DOGGIE DOG BLOG

Open Handler Tips by Amy Epperson.

Except for tips involving a leash all tips in the Novice section apply here as well.  Remember the judge is judging not only your dog but you as well.  If you want to get top scores you must cut out any handler errors.  Here are a few tips to help you do that.

1.                  Checking in:  Know what your jump heights are.  The ring steward will ask you this when you check in.

2.                  Entering the ring:  Enter with your dog on leash.  Once in the ring take off the leash and hand it to the steward.  Your dog does not have to be sitting for this.  Then heel your dog to the starting point the judge indicates.  You are not allowed to lead your dog around by the collar at any time in this class as you could in Novice.

3.                  Heel Free and Figure Eight:  This is the same as in Novice except that it is all off leash.  You are an expert handler by now, so start your heeling exercise with confidence.

4.                  Drop on Recall:  It’s probably best not to use your dog’s name before the “down” command.  If you have a fast dog he will probably be too close to you to use his name.  Don’t give up if your dog did not go down right away.  Always wait for the judge’s signal after the down command.  The judge will usually wait a bit to give your dog a chance to do it.

5.                  Retrieve on Flat:  You will be starting this exercise from the same place you finished the drop on recall.  Stay right there.  The judge or ring steward will bring the dumbbell to you.  At the judge’s order, give your dog the stay command.  This can be a verbal command and/or a signal.  If you use a hand signal, do not use the hand that is holding the dumbbell.  The dumbbell must be thrown at least 20 feet.  That is half the distance of the ring.  If the dumbbell lands too close to the edge of the ring the judge should have you throw again.  If the judge doesn’t, you can always ask for a re-throw.

6.                  Retrieve over High Jump:  You will need to position yourself at least 8 feet from the jump.  This should be marked.  You may stand a reasonable distance farther back but not over the line.  You must throw the dumbbell at least 8 feet past the jump.  Again, if your dumbbell lands too far out to either side, you may ask for a re-throw.  Practice this at home so this won’t matter to your dog, because the judge may not let you throw again.

7.                  Broad Jump:  Position your dog at least 8 feet from the jump.  Again, this should be marked on the floor.  After giving your dog the stay command, you must position yourself so your toes are about 2 feet from the jump.  This may or may not be marked on the floor.  You may stand anywhere between the lowest edge of the first hurdle and the highest edge of the last hurdle.  In practice try standing in different places to see which place your dog does the best.  Make your turn in place at the same time your dog is going over the jump.

8.                  Group Exercises:  The same things apply here as in Novice.  These exercises are just longer, out of sight, and more nerve wracking.  When you leave the ring, remember which handler followed you out because that is who you will be following back in.

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