Introduction to Utility

Weeks: 6Length: 55 minutes per sessionPrerequisites:  FCOOL, Maneuvers+/FCOOL 7-12, and Intro to Open (or equivalent skills - dumbbell retrieve, intro to jumping, beginning Command Discrimination, beginning Drop on Recall). Dog should be able to retrieve a placed article, both leather and metal.

Teach Janice DeMello Around the Clock method of scent work. Introduce all Utility exercises. Students need scent articles and a can of Easy Cheese (or the like) for the first night of class. Also need a set of 3 white work gloves.

Weeks: 6

Length: 60 minutes each week

Prerequisites: Puppies must be between 10 weeks and 4 months when class starts. Please check with your veterinarian about the best age for you to start class, as it will depend on how many vaccinations your puppy has had before leaving his breeder and other factors.

Class content: This class is a fun introduction to training with your new puppy. Learn how to build a solid relationship with your new puppy and a good foundation for future dog sports. We focus on basic obedience skills (attention, come, sit, down, stay, and loose-leash walking). We introduce the puppies to a variety of obstacles, including several from agility, with the goal of building your puppy's confidence with new experiences. We do some playtime most weeks, where the puppies get to interact in a small area off leash for socialization with other people and puppies.

The course includes several on-line videos for you to watch before coming to class each week, so you can start to work on skills at home and then come to class for practice. There are also weekly handouts for you to download and read.

Equipment:

• Lots of small, easy-to-chew, high-value treats (this is from the dog’s perspective; they should love what they are getting).
• A mat or rug (think bath mat) or dog bed
• Collar and 4-6 foot leash
• If your puppy is active and likes to bark, bring something to occupy them during down time.

REGISTRATION IS BY DOG. DO NOT REGISTER A SECOND PERSON - YOU WILL END UP BEING CHARGED TWICE. 

Class dates: 

Sept 9 - Oct 14

Rally 2 - Intermediate/Advanced Weeks: 6Length: 60 minutes per sessionPrerequisites:   Rally 1 class, or equivalent skills. Knowledge of all of the AKC Rally Novice signs.Rally 2 – learn about all of the AKC Intermediate/Advanced Rally signs and how to perform each with your dog, applying skills learned in the prerequisite classes. There will be course work each week with coaching from the instructor. Equipment – you will need to bring along a crate for your dog to be in while you walk the course each week, or someone who is able to hold your dog for you. I recommend a 2.5 – 4 foot leash – a 6 foot leash can get really cumbersome. Use whatever collar you are currently training with that keeps your dog under control. Treats and toys are encouraged.

Rally 3 - Excellent

Weeks: 6

Length: 60 minutes per session

Prerequisites:  Knowledge of all of the AKC Rally Novice and Intermediate/Advanced signs.

Rally 3 – Excellent – learn about all of the AKC Excellent Rally signs and how to perform each with your dog, applying skills learned in the prerequisite classes. There will be course work each week with coaching from the instructor. 

Equipment – you will need to bring along a crate for your dog to be in while you walk the course each week, or someone who is able to hold your dog for you. I recommend a 3 – 4 foot leash, as a 6 foot leash can get really cumbersome. Use whatever collar you are currently training with that keeps your dog under control. Treats and toys are encouraged.