HAND - PLATINUM © 2004 Copyright of Sally Hopkins

HAND - PLATINUM

Having mastered the problems of changeovers in Gold, the only thing left to train the dog is that it can do Hand runs with changeovers (if possible) whilst other dogs run in the adjacent lane in any location you choose to take it.

If the early training sessions of Hand have been done properly and not rushed, then you and your dog will soon be able to generalise what you have learnt and pass Platinum very easily.

Training and test for each certificate

Dog does a Hand run to the mat (which is 51ft from poles) doing a changeover either before or after another dog has done a Hand run in the same lane. This changeover (ie dogs passing each other at a run) must be done between the start/finish poles in the runback/handler area - and not on the other side of the poles in the Hand lane. Please note dogs do not have to do close "nose to nose" changeovers, as asked for in Flyball. Meanwhile a number of dogs, if possible, should be doing Dog-Games in the adjacent lane as a further distraction. The handler must only reward their dog if it runs through the poles and places the "ball" in their hands without hesitation or being distracted by the other dogs. A certificate will be awarded for doing 5 correct runs in a row with no errors in the training session. The dogs must pass one another without hesitation or being distracted by the other dogs or those in the other lane. Each of the three certificates must be done at different venues (ie not the dog's usual training ground) - it does not matter if it is the same or a different changeover dog for each certificate. *

These stages are the same as those done in Gold Level 1, 2 or 3 except they are done with the added distraction of dogs in the adjacent lane and being done at different venues rather than the dog's usual training grounds.

Please note - all three certificates* must be done successfully at different venues.

Once the dog has gained three certificates at Platinum level it will be awarded with a rosette and a Trophy.

*With each certificate, please send in your Dog-Games Entry Form giving the details of where and when you passed the Platinum Hand certificate and with the appropriate fees.

As soon as the Entry Form and fees are received the Dog-Games staff will enter your dog's details on the website Roll of Honour, so that you have a record of its achievements as it progresses through the Dog-Games, and your certificate (and your rosette and trophy when you gain the third certificate) will be posted to you.

This trophy (with its stand) will be sent to you on completion of Hand Platinum
You may decide to have your dog's name engraved underneath "HAND" by your local engraver

HERE ARE SOME OF THE DOGS THAT HAVE ACHIEVED HAND PLATINUM
WR14 TANSY	WR13 SKYE
WR14 SMUDGE	For a full list of dogs that have done Hand Platinum please look at the Roll Of Honour Section of this web site

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