"Hi Mike Thanks for the agility instructors checklist. Lisa and I had our first opportunity on Monday to use some of the techniques we learned during our time with you and I am pleased to report it was a complete success! We both feel completely inspired after the course and can't wait to come back in September although we are pleased we have a couple of months to consolidate what we've learnt so far. Many Thanks Anna Giles "
"Hi Mike, Just wanted to say we all had a fantastic 3 days, it was so inspiring and informative, have taken away a lot of new ideas and strategies for class members. THANK YOU Huge thank you to everyone who helped make the course so fantastic Lisa Curling
Agility Instructors Course
Due to the huge demand and success of this course so far we are pleased to say we are going to run two more courses in 2010 the dates will be.
Course one
Description
Date
Module 1
Starting instructing
Thursday 15th April
Module 2
Starting equipment
Thursday 15th April
Module 3
Handling
Friday 16th April
Module 4
Coaching/competition
Thurday 13th May
Module 5
Problem Solving
Friday 14th May
There is now only one place left on course one
There are obly four places left on this course
Course Two
Description
Date
Module 1
Starting instructing
Thursday 24th June
Module 2
Starting equipment
Thursday 24th June
Module 3
Handling
Friday 25th June
Module 4
Coaching/competition
Thursday 29th July
Module 5
Problem Solving
Friday 30th July
Agility Instructor
This is a course of 5 modules designed for people who are interested in becoming dog agility instructors.
The class size is around 8-12 people.
The price for each course is £100 if done individually,
or £180 for all five modules booked and paid for together in advance.
A £25 non-refundable deposit is required for all options.
Refunds for cancellations can only be made for the balance if a replacement can be arranged.
The topics are aligned with the Kennel Clubs Accreditation Scheme for Instructors and are also excellent preparation for anyone intending to take the Agility Club Approved Instructor exam.
We give a certificate of attendance for each course.
If students would like a certificate of competence they can choose to complete a multi choice question paper at the end of each module and to have their practical work assessed.
There are two levels each with their own certificate.
Venue
All of the course modules are held at Orchard Farm, Kenn, Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21 6TT a few miles from Junction 20 of the M5.
Theory sessions and some practical sessions are held undercover in a small barn and some practical sessions are held in a fenced off sand arena or grass paddock.
There are not any accommodation or camping facilities at OrchardFarm but there is accommodation at the nearby Bridge Inn, and there are campsites nearby.
Please ask if you would like the details.
Agility Instructor
Module One Starting Instructing
Theory and practical sessions.
Qualities of a dog training instructor
Legal requirements, health and safety.
Class structure, size and abilities, warm up / down
Training plan / planning training / training cycle
Assessing dogs & handlers – identifying and dealing with problems.
What age can dogs start training - when and what exercises are appropriate.
Basic control - how much / how little is needed before a dog can start
Training techniques - How dogs learn, positive – negative reinforcement, rewards, shaping, back chaining,
Although structured for the agility instructor this module could easily be adapted for people who are interested in becoming a dog training instructor.
Module Two (1 day). Equipment Training
Mainly practical with some theory.
Describes the different techniques for equipment training, and their advantages & disadvantages, when and for how long should they used.
Contact training methods, Starting dogs on the - A frame, Dogwalk, SeeSaw.
Weaves training methods channel, V, nets,
Tyres & tunnels,
Jumps – recall, sendaway, basic turns, what height and when, long jump and spread.
Students may bring dogs and they may be used in practical sessions if suitable.
Module Three (1 day) Teaching Handling Skills
Mainly practical with some theory
Commands, Control, and Direction.
Giving Advice and feedback,
Remote handling,
Advanced turns.
Motivation for handlers and dog’s.
Students may bring their dogs at no extra charge and they may be used in the practical sessions if suitable.
Module Four (1 day) Competition Coaching
Mainly practical with some theory
Coaching the competitive handler and dog - Motivation, Setting Goals, Measuring success,
Advanced handling, Control and speed.
This module also suits the agility handler who wants to become an enthusiastic competitor but may not want to be an instructor. Students may bring dogs and they may be used in the practical sessions if suitable.
Module Five (1 day) Solving problems
are problems behavioural, training or agility how do you deal with them
Problems can sometimes occur even if modules 1, 2, & 3 have been done before starting training. This module describes how to set about solving them. There will be demonstrations and practical experience of how to go about problem solving and where possible using dogs with appropriate problems. Students may bring dogs with agility problems at no extra charge and they may be used in practical sessions if suitable.
This module would also suit agility handlers who are not instructors but would like to know how to sort out problems, and also people who have some experience of teaching agility at pet dog club level and would like to know more about agility problem solving.
Dog Training Instructor
Module One (1 day)
aimed at - people who are interested in dog training instruction.
Experience required - Should have owned or worked with several dogs , and / or trainedKC good citizens silver or similar standard in another dog training discipline
This course is also very useful for experienced dog owners who might want to further their training skills.
Qualities of a dog training instructor
Legal requirements
Class structure
Training plan / planning training
Assessing dogs & handlers – identifying and dealing with problems (not solving dog behaviour problems)
What age can dogs start training
what and when are exercises appropriate
Training techniques
How dogs learn, positive – negative reinforcement, rewards, shaping, back chaining,
Training framework and organisations
Professional Dog Training Instructor
Module One (1 Day)
Aimed at those who have experience instructing dog training (in any discipline) and would like to set up their own dog training business. Mike Bacon has been a dog training instructor for 25 years. He has recently set up his own dog training business and has first hand experience of what is required to be successful. There is no practical dog training on this course.
Club or private instructor-Venues, responsibilities and liabilities
Business setup – Sole trader, limited company, partnership - pro and cons
Legal Requirements - Tax, Insurance, Health and safety,
