|
Starters
Courses
Starting agility at WAAG is structured so that you
and your dog learn this sport in a safe and fun environment. We
have broken the basis required to learn agility into three eight-week
courses- Agility 1, Agility 2 and Agility 3. The first course, Agility1,
teaches the foundation skills required for your dog to safely and
efficiently complete agility obstacles. At the end of agility 1
your dog will have great rear-end coordination and strength, will
be able to complete tunnels and planks with confidence and will
be confident with movement underfoot. Most importantly though you
and your dog will be learning to work as a team and you will have
learned how to shape your dog's behaviour. The second course, Agility2,
focuses on building solid contact and weaving behaviour as well
as learning how to execute turns to direct your dog around short
sequences of hurdles. At the end of the third course, Agility3,
your dog will be able to successfully complete each individual piece
of equipment and you will be able to direct your dog safely around
short agility courses at speed.
Each
of these three classes is limited to 8 handlers per instructor.
The courses will introduce training using positive reinforcement-
and in particular clicker training. So you need to come armed with
yummy dog treats and anything your dog finds rewarding such as a
ball, tug toy or a kong. At the end of the six months of courses
you and your dog will be able to guide your dog around a short course
and safely complete individual obstacles including weave poles,
the dog walk, the A-Frame, tunnels and hurdles. If your dog is having
problems at any point you are invited to stay longer with that Agility
class until you have both achieved your aims confidently. The dogs
that stay for another eight weeks most often become the stars of
the next course as both handlers and dogs gain confidence and handlers
often become more consistent with clicking and rewarding.
Once
you have completed the three starters classes you can start to join
in our WAAG Dog of the Year courses that are on monthly at training.
You can also start to think more seriously about competing if that
is what you wish for. A good starting point for competitions are
the elementary and starters classes held at ADAA competitions. See
our "WAAGer's Guide
to Competing in ADAA Agility" for more information on competitions.
If you just want to have fun with your dog without stressing yourself
with competing then you are more than welcome at training and may
find our Dog of the Year courses all the agility you need.
To
see when the next starters classes are due to commence, see our
schedule below. For more information about the starters classes
including pricing packages read "Starting
Agility with WAAG". To sign up for any of the starter's
courses download and complete the
application form (pdf file). Course fees and application forms need
to be completed and forwarded to the club by the booking closing
date to be admitted to the next course.
We
welcome all starters who are willing to embrace reward-based methods
of training. At WAAG you will be asked to reward your dog with food,
toys or both. Please note that if you are uncomfortable with using
these forms of rewards in your dog's training then the WAAG Starters'
courses may not be suited to you.
Starters Courses Scheduled for 2004 |
| |
|
| Agility 1 |
New Structure |
|
Commencing Feb 9
with Jenny and Marilyn
|
Training on 6/2, 13/2, 20/2,
Break week, 5/3, 12/3, 19/3, 26/3, 2/4
Booking closes on 1/2 |
Commencing April
16
with Marilyn and Emma
|
16/4, 23/4, 30/4, 7/5, 14/5, 21/5,
28/5, 4/6
Booking closes on 10/4
|
| |
|
| Agility 2 |
(Need
to have completed Agility 1 before commencing Agility 2) |
Commencing
Feb 9
with Sam and Tracey |
Training on 6/2, 13/2, 20/2, Break
week, 5/3, 12/3, 19/3, 26/3, 2/4
Booking closes on 1/2
|
2004
Commencing April 16
with Sam and Jenny |
16/4, 23/4,
30/4, 7/5, 14/5, 21/5, 28/5, 4/6
Booking closes on 10/4 |
| Agility 3 |
(Need
to have completed Agility 2 before commencing Agility 3) |
|
2004
Commencing April 16
with Tracey and Sharon
|
16/4, 23/4,
30/4, 7/5, 14/5, 21/5, 28/5, 4/6
Booking closes on 10/4 |
| |
|
|
