SOME BASIC INFORMATION

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• You AND your dog should have fun. 

• In group classes only one dog should be off lead at any time. Agility is fun and increases the dog’s arousal so keep clear of other dogs and handlers. 

• Be mindful of the working dog’s path, do not sit or walk in a working dog’s path. 

• No equipment is to be used unless your dog is the working dog. 

• When another dog is working please keep your dog quiet. If you need assistance with this please let me know. 

• Reward your dog. They are motivated by reward, for example use food+++ . Know what your dog likes best, this could be food, a ball tug toy or praise or a combination of all of these. Use high quality soft food, your dog needs to be able to swallow and keep moving.

• Reward the behaviour you want, do not reward the behaviour you don’t want.

• Agility is about speed, independence and motivation. So avoid training techniques that de-motivate your dog. Be positive and give lots of verbal praise. Have a ‘party’ when your dog does something well. Avoid ‘no’. Use a neutral word such as ‘oops’ if the dog makes a mistake. If your dog fails a task make it easier or go back to the point where he / she was successful. Avoid speaking in gruff tones, a high pitch animated voice makes your dog excited. 

• Always reward your dog when they complete a task, particularly one they were having difficulty completing it successfully. 

• Be aware of signs of stress, wandering away, yawning or scratching. However these may be quite normal when a dog begins training 

• Be aware of your body language. If your dog goes the wrong direction stop and look at your feet and shoulders first before assuming your dog was ignoring you. 

• Be consistent, have a clear picture in your mind of the behaviour you want. Take a mind photo! Use consistent verbal cues.

• You are ultimately responsible for your own and your dog’s safety. Follow instructions and be vigilant. 

• Ensure your dog has access to clean water; agility is hard work for your dog. Keep home training sessions short. 

• If you have any questions please ask. 

• Heat and safety guidelines apply. Training will not be conducted if the temperature is 34º or over or if it is raining heavily.  If you have paid for a session it will be rescheduled. 

• The neighbours are quite close so we endeavour to keep the noise down. Please park at Smith’s park and walk to the area.