Clean Run - November 2017 - 16

Without experience working directly with a number of dogs
that display ETOs, even the most seasoned professionals (both
dog agility trainers and veterinarians) may have trouble deciding what constitutes an ETO. For example, dogs with ETOs that
omit strides are often confused with dogs simply jumping in
extension, but dogs in extension have reasonably centered
jumping arcs and are capable of collecting when cued. Dogs
with ETOs that shorten the final stride(s) may be confused with
dogs having physical problems; however, dogs who are weak
or in pain tend to shorten their strides to achieve a closer takeoff point, not a longer one.

Unfortunately some dogs with ETOs develop secondary musculoskeletal injuries because frequent ETOs or overjumping,
possibly with crash landings, can result in injury. A temporary
confidence problem may also lead to added strides. These can
make the diagnosis confusing. To help differentiate between
early takeoff, normal extension, and physical discomfort,
compare the differences between the takeoff distances and
jumping arcs that are typically seen with each. See the sidebar
below, "Differentiating Between Early Takeoff, Normal Extension, and Physical Discomfort."

dIFFERENTIATINg BETwEEN EARLY TAKEOFF, NORMAL EXTENSION, ANd PhYSICAL dISCOMFORT
Any dog can make a mistake and take off too far back or jump too high occasionally, especially young,
inexperienced dogs. Unless this is happening with increasing frequency, these dogs most likely do not have ETOs
and will improve with experience.

takeoﬀ
distance

added
short
strides

Jumping arc

apex

Prior
to bar

Shorter

Collection and extension
cues (dog is unable to
respond as expected)

landing
distance

occurs with

early takeoﬀ

Longer

Possible

Flat;
overjumping
is required to
clear bar

extension

Longer

Flat

Over
bar

Longer

Extension cues

Discomfort or
weakness

Shorter

Yes

Rounder

Over
bar

Shorter

Collection and extension
cues

Early takeoﬀ: The dog's takeoff distance is increased, but the landing distance is decreased and the dog is usually
on the descent phase of his jumping effort before he reaches the bar. The dog may inappropriately shorten his final
stride or simply omit the stride in order to take off early and achieve a longer takeoff distance.
Extension: The dog's takeoff and landing distances are increased. The dog's jumping arc is flat and mostly centered
over the bar (the flatter the arc, the more the arc can be off-center). To the untrained eye, this may look similar to
an ETO. However, a longer takeoff distance and omission of a stride is totally appropriate for extension. These dogs
may not understand how to mechanically add a stride and jump with more collection, or they may not understand
the cues to do so, or the handler is not communicating the need to do so, and so on. But, these dogs can and do
respond to training and the jumping issues resolve. Dogs that display ETOs will not improve with training and
the jumping problems do not resolve.
Physical problems: The dog's takeoff and landing distances are usually decreased. The dog will often add strides
on the approach to a jump if he has physical pain or weakness. To the untrained eye, the added strides may look
similar to the stuttering that may accompany ETOs; however, the takeoff is actually delayed, not early. This helps
to make the jumping effort easier. These dogs can and do respond to treatment for the physical problem
and their jumping issues will resolve.
For a more detailed explanation of jumping arcs and takeoff distances, please refer to my article
"About the Dog's Jumping Arc" on page 38.

Clean Run | November 17

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