The leaps from Novice to Open and from Open to Utility

[Miabella]

While we're waiting for trials at the end of January and hopefully that last CDX leg, Ilsa and I have been working on the Utility exercises. I'm happy to report that my dog is a genius and things are going swimmingly.

Seriously though, she is making very quick progress, and so far it seems to me that the leap from Novice to Open is much bigger than from Open to Utility. Now, I think Ilsa progressed pretty quickly, it took her just 12 months from the start of Open training to earn 2 legs in 3 trials, but it was really really hard! I've only been working the Utility exercises off and on for a month, but she's already got the framework for go-out/directed jumping, directed retrieves, signals, and moving SFE. I haven't started scent articles yet because I just received a new set for Christmas, and I've been advised to let them air out for a month before using them.

But then I hear about dogs who cruised through Novice and Open, getting both titles in 3 tries, and then can't Q in Utility in 20 trials. What's up with that?

I'd be really interested in hearing what our more experienced competitors think (Judi, I am looking in your direction! ) Is the gap between Novice and Open wider than the gap between Open and Utility, or am I just fooling myself?

[BostonRott]

The other question that needs to be asked is how old is the dog? A youngster may fly through Nov/Open but then get to Utility and just not have the mental fortitude to deal with it (or burned out on that fast trip through Nov/Open). We see this frequently in Agility (dogs who are young and just can't handle Excellent, or are a tad crispy when they get there and need time off).

I know that I found with Froli that as she got to be about 3.5-4, she was really hitting her stride in terms of learning, handling new situations and dealing with whatever bizarre things cropped up at any given trial (be it my nerves, or some oddity on the site).

[Judi W]

Open work is very direct. Everything works off the handler. In Utility everything is done away from the handler with decisions and concentration required on the part of the dog. A dog can let its attention wander a bit and still get the dumbell. It can look at the next ring and still hear the drop command. In Utility, a slight drift can cause the dog to get the wrong glove. Articles are often in different places and a less than perfect turn can do the same thing, not only can the pile get "lost" but the dog still has to discern the right scent in addition to all the retrieve requirements. Blink and he will miss a signal, direction for jumps or signals for signal exercise. I had one dog who got his UD three shows in a row. That is the only one and it was I'm sure just a quirk. I don't remember for sure, but I believe the average all breed is something like 29 shows for the 3 legs. Also, note, that it takes time for seasoning, not just the learning.

[Miabella]

Originally Posted by Judi W

the average all breed is something like 29 shows for the 3 legs. Also, note, that it takes time for seasoning, not just the learning.

Wow, I guess that explains why I hear people call it "Futility".

I can see what you mean, how Utility requires the dog to think in the ring, while Open is pretty much rote. I wonder if many people don't give time for the maturity and seasoning you and Gretchen mentioned, and that's why it's averaging 29 trials for the 3 legs.

Add up all the entry fees and travel expenses, and that's one expensive title!

[Judi W]

No, it is just that there are so very many things that can go wrong. Next time you are at a trial watch the Utility classes from beginning to end and don't think for one minute that they are jumping the gun and weren't ready. Also watch the B classes and you will see that they don't have a lock on the work either.

[LynnS]

Hi Miabella

Although I can not comment directly on your post since we are not exactly there yet (understatement of the year) I know that some handlers train across all 3 levels at the same time (or some variation on the theme). My trainer has us working on open exercises while we finish proofing and polishing Novice...

The only thing I have noticed is that over time is that Bella and I understand each other better which makes training new exercises a bit easier (I should say SOME exercises)....

Ok did I get totally off topic with this LOL

[BostonRott]

Yes, we've started Open exercises already, just so that the dog doesn't get bored of only heeling.

[laurlitt]

Originally Posted by LynnS

Hi Miabella

Although I can not comment directly on your post since we are not exactly there yet (understatement of the year) I know that some handlers train across all 3 levels at the same time (or some variation on the theme). My trainer has us working on open exercises while we finish proofing and polishing Novice...

The only thing I have noticed is that over time is that Bella and I understand each other better which makes training new exercises a bit easier (I should say SOME exercises)....

Ok did I get totally off topic with this LOL

When are you two going in the ring... ??? We're all waiting :)

As for Utility being called Futility, I think it should also be called POVERTY, by the time you pay for all those entry fees :)

I have seen handlers take this many trials to pass a UD and I've also seen them nail it 1, 2, 3.

[Judi W]

If you spend too much time in Novice you can believe the poor dogs will get bored out of their minds. You can certainly start your Open (don't do the DOR however) which perks them up a lot. I believe in getting that Novice out of the way and going on. I really don't understand the people who keep their poor dog in Novice after they get the CD just chasing standings. I've watched people do that and the work gets worse and worse. It is a silly ego trip and quite unfair to my mind in going against dogs who don't even have the title yet. How proud can you be of that?

I've always heard of people who train across all levels - but in 30 years I've never seen it with my own eyes. Not saying it is never done, but really, what is the purpose? In fact the couple of people I know who insisted that is what they were doing - the dog never did get in the ring at all!

At each higher level, there are more things that can give you that big NQ even with a pretty decent worker, and don't forget that dreaded anticipation (the bane of those of us with drivey, smart dogs that know the work). In Novice, the only anticipation you are at risk for is the recall. In Open you have the DOR, the two retrieves and the broad jump. In Utility you are at risk in every single exercise even the heeling with the signals. Heeling/signals; scent articles (twice); gloves; moving stand; directed jumping (twice). Those are just the anticipation dangers not counting missing a direction or some confusion. I know handlers that get mixed up because there is so much stuff but the dog is expected to remember everything correctly! I say that because I've asked friends who have UD dogs to run me through and they can't remember what comes next or when to give the orders.

[LynnS]

Originally Posted by laurlitt

When are you two going in the ring... ??? We're all waiting :)

LOL - some where along the way I decided I wanted to really compete (lofty goal for a newbie huh?) - luckily Bella seems to think it's all still a blast (good thing I have sense of humor) and I just started training with someone who can get us there (or somewhere in the vicinity). I will keep you posted

Miabella - sorry for off topic post....