Clean Run Magazine - September 2006 - 20

remember that all of the distances recommended have been based on my dog's
competition jump height and I have used 24 as that height in all examples
. Obviously these are guidelines and some athletic dogs may be able to
extend and bounce much greater distances. This skill, however, is not
currently required on agility courses; and the average dog should not be
encouraged to bounce long distances. These exercises are included for
completeness and to further your understanding of jumping skills, not
because I 13 This simple setup encourages confidence and extension in most
dogs. I must run with recommend them for all dogs. my dog. STEP 5:
EXTENSION EXERCISES Exercise 1 This exercise is a grid that encourages
extension the distance Before undertaking jumping drills aimed at
increasing extension, between the jumps is four times the jump height . I
must set my I need to evaluate why my dog is not extending. Dogs that are
dog up so that he can achieve extension on the approach, and reluctant to
extend should first be checked for physical problems. jump with a longer
takeoff and landing distance and flat jumping Extension and flat jumping
arcs require long takeoff and landing arc. If so, 96 spacing leads to a
bounce. Refer to Figure 7A where distances. Some dogs simply do not have
the structure and body 96 spacing approached with collection and a round
jumping arc type required to power their body weight over longer
distances. Still leads to a stride between jumps #3 and #4. See Figure 14.
others may have confidence problems that make them reluctant to take off
from far back. A dog that is lacking in motivation Exercise 2 and speed
will not extend appropriately, but this is a training This is Exercise 1
modified to further encourage extension with problem, not a jumping
problem. Each dog must be considered the additions of ground bars on the
takeoff side and a spread at as an individual to determine whether
extension exercises are the end. The spread forces my dog to jump forward
and increase appropriate because they may in fact be contraindicated if
any his distance in the air. See Figure 15. of the reasons just mentioned
are the cause. Most dogs will extend when appropriately cued with handler
Exercise 3 acceleration and forward motion past the plane of the jump.
Repetitive bouncing is not something my dog is required to do This means
that I must run to create extension. If I am slower on course, so I prefer
to encourage extended strides between the than my dog, jumping drills are
unlikely to create extension and jumps. See Figure 16. flat jumping arcs.
Exercise 4 Dogs that lack confidence may need help believing they can jump
As I said, for some dogs the distances I've prescribed will require from a
longer takeoff distance. For several months I have advised little effort
to extend, and if so, increasing the distance as in not using low jumps or
toys or targets because they encourage Exercise 3 is appropriate. It is
important to understand that a dog extension; if my dog is reluctant to
extend, now is the appropriate may have a close takeoff distance yet still
be extended. In addition, time to use them! Working straight-line sequences
over widely my dog's jumping arc does not have to always be centered over
spaced, low jumps is helpful. See Figure 13. Throwing a toy or ball the
bar and often will not be when my dog is running at speed on to the
landing side of a jump ideally so that it is rolling away as course. For
the most part, this is not a problem See Figure 17. my dog approaches a
jump can be effective. If I use toys, I should still support extension
with my forward motion and position and STEP 6: VARIABLE APPEARANCE GRIDS
not just stand still while throwing the toy. A ground bar set on the
takeoff side of the jumps may help some dogs. Start with the bar When my
dog has mastered a simple grid, I change the grid's as far from the base
of the jump as the jump is high and gradually appearance. My dog performed
grids with angled jumps and increase the distance. I have not included a
set of specific exercises embedded turns in Step 1. An example of another
variation I like for extension because most dogs that are reluctant to
extend do is to use one or more tires in a collection grid taken out of
the not have a jumping problem and, as I mentioned previously, they frame
and used in a displaceable manner . are not appropriate for most dogs.
Remember to evaluate each dog as an individual and always have a purpose
and a goal when doing jumping drills. Remember that grids are physically
demanding. Sessions should be kept short and progression should be gradual
to minimize the Extension Grids risk of injury. What I have presented in
the last two articles should take several months to work through. Gridwork
is not necessary Any grid that is spaced with the jumps farther apart than
twice or appropriate for all dogs and each dog should be evaluated as the
height of the bars encourages extension. A grid with wide an individual.
spacing allows longer takeoff and landing distances and flat jumping arcs.
A dog performing a grid with wide spacing will There is more to advanced
jumping skill than grids alone. From jump forward more than he jumps
upward. Each individual dog this point on, however, more advanced work is
more dependent must be carefully evaluated since the overwhelming majority
of on handling and cueing than specific jumping skill so will not be dogs
need to learn to collect and jump upward with round arcs, included in this
series. The foundation for the mechanical skill not extend and jump forward
with flat arcs. It is important to of jumping has been laid. | 20 Clean Run
September 06
Clean Run Magazine - September 2006

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