MY FAVORITE JUMPING Imagine that you are preparing for a big event but your agility equipment has vanished! All you have are two or three jumps.We asked top-level trainers from all over the country about what they would do under these circumstances. The exercises they offer are sequences you can do even if you have limited space and obstacles. This month's exercises are provided by Ami Sheffield. © CINDY NOLAND 1 10 20 30 40 50 2 2 10 1 10 3 20 30 40 10 1 2 3 50 3 4 1 2 3 1 Before a big event, I like to bring out a few jumps and tighten up our jump work on some different, short sequences. I don't spend more than five minutes on this (usually less). The handler icon shows what side you need to be on when doing these drills. I mix up the drills a couple times during the practice, and I work both directions. It's just a great way for me to fine tune my information-giving skills to my dog. Figure 1: First is "serp" practice. I challenge myself to see how far down the line on #2 I can get, and will my dog take the jump or just run by it? Figure 2: Next is threadle practice. Great practice right after doing serp practice! I work both directions, as my dog has one side that is way better than the other. If I need an extra challenge, I move the jumps closer together. 2 Figure 3: Next is backsides; quick handling and showing the dog the backsides of the jumps instead of threadling in. I have to make sure I am using my verbals in case I am slow (which is often)! Figure 4: Last is Snooker practice. This just allows me to test our skills when it comes to staying close and bypassing an obstacle. For real practice I can put a tunnel out there and see if she can stay with me past that. D Ami Sheffield took up agility in 2003 with her first Mini American Shepherd Neelah. Since then she has run dogs in just about all heights, including 26" in USDAA. Ami and her Mini American Pixel were selected for the 2016 and 2017 European Open team. Other accomplishments include being two-time Steeplechase finalists, with a second place in 2016. They also won the small dog agility competition at the 2016 Purina Incredible Dog Challenge. Ami considers herself a lifelong student, always learning and trying to give her dogs the best information possible. She also does rescue for MARS (Mini Aussie Rescue and Support). July 17 | Clean Run 49