Introducing my new motto for handling Brag's runs (as well as the intro to a great Faith No More song).
Overall, I was quite happy with our results this past weekend's three day trial in Cannon Falls (on dirt which I love). Brag went 4 for 6 and considering the difficulty of the courses, that was pretty darn good especially since he Q'd on what I considered all the toughest courses of the weekend (Friday Standard comes to mind!). However, we could do much better and not only have better results, but improve the quality of our runs. Driving my dog, instead of being a passenger, will be my biggest goal for this year. Expecting to win the 24" class isn't reasonable (at least not at a big trial with an amazing group of 24" dogs out there), but cutting out excess yardage and therefore being more competitive is definitely doable. Yes, Brag needs MACH points like he needs a hole in the head but I want to have that thrill of putting it all out there and handling the very best I can. In addition, Brag runs soooooo much better when I don't hang out and watch from the sidelines. In fact, both courses where Brag knocked a bar were ones where I was spectating. Spectating BAD!!!!
What does being "aggressive" on the course mean? For me it isn't about getting louder and yelling more commands nor is it about front crosses versus rear crosses. I figure that if I'm doing my job out there, yelling should be at a minimum and all my commands shoud be delivered in a crisp and timely manner. Front crosses aren't automatically the correct choice however when I'm being a hesitant handler I do find myself putting in rear crosses and waiting for the dog rather than directing the dog. Typically my most ideally handled courses are the ones that I have picked 3 or 4 strategic places I must get to in order to send my dog to the next sequence (sort of a "send and go").
Another very important element of driving/directing the dog rather than hanging back and hesitating is developing better acceleration/deceleration skills. I have two speeds: 'Run' and 'Stop.' I'm not quite sure what happens to me out there...I can run and I can run fast but I'm terrible at alternating my speed on the agility course. Quick stops and starts are also a struggle for me...I get flat footed way too easily. Just another thing to work into my exercise regime!! Whoo hoo - one more thing to convince my neighbors that I'm crazy - winter sprinting!!
Start lines are also a big deal for our quest. Since I had abandoned my start line and ran off the line with Brag for over a year, I know that I can handle most any course with a running start. However, this is not the perfect set-up for my ideal run. Personally while I feel start lines are better abandoned for some dogs, Brag isn't one of those dogs...for multiple reasons. Bragger is a big boy and has a pretty massive stride so it is really difficult for me to set a line when I'm also trying to save myself from being run over. He has a tendency to be a little frightening off the line. Imagine a crazed freight train gunning for you - what is your reaction? If you have any sense you get the hell out of the way! I don't mean to paint a terrible picture, Brag thank god, has a lot of respect for my body and not hurting me but sometimes the insane eyes make me want to run the opposite direction. In addition to the fear factor, it seems like for us, having a little impulse control at the start of our run leads to impulse control throughout the run. Finally, though I can handle without a start line, it does not allow me to CHOOSE my optimal path. Maybe running off the line will be the best strategic choice and maybe it won't but I have no options and I like lots of options!
Since goals are pretty worthless without a plan, here it is put out there for everyone to see and add a little accountability for me!
1) START LINE STAY!!!!! We had almost 100% success at the back to back weekends at On the Run on our starts. Brag broke one start but luckily I was close enough to my front cross position to make it work. Cannon Falls was another story. The first day he held them until I got almost to my release spot. The following days they degenerated rapidly. So, on to the crate games and on to the impulse control games. Also, I admit that I will never pull my dog off the course for a broken start so I understand I can't expect 100% compliance from my partner since he knows I'm not that serious about it.
2) LEAD OUT WORK!!!!!! Back to the fact that we ran every course together from obstacle 1, it didn't seem right to "cheat" and use lead outs at training since it wouldn't help me at trials. Therefore, we have no lead out skills. On Sunday's standard course, I would have liked to lead out to jump 3, but because jump 2 was way to the left of jump 1, I didn't dare. We need some serious brush up on working with the the lines. Similarily, I could have gotten a much tigher turn in yesterday's standard course (chute to a 90 degree turn to a jump) if I could have led out to the chute opening and showed him we were turning from the beginning but I was concerned he would miss the chute if I started away and facing him. Brag is a smartie though so this should go easy, breezy!
3) ACCEL/DECEL/START/STOP!!!! This is such an obvious cue for the dog that I need to do work by myself on sprinting fast and then transitioning smoothly to slower speeds and transitioning back. Also have an idea for an exercise that will help me with quick stop and starts. No more one speed only!
4) NO SPECTATING!!!!! Such a bad habit of mine to stop and "pull" instead of showing Brag the line I want him to take. When I am nervous about an area, I come to a halt, yell and then pull. This doesn't get us fast times and doesn't help my dog. I will examine the dog's ideal path more closely and determine how to set the best line. I must remember that we fail courses due to the dread "stop, yell and pull!"
5) CONTACTS...TO RELEASE EARLY OR HOLD???? I just don't know if I can bring myself to release my dog much earlier from the contact equipment. Brag spent TWO YEARS in Open Standard because he would jump off every single ramp. I might just proceed with agility excellence in jumpers and strive for continued control in standard...cop out?
6) WEAVE FREEDOM!!! Brag has outstanding weave entrances. He is also a sport about letting me do stupid tight rear crosses after he enters the polls. Our exit skills could definitely use work. I don't feel comfortable leaving him in the weaves and running away laterally. That is a big handicap when attempting to "drive" through the course. Going back to the fact that I like options, we must work on our exits.
Can you teach an 8 1/2 year old dog new tricks? Can I overcome my worst agility habits? I think we CAN! :)
Drina, my little agility star
Drina did everything with flair...
