Welcome to the Suncoast Fundogs Agility Club Inc. We trust that you will have a long, happy and rewarding association with our Club. Members have a common bond - that of owning a dog, and the pleasure of seeing that their dogs have fun whilst learning new skills in our sport of Agility.
All Officers of the Club, joined a Club to train their dogs, just like you. They were encouraged to impart their knowledge, and in doing so, are sharing their enjoyment of the sport with others. They do this on a VOLUNTARY BASIS, asking no other rewards than the pleasure of seeing both handlers and dogs achieve their goals.
If you are to be successful in this sport, then YOU must learn to be patient with your dog, no matter how exasperating it may be, and to be tolerant and understanding with your fellow members, to keep a sense of proportion, humour and patience, and treat this sport as an enjoyable interlude - not a way of life.
YOUR INSTRUCTORS: are only too happy to answer any of your training questions, don't hesitate to ask.
WEATHER CONDITIONS: If in doubt about training on a rainy night, Ring Gill : 54986673 / 0402469472
or Jane after
NEW MEMBERS: Pre-Paid Courses: If you are unable to complete a course, it may be possible for you to defer to a later course (providing there is a place available) within the current financial year.
If you choose NOT to take advantage of a later course, NO REFUND WILL BE GIVEN.
INSTRUCTION
Teaching our dogs the skills required for the sport, is done by reward. We are able to show you the methods used, but the bulk of the training MUST BE DONE AWAY FROM CLASS. At least 15 minutes training should be attempted each day, followed by at least an equal amount of play.
Ø If you DO NOT understand an exercise, ask the Instructor repeat it again,.
Ø At home DO NOT try to teach your dog more advanced skill before he is performing the easier ones correctly EVERY TIME.
Ø A REMINDER If you begin to lose your patience, STOP. Start again later.
You may at times hear instructors say things that seem contrary to what you have previously heard.
Do not worry it may be that a technique should be changed or another method tried because of a dog's reaction to the original method. This may not apply to you and your dog.
When training has finished, let your dog know. We suggest the words "OFF YOU GO" and then play with the dog. Do NOT over train the dog. Agility is a strenuous sport, learn to read your dogs body language, when your dog is tired, rest awhile.
TO YOU AND YOUR DOG, AGILITY SHOULD BE FUN.
Before you blame your dog for DOING THE WRONG THING - ask yourself
" Have I done a good job of teaching him".
PUNISHMENT IS OUT: Physical punishment focuses the dog's attention on you and not on the mistake. Depending on the dog, it may either fight back in order to defend itself, run away or become paranoid.
Remember: BE CONSISTENT - BE FAIR - BE HONEST
CLUB MEETINGS:
It is NOT OBLIGATORY but as a Member of the Suncoast Fundogs Agility Club Inc. it would be appreciated if you are could attend at least 2 meetings a year. Meeting are usually held bi-monthly:
ALL MEMBERS are invited to these meetings, NOT just committee members.
During our break at
