Tonight Gunner and I played advanced rally with both FOOD and TOYS as distractions. Gunner is doing a great job with changes of pace, and his pivots are improving. Next week we will be virtual trialing Rally Intermediate Virtual course three.
Pearls:
- When pivoting, the handler stays in the exact same place with their feet as they pivot around. Pivot in place as though you are pivoting on a paper plate, keeping both your feet on the paper plate as you pivot.
- Start fairly close to the start cone. Get Gunner in good heel position before removing his leash, then once I remove his leash just hand it or toss it away and begin the rally course from this good heel position.
- Practice solid sit-stays at home so I can leave Gunner in sit, then walk away and toss or pick up his leash, and then return to him while Gunner maintains the same sit position.
- If Gunner gets close to a good position but sits a little crooked, do NOT fix it if you are competing in the ring. Take the minus one point for "out of position" rather than risking minus ten points for busting the sign.
Gunner demonstrating his fancy heel trot:
Gunner playing rally with food and toys as distractions:
RIV 3 course we will be trialing this coming week at Cowtown Dog Sports:
