For those that are considering entering Stakes next year at champs, a couple "heads up".... Most, if not ALL, courses will require a start line stay.
I hope that people realize that "Stakes" is NOT just about big distance.......... it is about connection on any and all types of challenges, including "close up" ones.......
As Gary set courses this year, it was rather shocking to hear some of the remarks regarding a "lack of start line stay" and how that was too difficult for Stakes dogs............ again, a Stakes can (should?

) be able to do ANYTHING...... a Stakes should not have weaknesses............. if there is a weakness, then it shall be found within those courses........... including a couple of the courses where the dogs HAD to come right up next to the handlers and then leave again and come back and leave again.......... the handlers were not allowed to stay 40-50 away from their dogs........... again, Stakes dogs should be able to work close, work far, take directional cues with the handler right next to them and take cues from 60+ feet away. They should have start line stays and also the ability to finish a course with a handler running alongside them, or the handler on the other side of the ring.
Somehow the origins of the Stakes program has been morphed into nothing but BIG distance and that is not what the program was founded upon............. it was founded upon the total connection of handler and dog, regardless of the closeness or the distance or the challenge placed before them. They shall face all challenges and perform them with beauty and grace and flow.......... with no bobbles between dog and handler.... if there is a weakness, it will be found............ if there isn't then you shall look glorious throughout the event!!
Sharon