A Very Jumpy Class

Both the girls had class on Thur. as usual.  The course had us work some things that were similar to the last outdoor class course, extension and collection.  Another thing to remember was to converge when running from  the tunnel to the table (4-7 or 16-19).  Otherwise the dog would turn into the handler after jump 6/18 and potentially get a refusal at the table.  To do this you can't meet the dog at the end of the tunnel, you have to start with some lateral distance and run straight toward the table.  This tells the dog to run straight for the table too.  The other big thing we worked on was front crosses.  Apparently I need to relearn them because I had been doing really well with front crosses for a long time but lately I keep messing them up.  Some things I need to remember: work on the timing of bringing up the opposite hand to cue the turn/wrap, for a wrap use a send to get the dog ahead of you, and don't stop moving (but don't pass the line of the jump for a wrap) even just leaning can keep the dog going over the jump - you stop the dog stops.  I think I'll just run through the course handling for a change.

Black course: Dog on left for the entire course.  Sending to the tunnel and layering jump 10 is an option that would make converging to the table easier.  For 7-8 use an opposite hand to keep the dog away from the off course jump.  Opposite hand helps for collection at 10, for 12-13, and a tight post turn at 14. 

Red course: Dog on right through jump 5.  Sending to the tunnel and layering that jump is again an option.  Jump wrap front cross at 5. Landing side rear cross 8 to 9.  Lead out some from the table so you can converge on the weaves.  Then converge again to the table.

Blue course: Start with dog on right.  Landing side rear cross 3-4.  Stay on the landing side of jump 5.  Rear cross 9.  Then jump wrap front cross 12.

Both Gidget and Gracie did well on these courses.  Gracie's still struggling with her weaves though.  I just need to work on my front crosses!  You'll see me struggle with these at the trial I'm going to post about next.  Happy agility!