Dana Pike Small Space Sequence - Can You See the Paths?
04 Apr 2024
The bottom left of this course makes an awesome small space practice sequence and a little mental exercise for folks new to thinking about dogs’ paths and handling choices.
K9s In Motion, LLC - Dana Pike's AKC-ish sequence last night had a little section that had 4 interesting dog paths (so at least double that handling approaches). Take a look from the end of the AF up to the tunnel under the DW (#14):
Think of the possible dogs’ paths through that sequence and then how you’d handle your dog to achieve that path. Then take a look at the 4 paths I’ve posted below and it will likely match one of them. I’ll put some notes on each below about how I might handle them.
Does your preferred choice change if you want dog on right on the way to the tunnel?

Two wraps could be done w/2 FC wraps. This is the “meat and potato” handling dog path.

Slice to the wall (minimal spacing…) and a wrap. Gives a nice line to 12.

I liked how this setup the dog’s line to the tunnel. I handled dog on left to the first wrap and then RC’d on the flat to wrap 12 and then BC on the landing of 13 to put dog on right into the tunnel. A little tricky to get my timing right…

I didn’t try this way. At first glance it seems to be a more handling would be harder to get dog on right on the way to the tunnel for a faster dog. But, interesting!
Here’s a link to Dana’s original post which has another “International” style sequence for the same equipment setup. Enjoy!
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