Front Crosses pt. 1

Some tips on Front crosses -
A front cross cues a lead change and collection, as well as the change of sides.

Remember you aren't trying to get in front of your dog, you are crossing in front of your dog's path. You should be crossing closer to the obstacle you are going to most of the time.

You should be pulling your dog towards you over the jump.

You must cue your dog before they pick the spot to take-off for the jump.

Watch if your dog takes the jump turning in the right direction - if they didn't, you were late with your cue. (Watch an excellent class some where that people are doing fronts. See if you can see who is late and who is on time. Video tape yourself and see if you cued early enough.)

Watch if your dog goes behind you - another indication you were late with your cue. You should be on the other side of your dog's path before they get to you!

For most people the first cues for the dog that a front cross is coming are raising your outside hand and increasing lateral distance from the jump.

Practice the movement of the front cross without a dog until you are comfortable driving through the motion, and never stop and plant yourself - it's more like a dance move where you keep driving.