drop on recall (sliding)

[Gunnermom]

So I've been working Jayda on the drop on recall. Most dogs I've watched in Open will come in relatively slowly and then drop. I know there are deductions for any additional steps taken. Well, Jayda is pretty quick (it's a good thing) and it takes a couple steps to slow down to drop or she'll slide into her down. Is this acceptable? If she's coming in quick and slides into a down is that points off?
It's actually pretty funny - like she's sliding into 2nd base! My DH said "she needs to slow down", but I like her quickness.

[Elaine]

So long as your dog is actively trying to down, you are in good shape.

[Kayos and Havoc]

The judging guideline actually judges the dog's response to the command. I like to see a fast moving dog and if they are fast they will take a tick longer to down as they have to stop first. The judge will allow about 2 or 3 steps for a fast dog, less for a slow dog. It takes a second for your verbal command or signal to register and then for the dog's brain to communicate it to the body to stop and down.

What the judge looks for is the dog to respond or recognize the command and for the indication that it is complying within the parameters of it's ability. i.e.: takes a split second longer to stop a big fast dog.

I have seen dogs physically slide on the ground after they were down but that would not be counted against you. It should not even happen on good footing that is required in a ring.

You can help Jayda understand faster response by using a barrier like a piece of PVC or a broom stick on the ground. Time your command to give her enough distance for 1 or 2 steps -tops - to get stopped. The down is different than the stop and needs to be fast as well. So what you want to see is command stop in a step and immediate down.

Don't know if I explained that very well.

[Gunnermom]

Thanks Kathy- You did explain it fine and I have used a barrier for training this (yardstick), but I found that after doing it just a couple times, she automatically would down at the yardstick whether or not I gave the command. So I've eliminated that now. Now I call and after I give the command, if she downs quick, I toss her reward (a treat) behind her. If she doesn't quick enough, I just lead her back a couple steps and have her down there. Then we try it again. It's always happy and positive to keep up her high motivation & energy. I see many people who call the down command in a very load, angry way.
This is all in my living room at home which is why she slides (carpet). I've not even tried it in training class yet. I'm sure that will be a completely different story

[Kayos and Havoc]

Good on tossing the treat behind her. Another trick I used was to toss the leash off to the side and use it as a marker. I would give the command as Kayos passed the leash and it was easy to see just how far she travelled before she was down.

I have not started Havoc on the DOR yet. I won't until he has the straight recall more solid. Pretty soon tho. He is already retrieving and training on the broad jump.

[IliamnasQuest]

Sounds like you're doing a really good job on the drop on recall! Sliding shouldn't be penalized and judges WANT to see a fast recall. The only problem with a fast recall is that if the judge is a bit late on the command, and your dog doesn't drop quickly when you command, your dog may end up pretty close to you. But most judges are on the ball (they're used to judging OTCH border collies .. *L*)

My chow will slide sometimes on her drop. I love it! She also sometimes leaps into the air when I say "COME!" and hits the ground running. The speed and enthusiasm is such an important element of this exercise, and dogs that go slowly and tentatively should be penalized for that. I really try to keep the enthusiasm high, and I also do the "throw behind" with the treat on the drop, which helps keep the dog having fun with the entire exercise.

Melanie and the gang in Alaska

[Gunnermom]

Thanks to both of you. I like the idea of the leash on the side just as a judge of how far she moves.

And I agree Melanie, that I like the fast recall and even the slide, it just looks "flashier" I guess.
I did try it last night at training as I wanted my instructors opinion and he did not think she would loose any points with the timing of her down. Any steps or slide she did (last night, at least) were just from her momentum. Although did not agree with tossing the treat behind her after the down.

[luvsables]

I have shown my female in Open and she comes in VERY VERY fast and because of this she also slides (because of the mats) I have lost maybe a few points in one trial and none in another. It depends on the judge. The other thing is because she comes in so fast by the time the judge gives the signal to down her she is almost right in front of me and I have never lost points for that. I have never tried to slow her down because alot of judges like a dog that shows that type of intensity and I like it too.