Clean Run Magazine - June 2009 - 58

Awesome Paws Handling System (APHS) Here we’ll address two common types of front crosses in APHS, the landing-side front cross and the forward-motion front cross. It is important to understand the difference because each cross involves a different combination of cues. A landing-side front cross is usually a recall and is the result of either a lateral or a forward send. (Note: a comparison of sends will be covered in CR August 2009). The landing-side front cross is not normally used to turn the dog. The turning cues are delivered on the previous jump through the send, and the front cross/recall is usually executed one obstacle later. While the front cross does consist of an arm/side change, an arm change is not a primary cue in APHS. An arm change usually indicates a change of side, not “turn now” as in the Derrett System. The dog received his initial turning information through the send. So, in APHS, performing front crosses on a straight line is okay, but straight-line crosses are not allowed in the Derrett System. It is important to note APHS does not use positional cues. The handler’s line of motion for the send followed by her line of motion for the recall tells the dog where he is going. The table shows the cues used for the initial send. The forward-motion front cross is executed when the handler is moving forward in relation to the dog’s path, past the plane of the jump where the turn is cued. The handler’s moving forward past the plane of jump naturally cues extension; therefore, the handler needs to use a balance of turning and collection cues. In this type of front cross, the turning cues are the handler’s shoulders, which are rotated into the dog, and the outside arm. These cues are used while the dog is on the approach and before commitment to the jump. The table shows the cues used for the forward-motion front cross. Some common front-cross scenarios are shown in Figures 2 through 11. Note: In APHS, there are several ways to perform front crosses and deciding which cues to use depends on your individual dog. The diagrams show one or two possible scenarios within APHS. Assume the sequences are midcourse so the handler does not have a lead-out advantage. D Landing-side Front Cross Type of Cue • Motion • Shoulders • Location Actual Cue • Lateral, deceleration, backward, or none • Forward • Usually takeoff side of a jump, initially behind dog but will be ahead when send is completed • Indirect • Inside • Jump • Eye contact • Hands/arms • Verbal cues Forward-motion Front Cross Type of Cue • Motion Actual Cue • Forward (with possible deceleration or lateral motion component • Rotated into dog (degree of rotation depends on dog) • Starts on takeoff side but moves to landing side • Indirect • Blend of outside and inside arm • Jump with a dog that needs more forward cues (shorter striding) or dog’s name with a dog that needs more turning cues (longer striding) • Shoulders • Location • Eye contact • Hands/arms • Verbal cues 58 Clean Run | June 09

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Clean Run Magazine - June 2009

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