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Line Conversations |
After every heat, the person calling the exchanges "visits" individual handlers. They are told to "move up a foot" or "no change" or "move back two feet" etc.
The exchange person makes passing adjustments by changing the place the handler releases the dog from, not when the handler releases.
The handler doesn't change their release point (when to release), the only change occurs at the point from which the dog is released (where to position yourself).The handler has no idea how close the exchange at the line was, they follow (with no questions) the exchange person's instructions. The only variable should be the release position. By taking this decision out of the hands of the handler, we can let them concentrate on the release point (when to release). Now there is only one variable (not two).
The handler must accept the advice given - they should not make a decision on their own (no second guessing!).
Teams usually indicate the distance between dogs at the exchange by illustrating the distance with their arms (similar to the fish I caught was this long!). A more humane (for the handler) method is to hold up fingers - three fingers for three feet.