Oct
20
Seminar Thoughts
I gave my first agility seminar this past weekend, for LCCOC in Baton Rouge, LA. This is my old club where I trained when I was in vet school, so I knew most people, and it was a nice, laid back atmosphere. Nice way to get my feet wet. I really enjoyed it, and I think everyone was able to come away with something new. The first day was the “Novice” Day, and covered motivation and driving to a remote reward (and how to use that as you begin to sequence), acceleration/deceleration drills, and contacts (running aframe with stride regulators, and the 1RTO stopped contact). The second day was the “Advanced” Day, and we talked about independent 180s and 270s, serpentines, push throughs, and course analysis and decision making (where to cross, which way to turn). The last involved double box work–always great for handling skills.
I actually had some other topics planned as well, but just didn’t have time to get to them. I wanted to make sure I had too much, rather then too little, and I definitely did that. That helps me a lot for the future in being able to focus more on fewer topics. I definitely could have worked more drills on different concepts (accel/decel, serpentines, double box work). Who can’t use more double box work? 🙂
The weather was fantastic–very lucky since we were outdoors. One BIG bonus was the club had a portable mic that I was able to wear. Not spending two days yelling was a welcome surprise. It also helped everyone hear what was being said to the person working a sequence. I think that helps everyone stay involved instead of being distracted by other things–I know it’s hard to focus on someone working when you can’t figure out what’s being discussed.
All in all, I’m very pleased with how it went, and hope to be able to do more in the future. In particular, I’d like to be able to do half day workshops about specific topics (like accel/decl), close to home. I really don’t have the time (or facility) to teach group classes, but workshops, and privates/small groups is right up my alley. Definitely makes me feel like I’m a more “accomplished” handler, for whatever that’s worth. 🙂
Thanks to Michele Fry and Cheryl Warren for the photos!
