RATING DOGS WITH EARLY TAKEOFF SYMPTOMS The following information is intended to help handlers and instructors evaluate dogs and recognize some of the subtle signs that actually indicate ETOs. D 0 1 2 3 3+ NORMAL INFREQUENT PERIODICALLY CONSISTENT EXTREME Displays no behaviors typically associated with vision abnormality. Rarely or infrequently displays behaviors associated with vision abnormality such as bars down, early takeoffs, etc. May display an occasional odd behavior when jumping for which there is no obvious cause. Behaviors are intermittent, and may be so subtle that it is difficult to determine whether the jumping is normal or abnormal. Occasionally/ frequently displays behaviors typically associated with vision abnormality such as early takeoffs. Probably has more trouble with spreads than with single jumps. May display other behavioral issues like running around jumps. May leave out the balanced stride when setting up for the jump. Behaviors are intermittent, but when present the jumping is clearly not "normal." No improvement is seen with training. Often displays behaviors typically associated with vision abnormality such as early takeoffs. May stutter step and noticeably struggle with spreads and jumps at distances greater than 20 feet apart. May display more frequent and widespread avoidance or running around of jumps, often tire and spreads specifically. Vision deficit is strongly suspected. No improvement is seen with training or better handling choices. Early takeoff and stutter stepping are extreme. The dog may take off so far back that he risks landing on top the jump or hitting the edge of the table. At minimum is career limiting and possibly career ending, or dog is now retired from agility. 0% of jumps are abnormal Less than 25% of jumps are abnormal 25% or more of jumps may be abnormal 50% or more of jumps are abnormal Up to 100% of jumps are abnormal © 2017, Nancy Gyes and Linda Mecklenburg November 17 | Clean Run 63