Front Cross
03 Apr 2005
The Front Cross is a handling maneuver that, like all crosses, is used to allow the handler to change from one side of the dog to the other or to initiate/maintain a turn in the dog’s path. The Front Cross has the following properties:
- The handler must be ahead of dog
- The handler remains even with or ahead of the dog afterwards
- The handler needs to perform their movement and stay out of the dog's way
- By engaging the dog's desire to chase the handler it can be motivating to the dog
- The dog is visible to the handler through the cross
- Can be used to tighten the dog's turn around a jump stanchion
- When used close to the dog, it can strongly effect the dog's path (for better or worse)
- When performed incorrectly and the handler doesn't get out of the dog's way a collision can occur
- When performed slowly (aka late) and correctly it can be forgiving because the handler can hold their ground and wrap the dog back around their body and back onto the correct path
When trying to remember what to call a Front Cross it can be helpful to remember you are in front of your dog and you can see the front of your dog as you cross.
Executing the Front Cross
Here are videos where I demonstrate using a Front Cross to change from one side of Mr. Peabody to the other (I’m trying to be slow and deliberate to make the motions clearer - although I should video some other examples from a slight side view).
Learning the Front Cross
See this article to learn how to perform a Front Cross.
Related Articles
Once you’ve chosen to perform a Front Cross the Handler Line Using the Handler Line - Front/Rear/Blind Cross LineHandler Line - Front/Rear/Blind Cross Line can be used to help you execute it in the best location. This article about handling 270 Degree Jump Sequences also shows using Front Crosses as part of handling that sequence.
Click this link to search the whole site for “Front Cross”.
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