Handling
Handling is the responsibility of the "2-legged" team partner.
Our Handling classes break down the mechanics of each of the Handling moves and provide simple
exercises for the Handler (and dog!) to work through to master each move. This class focuses on
consistency in all aspects of handling. Learn ALL the pieces of a well-executed Front Cross,
Rear Cross, False Turn and Lead Out Pivot. Learn how to communicate CONSISTENLY with your dog
so you're able to give the dog the information it needs BEFORE it has to ask the question:
"where do I go next"?
Handling classes are recommended to ALL levels, from Starters through Masters!
- Pre-requisite for Handling Level-1 is Intermediate-3.
- Pre-requisite for Handling Level-2 is Handling Level-1, OR participation in any "Handling" class in the July/August 2006 session as all Handling classes covered the "Handling Level-1" material.
Progression from one class to the next is as follows:
- Handling Level-1 > Handling Level-2 >
Dogs participating in Handling classes may also participate in Sequencing, Obstacle Proficiency and Work Away classes
at the same time.
Sequencing
The ability to "read" a given sequence and determine
which handling techniques to utilize to ensure
the cleanest, most efficient path for the dog, is the single biggest challenge for the Handler.
The sequence handling challenge makes agility an ongoing delight as it provides an endless variety of
stimulating brain teasers! Practice and guidance in working through myriad "real life" sequences
provide the Handler with exposure to the many varieties of obstacle combinations, and experience
in applying all the available handling techniques. Progression from one class to the next is as follows:
- Intermediate Level-1 > Intermediate Level-2 > Intermediate Level-3 > Starters > Advanced > Masters >
- Dogs participating in Sequencing classes may also participate in Obstacle Proficiency and Work Away classes
at the same time.
Class Descriptions
Intermediate Sequencing Classes
Prerequisites:
-
Dogs must be at least 18 months of age
to join an Intermediate Sequencing Class.
-
Dogs must have graduated from the Dream
Fields Novice Fundamentals Level 3 class (some exceptions may be made for dogs coming
into the training program from other venues. Each dog and handler team
will be assessed individually to determine which class would be the best
fit).
Intermediate Sequencing classes continue to boost
the dogs confidence by working exercises that require more focus, concentration
and teamwork to be accomplished successfully. Significant attention is
paid to handling techniques and problem solving.
Dream Fields Intermediate Sequencing Classes
are organized into three 7-week sessions: Intermediate Sequencing Level 1, Intermediate
Sequencing Level 2 and Intermediate Sequencing Level 3.
Starters Sequencing Classes
Prerequisites:
-
Dogs must have graduated from the Dream
Fields Intermediate Sequencing Level 3 Class (some exceptions may be made for dogs
coming into the training program from other venues. Each dog and handler
team will be assessed individually to determine which class would be the
best fit).
Dream Fields Starters Sequencing Classes are not
divided into Levels. A dog and handler may remain working at the Starters
level indefinitely, or may move to an Advanced class when the dog and handler
are ready for Advanced level work.
Starters Sequencing classes concentrate on providing the dogs
with sequencing challenges which apply learned obstacle performance, providing the dogs with the opportunity to
"tune" their obstacle execution skills. At the same time, the "real" competition sequences allow the handlers
to strategize and apply various handling technique to learn what is most efficient and effective for both
members of the team.
Advanced Sequencing Classes
Prerequisites:
-
Dogs must have graduated from the Dream
Fields Starters Sequencing Class (some exceptions may be made for dogs
coming into the training program from other venues. Each dog and handler
team will be assessed individually to determine which class would be the
best fit).
Dream Fields Advanced Sequencing Classes are not
divided into Levels. A dog and handler may remain working at the Advanced
level indefinitely, or may move to a Masters class when the dog and handler
are ready for Masters level work.
Advanced Sequencing classes concentrate on honing
the dogs' performance in a wide variety of sequences and situations. Handling
is revisited and re-evaluated for each dog/handler team to find the techniques
that work best for that team.
Masters Sequencing Classes
Prerequisites:
-
Dogs must have graduated from a Dream
Fields Advanced Sequencing Class (some exceptions may be made for dogs coming into
the training program from other venues. Each dog and handler team will
be assessed individually to determine which class would best serve)
Dream Fields Masters Sequencing Classes are not
divided into Levels. A dog and handler may remain working at the Masters
level indefinitely.
Masters Sequencing classes concentrate on minute
examination of each Handlers use of the various handling techniques that
can mean the difference between success and failure at the Masters level.
Confidence and the ability to work at a distance are crucial to
the dogs success at this level.
Course content will be tailored to
meet the specific needs of the unique dog/handler teams participating in
a particular class.
