Introduction to Agility! Group Training Classes Agility is a face-paced, tremendously fun canine sport where you direct your dog through an obstacle course of jumps, tunnels, see-saws and dog walks. Whether you're interesting in competing for an advanced title or you just want a neat way to exercise with your dog, agility builds teamwork, enhances the canine-human bond, and gives you and your dog quality time doing something you'll both enjoy. These 4-week introductory classes focus on safely and gently introducing your dog to the common obstacles found on agility courses. Standard - 4 Tuesdays 6-7 pm begins June 5, 2012 This class is for dogs of all breeds & will be taught on standard equipment according to (mostly) AKC Regulations. 4 Thursdays 6-7 pm begins June 7, 2012 This class is for Toy & Small Dogs only and will use Teacup Dog Agility Association Regulations; equipment will be mixed TDAA & standard. TEACUP! Sessions will be held at a private agility field in Mt. Shasta; directions will be sent with registration confirmation. For complete registration information, call or e-mail: The Clicker Coach Positive Dog Training clickercoach@snowcrest.net 925-2261 Class requirements: Class space is limited, so register early to guarantee your space. Dogs must be current on all vaccinations. Dogs of all ages, breeds and levels of training are welcome, but please, if your dog has aggression issues, or would be severely stressed by a group setting, consult with the trainer before registering!
Is My Dog Ready for an Agility Class? Dogs of every breed and size have enjoyed agility. Your dog doesn't have to be an obedience champ to have fun in class, but since it's vitally important that your dog have a safe and happy experience--motivation is everything in this sport!--you may want to consider whether YOU are willing to be patient and positive with the challenges your dog may present. My experience is that YOU will have more fun in class if your dog has enough training and experience to focus on the new and exciting Agility Game. If you re uncertain about your dog s level of training, if your dog isn t used to working around other dogs, or if your dog needs some brushing up on his basic obedience skills, please consult with the trainer before registering. If you have a new puppy or your dog has never attended a class, consider Clickin With Your Dog. This 6-week course in Basic Manners & Obedience is especially designed to get beginning dogs and handlers off on the right paw. Is My Dog Old Enough? All dogs over six months of age are welcome in the Introductory agility class, but their participation may be restricted in some exercises. Repetitive jumping and weave pole work are particularly hard on young dogs. Until their growth plates have fully closed, keeping Agility easy and moderate is crucial. Disclosure and Assumption of Risk Please read carefully! Agility is a competitive canine sport where dog-handler teams negotiate an obstacle course to get the best score and time. Courses are different at every match, so it is up to the human handler to tell the dog which obstacles to do and what order to do them in. Obstacles might include jumps of various kinds, tunnels, A-frames, dog walks, see-saws and weave poles. Agility is fast-paced, requires lightning decisions, and at its best brings out the magic in the humancanine teamwork. But you needn't want to compete in order to enjoy it--agility is a fun recreational activity for dogs and their humans, whether you ever plan to enter a match or not! That said, agility is a fast-moving sport which involves running, jumping, climbing, sudden turns and quick stops. Like any athletic endeavor, it involves risk, both to you and your dog. Injuries, both human and canine, can and do occur; some are serious. Dogs who are out of shape, elderly, of poor conformation or of breeds prone to ailments such as back trouble or hip dysplasia are particularly at risk. For safety reasons, puppies and dogs under one year of age are not recommended in intermediate classes. Until a pup has reached maturity and the growth plates of their joints have closed, the constant repetitive actions of jumping or weaving typical of agility coursework place too much strain on still-growing bones and joints. Your pup may be brilliant on the course and seem absolutely fine--but you are putting his future soundness at risk. Please be patient with your young dog--there are many important skills you can work on to get him ready for the big day when he starts running "real" agility courses! The Introductory classes being offered--clickin With Your Dog and Introduction to Agility--are beginning classes suitable for sound, healthy dogs of all breeds and ages, but Agility is an inherently dangerous sport. The Clicker Coach will be happy to answer any questions regarding the nature of the class, the exercises and the equipment being used, but you and you alone are responsible for the health and well-being of yourself and your dog in class. If you have any questions or health concerns about your dog or yourself, please consult with your veterinarian and/or doctor before registering.
About the Location: Classes will be held at a private home off of N. Old Stage in the Mt. Shasta area. The ring was formerly a horse corral; the footing is soft, wellpacked dirt covered with bark chip. There is shade and water available. Please wear closed-toed shoes suitable for running on dirt/bark! Jackets for cooler weather, sunscreen for hotter weather and bug-spray for occasional mosquito visitors recommended. Directions will be sent with registration confirmation. For additional information or questions, please call or e-mail: (530) 925-2261 clickercoach@snowcrest.net Requirements for ALL classes: 1. All dogs MUST be current on vaccinations. If you have any doubts, please check with your veterinarian before attending classes. 2. If your dog is sick, please do not bring sick dogs to class. Likewise, please do not bring female dogs in season to class. 3. There will be a maximum of 8 dogs per class. While every effort will be made to provide quality, individualized instruction, we cannot accommodate aggressive dogs, and a group setting may be too stressful for fearful dogs. If your dog has aggressive or fearful tendencies, please arrange for a private consultation with the trainer BEFORE registering for class. What to Bring 1. Treats! Soft, quickly eaten treats are best, cut up in roughly pea-to-dice sized pieces. Commercial treats such as lamb lung, jerky or freeze-dried liver are fine; you can also use sliced hot dogs, boiled or sautéed poultry, cut-up rolled dog food (like Natural Balance), string cheese... an assortment is good. You will be using more than you think, so bring more than you think you'll need! 2. Collar. A plain buckle collar or well-fitted body harness is required; other styles of collars may get caught on obstacles and are dangerous. Please don't bring choke chains, prong collars or head halters to class. 3. Leash. A plain 4 or 6 ft. cloth or leather leash. Flexi-leads are not suitable for agility and may not be used in class. 4. A favorite dog toy such as a ball, tug or squeaky toy. 5. Dress and footwear appropriate for the weather and the activity. You will be running with your dog! 6. RECOMMENDED: a clicker if you use one.
Class Courtesy 1. Please be on time. We will not be able to go back over material you miss. 2. We will be training in a private location. The training area will open 15 minutes before the scheduled start of class for set-up. Please do not enter the training area prior to that time. 3. Different dogs may be at different levels of socialization and playing skills. Please be respectful of the other participants in class, and do not allow your dogs to play with each other. 4. Children are welcome to attend classes with their dog, but must be supervised at all times. Please ask your children to be respectful of the other participants in class, and to not approach or pet other dogs without permission from the owners. 5. Always clean up after your dog. Bags and scoopers are available. 6. Dogs must be leashed and under handler control at all times, except when running the course as designated by the instructor. Keeping Agility a safe and enjoyable experience for both you and your dog: 1. The Clicker Coach STRONGLY recommends that you consult with your veterinarian about your dog's fitness and suitability for agility training before registering your dog for a class. If your dog is elderly, out-of-shape, a giant breed or a breed prone to hip dysplasia, getting your vet's opinion is vital! Agility is not for every dog. 2. If your dog is--dare we say it?--a bit of a couch potato, ask your vet about a diet/exercise plan. Even a few extra pounds can cause problems on an agility course! If you have an elderly, overweight or out-of-shape dog, making haste slowly is a good rule to follow. 3. Dogs instinctively try to conceal injuries, and will not tell you when they are hurt. It is up to you to be sensitive to your dog's ability and fitness level, and to monitor closely for any signs of pain or distress. NEVER push your dog if he seems off. 4. Keep water available, especially in hot weather, and be sure that your dog drinks. 5. Do not feed your dog a big meal immediately before class. Running on a full stomach isn't good for anyone. 6. Trim your dog's nails, if necessary, a few days before class. Long raggedy nails can get caught in equipment and cause painful injuries. 7. Consider your own level of fitness and use common sense. You needn't be an athlete to have a wonderful agility career with your dog, but if you have bad knees, back trouble or other medical conditions, inform the trainer of your limitations and be sensible. The Clicker Coach is happy to do everything possible to accommodate people of differing abilities, and will modify course work to suit your needs whenever possible. 8. If you notice a hazard or dangerous condition during class--a gopher hole, broken equipment, a loose dog--immediately notify the trainer so the situation can be remedied. 9. You have an absolute right and responsibility to decline, for yourself and/or your dog, to do any exercise which you feel is unsafe, frightening, or beyond your current level of ability. 10. Agility equipment is designed for canines, not humans. Please do not play or allow children to play on the agility equipment. Equipment may only be used under the direct supervision of the trainer, following the trainer's instructions.
REGISTRATION & TRAINING AGREEMENT Introduction to Agility Standard: 4 Tuesdays starting June 5 at 6 pm Teacup: 4 Thursdays starting June 7 at 6 pm Class fee: $65.00 Thank you for joining us in class! To hold your space, payment must be received with the Registration & Training Agreement before the first class. Space is limited so please sign up early! Payment can be made at Noah's Ark, or mail registration and your check, payable to Emily Gaydos, to: The Clicker Coach Positive Dog Training, 516 Chestnut St., Mt. Shasta, CA 96067. Handler's Name: Address: City: Zip: Home Phone: Business/Cell: E-mail: Dog's Name: Age: Breed or mix of breeds: Shelter/Rescued Dog? YES NO Sex: Male Female Neutered/spayed? YES NO Current Weight: How long have you had your dog? Have you attended a basic obedience class with this dog? YES NO Where? How long? Interested in competing one day? Just want to have fun? We will be using food treats in class. Does your dog have any food allergies or intolerances? Does your dog have any medical conditions which may effect training? (e.g. hip dysplasia, on medication, etc.) Dog current on vaccinations, including rabies, parvo, and DHLP? Vet's Name: Phone Number: All dogs MUST be current on vaccinations before attending class. If you are uncertain about your pet's vaccination status, be sure to check with your veterinarian before registering. Has your dog ever bitten a person? Another animal? If yes, was medical or veterinary attention required?
All classes are taught in a group setting and not are suitable for dogs with aggression issues. If your dog has ever bitten a person or other animal, or exhibits signs of attempting to, please consult with the trainer before registering. Training Agreement Services provided: Sessions will be taught by Emily Gaydos, dba The Clicker Coach ("Trainer"). Classes are limited to 8 dogs so personal attention may be provided to each dog-handler team. Trainer, at her discretion, may refuse entry to any dog who is aggressive, unhealthy, or which in any way does not seem suited to the services offered Payment: Payment is due prior to the start of training. Rescheduling/Cancellations: Due to the nature of the class, it is not possible to reschedule lessons. No refunds will be given for missed sessions. Removal from training: Trainer may, at her sole discretion, remove a pet from class if a hazard or threat of any nature to any other animal or person is present. No refunds will be given under such circumstances. Danger to Trainer: This class is not suitable for dangerous dogs. A dangerous dog is here defined as any dog which has bitten a person or other animal, or which shows signs of attempting to bite and is restrained. Owner agrees that he/she has represented the history of the dog accurately and truthfully. Failure to notify Trainer of dangerous behavior from owner's pet prior to or during the period of training will result in immediate cancellation of all sessions with no refund. Assumption of Risk: Classes will be held in a location deemed suitable by the Trainer. Owner agrees to indemnify and hold the Location, its employees and agents and Trainer harmless from all liability for any loss, damage, or injury to persons, animals or property arising from or related to Owner's pet or other pets in class. Owner agrees that Location and/or Trainer shall not be liable for loss or damage to said animal, persons, animals or property unless said loss or damage was a direct result of Location and/or Trainer's negligence. Arbitration: Any controversy between the parties involving any of the terms, covenants, or conditions of this Agreement shall be submitted to arbitration in Siskiyou County, California, on the request of any party, and shall comply with and be governed by the provisions of the American Arbitration Association. All decisions shall be final and binding. In any dispute between the parties, whether or not resulting in litigation, the party substantially prevailing shall be entitled to recover from the other parties all reasonable costs, including without limitation, attorney's fees. (signature of Owner) (signature of Trainer) (date) (date) Agility Waiver I understand that Agility is an athletic activity, and like any sport is inherently dangerous. I understand that injuries, both human and canine, can and do occur. My participation in the class and any exercises presented in class is entirely voluntary. I understand that I have the absolute right and responsibility to decline, for myself and/or my dog, to do any exercise which I feel is unsafe, frightening, or beyond my or my dog's current level of ability. I agree that I am one hundred percent responsible for my own and my dog's health and well-being while participating in the class, and to indemnify and hold Location and Trainer harmless from all liability for any loss, damage, or injury to persons, animals or property arising from or related to my participation in the class. (signature of Owner) (date)