Clean Run Magazine - July 2009 - 15

Kathy Lofthouse Choosing the right trainer and training environment for your first agility experience is an important decision. Despite feeling overwhelmed by the choice of trainers, both you and your dog will benefit if you take the time to choose carefully and wisely. Consider first the reasons why you feel you and your dog are not progressing in your training. Is it the atmosphere of the class? Is it the type of training given or the attention or lack of attention given to individual dog/ handler teams? Do you feel comfortable within the group? Do you feel the trainer likes you and your dog? Is the training concentrating on something other than running courses or sequences? Often when emphasis is placed on various facets of agility training (which can later be put together to produce a confident working agility dog and handler) it may seem to the beginning handler that no progress is being made. Then, suddenly, everything comes together and the handler realizes that patience was worth it. The long-term benefits of patiently developing a good agility team are huge. Sometimes the progress of an individual team can be sped up by an investment in private training. In private lessons the trainer can pinpoint areas that need attention and much time can be saved. Perhaps your current trainer could help you with certain areas in need of extra attention if you talk to her. Only you know whether your perceived lack of progress is due to your eagerness to begin competing or running sequences or whether there is an actual limitation for your particular team within this group. However, the following tips may assist in seeking a future trainer: • Contact the trainer. Describe your dog, yourself, and your current training level. Provide accurate information, including your goals, strengths, weaknesses, and your dog’s likes and dislikes. The trainer may have a group into which you would naturally fit or may recommend a few private lessons to fully evaluate your team. July 09 | Clean Run Since 1988, Kathy has competed successfully in USDAA and AKC to tournament and championship levels. Kathy enjoys introducing a variety of dogs to agility in a positive way and is also available to help resolve problems. Contact Kathy at runjumpweave@prodigy.net. • Before committing to a new trainer, get permission to visit and observe so that you can get a feel for the atmosphere and dynamics of the group. Once you have decided you like the atmosphere and have good feelings about the situation, you can ask permission to bring your dog to the outskirts of the group and observe his reaction. • Many trainers offer evaluation lessons to meet both you and your dog and to gain a better insight into the individual agility partnership. • When observing the lessons take note of training methods. Is the instructor upbeat and positive in manner? Does the training remain upbeat even when things don’t go according to plan? Do the dogs receive help when they are unable to understand what is required? Is there an emphasis on rewarding generously? Are the handlers encouraging to one other? Is there a sense of camaraderie within the group? Do the handlers take the time to warm up their dogs before the class begins? Do they take the time to sincerely praise and encourage their dogs? Does the instructor encourage them? Is there a good pace within the class activities or does there seem to be a lot of standing around? • Pay attention to the actual agility equipment. Is the equipment of the correct type and specifications seen in agility trials? Is it well-maintained, stable, and soundly constructed? Is there an emphasis on safe approaches to obstacles? • Finally, does the training group specialize in one type of agility over others, one type of dog over others, or are they just as keen to provide great agility training to all types of dogs and handlers with all types of goals? These are just some of the things to consider when looking for a new agility trainer. Most important is that you and your dog feel welcome and comfortable and enjoy your agility training together, because your training will go a lot faster if it is fun for both you and your dog. 15
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Clean Run Magazine - July 2009

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