Steve Schwarz over at Agility Nerd has designed a great practice course based on the 2013 IFCS Championship of the Americas Biathlon Jumping course. Sarah and I agreed to analyze the course, run it, analyze our run, and include a link to Steve's analysis in our post. In his blog, Steve notes that he has
Video Analysis
Utilizing the Coach’s Eye, we analyze dog agility videos with slow motion and on screen diagrams.
When faced with a choice on course, many dogs will choose to "split the difference", meaning the dog will head somewhere in between the two choices while they wait for the handler to provide additional information. Dogs that split the difference are trying very hard to be right. Rather than guess wrong, they delay, possibly
In the video below, we apply Greg Derrett's 3 step method for comparing dog paths on the agility course (as outlined in his DVD On Course to Excel). Take a look at the first four obstacles below--which way will you turn your dog after jump #3? After you've decided, watch the video below the course
Body language, both position and motion, are very important parts of the cues you use in dog agility. By creating differences in body language, we can communicate more clearly with our canine partners. Take a look at the video below to see how a small change in handling can lead to a dramatic improvement in
Using the Coach's Eye, we matched up the 2013 AKC 8" National Agility Champion Masher against the 26" National Agility Champion Pace. Their times where separated by 0.786 seconds. Can you predict what made the difference?
Here's a side-by-side Coach's Eye analysis of Cheryl Morris and Karma versus John Nys and Rush, the 1st and 2nd place dogs in the 16" Finals at the 2013 AKC National Agility Championship. On these runs, we examine the effects that stride length and handler position have on course times.
Enjoy this side-by-side Coach's Eye analysis of Desiree Snelleman and Pace versus Daisy Peel and Solar, the 1st and 2nd place dogs in the 26" Challengers Round at the 2013 AKC National Agility Championship. Course design, running contacts, handling choices and ground speed all played a part in this amazing match-up.
In this video, U.S. national champion and 2012 AKC/FCI world team member Daisy Peel and Solar take first place in a well designed International-style jumpers course at the 2013 Rose City Classic in Portland, Oregon. Daisy and Solar, who finished 5th overall for individual large dogs at the FCI World Agility Championship in 2012, effectively use the serpentine and
Great timing is an important part of any great dog agility performance. You can improve your timing by videotaping your competition and practice runs, and freezing the video at your dog's take-off point. Once your dog is in the air, he is not able to change his path until he lands on the ground. So
