Hi

Im looking to meet a part time dog agility trainer who would be interested in meeting to discuss some future employment. I have a small group who are interested in teaching there dogs basic agility. We are commited to provide the basic equipment but need a trainer to assist. This would suit anyone who has agility qualifications and would like to do it on a part time basis for some extra cash.

Thanks
Chris

There is a trainer called Glenis Wood who might be interested in this.

Thanks holidayhutch do you have any contact details for her or can you pass on my details.

Thanks

No such thing in Sheffield, right pain in the rear end. Loads of people in Crookes want an agility class but there isnt one nearby.

well if I can get numbers and contacts I am more than happy to work on finding some one and sorting it out. Do you have a group that are looking to do agility? if so to what level just so I know how serious I would have to make it? If there are the numbers Im sure we can make it work.

Hiking Hound, I was hoping to start agility classes in the future but have no way of getting hold of equipment - and needed to start off small as have never taught it before - although have done it to 'fun level'. Also, due to disability am not sure how viable it really is.

I often get people asking about it at my classes so would be interested in discussing it with you (not going for the position but just knowing some details).

Hiking Hound

Have pm'd you - run my own classes with my mum, all the details on the pm. Looking forward to possibly being of help.

Hi Lotti, not really sure what your asking if its not to help out with the training side of things as its what I am really in need of? do you have people who are interested in doing it, I have source plans for most of the equipment and will be looking in to having it made.

Do you have an email address Hiking Hound?

I would be interested in the details if/when you do manage to get something up and running to pass onto people. Yes, I run pet obedience classes and people often ask me about agility.

I would love to teach it but feel I'm not quite ready yet - I need a bit of practice first as am a tad rusty!! :lol:

Rotherham twibstix is miles away for people in sheffield without a car to be honest.

We need one in sheffield.

To be honest I also think not just anyone can set up an agility in sheffield as you need insurance etc...and to be trained. Lots of people i have spoke to have said 'oh i will set one up when i can afford equipment' but no way would i let my dogs go to something a potentially dangerous (with the wrong trainer) as agility without the right credentials. It amazes me how many people think they can set up dog training, agility etc...from just reading a few books and stuff. I think people should have qualifications to be honest, you would expect it if it was children.

Rotherham twibstix is miles away for people in sheffield without a car to be honest.

We need one in sheffield.

To be honest I also think not just anyone can set up an agility in sheffield as you need insurance etc...and to be trained. Lots of people i have spoke to have said 'oh i will set one up when i can afford equipment' but no way would i let my dogs go to something a potentially dangerous (with the wrong trainer) as agility without the right credentials. It amazes me how many people think they can set up dog training, agility etc...from just reading a few books and stuff. I think people should have qualifications to be honest, you would expect it if it was children.

Whilst I don't want to start a debate I agree... it should be regulated. However, I have seen and heard of some shocking things going on with qualified dog trainers. Those who have qualifications - but from where??

There are so many different courses offering qualifications that who knows whether you have the right ones. I certainly wouldn't take my dogs along to some of those qualified trainers...

It's a very difficult one. I think for now, until some regulation comes along (the APDT are working on it I believe) all we can do is help people to know what to look for in a class and to go along and watch before taking their dog along.

However... Hiking Hound was asking for people with qualifications so not entirely sure what your post was aimed at...

Hold on I am a very responsible person and would never endanger an animals welfare. Having worked as a walker for nearly 2 years I am fully aware of the issues that go on and the abuse that is caused. I would only proceed with this if I had all the correct pieces in order. As a qualified trainer would be present and not just a bunch of friends doing it feel that it is the right steps forward.

No it was aimed at you cos your qualified :)

Lotti, I know there are bad qualified people out there, so i wouldnt do it if i couldnt find a good one. But no way would i take my dog to an agility or anyother class by someone who isnt qualified. Its dangerous and a ridiculous thought. But on once finding a few qualified people your right, watching them first to see if you like their techniques is a good idea :)

No it was aimed at you cos your qualified :)

So why bring it up on here?


Lotti, I know there are bad qualified people out there, so i wouldnt do it if i couldnt find a good one. But no way would i take my dog to an agility or anyother class by someone who isnt qualified. Its dangerous and a ridiculous thought. But on once finding a few qualified people your right, watching them first to see if you like their techniques is a good idea :)

So what would you class as qualifications? What qualifications would you be looking for from a dog trainer?

To be honest, I've used two dog trainers that I've been happy with and it was their reputation, the way they worked and the feeling I got from them that made me choose to use them. I didn't even check their qualifications!

So why bring it up on here?



So what would you class as qualifications? What qualifications would you be looking for from a dog trainer?

To be honest, I've used two dog trainers that I've been happy with and it was their reputation, the way they worked and the feeling I got from them that made me choose to use them. I didn't even check their qualifications!

1) Because its forum!:rolleyes: and as i said alot of people i have spoke to have said 'oh i could set one up' without qualifications or anything.

2) It would depend on what course you were talking about wouldnt it. Training at various levels, obedience, fly ball, agility..............i could go on. But people should be checked and have the right qualifications. Not just have a dog and read a few books and think they can do it. Thats all. Not sure why you seem to have took offence to this to be honest.
S

1) Because its forum!:rolleyes: and as i said alot of people i have spoke to have said 'oh i could set one up' without qualifications or anything.

2) It would depend on what course you were talking about wouldnt it. Training at various levels, obedience, fly ball, agility..............i could go on. But people should be checked and have the right qualifications. Not just have a dog and read a few books and think they can do it. Thats all. Not sure why you seem to have took offence to this to be honest.
S

No offence taken :)

I'm asking because I'm hoping to gain my APDT membership soon (wasn't going to mention it on here as am quite nervous about it) but get over subscribed for my courses anyway because of word of mouth and recommendations (apparently!).

I'm not taking the qualifications particularly to boost the interest in the classes but for my own peace of mind so I know I'm being regulated by the APDT.

However - I wouldn't particularly want to do courses taken by others so was interested to know what a dog owner who wanted a 'qualified' dog trainer would be looking for. Obviously, it's not a problem I have but always good to know!

I would just want to know the person has the relevent qualifications and insurance etc....before i took my dogs anywhere thats all Lotti. Just like i would with children or any adult type of course. For instance agility to a dog boasts the same risks as an adult going to the gym, i wouldnt go to a gym that wasnt insured and who didnt have qualified people on hand. This was the best example I could simplify it down to as both use 'fitness equipment'. I didnt mean im going to take my dog down to fitnes first! lol

Of course - there are risks all the time... I see your point there - I'm insured and always very careful with what we do in class. Because train on a laminate floor, I don't allow the large dogs off to play because it's easy for them to slip and tear a ligament etc. Only friendly dogs are allowed offlead for socialisation and dogs must be kept onlead at all times unless I say they can work offlead.

My point is I suppose, letters after your name can be bought with no experience or exams at all. I think qualifications sometimes blind people to what experience and knowledge the dog trainer actually has.

However - before I experienced fantastic trainers and still don't know their qualifications if they have any (!) I was also of the opinion that I wouldn't go to anyone without some sort of qualification. Not that I particularly knew what qualification to look for.

Have to say there are currently only one set of "qualificatlons" for agility training in this country - we have been involved in the sport since 1998/9 and have trained it for the last 5 years. No one is allowed anywhere near the equipment without one of us there and no one is allowed to train off lead until the dog is ready (irrespective of what the handler thinks/says) - we are insured too and have run these classes successfully for 5 years and compete regularly too. We offered training initially after a huge amount of thought and invested £2000 in "competition" equipment. No one does anything less than safely with us at all.

Yes Twibstix you right and I have heard good things. But like I said we need one in Sheffield!

I'm surprised there isn't a KC club in Sheffield that does agility seriously. I know there's one in Dronfield and I'm aware that there are non-KC clubs dotted around the area but nothing for those who want to compete at the higher levels. We seem to be much more into flyball in Yorkshire.

Most people I know dont want to do it competitively, they just want a bit of fun for thm and their dog!

Most people I know dont want to do it competitively, they just want a bit of fun for thm and their dog!

Good for you...some people want more.

I must say that the club Twibstix and her mum runs is 1st class in my opinion.
I was at one of their agility competitions yesterday and that too is very well run.
There is a lack of agility clubs in Sheffield though.

I must say that the club Twibstix and her mum runs is 1st class in my opinion.
I was at one of their agility competitions yesterday and that too is very well run.
There is a lack of agility clubs in Sheffield though.


Exactly, thats my point i know a few people go to Twibstix's is rotherham and its brill. But for people who dont drive its not practical.

To be honest i think its pathetic a big city like Sheffield has got an agility place and its so frustrating, i would need to get 3 buses there and 3 buses back to the rotherham one which is not practical.

seems I have started a interesting conversation, the one thing I do find is that when people say they want to do agility, it always seems like they want to compete and that you must train on the top spec equipment. Are people not allowed to do this for fun on not such expensive equipment. I don't mean to take the competive side of things away but to be honest I just want to start something where I can have fun with my dog and meet others with the same outlook. Not to be drilled by a instructor if my dog dosen't make every contact point!

That was the whole point in this thread to find a qualified trainer that can come and overlook our sessions to make sure it is all safe and we learn a few of the basic skills and earn themselves a few quid in the process

seems I have started a interesting conversation, the one thing I do find is that when people say they want to do agility, it always seems like they want to compete and that you must train on the top spec equipment. Are people not allowed to do this for fun on not such expensive equipment. I don't mean to take the competive side of things away but to be honest I just want to start something where I can have fun with my dog and meet others with the same outlook. Not to be drilled by a instructor if my dog dosen't make every contact point!

That was the whole point in this thread to find a qualified trainer that can come and overlook our sessions to make sure it is all safe and we learn a few of the basic skills and earn themselves a few quid in the process

These topics always provoke an interesting debate.

We usually find that people want to "do a bit of something different" with their dog and have a bit of fun along the way - but they absolutely do not want to compete ever. No problem, that's your perogative of course BUT anyone coming to us will be shown how to get the best out of their dog(s) so IF they ever do want to step up a level (and it happens regularly) and compete then there is a sound base for them to develop - of course it is then down to the handler to give as much or as little as they want to their dog and the experience, as with most things in life, the more you put in the more you get back BUT you ABSOLUTELY and TOTALLY MUST be having FUN in the process (however you intend to play it) or what's the point?

When we first started doing agility we went to a club, still in existence, that offers "training" but was not then and is not now competitive - the "trainers" also never even showed us how to use the equipment they had safely. We have taken our experiences - good and bad and hopefully have achieved some sort of happy medium. Similarly with the shows we run, they are run to encourage newbie/less confident handlers who enjoy the sport and want to get more out of it but who do not want to go into the highly competitive arena of KC agility. Going on the fantastic comments we have received (on here and other forums) we must be doing something right.

We do not barrack folk who miss contact points etc or nag and make lives misery (although some ultra ultra trainers do and I speak from experience in this). If a person tells us they DO intend to compete then they get a more proactive approach towards their training. It is a fantastic arena on which to strengthen the bond you and your dog have.

Your equipment does not have to be "top spec" as you put it, as you have already said you have the dogs interest paramount and would not knowingly expose an animal to harm.

Cavi Lover - thank you and congratulations, that pic of Timmy will be winging its way to you as soon as I take the card in chick!!!

I'm surprised there isn't a KC club in Sheffield that does agility seriously.

I know we are not in Sheffield - but why stress the KC club, can people not KC registered provide adequate training??

I know there's one in Dronfield and I'm aware that there are non-KC clubs dotted around the area but nothing for those who want to compete at the higher levels. We seem to be much more into flyball in Yorkshire.

The club you speak of in Dronfield does not have any trainers competing at Grade 7 - we do, my mum has competed at Grade 7 since 2006 and won her last class 2 weeks ago at Wirral (6 runs, 2 wins, 2 seconds) - she also competes with 2 medium dogs and 2 large dogs (all different breeds) including a "difficult" kelpie (difficult as in they are notoriously not the easiest of breeds to train). She trains a young lad who has, in about 6 or 7 shows got his dog up to Grade 5. She is also just training a 15 year old girl who can get her kelpie Chase to work for her. Chase does not normally work for anyone else but Becky and Dragon have been working together and Chase responds well to Becky now (with about 3 weeks of training - a tribute to the girl's natural ability AND my mothers skill in training to get the best out of people and dogs.

I'd love to set up an agility club in Sheffield. I have loads of experience but no qualifications so by what's been said so far no one would come till I'm qualified.

I'm going to be looking into getting qualified in the near future though so watch this space.

Hi Geerarffe

When you say lots of experience what do you mean, do you compete with your own dogs at competition level or is it something that you just do for fun?

Chris

I would love to take Gadget to an agility class in Sheffield if it was easy for me to get to and just for fun :)

Hi,

I'm sure there must be a thread about this already, so apologies in advance if there is!
I would like to know of any agility classes that l can take my bouncy GSD to, l think both he and l could use the extra exercise!
all replies gratefully received:)

you and me both ! thats excactly how my GSD could be described. if you find any classes let me know.

cheers

If anyone lives in north sheffield there is a club called F.I.D.O.S that meets at Howbrook which is near High Green.

Please pm for the phone number of the trainer.

Exactly, thats my point i know a few people go to Twibstix's is rotherham and its brill. But for people who dont drive its not practical.

To be honest i think its pathetic a big city like Sheffield has got an agility place and its so frustrating, i would need to get 3 buses there and 3 buses back to the rotherham one which is not practical.

...and hope that the bus driver doesn't object to your dog... I was refused once because there was already a dog on the bus!

Hi,

I'm sure there must be a thread about this already, so apologies in advance if there is!
I would like to know of any agility classes that l can take my bouncy GSD to, l think both he and l could use the extra exercise!
all replies gratefully received:)

We go to the classes at Rother Valley country park on a sunday morning - 10.30-12. All the people are really friendly and helpful, you pay £1.50 per dog and 50p per handler each week after an additional £10 yearly membership fee. They have 3 different ability levels and trainers to help :). Just for fun though, they don't compete but do have their own club competitions every so often.

Threads merged.

Rother valley country park again though is a nightmare to ge to without a car!

Most fun dogs shows hold them in local parks which tend to be easier to get to. Why someone couldnt hold a class there is beyond me because i know for a fact the council would give permission.

Going back to the start of this Thread if someone knows of a trainer it looks like there is definate demand for a Sheffield club.

Hi Hiking Hound and others. Hiking Hound (Chris) as you know I run occasional 'fun agility' workshops at Totley, Sheffield in association with a grade 7 and advanced Agiltiy dog handler/competitor. We have run several workshops outside, in enclosed private fields, over the summer months and they have been hugely popular and successful.
We train for 'fun' but we also teach people the correct and safe way to use equipment so that dogs are balanced and confident. this involves teaching the equipment in gradual easy stages so that the dog learns how to negociate the equipment, be it high spec or for fun and develops confidence and precision before speed and height is added. It is important to get the basics right whether you want to compete or do it for fun, as accidents can and do happen. safety is paramount as well as enjoyment. I guess contacts are not as important if you want to do it for fun except that contacts do help to steady the dog and stop it racing madly from one piece to another without thought. Contacts get the 'fore' brain thinking, which is the logical part of the dogs brain, instead of the 'rear' brain which is the action/drive/emtional part of the brain. :loopy:

I personally do not compete, nor do i have a lot if interest in agility as a sport, (gun dog training and work was my thing) the reason being that I think it can bring out inappropriate behaviours in some dogs, however, I have taught fun agility for many years and am a accredited qualified trainer and behaviourist and member of the APDT with over 20 years experience at teaching people how to train their dogs in all capacities. The business is insured for up to £2 million for all dog activities and my assistants and volunteers are also insured. Being a member of the APDT ALL classes are run in a kind fair and effective manner.

I mnight be interested in running 'fun agility' classes at Totley. however these would have to be outdoor lessons as we do not have access to an indoor arena. which means that in the winter it would have to be weekend classes. This then often stops the 'fun' agility people as they do not have the competitive edge to train in all weathers! :(

your thoughts....? and others comments are welcome.

Lotti I got your email, thank you. I am planning classes/courses now for september.