This article is from the Obedience Trials, by Cindy Tittle Moore with numerous contributions by others.
Common handler errors:
1. Bowing when giving command
2. Improper hand position
3. Body english for the finish (dipping shoulder, moving feet, etc)
4. Head movement
5. Moving fingers on the finish
6. Moving arm position after voice command to finish is given
7. Overly loud command
8. Double commanding (signal and voice) for finish
9. Giving the "Stay" command out of heel position (as or after
handler steps out)
Helpful hints:
1. Don't leave your dog on the crack of the mat or a high or low spot
if showing outdoors.
2. After leaving the dog and going to the other side, don't look up
at the judge until you have positioned yourself and are ready for
the command.
3. Ensure that there is enough room behind you for the finish.
4. Position yourself across the ring so that the dog will not have to
sit on the crack of the mat.
5. Use the same tone of voice that is normally given for the recall
command (many handlers will change the tone of their voice when
they are nervous and the dog doesn't understand)
6. Leave your dog by stepping out on your right foot (or which ever
foot you normally leave on).
7. Make sure you have your dogs full attention before leaving him so
he doesn't get up as you leave.
8. Make sure your command is loud enough, if there is lots of noise
(i.e. PA system on and off, etc)
 
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