Now here's the report on the reality of the course.
* The line from jump #2 - 3 was definitely something to be dealt with. For those few slower dogs, most handlers were able to successfully run with their dogs and shape this line nicely.
However most handles wisely chose to lead out for this sequence. Where a handler was seemed to play an important role on a dog's success in keeping the jumps up and taking the correct obstacle. While nobody went into the tunnel, knocked bars at jump #2 or 3 were fairly common.
When I designed the course, I envisions handlers starting about halfway between #2 and 3. My thought was this would give the dog landing space and also time to process and successfully maneuver over #3. I noticed that handlers who started right next to jump #3 had quite a few knocked bars. It didn't seem to matter if handlers remained stationary or did a RFP (reverse flow pivot), the outcome was generally the same.
* As for the #20 off-course option, not one dog fell for that trap : )
* Coming out of the #5 tunnel, I was so pleased to see handlers execute the front cross on the landing side of #6 and it really was pretty! As expected, several handlers did do a rear cross at the weave poles as well.
* For sequence #8-9, several people successfully executed a front cross between #9 and 10 while others did a rear cross after #10. The challenge with that option was to keep the dog off of the wrong-course #2 jump. A gentlemen with a Malanois did an amazing job with this rear cross. The difference was that he clearly had his dog's head as she did the rear cross so she never looked at the off-course jump and turned in tight toward #12. On a different note, I was surprised that some handlers attempted a rear cross after #9 which generally resulted in the dog pulling off of #11.
* While some dogs did pull off of the #14 jump when their handlers left early, the majority of dog/handlers worked through this sequence nicely. Until jump #17 that is...after pulling the dog down to jump #16, the #17 jump required a clear push out. Handlers who neglected to focus on this jump prior to moving down the last line of jumps usually incurred a refusal/runout as the dog curved in toward the handler prior to taking this jump.
* As for my concern about the off-course #4 tunnel. Not one Excellent dog took or even appeared to look at this potential option. Looks like the AKC is right when they consider obstacles beyond 21' a low risk off-course option. : )
Some side notes on the trial. Dan and I really love judging for this club. They seem to have beautiful parks for the trial, great ring crew, a wonderful secretary and the exhibitors always seem to be in such a lovely mood! We never fail to have a great time and as always, I made so many new friends.
I really want to send a thank you note to my Diabetes friends down here. They never fail to support and encourage me and lately, I've really needed it (I may blog on it later). In the meantime, thank you, thank you, thank you!
My baby dog and I enjoyed this trial, too! Thanks to you and Dan...
ReplyDeleteCeleste and Riff