Clean Run Magazine - June 2009 - 8

Backyard Dogs By Stuart Mah This month’s column is a little different than previous ones. This month you get to make up the course. There will be some guidelines so that you don’t go completely amiss. Before considering the setup, let’s ask one question about agility handlers: What separates mediocre handlers from good handlers? If you answer that good handlers are better at some type of handling maneuver (front cross, rear cross, blind cross, RFP/false turn) or that good handlers are faster, you would be wrong. Often the faster or technically more proficient handlers have trouble getting through a course. While being faster or technically proficient is important, it is not the most important factor that separates mediocre from good handlers. So, what is the difference between mediocre handlers and good handlers? Two basic qualities separate the mediocre handlers from the good handlers. The first is being a better dog trainer. While not the focus here, it’s sufficient to say that a handler who always relies on a handling maneuver or speed alone to steer or control a dog is often going to be at a disadvantage to a handler who has taught the dog a number of skills so that the dog can help out the handler when needed. The second quality is being able to read changing situations quickly and react, most often without thinking, and knowing what the larger picture is at all times. This is called situational awareness. When we train sequences or courses the focus tends to be on the technical skills of handling maneuvers. Little training or teaching goes into developing a handler’s situational awareness. This is what this month’s article attempts to demonstrate. The ground rules are simple. As shown in Figure 1, each exercise starts with a jump going into the tunnel. You can lead out or run with the dog. Once the initial sequence of jump-tunnel is completed (first tunnel pass), you choose a jump and direct the dog to take that jump. Take only one jump. After the dog takes the jump, direct the dog back into the tunnel (second tunnel pass). After this second pass, you again direct the dog to take one jump before going back to the tunnel. As the dog emerges from the tunnel this time, direct him to take a jump, but not the one previously performed. Each time the dog emerges from the tunnel, you must direct the dog to a different jump not previously used. Jumps already used are out of play for the rest of the sequence. Figure 2 is an example of one possible pattern you could do. You can choose which jump to start with and which jump to attempt next, so all of you could run a different sequence. Run your chosen sequence without any break or pause in movement; no stopping for any reason. You must perform eight tunnels in 30 seconds or less so you need to have a helper or use a timing device that makes a noise at the end of a set time (a countdown timer or kitchen timer, for example). At the end of 30 seconds, if Clean Run | June 09 1 2 11 15 8 4 7 3 12 16 2 10 2 6 14 13 9 17 1 5 1 8

Clean Run Magazine - June 2009

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run Magazine - June 2009