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The Aims of Colliewobbles Agility
Firstly, may I begin by welcoming you to Colliewobbles Agility. This is a new training centre based in Frocester, near Eastington, specifically designed to teach dog agility to dogs and handlers of all abilities. My major emphasis is to teach the individual rather than the group, and give each member the specific guidance they need to work in harmony with their dog. To do this, I will guarantee that I will only have a maximum of six dogs/handlers per class. In teaching agility, our ultimate aim is to teach you, the handler, to teach your dog, therefore differentiation is very important. Everyone is different, so to are our four legged friends! Be patient, we all learn at different rates, but I guarantee you that we will all get there in the end!!
Dog agility is carried out for a number of reasons. The most obvious reason is for physical exercise, both to you and your dog. It is not just this physical exercise that we provide. Dogs are very intelligent animals, sometimes we find that they are far too intelligent for their own good…. Agility provides mental stimulation, therefore we are working the brain as well as the muscles, an essential combination. Many of the rescue cases we too often see are due to frustration problems – agility works well to focus these energies and it often gives them a purpose. In addition to mental and physical exercise, agility also strengthens the bond between you and your pet – a bond that will remain with you for many years.
The key to all types of training is motivation. Motivation can be in many forms – a ball, their favourite toy, tasty treats/food or just an enthusiastic voice. Ideally, as well as voice, toys are the best orm of motivation, as you will see during your training, as they can be used in a number of ways.
Colliewobbles Agility will work on a pre-paid system. Payment in advance of the course will secure your place on the course. Each course will be £28 for seven weeks; therefore this works out at £4/session. For future courses, payment will be required by week six to ensure your place. As I may have mentioned, the training will be carried out over six week blocks, and depending on the different levels and abilities, we will focus the training specifically onto particular areas. On the seventh week, we will put all of the training together and carry out a fun course night. The next course will commence the following week.
What shall I wear and what shall I bring?
In the colder months warm layers are a sensible bet, however once you start running around, I’m sure you will warm up!! We are based in an indoor riding school, therefore we have shelter from the rain and wind, but it can get cold when you are standing around (gloves are a good idea). On your feet, wear something comfortable and footwear that you don’t mind getting a little dirty.
With regards to the dog, a normal flat collar or a half-choke chain is advisable. Full choke chains will not be allowed, as are ‘halti’s or harnesses. We want the control from the lead to come from the neck area, not the muzzle or chest of the dog. With all of the equipment that we use, harnesses and halti’s can be very dangerous to work with. Also, any normal lead is fine (for the more disobedient doggies, a long training line may be advisable), however no flexi-leads.
With motivation being the key to success, bring a selection of items to start with – over time, you will identify which one works best. Bring your dogs’ favourite toy (generally no squeaky toys please!!) whether it be a ball, raggy or kong, and also some nice tasty treats (small pieces!). To start with, try something that is a real treat and that they don’t normally have, e.g. small pieces of cheese, liver or sausage.
We can’t forget a poo bag, just in case! Please take your dogs’ poo bags home with you.
What else should I be aware of?
The venue is fundamentally a riding stables, therefore you should be aware of the horses and other people around – just use your common sense and you’ll be fine. Dogs should be kept on a lead at all times on the grounds for your safety and for others. Other livestock are present, such as sheep.
Please remember to pick up after your dog and take your poo bags home!
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the farm, due to flammable material and an abundance of straw.
Colliewobbles Agility retains a public liability insurance cover, see notice board for further details. With regards to car safety, please be careful and do not leave anything valuable in sight in your car. All cars and valuables are your responsibility – Colliewobbles Agility takes no responsibility for lost or damages made whilst training at the venue. Car parking details will be supplied with directions to the venue. Directly to agility training, Colliewobbles Agility takes no responsibility for injury to either dog or handler whilst under going training.