Performance Dog Training

Training Your Performance Dog

Agility, Obedience, Tracking

by Carolyn Fuhrer

More Performance Op portunities

There are not a lot of opportunities to work with your performance dog during these difficult times, but OT A C – On Track Agility Club of M aine – has been hard at work creating more opportunities for the people of M a ine. Th is month on September 19, they will be hosting an Agility Course Te st (AC T) at No rth Star Dog Training School. This is a wonderful way to introduce your dog to the sport of agility, and if you are brand new to agility, this is a very worthwhile event to attend and watch. The Level 1 ACT event is a basic course consisting of jumps, the table, A frame and tunnels with 10-12 obstacles in all. Level 2 adds a spread jump, 6 weaves, and the see saw, with 11-13 obstacles in all. Both levels are very userfriendly allowing multiple attempts at obstacles. After 3 tries at each obstacle, the handler must move on. Contacts are judged for safety on the A-frame and see saw (this assures the dog safely completes the entire obstacle instead of “flying off”). Level 1 dogs have 60 seconds to complete the course and Level 2 dogs have 70 seconds. T o enter an AC T event, dogs must be 15 months or older. Dogs cannot have earned any AKC agility titles. No n-registered or AKC registered dogs may enter. In order to achieve an AC T 1 title, you must get 2 qualifying legs. You must complete the entire course in 60 seconds with a score of 85. No dropped bars (but you may enter at any jump height – 4” up to 24”), no missed contacts and no more than 3 attempts to complete each obstacle and no more than 3 wrong courses. Th e same applies to ACT 2 with a 70 second time limit. The ACT event is a wonderful introduction to the sport of agility, and we are fortunate to have a club like OT AC offering this opportunity. OT AC is also planning a new and exciting Rally event this fall. OT AC will present a Ra lly “Fall Frolic” on Sunday, September 6 at the Pittston Fairgrounds in Pittston, ME .

This will give people a chance to work in a real show environment and to receive feedback regarding their run and helpful information to improve their performance in a supportive, friendly atmosphere. For more information, e-mail mjgrotton@aol.com T h e club is working on another fabulous tracking workshop which will be coming soon. W h at is unique about the offering of this new club is that they have talented experts in all the venues that they offer. So, not only do you have the pleasure of working in a supportive, encouraging atmosphere, you also have the added benefit of experienced, successful trainers and teachers to guide you and help you learn. This is a very special aspect of this club because they are providing a muchneeded opportunity for learning, encouraging beginners, and sharing knowledge.

I f you are thinking about dabbling in dog sports or are new to the area, this is an organization worth investigating. Th e fall and winter program this club is planning only gets more exciting! For more information, call Kathy at 207-691-2332. Don’t miss out!

Carolyn Fuhrer has earned over 125 AKC titles with her Golden Retrievers, including 2 Champion Tracker titles. She has recently become an AKC Tracking Judge.

Carolyn is the owner of North Star Dog Training School in Somerville, Maine. She has been teaching people to understand their dogs for over 30 years. You can contact her with questions, suggestions and ideas for her column by e-mailing carolyn@dogsatnorthstar.com.

207-691-2332.

Classes & Private Lessons Obedience, Agility and Tracking

Struggling? Let us help you achieve your goals. You will be amazed at how the right instruction makes all the difference in your success! Each dog/handler team is unique. We have the knowledge, experience and outstanding teaching ability to help you succeed. Call us and let’s get started!

Watch for 2020 Tracking workshops with Carolyn Fuhrer, AKC Tracking Judge

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