Aussie Acres Agility

02/14/2025

Contact Workshop at Heel and Fetch

When: Saturday Feb, 15 1:30-3:30
Spaces available

There will be an immense amount of material in this workshop. Handlers will begin with foundation skills, delve into the basic skills required for successful training and then be instructed in how to progress their dogs into what’s next on course. Independence of handler movement will be a high priority in this teaching, so that the dog can perform the contact obstacle independently!

If you plan to do agility outside this spring, this workshop will help handlers to prepare there dogs to hit the ground running.

Don’t miss it. It will not be taught in this location again this spring.

PM for more info. Hurry, don’t miss it!

02/12/2025

Reminder: Beginner class and Contact workshop 2-15. There is still room. Get ready for spring!

02/06/2025

Upcoming classes at Agility classes at Heel and Fetch:

With only one class left in the Aussie Acres Agility class session at Heel and Fetch is time to look forward to the next session. With spring getting closer, the next session will continue to focus on skills needed for when we return to agility outdoors. The Winter classes thus far have included Beginner Agility, Crosses and Turns, and Beginner Weaves. This next session will continue with Beginner Agility, include a Beginner Contact Workshop and a session to improve Obstacle Commitment on 1 jump and a tunnel.

New "Winter But Moving toward Spring" Agility schedule of classes at Heel and Fetch:

-Beginner Agility- Students will continue to work on foundation agility skills, jump commitment, tunnel skills and understanding basic handling skills.
4 week class 12-1pm February 15, March 1, 8, 15 Cost $120

-Beginner Contact Worshop- This is a 2 hour Workshop to assist handlers in understanding how to teach a 2o2o contact performance from the ground up. It will include the foundation skills for rear end awareness, how to teach the position and how to progress for forward focus and variation in handler position/motion.
These skills can be taught inside without much equipment and will give handlers a jump start on future outdoor contact training.

2 hour Workshop session from 1:30-3:30 February 15. Limit 5 handler teams Cost $50.

-Obstacle Commitment Class- This 3 week class session will focus on skills for improving obstacle commitment for one jump and a tunnel. Will include work on verbal skills, backsides, beginning serpentines, and opposing motion.
3 week class 1:20-2:20 March 1, 8, 15 Limit 4 handler teams Cost $100

01/31/2025

This is what agility training looks like in Northern NY! Not even a little snow or cold keeps us from training! But if you prefer to train where it’s warm (inside your house) the 2nd month of Aussie Acres Agility’s first online class, The Winter Agility Journey, starts tomorrow, February 1st. It’s not too late to sign up and get some training time in before spring!
PM for more info

01/29/2025

The Winter Agility Journey (online class) and Thoughts on Training:

I have been training dogs now for about 25 years. I have lived with them all my life, so I guess I was a trainer for all those years too. You can't live with dogs without some training happening. When I got into training my dogs for sport, I can admit I didn't know much about training. Now 25 years later, I sometimes think I still don't know much about training. Am I a better trainer than I was 25 years ago? You bet! But there is still so much to learn. Each dog teaches you along the way and it continues to blow me away how much we have yet to learn from the canine species.

When I realized that I was losing my Winter indoor training space this year, I was very unsure how I would survive the winter. I spent a lot of time in the fall thinking about how to maintain a high level of training for my dogs and for my students and their dogs. Realizing that my own space for training was going to be very limited (upstairs in the very cold garage, small spaces in my house, and oh, yes outside in the cold when there is not too much snow!), I had to make a plan that would provide myself, my dogs, my students and their dogs with training that would hopefully keep our dogs active, learning and stimulated through the winter? The Winter Agility Journey, Aussie Acres Agility first online class has born and has now completed it's first winter month, January. In a few days we move into February and a whole new group of activities.

I am fortunate to live in a place that allows my dogs and I to have good opportunities for cross training in the winter. We fill our days with running, hiking, snow shoeing and walking. It's the perfect time for going on the trails and through the woods with out worrying about those pesky ticks! We have already gone miles and miles this winter. It's fun for them and good for all of us! There are not many cold days we don't bundle up and get out. I am lucky my guys are hardy and always ready to go, no matter the weather.

All dogs do deserve some down time from training and having a great cardio conditioning program through the winter is a great way to give them that. But I like to train, so this winter I am on a mission to train small skills (including canine conditioning, tricks, and foundation skills that add to our agility base). The Winter Agility Journey online class does exactly this. I have thus far provided 16 activities through the month of January that are based on skills my dogs have worked on to get them to where they are today, skills that they are still learning, and new skills that I am pulling from my other training opportunities. Canine conditioning is important to explore as it promotes the strength they need for moving around a course. Small skill training, including a variety of tricks has been the area that has really got my training engine revving! And lastly, exploring reinforcement skills has been eye opening, helping me to realize what we have and what we need work on. What is learning without reinforcement?!

When we decide to play the agility game with our dogs, Handlers often become star struck by the idea moving their dog through a course and interacting with equipment. Well believe it or not, using equipment is only a small fraction of the skills dogs require in agility. Dogs can easily be taught to go over things, around things, under things and through things. They do this in nature all the time. But training them to understand how to navigate a set path with a partner at speed is another thing! Imagine if you will, that you take 4 gymnastic classes and then must go to the Olympics to perform. Is that fair to you? Is it safe? Is it even reasonable? I understand this example is a bit far fetched, but hopefully it drives home that Agility is a sport. It requires a solid foundation of skills that one must work toward competency of, so that you can then move to higher and higher levels of skill.

So are probably wondering why am I writing all this?
Well, basically it is to share my revelation for what The Winter Agility Journey has taught me. The lessons that I have provided and the one's I have learned from this past month are invaluable to me and my understanding of my canines. I hope that by providing this Online class to my students, that they too have found some useful pieces of training that will aid their continued growth in their dog sport. It's never to late to learn about your strengths and weaknesses and continue to build on your base skills. And what better time to do it?

So if you have not joined Aussie Acres for the Winter Agility Journey, there is still time. We have a lot of winter left to go, let's make it fun and valuable to you and your team so we can hit Spring running!!

If you are are continuing on from the January session, I am so glad you are still here!!! More fun is coming your way!

The February portion of the Winter Agility Journey begins on February 1st. PM for more information and to sign up.

Happy training!!

01/22/2025

Do you and your dog have cabin fever? Do you miss dog training time with your dog? Is it too hard to get out during the winter to a dog training class? Well Aussie Acres Agility has to solution to the winter blues!

The Winter Agility Journey is an online class that will help us pass this winter season with quality training in your own home. These activities are not just for agility students. They are skills for conditioning, general dog training, relationship building and fun! Believe it or not dog training, whether it is for obedience, agility or any dog sport, is just a group of tricks we teach our dogs. What makes each sport unique is the canine/human partnership. So do your self and your dog a favor, get training at home!!

The January session of the Winter Agility Journey is wrapping up and the February session begins on February 1st. You will have access to 4 activities per week with written description and video demonstration. Students can share videos, comments, ask questions, or just be a silent participant. It is what ever you are comfortable with. I am here to support your training. Proficiency in any activity is not required, as training skills is an ongoing process. Hope you will consider joining!!

So how does it work?
Reach out to me via email or FB messenger to sign up. You will be allowed to join a private FB group. A new set of activities will be provided each week.
Not on FB? The activities can be emailed to you instead.
Activities include instruction and video demonstration.
Participants are free to post videos, ask questions, and seek support in training.
Participants can work at their own pace.
Proficiency in the skills provided is not required.
The only thing required is that you provide your dog with a positive training experience and you both have FUN!

Cost is $50/month of February.

PM to sign up, inquire how to pay, or get more information

01/15/2025

We have made it 1/2 way through January, but looking at the forecast for next week it appears the worst is not yet over!! So what is someone to do when it is too cold to play outside with your favorite canine?

Well, Aussie Acres Agility has the perfect solution and is now 1/2 way through it's first online agility class that you can do in the comfort of your own home!

The Winter Agility Journey online class is moving into it's third week. Participants have been provided with weekly activities with instruction and video demonstration to support canine conditioning, stimulating (and fun) activities and agility foundation skills.

I plan to continue the Online program in February, so it's not too late to join. If you are already a participant, I hope you will continue.

If you have questions, comments or wonder how to get involved, send me a PM. The only thing limiting our dog training right now is our imagination. So don't wait....get training!! Your dog will thank you!!!

01/06/2025

Aussie Acres Agility classes at Heel and Fetch in Westville update:

Beginner class 12-1:00 Full
Tunnel class cancelled
Intro to Weaves- time change 1:20-2:20 2 spots left.

PM to sign up.

Send a message to learn more

12/31/2024

What could be better than closing out 2024 with spring-like temperatures, training and teaching at home on my field…..and on grass, too! Thankful for the beginning of Winter reprieve and my fantastic students who continue to play no matter what Mother Nature throws at us!☀️💦💨🌦️🌈🌨️❄️❄️☃️

Looking forward to much more agility fun in 2025! Stay tuned for training opportunities, trial information, and some exciting news!

Bring it on 2025……We are ready to play!!!🥳🎉🎊🍾

12/30/2024

It's not about the Q!!!

That's my title for this post and my mantra for 2025 (and beyond)! Don't get me wrong, I love the Q! The Q's accumulate and show me we are progressing in our skills to advanced to higher levels of mastery. But when you run with your dog on course and you are not working as a team, then it doesn't feel that the Q is well deserved.

I attended a two day UKI agility trial this weekend at the beautiful Guides Canine facility in St. Lazare, Quebec. Our judge, Wendy Beard had beautiful courses that challenged both dog and handler's skills, let our dogs run and show us their beauty and elegance on course, and allowed us all to celebrate beautiful handling from teams that were successful in parts or the whole course!

More about the Q thing!!
Sequence and I found the Qs elusive on Saturday until the final run. I felt frustrated, but not for not achieving a Q. Instead, frustrated because I knew that I was not giving my teammate the right connection or the information he needed to make those quick decisions on course. I am still learning to run this very focused and fast boy. I love the process!! I am so thankful that I have a teammate that is forgiving and understanding when I fall short of my part in this game. He is always willing to go to the line again each time, trusting me to show him the way. He doesn't care about the Q. He cares about playing with me! And I love playing with him!

Thankfully, I pulled it together in Speedstakes, giving Sequence all my focus. He ran flawlessly, and I felt like the teammate worthy of his efforts!!

I am sharing a couple of my videos so you can see how flawless Sequence is......and how flawed his handler can be. I am working on it, and appreciate my teammates patience every day!

It should never be about the Q!

12/23/2024

Agility’s founding Father….RIP Bud Houston! Thanks for your knowledge and dedication to the sport. I t wouldn’t be where it is without you.

*Take note of the Laws of Dog’s Motion: words to live by!

Dog agility has lost one of its founders. Folks newer to our sport might not have even heard of Bud Houston. But, we've all been influenced by him, at least indirectly. Bud wasn't everyone's cup of tea; he was direct, and he had strong opinions. I think a couple of his seminars were the first dog agility seminars I ever attended - way back in the '90s. He was a founder of Clean Run magazine and many, many folks learned about handling, training, and competing from its articles.

He also enjoyed the challenge of training and working dogs at a distance and inventing/playing dog agility strategy games. In that era winning the strategy games (Snooker, Gamblers, etc.) really brought out a level of competition we don't really see in today's competitions.

For me Bud's "Laws of a Dog in Motion" were probably the first "handling system" ever codified and have been absorbed and extended by trainers across the generations and the world. They still apply today and are something I'll always remember when I think of him.

Rest in peace Bud and my condolences to his friends and family.

https://www.lamberttatman.com/obituary/bud-houston

12/22/2024

Aussie Acres Agility is starting a new session of classes in 2025 at Heel and Fetch Dog Club in Westville.

This 4 week session will be held on Saturdays: January 11, 25, February 1, 8.

12:00-1:00 Beginner Agility:
Whether you are new to agility or just completed the Beginner Agility 1 class, this class is for you. Handlers will learn the Foundation skills to get their team ready for the wonderful world of agility!
Limited to 4 dog/handler teams

1:15-2:15 All the things you can do with a Tunnel!
Dogs love tunnels!!! But did you know there are many skills that must be taught to the dog about tunnels? This class will explore the many skills required for tunnel proficiency.
Limited to 4 dog/handler teams

2:30-3:30 Introduction to Weaves
Handlers will teach their dogs weave poles using the 2x2 method. Dog's will learn independent entries and confidence for independent weave pole performance.
Limited to 4 dog/handler teams

All classes are 4 weeks. Cost is $120 per class. Max class size is 4 (minimum is 3).
If classes are cancelled due to inclement weather, the next available Saturday will be used to make up the class.

12/20/2024

Winter training is a challenge, but if you dress warm enough and get moving it can be so much fun! This week the boys and I played around with our verbals (Out, Come, and obstacle discrimination). We mixed it up, ran until we were nice and warm, and had a blast! Training is all about having FUN, first and foremost?

All the big skills start with small increments. That’s what Aussie Acres Agility’s first online class is all about. Training small skills, building relationships, and having Fun! Winter won’t last forever, and we will all bevready for spring after training all winter!

Those who have signed up to participate should have received a message about the class. If you didn’t, let me know.
It’s not to late to join us😁

12/15/2024

❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️❄️
Winter is here once again and that means a significant interruption in agility training for many of us. The loss of my indoor training space is going to be challenging for my students and for myself. So, I have a plan to keep us working on skills throughout the winter; in the comfort of your own home.

Aussie Acres moves to an Online Training format!
My goal is to provide handlers with a variety of skills that can be trained and worked on at home. It is my hope that this training will build on the skills we use in agility, foster our dog/handler connection, AND most of all to HAVE FUN with your canine partner!

How will it work?
Handlers will participate in a private FB Group and will be provided with a weekly set of exercises. Exercises will be provided via video demonstration and will be a combination of Conditioning, Skill Work, Tricks, and Distraction Training. Mastery of each skill is not required. Having fun and enjoying the training process is!
Not on FB, no worries: I can send activities via email.

Equipment: No specific equipment will be required. Some skills may require props, so be creative and use what you have around your home.

This is the first time Aussie Acres Agility will be providing online training, so be patient as we go. I am hopeful it will be fun and informative, and something that I can offer again in the future.

The program will be offered on a monthly basis. Sign up for January is now open.
It is my hope to continue through February and March.
Participation is $50/ month. PM for payment options

I hope you will considering joining me for winter fun and training in the comfort of your own home.

PM for more information, with questions or to sign up. Handlers will then be provided with information on how to join the FB group and what happens next.

12/09/2024

Two more classes at Heel and Fetch (14th and 21st). Private lessons are available, PM if interested.

Stay tuned for new training opportunities coming in the new year, including some online training that can help us get through the long long winter!

12/02/2024

So proud of Team Gypsy! With lots of love and patience, Gypsy has gone from not being able to stay focused to take 1 jump to an agility dog that can perform a sit stay (for the most part), follow her handler and sequenced 12 obstacles today. It's amazing to watch a young dog morph into an agility dog who understands the path and value for obstacles.

I can't wait to see where Elizabeth and Gypsy go from here! It's a beautiful to watch a relationship grow and I am blessed to get to witness in over and over again with my students!

Agility=dog/handler team=a priceless relationship that last forever

11/18/2024

We believe in training with distractions at Aussie Acres Agility……….you never know when you will be trialing in a barnyard 🐓🐄🐓🐄🐾🐾

11/12/2024

Update on Aussie Acres Agility classes in at Heel and Fetch Training Club in Westville:

The two classes offered are FULL.

Dates of classes: November 16, 23 and December 14, 21

12-1:00 Beginner/Foundation- Full
1:20- 2:20 Crosses and turns- Full

Private lessons are available after 2:30 on any of these 4 dates.
PM at Aussie Acres Agility if interested in private lessons or future classes at Heel and Fetch Training Club in Westville.