Good or not good idea
Submitted by lindat on Wed, 2008-03-05 17:56.
I am still experimenting with what my startline routine is. I am learning the running or in-line start with Olga. In class last night I kind of put my arm around his neck to hold him and then said ready, ready, go. He did like it and bolted from the start. Now, in the backyard, I play a little ball with the dogs. For Ralph, I put one arm around him like I would at the start and said ready, ready and then go and threw the ball. He did just explode after the ball. I am not sure if this is a good idea or a not good idea? When I did attempt to do the startline stay previously, I would try to have him calm, which never worked, so I am not sure if I am going way to the other side and having him really pumped up. When I am doing the arm around him and getting ready to throw the ball, he is so pumped up that he is just really lunged forward, like I am holding him back from all the steak he can eat and someone might beat him to it! I am still trying to get this all figured out.Â
--LindaÂ
Re: Good or not good idea
Omigod Linda, that sounds like utotopia and a good idea to me! When Olga and I were working on Doc and my startline, we had specific criteria that it must be:
The first bullet of Burstable was key for us! I also added a 'bark/speak" command for Doc during when I have my arm around him, further encouraging him to burst to the 'steak'!
Re: Good or not good idea
Yes, I have all 3 of those! I think I am going down the right path with Ralph. Instead of trying to stop the excitement, I actually get to work with the excitement and let him be himself, eager to go run and do the course. I still have a lot to learn about how to position him so I can get the best running start also, but I know that I can do that. It makes me feel good to see Ralph happy and eager to go at the start.Â
 I've watched that video of you, I think it is a USDAA jumpers course. I've looked at a couple of other ones, but I can't see the start very well. That video gave me an idea of where I need to start with the inline start. I have a DOCNA trial this weekend. DOCNA is really relaxed so it will be a great place for me to experiment. I am going to have someone video all my starts and I will post some of them for comments. Â
What I am finding about the in-line start with Ralph is that starting in the backyard, or in class is now the very same as a trial. I don't have one behavior for at home and another behavior for a trial. I always felt so ridiculous at home and in class putting Ralph on a stay and then walking out to some position knowing that in a trial it is never going to happen! Now I am practicing what I can really use at a trial.
--LindaÂ
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Re: Good or not good idea
 >knowing that in a trial it is never going to happen<
Made me chuckle. Kody does beautiful 2o2o until released contacts, in practice and class. At a trial he is a barking maniac and I have to make sure he doesnt bark himself off the contact or table. Way too funny,
Cheers,
Jean
Re: Good or not good idea
Linda,
Having the dog to be happy is always a good idea, ;-).. Can't go wrong with this one..
However, he should be himself and as happy and upbeat as he feels like being.. don't "pump him up" into a state of craziness.
Remember, you and Ralph still have to run a numbered course together.
So, when playing with the ball, make sure Ralph doesn't forget to promptly bring the ball to you and that he doesn't forget about you once he is released to get the ball. This is why the initial steps of how to teach the running start are all promoting the idea of locating the obstacle in front, taking it and returning to the handler.
If the dog gets super happy and explodes right into the stratosphere and goes off course, PLEASE DO NOT SHOW ANY DISPLEASURE. Directing a happy speedy dog is not easy and requires lots of training and skill.
However, doing the same in practice as you do in competition is a great step forward and I congratulate you on this.
Olga.
Re: Good or not good idea
Thank you Olga. Your comments are wonderful. I am off to my DOCNA trial, a time to experiment with Ralph. I will upload a startline trial video. I am determined not to discuss my startline at this trial with anyone or express concern like I usually do. I have my plan in mind and if Ralph goes off course, no big deal, we are still learning. Usually, it is Linda at a trial all obsessed about her startline, insecure, unsure, not knowing what to do and so Ralph takes over and off he goes. This weekend, I plan to be a team with Ralph. Really, he is such a wonderful dog, he wants to please, he is athletic, and he is definitely Mr. Sunshine!
--LindaÂ