BAD IS A SPECIALIST AGILITY TRAINING CLUB
Our mission is to promote positive reward based training (in the context of agility) with a view to providing members with the skills they need to participate in ANKC agility trials. Of course you do not have to intend to trial to join classes at BAD but our training philosophy and class content will support those who do. This means that you will work on handling moves away from equipment first – we do not run classes where dogs are introduced to equipment immediately and perform it on lead!
Entry to BAD is via the Foundation Class. Foundation Classes run depending upon instructor availability. If you are an experienced handler with an experienced dog and would like to join BAD please CONTACT US.
THIS IS IMPORTANT - BAD MAY NOT BE THE CLUB FOR YOU:
- IF you just want to ‘have fun and run your dog over some equipment’ then classes at BAD may not be for you.
- IF you do not want to use food and toys as reinforcement for your dog, then our classes may not be for you either.
TRAINING METHODS
Foundation methods at BAD are based on the Greg Derrett handling system. Our classes are structured to progress through the levels adding to the basic skills you will be taught in Foundation class (away from equipment) and to learn some fun training games you can play with your dog along the way. The Foundation class at BAD uses the indoor facility but your dog will be required to be off-lead to perform certain tasks during training sessions, therefore you must have a reliable recall.
The following skills will be an advantage for to you in Foundation Class:
• Handler focus around distractions
• Basic stay (dog can be in any position)
• No aggression towards other dogs or people
• Has a reward that they love to work for – can be food or toy, ideally both
(Please bring food/toys along on the night)
• Play behaviours – tug is an advantage, but not necessary
• Experience with teaching through shaping or willing to learn to teach through shaping
• Extra advantage : You have taught your dog a ‘trick’ and can demonstrate on the night
• Dog at an appropriate weight for safe agility training