DOG AGILITY FOUNDATION TRAINING CLASSES
Here’s a look at some of the things you’ll learn in my Dog Agility Foundation Training classes:
How to teach your fast dog self-control without diminishing drive
Motivated dogs love doing agility. They tend to only have one speed: FAST. Those dogs often have little self-control and no “stay” at the startline... (Read more)
Motivated dogs tend to love doing agility. They tend to have only have one speed: FAST. Those dogs often have little self-control and no “stay” at the startline. They leap off contact obstacles instead of offering correct contact performance, and they refuse to go down on the table. By teaching dogs self-control right from the start, you will not have the startline and contact issues that plague many agility competitors. I will teach you exercises that will help your dog develop impulse control without diminishing drive and enthusiasm. (Read less)
How to motivate your slower dog
Slower dogs have not found the fun in doing agility and the big challenge is getting their motivation level up. I will teach you how to play with your dog and share with you techniques to help develop drive.
How to teach your dog to safely perform the following obstacles:
- Jumps
- Teeter
- Weaves (using 2X2 method)
- Tire
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- Tunnel
- Broad Jump
- Table
- A-frame
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How to use a consistent system of agility handling
There are different systems of handling. My main inspiration these days is Justine Davenport. I believe that by staying true to one system of handling, your dogs will correctly interpret the cues you give them. Many handlers mix and match systems... (Read more)
There are different systems of handling. I follow the Greg Derrett system. I believe that by staying true to one system of handling, your dogs will correctly interpret the cues you give them. Many handlers mix and match systems.
The dogs are never sure if the cue their handler is giving them today means the same thing as it did the day before. Confused, these dogs either slow down waiting for more information, or they ignore the handler and make their own decisions about where to go on course. Using a consistent system where one cue only means one thing every time will ensure proper communication. Your dog will know how to quickly choose the correct path through an agility course. (Read less)
How & when to perform various handling moves:
- Front cross
- Rear cross
- Blind cross
- Serpentine
- Threadle
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- K-turn
- Push-blind
- Send and go
- Lead out pivot
- Throw-back
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If this sounds like Greek to you, don’t worry by the end of the course not only will you know what the terms mean, you’ll know when to use the moves and how to perform them.
How to use acceleration, deceleration & positional cues effectively
Acceleration, deceleration and positional cues are used to let your dog know where they are going next on course. We will focus on one-jump, two-jump exercises and Derrett-style boxwork to develop these skills. More Greek? Relax, it will all make sense to both you and your dog. By the end of the session you and your dog will be running very short sequences.
How to avoid the most common mistake in agility training:
In competition the dogs must touch the yellow painted portion at the bottom of the dogwalk, the A-Frame and the teeter. One of the biggest frustrations many agility competitors have is that their dogs have beautiful runs and then blow it by... (Read more)
In competition the dogs must touch the yellow painted portion at the bottom of the dogwalk, the A-Frame and the teeter. One of the biggest frustrations many agility competitors have is that their dogs have beautiful runs and then blow it by jumping off a contact obstacle without touching the yellow. So despite the gorgeous run, their dogs do not earn a qualifying score or a placement for that run. The dog I am currently competing with used to have that problem. In fact as he’d launch himself off the contact equipment he’d turn his head to nip at me in frustration. Why was he frustrated? Because he knew he wasn’t giving me the behaviour I wanted but he wasn’t sure exactly what it was I did want. These days, through proper re-training, this dog very rarely misses a contact. Lack of proper contact obstacle training is the number one reason dogs blow their contacts. Since they don't really understand what is expected of them, they either leap off the contact obstacle and get a "fault" on course or they slowly creep down to the end wasting precious time. Through proper foundation training, I will help you train your dog to perform correct contact behaviour right from the start.(Read less)
Group Classes: Training for beginner handlers and dogs. Learn more...
Private Lessons: Need help with a certain skill? Learn more...
