New classes starting at Dig It Dog Training Club - Sandbach. Dig It Dogs

Next intake Thursday 30th June 6pm and 8pm.

At Dig It we believe in giving agility dogs the best possible start to their agility careers regardless of age. To achieve your goals in agility, you need a solid working relationship with your dog and a clear and consistent communication system, often referred to as a "handling system." A handling system is no more than a set of verbal and physical cues that tell your dog what you want him to do next. Conflicting cues or missing links in your communication system will limit what your team can achieve in the sport by causing a lack of confidence (the dog slows down, stops, or even leaves the ring) or frustration (the dog spins, barks, or tries to bite the handler). With clarity and consistency in your communication system, your dog will be more confident, focused, and sure of his job, which will allow you and the dog not only to achieve more, but also to enjoy the game more.

The foundation of this communication system must be taught on the ground before you teach any piece of agility equipment. Teaching obstacles before you have a communication system in place is like driving a car with no steering wheel and no brakes-you are at the mercy of the driver, which in this case is your dog.

The groundwork exercises in Foundation Training for Agility will put you in the driver's seat. Whether you are starting to train a new puppy for agility or you need to brush up on some skills with an experienced dog, you'll find suitable groundwork exercises for dogs at any level.

Level One foundation is suitable for puppies over 7 months of age as well as adult dogs new to agility as we will not be jumping any height but looking at getting striding correct and building the dog's confidence. We will be looking at the following areas during the program:
•Introduction to targeting
•Build motivation and control through positive reinforcement
•Hand touches
•Rock-solid waits with duration, distraction, and distance
•Restrained recalls and chase-me games
•Building focus
•Releasing only on a verbal cue
•Circle work
•Staying on a parallel path to you and not cutting behind you
•Moving ahead of you on a parallel path on a verbal Go cue
•Working with lateral distance away from you
•Balance exercises
•Hind end awareness
•Proprioception

INTERESTED? Email Claire at agility@digitdogs.co.uk or call/text 07581260664 for more info and to book your place. New classes are starting regularly but get filled up quickly so be sure to contact soon so you don't miss out.

Attached Files

Foundation poster.pdf (607.5 KB, 1 views)