Using a Contact Training Board for Strength Training

This simple set up builds strength while teaching skills.

Exercises that build core strength and stability while teaching fundamental performance "values" such as impulse control, focus and a strong release are all the rage right now. This video by Sweden's Fanny Gott is a prime example.

In this new video snippet, Fanny demonstrates a technique for teaching a dynamic stand, then transfers the technique to a contact training board.

I was sort of fascinated by how many fundamental skills and abilities are covered by this simple approach. Can you count them?

Here are a few for starters: Core strength, dynamic stand, independent leg/foot awareness, balance, impulse control, release to reward, balance on contact, foundation independent contact performance (teaching dog to drive to stay on board), release from contact.

Looks like a great idea for winter time training!

Dana Pike Contacts and Weaves Seminars + Private Lessons @ TCKC, Oct. 29-30, 2011

Prevent lost Qs. Build your foundation for success!

Download forms here.

Filling fast!! Do you lose Qs due to blown contacts and pokey weaves? Do you suffer from pop outs, bad entries and "sightseeing"? Do you wish you could save course time and entry fees by losing fewer Qs to obstacle faults and slow performance?

Or, do you hope to get your new dog on the right track and "train right the first time"?

Then, you won't want to miss the half-dayContacts and Weaves seminars that Dana Pike will be hosting at Town & Country Kennel Club in Bloomington, Illinois, Oct. 29-30.

Two half-day seminars will be on Saturday. The morning seminar will focus on contacts, and the afternoon seminar will focus on weaves.

Dana will evaluate the performance and goals of each working team, and will demonstrate some new and proven techniques to build a stronger foundation, improve reliability and build speed.

Once again, we will be hosting a Halloween costume contest during lunchtime at the seminar, so be sure to bring your dog's cutest disguise!

On Sunday, Dana is offering Private Lessons. We've kept the cost very reasonable for today's tighter budgets. Private lessons are nearly filled, so if you are interested in those, get your registration form in today. If you are not a TCKC club member, please email me ahead of time to check if there are openings if you are interested in a private lesson.

Taylor weaving: Solid, consistent weaves helped him maintain a very high Q rate throughout his career.

Fees for private lessons will be paid directly to Dana on the day of your lesson. Payment for the seminars must accompany your registration form to reserve your spot. Registrations close Oct. 9.

There are separate forms for the seminar and private lessons. Download them at www.tckc.org. Click on the blue buttons.

A pasta lunch from Avanti's will be served at the seminar. If you are interested, please check the box provided and include your lunch fee with your seminar check.

Bloomington is located in the middle of Illinois in easy driving distance from St. Louis, Chicago, Indianapolis and Quad Cities. The seminar will be held in a new, fully matted climate-controlled building. Equipment is well maintained and there is plenty of parking and grassy areas.

One other request. I would greatly appreciate it if you could forward news of this seminar to your training clubs and agility friends. Thanks much, and hope to see you at the seminar!

Thanks seminar participants!

New! Help your dog master weaves and contacts at the Dana Pike Contacts and Weaves half day seminars, Oct. 29, 2011 at Town and Country Kennel Club in Bloomington, Illinois. Private lessons on Oct. 30. Get the details here. Download registrations forms at www.tckc.org.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the Dana Pike seminar this past weekend.

We learned quite a bit and also got to see watch a lot of nice teams perform.

I wish you all much success in continuing to build your agility foundation.

I would especially like to thank Dana Pike and her able assistants, Tangle and Swindle, for taking the time to present to our group.

We hope to bring Dana back for specialized training sessions and privates in the future.

We also are in the process of rolling out the Stuart Mah seminar, which will be held at TCKC next May.

Please check tckc.org and click on Events for announcements, form downloads and updates.

In the meantime, work those one jump drills, polish those start lines and run happy. Thanks for coming!

Halloween Costume Contest at Dana Pike Seminar

Sunny portrays a roadhouse roadkill rockstar.

New! Help your dog master weaves and contacts at the Dana Pike Contacts and Weaves half day seminars, Oct. 29, 2011 at Town and Country Kennel Club in Bloomington, Illinois. Private lessons on Oct. 30. Get the details here. Download registrations forms at www.tckc.org. And yes, we will be bringing back the Halloween costume contest! Bring your cute doggie disguises!

A featured attraction during both days of the Dana Pike seminar was a Halloween costume contest starring the working dogs.

Winner of the Novice Open seminar was Gauge, a Gordon Setter spooked out in a bat bewinged T-shirt handsomely accented with a giant, hairy tarantula spider.

Two winners were selected by the Excellent seminar costume judges. Copper the Malinois paid homage to his all time favorite singing group, the Village People, in a policeman's uniform complete with handcuffs.

Abby the Eskiland played a sheepdog in sheep's clothing. Watch out wolves!

The contest made for a fun break in a learning intensive day.