"running contact heaven is worth spending some time in running contact hell"
Specifically her post on running contact training
I thought she did a really great job describing some of the feelings that you go through while training running contacts :)
This blog entry has been in the making for quiet some time. It is a hard one to write. Why? Because I am almost always somewhere between heaven and hell on this topic. My thoughts and what I am learning is constantly evolving on this topic. What I know for sure this morning, is not what I will know for sure this afternoon.
What I do know for sure (almost always)
- Training running contacts is more of an art than a science
- What works for one dog does not always work for the other
- You have to be diligent and committed to not let the frustration affect your relationship with your dog
- Explore what EVERYONE has to say about teaching running contacts. You may need the nugget of advice later on.
- Have a running contacts support group. This process can make you Bipolar.
Why the journey? I love having a reliable running contact. For me, it adds better flow to running the course. For the dog, I know they love it more than a stop. I will admit, also it is about the challenge of learning how to train this!
This is our latest footage on the running AF. Fairly typical, one thing goes great, other aspects need work. Tangle had a fairly consistent day. Split was technically in the yellow, however he was hitting much higher than usual. My goal is to have them hit between the first and second slate in the yellow.
From this point, I am slowly introducing handling around the AF and trying to get both dogs to have a consistently deep stride.
But today, we will work on other skills that are packed with fun for both the dogs and I. Again, it is the commitment to maintaining a strong and happy relationship with my dogs.
