What handling system do you use?

[wildo]

If you are working in agility, have you embraced a handling system? Perhaps a combo of handling systems? I am very interested to hear what you think of the concept and how far you've taken it!

Man- just thought of one more option: "I'm in the process of deciding on a handling system" which is the category I fall into. Maybe a mod can add that? MRL?

[wildo]

For those who are voting the "what the heck is a handling system!?" category, I really like how simplistically AgilityNerd explains it:

A system might state when, how, and why to apply handling maneuvers

Greg Derrett, Linda Mecklenburg, and Jenny Damm have all created and published "systems" to describe how, when, and why to apply specific handling maneuvers. If you are new to agility, it would probably be wise to investigate these different systems to try to discover which may or may not work well for you. Then again, you may fall in my boat and find that discovering which system works well for you requires not just investigation and reading, but also trial and error.

In class yesterday, I was told about a Mecklenburg concept of "natural cues" that both surprised and confused me. In spite of my confusion ('how the *F* could this possibly work??') I gave it a try and was shocked that my dog seemed to understand exactly what I wanted. Natural cues... Very interesting... This is just one example of why you may choose one handling system over another.

[sadie2010]

Thanks for the info.
I am one of the ones who doesn't know what a handling system is.
Nice to know.

[Liesje]

Me too, lol. I use the, uh, scream and gesture wildly!

[MaggieRoseLee]

Big mix for me, but it's important to figure out some consistancy that makes sense for you and you dog...

[wildo]

MRL- care to elaborate? I'm curious who you mix with. Based on your responses about the RFP in the "jump cards" thread I created, I take it you are not a as much a Derrett fan as you are, perhaps, a Mecklenburg fan. That's my guess... I'm still learning about those two systems, so not sure I can name a lot of differences in them.

[wildo]

Actually, MRL- I totally take that back... In fact, I think you told me in a thread I can't quite remember that you DO use the RFP. Not sure what I was thinking about the jump cards thread- I think you just wanted them more clear.

Anyway- I am still really curious on your system!

[doggiedad]

after seeing all of those titles your dogs have
i want you to teach me the "ug, scream and gesture
wildly system".

Originally Posted by Liesje

Me too, lol. I use the, uh, scream and gesture wildly!

[Stosh]

As you know we've had a total of 3 agility classes and I wasn't aware of any 'system'. Mine is pretty much 'he's never going to do that' so I stand back and watch and what do you know, he does it!! Guess it's time to move on from that. Thanks for the info

[wildo]

Originally Posted by Stosh

As you know we've had a total of 3 agility classes and I wasn't aware of any 'system'. Mine is pretty much 'he's never going to do that' so I stand back and watch and what do you know, he does it!! Guess it's time to move on from that. Thanks for the info

At three classes, you shouldn't expect to know of the system (unless, of course, you've done some research prior to starting). If you just decided to do agility out of the blue- there's no reason at all to think you'd know of the system. And that's OK!

There is a very strong chance your instructor embraces a specific system though, and if you ask them- they'll certainly fill you in.

[EDIT]- FWIW- I've been doing agility for 9 months now, and just now thinking about systems and embracing one over another. I do know that both my current and prior instructors use the Mecklenburg system. A good instructor will let you use whatever system you like, of course.