Clean Run - April 2017 - 44

Cons:
* Sometimes the DVD might not be what you expected. Remember that many DVDs can be rented. You
can review the DVD to be sure that you want to purchase the DVD. Any good DVD is worth owning.

When they come to class and want to implement what they
learned they often can't tell me the timing, the footwork, the
arm work, or the basic way that the instructor teaches the skill
to the dogs! You should leave every seminar knowing who,
what, when, where, how, and why.

* DVDs require discipline to watch them; put it on your
calendar and schedule the time to watch when you
purchase them. They can't help you much with the
cellophane on them!

Learning from Online Classes
Online teaching is very popular these days. We are so lucky
to have access to the great minds of dog training and agility
handling.

* They can be boring, sorry, but it is true. You might
need to watch when you are not tired and remember
that the information may be invaluable, but not so
entertaining.

Pros:
* Often you can learn on your own time

* No feedback; you run the risk of doing it wrong after
you watch. Don't be afraid to contact the instructor
and ask if they offer consulting if you need it.

* Watching others interact with the instructor can be
valuable
* Video is usually used, so helpful
* Topics are often very specific

Learning from Seminars

* Cost is usually reasonable

Pros:
* You get to train directly with the instructor-
can't beat that

* Personal feedback can usually be purchased

* You will get direct feedback
* You will be able to ask questions, and you should
* Seeing other students work through the drills can
be valuable
* Group dynamics can enhance the experience
Cons:
* Instructor may not give you what you wanted
* If you do not video tape and/or take notes, you may
forget the lessons
* Group dynamics can sometimes get in the way of
the flow of learning
* Cost of seminar and travel expenses can be high
A word on attending seminars: Once I went to a seminar and
the next day some of us who had attended were discussing
it. A few people felt they had not gotten much feedback and
that the instructor played favorites regarding who she helped.
I felt I had gotten a lot of help. When I watched my video I saw
how many questions I had asked. I got the help I went there
to get because of my questions. Sometimes there is a good
reason to not keep working a dog on a drill. If that happens
to you, take your fair share of the instructor's time by asking
some questions. Take the initiative! Many of my students go
to seminars-our area seems to always have one happening.

Cons:
* You have to be disciplined to do the work
* Sometimes students can take the subject off topic
* No personal feedback unless you have paid extra for it
* Some of the more comprehensive programs are
(expectedly) expensive

In Closing
In closing, I would like you to consider using these valuable
tools if you are not already. Be sure to pursue help with the
skills you actually need the most at first.
Please remember that all of the instructors who offer DVDs,
magazine articles, seminars, and online training are working
as hard as you are to make their living. There are many ways
for us to offer information for free, and many of us do offer
lots of free advice. If you would like to have the benefit of
information that is not offered for free, you really should be
paying for it. If your club has a library, check with your club
to confirm that the author of the material has agreed to free
use of their material.
Always feel free to give instructors feedback on the material
they are producing for you. I would love to hear more from
my readers and watchers about what they liked and even
more importantly what they did not! I hope this helps you
choose wisely when supplementing your agility training. D

Sandy Rogers has been teaching obedience and agility since 1991, and founded ACE Dog Sports in San Francisco, California in 1999. Her dogs have competed in the
USDAA and AKC national championship finals multiple times in four jump heights. Sandy and Jack Russell Terrier Quill competed on Team USA at the World Agility Open
in 2011-2013, winning individual gold and silver in 2012 and bronze in 2013. Quill won the 2013 USDAA Grand Prix Finals, and placed second at the 2012 and 2014 AKC
Nationals. Sandy has two DVDs available: One Jump Two Jump and Feet First. To contact Sandy, email sandyrogers@acedogsports.com.
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Clean Run | April 17

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - April 2017