Clean Run - November 2017 - 19

your dog's striding, requiring him to adjust to more than just
the jump height change. Be sure to include the tire, spreadbar jumps, and table at the new height in your practice sessions. When evaluating whether your dog's performance
improves at the lower height, consider all factors. For example, your dog may continue to take off early and knock bars,
but if the lower jump height is more forgiving and safer if
he makes an error in judgment that is a measure of success.
* In training and competition, eliminate spread jumps if possible. Consider restricting the competitions you enter to
those agility organizations and classes that do not include
spread jumps.
* In training and competition, do not mark knocked bars. For
a sensitive dog, ignore knocked bars totally or even verbally reassure your dog. Your dog is doing the best he can.
When he is successful, celebrate and give effusive praise
and rewards.
* In training and competition, learn which jump types and
obstacle sequences are the most difficult for your dog and
be sure to give those obstacles extra support. Many dogs
perform better on one type of course, such as one with
more slices, landing-side approaches, turning sequences,
and predictable spacing between the jumps.
* In competition, choose trial environments that promote
success for your dog (consistent lighting, uncluttered background, and so on). You should be attentive to which site
conditions seem to help your dog's performance and seek
those out for future events. Your dog will most likely perform his best on a level, consistent surface, with plentiful
and consistent lighting, and an uncluttered background. If
the type of lighting or surface gives your dog trouble, devote more time to his warm-up so that he can adjust to the
conditions in the ring before his run.
handling dogs with ETOs
You may be able to assist your dog's jumping performance by
making some changes to your handling. For example, dogs
prone to ETOs may benefit from more extensive training of verbal cues. Verbal cues will facilitate handling from behind, and
help instill confidence.
Many handlers have experimented and have found ways to
help their individual dogs cope. Each dog responds differently,

so you need to try different ideas and observe what helps your
dog. It is helpful to keep both written and video records of the
different scenarios in which your dog has had ETOs to help you
adjust your handling appropriately for his specific needs. Included in this section are some ideas to consider.
Start-Line Approach to First Jump
* Experiment with different setup and lead-out distance combinations and see if one consistently improves your dog's
performance for most sequences. If you find a setup distance where he succeeds, practice it so that he learns how
to jump confidently under those circumstances. Pace off
the distance and then try to use that setup where possible.
See Figure 14a and 14b.
* Most dogs prone to ETOs are more successful when set close
enough to the first jump that they can comfortably take off
from that spot. For example, set your dog at a distance from
the jump that is equal to the height of the jump. Keep in
mind that your dog will naturally try to jump in extension
if you lead out, so his jumping effort may look awkward. He
will likely overjump to clear the bar and, from this close of a
takeoff distance, his jumping arc will be centered after the
bar. See Figure 14c.
* Jump #2 may be affected by your dog's takeoff distance on
jump #1. An ETO on jump #1 will result in your dog's jumping arc being centered before the bar. From a close setup
distance, your dog's jumping arc may be centered after the
bar. In both scenarios, the stride(s) between jumps #1 and
#2 may be affected, potentially creating an even more difficult takeoff to jump #2. See Figure 14d and 14e.
* A sit or stand is usually a better setup position than a down,
where your dog must look up at the bar. However, you
should experiment with all three setup positions.
* Allow your dog to adjust his position and/or location at the
start line if needed, as long as he doesn't break the plane of
the jump.
* Stay close to your dog. Avoid long lead-outs where possible.
This is particularly true when a tire or double-bar spread is
used as the first obstacle. See Figure 15.
* Consider angled approaches to jump #1, rather than perpendicular, where possible (as well as the other jumps on
the course). See Figure 16.

Ideally, the cause of your dog's vision impairment can be successfully diagnosed and treated. In most
cases, however, this will not be possible, so your goal should be to manage your dog's ETOs. Because every
dog is different, you must experiment to see what improves your dog's performance and maintains his
confidence. Many dogs can continue to compete successfully and enjoy active performance careers.

November 17 | Clean Run

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