Instructor: Denise Fenzi
Course Details
Does the thought of training without a cookie in your pocket make you nervous? Are you happy with your training, but have no idea how to prepare for the rigors of competition? Do you worry about getting a high quality performance when there are distractions nearby? Are you comfortable training in a novel environment without your toys and cookies to keep your dog engaged?
The purpose of this two-part class is to move you from the acquisition of behaviors phase to preparing for competition; these are two very different things! To do this, we will systematically consider three of the factors that are essential for a competition dog: Generalization of behaviors, Proofing for distractions and reducing "classic" (toy and food) reinforcers. This class will include short lectures on each of these topics, along with specific exercises and a training plan that will allow you to reach your goal; the dog show!
This class will also lay the groundwork for how to handle those “I have something better to do” moments. Rather than resorting to a leash pop, we will discuss the alternatives which will effectively get you to your goal - sustained focus - without the need for physical compulsion. Part two of this class will consider this issue much more extensively and in depth.
While most of the examples will be obedience specific, this class is designed to be valuable for competitors in all sports; from agility to freestyle to obedience and rally!
Due to the quantity of information which will be presented, this class is being run from August through December, with a two week break. At enrollment you will be purchasing BOTH classes (part 1 and part 2) at the same time.
If your interest is either obedience or rally, it is strongly recommended that you take "Confidence Building for the Obedience and Rally Ring" either before or after this class - but definitely before you choose to compete!
"Gold" level participants will actively practice the process of preparing for the ring, so Denise will assume that your dog is relatively fluent on a number of behaviors - if you cannot get the behaviors you want with reinforcers, then a Gold level spot in this class will be premature since first you train and then you prepare to compete! This class assumes the ability to get away from your "home training field" on several occasions over the course of the class", if you simply want the information for a further time, then a Bronze or Silver spot will be appropriate for anyone who plans to compete in the future.
This class will not specifically address the process of building confidence and preparation for the ring itself, nor will we address the issue of helping a stressed dog succeed on the the trial grounds. Appropriate classes for those processes would be, “Confidence Building for the Obedience and Rally Ring” and “Dealing with the Bogeyman” classes respectively.
If you are not sure of the appropriateness of this class for your situation, contact Denise to discuss.
Watch our short promotional video for this class!
