The threadle maneuver intimidates many competitors; double threadles are the stuff of nightmares. Most handlers can stumble through one threadle, but find themselves in poor position to make the second threadle, especially when there is wide spacing. In the diagram below, jumps 1 and 2 are 10 feet apart from each other and 10 feet apart from the tunnel. Wingless jumps 2 and 3 are 6 feet apart.
However, by using a little bit of lateral distance, you can cheat and place yourself in very good position for the double threadle by running the green handler’s path, as shown below.
The dog takes jump #1 on your left arm, and you should decelerate (slow down) as the dog is about to jump. Deceleration will cue the dog to collect her stride and turn toward you, away from the off course tunnel. Next, step back with your left foot and rotate your right arm toward the dog, which brings the dog to you. As the dog crosses the plane of jump #2, turn toward #2 and cue that jump with your left arm. Repeat for jump #3.
When you execute this sequence from a “far” or more lateral position, remember to use deceleration to cue the collection and turn at jump #1.
should = shoulder in previous comment. 🙂
My instructor suggests running in a straight line toward second jump and turning (left should back in this case) to face dog while calling dog — continuing to run in a straight line toward the second jump.