Novice A JWW

[Silvermarten]

Henry has entered the world of working rotties and I have entered the world of owner/handler

We're taking it easy so I can overcome pre-trial nerves and make sure Henry doesn't get too hyped in a trial venue . With that in mind ( and his new leaping over the table behaviour ) we're just going to do a few JWW events and wait on Standard a little longer .

He was very good at the start line . I led out to jump 3 , signaled and we were off ( he promptly dropped a bar on jump 1 ) . Jump 2 & 3 both perfect . I turn and head to jump 4 ( a 90' turn ) . Henry is zooming STRAIGHT for jump 6 as it's in line with #3 . "Henry" I call , he skids to turn my direction without taking jump 6 . Good boy !
Sadly I misjudged the speed he'd respond and take the correct jump so my 'front cross' ended up being a 'collision cross' . Somehow we both stay on our feet . Next is weaves . I guess the collision knocked the weaves out of him as it took four attempts .
A few more jumps , 1 tunnel and 4 more jumps to finish .

Obviously we didn't 'Q' , but for a green dog with a green handler I'm more than happy with our run .
Tomorrow is another day and another course

[debbiej]

congratulations! just getting to that point makes me quite impressed and even envious! sounds like a great way to start, by learning and having a good time.

[MontanaRott]

WTG!!!! Good luck on the next try!

[BostonRott]

Sounds like you had fun.

A few thoughts, if you're interested. In Novice, there's usually little reason to take a 3 jump lead-out. Also, if you don't stay 2-3 jumps ahead of teh dog after that, then why lead out....you've gained nothing and lead outs often cause lots of issues. A typical green dog issue is that you signal to go, and then start to move, he sees you move and increases his speed/flattens his stride even more and voila: first bar down. Many handlers have a rule: no moving from lead out position til the dog is on the ground from Jump #1.

Something I just picked up in a seminar recently.....when giving such a big lead out, yo'ure almost lying to the dog. You've told him "I'm out here, we're probably going to turn but I want you to ignore that pre-cue (lead out = turn coming) for at least 2 jumps, then I'll try to cue you." I had never thought of that before, but it sure was an interesting point.

I can picture the course you're describing.........your boy did exactly what you told him to: you lead out really far, telling him "GO!!!" and then asked for a turn in what was a visually straight line for him. I would have lead to between 1 and 2, and then as he finished 2 and committed to 3 (and learning a dog's commitment point is a whole art in itself ), start drifting towards the FAR stanchion of #4 (where your cross should be placed) and your drift will be a pre-cue "We're turning" so that as he's taking 3, you've already started to shape his path to 4.

I hope this doesn't seem like harsh criticism, it's not meant to be in any way. Just trying to offer what I've learned in many wasted entry fees.

If you don't already subscribe to Clean Run, I would STRONGLY suggest getting their latest issue, a specialty issue focused on Handling. By far one of their best ever, and TONS of great info re: cues, timing, crosses (when and where), etc. http://www.cleanrun.com

Welcome to the world of trials, they're a LOT of fun and you're going to meet some truly awesome people. The ones you run now with in Novice will be the first "group" you get to know outside of your immediate training buddies, as they're the ones who you'll constantly be with at trials, and you can all commiserate together during your walk throughs.

Hope today goes well for you!!!!!!!!

[Silvermarten]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone .

BostonRott : Don't worry I'm not one to jump to the wrong conclusions from anothers view of what I'm doing . Everyones opinions are always welcome . I'm totally new to this so very happy to have others with experience give me insight into training/handling . I've no problem with you sharing your thoughts . I've a ton to learn and have a very open mind so feel free to share your thoughts/ideas at any time . They will always be welcome

Off for trial day 2 . I'll report back later

[BostonRott]

Best of luck, can't wait to hear how it goes! I'm jealous, it's GORGEOUS out today and my favorite trial is going on about an hour from here, but I didn't enter b/c I was due on Monday. Sigh!

HAVE FUN!! The Grrrlz are sending you good vibes!!

one more quick hint: on your first walk through the course, walk the dog's path. Go through the jumps, squat down in tunnel exits, see what the dog sees. Will sometimes show you the hidden traps!

[Brooke&Ryan]

You seem to have a great attitude! Keep on having fun & I wish you much luck!

[Silvermarten]

Back after trial day 2

MUCH better run but still managed to knock a bar ( totally handlers fault ! ) .

The course was a more flowing set-up today . Only drawback was Standard running at same time with their teeter at the edge of the ring same end that the JWW class had it's start line . Even though there was 15 feet between rings Henry was WAY too intrested in all the teeter noise . Dispite all the distraction he did a great job of paying attention to mom once we got going . So much so he responded to my handling error and knocked a bar .
Nailed the weaves perfectly today and at top speed

I did have the chance to watch three other rotts run ( I couldn't track them or their handlers down ) . Boy is there a difference in the way they approach the course . Much more determined and calm attitudes , where-as Henry is kicking up dust peeling out and his whole expression is just a big " wheeeee !!! "

I'm just thrilled . No we didn't Q , but we had fun . I have his run on video so I can review my errors time and time again

It's amazing to see him still in the daytime . He's crashed on his bed right now snoring away .

Tomorrows another day and yes , day 3 of the trial

I wonder what new mistakes I can make tomorrow ?

[BostonRott]

hahaha, o NEVER ask that question. I haven't posted about my last trial and Banja's reverse chute. Someone needs to explain to her that the chute is a unidirectional obstacle. Then there's my friend's Rottweiler male who went to the "up" end of the teeter, grabbed it with front paws, pulled it down and went across.....the crowd went nuts, so he did it two more times!

Glad to hear that you two had fun, and VERY glad to hear that you taped your run. I guarantee you'll look back on that in months to come and say "Wow, I've really improved!" It's also a GREAT way to watch in slow-mo and see just how the dog responds to you.

As to the calm approach, it will come with time. A lot of that is "green dog" syndrome, not to worry! One thing you could do to work on it at training is find something he goes absolutely NUTS for.....whether its a specific toy, or a treat ..... get him wound out of his mind just before it's your turn in class. Then take him to the start, sit him like you would in trial, toss the leash aside, announce him "This is Henry" (like you would to the scribe in a trial) and then do whatever it is you're supposed to be doing. This will give him a routine to expect on trial day, and also hopefully try to emulate some of the excitement (via his favorite treasure) and teach him to work calmly through the excitement.

Best of luck tomorrow, I hope you guys come out with an awesome run and a Q !!! And you're already way ahead of the game......it's not all about the Q's, its often about the little things. To not hit the weaves yesterday and nail them today.....BRAVO!!! Give the big lunk a hug for me!!!

[Silvermarten]

Well at least we are consistant . Another NQ run

Led out to between jump 1 & 2 , off we go - great start - #3 is the broad jump which he lept way too far for Crazy dog cleared it by miles . Skids to turn for jump 4 , down goes the bar . Missed the weave entry so I called him back . 2nd time thru was awesome . He's starting to bark and really work this course . Hyperdrive kicks in . Couple more jumps , nice rearcross and send him on ahead , three jumps , he's flying Luckily the next obstacle is the tunnel in a "C" shape . Gives me chance to catch up and do a quick front cross as he exits . Perfect timing and line up for the last three jumps . He really powered up for the finish and worked nicely ahead of me .

I'm very happy with this run . We seemed to have a better communication going . Just a few days of trialing and we've both learn't so much .

This was a 112yd course . 24" jumpers time was 37 seconds .
Henry's time ( including a repeat weaves ) 27 seconds
Approx 4.15 yd/sec . ( 12.45 ft/sec )
No wonder I cann't keep up with him

He's got one more class tomorrow and then we're done for a while . I've learn't a lot and am totally hooked . We both have a blast !!!!

[BostonRott]

Yahoo!!!! At least you know that the problem you're having (the dropped bars) are not his jumping style, just late cues on your part. An easy fix, you'll get it figured out in no time and you guys will rack up the Q's and titles!!!