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270 Right and Left Turns As we continue our quest to learn about this new sport of Rally competition, this month we will explore the 270 Right and Left Turns. These exercises are defined on the AKC website as follows; While heeling, the team makes a 270 turn to the handler’s right (or left). 270 turns are performed in a tight circle, but not around the exercise sign. In the classroom situation, I have found the easiest way for new handlers to think about and negotiate these turns are for them to first consider that direction they first need to head is the name of the turn. For example, if the handler is to do a 270 right turn, they will first proceed right for their circle, but will not do a complete circle, and will end their circle by going left at the end. For the 270 left, the handler will go left first for their circle then end the circle without making a complete one and head in the right direction To perfect your 270 turns, you should practice with your dog on negotiating tight circles both to the left and to the right. In practice make these full circles and TALK to your dog for each. You will want to perfect your circles so that you can negotiate them smoothly and without stopping. A flow should occur in each direction. Stopping midway would be cause for a Rally judge to consider points off for this exercise. As you do the 270 and stop for the new direction, you would cause a lag from the dog which could also be an area where you would loose a point depending on the severity of the lag. Look for this column to demonstrate more Rally exercises in the upcoming months. My hope is to give you some training tips to allow you to experience the fun of Rally competition and titling starting in January 2005. |
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