Fun agility class (discontinued)

FUN AGILITY CLASSES

***CLICKER TRAINING FUN AGILITY CLASSES***

PLEASE NOTE THESE CLASSES ARE NO LONGER OFFERED

What people have said about my classes.....

"Hi Ewan
Just to say agility was really good on Saturday. I know we enjoyed it! Cassie was good couldn't believe her behaviour!"

"Hi Ewan,
We just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed yesterdays class, it was fun and use of the equipment was very well explained. When we got home Dee flopped in her bed and didn't move for about 2 hours!!
We are already really looking forward to next week."

"Hi Ewan

I had a great time on Saturday and really enjoyed it, Megan was ‘super’ excited! Never seen her like that before."

"Dear Ewan and Adam
Thank you both for a very enjoyable hour this afternoon, we all three enjoyed it very much, going by the happy faces of the other owners and the cheery "see you next week" from everyone, I don't think we were alone in our enjoyment. So happy for you that you are "up and running".

"Hi Ewan

Just a quick note to say thanks so much for all your work with Jess on Saturday. It's amazing to see how she is coming on. When I think back to the fact that for the first month we had her, she didn't utter a sound (no whimpering, no barking, absolutely nothing) and constantly hid under the furniture (almost as if she were wishing herself invisible), it's great how far she has come on. I think Saturday was a real breakthrough for her. Not only with all the work you did, but also a couple of other things which showed how confident she has become.

1        Jess has always avoided people, especially women. Yet on Saturday, she went over to the girl who brings Lily, and sat quite happily whilst she was petted and scratched
2        She went to the water bowl by herself and wasn't looking around constantly/anxiously as she normally would
3        She wandered off through the tunnel by herself (looking to hoover up any stray little treats which may have been left!)

These may seem like small things to some people, but for Jess these are major steps forward. It's definitely noticeable, that the more confident she becomes, the happier she becomes. (Not rocket science really!!). We've got a long way to go, but I think the best thing I've done so far is bringing her to the class.

Thanks for all your help, see you Saturday. "

1/5/10

Well, the first fun agility classes went ahead on Saturday. From the positive feedback I have had, it was a resounding success. I am so looking forward to every Saturday afternoon. Dogs and owners were all so well behaved!! Here's some pics from the first day....

8/5/10

The second week of training went exceptionally well again. This week we focussed on the Open Tunnel, the Tyre Jump and double hurdles. Time did not permit the weave poles. The mental stimulation that agility requires has just as big an impact on dogs as physical exercise. Here are some pics of the class.

Next week, there is NO class on the 15th May. We meet again on the 22nd May and we will focus on the DogWalk, SeeSaw and the weave poles with guides. See you there!

22/5/10

Another successful week where the dogs were really challenged with the contact agility equipment. We started the sessions with the weave poles, initially with guides and then without. All the dogs performed really well. We then moved onto teaching the seesaw and dog walk. The seesaw proved to be very challenging for the dogs but again as confidence rose so did their performance. A really big well done to dogs and owners!!

Here are some pics from yesterday......

Next week (by special request!) we are returning to the hurdles, walk the plank and chute tunnel. I think we may also revisit the tyre jump. We may even set up a 3 or 4 piece course for fun. See you on the 29th!!

29/5/10

Another stimulating session for the dogs! We revisted the hurdles (triple), chute tunnel, tyre jump and "walk the plank!" To finish off we ran a mini agility course with the above obstacles which was a lot of fun! Here's some pics and video.............

There is no class on 5th June due to Crossford Gala, so we will meet next on the 12th June.

The hurdles are popular and a special request of the seesaw, so we'll focus on these, the open tunnel and dog walk. We'll also create another mini course. See you all then!!

12/6/10

Another enjoyable and stimulating class for the dogs. We focussed on the hurdles, the open tunnel, the dogwalk and the seesaw. The latter proved to be a real challenge for the dogs, I was probably too ambitious so next week we'll revisit the seesaw at a lower height. All the dogs performed brilliantly (again!!) Here are some pics and video courtesy of my 9 year old daughter!! Enjoy.....

19/06/10

The weeks are just flying in!! This week we revisted the weave poles, hurdles (2nd and 3rd class), dog walk, seesaw, open and closed tunnels. I lowered the height of the dog walk and seesaw from previous weeks which helped build the dogs' confidence. We practiced on each obstacle first and then put them together to make a mini course. Again, this proved popular and most of all, a lot of fun. Polo also attended and had his first ever attempt at fun agility! Here's more pics and video...................

AND HERE'S POLO FIRST EVER ATTEMPT!!!!!

Next week, we will continue with the weave poles, the tyre jump, dog walk, tunnels, table and broad jump. Again incorporating a mini course to finish the class off. See you there!!

26/6/10

Aaargh, forgot camera! However, we had a great time with the added bonus of newly purchased rubber flooring which provided an excellent anti-slip surface for the dogs! Equipment this week consisted of the board (long) jump, the table (minus legs), weave poles (the dogs are becoming so good on these now), chute tunnel and 2 single hurdles and a double hurdle. This course proved very popular, I don't know who'll fall asleep first tonight, humans or canines!!!

PS A big thank you to my daughter Hannah, who stepped in to fill Adam's shoes at the last minute. Well done!

3/7/10

This week was by far the best I've ever seen the dogs perform! They are getting so good at the obstacles, especially the weave poles. A special commendation must go to Rusty and Ben who have come on leaps and bounds (excuse the pun!)

This week we set up another mini course consisting of the table at full height, single and double hurdles, a stop zone, tyre jump, open and closed tunnels, broad jump and the weave poles. We welcomed Adam back who did a great job again!

I remembered the camera this week so here's some video (check out Rusty and Ben!) and a couple of pics. Enjoy and see you all next week where we will repeat these obstacles and include a brand new one...woooooooohhhhh..............

The new sessions started on 7/8/10, with a brand new beginners class of novice dogs, and full classes for the improvers groups. The dogs received their certificates in acknowledgement of completing the beginners class. A big Well Done to all. By returning to the basics of agility training, this really reinforced to me how far the dogs had come on over the previous 10 sessions.

I would like to welcome Jack, Cassie, Kailee, Jack, Dusk, Honey and Mia to the beginners class and Toshka to the improvers class. A warm welcome to the returning dogs into the improvers classes, Rusty, Barney, Storm, Dee, Megan, Lily, Cassie, Rory, Poppy, Archie and Ben.

14/8/10

We had a fantastic time reintroducing the agility obstacles to the dogs, but this time focussing on sending the dogs forward with commands and hand signals. The dogs pick this up so quickly.

21/8/10

At last, I received permission to hold the classes outside in King George V Park. The weather was reasonably kind to us and we had an enjoyable time teaching the dogs in the fresh air.

We focussed on the hurdles, open tunnel and dog walk with some time at the end for a mini course. Dogs and handlers will sleep well tonight!!

Here's some pics of the afternoon.

28/8/10

Back indoors this week although it was lovely outside! This week we practiced on a fan hurdle exercise to teach the dogs to run on and jump. We also brushed up on the dog walk and the board (long) jump. The later classes also practised on the tyre jump too. Also, took Ollie along for some socialisation skills and to have a wee shot! Next week, the seesaw will make a reappearance................

4/9/10

This week we practiced on the fan hurdle exercise and the seesaw. The A frame made it's first appearance and went down well with the dogs. All the dogs are coming on leaps and bounds now. In the improvers classes, we are starting to focus on "in/out" commands and "left/right" commands. I am encouraging classes to practice at home and reinforce basic obedience commands. We are focussing on the contact obstacles and as such, teaching the dogs to stop on the contact zones. Next week, the dog walk, chute tunnel, weave poles for the beginners and as above plus seesaw for the improvers.

5/9/10
OPEN DAY AT PITTENCRIEFF PARK
The weather was very good and we had a great day. Many new dogs were introduced to the agility obstacles and I was well supported by current class dogs. A big thank you to all who made it a fun day in the Glen.
Pics to follow.............................. Well there should've been pics, but I'm afraid Mr Nobody has struck again in our house. It seems like (s)he has deleted all the fab photos of the day from my camera.

11/9/10
This week we practiced on the dog walk, chute tunnel and weave poles. The new dogs are really gaining in confidence as each week passes which is fantastic to witness. They just loved the chute tunnel, which takes a lot of courage and confidence from the dogs. The owners are also progressing well with good vocal commands! Next week, we will return to hurdle training, weave poles, table and board jump.

18/9/10
This week we revisited the weave poles and fan hurdles. The dogs are really coming on leaps and bounds, growing in confidence and ability. Next week, we shall continue with the weave poles, chute tunnel, seesaw and table.

25/9/10
Another incredible week where the dogs excelled themselves. The channel teaching method for the weave poles is proving very successful and the dogs are now running through a six inch gap. The seesaw proved a real challenge for the dogs but they prevailed! A special mention must go to Ben, who successfully overcame his fear of the chute tunnel. Onwards and upwards. Next week.....well, we'll see..................

2/10/10
This week we focussed on the dog walk, tunnel, long jump, tyre jump and hurdles. Again the dogs surpassed themselves with some amazing feats of skill. Next week, we will finish off the block with a mini course testing the dog's stamina and skills.......

9/10/10
Last session this week. We put together a small course consisting of the table, hurdle, chute tunnel, long jump, tyre jump, A Frame and open tunnel. The dogs were magnificent and the weeks of practicing individual obstacles really paid off this week.
The dogs were all awarded their K9 Behaviour Agility Class certificates, each and every one well deserved!!
There will be a two week break before the next classes start on the 30/10/10.

30/10/10
A new session of 10 classes started today. We are now running 4 classes back to back each Saturday which is terrific, with a total of around 26 dogs attending. A big welcome toTam, Bangle, Lily, Honey, Killah, Cooper, Lacey, Poppy, Izzy and Jess. An equally big shout out to all the returning dogs to the improver classes.
This week, we introduced clicker training for agility. More time than I had envisaged passed by, with "charging" the clickers and introducing the concepts of variable reward reinforcement. We managed a short time on the hurdles thereafter.
However, next week the fun will really begin. We will visit the hurdles, A frame and open tunnels. Will try and get my camera fixed for then.......................

6/11/10
The classes were well attended today despite the horrendous weather! We practiced on the table, the A Frame, the hurdles and the chute tunnel. All the dogs in the beginners class caught on exceptionally quickly and were soon working off leash. It is a joy to watch how quickly dogs learn.
Remembered the camera this week and found a working memory card....... here's some pics

20/11/10 Another great week, with the dogs in the beginners class being introduced to the weave poles. Didn't they do well!

The follower on classes had great fun as well, by having fun on mini courses. This proved very popular and for our last week, next week before the Christmas break, we will set up a few courses with the contact pieces and tunnels.

27/11/2010 Last week before breaking up for Christmas and what a successful week at that. We set up a variety of mini courses which the dogs loved and performed amazingly well on.

I am looking forward to a wee break now, where I'll be concentrating on the dog psychology side of my business and also putting in some extra effort with my foundation degree studies in Canine Behaviour.

25/12/10 WISHING YOU ALL A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

from Ewan and Adam

15/1/11 Classes started back today and we warmed the dogs up with some clockwise and anti-clockwise hurdle jumps. We tried using pointer sticks to improve the weave pole ability. Some dogs took to this, others didn't but it's wise to introduce as many motivators as possible and decide which one is best for the individual dog. Also added in the chute tunnel to make a fun mini course to finish off the class. Lots of fun!!

22/1/11 This week we focussed on the open tunnel, the chute tunnel, broad jump, seesaw and hurdles. A lot to fit in an hour but we somehow managed it. The seesaw proved to be a real challenge for some dogs whilst others took to it like a duck to water! The important thing was to work with each dog individually to build up their confidence. Another good time had by all!!

29/1/11 This week we practised on the dog walk, open tunnel, tyre jump, hurdles and flat table. Managed to remember to take some pics so will post these asap. Overall, the dogs confidence on the dog walk was terrific. Found out that Tesco's Rasher Treats go down a storm with the dogs!

5/2/11 This week we had fun on a "walk the plank" exercise, hurdles, tyre jump, weave poles, closed tunnel and open tunnel. The dogs have gained so much confidence in working with the equipment, it's just truly amazing to see each dog learn so quickly.

12/2/11 Can't believe it's the last class of this block, time has flown in. Today, we really focussed on fun and gradually increased the obstacles one by one until we had quite a mini-course. The dogs performed really well over 4 hurdles, tyre jump, walk the plank, closed tunnel and table. Caught some of the dogs on film. Just look at them go..........

YES, IT'S A BEAGLE!!!

5/3/11 Well, the new block started this week with a terrific turnout of new beginners. They were all so well behaved and calm. A big welcome to newbies Kobi, Cassie, Stella, Cooper, Nikki, Misty, Brenna and Lexy.

We spent the first 5 minutes "charging" the clicker.

This week we started with a warm up exercise over some hurdles in a circuit. We had two dogs participating at once, which although is not an agility requirement, it is never the less a great way of increasing the dog's focus on the handler. It all worked out very well. We introduced the dogs to the hurdles and the A-Frame. For the more advanced dogs we created a circuit with tyre jump, hurdles, open tunnel and A Frame.

12/3/11 This week, we again warmed up using the hurdles. We then proceeded to introduce the dogs to the chute tunnel. I couldn't believe the progress the beginner class made with all the dogs pushing through the canvas by the end of the lesson. We didn't have time to use the weave poles in the beginners class but the advanced classes enjoyed a circuit of hurdles, chute tunnel, tyre jump and weave poles. Her are some pics of today's class.

19/3/11 The ever popular A Frame reappeared this week and we revisited the weave poles too. This time we fitted the weave guides which greatly assisted the dogs. As ever, we built a small course with A frame, chute tunnel, long jump, hurdles and weave poles.

26/3/11 We introduced the dogs to the dog walk this week with great success. In addition to the dog walk, we built up a very simple course of the tunnels, hurdles and the tyre jump. The dogs are now well on their way to gaining experience on all the pieces of equipment.

2/4/11 This week, the new dogs trialed on the see saw for the first time, and amazingly they all did very well for their first time. This is a challenging piece of equipment as it moves. It is so important to introduce the dogs slowly and calmly otherwise you run the risk of "spooking" We built up a small course of A Frame, weave poles, chute tunnel, hurdles and tyre jump. I can't believe we're half way through the block!

9/4/11 We really went for it this week, with a large number of jumps in step formation, chute tunnel, long jump, dog walk and weave poles. The dogs performed wonderfully and a great time had by all.

16/4/11 Carrying on from last week, we heightened the A Frame and put the open tunnel underneath it. Along with the step formation hurdles, chute tunnel, table, weave poles it made an impressive course. More of the same next week!

HAPPY EASTER

NO CHOCOLATE FOR THE DOGS THOUGH!

JOHN 3:16

7/5/11 Can't quite believe that today was the end of another block.
INFACT IT'S ALSO THE 1ST ANNIVERSARY OF THE FUN AGILITY CLASSES
We set up a mini course with hurdles, A Frame, chute tunnel, open tunnel, see saw, table and weave poles. All the dogs from beginners to the more experienced did amazingly well. What a difference 10 classes make in building up the dogs confidence. The dogs demonstrated their agility skills magnificently. Managed to film some of the dogs performing (see below).
I'm having a weekend off next week but the new classes start 21/5/11. Can't wait!

UNFORTUNATELY THESE CLASSES ARE NOW DISCONTINUED

K9 BEHAVIOUR SERVICES

Full agility training and guidance will be given at each class but here are

some hints, tips and things to practice before starting agility

Although not absolutely necessary, it would be beneficial if your dog has had some basic obedience training. A dog that can “sit, stay, down, down stay and come” is definitely at an advantage and will make your life easier all round. Try practicing clicker training to reinforce these basic obedience cues.

Please spend time reinforcing these cues on a daily basis. If you wish my help in obedience training prior to the agility, please contact me. If your dog is clicker trained, this also has advantages.

Coordination

Many young dogs or novice dogs are not skilled at managing their back legs. Although this will improve as you progress through the classes, there is a simple exercise you can practice to speed things up.

Get a long ladder and lay it flat on the ground. Keeping your dog on a leash, walk your dog across the ladder and drop treats on the ground to keep their focus on the ground. When your dog steps inside the rungs reward with click or praise and treats. When they are comfortable doing this, and then use the same principles but walk down the length of the ladder. If your dog jumps out, don’t correct him/her just encourage them to go back to the ladder. You may have to go back to crossing the ladder to improve confidence again. Practice this exercise with your dog on both sides of you. Do this a few times a week. You are aiming for your dog to trot comfortably through the rungs of the ladder. Don’t panic or get frustrated if your dog doesn’t get this before starting class. It’s all good!

Jumps

All fit dogs can jump; some are master escape artists while some struggle over small obstacles.

You can prepare your dog by laying some poles (or similar) on the ground and leading your dog over them. Click or praise and treat. Then, if possible, ask someone to hold your dog, whilst you position yourself at the other side of the “jump” Call your dog and click or praise and reward with a treat if they jump, step over the pole. If they avoid the pole, don’t reward but say something like, “Oops, that was almost it, let’s try again”

You may wish to gradually increase the height of the pole if you are able to but only if your dog is confident. Please do not rush your dog into doing something that it’s not comfortable with.

The following is a guideline to MAXIMUM jump heights for different sized dogs

Toy breeds 2-8 inches

Small breed 8-12 inches

Medium breed 12-16 inches

Large breed 16-20 inches

Giant breed 16-20 inches

If your dog has joint problems or is over 8 years old then you must reduce the jump height by at least one level. Puppies should never jump higher than their hock height.

Weave poles

Other than set up some kind of weave pole system, one easy and free training aid is your legs! Teach your dog to weave in and out of your legs. Make it a game, make it enjoyable. This is a great coordination game.

Using a treat, lure your dog through from the inside to outside of your leg. Now take a big step forward and lure your dog through that leg from inside to outside. Increase the number of weaves your dog must do before getting the treat.

Dog walk

This requires a great deal of confidence from the dog. Start by leading your dog on leash along a plank of wood lying flat on the ground and rewarding every step it takes. Once it can comfortably walk the full length, raise each end of the plank by 3 inches (use a brick or such like) and repeat. If your dog is hesitant, drop the height and continue from there. Always use positive praise and treats. Your dog is learning to trust you. Don’t let him or her down!

This exercise is also useful to master the see-saw or teeter totter as it’s sometimes known.