1. On Path to a QWhatcom Agility TeamCourse AnalysisPath managementConfidencehttp://www.slideshare.net/StefanElvstad/on-path-to-qCopyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad

2. On Path to a QClass room discussion and exercisesExercises will use only ground level obstaclesHoops (Non-obstacle)Gates (to help guiding the dog)Tunnels (motivator, and to work on discrimination/options)Hoops, tunnels and gates are great for training handling because:Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 3. On Path to a QNo obstacle performance the performance cannot be faultedCommon problem, dog followed path, but faulted the obstacle. Or,dog missed a tunnel/DW discrimination, but did a rare perfect2o2o. Should I reward?Most dogs love tunnels.Can use tunnels as magnets to help or to challengeGates can be used to make the right choice more obviousGround level obstacles are gentle on the dogs joints and musclesThe dogs can run fast with no airtime handler must think quicklyAt least 75% of my training uses hoops and tunnels only. Remaining 25% is split between obstacle performance training and course handling that must account for extended/collected jumps.Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 4. Course AnalysisDesign the desired path for your dogTradeoffs: Speed / AccuracyPhysical limitations (dog/handler)Environment (e.g. slippery grass)Path factorsApproach and Departure anglesRest of courseTrapsFavored obstacle types (tunnel suck) Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 5. Blue or Red?Depends on preferencesMe and My dogs: Blue or BustMost dogs and Handlers: Go for QPitfalls: Soft dogs get discouraged by failure Dogs may get discouraged if held backYour gut feel tells you Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 6. Course Analysis (w/ map)Draw the dogs path on map Step 1Straight line through jumps 1 (collection) 3 (extension) times the jumpheight on BOTH sides of jumpPath from tunnel/chute exits continue the direction of travel in the tunnel, but length of that distance depends on speed and experience. Draw that exit line on the mapIf lines of two consecutive obstacles cross or if their ends create an impossible turn, either change to a more collected performance or adjust the angles (pencils are good!)Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 7. Course Analysis (w/ map)Draw the dogs path on map Step 2Connect the obstacle crossing lines following a smooth turn, notighter than the dog can perform at planned stridingMake sure that the lines connect without a kinkCopyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 8. Course Analysis (w/map)Draw the dogs path on map Step 3Identify opportunities to reduce number of lead changes (e.g. #4 - #6, #9 - #10)Adjust obstacle crossing lines where needed to reduce leadchanges. Remember the dogs path is always a straight path inthe air. May need to extend path on landing side or change tomore collected performance.Dont overdo it some dogs can do extremely tight and frequentlead changes at high speed. If yours can, take the advantage.Experienced dogs will adjust their trajectory based on knowledge ofwhere they go next. Let them know in advance and plan for somecollection.Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 9. Course Analysis (w/o map)Analyze at walk through: Go to each obstacle and step or visualize the obstacle crossing line Look for the next obstacle and visualize its crossing line Turn around 180 as if you were to walk in the opposite direction of the crossing line, and visualize a connection line to the crossing line of the preceding obstacle Memorize the segment and continue to the next obstacleLots of on paper practice helps lotsWith experience, the individual steps can be combined to one.Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 10. Course AnalysisIdentify ChallengesIf the crossing line gets close to (or past) the commitment point foran off course obstacle on the path ahead, the dog will (should)take the off course obstacle. The dog path for that segment mustbe altered.If there are challenges along the path you know will be difficult tohandle using the tools you have, identify ways to alter the path.Though this is a handling, rather than path design issue, if youcant change the handling in a way that resolves the problem,change the path. Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 11. Course Analysis ExerciseDesign the path for YOUR dog on the course in handout 1.Be prepared to discuss your design in terms of trade off choices, collection/extension strategy, challenges on the course that influenced the design.Dont expect your design to be the same as the others. Every dog is different and You know your dog best.Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 12. Path ManagementPoint-to-point (p2p) navigationTraditional approach in most systemsDog is cued by the (usually close) presence of handlerDog and handler paths frequently crisscross (FC,RC,BC) each otherDog follows handlers close direction at the obstaclese.g. Derrett FC as close to the obstacle as possibleDog shifted between two modes: obstacle vs handler focusHandler permits dog to perform the obstacleHandler does most of the thinking for both team members Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 13. Path Management(p2p cont)Change of direction cued by crossesDog (almost) always on the lead towards the handlerTurns toward handler cued by actions that otherwise would increase thedistance between dog and handlerHandler strives to be on the inside of every turnExcept for RCs, handler blocks the path and obstacle during cross Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 14. Path ManagementThere is a dog path.There is a handler path.The two never crossJeff Lyons, May 2011 Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 15. Path ManagementPath Management HandlingHandler cues the dogs path between obstaclesHandler path Dog pathCrosses do not cue turnsBuild on the dogs extraordinary understanding of body languageTake advantage of the physical characteristics of the dogTake advantage of the mental characteristics of the dogRequires strong connection between handler and dogHandler really not the right term Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 16. Path ManagementPrimary toolsPersonal space Dog works to respect your bubble You move the dogs bubble The bubble is elastic it expands and contractsPeripheral vision When dog turns his head to see you, the dog turns To prevent unwanted turn, cue the dog to not look for you Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 17. Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 18. Path ManagementThe bubbles are connected with an elasticSlow down and the dog will bend towards you (& slow down)Speed up, and the dog is willing to turn awayThe speed itself isnt very important, just how it changesYour upper body controls directionDogs instinct is to move in the direction your torso pointsUse arm to expand the pictureUse the arm that most clearly describes the turn the dog shouldmakeCopyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 19. Path ManagementDogs are like cars You steer them with your upper body You control speed with your feet Stop the car, then turn the wheel. What happens?Verbals useful, but: Dogs reaction time longer requires processing Loud verbals seem more difficult to understand Because they require processing, they can be distracting common: command that distracts dog ==> dropped bar Verbals most valuable when handler is outside dogs field of vision Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 20. Path ManagementDogs notice very subtle cuesWeight shift may be enough to cue a turnDog must THINK moreShould enter ring in a calm state of mindArousal increases bloodflow (and thus oxygen) to muscles and the motor control parts ofthe brain at the expense of the parts of the brain used forreasoning. It has been shown that dogs get tunnel vision,reduced hearing and disconnect from handlers when aroused.Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 21. Path ManagementExercise 1: Speed CircleWarm up, boost confidenceCopyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 22. Path ManagementExercise 2: Parallel Turn Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 23. Path ManagementExercise 3 Work outside the boxCopyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 24. Path ManagementExercisesRemember objective is to try, train and enjoy. Learningand reinforcing the relationship with your dog ismuch more important than succeeding to run theentire course as designed!Plan your dogs and your own path following courses.Minimize your crosses (all can be done w/o any cross)See how short a path you can make for yourselfThis is a competition! Handlers with a happy dog WINCopyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 25. Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 26. Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 27. Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 28. Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 29. ConfidenceThe confident dogComfortable working more independently without micro managementAchieves greater speedSucceeds with difficult sequencesHas more FunIs a strong Team-MateGets more ribbons and fancy letters to put behind his name How get there? Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 30. Confidence BoostersConvince the dog he succeeded when he tried Even if something went wrong, let him feel that it was OK If it went well, Let him truly feel it!Create Success Do simple courses and exercises you know he can do well Try difficult things (and celebrate success) but have a backup plan if it doesnt work Do your part the very best you canMake all interactions with you fun for the dog You must have fun too they recognize pretending Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 31. Confidence ReducersInconsistent cuesFixing errors if it breaks flowMicro managing the dogDisplaying disappointmentChastising the dogFailing to create successesCopyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 32. Breaking confidence and cuesTwo major issues that are very common:Destroying decel cue by asking dog to push ahead while handler slows downCommon at finish line in training handler slows down but throwstoy or calls go on! to tell dog to run to the finishCommon at gamble line in trials when handler ran out of room toadvance at gamble lineTraining the same course too many timesPatterning can be used to advantage, but more commonly allowsinconsistent handling that inadvertently links unintended cue tobehaviorCopyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 33. Exercise - Plan handling Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 34. Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 35. Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 36. Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 37. Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 38. Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad 39. Copyright 2012, Stefan Elvstad