Clean Run Magazine - February 2010 - 49

I have used the profile as a means of working back through my training approach and have developed a system of coaching that profiles both the dog and handler against a given set of criteria. In developing the learn-from-the-best approach, it became apparent that most of the top trainers and handlers I know share many of the same characteristics, even if they have different ways of doing things. They have a strategy for dealing with their training approach, their handling system, and competition. It is for this reason I call this section of the diagram “Strategic Agility.” I’ve divided the characteristics of the strategic agility handler into four sections: • • • • Technique Focus Anticipation Timing Many competitive performers can take their agility to an advanced level and adapt some of the characteristics of the strategic agility handler. There are very few people who can go beyond this level and achieve all the attributes described. I can think of one or two, but there aren’t many. Technique Technique is about executing the skills you have as an agility handler consistently and being able to apply them in a competitive environment; in particular, being able to apply them under stress. It is these situations that determine the winners and losers. Handlers with good technique sometimes arrive at the handling solution instinctively and don’t really know how they do it. However, most of the best handlers I know can evaluate their performance, identify and understand where they have flaws in their technique, and adjust their training to change what they do. Some handlers have the ability to identify they have a problem but are unable fix it themselves. Here is where good coaching is needed. I believe the sport is maturing to the point now that even the top handlers will soon start to use experienced coaches to help develop their technique, just as a pro golfer would today. Focus Focus is partly about having the dedication to succeed; it is also about adopting an effective approach to training. All the good handlers I know always go into a training session knowing exactly what they want to achieve. This is because they have identified clear goals for themselves and their dogs and have worked out a process for achieving these goals. Many of these handlers are not aware they have a structured plan because this happens instinctively. My guess is if they could be persuaded to write everything down, they would be pleasantly surprised how structured their training actually is even if at the moment they think it is not. This has been confirmed by conversations I have had over the years with respected trainers and handlers about how they approach the agility year, when they review the results, and how they go about improving their performance from one season to the next. Also under this section is having a “positive mental attitude,” a much abused phrase that can mean all sorts of things. In this context, it means they have a plan and they are going to find a way of implementing it! Anticipation I have struggled with finding a descriptive title for this element of the profile. I may change it again at some point, but for the moment I think it is called anticipation. Great handlers have the ability to think ahead of the moment; they are aware of what is coming up on a course and can anticipate the outcome of any given situation. February 10 | Clean Run 49

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Clean Run Magazine - February 2010

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - February 2010