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The
Animal Clinic will soon be offering a fun and exciting way for you to
train and spend time with your canine companion -- Agility!!!!!
The
Animal Clinic and Aspen-Song Canine Athletics have come together to
offer safe and humane training in this exciting sport for canine athletes.
All dogs, purebred and mix-bred alike, can participate and earn titles
in agility. Come give it a try and see how much fun you and your dog
can have!
The
Instructor, Erika Wilson, has been training dogs for 14 years, and has
successfully competed in tracking, obedience and of course, agility
with her Pomeranians, Shetland sheepdogs and a papillon. Erika has coached
dog and handler teams in the nuances of competitive obedience and agility
for a number of years, working with a large variety of breeds and temperaments.
Training
methods are focused on motivational drive, using food, toys, and targets
to successfully teach each dog to work confidently. Focus is placed
on helping the dog learn to think, listen, solve problems, and work
confidently, leading to a fast, consistent, and happy partner. Each
dog and handler team will inherently have different skills and talents,
and instruction will be tailored toward enhancing each team's strengths
wile improving upon weaknesses.
Note:
The Animal Clinic has a strict policy regarding vaccinations for all
dogs participating in either obedience or agility classes. Proof that
each dog has been administered Distemper-Parvo, Rabies, and Bordetalla
vaccinations by a licensed veterinarian will be required.
Agility Obstacle Familiarization
Four Weeks / Classes run 1 hour / Class size limited to 8 / Cost: $30
per dog
Prerequisites:
Dogs must be able to walk on a loose lead with a toy or food as incentive,
demonstrate a sit and down with out physical assistance, and 60 second
stay in place with the handler 30 feet away. Dogs must be able to come
when called. Dogs that are not reliable on the "come when called" must
work on lead until which time as the dog and handler have improved.
Young puppies are exempted from the above training requirements (puppies
will learn non-impact obstacles). If your dog is unable to perform these
prerequisites, consider enrolling in once of the obedience classes offered
at the Animal Clinic. Any dog which has shown aggressive tendencies
toward people or other dogs will not be allowed to participate.
Class
Content:
This class will introduce the handler and dog team to agility obstacles
used in AKC and UKC agility events. Multiple methods of teaching each
obstacle will be presented, and the instructor will assist students
in determining which method(s) may be best suited to their individual
dog. A different set of obstacles will be taught during the first three
weeks. All obstacles will be available for practice on the fourth week.
Testing of dog/handler teams interested in the next level of agility
will be conducted on the fourth week.
Novice Agility
Eight Weeks / Classes run 1 hour each / Class size limited to 8 handlers
/ Cost: $60 per dog
Prerequisites:
Dogs must be under reasonable verbal control of the handler (using food/toy)
and be able to complete all obstacles in the obstacle familiarization
class within three tries without physical assistance. Food and toys
are allowed. It is not uncommon for dogs to complete two Level 1 sessions
prior to moving forward in their training. Any dog which has shown
aggressive tendencies toward people or other dogs will not be allowed
to participate.
Class
Content:
This class in intended to prepare the dog/handler team for competition
in the Novice Classes, although students not interested in competition
are welcome. Dogs will gain confidence on all obstacles without handler
assistance. Dogs will earn to work away from the handler and obstacle
sequencing. Turns and handler crosses will be introduced, as well as
warm-up and cooling down exercises
Open Agility
Eight Weeks / Classes run 1½ hour each / Class size limited to 8 handlers
/ Cost: $70 for one dog, handlers may work a second dog for an additional
$25
Prerequisites:
Dog and handler team must have earned on qualifying score in a Novice,
U-AGI, or equivalent class; or be able to successfully complete an equivalent
course set by the instructor. Any dog which has shown aggressive
tendencies toward people or other dogs will not be allowed to participate.
Class
Content:
This class will prepare the dog and handler tem for competition in the
Open or U-AGII levels. More advance handling techniques will be introduced,
course-walking strategies, dealing with traps, distance work and dog
reliability will be focused on.
Advanced Agility
Eight Weeks / Classes run 1½ hour each / Class size limited to 8 handlers
/ Cost: $70 for one dog, handlers may work a second dog for an additional
$25
Prerequisites:
Dog and handler team must have earned on qualifying score in an Open
or equivalent class; or be able to successfully complete an equivalent
course set by the instructor. Any dog which has shown aggressive
tendencies toward people or other dogs will not be allowed to participate.
Class
Content:
This class will prepare the dog and handler tem for competition in advanced
levels of agility, and can serve as maintenance/perfecting class for
dogs earning MX legs, or championship points. Sequences will be geared
toward challenging the dog and handler tem to think and expand their
abilities.
Private Classes / Problem Solving
Private classes are available at $25 an hour for team at any level.
Open and Advanced students wishing more individualized assistance in
addressing a particular issue or training challenge may find a private
session beneficial.
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