Switches can be a tough skill to teach and so often I find that handlers tend focus on teaching their dogs that a switch is actually something other than it really is.
So, what is it? A simple lead change. At the core of any good switch is just one little lead change. The focus on the lead change is what is missing in the majority of switches that fail.
Join me and my dogs for 4 weeks to learn about all things switches.
-How to teach them from the very beginning.
-How to time your verbals and rear cross to help your dog complete the switch while performing an obstacle.
-Learn about the "Upside down J" aka the path on the ground that your eyes and arm need to follow to accomplish a successful switch.
-Learn how to add distance to your switches
And even how to tackle that dread switch out of a tunnel!
SWITCH!
Week 1 starts with a stationary exercise that helps the dogs to isolate the lead change that is required for a switch and to name it.
Week 2 teaches you about the path you need to follow for a successful switch.
We will also add motion to our switches and a hoop!
Week 3 focuses on timing your verbals and crosses to improve your switches and keep those bars up over jumps!
Week 4 adds distance and starts putting those switches to work in all kinds of scenarios.
And before we wrap up class, we WILL tackle the "Switch out of a tunnel" that so many teams struggle with.
Switch it up today!
Make those switches flow like never before!
"I think the biggest mistake handlers make when it comes to teaching a switch is just not knowing for sure exactly what it is. A successful switch, while simple, is so much more than just 'turning and going the other direction'. That isn't a concept that a dog can really break down and understand. But once you understand what a 'lead' is and how to isolate that specific behavior... you and the dog are well on your way to accomplishing the most difficult switches."
-Erin Batchelor
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