Learning the Rear Cross (TAGANT LÕIKAMINE)

In this exercise the handler walks in basically a straight line while turning the dog using 180 degree Rear Crosses at each end of the line. So the dog changes from one side of the handler to the other without the handler having to change sides of the dog.




Next Steps
Once you can Rear Cross to each side you can start work on performing them back to back. You can chain the crosses right then left then right then left over and over. You should be able to work your way down your yard or practice field in a zig-zag pattern changing from one side of your dog to the other. I call this the Zig Zag Rear Cross Exercise:





As you get more proficient you can start running with your dog instead of walking. Then add jumps at each cross location and perform the Rear Cross on the take off and landing sides of the jumps. The key difference in these cases is where the dog turns.

If you find your dog spins on the landing side of the jump when you perform your Rear Cross on the take off side of the jump it is likely your dog did not actually turn before taking the jump and then guessed which side you'd be on when they landed. Try initiating your Rear Cross further from the jump so your dog is on their new Lead Leg before their prefered jump take off spot.