Resistance or "drag" is the #1 considering when planning your course. Drag is created any time the drive/line encounters resistance. Drag at the most extreme happens when the dog catches the flag or steps on the line.
But other things might create drag which also affects the performance of the course. So many of the ideal conditions have to do with minimizing drag.
- Fenced in area - or a place far away from hazards like streets, parking lots, lakes, etc.
- Level play area - not on an hill/incline
- Even terrain - no bumps, holes, dips, or ruts that result in high/low areas
- Freshly mowed lawn - tall grass, weeds, leaves, etc. add drag to the line
- Efficient placement of pulleys - avoids sharp turns Video: How to Set Up SwiftPaws Home
- Proper tension on the line - too much creates drags, too loose will cause slippage Video: How to Adjust SwiftPaws Line Tension
- Proper use of stakes and tethers Video: How to Use Stakes and Tethers
- Recommended knots - Video: How to Tie the Line & Flags onto the Line
- Use light-weight flags to minimize drag
- Only use one or two flags at a time
- Using a fully charged battery
- Good, steady connection between remote and drive