Backyard Dogs Practice Sequences - 2019 May
18 Apr 2020
This is an expanded version of my May 2019 Clean Run Magazine Backyard Dogs article. Enjoy!
This month’s sequences contain a wide range of handling challenges. As the sequences progress you’ll work on jump wraps Jump Wrap Handling - With VideoJump Wrap Handling TipsJump Wrap/Wrap, slices, serpentines Serpentine Handling TechniquesSerpentine Sequence, back sides Handling the Quad Back Side - Patrick Bucher Course/VideoThe Connection Between Threadles and Back SidesBack Side/Back Side JumpBack Side of Jump Handling Combinations - Video, and threadles Mary Ellen Barry on Threadle HandlingSingle Sided Threadle HandlingThe Connection Between Threadles and Back SidesTraditional Threadle HandlingThreadle Sequence.
Setup
Here is the obstacle setup for 40’ x 50’ (12 m x 15 m) area with 6 weave poles:
You can replace the weave poles with a jump (or use a spread jump!):
If you have 10 more feet of space, this setup includes a full set of weaves and opens up the course for more running! Also the weaves ending so close to the edge of the ring can be very challenging for some dogs!
Discussion
What do I mean by “working the cross you normally wouldn’t use”? For example, in the first sequence below you might normally lead out between jumps 1 and 2 and then release your dog and run dog on left to the weaves. Can you lead out only 1-2 steps and run into a front cross? How about a blind cross? Can your run 1-2 with your dog on your right and rear cross on the flat after jump 2 on the approach to the weaves? Can you run with your dog on your right all the way to the end of the weaves? At each location where you plan to cross think about using a cross you wouldn’t normally use and/or put the cross on the other side of the obstacle.
As always, I’d urge you to practice each sequence with multiple handling approaches. It isn’t enough to “just get through” a sequence. Try to handle each sequence every way you can imagine.
The Sequences
Let’s get to work! Download a PDF of all 9 sequences on a single page.
If you enjoyed this article won't you please: 
Thanks!
