Clean Run - January 2018 - 20

When the third obstacle of the serpentine configuration is on the
approach side of jump #2 as shown in Figure 5, I want to be on that
side as well. (Again, refer to last month's article if you need more
detail). The diagram shows how to reward your dog so that he will
understand what you want. The cool part about this training is that
you are right there should the dog decide not to take the jump and
come directly to you instead. You can just lean in and put him over
the bar as quick as you can and maintain your position as you do so.
You are saying to your dog "see, baby, you can do that jump
with me over here!"

2
1

Teaching a Variation of Serp Position
You need to teach your dog to come in over jump #2
even when you are past the second wing on the
dog's approach side of jump #2. This is the position
you want to be in if jump #3 is on the approach side
of jump #2. Dropping a toy at "T" as your dog takes
off while you are moving away is the ticket. Turning
your head and keeping an eye on the dog is
necessary as you move up and around the
stanchion. Don't be afraid of mistakes! This takes a
bit of time!

The Importance of Working Jump #3
The third jump of a serpentine is performed as a "run-by" from JA-C. It takes the least amount of training, as you are just driving to
it, but you cannot underestimate the importance of handling the
jump. Remember to always indicate the third jump to your dog.
Many handlers drive straight ahead after their dog comes in over
jump #2 and the dogs just come with them, right past jump #3 as
shown in Figure 6. In a classic serpentine configuration the dog
has to turn slightly back to pick up the third jump so you need
to be sure to take at least one small step toward that jump. Also
be sure to look at the approach to jump #3-do not take it for
granted. You'll work on these skills when we put it all together in
the next step.

Putting It All Together with Two Jumps
To test your training and work on your handling of jump #3, you are
going to do the two-jump exercises in Figures 7 and 8. Your two
jumps will be in a 180 configuration and you will treat them
as jumps #1 and #2 (send and catch up to heel) in the first drill,
and then as jumps #2 and #3 (catch up to heel and run-by) in the
second drill.

B
Working the Last Jump!
Handler A was so happy with her serp handling that
she forgot to work jump #3 and just kept running
straight; and so did her dog, missing the jump!
Handler B "sealed the deal" with her dog and
ensured he would take jump #3 with just a slight
adjustment in her path toward the the third jump.

Tips:
*

If your dog runs past jump #2 of the serpentine, immediately
"pop" the dog over the jump-don't just re-start. I would even
rather have the dog end up taking the jump the wrong direction than to have him miss it entirely!

Always move to the correct serpentine position; do not stop in
the middle of the bar to try to bring the dog in over jump #2.

Do not rotate your feet toward the jump as you pass jump #2;
stay on a straight line forward. To cue the dog to turn in to the
jump, rotate your shoulders back as you bring up your outside
or "offside" hand. Because you have passed the jump (you ran
across the front of it), you are now on the "new" side of the
jump; technically you are cueing the jump with your on-side
hand, but because you have not rotated your body much, it
seems to be the offside hand (coming across your body). For
example, if the jump is on your left and you have moved across
the jump from the left stanchion to the right stanchion, you
would cue jump #2 with your right hand because you are now
on the right side of the jump. It is okay if this sounds like Greek
to you; it is a concept that will sink in when it does and not
before. You don't have to understand it to do it; I just know that
some of you will want this information.

*
20

2
1

Serpentine: Jumps #1 and #2
Send the dog to jump #1 and move into serpentine
position at jump #2 for the catch up to heel. Continue
moving forward as if there was a third jump. Do the
drill on both your left and right.

Work all serpentine skills in both directions.
Clean Run | January 18

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - January 2018