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MARQUAND CHEEK: SPEED OR ACCURACY The 0 for 2 and 3-S Rule of Training _______________________________________________________________________ In the accuracy vs. speed training discussion I think it's important to ensure that the dog is successful and thereby gains confidence in themselves and ultimately you as a trainer/ handler. I have a couple of self-imposed guidelines or rules to help in this regard: The 0 for 2 Rule means if my dog and I as a team 'fail' to negotiate a training sequence successfully after two attempts, then I MUST figure out a way to make sure we succeed on the third attempt. Devise another plan, soften the sequence or simply take a break so my dog doesn't get frustrated. The goal is never to go 0 for 3. The 3-S Rule (follows the 0 for 2 rule). 3-S means SIMPLIFY, get SUCCESS, then STEP it up a notch. _______________________________________________________________________ SERPENTINE If, for example, you have set up a serpentine with wingless jumps and for whatever reason (not enough shoulder turn, confused dog etc) you and your dog just can't get through it properly in two attempts then it is time to SIMPLIFY. You might add wings to increase visibility, widen or shorten the distance, add a slight angle to aid the dog's path through the serpentine sequence. Sure, you could slow down to a heeling effort and regain accuracy, but I question the wisdom of sacrificing all speed for accuracy in all cases. Get SUCCESS with a simplified serpentine, the STEP it up a notch with jumps more in a line or without wings or closer/farther apart. WEAVES If a dog is having problem with weaves, I would strongly recommend opening the weaves up (pvc on rebar slightly off a center line and canted poles with wires) so the dog can 'weave' an easier set of weaves, successfully and with speed! See: Marq Cheek's Weave Pole Drill As the dog gains confidence by getting SUCCESS, then you can STEP it up a notch, by removing some wires, or/and bringing in the poles while adding differing approaches and differing handler positioning. 270 DEGREE SET OF JUMPS I've seen teams stuggle with a 270 degree set of jumps (something I imagine we will see more and more of in the U.S. with the influence of European courses as rules change to allow that in course design - speaking strictly for AKC rules since those currently only allow a max of 180 at this time).
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