ADJUSTABLE DOG TRAINING DEVICE

Abstract

An adjustable dog training device characterized in that it comprises a flat rectangular surface (1) with a non-slip coating for supporting the dog's front paws, a support structure (2) formed by at least two legs (2a) and a system of articulated connecting rods (2b) that maintain said surface parallel to the ground in different positions, and a telescopic device (3) that allows the height of the surface to be adjusted from the ground between 30 cm and 110 cm.

Description

ADJUSTABLE DOG TRAINING DEVICE Object of the invention The subject of this report is an adjustable canine training device that falls within the technical field of animal training devices, particularly those intended for dogs, and refers especially to auxiliary devices designed to improve technique, coordination and speed in overcoming exercises and obstacles. In a preferred embodiment, the invention applies to the field of the sport discipline called "Agility", understood as a competitive modality in which a guide directs a dog over a series of obstacles arranged in a timed course, but the invention can also be used in other contexts of dog training that require the progressive optimization of motor skills and confidence of the animal. Background of the invention In the field of dog training, various devices have been developed to improve performance, coordination, and confidence in dogs in different sporting and obedience contexts. Elements such as tunnels, jumps, ramps, and fixed contact structures allow for the training of specific motor skills and strengthen the bond between dog and handler. However, many of these devices lack height adjustment or adaptability mechanisms, which limits their usefulness in progressive learning processes and makes them difficult to use with dogs of different sizes, experience levels, or specific training needs. Within the sport of Agility, a competitive discipline in which a handler guides a dog through a timed course of various obstacles, one of the most important and demanding elements is the seesaw. This obstacle consists of an elongated, pivoting surface that the dog must traverse along its entire length, touching the marked upper and lower contact points, and without leaving the surface with all four paws before the end has reached the ground. Failure to comply with these rules results in penalties that jeopardize the team's competitive outcome. Proper training on the seesaw presents significant technical challenges. The rocking motion of this obstacle can generate insecurity and fear in inexperienced dogs, leading to rejection, abrupt falls, or systematic errors such as premature abandonment without touching the lower contact area. These problems slow training progress, affect execution speed, and can even increase the risk of injury. The solutions currently used by trainers often rely on improvised structures such as tables, pallets, or fixed furniture placed next to the seesaw to guide the dog in the correct execution. However, these solutions have significant limitations: they are bulky, heavy, and difficult to transport; they do not allow for progressive height adjustment to facilitate the gradual transition from assisted practice to competition; and they do not always offer the necessary stability to guarantee the animal's safety. Consequently, there is a need for a specific, lightweight, durable, and height-adjustable device that can be easily installed after the seesaw or other contact obstacles, in order to provide a stable and firm surface that allows for progressive training, increases the dog's confidence, improves its technique and speed of execution, and reduces the risk of errors and penalties in competition. Description of the invention The proposed invention solves the problems described above by means of a height-adjustable dog training device, specifically designed for use in combination with the seesaw obstacle of the sport discipline of "Agility", although also applicable to other training exercises that require progressive learning. The device consists of an articulated structure with a flat, rectangular surface covered in a non-slip material, designed to provide the dog with a firm and stable area to rest its front paws on after descending from the seesaw. This surface remains parallel to the ground at all times, regardless of its height, thanks to a support system composed of articulated legs and connecting rods. Height adjustment is achieved via a mechanically operated telescopic device, equipped with a spindle, nut, and crank, which allows for easy and effortless variation of the flat surface's position between 30 cm and 110 cm from the ground. This allows the trainer to progressively adjust the level of difficulty and adapt the device to the dog's learning pace. With this technical solution, the device offers several advantages over existing methods. First, it allows the dog to gain confidence in performing the seesaw by eliminating the effect of a sudden tilt, thus promoting faster ascent and descent. Second, it forces the animal to keep its hind legs in the lower contact area of ​​the seesaw and its front legs on the surface of the device, ensuring correct execution without incurring penalties. Third, thanks to its adjustable design, training is carried out progressively, moving from the maximum height of the obstacle to values ​​close to the ground, facilitating a natural transition to real competition conditions. Additionally, the device offers practical advantages for the user: it is compact, easy to assemble and transport, stable in all positions, and compatible with balance beams from any manufacturer, making it highly versatile. Furthermore, its durable construction and non-slip surface ensure safety and longevity during intensive training sessions and in outdoor environments. Thus, the invention provides an effective technical solution to the identified problem, optimizing the dog's learning process on the seesaw obstacle and improving its technique, confidence and speed of execution, with greater safety guarantees compared to the improvised devices of the state of the art. Brief description of the figures The following section briefly describes a series of drawings that help to better understand the invention and that are expressly related to an embodiment of said invention which is presented as a non-limiting example thereof. FIG 1. Shows a perspective view of the adjustable canine training apparatus, the subject of the present invention. Exposition of a detailed method of carrying out the invention In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable dog training apparatus comprises a flat rectangular surface (1) intended to support the dog's front paws after completing the seesaw obstacle in the discipline of agility. This rectangular surface (1) has a non-slip coating, which may consist of rough materials or high-friction synthetic coatings, ensuring the animal's paws maintain grip and preventing the risk of slipping, even under wet conditions or during intensive outdoor use. The rectangular surface (1) is supported by a support structure (2) that includes at least two vertical legs (2a) made of a sturdy metal material, preferably steel, aluminum, or alloys of both, which gives the assembly robustness and durability against dynamic loads. The total weight of the device, depending on the manufacturing material, ranges between 15 and 25 kilograms, ensuring stability during use and allowing the user to transport it without excessive effort. The stability of the surface (1) in different positions is achieved by means of a system of articulated connecting rods (2b) located between the legs (2a) and the surface (1) itself. These connecting rods (2b), joined by pivoting joints, keep the surface (1) parallel to the ground at all times, regardless of the selected working height. The connecting rod system (2b) also includes a locking mechanism that ensures the surface (1) is fixed in the desired position, preventing unwanted movement during dog training and guaranteeing the dog's safety. The height adjustment is achieved using a telescopic device (3), preferably mechanically operated, consisting of a threaded spindle, a sliding nut, and a crank. Turning the crank transmits a linear motion to the nut via the spindle, allowing the height of the surface (1) relative to the ground to be adjusted progressively. The adjustment is continuous within a range of 30 to 110 centimeters, with fine adjustments possible in increments of one centimeter. This adjustment range allows for the progressive training of the dog, starting from heights close to the maximum level of the seesaw used in competition and gradually decreasing to minimum values ​​near the ground, thus promoting a natural and safe transition in the learning process. In a particular embodiment the telescopic device (3) may be operated electromechanically or pneumatically and / or hydraulically. The rectangular surface (1) can have dimensions between 50 and 100 centimeters in length and between 30 and 60 centimeters in width, proportions that ensure a sufficient support area for the dog's front paws without compromising the device's compactness. The relationship between dimensions, weight, and stability makes the device suitable for dogs of different sizes and experience levels. In a further embodiment, the device incorporates fixing or support means (4) that allow its immediate installation immediately following the lower contact area of ​​the seesaw, or optionally alongside other dog training devices. These fixing means (4) may consist of anchoring elements, stops, or adaptable bases that ensure the correct alignment of the surface (1) with the corresponding obstacle, preventing misalignments that could interfere with training. Thanks to this configuration, the device provides a stable and firm surface which, in combination with the seesaw obstacle, teaches the dog not to prematurely leave the obstacle without touching the lower contact area and to maintain a smooth and rapid execution. Progressive training with this device allows the dog to gain confidence and speed in overcoming the obstacle, reducing the risk of penalties and avoiding the negative effects of the seesaw's abrupt tilting in real competition conditions. Consequently, the described implementation effectively solves the problems identified in the state of the art, providing safety, stability, progressiveness and ease of use, all in a compact and resistant device, compatible with different modalities of canine training.

Claims

1. An adjustable dog training device characterized in that it comprises a flat rectangular surface (1) with a non-slip coating for supporting the dog's front paws, a support structure (2) formed by at least two legs (2a) and a system of articulated connecting rods (2b) that maintain said surface parallel to the ground in different positions, and a telescopic device (3) that allows the height of the surface to be adjusted from the ground between 30 cm and 110 cm.

2. An adjustable dog training device according to claim 1, wherein the telescopic device (3) is mechanically actuated.

3. An adjustable dog training device according to claim 1, wherein the telescopic device (3) is electromechanically actuated.

4. An adjustable dog training device according to claim 1, wherein the telescopic device (3) is pneumatically actuated. 5.An adjustable dog training device according to claim 1, wherein the telescopic device (3) is hydraulically actuated.

6. An adjustable dog training device according to any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the telescopic device (3) comprises a spindle, a nut, and a crank that allow for progressive height variation.

7. An adjustable dog training device according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the device is made of a resistant metallic material, preferably steel, aluminum, or an alloy of both, and weighs between 15 and 25 kg.

8. An adjustable dog training device according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the articulated connecting rod system (2b) comprises a locking mechanism that ensures the stable position of the flat rectangular surface (1) at any selected height. 9.An adjustable dog training device according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the flat rectangular surface (1) has dimensions between 50 and 100 cm in length and between 30 and 60 cm in width.

10. An adjustable dog training device according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein it incorporates fixing or support means (4) that allow its installation with other dog training devices.