Rear crosses, where you drive the dog ahead of the handler and the handler crosses from one side of the dog to the other side while behind the dog, were today's focus. Our coach set the dogs' line with a hoop, hoop, tunnel sequence.
Starting with Jackie on my left hand, you release the dog "Break!" and keep your left hand up pointing at the hoop. Allow the dog to get in front of you, and when she is committed to entering the second hoop bring your right hand up (in the don't spill your beer maneuver) and describe her line into the tunnel with your right hand, as well as pointing your feet and body along the line of travel from the hoop into the tunnel.
Like this:
Pearls:
- Keep your left hand up, pointing along the line, then bring your right hand up smoothly to meet it as you cross to driving the dog with your right hand
- "Here!" means turn toward me while "Back!" indicates turn away from me
- Be patient to let the dog get out in front of you before turning the dog or changing sides
- Keep your starting arm up, then as the dog passes you bring up your opposite arm to turn the dog away from you "Back!"
