06/02/2025
Bravery
Helpers are taught that once they present the sleeve as the target they must hold sleeve in position until the dog strikes. At the same, time they must pressure the dog by presenting the stick in a threatening manner. This is required no matter how fast the dog is coming. In this way, the dog has the opportunity at a grip that the judge can evaluate. If they rotate too early the sleeve is pulled away, which will cause the dog to grip in an awkward angle, shallow, and take away the ability for the judge to effectively evaluate. If they rotate to late, the dogs momentum will crash the sleeve into the helper and introduce a risk of injury to dog, helper, or both from impact. This ask is not a problem with normal / medium speed dogs, most skilled helpers can make this look like a choreographed dance.
However, with fast dogs that come like a bullet, the helpers self preservation instincts scream to rotate in order to avert an impact. The helper is working with a time frame of mere milliseconds. Most helpers in this situatuation will rotate early, this is called a "Bailing". Adding an element of complication is that some dogs change up on the way in, altering speed and accelerating in the last steps or abruptly shift their approach angle. The brave, and the ones with the timing, reflexes and skills to operate in this blink of on eye window of time stay in the pocket until the dog grips the sleeve. We are talking Formula 1 driver level reflexes.
This capture is a good example of the above. Marcus Hampton, staying in position as Lorenzo von Riccar comes flying during the ‘Long Bite’ at the 2025 AWDF National Championship in Spencer, Massachusetts,
Handled by Supatta Lucas.