IN FOCUS
The IN FOCUS seminar is based on our popular book. This
seminar is designed mainly for those interested in applying
the FOCUS program to agility competition. However, the
first day of the seminar is general and can improve the
relationship between any dog and owner. The discussions
and exercises are designed to help you form a strong and
positive working partnership with your dog.
On Day One we introduce the use of a behavioral marker
(clicker or verbal) and primary reinforcers (food, toys,
play, petting, etc.) as our main training tools. We will
have trainers practice the MOST IMPORTANT training tool
they have, effective timing, by playing some fun games.
Then we will start working with the dogs. We will practice
shaping, luring, and targeting, and discuss when to use
them. We begin ‘Baby Focus’ with recalls,
then move on to ‘Controlled Focus’ and eventually
‘Moving Focus’. Each part of the day introduces
exercises that build on the foundation skills necessary
to have a great working relationship with your dog.
Dogs and handlers working on Day Two should be able to
run a Novice agility course. We will begin with a diagnostic
course so that we can identify areas where Focus can be
increased. Next we will discuss agility dog personality
types (not having enough fun and having too much fun)
and how to accurately diagnose them. Then, we will divide
into groups and work through sequences designed for each
personality type. We will work on warm-ups, start lines,
lead outs, and distance. Motivational games will be used
for the dogs that need speed. The dogs that need control
will work on exercises that teach restraint (without killing
drive).
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ADVANCED IN FOCUS
We are now offering Advanced
Focus seminars to those training clubs and schools that
have already hosted a Focus seminar.
The two-day Advanced seminar will include
the following:
Day One (open to dogs &
handlers at all levels):
The morning will be a quick review of
basic Focus ideas and exercises. These include the proper
use of a behavioral marker, recall foundation work, and
impulse & self-control exercises. We will also cover
turning dogs on and off, and encouraging creativity in
our dogs.
The afternoon will be focused on Obstacle
Skills. We will work on teaching dogs to be confident
and comfortable on obstacles, as well as on setting performance
criteria. In addition to beginning levels of training,
we will address remedial work for problem obstacle performance
as well.
Day Two (Working teams must
have attended Day One or a previous basic Focus seminar.
Teams must be able to run a Novice level course.):
Day Two is designed to identify both
“need for speed” and “crying for control”
dogs, and to address the weak points of each type.
Sequences & exercises focus on controlling
dogs’ arousal levels (increasing excitement in need
for speed dogs & decreasing it in crying for control
dogs.) Stress levels & overexcitement will be addressed.
We will also consider how every
interaction we have with our dogs (both at home &
while training) can be altered to lead to better results
in the ring.
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CLICKER FUN
This can be structured as a one-day workshop or two-day
seminar. The purpose of the Clicker Fun seminar is to
introduce participants to the proper and effective use
of clicker training. Both the HOW and the WHY of clicker
training will be presented. On Day One, the ‘rules’
that will lead to the best results will be presented and
discussed. We will practice timing, shaping, luring, and
targeting by teaching fun tricks and games. 101 things
to do with a box, hula hoops, and skateboards are just
some of the things that we will work on….
Day Two can be specialized to focus on issues of interest
to the participants. Behavior problems and their solutions,
competition obedience, rally obedience, pet therapy training,
beginning agility, and teaching clicker classes, are some
of the topics that we offer.
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Canine Action Sports Workshops
Summer 2007: Agility Skills & Drills
You can never get too much of the basics! This workshop will focus on turns, crosses, and common obstacle configurations (pinwheels, 180s, serpentines, threadles, etc.) We will also work on helping you analyze a sequence and determine the best handling plan for you and your dog. In this workshop, we will be training YOU to handle with confidence and clarity. Become a smoother, calmer handler and increase the odds of having a flowing, clean run. The dogs in working spots should be under control off-lead and comfortable performing short sequences of jumps, tunnels, the chute, and the table.
Fall 2007: Consistent Contacts & Wonderful Weaves
If you want faster, more consistent contacts, and fast, flawless weaves, this workshop is for you! We will present our techniques for teaching contacts from the ground up. Working dogs do not require any previous experience. We will also talk about training a specific contact behavior (2 on / 2 off, down on the ground, running, etc.) and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different types. Working dogs will be used to demonstrate problems and solutions. We will also present our method for teaching weaves (channel & wires), which is based on a restrained recall. Therefore, working dogs must be comfortable being mildly restrained. Again, we will problem solve weave issues with working dogs. We will also demonstrate how to build up your dog’s confidence with increasingly challenging weave entries.
Winter 2008: Clicker Fun & Games
Shake off the cabin fever and post-holiday blues! Join us for some fun and exciting clicker training. This workshop is based on Deb’s popular ‘Clicker Fun’ book. You don’t need any clicker experience. We’ll guide you through the basics step by step by teaching tricks and playing games. We’ll even provide the clickers! Dogs at all ages and all levels of training can participate. We will give instructors ideas for teaching students to use the clicker correctly. We will also discuss ways to incorporate clicker training into all types of classes (puppy, obedience, and agility). Bring an open mind, a hungry dog, and plenty of small soft treats.
Spring 2008: Jump!
Jumps make up the majority of obstacles on any agility course. Yet people spend very little time teaching their dogs to jump properly. We will discuss different jumping styles and why they matter. We will consider how a dog’s jumping style influences his ability to make tight turns and avoid off-course options. The step by step teaching progressions will help your dog become a more efficient jumper. This workshop is primarily based on Linda Mecklenberg’s jumping program (as described in Clean Run magazine). This type of jump training is also connected to Linda’s handling system for the consistent use of motion, position, shoulder, arm/hand, and verbal cues. We will look at how to use these cues most effectively using short jump sequences. Working dogs should be old enough to jump competition heights (at least 12-14 months) and under control off-lead. .
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