Teaching #27 Stop & Down
*Keep YOUR RALLY Fun & Focused
Click Image to take you to YouTube Channel
#27 Stop and Down – While moving with the dog in heel position, the handler commands and/or signals the dog to down as the handler comes to a stop next to the dog. Once the dog is completely down, the handler moves forward, commanding the dog to move forward from down position. (Stationary exercise)
Instructions.
This exercise is initiated as the team is moving forward in heel position. As the dog and handler approach the left of the exercise sign, the handler may break heel position by turning toward the dog and placing his/her (handler’s) right foot partially in the path of the dog while giving a hand signal and/or verbal command for the dog to move directly into a down position. (But this will delay time so let’s teach a fast drop in motion. Will give you a much better result later.) The handler is not to come to a full halt prior to giving the down command. The dog should not pause and must go down from a stand position. When the dog has reached a down position, the handler must move back to standing upright in heel position before commanding the dog to heel forward toward the next exercise sign. Handlers have the option of performing the exercise without breaking heel position. DO always add DIG work to your training session AND reward your dog with an up and forward release to build desire to “bolt” off the down.
NOTE: In all sessions, add random rewards and release! Always keep in mind your dog’s desire and joy when training!
Scoring
Non-Qualifying Faults.
1) A dog that fails to assume the down position
2) A handler that comes to a complete halt prior to commanding the dog to down.
Major Faults.
1) Dog has a distinct pause before assuming the down position.
2) Dog sits; pauses and then assumes the down position.
Major to Minor Faults. Depending upon the deviation, major or minor deductions may be assessed for the following:
1) A handler that does not stand upright in heel position after the dog has completed its down and before commanding the dog to heel.
2) A dog that breaks the down just before being commanded to heel is to receive a minor deduction.
PLEASE add YOUR comments Below!