Clean Run - September 2017 - 34

Some variations I have used:

* Get the handler to run the sequence in reverse order.
* Add in or take out obstacles from the sequence.
* Limit the time the handler has to adjust their handling
strategy and memorise the sequence.
I think by now you get the idea and a well planned, clearly explained session can be fun, rewarding and will help to develop
the handler's ability to memorise and visualise sequences.

Horse Shoe Game for Developing
Visualisation Techniques
Where the Take Your Own Line is a memory game, I use another game to develop visualisation techniques in a practical
context for agility. I call this the Horse Shoe game and it is
shown in Figure 1.
This is a simple game involving a rigid (pipe) tunnel and four
hurdles. The rigid tunnel is set up in an arc shape with two
jumps on either side. The obstacles are numbered from 1
through 6, with each tunnel entrance being numbered. The
number sequence can be left to right or right to left as you
prefer, it's not really that important for now. Aligned with the
middle of the top of the arc, about 20 feet away from the obstacles, I put a marker-either a start post or a cone.
I then prepare a list of random numbers between 1 and 6 and
print them out on a sheet of paper for reference when playing
the game. Each six-number sequence should use a number
only once, for example: 5, 1, 3, 6, 2, 4.
The game works like this. After everyone has familiarized
themselves with the obstacle setup, a handler (with their dog)
and the instructor stand at the start cone or marker pole,
with the handler facing away from the obstacles looking at
the instructor. The instructor reads out a random sequence
of numbers between 1 and 6. In our example above, the order
read out is 5, 1, 3, 6, 2, 4 so the handler and dog must do the
numbered obstacles in this order as shown in Figure 2. The
handler is allowed to repeat the sequence back to the instructor as many times as they want.

6
S

Handler/Dog
Instructor

10
10

Horse Shoe Game
40

2
3

6
S

Instructor
In this example, the handler was given the six-number sequence 5, 1, 3,
6, 2, 4 so they would take the obstacles in the order shown; however,
they can choose their handling path.

There are two objectives with the game as far as the handler
is concerned. The first is to memorise the sequence of numbers being read out, and the second is for them to begin to
visualise how they are going to handle the dog through the
sequence set for them.
When they have worked out their handling strategy, the
instructor checks that they are ready and then the game
begins. The aim is for the handler to set up their dog as
quickly as possible and then complete the sequence with
their dog correctly.
To begin with this simple exercise is probably enough for
a couple of attempts per handler during a group sessions;
however, there are lots of variations you can add in as the
handler(s) get used to the game.
34

Clean Run | September 17

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - September 2017