Kristin Cowell has been training running-contacts with her Golden Retriever Rue since March of this Year. Kristin’s blog -- Tails of Gold -- is nicely categorized so it is easy to find all of the appropriate posts. Simply click on running contacts in the categories list on the right hand panel of her blog and be sure to use the “Older Entries” & “Newer Entries” links at the bottom of the pages to see all of the running contacts posts.
Here’s one of their runs from October of this year.
Rue Open Standard Oct. 17, 2009
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Kristin is using Silvia Trkman’s method for her running contacts. This video is from March 2009 and is Rue’s first videotaped session. Rue is sent around a jump standard (off-screen) before she runs the plank. At this stage Kristin is just getting Rue excited about the idea of running on the plank. She isn’t asking for any particular striding or position at this stage.
Rues First Session March 2009
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By May Rue was pretty consistent at low heights. Kristin said that it seemed like they were stuck at the 2″-4″ range for an eternity. But the work paid off and by June they were up to about 24″. At this point Rue is getting on by using a 3′x4′ board which gives an angle similar to an A-frame.
Rue at 24″ June 2009
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To go above the 24″ height Kristin switched to a 6′ plank so that the approach wouldn’t be too steep. Here’s an image of her setup.
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By August Rue was working a full Dogwalk. Still not perfect in every situation but well on the way. They are beginning to work on turns after the dogwalk at this point.
Rue on a Full Dogwalk August 2009
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There is a lot of written background and a lot of other video on Kristin’s Blog -- Tails of Gold. You can also see the videos on Kristin’s YouTube Channel. I’m sure there will be a lot of future posts as Kristin finishes the training process with Rue. So bookmark her blog and check back for updates.
Tags: A-Frame, Agility, Dogwalk, Golden Retriever, Running Contacts, Silvia Trkman, Training, Trkman Method