is best achieved through a structured program that includes strength, conditioning, desire work, and technique work. Once of the most effective tools in training is the use of positive reinforcement. The idea being, the dog does something good they get rewarded. Correction or use of negative reinforcement can be effective tools in other arenas such and Hunt Tests, Retriever Trials and Obedience, but is not effective in Big Air training. Big Air is all about a positive release of energy. Correction or negative reinforcement will only diminish that energy.

Trainers and Handlers have quite the task at hand when it comes down to rewarding a dog in Big Air. You see, in order for positive reinforcement to be effective in dog training, it must be applied immediately after the action. Applying positive reinforcement when a dog is swimming 20+ feet out in the water can be a difficult task. Sure we can jump up and down on the dock and yell “Good doggie” as the dog swims back in. Sure we can give lots of “At-a-Boys” after they’ve retrieved the object. But, by that time the Jump is long gone in the dogs mind. The reward needs to be instantaneous.