K9 Pro Agility Workshop

Workshop date will be 27th November

Tickets go on sale 2nd November at 11am

"Using Drive in Agility"

Featuring

Steve Courtney
Nationally Accredited Dog Obedience Trainer, Law Enforcement Dog Trainer and Canine Behaviourist 

Topics!

What is drive?
What does it mean?
Types of Drive

Achieving Drive
How to recognise it
How to get it
How to use it

PRACTICAL Techniques

Using Drive in Agility
How does drive increase success in agility
Training in Drive translates to increase in enthusiasm + increase in control
Most people in agility are constantly searching for better drive…either
   a.)More enthusiasm/speed for steady dogs or
   b.)More control/attention for fast dogs
Some dogs constantly seek rewards from the course rather than from the handler

Which comes first?
Typically people train their dogs for agility first & then seek to change/increase/control their drive.
Ideally the drive comes first & is then used for training from day 1
It is never too late to make the switch

Feedback/Trust
How often does the dog decide to make a mistake in agility?
What is your reaction to their your mistake?
How much does your dog understand of “oh no, I stuffed that up?”
It’s not about YOU, it’s about the dog!  Give them feedback/reward first, then beat yourself up!
What do you want more? Your dog giving you everything they have & missing a jump? or your dog giving you half of what they have & running clear?

Fine Tuning
How often does the dog go in & out of drive on a course/sequence?
Where on course does the dog lose & gain drive?  Certain handling moves? Certain obstacles?
Measuring performance is important.  Video, timing etc
When you find an issue…note it, work on it, dismiss it, succeed with it.
Acting differently in training than in a trial
Taking risks in training, playing it safe in a trial?

PRACTICAL Proofing Exercises

For discussion
Throwing toys vs tug vs food
Why do dogs often accelerate on the run home?
What are the consequences of your dog playing before & after class?
What do you want from your dog between runs? Nothing? Sniffing? Wandering off?
What is the impact of other rewards you give outside of agility
Should the way I treat my dog at home change?

More details to come, but this is one not to miss!