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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 regularly attends Agility clinics and classes with Tracy Sklenar of Say Yes! Dog Training, one of North America's leading dog training facilities. Bobbie is currently competing with Charlotte, an Australian Kelpie, and is training to compete with Charity, a Staffordshire Bull Terrier Mix. Charlotte is currently well on her way to earning various USDAA Master titles. Working with two different breeds 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 has also attended clinics with Susan Garrett, Greg Derrett, Laura Derrett, and Susan Salo as a part of the Say Yes program.
Agility Foundations (Competition) - Level 1
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
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.
This class only meets in our Putnam County location, 1 hour north of Manhattan.
Agility Foundations (Competition) - Level 2
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
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. **
This class only meets in our Putnam County location, 1 hour north of Manhattan.
Skills & Drills for the Oldsters
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
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.
High Level Proofing for Competition
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
This class will start with a series of impulse control games... then take them to the highest levels so the dog can work through any distraction! Included will be contacts, weaves, start lines, tables, handling, etc. We will also uncover and fix any training "holes" you might be seeing. This class is only appropriate for dogs who are competing and/or getting ready to compete. This class should be repeated as necessary.
Beginner Handling Series, Part 1
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
Emphasis for this class will be flatwork and shadow handling. We will introduce distraction work at this early level of training. Susan Salo’s jump grids will be utilized to teach dogs how to jump based on muscle memory and understanding. 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
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
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. We will continue with more of Susan Salo’s jump grid work (she has so many grids!) 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
5 sessions, 1 hour per session
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. We will continue with more advanced grids designed by Susan Salo. 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.
Click here to see current class schedules.
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