Course Details
We often have to leave our dogs in the obedience ring. They need to work at a distance from us in spite of pressure from the judge, the environment and the ring gates. We have no connection with them, they are completely on their own. No wonder they don’t like it out there! I want my dogs to not only understand they need to stay there but remain alert, engaged and confident. In this class we will teach our dogs that being away from us is safe and fun. We will teach our dogs that pressure is a cue for engagement! Through the use of tricks and games, we will create a positive conditioned emotional response to distance work. In this class we will address distance work as they relate to the novice recall and stand for exam, drop on recall, moving stand, signals and command discrimination exercises. Equipment required for this course is a platform and a similar sized rug or mat.
Teaching Approach
This class will have written and video lectures each week. There will be video examples demonstrating all exercises. Because everyone has their own learning style, I encourage students to move at their own pace. For the first few weeks, students can work in a smaller space. Later in the class, students will need access to a space large enough where they can perform a full obedience exercise. Students will need to leave their dogs repeatedly in a number of training sessions. I will work with you to modify the exercises to your abilities. A few of the games will require quick physical movement from the trainer for short periods and distances.
Instructor: Petra FordPetra (she/her) graduated from Rutgers School of Health Related Professions 17 years ago with a degree in physical therapy and has experience working with an extremely varied caseload including pediatric through geriatric clients with a vast range of diagnoses. Her areas of expertise included in-patient rehabilitation, orthopedics and neurology. (Click here for full bio and to view Petra's upcoming courses)
