Braddock Central Virginia Trial Nov 4 2017

Braddock finished the day with a strong double Q, and he placed 1st in JWW.  In STD, there were 2 parts to really work. The first, was the exit off the Aframe.  The 3# broad jump pretty much took out the option of a front cross before the Aframe.  It was a timing issue - meaning that starting the turn at takeoff would likely be before the handler got into position on the other side of the frame. Also, big dog handlers had to watch any forward motion cues at the broad jump because dogs were taking the off course table.  Therefore, a cross needed to happen at the exit of the Aframe.  Most handlers chose a rear cross, but the rear could not be done too shallow.  I drew a line in my mind from the corner of the Aframe exit to the left standard of #5.  I ran that line, shaping the rear cross so that Braddock would slice the #5 bar.  This lined him up for the table.  Otherwise, a rear cross in which the dog didn't slice as sharply could potentially line up for the off course jump towards the tunnel.  The second part to work was after the teeter.  I sent him over panel #13 and then moved to position for a blind cross on the landing of #14.  Many handlers opted for a rear on the flat from 14-15 and that worked find too.  I wanted the blind cross after #14 just to make sure I didn't fall behind for fear that he would enter the left side of the tunnel. 

Note:  I had been working contacts, and Braddock actually stopped at the bottom of the dogwalk for the first time in a trial.  I didn't release him and was wondering where he was as I moved to the broad, then finally realized to give the release cue.  What a good dog.  Actually helped me a lot in terms of handling that sequence and got him to turn nicely after the broad.

In JWW, there weren't really a lot of handling options.  I chose a front cross after #2 so I could emphasize handler focus as this course was about management.  The front cross at #11 required handlers to remember not to overturn, but to truly remain perpendicular to #11 to set the right line  to #12.  I considered a throw back at #12, which Michelle Beardsley did well with Biz.  But, since I was collecting him at #11, I decided to just post turn #12.  For the finish, there were a couple options.  Some chose a front cross before the double.  I couldn't get there to time it right.  Some did a rear on the flat after the double.  I didn't feel that gave the tightest line to the last jump.  So, after the triple, I faced Braddock with a reverse spin, which changed his line from the off course jump to #16, and then I did a rear cross on the takeoff of the double, which gave a perfect line for the finish.