Divine K-9, Inc. is based in Putnam County, NY. We provide agility group classes, private lessons, and clinics in both indoor and outdoor facilities.
Divine K-9 promotes reward-based training founded on the principles of learning theory. We believe in creating a positive, fun experience for both the dog and handler using motivational games and laying down a solid foundation to help build a long, successful agility career.
We use creative techniques to teach your dog how to think and how to make good choices. These techniques help build confidence in the dog while forging a trusting bond between the dog and handler.
About the Instructor: Bobbie Bhambree is the Agility Director at Divine K-9 Dog Training and a regular student at Say Yes! Dog Training, one of North America's leading dog training facilities.
Bobbie is currently competing with Charlotte (7 year old Australian Kelpie) and Tricky (terrier/chihuahua cross). Charlotte is well on her way to earning various USDAA Master titles. Tricky is already placing and qualifying at this very young age, due to a solid foundation in her early training. At two years old, Tricky made it to the Finals in 2011 Northeast Regional Steeplechase and placed fourth in the International Jumpers Challenge.
Working with different breeds, with very different personalities, in this sport has presented Bobbie with a variety of challenges that has helped her become a more well-rounded instructor and competitor, thanks to the Say Yes! program. Bobbie has learned that although the innovative,
progressive techniques taught by the Say Yes!
team are designed for Agility training, much of it is applicable to everyday life with dogs in creating well- mannered companions. Bobbie regularly attends clinics with Susan Garrett, Greg Derrett, Laura Derrett, Anthony Clarke, and Susan Salo. Bobbie is also a long-time student of Tracy Sklenar.
Bobbie is available to present on the following topics for clinics & seminars, in addition to teaching group classes:
Foundation & Motivation
2x2 Weave Poles
One-Jump Exercises
Lead Outs & Openings
Double Box Exercises
Contacts
Driving Lines & Turn Cues
Motion Control - Acceleration & Deceleration
Handling - Starters, Advanced, Masters
Agility Foundations (Competition) - Level 1 This class is designed for those dog-person teams that plan to compete in Agility. Dog and handler will learn basic foundation skills, including focus through distraction, obedience, and motivation. We will play impulse control games to help the handler have success and control in the ring. We will teach dogs body awareness and shadow handling. We will begin to introduce the dogs to some of the equipment, including jumps and the tunnel. The dogs will learn to feel comfortable on foundation equipment that will lead to training on the teeter, A-frame, and dog walk. The dogs will learn foundation steps for solid contacts. This class is designed for dog and handler teams that are just starting out in Agility, handlers that have just adopted a new puppy and want to start out on the right foot, and for those competing teams that need to "fix" certain behaviors in their dog.
Agility Foundations (Competition) - Level 2 This class is the next step to Agility foundation training for competition. We will work on handling skills, contact games, one-jump exercises, and shape Weave Poles. We will practice simple sequences incorporating skills learned. Distraction-training will play a significant part of this class. This class is designed for competing teams that need to "fix" certain behaviors in their dog, and dog and handler teams currently competing in Beginners and Intermediate levels.
**Pre-requisite: Agility Foundations - Level 1or similar training elsewhere. **
Foundation to Transition
Whether you are continuing with your puppy's foundation or getting ready to start competing, we will be transitioning you and your dog to the next level! The more experienced youngsters will be transitioning to full-height contacts & 12 poles, with the emphasis on understanding & independence. The less experienced youngsters will be progressing their understanding on obstacle foundations. We will be working handling & jumping skills with all of them, whether it is on full sequences (more experienced youngsters) or on the flat or over bumps (less experienced youngsters).
Skills & Drills
This is the class for the adolescent dogs or the dogs in need of some polishing - we will focus on contact work, one jump exercises, focus with distractions, simple sequences & handling, and teaching/polishing weave poles. Exercises will be geared to the level of the dogs in class. This class should be repeated as necessary.
Crate Games Galore! This class is dedicated to Crate Games, the cornerstone of the Say Yes! foundation training system. We will go over all of the games in the video, and then some! Whether you're brand new to Crate Games or you've hit a snag somewhere in your dog's understanding of the games, this is the class for you.
These games are designed to teach a rock-solid start line, build drive to and away from you, find challenging weave pole entries, teach your pup understanding of the reinforcement zone, play anti-flick games, and finesse your skills as a dog trainer. Say Yes! instructors regularly revisit these games with their young and older dogs.This class is great for puppies and adult dogs.
Beginner Handling Series, Part 1
Emphasis for this class will be flatwork and shadow handling. We will introduce distraction work at this early level of training. We will also start working on One-Jump exercises. This class is great for those just starting out in agility or are looking to fill in "holes" in the dog's understanding.
Beginner Handling Series, Part 2
This class is the next step in this handling series. We will continue with One-Jump exercises teaching front crosses, rear crosses, 180s, 270s, threadles, lateral distance, and serpentines. Distraction work with be prevalent throughout. We will also start putting these skills into patterns and short sequences. Teams will learn about driving lines and turn cues. This class is great for those just starting out in agility or are looking to fill in "holes" in the dog's understanding.
Beginner Handling Series, Part 3
This is the final step in the beginner handling series. We will spend time on Greg Derrett's Double Box exercises, allowing you to practice every handling skill you will see in the ring. Your dogs will learn directionals. This class is great for those just starting out in agility or are looking to fill in "holes" in the dog's understanding. Dogs that are competing at any level are welcome.
One Jump Exercises
Do you have a young dog who needs to learn about handling? Do you have an experienced dog who needs to learn how to turn better, drive over jumps, improve start lines, etc? This is the series for you!
Come and learn the One Jump exercises to teach your dogs brilliant understanding and speed on course. We will be covering focus, building value, start lines, driving over jumps, lateral distance, turns, crosses, serpentines, threadles, etc. This class is suitable for dogs from 8 months old to competing adults--perfect Winter activity for your living room!
Lead Outs & Openings
This class will focus on how to handle the openings of courses (first 5 to 8 obstacles) - how to pick clear & consistent lead out positions, how to get the dog to understand your positional cues, course analysis, teaching the dog to focus forward and drive lines, motivating the dog at the start, and solidifying your dog's start line stay.
Driving Lines & Turn Cues
Would you like to decrease your standard course time? Does your dog turn really wide on course? Would you like to be able to easily determine the most efficient path on course? This class will focus on how to move your dog more efficiently around the course and using body language to help your dog turn tighter; it also addresses handler focus vs. obstacle focus. This class is open to dogs over one year of age that are getting ready to compete or already competing at the novice level or higher.
Motion Control
Motion control is the latest buzz in agility. Acceleration and deceleration understanding can allow the dog to better execute his path with confidence. Learn how to teach your dog to respond to your body cues to explode up a line or put on the brakes to help create a tight turn. We will be working sequences that allow the handler to practice accel & decel cues. Timing of acceleration and deceleration of the handler will be covered.
This class is open to dogs over one year of age that are getting ready to compete or already competing at the novice level or higher.
Under Pressure!
Do you ever say to yourself: "but he can do it perfectly at home!" Does your dog slow down, make mistakes, or get too nutty at a trial? Do you lose your concentration once you step into the ring? This class is designed to bring out the best in your dog's performance, even when you are in the pressure-filled trial situations.
We are going to provide a variety of crazy distractions for you and your dog to work through while handling sequences and courses--you'll be laughing while you're running!
Dogs competing at any level are welcome in this class. If you are not yet competing, but have worked with me in the past few months, you are also welcome to attend this class.
High Octane Handling
In this class, we will look at handling skills that are all the trend at high-level events as well as local trials. You and your dog will learn how to see and execute double and triple Rear Crosses, back to back crosses, funky serpentines, driving lines with you super lateral, and more! This class is open to all levels where teams can complete short sequences.
Starters/Novice Handling
This handling class is designed for dogs who are getting ready to trial or have just started trialing. We will finish obstacle skills and practice handling & sequencing challenges. The class is also good for youngsters who are still finishing contacts, weaves & teamwork focus. This class should be repeated as necessary.
Advanced/Open Handling
This handling class is designed for dogs currently finishing Starters/Novice or Advanced/Open titles and getting ready for Advanced/Excellent/Masters. You will analyze, walk through courses, and then have an opportunity to execute the best plan with your dog. This class should be repeated as necessary.
Masters/Excellent Handling
This handling class is designed for dogs currently finishing Advanced/Open titles and getting ready for Advanced/Excellent/Masters or are already competing at this level. You will analyze, walk through courses, and then have an opportunity to execute the best plan with your dog.
Friends of Divine K-9 
About the Instructor: Bobbie Bhambree is the Agility Director at Divine K-9 Dog Training and a regular student at Say Yes! Dog Training, one of North America's leading dog training facilities. 
Skills & Drills
This handling class is designed for dogs who are getting ready to trial or have just started trialing. We will finish obstacle skills and practice handling & sequencing challenges. The class is also good for youngsters who are still finishing contacts, weaves & teamwork focus. This class should be repeated as necessary.
