Handle each obstacle.
Wow, is that simple.
Handle each obstacle.
Simple but oh so powerful and oh so meaningful. Barb can be soft-spoken and even quiet, but when she talks, you listen. She is extremely observant and manages to break down even the most difficult of course challenges into simple lines and movements. She uses the Linda Mecklenburg methods. As she explained further, she said that you do have to think ahead and get into position but to be sure to support your dog on each and every obstacle. So often dogs miss a jump or pull off a tunnel because you began to turn too soon or forgot to hold that arm up and support a jump.
Great advice.
Thank you, Barb!
One of my expert trainers, Barb, recently told us to “handle for the obstacle you want, not for the obstacle you don’t want”. It’s very powerful advice. So often we worry about a trap in an agility course and end up sending our dog there.
It reminded me of a story someone told me about golf. He said he had a very difficult shot to make but he felt quite confident he could do it. He had chosen his club and planned his position and stroke. As he stepped up to the tee, the other golfer said “Watch out for the pond.” Of course, he then hit the pond! He was suddenly focused on the water and drove the ball into it. He had told me that story to illustrate how thinking positively is more powerful than thinking defensively. So, her advice made quite an impact on me as I remembered the story.
When you walk your course, you do have to be cognizant of all the “traps” and plan your run accordingly; but then as you run it, focus only on your plan. You do not need to think about the “wrong” end of the tunnel but instead handle only for the “right” end. When I do this, it amazes me when I see the difference.
In fact, it carries over to life in general.
Handle for what you want.
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