AF: Running or Stopping

[k9kreationz]

I do think the aframe is the easier of the two contacts to train a running on. It can be even easier to train if you can get the dog to leap the apex as it can often put them further down the down side and cause them to stride into the yellow.

I would agree that's why I like Rachel's box method. The problem is, Koji doesn't really leap the apex. It's why I'm building up his strength. I'm pretty sure it's a confidence thing, but it could be that he doesn't have enough strength to get up and over.

And like you stated too about size. Koji is pushing 18" and is LONG. When he runs full out and extends, OMG, his strides are crazy! (well, this coming from watching all the 12" (jump height) shelties. I honestly think if I can get him to fly the top oh, another 6-10 inches, his second bounce will land perfectly in the contacts. He hits above by 6" consistently. I think that's why people have stated he has a great stride. Rachel said if we can get him to fly the apex, we shouldn't have to work on much else.

Fingers crossed. BTW, either way, I don't have access to an AF forever, except in my weekly training class. I'll be going to a friend's house and training on her AF. I cant' see myself going there forever.

 

[k9kreationz]

Given that information, when my instructor asked running or stop? I quickly said STOP!!! I am not fast enough to deal with a running contact on this dog, and given the family history... So we started two on two off training this week.

In all honesty, if my dog was that fast, I'd say the same thing because there's no way I could keep up. Either my dog better know directionals REALLY well, or I better get faster. Yup, I'd go with stopped contacts too.

Thankfully, with the AF, I can usually keep up or get ahead. I just need to perfect it.

 

[Calliesmom]

ohhh- contacts.
Both Cran and Dix do running- sort of. Dixie is shorter and pretty much is fine wherever. Cran likes to jump off the dogwalk before he gets to the bottom. I should say that it's when I'm running with him- it's like he doesn't want to wait to get to the bottom before heading to the next thing. He did a perfectly beautiful DW the other week when I wasn't standing or running nearby. we will be working on that.
I guess that they don't have serious issues with the table- it was definitely the first thing that Dixie learned and Cran learned it pretty early too. whenever we go to the practice field, they have to jump on the table and sit so I can take their leashes off. seems to work pretty well since they don't have issues with that. Dixie only had problems the first couple times she landed on a rubberized table. she seems to be over her rubber contact issues- she's done them at a friend's house so hopefully she won't have too many issues at the next trial.

speaking of trials- training is one thing and trialing is another. it's all different when there's adrenaline and excitement that you find in the trial atmosphere. that can never be duplicated in training.
speaking from our great experience of 2 AKC trials and 3 NADAC trials