Pay attention to the jump - collection following a tunnel

Cynde's picture

Cynde

How do you let your dog know that he must collect coming out of the tunnel to do a close jump (like a double we saw at at recent USDAA show) immediately following the tunnel?

Olga Chaiko's picture

Collection following the tunnel

Hi Cynde,

There are many ways to teach the dog collection whether after a tunnel or any place else.. I prefer to let the dog know where he is going and let him figure out the best way to do it. In other words, if you are looking for a specific cue to make the dog shorten his stride, I don't teach that. Dogs learn to read the distance to the jumps and regulate stride/take off points themselves.. with experience. My reasoning not to interfere with the dog's jumping is that I believe the handler's job is to give the dog timely and clear direction and let the dog do his job. I don't like diverting my dog's attention from jumping, it's safer this way.

Your dog is young.. just give him time.

Olga.