Page 43 - Chow LIfe - Fall 2021.pdf

to keep you and your dog in the frame of the
viewfinder. Make one lap, treat your dog and
let it sniff around while you watch what the
two of you looked like at the initial speed. Then
do the same thing you did with the down and
back–keep tweaking the speed until you find
the one where you and your dog look confident,
collected, sound and powerful. Again, you need
to practice this speed without your dog until
you can feel the correct speed without thinking
about it. Then you’ll have your muscle memory
in place, allowing you and your dog to achieve
the right speed in competition.
A caveat–most dogs need to be a little bit slower Know your dog's speed and don't exceed the
on the down and back than they do on the speed limit. Yes, you only have a limited time
go- around. Again, the only way you’ll know with the judge. Remember, you paid for that
your dog’s correct speed(s) is to shoot a lot of time to showcase your dog. Show it off right
video and practice a lot. It’s how good handlers– - stack it properly and move it at the speed it
professional as well as owner-handlers–go from looks best. Yes, even on the go-around you're
good to great, and from winning a little bit to showcasing your dog so find its optimal speed
winning a lot.
and stick with it, not everyone else's speed. Pick
And another caveat–since the group rings are the best speed, practice at that speed, and let
bigger than the breed rings and you might be a muscle memory do the rest.
little bit nervous when you go to groups, make Sandy Weaver is an author, consultant and
a conscious effort to keep your speed where it professional speaker who works with veterinarians
needs to be. Ring nerves, trying to keep up with to create happier hospital cultures and more resilient
the dog ahead of you, or feeling like you have so teams. She also judges some Working and Non-
much more ground to cover so you must speed Sporting breeds. When she’s not traveling to consult,
up will torpedo your chances at winning or speak or to judge, she’s spoiling her Siberian Husky.
placing in the group. Keep it together and keep
you and your dog in frame. Originally published in Canine Chronicle, July 2021
- www.caninechronicle.com

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