If you’ve ever walked a course and thought, “I need my dog to turn really tight, but I don’t want to switch handling sides here,” the Jaakko Turn might be exactly what you’re looking for. This OneMind Dogs technique is designed to create sharp, efficient turns while keeping you and your dog on the same handling side. The Jaakko Turn agility handling technique is especially powerful for dogs with high obstacle focus—the ones who blast over a jump with so much enthusiasm that they land wide and lose precious time.

With the right execution, you can keep that enthusiasm while shaping your dog’s line into a much tighter turn. Best of all? It’s instinctive for the dog. From their perspective, your body language makes perfect sense. As long as you get the technique right and your dog already has some obstacle focus, your dog will naturally respond, no need to spend weeks proofing and drilling. This OneMind Dogs mini-course on the Jaakko Turn covers the technique in detail, from foundations to sequencing!

In this blog, we’ll explore what the Jaakko Turn is, how it compares to other handling techniques, when to use it, and why learning it will change the way you approach tight turns forever.

Why handling techniques matter in agility

Dog agility is more than just running courses fast. It’s about clear communication between handler and dog, where every movement, position, and cue sends a message. Experienced handlers know that having multiple handling options in their “toolbox” is the secret to smooth runs and fewer faults.

Think of it like building a house. If all you have is one type of saw, you can still try to build, but every task will be harder, take longer and be less precise. Add a circular saw, a drop saw, and a hand saw, and suddenly the job becomes much easier. Handling techniques are your saws. Each one solves a different problem, and together they make you a more effective handler.

The Jaakko Turn is one of those essential tools for agility if you have a fast, forward-focused dog. It’s not the only way to manage turns, but when used in the right situation, it’s incredibly effective and your dog will just get it.

What is the Jaakko Turn?

The Jaakko Turn was developed within the OneMind Dogs methodology and is used to cue a very tight turn on an obstacle without changing handling sides.

Here’s what makes it unique:

• The handler positions themselves in front of the jump wing.
• Your back faces the wing as you cue the dog.
• There is always a rhythm change, slowing down to prepare your dog for the turn.
• Your movement continues more or less perpendicular to the jump.
• The dog turns tightly around the wing, staying close and efficient.

If you’re thinking “I’ll never be in front enough to get near the wing before my dog” then we highly recommend learning more about distance handling with our online Masterclass. When you learn to handle the more straight-forward lines at a distance, you can easily get to the critical points of the course ahead of your dog, no matter how fast they are.

Being ahead enough to cue a rhythm change is key for the Jaakko Turn. It tells your dog, “Get ready, something’s about to happen.” Without it, they’ll likely power ahead in a wide arc.

👉 Want to learn the Jaakko Turn step by step? Check out our Jaakko Turn Mini-Course. It takes you from foundation skills to sequencing with this technique.

Why the Jaakko Turn feels natural to your dog

Like many of the OneMind Dogs handling techniques, the Jaakko Turn is built on your dog’s natural instincts.

Dogs are experts at reading human body language. When you add the rhythm change, position, and movement in a Jaakko Turn, they see a clear picture: “Tight turn here.”

Because the cues align perfectly with how dogs interpret motion and body position, most dogs respond immediately. Handlers often describe that “lightbulb moment”, the dog takes the tight line the very first time, without drilling it for weeks.

That’s the power of training from the dog’s perspective. You don’t have to fight against your dog’s instincts — you work with them.

When to use the Jaakko Turn

The Jaakko Turn shines in situations where:

• You need your dog to make a very tight turn on a jump.
• You want to continue on the same handling side after the turn.
• Your dog tends to jump long and wide because of high obstacle focus.

It’s not the technique for every situation, though. That’s why OneMind Dogs also teaches the Reverse Spin and the Reverse V-Set, which may look similar at first, but are designed for different purposes. Just like the different types of saws we spoke about earlier.

Jaakko Turn vs Reverse Spin vs Reverse V-Set

While all three techniques help shape your dog’s line, each has a distinct purpose:

• Jaakko Turn: Perpendicular approach line to the jump, tightest possible turn, same handling side, requires rhythm change. Best for dogs who would otherwise fly wide.
• Reverse Spin: No rhythm change, handler further away from the jump and even behind. Used to subtly adjust the dog’s line or avoid trap obstacles without asking for a super-tight turn.
• Reverse V-Set: Parallel approach to the jump. Great for dogs who naturally slice on this kind of approach. Handler gets in the dog’s line to help them square up for the jump.

OneMind Dogs Coach Niki Drage says:

“Jaakko Turn is one of my favorite techniques for fast dogs that like to jump in extension. If your dog has trouble turning tightly, this technique is for you. Some students feel like they could never get in position on time, but if you learn to trust your dog’s commitment, and leave early from the previous sequence, there’s plenty of time!”

This variety of tools ensures you can handle any challenge the course designer throws at you.

The 7 handling elements of the Jaakko Turn

At OneMind Dogs, every handling technique is built around the 7 handling elements, the consistent signals dogs naturally read from us. In the Jaakko Turn, each element plays a role:

1. Movement – Slowing down signals an upcoming turn.
2. Position – Being in front of the wing helps the dog shape their line.
3. Connection – Looking at the dog keeps them focused on their job.
4. Chest – Turning your chest toward the dog naturally cues collection.
5. Feet – Pointing your feet to the take-off point naturally cues collection.
6. Hands – Low, subtle hands keeps the dog focused on collection.
7. Verbal – A turn deceleration cue can add clarity, especially for dogs that rely on verbal signals.

These 7 elements aren’t something you have to “teach” your dog. They already read them naturally — your job is to deliver them consistently.

Common mistakes with the Jaakko Turn

Like any technique, the Jaakko Turn can go wrong if:

• You forget the rhythm change – Your dog will have trouble collecting on time
• You stay too far away from the jump – You’ll cue the wrong line
• You turn your chest too late – Your dog will feel pressure and read it like a Rear Cross

But once you understand the dog’s perspective, these mistakes are easy to spot and avoid. OneMind Dogs handling technique videos include common mistakes shown by our expert coaches, and clear steps on how to avoid them. Here is an example screenshot from the Jaakko turn video:

Why the Jaakko Turn matters for your team

For many agility handlers, wide turns are a major source of lost time and off-courses. The Jaakko Turn gives you a reliable way to keep lines tight and set the correct line to the next obstacle for your dog, without having to teach another verbal cue or to stay next to the jump and call your dog away from other obstacles. With practice, you can leave early enough that you’ll even stay ahead of your dog for the next section of the course!

More importantly, it fits the OneMind Dogs philosophy: handling agility from the dog’s perspective. When you use body language that makes sense to your dog, they instinctively follow your cue. No frustration, no endless drilling — just teamwork that flows.

Learn the Jaakko Turn with OneMind Dogs

If you’re ready to add this technique to your toolbox, we’ve got two great next steps for you:

• 🎓 Jaakko Turn Mini-Course: A focused program that takes you from learning the technique to using it in sequences.
• 🐾 Agility Premium Membership: Get unlimited access to over 700 lessons, guided courses with coaches and community support, personal feedback on your videos, exclusive webinars, and more. You can even start with a 30-day free trial.

With Agility Premium, you’ll not only master the Jaakko Turn, but also build the full set of handling techniques that keep your team fast, consistent, and happy.

Final thoughts

The Jaakko Turn agility handling technique is more than just a way to make tight turns. It’s a confidence builder, a time saver, and a tool that helps handlers communicate more clearly with their dogs.

And the best part? It’s instinctive for your dog. Get your cues right, and your teammate will understand the Jaakko Turn naturally.

Don’t leave wide turns to chance. Learn the Jaakko Turn, practice it with purpose, and feel the difference in your next run.

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