Dogs taking different approaches when engaging on the long bite - Page 1

In my, admittedly limited, experience of seeing the long bite exercise I've noticed that different dogs take different approaches at the point of engaging with the helper.

From what I've seen, & I'm most probably generalising here, showlines seem to move close to the ground as they near the helper and then come up upon the arm whereas the working lines/mals seem to take a leap at the helper.

Are these inherent traits of the different dogs/lines or perhaps indicative of the level of drives. For sure the flying leap is more spectactular but does it gain any more points in competition? as it always strikes me that some of the leaps are from such a distance that if the helper moved one step to the side the dog couldn't engage.

Serious question by the way so please don't let this detoriate into another showline/working line squabble...

Cheers,

AandA

I think it depends on the dog and not whether they are showline or working!

 

ron

You will see a wide range of behaviors from dog to dog, but this is not a show vs. workingline distinction per se. The dogs that charge down the field like arrow released from a bow and launch themselves with reckless abandon at the helper are showing real "Heart" and a powerful desire to bring the fight to the helper. I had the opportunity to interview a USA judge for an article that will appear in the May/June issue of SchH USA magazine, and he described in great detail what the judge is looking for, the characteristics that distinguish a dog with "pronounced" courage rating vs. just "sufficient". The dog that just canters down the field and at the last minute opens his mouth to receive the sleeve is not showing heart and courage. -Yvette