Value added training (VAT)

Those of you who have searched through the E-vents page on Agilitynet know there is a bewildering selection of workshops, seminars and training days on offer all over the country - so many that you may not be able to decide on which option to take and end up doing nothing. For those of you who haven't had the opportunity - or the courage - to take part yet, agility competitor and workshop organiser Lesley Hughes of MegAgility explains what to expect.

Like any other sport, Agility is ever evolving. Consistency may be the key to successful training, but an open-minded approach to new ideas can be of huge benefit in finding ways to improve your dog's performance. It never hurts to be exposed to new ideas and techniques. Handling your dog differently - thus giving it more specific information - could give you a better chance to get it right. Plus, if the run is smoother and more streamlined, it may well reduce any strain that is put on their joints. And in the end, it is up to you to decide which methods work best for you and your dog.

Those of you who have trained more than one agility dog - or have multiple dogs - will know that they're all different which means that one tried and trusted method of training that you've used previously might not work with your new youngster. A hands-on workshop, training day or seminar will give you the opportunity to try something different in a safe environment. Watching other handlers in the group can help you identify and improve something that may be proving a difficult manoeuvre.

Learning good, road-tested techniques can be really important to achieving agility success, and they can help keep your dogs happy and healthy. A top trainer can give you an insight into new ways of handling and improve your attitude and work ethic  They give you the opportunity to try out new techniques in a safe environment. It's a chance to experiment under good supervision without pressure to change the method you are using. You might just  pick up a tip or two that could work for your dog.

Selecting a workshop
You might have heard about some workshops from friends and club mates or see them listed on Agilitynet but think that they were only for experienced handlers. You might worry that you would be out of your depth. Nothing could be further from the truth.  If you don't know whether or not you need to go, go anyway because you’ve nothing to lose. Remember nothing ventured is nothing gained!

The first thing I look for in selecting workshop for myself or organising a training day for others is the trainer. What's their background? How do they work with their dogs? What relationship do they have with them and how do they get the best out of them. Do they follow a particular method and, of course, how successful are they. You may not know these things but you can ask around. I, for one, wasn't familiar with those working at Champ level, but I did hear about them so wherever I could, I went along to a training day.  and then, if I liked their methods and approach, I invited them along to my club MegAgility.

The next thing I consider as a participant is the date, the location (how far away is it) and the cost. Once you’ve found the person you want to train with, I guarantee that you’ll do your best to go that little bit further if, of course, finances and time will allow you to. The average cost for a workshop is £25 - 35 per session but a session can be two hours or a whole day. Another issue to consider would be the number of handlers in a group.

A training day can be mentally and physically tiring for both you and your dog, but I can honestly say I always come away absolutely buzzing with new ideas and plans on how to improve my agility.

What to expect
One question I am often asked is what do I wear? The answer is whatever you would when training or going to a show as long as it is comfortable and weather-appropriate. It is a good idea to take a flask/drink and a chair as not all facilities to be able to provide them. And don't forget the loo. It may sound daft but it may be out of action and a garage en route could prove useful.

If you haven't been to the venue before, leave plenty of time to find it - you don't want to arrive late - and to set up your car and walk your dog. Park in a place which is safe for your dog especially if it is a warm day. If your dog is comfortable in a crate, ask if you can take one along, Most venues have plenty of space.

Don't forget to take whatever training aids you usually use - tuggy, ball, or titbits, etc. If your dog works best to a particular toy, take that. If it is food, take plenty of high value treats. It is important to replicate what you do when training so you can reinforce whatever you learn at the workshop.

While workshops are usually organised by grade, it is worth letting the trainer know what level your dog is running at as well and if it has any particular problems. It may, for instance, be Grade 3 but that doesn't necessarily mean it can do everything that is being taught in that particular group right away. It will help your trainer to help you.

Get as much advice as possible and and don't worry about asking questions. After all, that's why you are there. It's all about training and taking the opportunity to look at other options or improve what you do already – tighten that turn, get that weave entry or be able to work further away, etc. 

Even if you have another question or think you didn’t quite understand something when you get back home, most trainers are happy to offer support and advice wherever they can because they want you to succeed. Just be mindful they may take a couple of days to come back to you especially if they’re travelling.

A good workshop can be inspirational, thought provoking and lots of fun. Guest trainers and workshops can improve your handling greatly and can be great fun, too - all the better if the rain stays off and the sun shines. To quote one of the Megagility workshop participants ' If we take one thing out of a training day. then it’s worth every penny

Good luck to everyone during the season.

About the author...
Lesley Hughes has always had dogs in the family, mostly Border Collies but Meg (G5) was her first agility dog. She has three other collies - Toby (G4), Lizzie and Jack (both G3).

She started agility six years ago when Meg was two years old. They joined a local class for fun and very soon the bug got her and she has been hooked ever since.

Lesley started Megagility three years ago when she and a friend Barbara Poulten started to look for a field where they could practice with their own dogs. Megagility has grown since they found that first field and now they have indoor and outdoor facilities at Sedgebrook, nr Grantham. With a little help from her friends Caroline Johnson and Fiona Granger, they teach agility as well as socialisation and basic obedience. One guarantee at Megagility is that you always have a good time!

To find out more about training days being held at MegAgility, ring Lesley on m. 07740 022250 or visit the website www.megagility.com . Many are listed on the Agilitynet E-vents page.

First published 11 April 2012

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