June 12, 2014

Novice JWW Run and Analysis

For the next several weeks, we will be sharing our thoughts and training for dogs that are new to the sport. Often, instructors overlook analyses of novice courses in favor of more complex or tricky courses. Watch the video below for a map analysis and run by a true novice dog (not yet showing) followed by an analysis of this AKC Novice Jumpers With Weaves run. Post any questions in the comments section below!

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  • Esteban, I loved having a novice course analysed and also your recent podcast on the topic of novice dogs…I haven’t been in Novice in 7 years and I’m really rusty so this is great!
    I alternate between being terrified – does she really know how to turn?- and thinking its so easy that I don’t pay enough attention. I start in the fall; it will be full of unexpected adventures!

  • Hi Esteban,

    Wondering why you chose the lead out pivot over the lead out push in this scenario? I’ve always preferred the push because there is no timing to get wrong – it’s just a recall to side with your lower body indicating the “future” and dogs, especially novice dogs, “get” the push easily. But I also do lots of recalls to side as part of “chase me” games and when working around the clock doing “One Damn Jump” training 🙂

    I could see a pivot if you needed to support a line that slightly moved away from the handler and then you needed the cross to change the line/sides, but I don’t see the need here; unless you just wanted to practice it :).

    Thanks!
    Steve

    • Steve, the short answer is handler preference. The less long answer is that the lead out pivot (once taught) gives you more flexibility with respect to starting position, and presents a consistent picture to the dog, that of a front cross. The long answer involves analyzing all the different lead outs at major events and comparing them and calculating rates for faults and wide turns. One example is the opening of the 2014 AKC NAC Finals.

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