Clean Run - November 2017 - 14

Note that most dogs with ETOs do not have trouble with weave
entries. With some vision problems, there seems to be more
difficulty judging horizontal objects (such as jump bars) than
vertical objects (such as weave poles). If presented with jump
wings with no bar, some affected dogs will jump the empty
space as if a bar were present, apparently keying off the vertical upright and assuming a bar was there to be jumped. Once
again, these signs vary depending on the underlying cause of
the vision issue.
An observant owner may also notice signs unrelated to agility,
such as the dog misjudging a hop onto the sofa or the deck or
a jump over a ditch. Some owners report the dog is hesitant
climbing an unfamiliar staircase, particularly an open staircase.
The dog may not want to jump into an unfamiliar car or van,
or one that is dark. Some owners report the dog is having difficult performing tricks, such as jumping into the owner's arms,
which he was previously skilled at. Owners are often surprised
to find that many affected dogs can still track a moving object
just fine; for example, most can catch a ball or treat tossed to
them. They may be able to follow an object in motion, but not
be able to find it once it is stationary. Specific signs of a vision
problem will vary depending on its underlying cause.

FACTORS ThAT IMPACT ETOS
Environmental Factors
Environmental factors affect all dogs, but often have a more
significant impact on those with ETOs. Surfaces that are uneven may create false ground lines. Grass and dirt tend to be
variable, making it more difficult for dogs to judge the height
of the bar. (For more information, refer to Chapter 1 in Mastering Jumping Skills, Vol. 1.)
The lighting on the course can impact jumping. Many dogs
with ETOs perform better outside in sunlight than in dimly lit
indoor arenas. Rarely, dogs may be worse in bright sun. However, patches of bright sunlight or dark shadows can negatively
affect jumping performance. Abruptly changing from a dark
warm-up area to a bright arena or a bright warm-up area to a
dark arena can also cause difficulties.

Each dog is different with regard to how often ETOs occur and
which environmental factors exacerbate them. Some dogs
may take only one or two jumps inappropriately during a run
while other dogs have problems with every jump. For many
dogs, the degree to which they are affected changes from trial
to trial based on the venue's lighting, footing, backgrounds,
and equipment. The dog's confidence level in the environment
can also be a factor. Some dogs will improve throughout the
day as they settle and relax in a new environment while others
will have increasing difficulty as they fatigue over the course
of a long day.
Course design Factors
For most dogs with ETOs, judging takeoff distance is more difficult when traveling in a straight line at faster speeds. The farther apart the jumps are, particularly when distances near 20' or
more, the harder it is for the dog to judge the appropriate takeoff distance. In contrast, when obstacles are closer together or
a sequence involves turns that bring the dog inside his usual
early takeoff distance, he may naturally reach an appropriate
takeoff zone and jump cleanly. While many dogs with ETOs
have difficulty with direct and/or perpendicular approaches,
they often slice jumps with relative ease. Consequently, dogs
prone to ETOs may be more successful on courses with closer
obstacle spacing, lots of turns, and angled jump approaches.
As previously mentioned, certain types of jumps, such as
spreads and tires, can be more difficult, as can jumps with electronic timers in front of them. Long jumps are not typically a
problem, but some dogs with ETOs do indeed find them challenging. A solid appearance to the jump or the presence of a
ground line can help some dogs.

This is an example of "busy" background scenery that may create
visual confusion and exacerbate ETOs.
14

Additionally, some ring barriers can create visual confusion.
White jump bars or panels may be challenging to see against
white walls in indoor arenas. Lines painted on artificial turf or
"busy" background scenery such as stored agility equipment
on the sidelines can exacerbate ETOs. See Figure 10. Perimeter
fencing and other horizontal elements can likewise create visual confusion when in the background of a jump. See Figure 11.

Here the blue and white jump bar is difficult to see against the
background where the wall and turf meet. This may be confusing for
some dogs with ETOs.
Clean Run | November 17

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - November 2017