I will take off-course obstacles if they are in the path unless I choose to heel the dog past obstacles with a clear cue, like the one I would use in Snooker. But I don't recommend heeling novice dogs past obstacles, let alone running past them. Novice dogs need to learn to take obstacles when you are running next to them. This is a classic example of how going back to fix a simple little obstacle error can teach the dog the wrong thing. In this case, the dog is learning that sometimes we just chase Mommy (or Daddy) and don't take the silly obstacles. The chase Mommy game is fun, but it can teach dogs to go around obstacles. Make super easy and energetic loops for the lower drive dogs, and controlled and low-key loops for the higher drive dogs. The loop created to reset your dog should not include obstacles that the dog is currently struggling with-don't open another can of worms! Above all else, you are trying to avoid creating more errors or misunderstandings than you already have. * Restarting the poles: Too many handlers rotate into the dog (do a front cross) and then run back to restart with the dog running right next to the poles. Now the dog is learning to run next to the poles instead of do- ing the poles, a kiss of death for baby dogs. Handlers should keep themselves between the poles and the dog. Make the loop; keep the dog on your original side. 6 4 Restarting the Poles Don't let your dog run next the poles if you have to restart them. Keep yourself between your dog and the poles -- make a loop! Developing, maintaining, and modifying what you do when your dog goes wrong will benefit your relationship with your dog because it builds trust and understanding instead of creating confusion and frustration for either of you. February 15 | Clean Run 53http://www.letsgodesign.net http://www.letsgodesign.net