Clean Run - June 2011 - 66

Note the path between obstacles and the landing zone of the obstacles. Where are the lead changes? Where do you need to place your crosses? Do they feel right? Your handling must communicate all information to your dog that he needs to run the course accurately and efficiently. Modify your plan as needed if you are running more than one dog.

Before your run visualize the course in your head. Some handlers find an empty area and practice what they will do on course. Stay focused but don’t neglect your warmup routine. What happens if you miss your walk-through? Ask the gate steward if you can move your dog to the end of your jump height class. Review

the map and watch a few teams run before your turn. Video your runs. If you don’t own a camera ask an experienced friend to watch your run. Ask someone who will be objective and encouraging. Did some maneuver you used on course cause your dog to take an off-course obstacle or incur a refusal? Did your dog get distracted by something outside the ring?

Is your handling different in competition than in class? Use this information to plan future practices. Your dog will sense that this run is different from all others that preceded it. Dogs have an uncanny ability to know when it’s the real thing. Step up to the start line and take a deep breath. Strive to make this experience positive.

What if you get lost on course or your dog does something unexpected? I like the motto of the British government in World War II: “Keep Calm and Carry On.” Don’t stop handling. Keep moving. Don’t give up on your teammate or on your run. Keep it fun and your dog will want to do it again and again. D

Jamie gained her early experience in New York at the New Rochelle Humane Society, providing training to enhance the adoptability of shelter dogs while teaching safe handling skills to volunteers. She teaches puppy, family manners, focus, impulse control, and tricks classes at the Port Chester Obedience Training Club. Jamie competes in rally obedience and agility. Jamie and her husband Stephen are owned by two Shetland Sheepdogs, a Golden Retriever, and a West Highland White Terrier.

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e Magnetic Cours Map Clipboard
Here's a great way to organize your course maps at trials as well as to design agility courses or “copy down” a course at classes, seminars, or trials.
p The Magnetic Course Ma 100' Clipboard has an 80' by magnetic agility grid (1"=10' scale) on the top and comes with a large les variety of magnetic obstac ). (plus handlers and a dog

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Clean Run - June 2011

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - June 2011