The Value of Conditioning

Conditioning is important for any competitor. Whether you consider yourself a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, you and your dog will suffer far less physical stress or injury if you make efforts to condition yourselves -- especially during the change of seasons. Take special care when preparing to attend an all-day workshop or trial outside. The weather can change drastically between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. -- ranging from cool and damp to hot and dry and back to cool and damp. Before you attend a special event, plan on taking some short walks during the warmer part of the days ahead. Work up to moderate walks during the warmest part of the days. And make sure to cool down after any unusual exertion.

Rules of the Game: Q2 2009

What does "Fifteen" represent in "Fifteen and Send Time" (FAST) -- the AKC class that tests a team's distance handling skills?

a. The 15 seconds you get to complete the "Send Bonus"
b. The 15 obstacles that carry points in the course
c. The 15 points you earn by completing the "Send Bonus"

Watch Where You're Going

Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it. But when you’re worried about your dog completing an obstacle correctly or you’re simply enthralled by your dog’s jumping style, you may spend more time watching your dog, than watching where you’re going. Keep in mind that the direction your head is pointing also helps your dog decide which direction to run. Turning your head to look back over your shoulder is actually one of the first steps in performing a front cross. So, if you turn your head to look at her, your dog may pull up and slow down expecting you to “complete a front cross.” Instead, look ahead at the next obstacle you plan to take. Keep it safe for you and clear for your dog.

Andrea Cummins is our first "Rules of the Game" winner (see Q1 2009 comments below). Congratulations to Andrea and thanks to those of you who checked in and those of you who posted an answer. The next question will be posted Tuesday, April 7, at 8 a.m. By the way, you'll also find links to the various organizations and their rule books in the Rules of "Rules of the Game" at the bottom of this site.

Rules of the Game: Q1 2009

Which of the following obstacles would definitely NOT be found in a USDAA Starters Jumpers course?

Triple Jump
Tunnel
Table
Wing Jump
Weave Poles
Hoop

OH, and don't forget..."Rules of the Game" starts tomorrow night! The first correct comment wins!

Rainy Day Send Away

Here's a rainy day exercise. It requires 1 jump and 1 plastic cup -- and, of course, your dog and some "good dog" stuff. If you don't have a jump, you can manufacture one out of a broom and a couple of stacks of books. The jump does not have to be tall.

Step 1: Setup your jump so it's facing a wall, about 2' away from the wall. You and your dog stand on the other side of jump about 2' away from the jump, facing the jump. Set your plastic cup on the floor to mark where you're standing.

Step 2: Send your dog over the jump. Give him a verbal cue, then follow up with any kind of body or hand cue you'd like. Stare at the jump. Nod at the jump. Take a small step forward. Lure him over. Or toss a cookie if you'd like. Help him get over the jump, land in the 2' area between the jump and the wall, and return to you around the jump. Reward him lavishly. Repeat this step several times until he's completing it fluently.

Step 3: Take a giant step backwards and set your dog up there. Repeat Step 2 with this twist -- your body may not pass the plastic cup you set down earlier. Remember to take a giant step back from the cup each time you start this step. When he's completing this step happily. Move to Step 4.

Step 4: Walk up to the cup. Pick it up. Take a giant step backwards, then set the cup down beside you. Repeat Step 3 -- take another giant step backwards and send your dog over the jump without passing the newly placed cup.

Continue to repeat step 4 as long as your dog is happily travelling the established distance. If it looks like he's getting confused or frustrated, move back up a giant step, then move back again when he's confident. Keep in mind that your dog should have good surface traction. This is a "sending" exercise, not a "jumping" exercise. Enjoy!