"I have heard that in the OneMind Dogs system, the handlers are encouraged to usually be ahead of their dogs and running on their line, sort of leading the way. Is this accurate?"
"I am hesitant to sign up because I have a fast dog and I am 65 years old. I can usually not get ahead of him. What do you think my outlook is for success in using the OneMind Dogs system?"
OneMind Dogs coaches have all kind of students, and they are able to offer a solution to everyone of them. Sometimes a new skill needs to be taught to the dog or a new handling solution needs to be invented. Read an article and watch a video of the leading OneMind Dogs Coaches Janita Leinonen and Jaakko Suoknuuti working on a handling solution for their 80-year-old student.
There are many handlers who have some restrictions that don't allow them to run fast, sometimes not at all. When a handler who has been able to run fast gets injured, new tools need to be picked out of the toolbox. We have some amazing examples of handlers that have practiced a way of handling that is perfect for their needs. Take a look at some videos and articles about handling without running:
- Training Challenge Inspiration from Germany
- Inspiration for the Challenge #3
- Pirkko & Saida Made Their Dream Come True
- Walk and train - Tuulia training with her dogs
- Lazy Day Agility Training
- Agility - So Much More Than Running [video]
- Agility Training Challenge 7 - Out of the Comfort Zone [video]
With the help of OneMind Dogs Method you don't have to be faster than your dog. The different handling techniques offer tools for handling from a distance, reaching critical points on the course more quickly and even for thinking faster! The faster your dog is compared to you, the greater advantage you get from mastering our techniques.
Independent obstacle performances
Our method is based on positive reinforcement. Our goal is to reinforce the dogs' self-esteem by encouraging them to proceed independently on the course. We don't give them negative feedback. In fact, we often reward the dogs for making independent choices, even if they do something that was not included in our original plan. The dogs are allowed to approach the obstacle they see in front of them and it's the handler’s job to direct them to the right obstacle.
Critical points
Each agility course has critical points, which the handler has to reach in time to negotiate the next sequence successfully for the dog. When the handler doesn’t reach the critical point early enough, in many cases the dog can’t finish the course smoothly. Different handling techniques are tools that help the handlers to be on those points on time, even when they are not the fastest runners.
Handling techniques
The OneMind Dogs tool pack has been developed together with dogs; by trying hard to listen and interpret how they see our cues. This means that most of the guidelines we follow, are set by dogs.
All techniques include a lot of specific information about how different elements of handling should be used: how to move, where to position yourself, where to look, how to use the chest laser, how to position legs and hands, is verbal reinforcement needed, and timing all the actions. Step patterns of each technique enable the handlers to move effectively on the course. OneMind Dogs Coaches teach their students to take each step to the right direction: this way you will need a lot less of them! This is a great asset especially for the handlers who cannot move that fast.
When the handler knows the different handling techniques by heart, the handler can concentrate 100 percent on the dog.
Handle lines, not obstacles
OneMind Dogs Method concentrates on handling the dog on running lines, not from one obstacle to another. The goal of the handling is that the dog has the right obstacle in sight as early as possible. Another important element to support the dog’s movement on the course is to give the dog information as early as possible; this allows the dog to manage each obstacle at the correct speed.
Individual signature
Once the handler has learned all the OneMind Dogs techniques, the next step is for each dog and handler to identify the techniques that best suit them as a team. It is like teaching the handlers the alphabet, so that they can then write their own signature!
OneMind Dogs Coaches Mikko Aaltonen and Mari Kaplas are a great example of very different styles of handling, even though they both use the tools of the same method. Take a look at their training video.
Trust your dog
When the handler and dog cooperate smoothly, the handler can communicate an assignment to the dog and let him finish it independently. This gives the handler much more time to move on to the next task.
Learn to understand agility from the dog´s point of view and you can enjoy seamless cooperation with your dog !