Dawg Unleashed # 4

Dawg on cue-s

Dawg here again: Barb has been working diligently on Positive Herding 102. Unfortunately for you, I don't have the starring role in this book, like I did in Positive Herding 101, a big mistake, IMO! Ah well, at least I get to pass on my insightful insights to you every other week in my Dawg Blog.  

This week I want to talk about how to use flank cues. And how NOT to use them! A lot of my dog friends complain to me that their handlers are clueless on this topic and it makes my friends look bad. Not only that, but it makes their handlers angry with them when it is really the handler's fault.

So let me explain. Many handlers use a flank cue as a flank cue BUT they also use it as an outrun cue. This is where my friends get confused. Sometimes their handlers want them to flank out on a flank cue, then have the flank become an outrun without adding any more cues. So they give a flank but want their dog to turn in on top and bring the stock. BUT other times, they give a flank and want their dog to go past balance and continue to flank.

Have you ever heard that you cannot use the same cue for two different behaviors? Well, apparently they haven’t gotten that memo.

Now Shandler isn’t the world’s greatest handler/trainer but she does realize that I am not a mind reader and can only respond to cues. Cues that have two meanings are just setting a dog up for failure, yet handlers seem to be oblivious to the fact that they are giving the same cue and expecting two different behaviors to manifest. Get real! Come on people, give your dog a chance.

I know I sometimes don’t take cues that I should know, but when a cue has two meanings, then I am just winging it and hoping I guessed right. If you want to be absolutely clear, use two flank cues and two outrun cues. At the least, use flank cues for ONLY flanks, and an outrun cue with a position cue. (Meaning if I start on one side of you I stay on that side and don’t cross over in front of you between you and the stock).

So enough ranting. I sincerely appreciate your attention to the correct use of flank cues in this situation. There is another flank cue scenario, off-balance flanks, that I want to discuss but that can wait for another day. For now, please don’t use a flank cue for both a flank and an outrun.

Clear?

Once again I implore you to buy Barb's book and keep her (and me :) happy.

Get the book here!

Until next time, tell your mates about this blog and...

Grow the pack!

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