Clean Run Magazine - October 2008 - 31

Backward Motion Some unique turns are cued with backward motion toward the jump. A backward motion cue may be appropriate for a 180° wrap that requires restriction of my dog’s landing path. Backward motion toward a jump is a forward cue. Backward motion away from a jump is a variation of deceleration and therefore is a turning cue. Once I know the jump is within my dog’s field of view, my backward motion cue must be given before my dog commits to the obstacle. Typically, backward motion is used with a specific combination of collection cues—such as a takeoff-side location, my shoulders facing my dog, an outside hand signal, and direct eye contact—while I support him with forward cues such as a verbal Jump command. Because my shoulders are facing my dog, my motion toward the jump will be backward. If the spacing of the obstacles supports it, I expect true collection as a result of backward motion and this combination of cues. Remember, I should combine cues as I deem appropriate for the dog I am running. This is a strong combination of collection cues. If I am running a shorter-striding or slower dog, most likely a backward motion cue will not be appropriate; but it may be perfectly suited for a longer-striding, faster dog. Backward Motion: Pulls and Front Crosses Pulls and front crosses can be cued with backward motion. If my goal is to cue true collection, my cue combination should approximate the standard combination of cues for true collection as closely as possible (see CR September 2008). To execute a pull or front cross with backward motion, I must be ahead of my dog with a takeoff-side location. As my dog approaches the jump, I turn my shoulders to face my dog. For my dog to continue forward to the jump and then turn, I use an outside arm behind me and support with forward cues 10 such as a verbal Jump command. All of the cues should happen simultaneously, before my dog commits to the jump. Once my dog commits to true collection and is landing within the desired zone, I can turn my shoulders and run in the new direction: I will switch back to the inside hand if it is a pull and leave the dog on the same hand if it is a front cross. See Figure 10. Mistakes: If my dog stops or turns before the jump, I probably didn’t support him with a verbal Jump command and/or outside hand signal. BACKWARd MOTION: puLLS ANd FRONT CROSSES 1 3 3 1 3 1 2 2 4 4 2 A To execute a pull or front cross with backward motion, I must be ahead of my dog with a takeoff-side location. As my dog approaches the jump, I turn my shoulders to face my dog (green handler and dog). For my dog to continue forward to the jump and then turn, I use an outside arm behind me and support my dog with forward cues such as a verbal Jump command (blue handler and dog). All of the cues should happen simultaneously, before my dog commits to the jump. B Once my dog commits to true collection and is landing within the desired zone, I can turn my shoulders and run in the new direction, switching back to the inside hand if it is a pull. C Once my dog commits to true collection and is landing within the desired zone, I can turn my shoulders and run in the new direction, leaving the dog on the same hand if it is a front cross. Backward Motion: Rear Crosses and Pushes These turns are not typically cued with backward motion. Conclusion My handling system is primarily based on cueing my dog with motion on the approach to obstacles, so knowing how to use motion in combination with other cues is essential when performing a turn. This month I discussed how lateral motion, deceleration, and backward motion could be used to help achieve the desired effect for each of the basic turns. Next month I will conclude by exploring different ways to use forward motion and no motion while cueing the basic turns at the turning obstacles. Then you will be ready to start doing agility! D October 08 | Clean Run 31

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Clean Run Magazine - October 2008

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - October 2008