Course building begins at 7 p.m. Class begins at 7:30.
Length: Eight weeks
Recommended for: 1 year and older
CGC for dogs older than 1 year. Dogs should be working safely at full height on all agility contact obstacles (A frame, dogwalk, teeter). They should also be able to weave six weave poles with confidence and have begun work on 12 weave poles.
Your dog should understand how to work for both toys and food. They should be trained to drive forward to a target.
Dogs should be able to stay engaged with the handler off leash and with distractions. Handlers should be interested in or working with a behavioral science-based contact training program. This course is recommended for dogs preparing to move into competition or who are already participating in agility trials.
IMPORTANT: Enrollment in an online running contacts program OR have a mentor they are working with is highly recommended. Stopped or running contact methods are equally welcome.
Number of participants limited to 6.
This class is designed to be a work group. That means it will NOT be primarily an instructor-led class format. Guidance on training running and stopped contacts will be available, however. Class members are encouraged to help observe and support the work of fellow group members.
Participants will be expected to be working their own plan for contacts training, including practice in between class sessions. The workgroup leader will act as a coordinator to set up a space/equipment plan for the class and to monitor group flow as needed.
Coursework progression
In the first couple of weeks, we will work on solidifying performance to obstacle handling criteria. The middle portion of the class will focus on common contact challenges and short sequence configurations. The final two weeks will work on contacts in longer sequences. Not every class will include all contact obstacles.
Equipment
The class will focus on full height dogwalk and teeter. Dogs should be working a 5-foot A frame or higher. Weave poles and other agility equipment will often be included in class setups.
Materials recommended (depends on training method): Treat and Train or Manners Minder (highly recommended) or a closed target or toy your dog will drive to for reinforcement. Small, high value treats and high value toys. A PVC A-frame stride regulator box or other stride regulator (if using). Mats or Hit It Boards, or any other props you might be using if you are training running dogwalk. Timer for timing work cycles.
Why not a class?
Training contacts, especially running contacts, is highly individualized to both the dog and the handler. Stopped contacts are much easier and more straightforward to train and maintain, but still benefit from “working a system” for the behavior you want.
We will have a coach available for stopped contact trainers and also coaching for those training running contacts.
Training running contacts can be very fun for handler and dog but relies on commitment to regular practice and attention to building the fitness, balance and coordination that the dog will need for safe, confident performance.
Questions? Feel free to contact the instructor.