The Claw

agilityaddict's picture
Submitted by agilityaddict on Wed, 2006-12-13 09:20.

Olga,

Currenlty I only use my offside hand for the dog to change lines ie serpentines, pull throughs, front crosses and sometimes discriminations and am trying to use my shoulders feet to steer her toward me.  I would consider adopting a new system if I can ease my mind that there are no conflicts in the system for my dog and also, that it doesn't lead to the dog making assumptions when my opposite hand is not up.  ie.  Please look at Alicia's run with Pickle in the GP Semifinal run where they had a small "bobble".  It looks as though without the "claw" Pickle makes an assumption that the course is going straight to the weave poles and not the way Alicia's direction of travel is indicating.  I'm just wondering if you have to use it ever time the course curves towards you?  Do you think this is why Pickle almost went to the weaves?

 Wendy

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ffluffy's picture

The Claw

Submitted by ffluffy on Sat, 2006-11-18 06:12.
In Pickle's semi GP run I walked the first part of that turn using the claw but then I thought it became a straight line (which it didn't) and didn't use the claw.  I think the claw really helps Pickle when I'm on his non-eye side.  'Drive Straight' Pickle will make choices about where he is going and commit and if he can't see me he will just go.  I have a hard time communicating with him when I'm on the left.  I have to be especially carefull of pre-cues on that side.  I like the Claw because it really seems to tell Pickle what we are doing next.  ffluffy
Olga Chaiko's picture

system of the claw..

Submitted by Olga Chaiko on Thu, 2006-11-16 22:46.
Hi Wendy,

I am not sure that the above mentioned hand signals, including the currently so popular "Claw" move, can be called a system.. Maybe a set of hand signals.. It's just a part of my tool box, and it's here for you to try.

It will depend on your particular dog how much you need to use the Recall Hand if at all. Dogs that train with me are encouraged to think independently, and they end up with a super strong Go On skill.. so steering becomes essential.

The only way to "ease your mind" would be to play with the exercises and if you feel you can benefit from these hand signals, try to integrate then into your existing handling scheme and see what happens.

Pickle did seem to need a bit more heads up on that turn in the GP Semi's run, what do you say Alicia? Once Pickle goes, it's hard to stop our Pickle, ;-)..

Well, jokes aside, I like the dog to be running with full commitment, not watching for the subtleties of my body language. If it means I have to make an effort to communicate a change of direction, I will do my best, that's what I am there for.

Wendy and all the rest of the students, do send in a video of you running your dog please. I will have a better way of helping you if I can see your style.

Olga.
agilityaddict's picture

The Claw

Submitted by agilityaddict on Fri, 2006-11-17 08:05.

Hi Olga,

 Thanks so much for your response.  I really like your answer that you encourage people to think for themselves and what is good for their own dog.  That being said I am very open minded and am willing to try new techniques.  My dog is too good in the "go on" department.  We could probably run a whole course better with me in a box in the middle, lol.  I really need work on steering her and not just taking what's in front of her.  I wish I could send video but I need a camera for that - man Christmas is a long way off.....

 Wendy