Clean Run Magazine - December 2009 - 36

Comparing the Derrett and Mecklenburg Handling Systems By the Clean Run Staff © TTL AcTion PhoTogrAPhy, MichAL Krejci, MeTTe Björne PART 10 Final Wrap-up The two main systems used in the U.S. and Canada right now originated with Greg Derrett (also called the Derrett System) and Linda Mecklenburg (also called the Awesome Paws Handling System or APHS). The purpose of these articles is to compare and contrast the cues between the two systems for informational purposes. We are not going to try to prove that one system is “correct” or that one system is better than the other. Both systems are proven and both work as a consistent handling system. This article series is designed to help you understand what the differences and similarities are so that you can make informed decisions on which may be the better system for you or your students. This series is also not designed to fully educate you on the intricacies of each system. There are resources available for both handling systems that are intended for this purpose. For the purposes of this series, when referring to obstacles, we will be using jumps since handling cues have the most effect on a dog’s jumping trajectory. APHS also refers to other turning obstacles such as tires, straight tunnels and chutes, but in order to be consistent between the comparisons of the two systems, we will refer to jumps. For our final summary, we’ll discuss overall differences between the two systems as a whole, rather than comparing specific maneuvers or cues between the systems. As a review, the cues available in each system are shown below: Derrett System Rules This system is based on a series of “rules” that handlers must follow to provide consistency to the dog. The basics are: Three handling rules — Never take your eyes off your dog — Use the arm and leg closest to the dog — Face the direction the dog is going until he is fully committed to the obstacle Two front-cross rules — Perform your front cross as close as possible to the next piece of equipment — Only perform a front cross where there is a change of direction Underlying Principles In the Derrett System, arm changes are a primary cue, meaning when the handler changes her arms, the dog should turn immediately into the handler. Deceleration and positional cues should be used before the dog’s commitment to let the dog know about the upcoming arm change. When the handler is consistent in applying these rules, the dog learns to always expect what will happen based on the handler’s cues. Deviation from the rules is believed to result in diluted cues; continually breaking or bending rules as needed likely will be detrimental to the dog’s performance in the long run. Expectations of the Dog The dog is always expected to drive his active line; by doing so, the dog learns to continue to drive forward until given cues not to do so. The dog should take all obstacles in his path without crossing the active plane of any jump and drive to the back side of a jump if that is where his active line takes him. This creates obstacle independence so the handler does not have to babysit 180s, 270s, and so on. Driving the active line also encourages the dog to run at maximum speed. 36 Clean Run | December 09

Clean Run Magazine - December 2009

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