Clean Run Magazine - August 2009 - 33

Although the actual movement is simple, don’t discount the procedure and technique. The handler’s movement must become subconscious to help create a natural and comfortable front cross. The student starts with the bar on the left side. Feet should be less than shoulder width apart and the body weight should be equally distributed on each side. The handler then steps over the bar with the left foot, while the right foot remains stationary. Next, the student moves the left foot back to the original position. This should be done on command at first since the handlers will want to move at their own pace. Then the handler takes a second step across the bar with the right foot after the left foot has moved into position so that both feet are in position on the left side of the bar. Continue this movement, back and forth, until handlers are comfortable with it and give little or no conscious thought to what they are doing. Now have them repeat the drill, but this time, the handler’s head should remain up, not looking down at the bar. The instructor can hold up a varying number of fingers and ask the handlers to call out the number so they are forced to keep their eyes up, rather than looking down at the ground or the bar. In closing, explain the bar represents the dog’s path as he moves toward the handler. Handlers should visualize the dog moving toward them when they are halfway through executing a front cross. Beanbag Drills The final set of drills is a personal favorite of mine. The beanbag drills were developed to help create eyehand coordination. These drills help the handler develop the coordination needed when giving movement cues, such as hand signals, or forward/ lateral movement for a front or rear cross. The beanbag toss starts the development of the correct timing for the movements required to cross behind or in front of your dog. In my current approach to handling, I separate timing and position exercises because each needs to be trained and perfected individually before they are rejoined for cueing the dog. The only equipment needed is a beanbag, ball, or Kong. It should be heavy enough to travel easily from handler to handler and be caught easily with one hand. The handler starts by facing the instructor or a fellow handler. The pair stands approximately 8' apart with legs shoulder width apart and weight evenly balanced. The instructor tosses the beanbag to the handler in an underhand toss with a medium arc. The toss must be slow enough that the handler can catch the bean bag with one hand without moving up or back, or side to side. Handlers should not have to lean their upper body in any direction to catch the beanbag. Students should catch the beanbag with one hand only, and the instructor should require the handler to catch and toss while alternating right and left hands. If you are particularly bad with one arm, you have to use it twice as much as your dominant arm to improve. The handler’s reaction time is developed by varying how the beanbag is tossed. You may vary the delivery by speed, arc, and distance between handler and instructor. No trying to kill each other! Now you can advance to the next step: Handlers start with their back to the instructor. When the instructor cues “Turn,” the handler turns to face the instructor. The instructor tosses the beanbag while the handler is turning. The handler must catch the beanbag while turning. In Conclusion These are just the beginning of the many drills I use with my clients to help develop skills and improve timing. I suggest whether you are an instructor or a student that you implement these drills early in the learning cycle of your handling. The advanced levels of these exercises are very important to the timing and position of front and rear crosses. D Webb Anderson began competing in agility in 1991. His Miniature Schnauzer, Nigel, ranks in AKC’s top 20 All Breed Agility dogs, and he currently competes with his Sheltie Shine. His training facilities in Atlanta, Georgia, and Birmingham, Alabama, (www.agilek9path.com) offer a holistic approach to agility training where there are no absolutes. Webb helps his clients reach their potential through training, handling, course analysis, and mental performance. Contact him via webb@agilek9path.com. August 09 | Clean Run 33

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Clean Run Magazine - August 2009

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