Distance handling in dog agility has a bit of a reputation. Some say it’s only for border collies, others believe it requires endless shouting of verbals, and a few think it’s just magic that only the agility gods can master.
The truth? Any dog can crush distance handling—if trained correctly. And no, you don’t need to be a human megaphone or a sprinting champion to make it work.
At OneMind Dogs, we teach agility from the dog’s perspective—which means handling in a way that actually makes sense to your teammate. So let’s bust some of the biggest myths about distance handling and get you (and your dog) on track for smoother, stress-free runs!
Myth #1: Only border collies can do distance handling
🐕 Truth: Distance handling isn’t about breed—it’s about training!
Yes, border collies are agility nerds who live for the sport, but that doesn’t mean they’re the only ones who can handle from a distance. We’ve seen everything from tiny poodles to exuberant shepherds absolutely rock distance handling.
The secret? Confidence and commitment. If your dog:
- Loves obstacles (maybe even a little too much),
- Understands how to drive forward, and
- Knows that “stay committed” doesn’t mean “check back in every two seconds to see if I approve,”
…then distance handling is totally within reach—no border collie required.
💡 Watch our free webinar to learn more!
👉 Click here to watch
Myth #2: You need a million verbals to handle agility at a distance
📢 Truth: Your dog reads your body language first—always.
Some handlers think you need a dictionary of verbals just to get a dog to take an obstacle from across the field. But here’s the thing:
- Dogs aren’t born speaking English.
- Dogs don’t instinctively understand “go go go GO” when you’re panicking mid-run.🐶
- Dogs naturally follow body language before words.
In fact, OneMind Dogs Founding Coach Janita Leinonen only uses a handful of verbals in distance handling:
- “Go forward” (self-explanatory)
- Dog’s name (turn toward me)
- Obstacle names (tunnel, weave, contact)
- “Backside send” (take the backside of the jump)
- “Shhh” (slow down)
Everything else? It’s in the handling. Even at a distance, your dog is following your motion, your position, and your cues. Verbals are just backup.
💡 Want to see distance handling in action—without screaming cues? Watch our webinar!
👉 Click here to watch
Myth #3: Your dog needs years of training before they can be handled at a distance
⏳ Truth: Your dog probably already understands distance handling—you just don’t know it yet!
Distance handling doesn’t take years of training—it just takes the right approach. Dogs already know how to read movement from their natural instincts. They communicate with each other using body language, speed, and small shifts in motion. So really, agility is just teaching them how to apply that to an obstacle course.
- If your dog can:
- Perform obstacles independently (no babysitting allowed!)
- Run confidently ahead of you,
- Stay committed to an obstacle even when you start moving the other way,
…then congrats! Your dog already has distance handling potential. Now it’s just about honing that skill with the right training.
💡 Find out exactly what foundation skills help your dog master distance handling in our webinar!
👉 Click here to watch
Myth #4: Distance handling is about sending the dog away
🛑 Truth: Distance handling isn’t about abandonment—it’s about teamwork!
Some handlers think distance handling means you send your dog off like a package in the mail and hope they find the right route. Nope! Distance handling is still a team sport—just with a little more room between you.
- Great distance handlers don’t just “send” their dog—they:
- Give early, clear cues
- Stay connected (even from across the field!)
- Keep the dog’s focus forward
If you’ve ever watched an experienced distance handler, you’ll notice their dog never looks lost. That’s because the cues are proactive—so the dog always knows where to go next.
💡 Want to learn how to guide your dog at a distance—without confusion? Watch the webinar!
👉 Click here to watch
What makes distance handling in agility easier?
✅ Understanding the dog’s perspective.
Dogs follow rules — just not human ones! Learn about dogs’ rules in this online learning theme.
They:
- Want to jump toward the plane of the handler
- Can only turn toward their leading leg
- Naturally look for where their handler was last seen before a tunnel
✅ Strong foundation skills.
- Teaching forward send (driving ahead confidently)
- Practicing jump commitment (so they don’t keep second-guessing)
- Building independence (so they stop waiting for permission)
✅ Proper rewards & reinforcement.
Learn more about rewards and tools in our Training Agility By Yourself online learning theme.
- Dogs go where the best rewards are
- Training tools like food bowls, target toys, or fences help guide them
- Reward placement helps them love distance work instead of fearing it
💡 The best part? You don’t need to figure this out alone—our free webinar covers everything!
👉 Click here to watch
Final thoughts: Distance handling is for every agility team
Distance handling isn’t some elite-level magic trick—it’s a skill that any dog-and-handler team can master. When you train from the dog’s perspective, communicate clearly, and reward properly, your dog will run confidently—no matter how far away you are.
And the best part? You don’t need years of training or a border collie-level energy supply to get there. Just a solid understanding of how dogs read the course and some simple training exercises to build confidence.
🔥 Ready to level up your distance skills? Watch our free webinar to learn how to train 5 essential distance handling skills—starting today!
👉 Click here to watch
