Dog Sports & Classes
Beginning August 2024, AbiK9 will start offering a series of fun, rewarding and highly fulfilling dog sport classes! If you're looking for ways to help give your dog a job, all while improving their quality of life, meeting their needs, and developing your relationship, look no further! While 'proper' technique in all things is a goal just in case you have aspirations towards competition, all training is designed to be super enjoyable for the hobbyist too!
Agility
A client favourite! Multiple classes at different levels and difficulty offered. The foundation class features all ground work and is suitable for young puppies.
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Foundations - 5 weeks | <6 dogs | $250
All flat work, no obstacles. Handlers are taught about markers, reward mechanics, shaping, movement/rear and front crosses etc. Dogs are taught to offer behaviours, to station, run ahead, follow handler's shoulder, recall, transport etc.
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Intro to Jumps and tunnels - 5 weeks | <6 dogs | $250
Jumps and tunnels, focusing on handling competence before height and complexities increased.
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Jumps and tunnels - 5 weeks | <6 dogs | $250
Emphasis on complex handling sequences, increased speed and height, jumping mechanics.
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More classes to come​​​
Nosework
Another favourite - suitable for all dogs including those that don't like others. Classes are kept small and each dog is worked individually. At this stage only beginners classes are offered.
5-weeks || $300 || 3-dogs per class
Instructor courses also available!
Competitive Obedience
My favourite! Competitive obedience has come a long way since I started training dogs. These days, precision and enthusiasm is paramount and training methods have improved ten-fold because of it. There are multiple levels to competitive obedience, all of which are suitable for puppies.
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Foundations | 6-weeks | 6 dog limit | $300
Luring, marker and reward mechanics, creating reinforcement zones, play skills, opt-in and opt-out signals, touch pads, sit/down/stand, heeling beginnings, recalls, verbal cue introduction.
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Fancy-pants heeling | 6-weeks | 6 dog limit |$300
Anatomically correct head position, luring and shaping, reward orientation and self-driving behaviours, rear end awareness and lateral movement, direction changes, etc.
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More to come!​​
Mock Protection Skills
Ok, this isn't a dog sport but it's something I get asked about a LOT! Do you wish you could call your dog into heel, teach them to bark on cue, send them to search and bark, etc? This class is for you! No, we don't teach any biting skills (hence the 'mock'), but you won't need it! Your dog will look scary but you'll have complete control. You don't need a German Shepherd or Rottweiler, you don't even need a big dog!
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8-week class | 6 dog limit | $400
Tricks
Teaching tricks is fun, rewarding, and it can help the sporting dog a great deal to improve their proprioception and core strength.​
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Beginners | 5-weeks |$250
Teaching opposites, encouraging active behaviour, enthusiasm and stability, behaviours taught include: middle, tug and out, hold, twist and spin, heel and switch, roll over, play dead etc.
More information...
Vaccinations - All dogs must show proof of vaccinations (C5/C3 + KC) or titer testing.
Behavioural concerns - If your dog is reactive or socially sensitive, we might recommend a few lessons before attending the group classes.
Training experience - No training experience is necessary for any of the classes. If the relevant class has a 'foundation' option, then this must be completed before progressing.
Junior handlers - If you've got a kid that's dog-mad, we'd be happy to include them in classes. For insurance purposes, children under 12 years old, however, cannot handle the dog (the dog must be controlled by a parent or caregiver, and the child can train). Children between 12-16 can handle the dog but must be accompanied by a parent or caregiver. We might recommend a single lesson before enrolling in a group class to work on handling skills. Juniors are also eligible for a 20% discount on all classes.
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