Clean Run Magazine -May 2010 - 55

set of signs. (Many attribute ETS to the dogs’ structure, or jump training, but the fact that initially the dogs jump nicely, before the onset of signs, does not support either theory.) Early signs of ETS can be very subtle and usually go undetected. Often the first sign of trouble is that the dog crashes the triple or the tire, or begins to knock bars. Obstacles with components that extend forward of the jumping element, such as the tire and triple, tend to cause the dog to misjudge the location of the actual jump. Affected dogs focus on the forwardmost element of the obstacle (tire frame base, front bar, or front edge of the jump standard of the triple) and use that to gauge where to center their jumping arc. Electronic timers placed in front of the first jump may also be misleading. If the dog takes off too early on the tire or triple, in many cases he will be unable clear the obstacle, which can lead to some unfortunate wrecks. The problem is not due to lack of jumping power; the dog misjudges where the jump is. See Figures 6 and 7. If the dog knocks or crashes a jump, this may create lack of confidence. Lack of confidence or stress exacerbates ETS, making the dog even more likely to take off early and more likely to crash again, starting a vicious cycle. Some dogs with ETS become quite stressed, depending on their temperament, which only serves to make the problem worse. They do not want to take off too early and hit the jumps. Not all dogs with ETS crash tires and triples, but it is very common. And, not all dogs that crash tires or triples have ETS. Similarly, it is important to note that some dogs will stutter step temporarily if they lose confidence, and once they regain confidence their jumping improves. If so, it is not ETS. Because electronic timers set in front of a jump can cause affected dogs to take off too early, often dogs with ETS will knock the first bar. However, unaffected dogs may knock first bars as well.

Early takeoff for Jumps
In agility, the most common sign is shortening of the last stride and early takeoff, leading to knocked jumps, especially the tire and spreads. Because most competition tires are nondisplaceable, some frightening crashes may result because the dog misjudges, takes off early, and lands on the tire. Some manufactured triple jump standards are particularly difficult for small dogs because the actual jump is recessed within the side supports, making the front edge of the jump prominent. The faster the dog is, the more quickly ETS is noticed because the shortening of the last stride results in a more obvious change in the dog’s speed. In addition, the dog’s course times may start to increase if the dog starts to take extra strides as a result of the ETS. Sometimes a sign most noticeable to the handler early on is that the dog lowers his head on his final stride before the jump. However, it is important to remember that some dogs do not show the characteristic shortening of the final stride. Instead, they leave out the final stride and overjump. Sometimes this is misinterpreted as jumping “scope” or power. Depending on the course design, this can actually result in faster times and the dog may be very successful early in his career. However, ETS progressively worsens, leading to limitations in the dog’s performance as time goes on. When a young dog starts out appearing to have unlimited talent and potential, it can be heartbreaking for him to develop ETS.

Early takeoff for other obstacles or at Home
Observant owners may notice signs away from agility, such as the dog’s misjudging a hop onto the sofa, or being hesitant about climbing an unfamiliar staircase. The dog may not want to jump into a strange car or van. Some dogs misjudge jumping into the owner’s arms. Many affected dogs also shorten their last stride and take off from too far back on the approach to the contact obstacles and/ or table. This makes them hit very low on the upside of the A-frame (also the dogwalk and teeter, although less noticeable), which may affect their striding for running contacts. They may misjudge the table, jumping from too far back.
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CHaraCtEristiC signs
Obviously, when assessing a dog for ETS a very careful history must be taken. ETS is a “syndrome,” which means it is a collection of characteristic signs. If only one or two of the signs are present, they may not indicate ETS.
May 10 | Clean Run

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Clean Run Magazine -May 2010

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