[AU-043] Transition To Trials: To The Line – And Beyond!

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Are you struggling with your dog’s engagement and arousal at trials? Do you ever feel like you have your dog’s complete focus and he is ready to run… until you step into the ring to head to the start line? Does it seem like he changes into a different dog when you step into the ring? Does she struggle at the start line or start the course slowly?

This is a highly specialized class for anyone struggling to get from the ring entry to the start line (and into the course) with focus and engagement. You’ll learn how to bridge the all-important gap from outside the ring to the start line! You’ll develop a personalized plan to teach your dog to move into the ring, head to the start line, and release into the course with focus, drive and excitement! And, you can get coaching and feedback about your trial experiences – either through video review OR live in-the-moment help (schedule permitting).

In order to give you time to train and implement these games in different locations, the 4 lesson packages will be spread out over 8 weeks!

These games are also terrific for anyone with young dogs who are getting ready to trial and can easily be incorporated into any young dog’ training adventures!

This class will work to increase success in the ring by focusing on getting your dog INTO the ring! You will learn how to best set your dog up for success, including how to

• plan and use reinforcement before, during, and after the transition from outside the ring to the start line
• engage with your dog without cookies or toys in your hands or pockets
• bring your dog into the optimal state of focus and engagement in the trial environment
• how to use training in the ring options to enhance your dog’s engagement and focus
• recognize and eliminate stress to create a great ring experience
• set up your training sessions to simulate the trial environment
• and more!

You will also have the opportunity to participate in our five Training Night Chats!

• Monday, March 14 at 7pm Eastern: I will introduce the first set of games and answer questions to help get you started.
• Monday March 28 at 7pm Eastern: This Training Night Chat will provide follow up and introduce the 2nd set of games. You can have your questions answered live, and you can also play a video clip of your training or trialing for discussion and feedback!
• Monday, April 11 at 7pm Eastern: This Training Night Chat will introduce the 3rd set of games and answer any questions about the previous games or the new ones. You can also play a video clip of your training or trialing for discussion and feedback!
• Monday, April 25 at 7pm Eastern: This Training Night Chat will introduce the 4th set of games and answer any questions about the previous games or the new ones. You can also play a video clip of your training or trialing for discussion and feedback!
• Monday, May 9 at 7pm Eastern: This wrap up Training Night Chat will allow you to ask any questions, plan your future training, and you can also play a video clip of your training for discussion and feedback!

Can’t make it to the Training Night Chats? No problem! They will all be recorded for you to view at any time.

Working Participants will also have the opportunity to stream their trial experiences (schedule permitting) for in-the-moment coaching and feedback!

Additional Course Details

• Faculty:
  • Tracy Sklenar
• Dates:
  • Course starts on March 14, 2022.
    • Live Training Night Chat Dates:
      • Mondays at 7pm Eastern: March 14, March 28, April 11, April 25, May 9
  • Registration closes on March 28, 2022.
  • Course material access never expires.
• Level:
  • Working spots are best suited for dogs 1 year and over.
• Course Structure:
  • This unique “hybrid” course combines the traditional elements of Agility U’s online program with an option for LIVE participation and in-the-moment feedback! You can choose your level of participation in the online classroom – and everyone is welcome to participate in the Training Night Chats!
  • Each game will feature a downloadable video explanation and demo as well as a written description.
• Equipment needed (working participants only):
  • All games can be played with whatever equipment is available. Participants should have access to different training and trial environments.
• Space required (working participants only):
  • All games can be played in small spaces. We can tweak any and all of the games to fit your space. Ideally, participants will have access to different training and trial environments.

Course Information

Estimated Time: 8 weeks

Difficulty: Intermediate

Categories: Foundation, Handling, Motivation, Skills

Course Instructor

Tracy Sklenar Instructor

• Enrollment in this course closed on March 29, 2022.