Email Contact Information

Have some more Questions ??

Club President & Trainer is Dr. Catherine STUART
of The Rivers Animal Hospital.

Send Catherine an email at: drkaf@telus.net

Schedule of Events

June 2008

Agility Class meets next on Thursday June 12th at 6:30 PM.

Please read below for more details!

All members that wish to receive training &
use the equipment must become club members and
sign a liability club waiver.

This year we will be running beginner, intermediate
and advanced classes. There will be 10 sessions for
each class. Cost for classes will be $120 + GST ($126) and
must be paid at the start of the first session. The schedules
will be handed out to each participant at the first class.

Beginner Classes:

Please email us if you are interested in starting beginner
classes on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 6:30 PM. You can
come to either class, which ever one suites your schedule!

The next session for beginners is on Thursday June 12th
@ 6:30 PM sharp!

Intermediate Classes:

For those who took beginner classes last year and wish
to go on to the next level of agility training, ie combining
obstacles, distance work, cross-overs etc.

The next intermediate class is on Tuesday June 17th
@ 7:30 PM sharp!

Advanced Classes:

For those who were intermediates last year, the advanced
classes will be on Thursday night at 7:30 PM. Please email
Catherine to sign up for these sessions. I am hoping to see
you all again this year! If for some reason these dates will not
work for you, please email to discuss. As a group we will
decide which night and time suites all participants.

The next advanced class for 2008 will be Thursday June 12th
@ 7:30 PM!

Where are we ?
You can find us in the open field at 111th avenue and
100th street. Feel free to stop by and check it out!
More information will be available for you there if interested...

Don't Forget!

-water for your dog.
-a bag full of training treats (ie. cut up weiners).
-leash and pick-up baggies.
-we expect everyone to pick up their dog's poop!

*Try not to feed your dogs before you train, keep them
hungry for training and then feed when you get home!

Marcus Dressel, a dog's hero!

This year we dedicate the dog agility to our brother-in-
law Marcus DRESSEL. Marcus loved dogs and lost his
life to cancer in November 2007. This photo of Marcus
and Kirby will always be remembered, they always took
time to take advantage of a funny opportunity. We miss
you Marcus!

Interested in some 1 on 1 Instruction?

Some people have requested private lessons for their dog which would also include addressing problems like "how to develop good listening skills for your dog" or "how to stop unwanted behaviour". A half hour with Catherine will provide you and your dog with practical information that you will be able to take home to your family. These sessions would be very frank and will pounce on the issues facing you and your dog. Warning...be prepared and come with an open mind! Many of your dog's problems are a direct result of the handler. Fix the owner and the dog will usually take care of itself! Talk to Catherine about private lessons or drop her an email.

Private session $50 for 30 minutes of one on one.

Do you like the photos?

Jeff is an avid photographer who loves to take candids of the dogs and their handlers. Prints are available up to borderless 8.5" X 11" and are $10 each. If you have a favourite one and would like to get a copy, please come and talk to Jeff on agility training night or drop Catherine a quick email. We use Nikon digital and film cameras and lenses.

Fort St. John Dog Agility Club
Notes for: Monday April 28, 2008

Obstacle Name followed by various commands (pick one you like)
Open Tunnel -Tunnel, Through
Closed Tunnel -Chute, Tunnel
Tire Jump -Tire, Hoop, Ring
Jumps -Over, Hup, Jump
Weave Poles -Weave, Poles
Dog Walk -Dog Walk, Plank, Walk it, Ramp
A-Frame -Scramble, A-frame, Climb, Wall
Teeter-Tot -See-saw, Teeter
Pause Table -Bench, Table, Rest, Pause

Start Sending and Calling to Obstacles ASAP
Once the dog is performing an obstacle reliably, quickly, and accurately, work on being able to send your dog to the obstacle from a distance. Your goal is to be able to send your dog to the obstacle with one command and signal from a distance of up to 30 feet and from a variety of angles. You should also be able to call your dog to each obstacle from the same angles and distances. These distance skills will provide an essential foundation for smooth sequencing work. Don’t worry with lots of practice, you’ll get faster.

Tips to Improve Team Performance
1. Use one command per obstacle.
2. Remember to work both sides.
3. Don’t reinforce refusals.
4. Give you command before you start moving.
5. Keep the training stress-free and fun.
6. Make your dog feel wonderful for succeeding, even if you only made a small step!
7. Body Language – to be discussed by trainer.

Where are we?

You can find us in the open field at 111th avenue and 100th street. We will try to have the equipment set up on Saturday's and Sunday's. Feel free to stop by and check it out!