As promised, here is a video with a short clip of each recall to heel position. Remember that Lexi has by no means perfected this (in fact, her collection still isn't what I want) but you get the idea!
Showing posts with label The Linda Mecklenburg Experiment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Linda Mecklenburg Experiment. Show all posts
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
RTH Positions
I'm sort of disappointed with myself because after several classes (and new positions learned) I was feeling confused and a bit frustrated. I wanted to be able to express myself on here regarding some of the positions...but I didn't. So, I'm going to try to keep up from now on.
More RTH Positions:
Directed Jumping:
Drills: Set dog up off center from jump (not directly in front of). Handler lines up across from dog (again, not parallel with jump). Handler’s arm is out (towards the jump) and “directs” the dog over the jump, though the handler never crosses the plane of the jump themselves.
270:
Drill: Set dog up parallel to jump bar (near foot of jump). Handler lines up in center of jump, across from the dog (landing side). The handler can reach of the jump and call the dog as the handler turns. The dog has to get on their rear to jump to the owner’s leg.
Serpentine:
Drill: Dog is set parallel to jump bar. Handler pushes the dog over the jump, shoulders facing forward and rewards as the dog jumps diagonally over the jump and lands parallel to the bar with no change in direction.
Notes: This was particularly difficult for Lexi. So, I took some time and practiced at home using two jumps (a bit more "realistic", but we did start with 1 jump). After several repetitions, she has figured it out. This one was actually easier for her to pick up on than it seemed. This video was our first "successful" attempt, so it's a bit dirty, and you can see me stop and wait for her, etc...
Backy Uppy:
Drill: Handler remains on takeoff side of jump. Facing the dog, legs apart. Again asking for true collection. The handler steps back with the leg near the dog (but does not cross the plane of the jump). The handler opens up and uses their arm, then feeds at the heel position. If you do not open up enough, the dog does not technically have “permission” to take the jump since the dog shouldn’t technically ever cross behind you. This handling move is often incorrectly used. In reality it is rarely used.
Extension:
Drill: Place dog farther from the jump. The handler faces forward (again, farther from the jump). The handler is asking for extension—the only of the positions where that is the case. The handler puts the recall leg backwards and looks over that shoulder. The handler lowers the hand on that side and rewards the dog for coming to the hand. Although we are asking for extension, the dog still needs to collect at the handler’s side and not swing out or pass the handler.
Here are some notes that might make more sense.
More RTH Positions:
Directed Jumping:
Drills: Set dog up off center from jump (not directly in front of). Handler lines up across from dog (again, not parallel with jump). Handler’s arm is out (towards the jump) and “directs” the dog over the jump, though the handler never crosses the plane of the jump themselves.
270:
Drill: Set dog up parallel to jump bar (near foot of jump). Handler lines up in center of jump, across from the dog (landing side). The handler can reach of the jump and call the dog as the handler turns. The dog has to get on their rear to jump to the owner’s leg.
Serpentine:
Drill: Dog is set parallel to jump bar. Handler pushes the dog over the jump, shoulders facing forward and rewards as the dog jumps diagonally over the jump and lands parallel to the bar with no change in direction.
Notes: This was particularly difficult for Lexi. So, I took some time and practiced at home using two jumps (a bit more "realistic", but we did start with 1 jump). After several repetitions, she has figured it out. This one was actually easier for her to pick up on than it seemed. This video was our first "successful" attempt, so it's a bit dirty, and you can see me stop and wait for her, etc...
Backy Uppy:
Drill: Handler remains on takeoff side of jump. Facing the dog, legs apart. Again asking for true collection. The handler steps back with the leg near the dog (but does not cross the plane of the jump). The handler opens up and uses their arm, then feeds at the heel position. If you do not open up enough, the dog does not technically have “permission” to take the jump since the dog shouldn’t technically ever cross behind you. This handling move is often incorrectly used. In reality it is rarely used.
Extension:
Drill: Place dog farther from the jump. The handler faces forward (again, farther from the jump). The handler is asking for extension—the only of the positions where that is the case. The handler puts the recall leg backwards and looks over that shoulder. The handler lowers the hand on that side and rewards the dog for coming to the hand. Although we are asking for extension, the dog still needs to collect at the handler’s side and not swing out or pass the handler.
Here are some notes that might make more sense.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Recall to heel (foundation)
6 Recall Positions:
1. Foundation Recall to Heel (RTH)
2. Directed Jumping
3. 270
4. Extension
5. Serpentine
6. Backy up
Foundation RTH:
Drills: The dog is placed in a stay in front of a jump (though this is just the RTH in its most basic form, it can be used when the dog is moving), the handler moves across the jump facing the dog, and turns the outside leg sideways (the inside foot is facing the dog/jump). The idea is to get close to true collection. True collection is when the dog takes off for the jump at the jump’s height, and lands at the jump’s height’s distance away from the jump. So for our dogs, the dog jumps at around 16” from the jump, over the 16” jump, and lands 16” from the jump. The idea is that the handler lines up around 16” beyond the jump to force collection.
Two problems are often seen when working this drill.
1. Swinging: The dog aims for your back leg and swings itself over the bar.
2. Diving: The dog aims for your front leg and pivots into position.
In other words, the dogs attempt to use their athleticism to get into place.
To fix the aforementioned issues, try first working this drill on the flat.
a) First, recall and feed when the dog is facing you
b) Then, shorten the distance
To stop diving, the handler can move to the side (rather than the center). Sometimes you can correct one issue and create the other.
These drills are designed to help the handler know their footwork and also to build the dog’s jumping skills.
1. Foundation Recall to Heel (RTH)
2. Directed Jumping
3. 270
4. Extension
5. Serpentine
6. Backy up
Foundation RTH:
Drills: The dog is placed in a stay in front of a jump (though this is just the RTH in its most basic form, it can be used when the dog is moving), the handler moves across the jump facing the dog, and turns the outside leg sideways (the inside foot is facing the dog/jump). The idea is to get close to true collection. True collection is when the dog takes off for the jump at the jump’s height, and lands at the jump’s height’s distance away from the jump. So for our dogs, the dog jumps at around 16” from the jump, over the 16” jump, and lands 16” from the jump. The idea is that the handler lines up around 16” beyond the jump to force collection.
Two problems are often seen when working this drill.
1. Swinging: The dog aims for your back leg and swings itself over the bar.
2. Diving: The dog aims for your front leg and pivots into position.
In other words, the dogs attempt to use their athleticism to get into place.
To fix the aforementioned issues, try first working this drill on the flat.
a) First, recall and feed when the dog is facing you
b) Then, shorten the distance
To stop diving, the handler can move to the side (rather than the center). Sometimes you can correct one issue and create the other.
These drills are designed to help the handler know their footwork and also to build the dog’s jumping skills.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
System Recap
5 Different Motion Cues:
1. No motion
2. Forward (Accel)
3. Deceleration
4. Lateral
5. Backwards
What type of motion is used for a forward send? Deceleration
What type of motion is used for a lateral send? Lateral
When executing a forward or lateral send, a t what point relative to a jump must you begin your motion as a turning cue? Prior to the point of commitment
Why does the dog not refuse the jump? Because of the balance of additional forward cues: Shoulders forward, verbal cue, hand motion, eyes, etc…
The timing of the motion cue is more important than the location cue.
6 Cues to provide the dog with information:
1. Motion
2. Location
3. Shoulders
4. Eye contact
5. Hand
6. Verbal
When handling, your job is to create a balance of cues telling the dog where to go in a timely manner.
What is the balance of forward cues and turning cues for each skill?
Skill: Forward Send
Turning Cues:
1. Motion (Deceleration)
2. Location (Handler stays on take off side of jump)
Forward Cues:
1. Shoulders (Facing forward)
2. Hand signal
3. Eyes
4. Verbal
Skill: Lateral Send
Same as Forward
1. No motion
2. Forward (Accel)
3. Deceleration
4. Lateral
5. Backwards
What type of motion is used for a forward send? Deceleration
What type of motion is used for a lateral send? Lateral
When executing a forward or lateral send, a t what point relative to a jump must you begin your motion as a turning cue? Prior to the point of commitment
Why does the dog not refuse the jump? Because of the balance of additional forward cues: Shoulders forward, verbal cue, hand motion, eyes, etc…
The timing of the motion cue is more important than the location cue.
6 Cues to provide the dog with information:
1. Motion
2. Location
3. Shoulders
4. Eye contact
5. Hand
6. Verbal
When handling, your job is to create a balance of cues telling the dog where to go in a timely manner.
What is the balance of forward cues and turning cues for each skill?
Skill: Forward Send
Turning Cues:
1. Motion (Deceleration)
2. Location (Handler stays on take off side of jump)
Forward Cues:
1. Shoulders (Facing forward)
2. Hand signal
3. Eyes
4. Verbal
Skill: Lateral Send
Same as Forward
Monday, July 18, 2011
More LM information
Sends & Recalls
1. Lateral Sends: Lateral movement cues the dog
a. Keep your shoulders square to the jump until the dog commits
2. Drills:
a. One jump drills
i. Set the dog up 8’-10’ in a stay. Stand so that you can touch the jump (on the dog’s side). Release the dog at the same time as you step laterally (side stepping). As the dog commits to the jump, turn 90 degrees and step forward, and reward the dog at your side
5 Motion Cues:
1. Forward/Acceleration
2. Deceleration
3. No Motion
4. Backwards
5. Lateral
Tips for Lexi and Bentley:
a. When making a turn, keep eye contact while moving forward
b. Use arms earlier to signal that a turn (or cross) is coming
1. Lateral Sends: Lateral movement cues the dog
a. Keep your shoulders square to the jump until the dog commits
2. Drills:
a. One jump drills
i. Set the dog up 8’-10’ in a stay. Stand so that you can touch the jump (on the dog’s side). Release the dog at the same time as you step laterally (side stepping). As the dog commits to the jump, turn 90 degrees and step forward, and reward the dog at your side
5 Motion Cues:
1. Forward/Acceleration
2. Deceleration
3. No Motion
4. Backwards
5. Lateral
Tips for Lexi and Bentley:
a. When making a turn, keep eye contact while moving forward
b. Use arms earlier to signal that a turn (or cross) is coming
Monday, July 11, 2011
The Linda Mecklenburg Experiment Begins
This week Jonathan and I started classes at a new facility. I will be honest in saying that I have been skeptical, and hesitant to start classes at this facility because they are serious Linda Mecklenburg followers. For those who know me know that I don't follow a handling system. We have worked closely with Stuart Mah, but to say he has a system isn't entirely correct. In fact, I have almost felt opposed to using a system because I don't like the idea of there being only one way to do things. I also like using verbal commands, while LM emphasis positioning very heavility. I also don't like what I see when many LM followers seem to use a lot of FCs and their dogs run slowly rather than driving ahead (this is NOT entirely accurate, just some of the negatives that I have seen in some dogs).
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed our classes tonight. I learned a lot in those two classes, and a lot more about the fundamentals of dog training than I have in quite some time.
I have decided to use this blog to outline the things that we learn, not only as a journal, but also as a resource for me. I am learning, but I don't just want to "monkey see monkey do". I want to read through the information, understand the reasoning, and compare processes.
Without further ado, here are my notes from the two classes. (Note: Sends & Recalls is Lexi's class, and Competition Silver is Bentley's class):
The Linda Mecklenburg Experiment:
Sends & Recalls:
1.) Sends: Not a “distance” thing, but asking the dog to take a jump in front of them.
a. Forward and Lateral Sends
b. Decelerate early. Decelerating indicates a turn, not a shoulder turn. The shoulders remain facing the jump until the dog has committed. A dog’s natural tendency is to turn into you when you decelerate as long as there is no lateral movement.
c. Leading out off of a contact only allows you to accelerate. Going from stopped to moving is always acceleration. Better to hang back and show actual deceleration.
2.) Drills:
a. One jump drills using both forward and lateral sends.
a. For lateral sends, place the jump in a corner which forces the dog to curl tightly around the jump.
b. For forward sends, place the dog in a stay and back up behind the dog. Start running (motion) and release the dog as you begin to decelerate (stop before they commit).
Comp Silver:
1.) 4 Different Kinds of Rear Crosses
a. Forward Moving: Maintain forward acceleration beyond the obstacle, driving to the next. The handler needs to keep pace with the dog (rather than accelerating past, or pushing the dog ahead) to allow acceleration.
b. Lateral Movement: Lateral movement is what shows a dog that you are rear crossing to a particular side.
c. Deceleration: Handler drives ahead of the dog, then forward sends the dog (see previous) to cue a turn. Then the lateral motion indicates the direction of the turn.
d. No motion: Similar to a decelerating rear cross, but when the handler is way ahead of the dog.
The instructor remarked that Bentley does not seem to know the difference between the 4 mentioned rear crosses. This is likely true. We worked so hard to get Bentley to move ahead and away from us, that rear crosses were taught (and performed) in the most basic of ways.
That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed our classes tonight. I learned a lot in those two classes, and a lot more about the fundamentals of dog training than I have in quite some time.
I have decided to use this blog to outline the things that we learn, not only as a journal, but also as a resource for me. I am learning, but I don't just want to "monkey see monkey do". I want to read through the information, understand the reasoning, and compare processes.
Without further ado, here are my notes from the two classes. (Note: Sends & Recalls is Lexi's class, and Competition Silver is Bentley's class):
The Linda Mecklenburg Experiment:
Sends & Recalls:
1.) Sends: Not a “distance” thing, but asking the dog to take a jump in front of them.
a. Forward and Lateral Sends
b. Decelerate early. Decelerating indicates a turn, not a shoulder turn. The shoulders remain facing the jump until the dog has committed. A dog’s natural tendency is to turn into you when you decelerate as long as there is no lateral movement.
c. Leading out off of a contact only allows you to accelerate. Going from stopped to moving is always acceleration. Better to hang back and show actual deceleration.
2.) Drills:
a. One jump drills using both forward and lateral sends.
a. For lateral sends, place the jump in a corner which forces the dog to curl tightly around the jump.
b. For forward sends, place the dog in a stay and back up behind the dog. Start running (motion) and release the dog as you begin to decelerate (stop before they commit).
Comp Silver:
1.) 4 Different Kinds of Rear Crosses
a. Forward Moving: Maintain forward acceleration beyond the obstacle, driving to the next. The handler needs to keep pace with the dog (rather than accelerating past, or pushing the dog ahead) to allow acceleration.
b. Lateral Movement: Lateral movement is what shows a dog that you are rear crossing to a particular side.
c. Deceleration: Handler drives ahead of the dog, then forward sends the dog (see previous) to cue a turn. Then the lateral motion indicates the direction of the turn.
d. No motion: Similar to a decelerating rear cross, but when the handler is way ahead of the dog.
The instructor remarked that Bentley does not seem to know the difference between the 4 mentioned rear crosses. This is likely true. We worked so hard to get Bentley to move ahead and away from us, that rear crosses were taught (and performed) in the most basic of ways.
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