* Dogs coming onto the course to start - in all fairness, I did brief folks that I'd like them to come on to the course when the dog ahead of them was on the table/in the tunnel and my gate stewards were great at sending people in as well. However, understandably some people were hesitant to come into the course.
* The #3 double jump. Most large dog handlers did a wonderful job in allowing their dog to naturally extend over this obstacle and land in a position to maneuver up the a-frame.
Channan with Icon (think AKC World Team) took this one step further and improved on this sequence in a way so that Icon knew BEFORE the double that he was going left. I noticed it immediately during the run and lucky for me, Channan put the video up on her blog so we can watch it. Little things like this make for an efficient run and are very dog friendly (physically on their bodies).
* Most handlers did great handling the #5 jump and I really enjoyed watching the dogs land, dig in and make the turn toward the dog walk.
* #7-9 was definitely one of the challenging place on this course. Interestingly, quite a few dogs spied the tire and no matter what the handler did (including a front cross that should have directed the dog to the #7 panel), dog after dog felt compelled to head in that direction. Note: the off-course tunnel only caught a few dogs.
* #10 teeter - as expected, handlers had to work to get around the #7 panel jump and pull their dog away from the natural path leading up the dog walk. The majority of handlers did a great job on this and several had some very close calls.
* #12-16 Sequence - as expected, this was my favorite part of the course. Handlers needed to balance their support to the #13 jump and their ability or wish to do a front cross prior to the weave poles. While some folks did a great front cross prior to the weave poles, others chose a REAR cross and then handled #17 & #18 in a serpentine fashion with the dog on their right. I have to admit, I hadn't thought of that handling possibility!
Keep in mind that these trainers have worked hard to accomplish independent weave poles and I really have to applaud the work they have accomplished on this. The nice weave pole work was noticeable in the Novice & Open levels as well.
* #17 & #18 - Most handlers kept their dogs on the left and pushed out to the last two jumps. But, as I mentioned in the bullet point above, several folks were on the opposite side. With the help of independent weave poles handlers were able to work their dog on their right. This allowed handlers to call their dogs over the #17 jump toward them, meet them on the landing side and keep them on their right going over #18.
I think this last handling maneuver and sequence will make a GREAT upcoming class lesson.
So now I'm off to write what I think will happen on tomorrow's Excellent JWW course. Stay tuned as it will automatically appear tomorrow afternoon with a Reality Update to follow.
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