Clean Run - December 2011 - 56

Several months ago we talked a little about interval training using multiple, rapid repetitions of complex obstacles. This month we cover another kind of interval training, one geared toward both the dog and the handler. The nice thing about this particular practice sequence is that you can use whatever is set up. There

Rising Stars
is no real course that you have to build or set.

Challenges for

BEHN/P

By Stuart Mah

ET-PER SO

NALITIE

S.COM

This interval training works in the following way: The sequences consist of 4, 8, or 12 obstacles. Handlers and dogs start with performance of the 4-obstacle sequence. Next they progress to 8 obstacles, then 12 obstacles. The 12-obstacle sequence is then followed by another 12-obstacle sequence. Next is an 8-obstacle sequence, followed by a 4-obstacle sequence. There are no printed copies of the course. The instructor or person creating the sequence verbally tells whoever is running what the sequence is. This should take no more than 30 seconds. The handlers running then have exactly 1 minute to look at the course. They can walk it if they desire or they can just sit on the sidelines studying the sequence. Also during this time the handlers must get ready by engaging their dog to get ready to run. So, during the 1 minute, the handlers must study the course, warm up their dog, and get ready to start the sequence. Thus, an interval drill exercise would look like this:

Once this exercise is complete we take a 5-minute rest and then repeat the pattern, but this time we start with 12 obstacles and work down to four. We use this form of interval training for several reasons. First, it encourages the handler to try to learn a sequence faster. Second, it gets the handler used to the quick physical and mental ups and downs that can happen at a trial. Those of you that show more than one dog and end up running back and forth between dogs and rings know the feeling well. Third, in doing these drills the handler can get somewhat fatigued physically, especially toward the end. This drill is thus similar to track and field intervals where the runners develop the ability to run and focus even when tired. This training attempts to do the same type of conditioning. Remember, at the end of the long weekend our dogs keep trying, even when they are tired. We as handlers owe it to our dogs and need to do the same by not giving up just because we are tired. Fourth, you get lots of agility practice in a very short time as you will see in the example. Figure 1 shows the agility field during one week of practice. Figures 2 through 7 show how one particular interval drill was set up. As you look through the setups you should notice a couple of things. First, the sequences are not all completely new. There are always elements of the previous sequence seen in the next one. For example, if you compare Figures 2 and 3, you will see that obstacles #1-#4 are almost the same. The only diﬀerence is that instead of going to the nonwinged jump at #4 in Figure 2, the dog has to wrap and go to the tunnel. Thus there are always slight changes in each sequence so that no sequence
Clean Run | December 11

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Description of the 4-obstacle sequence (30 seconds) 1 minute to study and warm up the dog Run the 4-obstacle sequence Description of the 8-obstacle sequence (30 seconds) 1 minute to study and warm up the dog Run the 8-obstacle sequence Description of the 12-obstacle sequence (30 seconds) 1 minute to study and warm up the dog Run the 12-obstacle sequence

Clean Run - December 2011

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