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Beginners Class

  • A 5-week fixed Beginners class that builds core, transferable training skills for multiple dog sports

  • Think cross training for agility, scent work, rally, and more

  • Covers shared foundation skills so sport-specific classes can stay focused

  • Not sure if you need it? Complete a self-assessment checklist. If you feel confident in ~90% of the skills, you can skip this class

  • Need more time? You can repeat the class for free

  • Before the first session, watch two short prep videos (marker training + motivation). No need to be perfect. We review and troubleshoot in week one

  • Suitable for a wide range of experience levels (including puppies!)

Saturday 7th Feb - 3:30pm

What does it cover?

Length: 5 weeks fixed curriculum

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Suitable for: All ages

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Max. dogs: 8 dogs/handlers

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Cost: $100/dog

 

Criteria for advancement: Completion of class, or self-complete a checklist. 

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Download Checklist HERE

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Dabble Dog’s Beginners Class is designed to give every team a strong foundation in training concepts that apply across multiple dog sports. Think of it as cross training for dog sports. You’ll build skills here that carry over into agility, scent work, rally, and more.

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By teaching these key skills in one dedicated class, I can keep individual sport classes focused on their unique content without repeating the same foundational lessons over and over.

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The Northern Rivers dog community is incredibly diverse. Some students come in with prior experience and move quickly, while others are newer and need more time to feel confident. This 5-week fixed course is structured to progressively build and layer core skills each week, giving teams a clear pathway and plenty of opportunity to practice and consolidate.

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Do I need this class?

 

If you believe you and your dog have already covered most of the material, you can work through a self-assessment skills checklist before enrolling. If, based on that checklist, you feel confident that you and your dog have solid skills in around 90% of the areas covered, you’re welcome to skip the Beginners class and move straight into other offerings.

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On the flip side, if you complete the course and feel you’d benefit from more practice, you’re welcome to repeat the class at no additional cost.

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Getting Ready for Class
 

Before the course starts, there are two short prep items to complete:

  • Watch the marker training video

  • Watch the motivation video and have a go at applying it with your dog

 

You don’t need to have these perfect. The goal is simply to arrive with some familiarity so we can use class time efficiently.

We’ll review both concepts in the first session and troubleshoot any issues as needed.

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Topics include:

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  • Luring basics

  • Luring the 4 zones of reinforcement

  • Reverse luring

  • Free and assisted shaping

  • Touch pad targeting, pivoting, and pivoting into left/right heel

  • Collar grabs and transports

  • Recall training

  • Rear touch pad targeting and reversing

  • And more...

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