Class sessions at Whole Dog Institute

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 Tentative start date for WDI classes will be Monday, December 11th

Descriptions and registration can be found here:

https://wholedoginstitute.dogbizpro.com/Public/Registration/Index.aspx

Any inclement weather cancellations (snow/ice) will typically be made 1-3 days in advance. Extreme weather cancellations (sudden extreme lightning storm/tornado/flooding etc) will be made via a text/email or facebook messenger notification between 1-3 hours prior. If either of these contact methods does not work for you, please provide the best contact for the instructor in the event of an extreme weather cancellation. It is important to ensure everyone stays as safe as possible in these circumstances, so please don't take any chances.

Any inclement weather cancellations (snow/ice) will typically be made 3 days in advance. Extreme weather cancellations (sudden extreme lightning storm/tornado/flooding etc) will be made via a text or facebook messenger notification between 1-3 hours prior. If either of these contact methods does not work for you, please provide the best contact for the instructor in the event of an extreme weather cancellation. It is important to ensure everyone stays as safe as possible in these circumstances, so please don't take any chances.

 *Previously bought Punch cards expire after 6 months from the issued date. A dollar amount is recorded of any unused punches.

Initial Registration

If you have never taken a class with The Spotted Wonder or have not taken a class in the last 6 months, you will need to fill out the “New/Returning student registration form” in the classes section of the website. After submitting registration, you will receive a confirmation email with details on how to pay for a punch card, location of classes, etc.
New or returning student registration form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1bTHenBu9Th4p7Qo7oJ6MIZyEFTwgRNMNdSipgnKxcVE/edit

Levels-You must have permission from the instructor for the class you are sending an RSVP  for. (for example, Beginner level students cannot attend an Advanced level class). Please send an email to figure out which class to RSVP for if you are unsure. dogzyay@gmail.com Or spottedwonderdogtraining@gmail.com  

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Classes to return

Start dates tbd

Open/Masters level Sequencing (Contacts/Weaves)- 60 minutes (Intermediate level)
Dogs  must be weaving 6-12 weaves and understand contact behavior (running or  stopped). This class is appropriate for dogs that are ready to begin  full height equipment and/or ready to add contacts and weaves at speed  (and in flow). Intermediate level handling challenges will be  incorporated.


Coursework (90 minutes) 

(Advanced level)   

Coursework typically seen in Masters. A "Beyond Masters challenge option" will be nested for anyone who wants to work on advanced skills . Analysis will be given prior to running the course.

Foundations for Beginners (60 minutes)-

Beginner level

Build great agility foundations for your young dog/puppy. Reinforcement strategies-toys vs. food for agility. Obstacle foundations for jumps/tunnels/contacts. This class is appropriate for dogs/puppies and handlers without any prior agility experience. Dogs/puppies should be at least 4mos old and must be vaccinated and have had some basic obedience training. 

International skills/drills (60 minutes)- 

(Intermediate/Advanced level)  

This class will focus on elements of courses seen in UKI, International sweepstakes, and AKC premier. These skills are necessary to navigate these kinds of courses. We will focus on the groundwork and how to sequence. (skills: independent backsides, threadle slices/threadle wraps, weave entries, blind crosses)  Instructor: Ashley Allison     

Foundations continued (60 minutes)- 

Beginner/Intermediate level

"Foundations continued"  is meant for more experienced handlers with young dogs or returning Beginner students who have started some agility specific training but are wanting to expand their dog's foundations so they can have the best start possible. We will build off of circling a cone/object/wing, improving your dog's motivation, and we'll begin additional verbal training for directional and distance cues, drive line, start line behaviors, contacts, weaves, as well as focusing on beginner handling cues. 

Contacts and weaves (60 minutes) 

(Beginner/Intermediate level)   

We will continue to train contacts and weaves. This class is for anyone whose dog is weaving 2 poles (or more) and understands contact position criteria. 

Skills covered: (Around the world weave drills with 2-12 weaves, Running Aframe, seesaw, and 2on2off on dogwalk, light sequencing for more advanced teams).  Instructor: Ashley Allison

Lines- Drive it, turn and burn (60 minutes) --Spots available

Intermediate level

Dates tbd

Drive lines ("straight aways") are a very common aspect of just about any agility course.This class will center around training to improve your dog's understanding of a drive line and how to recognize handling and verbal differences between drive lines and turns. Handling will be centered around whether to make the choice to drive your dog on ahead of you, or whether you should be in front guiding them and how to achieve the turning effort you want. To create balance and versatility in your agility system with your dog, you will want these abilities in your toolbox. 

Intermediate/Advanced Sequencing
Sequencing elements and flow typically seen in AKC Open/Masters:  drills will involve tunnel traps, crosses, jump commitment, varying degrees of turns, and building obstacle (contact/weave) proficiency. Skills will be broken down for any team that needs it. An "International challenge" will be nested for those who want to work on sequencing these elements. There will be two walk throughs at the top of each hour due to the structure of this class (see below).
 

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