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Fetch! |
Training News 2008 |
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Training News 2008 |
 In this section:   On Agilitynet:                  
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There's always more to learn
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The
Veterinary Perspective on discipline specific training and rehabilitation. |
Canine Massage Therapy – Comparison between species and disciplines. Includes practical demo. |
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Gait Analysis and Conformation – How does it relate to various disciplines and injuries? – Includes practical demos/Videos. |
McTimoney Chiropractic – The role of this treatment modality in the Sporting Dog. |
Peter said, 'We have had a very good response to the first two Seminars, in 2007 and 2008, and hope the next Seminar will be even bigger. We have taken into account all the suggestions from the questionnaire from last year and have made many positive changes. For instance, there is much more car parking space. You can take your dog on site. There are fewer speakers who will speak for longer; and there will also be practical demos and video presentations as well as trade stands and info packs. As usual, the quality of the speakers is second to none, from various professional fields.'
If anyone wants some more info,visit the Kennel Club website www.thekennelclub.org.uk
Please see attached for the official advert for this event. If you run, or attend, a club, please print out the advert and take copies there as well.
Mike
Bacon is offering a course consisting of 5 modules designed for people who are interested in
becoming dog agility instructors. The summer 2009 course will be held at Orchard Farm, Kenn,
North Somerset, BS21 6TT a few miles from M5 J20.
Dates are
Each module is free standing and can be done
independently but all fit together to form a complete course. The class size is limited to 8
people.
The topics are aligned with the Kennel Clubs Accreditation Scheme for Instructors and are also
excellent preparation for anyone intending to attend the Agility Club Approved Instructor
course and take their exam.
The price for each module is £40 if done individually, or £150 for all five booked and paid for together in advance.
Mike Bacon has been an agility training instructor for 25 years and has helped many people become instructors.
For more information ring Mike Bacon on tel. 01934 833525 or mobile: 07889 447593 or email mike_of_diamonds@yahoo.co.uk or go to web site www.diamond-dog-training.co.uk
Next
year Kim Hunt of the The Derbyshire Agility Centre will be presenting four seminars for people
looking to judge at UKA events. All the Seminars below will be held prior to a UKA Show.
UKA Judging Seminar Diary 2009
|
Date |
Venue |
Level |
Cost |
|
Friday, 1 May |
Newbury Showground |
Level 1 |
£45 |
|
Friday, 26 June |
Newbury Showground |
Level 1 |
£45 |
|
Monday, 27 July |
Tewkesbury |
Level 2 |
£45 |
|
Friday, 4 September |
Cheltenham |
Level 1 |
£45 |
Should any Show Managers wish to hold a Seminar prior to their show please contact me on the numbers below. All that is required from the show management is use of a ring of agility equipment for the afternoon. Everything else is provided by Derbyshire Agility Centre.
Kim has been running these course ever since Laura and Greg Derrett set up UK Agiity, knowing it would offer new challenges due to the way the classes were structured.
She explained to Agilitynet, 'Basically it meant that Judges would be attempting to design courses for every height of dog and every level of dog and judge them all in the same day! The added complication is the time factor, as this meant that Judges had to change the courses potentially four times, which can be very time consuming, so clever and thoughtful course design to encompass this was very necessary for the smooth running of a UKA show.
She has currently trained over 30 people, including those who have judged before and those who have not. The courses are very intensive, so she only trains up to eight people per course. As she is the only one running them, there is continuity for everyone. There is no exam as Kim does not believe that having a good memory does not necessarily make you a good Judge. After all that's what a rule book is for!
Kim said, 'I know that everyone who has completed the course, whether they are experienced or not, have been able to take away with them some useful knowledge which helps them to go on to be a better judge, after all without our judges we would not have any agility!'
UKA
Judges Seminar Level 1
All participants receive a Certificate of Accreditation from UKA.
UKA Judges Seminar Level 2
Designed specifically for anyone in agility who has never Judged Games Competitions in UKA
(you do not necessarily have to be a competitor) or those who would like a ‘top up’ on UKA
style games judging. Ideally you will have already completed your level 1 judging course or at
least judged games at a UKA show prior to the course. The course content will cover UKA Games
Rules for:-
All Participants receive a Certificate of Accreditation from UKA.
For more information contact: Derbyshire Agility Centre, c/o Kim Hunt, 8 Bullsmoor, Belper, Derbyshire DE56 1JS. Email: kim@kimhunt.co.uk. Web site: www.kimhunt.co.uk Tel. Telephone: 01773 827643 Mobile: 07870 575328
Due
to cancellations, there is one place up for grabs in G3-5 on the Dawn Weaver Training Day at
Scrambles on Sunday, 23 November. In addition, there several left in G5-7.
9-00 am to 11-00am. Grades 1-3 (All sizes)
11-30pm to 1-30 pm. Grades 3 – 5 (All sizes)
2-30 pm to 4-30pm. Grades 5 – 7 (All sizes)
Watford
Agility Club (WAC) is offering places in their New Beginners class, starting 8 January 2009,
for dogs that have not done agility before. There are also a few places for G2+ Large dogs and
G2+Small dogs. As a KC registered club, they can not except dogs under one year old.
WAC is a friendly, welcoming club that has been running for many years. Over the past few years, they've had several venues and are now based indoors at the Equestrian Centre, Oaklands College, Smallford Campus, St. Albans. Training is on Thursday evenings from 7.00-10.00pm. There are two Large dog classes, one Small, one Medium and one mixed Small/Medium class.
If you are interested in joining either come to Oaklands any Thursday evening up to the 11 December or ring Geraldine Smith on tel. 020 8907 9199. Email geraldine00907@aol.com
Amanda Hampson has
kindly offered to run half the training sessions at the Delinquent Dogz shows on 18-19 October
and 2 November 2008. Training will be on pretty much anything you think you need. There will be
various sessions available throughout the days mentioned although Amanda has made the following
suggestions:- Weave Work, Motivation, Contact, Pull ins and Flick Flacks and Tighter Turns.
Maximum of 4 dogs and handlers per session. Each session costs £5 with a very generous
£1.50 going towards the DD Guide Dogs appeal.
Amanda has been competing in agility for 16 years and has been an instructor for the last ten. She has also represented Britain at the World Championships in Switzerland and Norway, competes at Grade 5 with Rogue (although it wont be long before another gundog (NSDTR) is giving the Mediums a run for their money in the Champs) and has won a C C with Minx (another gundog (NSDTR). Roll on the next two, Amanda. Then can you get Daisy there, please! All of this and she is a 'jolly nice lass' too, who thinks nothing of offering advice in the kindest possible way.
Michelle Ainsworth, Show Secretary said, 'I have even put my name at the top of the list with Zak - nothing like starting the day with a challenge! Wonder what advice she will have for us!'
These sessions are available with priority to those already entered at the shows. If you aren't, there is still camping available for the October show and plenty of spaces left for competition on any of the above days. Please ring Michelle on mobile: 07949 466911 or more information.
J.K. & A. Agility is a small friendly club run from Milland nr. Liphook (GU30) on Thursday evenings. The small class arrives at 6.45pm and finishes at 8pm. Due to unfortunate injury, one of our members has had to drop out for the foreseeable future which leaves them with a space free.
Jo Sermon said 'Although I like to keep numbers low to make sure everyone gets enough time on the equipment, I do need a certain number to pay for the venue, insurance and new equipment. We're looking for a Small dog handler with a dog that can do all the equipment and who are looking for training to competition level. We like people who enjoy agility and have a good sense of humour, but want to work hard at training their dogs.'
If you're interested please contact Jo for more information on:- jo @ agility - training . co . uk (remove spaces).
There are still some spaces left on the training day with Jill Spurr and Mike Douglas which is being held on Saturday, 20 September at a venue near Peterborough. The plan is to have two small groups - maximum of six - which will be swapped around mid-day, so that each group gets the opportunity to train under both Jill and Mike. This is aimed at competing dogs of any grade. Jill and Mike are happy to focus in on specific problems that each handler would like help with. The cost is £35 per dog for the whole day.
For further details or to book a space, please call tel. 01945 871213 or mobile: 07742 565969.
Laverock Dog
Training Centre, a brand new purpose-built indoor Agility Arena - yep, NO horses - has been
opened near Barnard Castle, Co. Durham. The 120 foot x 45 foot building has the latest 'turf
float' arena flooring, designed to provide a firm surface but with polymer fibres that bind
together with the sand to allow the dogs to travel over the surface rather than into it, thus
reducing the stress on limbs and muscles. The surface is deliberately coloured peach and white
so it compliments the building design, creating a lovely light area to train in unlike the
usual dark horse arenas. It is also 'tastefully' designed. One agility person described the
surface as looking like a coffee cake with cream swirls! Being non-sticky and black rubber free
means you don't have to wash and comb your dog after each session!
A full set of agility equipment is included in the hire price plus many extras including training weaves, 'baby' jumps, table, different types of tyres, two sets of contacts etc. The building is available for hire every day from 9am to 10pm with interior lighting available when required at no extra cost. Chairs, drinks and even coat hangers (!) are all provided to make your time more enjoyable but the best thing is you drive up, train with the dogs and drive away! No lugging heavy equipment in and out of trailers or back to sheds for storage!!
Run
by Marcus and Mandy Bainbridge of Colliewobbles, the arena is situated on a private farm in an
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. On-site car parking and toilets are available and the
building is available for hire from one individual to groups of 10 people, from one hour to all
day.
It will also compliment the multi-dog friendly holiday cottages that are opening at the farm Easter 2009.
With thanks to Natalie Mitchell for the photographs of the inside of the building plus one of Sue White (right) opening the building when some training days were held during Northern Agility Week.
For further information, prices and availability, please ring tel. 01833 650695 or email comebyanaway@hotmail.com
The
Kennel Club has welcomed a report published by the Companion Animal Welfare Council (CAWC) that
they would use the Accreditation Scheme for Instructors in Dog Training and Canine Behaviour (KCAI)
as a model for developing a national framework of standards.
Over the past twenty years, a large industry has grown up around the treatment of animal behaviours that are perceived as problematic. CAWC believes there is a need for individuals to prove their knowledge, skills and expertise in order to practice as a dog training instructor or behavioural trainer. Without this, there is a concern that companion dogs could suffer at the hands of trainers who are inadequately qualified to carry out their role.
This is why, after careful research and development, the Kennel Club launched the KCAI scheme in 2004. The scheme works by converting all that a member knows and does into points to indicate their level of knowledge, achievement and experience. Members must evidence their background knowledge and practical dog experience through a portfolio of information, and the various modules require them to demonstrate a wide understanding of a range of subjects.
There are now 29 Accredited Instructors, all of whom have at least five years’ practical teaching experience and have been through a rigorous process of assessment. This involves a review of the member’s portfolio and an oral and practical assessment of their knowledge and practical experience.
The KCAI scheme sets a national standard to safeguard the public, to offer assurance to vets on the referrals of their clients, and which also guides the scheme members in their search for knowledge and experience to improve the future of dog and behavioural training advice.
CAWC’s July report, entitled ‘The regulation of companion animal services in relation to training and behaviour modification of dogs’, has praised the Kennel Club's scheme saying that it ‘would form a sound basis for future development.’
Caroline Kisko, spokesperson for the Kennel Club, said: “The Kennel Club welcomes the recommendations by CAWC that a framework for the recognition of skills for professional dog trainers and behaviourists should be established, and that the Kennel Club Accreditation Scheme could form the basis of this.
“The KCAI scheme is intended to form a national standard that will safeguard the public, to unify both knowledge and experience and enable instructors to measure where they are experienced and where they can improve.
“We have taken a great deal of time to identify the correct levels of knowledge, experience and achievement which prove competency in offering advice, counselling, training and instruction to owners and their dogs, whether on a one to one basis or in a class environment.
“An increasing number of people are claiming to be dog trainers and behaviourists, based purely on their own experiences with very few dogs and, as a result, the techniques that some employ may be questionable. This was the Kennel Club’s motivation in providing the resources to develop this qualification and the Kennel Club is committed to ensuring its standards are maintained.
“If an instructor in dog training or canine behaviour is accredited under our KCAI scheme, they must have suitable practical experience and must adhere to the Kennel Club Code of Practice for Instructors. It is important that members of the dog owning public know where to go to find a reputable dog training instructor.”
The Kennel Club is confident that the standards and protocols set through this scheme will prove in time to be recognised as the ‘industry standard’ and will offer assurance and protection to the dog owning public. At the same time it will provide recognition for the many hard working, dedicated and competent instructors in dog training and canine behaviour in this country, and indeed further afield as membership is not restricted to the UK.
This
summer Dave Munnings will be training at Pachesham Equestrian Centre. The dates can be found on
the Events page. There will be private 1-1 and group sessions available.
Dave is an experienced handler and trainer who uses very motivational methods to get the best out of his dogs and the dogs he trains. He is a very enthusiastic trainer who wants people to understand his methods not just mimic them. The sessions will be focusing on tightening turns and improving handling techniques, but will also cover motivation, contacts and weaves. His training sessions are fun and educational.
Dave is currently working two dogs, both of which are Agility Champions. He won the Bronze medal at the FCI Agility World Championships in 2005, the Championship class at Crufts this year and has qualified to represent GB in Germany at the European Open in July.
If you would like a place have a look at the dates on the events page and e mail Dave at:- Munnings_com@hotmail.com
There is a few spaces left on the Dave Munnings training day that Agility Buds are holding in Skellingthorpe, Lincoln on 29 June 2008.
The training will be done in an indoor arena so we don't have to worry about the weather!
The spaces that are left are:-
For more Information, ring Lucy Osborne on tel. 01522 703352 or email lucy@agilitybuds.co.uk
As
there
are some spaces
left on the Susan Garrett seminars, UK
Agility has decided to open up some working spaces to anyone and not just UKA members.
The Seminars which will take place at the RDA Riding School on the Cheltenham racecourse (Glos) are:-
- Advances in Dog Training - 21-22 July
- Advanced Shaping - 23 July
- Weave Seminar - 24 July
- One Jump Workshop - 25 July
For those of you who do not know Susan, she is owner of Say Yes Dog Training Facility in Ontario, Canada and the Author of Ruff Love and Shaping Success. Her two videos on dog training have also proved hugely popular with worldwide sales. She has been one of North America’s Top competitors in Agility, Obedience and Flyball over the last 15 years. Susan was also a Double gold medallist at the IFCS Agility World Championship 2006 & 2008. She will also be representing Canada at the FCI 2008 World Cup. This will be the first time Canadians have allowed Border Collies to run.
The Say Yes philosophy is to train dogs without physical or verbal corrections. Their goal is to train owners to bring out the best in their dogs, focusing on positive reinforcement and lateral thinking to come up with training solutions. The results are dogs that are as focused and driven about their work as their owners are about training them. Gone is the myth that only certain breeds of dogs can achieve greatness. The Say Yes program ensures that owners of all dogs and all breeds achieve their goals, from the high-drive, out-of-control dogs to the motivationally challenged ones that need more confidence to work at their peak. Their innovative, progressive approach to dog training will enable you to overcome any challenge and help you to develop a lifelong, harmonious relationship with your dog. To learn more about Susan, please go to www.clickerdogs.com
For further details on each seminar please visit the E-vents page on this site. Please email greg@ukagility.com or ring tel. 01386 424218 to find out further details and to book your place.
Due to some people not being able to come, some places have become available on the Peter Elms/Philip Patterson training week at Eglinton Country Park before the Clyde Valley Show in June.
After last year's very successful training week at Kelso, Peter Elms and Philip Patterson are having a re-run of the same this year. It will consist of two hour sessions daily for the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Monday is for arriving, settling in and have some fun agility in the evening. Any size, shape, age of person or dog can come and take part! The maximum group sizes of eight. This should give you a good number of turns to sort out your problems. If you wish extra training, you can see Peter or Philip at the venue.
In the evenings we are hoping to have a PAYG ring open to all dogs that are agility age and experience
The Eglinton Country Park, Irvine boasts 1000 acres of park where you can walk, run, jog , ride or just rest. Nearby are miles and miles of sandy beaches and safe swimming! Food is no problem. You can go to either the lovely cafe for snacks and lunches (lovely cakes) or the nearby shops. It is at the same venue as the Clyde Valley 3- day Show, so once you settle in, you can be there for the week!
The cost is £50 per handler and £25 per caravan/tent.
Even though Philip has moved to Leeds - for the better weather and family - he and Maureen will be coming to both shows this year. Further details can be found on
www.clydevalleydogs.talktalk.net or email clydevalley@talktalk.net or ring tel. 0113 267 6886. (21/05/08)
From
28 May and then every other Wednesday. Toni Dawkins will be teaching at Plum Pudding Equestrian
Centre which is where the WAG shows are held. This is just for the summer. There are places for
a two hour session from 19.30. The training will focus specifically on contacts/sequences from
contacts and jumping/handling on alternate weeks. The first session on 28 May (Supa Dog Week)
is all about contacts and how to handle sequences from contacts whatever your method.
Cost: £16.00. Grade 5 and above only please.
The Plum Pudding Equestrian Centre is located on Dane Road, Minnis Bay, Kent.
Email hazelhicks@talktalk.net or ring Toni on tel. 01304 361026 for more details (17/05/08)
Coming this September 2008, you can hire a dog training barn with seamless rubber flooring and an outside paddock, near Chichester, W Sussex. The indoor barn measures approx 90ft x 26ft (27m x 8m) while the outside fenced paddock measures 66ft x 130ft (40m x 20m). Agility equipment and flyball equipment is included in the hire of the facilities.
If you would like to hear more, then please contact Cherry Gillbard on tel. 01243 545982 or email pj.gillbard@btinternet.com
W.A.G.A.M. Dog
Training Club has a couple of spaces left at their Wednesday night training sessions near
Cirencester, Gloucestershire. All sizes and abilities of dog and handler are welcome. Training
is indoors and classes will never be bigger than six dogs.
For further information please email pennymiles@onetel.com or call tel. 01793 752149
4 Paws Dog Agility
Club are pleased to announce the opening of their new training venue at The Field, A1198
Kneesworth, 1 mile north of Royston Hertfordshire. There they have a five acre secure field.
All standards of agility are covered from fun classes to competition standard. All types
of dogs and owners are catered for and would be welcome to join us.
The Club will be holding an introductory session for new Beginners on Saturday morning, 10th May. The catchment area for the club is South Cambridgeshire and North Hertfordshire district.
Contact Chrissy Walker for further details. Email: chrissy4paws@tesco.net or ring tel. 01763 244437 or mobile: 07811 878231.
Places are available at Paws 2 Touch for complete beginners through to competing dogs and all heights catered for.
Paws to Touch is an agility club run by Sharon Eldridge, based nr Battle, East Sussex. This is an outside venue with excellent dog walking facilities including a lake for the dogs to swim in during the summer months. Premier equipment is used. New classes are due to start on Tuesday, 13 May.
For further details email Sharon - merliedogs@btinternet.com or call her on mobile: 07947 651980. (01/05/08)
White
Rose Agility, based indoors at Halifax, West Yorkshire, currently has a few vacancies for
people already competing. We have classes for all sizes of dogs and catering for all Grades.
All classes are instructed, not a free-for-all, and top quality equipment is used.
(28/04/08)
For further details email Brenda on yettontop@ntlworld.com or ring (daytime only please) on tel. 01484-306963 or mobile: 07900-470611
Otley DTS have spaces available on
their Tuesday night training session (8:30 – 9.45pm) The session is for experienced/competing
handlers with dogs Grade 3+ or good Grade 2s. All heights are welcome. Training takes place in
a well lit indoor venue at East Keswick, between Harewood and Wetherby.
All enquiries to Pam Costello at email Pamela.Costello@tiscali.co.uk or mobile: 078410 46871.
Alan
and Nicki Clements currently have a limited number of places available on their Midsomer
Training Weekend on 26 & 27 April. Their training week from starting from Monday. 26 - 30
May is fully booked.
Training sessions as well as camping will be held in their two acre paddock, near Oswestry in North Shropshire. Numbers will be limited and all abilities will be catered for. Small groups will be organised to ensure everyone gets a high level of individual attention. Typically, several groups will be organised to include puppies, Grades 1 & 2, Grades 3 & 4, Grades 5 - 7, but will be flexible depending upon those attending.
There will also be social activities organised each evening.
For further details please see our website www.midsomeragility.co.uk or email Alan & Nicki Clements on midsomeragility@aol.com
Nottingham
Agility DTC have spaces available on their Monday night training session (8:30 - 10:00pm) The
session is for experienced/competing handlers with dogs Grade 4+ or good Grade3s. Each month
consists of two weeks club instructor, 1 week external instructor and week Dog of Month/Year
competition night, followed by train yourself.
All heights are welcome. There is a Small, Medium and Large on the class. Training takes place in an excellent, well lit indoor venue at Selston, near Mansfield, within easy reach of M1.
If interested email andrewgarratt@gmail.com (07/04/08)
There are still a few places left on this event. The course is run over four consecutive days from Monday, 19 Monday to Thursday, 22 May inclusive. All levels are catered for from Starters to Advanced. The venue is a glorious flat camping site with acres of dog walks for your free time. Cost:- £160 per dog/handler including five nights camping/caravan, if required. Lots of fun and lots of valuable training tips, too.
Email Claire Alderson at caagility-dtweek@yahoo.co.uk or call on mobile: 07778 012949 for more details. (07/04/08)
With over 35 years of experience between them, Jackie Gardner and Christine Wingate-Wynne, who are both successful Championship agility competitors, have joined forces to form SmartPaws Dog Training Club.
The Club, which will train basic obedience and agility at an indoor venue at Newton Regis, near Tamworth, promotes high standards of responsible dog training using only positive reward based methods.
Well behaved dogs of all breeds and types are welcome at the Club. Beginners will be asked to complete a 6-week Basic Obedience course. They would then progress onto a Foundation Agility course. By arrangement, owners of dogs with basic obedience may be tested for immediate start on the Foundation Agility course. Enquiries from owners with agility experience are also welcome.
Anyone interested in
booking onto a course or obtaining further details, should ring Jackie Gardner on mobile:
Canadian
Susan Garrett,
one of the most successful dog agility competitors of the last decade,
is coming back to the UK to conduct seminars week 21 - 25 July 2008.
2 day Advances in Dog Training
(21-22 July)
The seminar is an opportunity for
anyone interested in any aspect of dog training to hear it from one of the world's best. Day
one of this exciting program will review fundamental principles of dog training and work on
improving your mechanics as a trainer. Susan will show you how to apply learning theory into
your everyday dog training. Understanding why your dog does what he does will help you work
through training challenges facing you in any area of competitive dog training. Learn how to
teach your dogs both control for stationary positions (like contacts and sit stays) and
incredible motivation so you will have a dog that wants to work at any skill you want to work
on. Day One of the workshop is mostly lecture, demo and some work with your dog. Included will
be games such as; It's Yer Choice Game and Susan's very popular Crate Games. These 2
games form the foundation of Susan's Say Yes Dog Training program which has helped many dogs
become National or World Champions.
Working Spot £125. Observing £30 a day UKA member; £40 non-member
1 day Advanced shaping
(23 July)
This advanced level shaping workshop is
aimed at the more experienced teams that have been routinely shaping behaviours in their
training. The challenges of this workshop are aimed at improving your understanding at creating
dynamic behaviours with your dog. Susan will show you how altering response costs, placement of
reinforcement or manipulating your environment can affect your dog's ability to learn.
Efficiency in dog training will allow you to achieve more in less time. By sharpening your own
skills your dog will show you brilliance that you never dreamt possible. Working spots open
only to those that have taken Advances in Dog Training.
Working Spot £65. Observing £30 a day UKA member; £40 non-member
Weave Day
(24 July)
During the morning session Susan will
explain how her 2x2 weave training method works including all of the recent advancements.
Participants will work in stations alternating between key body awareness exercises for their
dogs and 2 pole weave shaping. The afternoon session is aimed at dogs with experience weaving.
Susan will put dog and handlers through a series of weave pole challenges aimed at evaluating
the dog's understanding of independent weave performances. A series of systematic drills will
be used to help improve performance.
Working Spot £65 for both sessions or £35 for 1 session. Observing £30 a day UKA member; £40 non-member
One Jump Workshop
(25 July)
This session has been a popular one
wherever Susan has presented it all over the world! Based on Susan's popular DVD, this workshop
will show you how to make use of only ONE jump to teach your dog agility handling fundamentals
including: Serpentines, threadles, front cross, rear cross, tight turns, start line excellence,
distance work and more. Exercises will include some of the key drills from the DVD and new ones
aimed at improving your dog's overall understanding of handling. Everyone has the ability to
tote around one jump; after this session you can use that one jump to create an unbelievable
understanding of handling skills for your dog.
Working Spot £65. Observing £30 a day UKA member; £40 non-member
To book your place will be on a first come first served basis. Working spots only available to UK Agility members. Email Greg@ukagility.com
Mike
Bacon has taken early retirement from his 'proper job' as a Senior Project Manager for Fujitsu
Services to become a full time dog training instructor with Diamond Dog Training. He will be
starting a new summer training program from 31 March.
The main training venue is Orchard Farm near Clevedon a couple of miles from Junction 20 M5. Agility training is available during daylight hours and is done in a fenced off sand arena. A grass paddock will be available soon and there is a small barn available for shelter in very bad weather. Agility classes are provided for all levels and are done in small groups of 4-6 people. Club training and 1-2-1 coaching are also available by arrangement.
Mike has been an agility instructor for 25 years. He is an Agility Club Approved Instructor and a member of the Kennel Club Accredited Instructors Scheme. With his BSD Jack of Diamonds, he was 6th in the BSD World Championships in 2004 and was a member of the winning team in 2005. He is currently managing the GB BSD Agility team.
More details can be found at www.diamond-dog-training.co. Ring Mike on tel 01934 833525 or mobile: 07889 447593. Email mike_of_diamonds
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Basin Bridge Agility, located in the quiet Leicestershire countryside, close to Hinckley, is holding an Open Evening including a free training session for Beginners and Grades 1-4 on Tuesday, 1 April and for Grades 5-7 on Thursday, 3 April. There are also Open Evenings of free training on 8 & 10 April. Handlers are invited to come along, meet the club trainers and sign up for use of the field or any of the classes.
The site is the ideal agility training venue with full of competition standard agility equipment set out weekly into different courses, plenty of car parking and toilet facilities
Experienced handlers and dogs have the opportunity to train themselves, using the equipment. For a small monthly fee the field is available for use every day (daytime and evenings) except during training classes.
Alternatively there are openings in the classes, grouped by level from beginners and grades with no more than eight in a class. All the trainers are competing at Senior (Grade 6) or Advanced (Grade 7) levels.
For more intensive training or to work on a problem book a private lesson.
The site is the ideal agility training venue with full of competition standard agility equipment set out weekly into different courses, plenty of car parking and toilet facilities
For more information or to book your place call Phil on mobile: 07884 314675
Mark
Laker first became interested in sports psychology when he learnt that it could help improve
his approach, mental attitude and preparations to the sport, therefore improving his agility
performance. He had a brilliant young dog with loads of potential but, before using these new
skills, seemed to be faced with endless frustrations. Everyone can understand the ups and downs
of running a dog, highs when winning but so many eliminations and lows. Partly there was the
handling but that's another course and another well known instructor!
Mark developed his interest in sports psychology, researching many books, articles and websites. He also talked to professional sports people who have benefited from these skills in their own field. He soon developed his understanding of how it could be applied to Dog Agility. Then he went on to try it out on his partner Karen and their friends using them as guinea pigs! The result, a solid belief, and proof, that applying sports psychology to dog agility can make a difference.
Driven on by comments from others like:-
I go to pieces when people watch me.
I know I let my dog down.
I get so nervous just thinking about going in the ring.
Mark has developed a one day Sports Psychology for Dog Agility Handlers course to help other people use skills such as: self-talk, centering, coping, and goal setting to develop their confidence and further improve their enjoyment of agility. The workshop includes delegates working in small groups on class room based exercises followed by short courses with their dogs that allowed them to practise the techniques in a real situation.
This course does not promise to turn everyone into a world medal winner but everyone who has attended has already felt the benefit. They are easy to spot – they're the ones at the shows still smiling, as they know what they are working towards and achieving it.
Mark will be running more of these courses in the future. If you are interested in finding out more about how sports psychology can help improve your performance on the agility course, email Mark Laker at upandover.agility@virgin.net.
Top Barn Farm
is keen to set up agility training weekends from October to March. The owners, the Nicky and
Richard Harper, are able to provide pitches with electric hookups, toilet/shower/elsan point,
respected and experienced trainers and equipment (or you can bring your own). They can
also arrange lunch and a meeting room in evening if required, or there are plenty of local pubs
near by.
Top Barn Farm is a diverse working farm. Owned by the Harper family, they farm horticultural and arable crops, Christmas Trees, beef, sheep and pigs much of which is sold through the on-site Harvest Shop which has its own butchery. During the summer months they have PYO strawberries and raspberries and various family activities such as trailer tours and maize maze. They like to open up the farm to the public and use some of the land for leisure and sports – such as dog shows, fishing , caravan rallies and they even have our own watersports lake!
Top Barn Farm is also a premier venue for dog agility shows. Based near Worcester, they have hosted weekend shows for Golden Valley, Worcester, Bromsgrove and APDT agility clubs.
During the summer months they set up a large marquee which is used for the judges and lunches. In general 8-9 rings can be comfortably set up next to the marquee. They also have separate fields - all adjacent to the ‘show field' - which can accommodate parking and camping. They can accommodate up to 250 pitches for our larger shows. They do have a couple of weekends available for large club shows between March/April and September/October.
' Nicky Harper said, 'We enjoy hosting the agility shows and even the odd breed show such as for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. We find that the ‘agility community' always look after our premises well and it is great to see the dogs rushing around!
If you would like further details please contact Nicky Harper on mobile: 07739746660 or by email richharper22@hotmail.com. Further information on the farm can be found at www.topbarn.co.uk
Patanden Agility has a few spaces available for beginners on a Tuesday evening. They train at a lovely indoor equestrian centre in Coldwaltham, West Sussex. For more details please ring either Denise Smith or Pat Griffiths on tel. 01243 551773 or 01243 552188 or email Deniseanddave1966@hotmail.co.uk
After
last year's very successful training week at Kelso, Peter Elms and Philip Patterson are having
a re-run of the same this year. It will consist of two hour sessions daily for the Tuesday,
Wednesday and Thursday. Monday is for arriving, settling in and have some fun agility in the
evening. Any size, shape, age of person or dog can come and take part! The maximum group sizes
of eight. This should give you a good number of turns to sort out your problems. If you wish
extra training, you can see Peter or Philip at the venue.
This year it is being held at Eglinton Country Park, Irvine which boasts 1000 acres of park, to walk ,run, jog , ride or just rest. Nearby are miles and miles of sandy beaches and safe swimming! Food is no problem, either at the lovely Cafe for snacks and lunches (lovely cakes) or nearby shops. It is at the same venue as the Clyde Valley 3- day Show, so once you settle in, you can be there for the week!
The cost is £50 per handler and £25 per caravan/tent.
Even though Philip has moved to Leeds - for the better weather and family - he and Maureen will be coming to both shows this year Further details can be found on
www.clydevalleydogs.talktalk.net or email clydevalley@talktalk.net or ring tel. 0113 267 6886.
Always
wanted fast, reliable, running contacts? Well here is your chance! Now you can learn how to do
running contacts in theory and in practice. 
If
you would like your dog to be on the big (or small) screen i.e. film or television, then come
along to Daly's Dogs where you will learn how to teach your dogs the tricks needed for
film and TV work. Any age or breed or dog including crossbreed is welcome! Only kind, reward
based and fun training methods will be used.
Positive Animal Solutions will be starting agility classes in Hull, East Yorkshire on Friday, 15 February 2008. The groups has a brand new set of KC equipment and will be training in a secure indoor arena with great facilities.
Please contact Lynda on tel. 01652 661951 or email lynda@positiveanimalsolutions.co.uk for more information. (02/01/08)
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Got
an agility problem? Don't waste your time complaining. Do something about it. Need more
practice on the contacts or weaves? Want to try out new ideas? Now you can help yourself. Book
a workshop or a private lesson. Join an additional club or training group in your area. There
are plenty of instructors and clubs around who can help you with your problems.
So
many people have asked that Lucy Osborne has decided to some training days in addition to her
week night classes which are 99% full. Her training philosophy is based upon training
confidence with handler and dog, and increasing drive to and from obstacles with a positive
attitude to gaining success! She also trains puppies from an early age drive techniques.
To
contact Agilitynet 