Favorite treats for training

Proper treats for training is essential. Crumbly chicken is never a good idea. Dogs love it but it's difficult to deliver and seems to make a mess in the end. Cheese is too sticky when it comes to tossing it. My biggest pet peeve is string cheese. When doing shaping exercises, you will need to deliver treats sometimes very quickly. Fumbling with cheese packages will make you lose valuable opportunities for rewarding. Meatballs work if they don't crumble.

What do I look for in a treat?

Texture
I prefer the "dryer" treat especially when I'm working in an indoor riding arena. The dirt won't stick to them and they won't stick to your fingers and get all slimy. It's dog training, things get slimy :-)

Size
I like them to be about a 1/8-1/4" in size for the average medium to large dog. Smaller for toy size dogs or dogs that may have too much weight on them. It's not the size of the treat that the dog cares about.

Color
A treat that is a different color than the surface. IE; if you are training on dirt, darker treats may blend so go for a lighter colored treat

Brand
There are many brands of good treats. I try to stay away from too much "junk food" like jerky treats that have a lot of sugars and fillers. Charlie Bear type treats are good. Some of the freeze dried treats from Bravo are great (I also carry them to sell and often have them for sale at classes)

Preparing treats for class
If you absolutely have to use that awful string cheese or slimy hot dogs, prepare them at home and cut them into small pieces before coming to class. Don't lose that opportunity to reward your dog because you couldn't open that package of string cheese fast enough!

For dog owners that feed raw, those dogs go crazy for kibble!

Sometimes I will go to the supermarket and visit the all natural section and pick up some grain free Gorilla Munch peanut butter cereal. The dogs love it, it's a great color and texture and it's all natural. Better than fruit loops



Happy Treating!

Summer class schedule

Killingworth Summer Class Schedule

Monday Starting June 9, 2014

Masters Level handling 

Dogs able to complete masters level sequences/courses. "International" style handling will also be implemented in course design and instruction. Spins, German turns, twists etc may be covered during each session of class. Come and challenge yourself

3:00-4:30 

$140/6 week session limit to 8 dogs

Currently full with a wait list

Monday Starting June 23, 2014

Novice Level Handling/Obstacle work

This class is for the dog/handler that has gone through foundation classes and has started sequencing jumps/tunnels. Obstacle training will continue

6:00-7:00

$125/6 week session limit to 6 dogs

**This class uses an assistant for optimum use of time in class

New Foundation level Agility Class

This is where it all begins! New to agility dogs learn body awareness, focus, beginning obstacle training etc. 

6:00-7:00

$125/6 week session limit to 6 dogs

Advanced Level Handling

Advanced level dogs/handlers who are now doing longer sequences. "International" style handling will be introduced at this level as it is becoming the new "normal". 

7:30-9:00

$140/6 week session limit to 8 dogs

Email for more information and to register for class

agilebug@gmail.com

Woohoo!!!!! MACH 2 Marron

Huge Congratulations to The Agility Facility's very own MACH 2 Marron and Lora Abbott!!!

 

Marron went to the Nutmeg Border Collie AKC trial this weekend needing 1 QQ for her MACH 2!!

 

I had no doubts :-)

 



What is Agility Foundations

Why do I need foundations for agility?

I've been doing agility since 1995. Things have changed a huge amount since I first brought my dog to our first agility class. I was so excited to do this class and couldn't wait to put her on equipment. Back then, there wasn't a thing called "foundations". We were all learning together. Dogs weren't running as fast as they do now. We managed to teach equipment and muddled through "handling". We, the dogs and handlers, didn't have good skills but we did the best we could and we continued to learn in this very new sport.  

 

Today in agility, we have so much more knowledge, dogs are running faster, equipment has improved greatly and the courses in competition have gotten more challenging.

 

Everyone has a different goal in agility whether it's to make the world team and travel abroad to compete with the best or just have a fun night out with your best friend. Sometimes your goals change. In 1995, I didn't even know there were competitions or that I could bring my mix breed dog to these events. 18 years later, my fun night out with my dog has turned into a passion for the sport and has given me a wealth of knowledge

 

What are some basic skills needed?

• recalls
• stays
• understanding release word
• focus
• play with toys
• play without toys
• taking treats
• going back and forth between food and toys
• impulse control
• lying quietly in a crate
• retrieve
• understanding of which side of handler to be on while walking
• ability to go from handler focus to obstacle focus

What are some advanced skills needed? 

• recalls off food, dogs, people, wildlife, toys
• stays while throwing treats, toys, dogs running past, wildlife running past, handler running away
• focus with all of the above
• understanding release word
• playing with toys on demand
• playing without toys for 3 minutes straight
• tugging on a toy while reaching into pocket, with a bowl of food on the ground, with treats in your hand, with other dogs playing
• impulse control with all of the above
• lying quietly in a crate with all of the above
• retrieve a "dead" toy. A toy that is not moving
• understanding of which side of handler to be on while running and with side changes
• ability to go from handler focus to obstacle focus

Those are just some of the skills needed away from equipment and it does take time to develop them.  

So what are some skills needed for equipment? 

• balance
• strength
• body awareness
• hind end awareness
• ability to turn in both directions equally
• independence
• ability to weight shift
• ability to go from handler focus to obstacle focus
• understanding release word
• the ability to know how to learn via shaping behaviors

What should you expect from your foundation class?

Your dog will learn these skills over the weeks in class along with learning obstacles. I try to balance the class so you and your dog are getting a little of everything.

 

What we strive for is a confident and happy dog that negotiates the obstacles efficiently, fast, confidently and safely while you as a handler direct him around the course.

Prepare for some fun!!

 

 

This is Puck at 5 months old balanced and turning out of a tunnel with me running

 

 

 



March classes

 

Leap into Spring with Agility classes at the Agility Facility

 

Killingworth 

Monday Starting February 24

Master level handling-FULL

Masters level course work with the introduction and introduction of some international style handling skills. Dogs should be competing in the Masters/Excellent level

 

3:00-4:30

 

Starting Monday March 10

Agility Foundations

6:00-7:00

 



This class lays the foundation for a successful agility career for you and your dog. Dogs and handlers will learn how to work together, teach balance and body awareness. Some basic “obedience for agility” will be included. Several dogs will be on the floor at once so some focus exercises will be touched upon as well. Introduction to obstacles included 

Limit 5 dogs

 

6:00-7:00

Foundation II

This is a continuation of Agility Foundations. Dog will continue to learn obstacles while handlers are learning to handle their dogs. Short sequences will be implemented as well. This is a "tweener" class

Dogs must have completed Foundation I class

Limit 5 dogs

 

7:15-8:45

Novice/Advanced Handling

This class is for dogs sequencing all obstacles that still may need some proofing. Introduction of "fancy handling" will also be covered.

 

Limit 6 dogs

 

***Classes at the lower levels are kept small and the Agility Foundations level have 2 instructors so there is less waiting around time

 

Please go to this link to sign up:

https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=99QKnUzI7NnIN-yjKnveNg

 

or questions:

agilebug@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bug and Pace at Westminster!

Click the link below to view our Westminster experience!!

Bug kisses

Click here Bug and Pace take Manhattan

We're going to Westminster!!!

Westminster Kennel Club's First Masters Agility Championship!!

 

Bug and Pace have been picked to attend Westminsters First Annual Masters Agility Championship in NYC!!!

 

The event will be held at Pier 94 Saturday February 8, 2014

The finals will be televised live on Fox Sports starting at 7:00 pm

 

Click on this link for more information:

http://www.westminsterkennelclub.org/2014/show/agility.html

 

 



Monday Classes in Killingworth

Welcome 2014!!!

 

 

Starting January 13, 2014

Agility Foundations II 6:00-7:00

 

This is a continuation of Agility Foundations. Progression of obstacle training and handling will be the focus of this class. Handling is taught with cones and tunnels and obstacles are taught separately. Dogs should be able to work off leash in this class

Cost $125/6 weeks
To sign up for classes, click on this link
https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=99QKnUzI7NnIN-yjKnveNg 



 

Novice Handling/obstacle basics  7:30-9:00

 

This is a “tweener” class where the dogs are sequencing with jumps and tunnels and contacts and weave poles are still in the “training stage”. Dogs will finish up their training and begin sequencing with all obstacles. This is where it will all comes together. Short courses will be implemented occasionally

Cost $140/6 weeks

To sign up for classes, click on this link
https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=99QKnUzI7NnIN-yjKnveNg

Puppy Power!!

PUPPY POWER!!!

 Get a paw up on the competition with this puppy head start program!

(Age: 8 weeks to 24 months)  

A half-day seminar presented by:  

Petra Ford, PT, CCRT 

of

Aqua Dog Rehabilitation, LLC

www.aquadogrehab.com 

Whether you plan to compete in agility, obedience, field, tracking, herding, etc…

 this seminar will provide you with fun activities and exercises that will not only 

prevent injury, but will improve your future athlete’s performance!   

 

At this hands-on seminar we will:

 

*  Review structure to identify potential areas of weakness

*  Teach exercises to strengthen and protect these areas

*  Provide fun activities that will improve your puppy’s body awareness, balance and proprioception and safely strengthen core muscles   

Saturday January 11, 2014

Tails U Win

Manchester, CT

1:00-4:30 pm 

                     • $80.00 per dog/owner team (limited number of working teams)

• $50.00 observer    .

• Snacks included

 

Sign up here:
https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=L9o-V233MSIcc%2Ae5VP2q3w

 

Send with Check payable to:  Mary Champagne, 35 Sperry Dr, Guilford, CT 06437

 

 

Canine Conditioning

CANINE CONDITIONING

Preventing Injuries and Maximizing Performance

A one-day seminar presented by:

Petra Ford, PT, CCRT of

Aqua Dog Rehabilitation, LLC

www.aquadogrehab.com

 

Whether you compete in agility, obedience, schutzhund, herding, field work, etc... this seminar will provide you with the tools to develop a personalized conditioning program for your dog that will help prevent injury and improve your athlete’s performance!

At this hands-on seminar we will teach

 

 

Structure for function to identify potential areas of weakness

*Importance of a proper warm-up and cool down

*Stretching for injury prevention and early identification of injuries

*Components of a conditioning program

*How to develop a personalized conditioning program that will target your dog’s needs

 

 

 

Sunday, January 12, 2014

Tails U Win

Manchester, CT  9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

$160 per dog/owner team (limited number of working teams)

$80 observer (observers will be paired with a dog/owner team

for hands-on learning)

Lunch included

 

 

Sign up here:

https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=L9o-V233MSIcc%2Ae5VP2q3w

Send with Check payable to: Mary Champagne, 35 Sperry Dr, Guilford, CT 06437

 

 

 

 

Super Seniors!!

The Agility Facility

Is pleased to host

SUPER SENIORS

 A Proactive Approach to the Aging Canine

 

A half-day seminar presented by:

Petra Ford, PT, CCRT

of

Aqua Dog Rehabilitation, LLC

www.aquadogrehab.com

 

Don’t watch helplessly as your old friend loses mobility and function

Be proactive – give your aging canine a new lease on life! 

 

At this hands-on seminar, you will learn:

*  To identify the early physical signs of aging!

*  To help your mature canine age gracefully!

*  Easy techniques that you can use IMMEDIATELY to improve your best friend’s flexibility, mobility, strength and function!

Saturday January 11, 2014

Tails U Win

www.tailsuwin.com

Manchester, CT

8:30-12:00

• $80.00 per dog/owner team (limited number of working teams)
• $50.00 observer (observers will be paired with a dog/owner team for hands-on learning)
• Continental Breakfast included

Sign up here:

https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=L9o-V233MSIcc%2Ae5VP2q3w

 

Send with Check payable to:  Mary Champagne, 35 Sperry Dr, Guilford, CT 06437

What's My Line Handling Workshop

What's My Line

What is the best line to take on course? Is collection on a jump your best option or will keeping your dog in extension give you your best course time? How do you cue this? Come to this workshop to find out!

Jumps and tunnels will be used. Open to all levels as this is beneficial for the novice level dogs/handlers who want to learn how to cue their dogs correctly to the Masters level team that want to improve their course time and/or reduce wide turns

Colchester location

December 12

Thursday 6-8 pm

Cost $50/team

email to reserve a spot

agilebug@gmail.com

 

 

 

November Classes in Colchester

Colchester

Tuesdays

Starting November 12

 

Novice Handling/Obstacle skills 6-7:30

This is a novice level class that will focus on short handling drills and obstacle skills. This class is open to dogs that need better obstacle skills such as weaves and contacts.

Masters Handling 7:30-9

Masters level course work with the introduction and introduction of some international style handling skills. Dogs should be competing in the Masters/Excellent level

All classes are 1 1/2 hours long run for 6 weeks, $140/session
Classes are limited to 8 teams

To register for classes in Colchester:
https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=prG5e3H6uXhOU4SI26IJyQ

 

October/November classes Killingworth

Fall Schedule

Killingworth, CT

October/November

Starting Monday November 4, 2013

 

Agility Foundations 6-7:00

 

This class lays the foundation for a successful agility career for you and your dog. Dogs and handlers will learn how to work together, teach balance and body awareness. Some basic “obedience for agility” will be included. Several dogs will be on the floor at once so some focus exercises will be touched upon as well. Introduction to obstacles included

 

Puppies should be a minimum of 4 months

Cost $125/6 weeks

 

 



 

Novice Handling/obstacle basics  7:30-9:00

 

This is a “tweener” class where the dogs are sequencing with jumps and tunnels and contacts and weave poles are still in the “training stage”. Dogs will finish up their training and begin sequencing with all obstacles. This is where it will all comes together

Cost $140/6 weeks

To sign up for classes, click on this link
https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=99QKnUzI7NnIN-yjKnveNg




Cynosports 2013

Cynosports experience 2013

Murfreesborough, Tennessee

 

The dogs and I went to Tennessee for the 2013 Cynosports World Games! What a blast we had.

The goal was to give Pace, my 2 1/2 year old a good experience at a national event with no pressure. There were over 1100 dogs entered! It was Bug's last year in the Championship division jumping 22".

 

We met our goals and had a blast. This time at nationals, I don't wish I could have "another run" in any of my classes! I am happy with each and every run we had.

 

Here is a video of our adventures

 

 

Click and enjoy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4eu3upXQc2I&feature=c4-overview&list=UUNLcVu0CyKxMjLizAOkvZFQ

 

Don't Fall into Winter unprepared!!

Heading into Fall workshops

 

Saturday October 19 , 2013

Location Training room at Pieper-Olson Vet in Middletown, CT

 

Getting to know your dog

This workshop is geared towards active/sporting dogs but can be implemented towards any dog.

Learn how to recognize the signs when your dog is injured. Signs can often times be very subtle. You know something is wrong but you just can't put your finger on it. First you have to know what your dog feels like when they are not injured.

*This is not a workshop to diagnose a problem that is going on now but rather teach you how to evaluate your own dog on a daily to weekly basis.

 

This is an interactive workshop for you and your dog

 

Limit 6 dogs/handlers

 

10a-noon

$50/team

 

Canine Conditioning

Going into winter, sometimes it's tough to get outside to exercise your dogs because of the darkness, cold or weather. This workshop is great for keeping your dog fit, stronger and great for giving them something constructive to do with their active brains. Exercises you can do with your dog in your living room! It's also great for bonding time with your furry friend. This workshop is great for puppies, adults and geriatric dog.

 

This is an interactive workshop for you and your dog

 

Limit 6 dogs/handlers

 

1p-3p $50/team

 

 

Agility Handler Warm ups and stretches

For the Human part of the team! We spend all kinds of money and time keeping our dogs fit. There are 2 parts of your team!! Proper warm ups and stretching is vital for the human part as well as the dog to keep you moving at your best and to avoid injuries. It's important to be stretching correctly!!

Michele Nanfito will guide you through these very important exercises and help you to develop a routine.

 

Limit 6 Humans

 

3:15-5:15

$50/person

 

To Register:

https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=L9o-V233MSIcc%2Ae5VP2q3w

 

You can pay via paypal but fees unfortunately apply

You can cancel paypal at the registration and you will remain registered and mail a check.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Chiropractic and Massage will be available

Sunday October 20 during workshop hours in

Killingworth, CT

Canine Chiropractic

Handler Massage

 



Michele Nanfito, Human massage therapy!

{Profile pending}

 

Taking appointments. Put Handler Massage in subject line

email agilebug@gmail.com

 

Dr. Lisa St. Aubin Canine Chiropractic!

Taking appointments. Put Canine Chiropractic in subject line

Email agilebug@gmail.com for an appointment time.
 

Lisa St. Aubin, DVM, MPVM, CVSMT

Dr. Lisa St. Aubin graduated veterinary school from the University of

California at Davis with a dual degree in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) and a

Master's in Preventive Veterinary Medicine(MPVM).  After practicing small

animal and exotic medicine for two years in California, she re-located

back to the east coast to complete a one year internship in aquatic animal

medicine at the Mystic Aquarium in Mystic CT, followed by a one year

position at the Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence RI.  Since that

time, she has worked at various small animal and exotic practices as a

relief veterinarian, but her passion has always remained with improving

the function and performance of canine athletes.   In order to pursue

advanced training in veterinary spinal manipulative therapy (also known as

chiropractic medicine), Dr. St. Aubin recently received her VSMT

certification from the Healing Oasis Wellness Center (HOWC).   The HOWC is

the only private school that provides state approved programs and that is

accredited under the US Department of Education by the Accrediting Council

for Continuing Education and Training (www.accet.org

<http://www.accet.org/>). This is an intense 226 hour post- graduate

education and certification program with an emphasis in functional and

integrative neurology in both canine and equine patients as it applies to

VSMT.  In addition, Dr. St. Aubin is a certified member of the College of

Animal Chiropractors (http://collegeofanimalchiropractors.org

<http://collegeofanimalchiropractors.org/en>).

Dr. St. Aubin has a special interest in performance and working dogs and

increasing their quality of life as well as their endurance capabilities.

She shares her home with her Border Collie, Riley J Dog and a Dutch

Shepherd, Maicoh. She trains and competes in various canine sports

including agility, French Ring, stock and dock diving.

Heeling Hands Veterinary Services, LLC

Lisa B. St. Aubin, DVM, MPVM, CVSMT

Certified Member of the College of Animal Chiropractors


 

Autumn Agility workshops

Something for everyone

Sunday October 20, 2013
Killingworth, CT
Indoors in a riding arena


 

 

Run Clean for the Novice Handler

Do you have difficulty remember where you're going? What cross to put where? You don't want to frustrate your dog but want to get it right! This workshop will help you to memorize and understand how to implement your handling correctly. Your dog may be of the 2 legged variety if you wish. We have plenty of volunteer "dogs". You will also get a chance to run your 4 legged dog so be sure to bring him along

 

Limit to 6 teams

$50/team

 

9-11:00

 

Jumping Drills

Show your dog how to balance and scope through these jump exercises. Grids will be based on Susan Salo's method of training. Open to all dogs age 4 months and older with no age limit. We will use jump bumps for puppies

 

Limit 6 teams

$50/team

 

12-2:00

 

 

Run Clean for the Experienced Handler/Dog!!

Sometimes you have to "think on your feet" while running your dog. Things don't go as planned because you either got lost or your dog has something else on his mind. Learn how to focus and do in the heat of things. This workshop will keep you thinking :-)

Open to dogs that are sequencing 10-15 obstacles or more

 

Limit 6 teams

$50/team

 

3-5:00

 

To Register:

https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=L9o-V233MSIcc%2Ae5VP2q3w

 

You can pay via paypal but fees unfortunately apply

You can cancel paypal at the registration and you will remain registered and mail a check.



New Classes starting up

Colchester

Tuesdays

Starting September 24

 

Novice Handling 6-7:30

This is a novice level course that will include short drills with all obstacles. At least one contact obstacle and/or weave poles will be included in the sequences. Dogs should be doing all obstacles and handlers have an understanding of terms/cues.

Masters Handling 7:30-9

Masters level course work with the introduction and introduction of some international style handling skills. Dogs should be competing in the Masters/Excellent level

All classes are 1 1/2 hours long run for 6 weeks, $140/session

To register for classes in Colchester:
https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=prG5e3H6uXhOU4SI26IJyQ

 

Killingworth

Mondays

Starting October 7

Master level handling 3:00-4:30

 

Masters level course work with the introduction and introduction of some international style handling skills. Dogs should be competing in the Masters/Excellent level

To register for classes in Killingworth
https://adobeformscentral.com/?f=99QKnUzI7NnIN-yjKnveNg