 |
 |
Focus is a "balanced" class. This class was created to introduce the use of modern, detailed techniques designed to enhance your competitive edge. In addition, Focus introduce the moves required to achieve competitive heelwork, fronts, finishes, recalls, stands, and stays. As a result, this class will concentrate on building the competitive dog and handler relationship through a "balanced" approach using positive motivation techniques, hands-on play, leadership exercises, and properly applied corrections. Our goal is to teach the dog how to do the exercises and to motivate him/her to perform! Above all else, Focus is FUN!
To achieve our goals, the Focus class is a "teaching" class, not a "practice" class. To achieve success, members will want to work their dogs outside of class on a regular basis. Time spent in class will be devoted to skill building drills for the dog and knowledge building information for the handler.
Handlers are highly encouraged to increase their knowledge by reading books, watching videos, attending seminars, and asking questions.
Handlers and dogs on all levels of training (puppy through Utility) are welcome to attend K-9 OTC’s weekly Focus class. However, Focus is not for everyone. To be successful you must have an open mind, as many techniques may be new to you. Since this class will be a lot of work, you must also enjoy your dog and the time you spend together. Moreover, you must be willing to use a "balanced" approach, including both positive and negative motivation.
The teaching of Attention will play a key role, as will drills designed to increase the dog’s body awareness. Proofing techniques will be used to increase confidence and to reduce ring stress. The use of food will be covered in great detail. Teaching will include an understanding of the lure, reward, and random reinforcement stages, as well as an understanding of the pitfalls of food usage and how to avoid them. Hands-on play techniques will be taught to enable the handler to become the motivating force behind the dog’s work. The proper use of "anger free" corrections will be taught.
Time in this class is devoted to the Open & Utility Obedience exercises. Lectures and demos on topics such as teaching the go out, taking a dumbbell, directed jumping, and article trouble-shooting are covered during the first 1/3 of class. Students are expected to take to the floor during the remainder of the class to practice individually or with help from the instructors or fellow classmates. Open and Utility rings are set up for students' use. Questions are highly encouraged and no training subject is taboo.
If you are interested in joining either of these sessions and are new to K-9,
find out how to become a member. If you are already a member, simply come to class. It is highly recommended that the Novice session is attended from the beginning because of the teaching progression. If you'd like to start attending the Novice session after September, please talk to the instructors to find out what you missed and how to catch up. The Open & Utility Problem Solving session can be joined at any time.
The Novice session begins on the first Wednesday in September. The first night will be a fun and informative hour for all handlers without their dogs. Included will be an introduction to Focus, video presentations, and handler heelwork games.
The Open & Utility Problem Solving session begins on the first Wednesday in February. Students not training at the Open or Utility levels are encouraged to attend. It's a great opportunity to develop new skills and practice what was learned in the Novice session.
For questions on the content of either session, please .
|
|
|
|
| Focus Classes |
Offered To: All club members
Join Times:
Novice: 1st Wed in Sept
or by instructor's consent
Open/Utility: 1st Wed in Feb
or anytime thereafter
When:
Wednesdays at 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
No classes in July or August
Instructors:
Linda Koutsky
Wayne Koutsky Assisting |
|
|
|
