Performance is not Understanding. Just because a dog does it, doesn’t mean the dog knows how to do it or what they are doing. Speaking is about more than making sounds. Communication is more than sharing ideas.

Depth of play can be split into 3 levels: a short, tight, inside game; a medium distanced, purposeful, mid-range game; and a long, big, or outside game.

For both competition and personal development, depth of play should be somewhat balanced between the three, leverage your strengths with more reps and demonstrate competence in areas of weakness strategically.

You will never successfully play faster than your dog. The dog always plays at the handler’s speed and not a hair more. If the dog is trying to go faster than the handler it means the handler is probably willing to do so or has done so in the past.

There is no set Way with your dog. No formula for success written for you, your dog, and your skills exists; anywhere. Such is the way of things.

The Way for you is the way that makes you, your dog, and the team look good, that demonstrates safe and successful play while making you and your dog happy.

Trying to perform and learn at the same time is a recipe for disaster. How can you demonstrate a skill you are trying to learn? You can perform or you can learn, but you can’t do both.