peter
I believe that judges need to only put through dogs that will stop and take casts, in my limited opinion.
The running of lines dosen't come in to it. The rule should be changed to make it two blinds - one more than 80m in length - to stop judges putting dogs through on pethetic blinds 20-30m (my experience) allowing the dog to fall over th bird while running around (test of control).
I have seen several dogs that can run a line, miss the blind not handle.
I believe a second manditory blind would go a long way to taking the luck out of getting through to fast on shorter blinds.
The biggest problem i see is the massive inbalance in the training programs of novice dogs. Most novice handlers dont even think about handling or the first step towards it ( stop whistle, come in whistle, mini tee, warm short piles, ladders) until their dogs are one win away from restricted, then its too late. Until someone posts an australia friendly program and it's a sticky at the top of the training page this inbalance will fester.
I believe people will then stop thinking novice training is only about marking and steadiness. When they have a program to follow, as less that 1/3 of new handlers coming through follow any thing, outside there last trial mistakes.
How many competitors do you see standing on the line blowing whistler and yelling in novice with no results? After judging a large field at easter, I can tell you, most (if they dont pick up or miss mark) and that is my point
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tony