Clean Run Magazine - May 2009 - 18

Adding Obstacles with Increased Stagger Eventually I vary the modified zigzag exercise by adding extra obstacles not to be taken, similar to what was done with the standard zigzag exercise. When presented with a choice of obstacles in close proximity, it may be difficult for my dog to discriminate between the two based on motion cues. To perform the obstacle closest to me, my dog must come off his path and converge toward my line of motion based primarily on a verbal directional cue (his name). See Figure 7. To perform the obstacle farthest from me, I must provide a line of motion toward it. I do not ask my dog to move off his path away from my line of motion, based on a trained cue (verbal directional command or hand signal). See Figure 8. Remember my goal is to “run in the direction I want my dog to go” as my dog approaches a jump. This means he must be willing to converge and not follow my line of motion on the approach to a jump, but then follow it upon landing. The addition of obstacles not to be taken increases the convergence challenge on both the takeoff and landing sides of the desired obstacle. When I am cueing my dog to converge over a jump, my line of motion may support another obstacle directly in his path. Once he commits to converging on my line, an obstacle on the landing side of the jump may also be directly in his path. His willingness to converge and his understanding of following my line of motion after he lands are important for success. Figures 9 through 16 show applications of the convergence concept in common sequences. 7 3 3 3 2 2 A 2 A: Jump #1 is not in my dog’s path (red dashed line). I would expect my dog to parallel my line of motion and possibly take jump A. As my dog exits the tunnel, ideally I am far enough ahead so that jump #1 is between my dog and me (blue). I use my dog’s name, direct eye contact, and an inside arm behind me to cue #1. Compare to Figure 5A. B: Jump #2 is not in my dog’s path (red dashed line). I would expect my dog to parallel my line of motion and possibly take jump A. As my dog takes #1, ideally I am far enough ahead so that jump #2 is between my dog and me (red). I use my dog’s name after commitment to #1 to cue convergence to #2. Compare to Figure 5C. C: Jump #2 is not in my dog’s path (red dashed line). I would expect my dog to parallel my line of motion and possibly take the chute. As my dog jumps #1, ideally I am far enough ahead so that jump #2 is between my dog and me (red). I use my dog’s name after commitment to #1 to cue convergence to #2. Compare to Figure 5C. 1 A 1 1 a B C 8 3 3 3 A: Jump #2 is not in my dog’s path (red dashed line). If I want my dog to take #2, I must establish a line of motion toward #2 as my dog approaches #1 (blue) B: If I do not establish a line of motion toward #2 as my dog approaches #1, I will miscue my dog (red dashed line). My line of motion as my dog approaches #1 (blue) indicates jump A. C: Jump #2 is not in my dog’s path. I would expect my dog to parallel my line of motion and take jump A (red dashed line). I do not ask my dog to move off his path to perform obstacles (red) away from my line of motion, based on a trained cue (verbal directional command or hand signal). I must establish a line of motion toward the correct obstacle as in 8A. A 2 A 2 A 2 1 1 1 a B C 18 Clean Run | May 09

Clean Run Magazine - May 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - May 2009