Blind Crosses vs. Front Crosses

A handler performs a blind cross when he changes sides by crossing in front of the dog's path with his back turned to the dog as the side change occurs.

A handler performs a front cross when he changes sides by crossing in front of the dog's path and turning into the dog, keeping the dog in sight throughout the side change.

Not so long ago, the only American handlers who used blind crosses were novices who accidentally turned the wrong way on a front cross. The British, however, have been using blind crosses for years and recently introduced them to our country.

As with most new techniques, the potential for misuse is high. In some parts of the country, blind crosses have become all the rage and are sometimes used even when a cross isn't necessary. The blind cross, like other crosses, is simply a tool to have handy when the course calls for it.

When a change of sides is necessary and the handler is able to cross in front of the dog's path, a blind cross is our tool of choice if we wish to maintain the dog's impulsion. Because the handler is not attracting the dog's attention by facing the dog, the dog can continue in obstacle focus, resulting in a faster time. (See Figure 1)

Since the blind cross maintains the dog's speed, using such a cross for the sequence pictured in Figure 2 would be a mistake with many dogs. A blind cross gives the dog the impression that "highway" driving is safe. The dog will suddenly find himself with too much speed to make the turn to jump #4. By using a front cross instead of a blind cross, the handler temporarily switches the dog to handler focus and thus alerts the dog to a turn. In this sequence the dog will gear down just enough to be able to make a very efficient (tight) turn from jump #3 to #4. (See Figure 2)