The Foundations
Everything your dog needs to know before touching an obstacle
The free class that prepares everything else: the motivation, the body and the connection. Twelve steps you can work through in your living room, with three broom handles and a handful of kibble.
- 12 progressive steps
- Free
- Step-by-step video tutorials
No card needed. You enter your e-mail, you get a link, and off you go.
The method
How we move forward together
Almost every problem people bring to me in agility does not come from the obstacle. It comes from before: a dog who is not motivated enough to work, who has no idea where his back legs are, or who stops listening the moment there are other dogs around. This class deals with those three things, in that order. The engine first: what really motivates your dog, playing tug, and above all your reward timing — the one thing that will later make every technical method succeed or fail. The body next: rear-end awareness, and cavaletti made from broom handles, with no jumping at all. The connection last: focus in spite of distractions, holding a stay in spite of the excitement, and a recall that actually works. It ends with the first steps of handling: sending your dog away from you, and bringing him back to your hand.
What is included
- The complete method, broken into numbered steps, from the basics up to the goal.
- A video tutorial for every step, so you can see exactly what is explained.
- The criteria that tell you when to move to the next step — and when to go back.
- Access at your own pace, with no fixed dates, that you can go back over as often as you need.
The equipment
What will you need?
All 12 steps can be worked at home. No agility obstacles, no jumping: this class is suitable for a puppy from the day he arrives.
To get started
- A clicker (a couple of euros) or simply a word always said the same way
- His treats, and two or three different toys
- Three broom handles, PVC pipes or pool noodles
- A thick book or a phone directory
For later on
- A clearly visible target on the ground (an upturned bowl does the job)
- Someone to help you on two or three of the exercises
Do not have everything? Most clubs lend their equipment outside class hours. Just ask — the answer is often yes.
Before you buy
Is this class right for you?
This class is for you if…
- You are starting agility at a club and you have no equipment at home.
- You have a puppy and you want to do things right, without risking his joints.
- Your dog loses concentration as soon as there are other dogs around.
- You have already tried a technical method and it did not work.
Not the right moment yet if…
- You already run full courses and your dog listens to you in any situation: go straight to the technical classes.
Not sure? Write to me and I will tell you honestly whether this class suits your dog today.
Ready to start?
The free class that prepares everything else: the motivation, the body and the connection. Twelve steps you can work through in your living room, with three broom handles and a handful of kibble.