Old Dogs, New Tricks

HUMANS AGE 16+ and DOGS OF ALL AGES*

Try out some dog sports while having fun and learning the foundations of good dog training.  Dog sports provide mental and physical stimulation, build better relationships and have practical value.  They create confidence and trust as you mindfully coach your dog from one challenge to the next, and they enrich both your lives with creativity and variety.

In class you’ll get a taste of parkour, agility, rally, scent games, trick training and barn hunt with safe foundation behaviors suitable for dogs and people of all ages and abilities.  You’ll also learn how to apply those behaviors to everyday life, as just a single simple behavior can teach you ten lessons of training and be used in a handful of different ways.  Along with tips, treat recipes and plenty of examples, you’ll be given information on how to continue with your new interests whether you intend to compete or just play in the living room on a rainy day.  You can even earn your AKC Novice Trick dog title in class!

Mixed breeds, rescues and puppies are welcome.  No previous obedience training required but dogs will sometimes be working within 5-10 feet of each other.  You must be able to control your dog on leash and get its attention with food. By arrangement, this class can be configured to include dogs who don’t do well around others. Class size is limited, so you have plenty of time to play and learn.

*Must provide evidence of basic vaccinations.

Bring to Class: Treats, a buckle collar and a 6-foot leash are required. A harness and portable crate or mat are recommended and will be discussed in class.

Location: Outdoors at Community Park (5495 Maxwelton Road, Langley) and nearby locations

Instructor: Victoria Farrington began training dogs with positive reinforcement in 1995 when she became an early adopter, explorer and explainer of clicker training.  She has volunteered in shelters, done rescue and foster work, and taught classes at large clubs and small facilities.  She wrote for and later became editor of The Clicker Journal, earning the respect of the field’s top professional dog trainers.  Her dogs have earned titles in 10 dog sports and at all stages of life.  She is an AKC Approved Evaluator for the STAR puppy program, all levels of the Canine Good Citizen and Tricks titles.

Schedule:  TBA