MY FAVORITE JUMPING Imagine that you are preparing for a big event but your agility equipment has vanished! All you have are two or three jumps.We asked top-level trainers from all over the country about what they would do under these circumstances. The exercises they offer are sequences you can do even if you have limited space and obstacles. This month's exercises are provided by Alicia "ffluffy" Nicholas © CINDY NOLAND Does your dog know what your physical handling cues mean? Do you know what your physical handling cues look like? Do any look similar? Does each cue have a specific position relative to the jump, hand and leg movement, or action that the dog can see? And does your dog respond the way you want him to when you do this cue? I am not here to tell you how to handle. I am asking you to look at what you think your cues are and what your dog does when you perform that cue and possibly do some house cleaning, I mean cue cleaning. Let's look at some simple handling cues using a fun jumping exercise. Set two jumps about 18 ft. apart and put a cone or stanchion about 18ft. in front of the jumps (A). Set up a video camera to record your session. Run the setup with the dog on the same side each time (and then if you want to repeat the exercise you can change sides). First, do a wrap on the last jump (B) and then do a rear cross (C). Then switch it up and do another rear cross followed by another a wrap (the dog is still starting on the same side). Take a moment to watch your video. How do you know your dog understood your wrap cue? Watch your video and look at the jump bar, divide it into thirds. The dog should jump the bar at the third closest to you on the wrap and land turning to go back the way he came (D). If he jumps the middle of the bar or lands and takes a stride before turning, you may want to revisit your wrap cue and training. © BRONAGH DALY PHOTOGRAPHY 18' D Rear 18' Wrap A August 18 | Clean Run B C E 49