dogs

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Summer 2024 Fit Dog Classes

Char Turner LVT, CSCC,  AKC Fit Dog Instructor  Location: Love On A Leash, Harrisonburg, VA

To register for July, Intro To Fit Dog Training or more info: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B45AFAD2CA6F5CF8-49743229-introduction

Sport Dogs, Newbies, Seniors, Couch Potatoes-all welcome!

  1. July 18, 4 Weeks: Introduction to Fit Dog Training–This class is the prerequisite to Fit Dog Levels. Limited to 4 dogs/handlers. 4 weeks, Thursdays 4:15-5:15 $100.00. (*Sorry, this schedule does not allow for a makeup class. A 30 minute private lesson can be scheduled for an additional fee if you have to miss a class.)
  2. Aug 15, 7 weeks: Fit Dog Levels– Continuing. This is a mixed level class for students who have completed the 4 week prerequisite. Tentative schedule: Thursdays, time TBD but likely 4:15-5:15. Advance at your own pace to complete each level per instructor assessment. This class is repeated to complete all 3 levels. $160.00. **Week 7 is included as a bonus or makeup class. **AKC Fit Dog Titles-This class exceeds requirements for AKC points! Instructor assessment required, certificate of completion will be provided upon request.
  3. Fit Dog Jocks– Beyond Level 3, instructor approval required. Advanced exercises and weekly circuit workouts, customized to meet individual needs. This is a Cohort format, max. 5 dogs/handlers. Drop-in attendance. Our current cohort is full, but more time will be added to accommodate demand as needed.

*Eligibility: Completion of basic obedience class required. Older puppies, at least 6 mos.+, must have completed puppy class. All dogs must be able to work safely around other dogs and humans.

*Veterinarian Approval: This training program is for generally healthy dogs, not for dogs requiring rehab or physical therapy. History of injury, questionable conditions or other limitations will require your veterinarian’s approval to participate.

*Contact Char: dogsontheball@gmail.com to register or more info. *Private lessons also available.

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Lost Item Recovery- FUN, Practical scent training!

I recently completed a training course through Fenzi Dog Sport Academy on NASDA Lost Item Recovery. I found this to be one of the most satisfying scent activities that my dogs and I have done. For one thing it is practical-finding lost items like glasses, jewelry, ear buds, etc. And the other thing is teaching your dog to not only find your lost items, but also the ability to find anyone else’s lost item by sniffing a sample and matching their scent! These are the same basic skills that are used in search and rescue, tracking, etc. and this is what makes this program unique from other scentwork/nosework titling programs. This is a great standalone activity, but is also a great complement to any other scent sport!

Link to NASDA program that also includes an online titling option: https://nasda.dog/NASDAResources/NASDA_Master_Handbook.pdf?cache=0

Below are links to videos of my own dogs searching for a credit card wallet in bales of straw, and ear buds on ring gates:

Wilkie, earbud search: https://youtu.be/XDY_QNh5KDs

Flash, Credit Card wallet search: https://youtu.be/cl-6extHnCs

If you would like to train for this fun activity, I can help! Classes forming upon request. Email dogsontheball@gmail.com

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Fit Dog Training 101-More Than Meets The Eye

Helping your dog to be fully functional in whatever the chosen lifestyle, is one of the best gifts you can give your dog and your relationship. The benefits are many including physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, working together as a team and reducing the risk of injury in daily activities and/or sports. Additionally, training your dog in strength, conditioning and fitness will improve your skills as a trainer.

First let’s take a look at what is required for basic fitness training. Not unlike other activities, this will require a dog who can focus on the task and want to work with you. Food motivation is key, toy motivation is also an asset. Fitness training is hard work both mentally and physically, so a high rate of reinforcement is required to keep your dog motivated to play, along with a trusting and a positive working relationship. Short training sessions in the learning stages are more beneficial than longer sessions, as true with most training activities.
Does your dog need more focus? More confidence? Do you need to improve your working relationship? A dedicated fitness program can get you there!

I break fitness programs into 2 types of sessions for my students: 1)Learning Sessions, for the purpose of training new skills. 2) Workout Sessions, where fluent skills are put to use in actual strength and conditioning exercises. I stress the importance of keeping these sessions separate.

Observation skills, communication and relationship: To be effective and safe, fitness skills require precision in the best form possible. Learning to recognize what this looks like in your individual dog is key. There are subtle signs of fatigue, mental and physical, which must be honored. In this relationship based approach you become keenly aware of your dog’s communication and how to appropriately respond in their best interest. This builds trust.

Dog’s Choice: “Opt-In” or “Start Button” behaviors are great to have on board in all training programs. Fitness training is no different. We must honor our dog’s willingness and ability to participate. This is also part of building trust. It is up to us to make fitness training desirable, safe and fun so our dog chooses to participate. We want a happy dog who enjoys the process!

Trainer Skills: Proper use of luring, shaping, targeting, marker/reward systems and clear communication all come into play here! The better your trainer skills are, the more precise and effective your training will be! This is key to fitness work.

I introduce all of this in my 4 week starter class, Introduction To Fit Dog Training. Thursdays in April 2024- 4, 11, 18, 25 at Love On A Leash. Email Char for more info: dogsontheball@gmail.com See latest updates and offerings here