1 2 3 3 2 3 Orange line cued by positional cue 3 Red line - cued by front cross 2 2 1 1 1 Deceleration cues collection for the dog (collection area in green). This collection should happen before the jump prior to the front cross (in this case, #2). The dog turns in response to the handler's positional cue. This cue is presented at the obstacle you are turning the dog to (in this case, #3). The front cross cues the completed turn to commit the dog to #3. by shortening or collecting his stride as he anticipates catching up to the RZ. This collection should happen before the jump prior to the front cross as shown in Figure 1. 2. Positional cue: The position where we execute the front cross cues the dog to turn toward us. Not only does positioning yourself at the next obstacle put you on the shortest path, it also keeps you out of the way of your dog. This positional cue is pre- sented at the obstacle you are turning the dog to. Based on this position, a majority of the dog’s turn will already be completed before he gets to us since the dog will begin to turn in anticipation of running to the RZ as shown in Figure 2. Both the deceleration cue and the positional cue give the dog information that a front cross is about to happen, which allows the dog to prepare himself for the directional change. 3. Change-of-arm cue: Finally, the actual front cross (our turning into the dog and changing from one side to the other) finishes the degree of turn necessary for the execution of the obstacle. See Figure 3. How Is a Lead-out Pivot Done? Once we understand the theory of front crosses we can practice and train them by both running into them and also by doing lead-out pivots. © Jess Dubinsky 62 Clean Run | August 13