I had an individual lesson today with an obedience instructor which was really helpful. Essentially she told me what I think Emily is saying above but it really helped to have it explained in person. Without feeling I was holding a class up, I was able to ask her to repeat things and clarify. It seems my steps are the main problem and since getting home I’ve been watching my rally videos with new eyes -looking at me instead of Molly - and I can’t believe how I missed the fact that I’ve been taking a big step on the turn, leaving Molly to have to catch up. It explains why we get really good turns using a placeboard - because the board is in the way and I can’t take this big diagonal step. I’m annoyed with myself, but really looking forward to making progress now.
At one point she had me practising my steps without a dog, and then with her competition dog (she assured me if I made the right moves, he would, and to my surprise he did). She said she wanted me to feel what it was like when it was correct ( because she wants me to stop looking down at Molly).
Also a few things on body posture - not to lean in towards Molly because it pushes her out, and to drop my left shoulder as a sign to turn.
I had to travel about 35 miles to find a competition instructor who was willing to teach force-free. Along the south coast of England, traffic meant it took well over an hour to get there, so not something I can do too often, but really useful as a problem-solving focused lesson.
