Clean Run Magazine - March 2009 - 64

and a positional cue are used. This cue can be the dog’s name or any short, easy-to-say word, such as Dig. Obstacle names may be used, but mostly are not necessary. Verbal directional cues may be used. In APHS, obstacle names are used more often to provide more forward cues for an obstacle that motion is not supporting (sends). Also, the dog’s name can be used on approach as a turning cue when motion or location (recalls) supports the dog as he takes the jump. The dog’s name can also be used in a discrimination of two like obstacles where the handler wants the dog to converge and take the obstacle closest to her. Verbal directional cues are not used in APHS. Position versus Location Cues The positional cues in the Derrett System are trained cues that the dog will learn to understand through consistency. When the handler is nearest to the next obstacle in the sequence as she performs a front cross, lead-out pivot, or serpentine, the dog learns to anticipate that when the handler is in this position, she will be doing an arm change. So, the dog can prepare for the turn before the handler’s arm change and shoulder rotation. Note that the handler also needs to decelerate while moving into this position for the dog to understand that the arm change is coming. If the handler continues to move forward at a constant rate of speed, the dog will not know whether the handler is going to do an arm change or continue in the same direction while keeping the dog on the inside arm. Therefore, positional cues are always combined with deceleration or lack of motion by the handler. The location cues in APHS are based on the dog’s natural understanding of location. If the handler is on the landing side of the jump, she is naturally cueing extension; and if she is on the takeoff side of the jump, she is naturally cueing a turn (relative collection). If the handler is on the landing side of the jump (recall), her shoulders may be facing forward to cue extension or facing the dog to cue a turn. Consequently, in APHS, location cues cannot be isolated from shoulder cues. eye Contact Both systems require you to keep your eyes on the dog at all times (called indirect eye contact in APHS). In the Derrett System, blind crosses are not permitted because to do one, the handler has to take her eyes off the dog. In APHS, however, there is also reference to direct eye contact versus indirect eye contact for turning versus forward cues. Blind crosses are allowed in APHS. Legs The Derrett System talks about using the leg (as well as the arm) nearest the dog. Generally, when coming out of a front cross, threadle arm, or serpentine, or when sending the dog to a jump, the leg closest to the dog should be used first. APHS does not refer to leg cues specifically, but generally speaking, if one of the handler’s legs is “moving” then that is a motion cue, either forward or lateral. If the handler’s legs aren’t moving, that is a no motion cue. D Both systems strive to have the handler out in front of the dog to provide better information and to build motivation by having the dog chase the handler. Both systems have the goal of getting the dog around the course cleanly and quickly, and with the fewest strides possible. motion Cues The Derrett System uses mostly acceleration and deceleration as forward and turning cues. The job of the handler is to identify the proper positional cues and then get to those positions and show the dog deceleration or a stationary stance in those places. The Derrett System does not allow any motion in to the dog unless it is a rear cross at an obstacle or a serpentine. There is no “pushing” on lines due to the problem of flicking the dog away from the handler. APHS also uses acceleration and deceleration, but, in addition, places emphasis on forward motion versus lateral motion (in to or away from the dog) to cue the direction of motion. APHS also makes use of backward motion, which is a variation of deceleration. The job of the handler is to “identify and run in the correct direction.” Motivational tug toys made with real sheepskin and rabbit fur Bunny Fur Dynamite Soft Stick Sheepy Tail Tug Two-Handled Sheepy Tug Two-Handled Bunny Fur Dynamite Soft Stick Shee g p y Octo p u s T u Sheepy Tassel Tug ® www.cleanrun.com Clean Run | March 09 64

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Clean Run Magazine - March 2009

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