Clean Run Magazine - March 2010 - 55

#8 Solve the distance dilemma The next area that seems to convince folks that competing successfully in NADAC is going to “wreck” the dog for other venues is the distance dilemma. Distance is a factor in NADAC courses because some of the classes explicitly test the ability of the handler to direct the dog at a distance and because some dogs that compete in the venue are ever so much faster than their handlers. We’ve already talked about the fact that the ability to send a dog to perform an obstacle independently (with permission) is an asset in any agility venue, and that the dog needs to be able to trust what you do on course is intentional. So now let’s look at what else you can do to train for NADAC-style courses so your dog can understand and trust your permission and endorsement at a distance, without losing the ability to work closely with you. You can eliminate a lot of variability in handling a dog from venue to venue if you don’t focus on handling the obstacles directly. Instead, manage the dog’s path so that you essentially put obstacles in the dog’s way. This handling concept is extremely versatile because it works at a distance, in tight quarters, and both from behind and ahead of the dog. To manage my dog’s path, I envision the ideal path between wherever my dog is and the next obstacle. I “work” the halfway point on that path until it’s clear to me that the obstacle is in the dog’s way. When the dog is close enough to meet his trained commitment point to that obstacle (where I’m sure he is going to take it), then I shift my attention to work the next halfway point. Sometimes working the path means putting pressure on it to keep your dog “out there.” Pressure takes the form of moving toward the halfway point, facing it with your feet, hips and shoulders, pushing at it with your lead hand, and leaning toward it by shifting your weight forward on your toes. Notice that putting pressure on the path does not include pushing your hand out to the side while you turn away or lean away. This “push-me-pull-you” approach often shows up when working at a lateral distance from the dog; but it also creates conflicting cues, which you don’t need to introduce. A good rule of thumb is your arm reinforces your body movement when you are working at a distance: it does not replace it or act as a placeholder while you do something else with your shoulders, feet, and so on. Sometimes working the path means pulling on the halfway point to bring your dog in so that he is following the ideal path. Pulling takes the form of moving away from the halfway point, turning away, leaning away, shifting your weight back, and dropping your lead hand. Other handlers may describe managing the path differently, but it works predictably for dogs regardless of the actual puzzles. In addition, handlers who are very careful in working the path (the dog believes the cue) can communicate very subtle differences in it, such as a typical tunnel/contact discrimination, U-shaped tunnel options, or even jump-jump discriminations, whether the handler is next to the dog or far from him. So think about training yourself to handle your dog along an ideal path and let the obstacles be presented to the dog because they are in the way. Combined ad for Econo Jumps & One Jump Two Jump DVD – .33 Vertical I’m open to ideas for this one. Basically I want to convey – all you need to teach you and your dog the necessary skills for agility + = What You Need to Perfect Your Team’s Skills Need help with your training, but tired of too much technical detail? Help is here! An easy-to-use system for learning handling and teaching dog skills that's presented in plain English, and that uses only 2 jumps! The Clip & Go Economy Jump Kit gives you everything you need to quickly assemble a practice jump. Some of the most common (and least important) ways you can undermine your permission is to allow or create situations where your dog does equipment without you. Perhaps he “grabs” obstacles while you move to where you intend to start your real training, when you momentarily disconnect after a mistake happens, or when you reward the dog with a toy and he does a victory lap plus a few obstacles in the process. March 10 | Clean Run ® www.cleanrun.com

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Clean Run Magazine - March 2010

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