Beginners Agility info *Sticky Topic*

[Sharon Nelson]

If you have two testers at a BA test, can each tester have their dogs evaluated by the other tester?

Yes, in BA you certainly can!

Sharon

[LeeAnne McAdam]

Woo-hoo!!  Thanks!

[Michelle Butler]

 Anyone who is interested in entering intro classes at a Nadac trial in Northern Calif.  Checkout WAG in Elk Grove, Ca., Susan has been adding them to a few of the classes.  There is two upcoming trials with Intro classes added 1 trial in June and another over the July 4th weekend.

[Karen Birdsong]

I would like to suggest that the next time the BA Guidebook is updated that it adds:
    1.  The Barrel exercises
    2.  A titling grid so exhibitors can see the titles they can earn including Outstanding and Superior.  Many of these folks are new to both NADAC and agility so they are still learning how Qs lead to different titles. 

Thanks for the program.  I LOVE  seeing the young dogs come out and spend time with their favorite human.  I think Intro is make the perfect "Level IV" is you would....  Great transition between BA and Novice.

[Gr8Sunny]

If anyone plans to hold this in Minnesota I would be interested in testing. 

[Sharon Nelson]

I really wish more clubs would offer the BA classes!!!  It would so help the entire agility community if every dog had to pass the "Beginners" tests!!

Sharon

[Karen Birdsong]

Come to Yorba Linda, CA this Wednesday, June 29.  Palomar Agility Club is hosting a BA Test.  Then next is planned for August 31.   

[Sharon Nelson]

I really wish more clubs would offer the BA classes!!!  It would so help the entire agility community if every dog had to pass the "Beginners" tests!!

Sharon

I think there should be a special awards for teams that have passed all three levels of BA!!  It would make agility trials a safer place to be!

Sharon

[Karen Birdsong]

Palomar has had one dog earn 140 points in BA-3 and another 100 points in BA-3.  They tried Palomar's BA classes, earned a few titles and went off to another instructor so they could learn the "real" agility equipment.  These students, like many others, came back stating that they were so far ahead of the other students as their dogs understood simple path work.  The could send their dog to the jumps, tunnels, and other equipment something the other students could not.  The institutor only taught equipment execution skills, not overall communication skills.  They came back wanting more communication/path instruction.  It was very satisfying to see students that opt to spend time doing basic ground work, before spending a lot of time on equipment orientated classes. 

Thanks Sharon for the program.

[Sharon Nelson]

Palomar has had one dog earn 140 points in BA-3 and another 100 points in BA-3.  They tried Palomar's BA classes, earned a few titles and went off to another instructor so they could learn the "real" agility equipment.  These students, like many others, came back stating that they were so far ahead of the other students as their dogs understood simple path work.  The could send their dog to the jumps, tunnels, and other equipment something the other students could not.  The institutor only taught equipment execution skills, not overall communication skills.  They came back wanting more communication/path instruction.  It was very satisfying to see students that opt to spend time doing basic ground work, before spending a lot of time on equipment orientated classes. 

Thanks Sharon for the program.

Awesome, Karen!  You made my day!

Sharon

[Karen Birdsong]

Path markers in BA. 

Palomar Agility Club offers BA Testing every two months in Yorba Linda, CA.  Should we be putting hoops, whiskers, cones or some other type of marker on the barrels? 

BA emphasizes path so I feel we should update this exercise.  I would like to see hoops (2 or 3) on each barrel to help emphasis the path we would like to see the dog to perform. Too much for the BA level?

Attached is a sketch of what the three different Levels are expected to do.  I drew the attachment several years ago and at the moment cannot remember how to get into it to move the numbers to where I think the hoops should be, but I think most Testers would know.   I can do an update if NADAC wants to add the hoops or some other type of path marker.

[Sharon Nelson]

Path markers in BA. 

Palomar Agility Club offers BA Testing every two months in Yorba Linda, CA.  Should we be putting hoops, whiskers, cones or some other type of marker on the barrels? 

BA emphasizes path so I feel we should update this exercise.  I would like to see hoops (2 or 3) on each barrel to help emphasis the path we would like to see the dog to perform. Too much for the BA level?

Attached is a sketch of what the three different Levels are expected to do.  I drew the attachment several years ago and at the moment cannot remember how to get into it to move the numbers to where I think the hoops should be, but I think most Testers would know.   I can do an update if NADAC wants to add the hoops or some other type of path marker.

We agree Karen, great input!

Sharon

[Lynn Koeppen]

Do clubs continue to offer Beginners Tests with the availability of intro courses at trials. Our club i considering offering tests on a fun match date.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Lynn

[Sharon Nelson]

Do clubs continue to offer Beginners Tests with the availability of intro courses at trials. Our club i considering offering tests on a fun match date.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Lynn

Yes, clubs still offer BA.  Most offer BA as a class graduation test or offer them once a month as part of a fun match.

You can sure tell at a trial which dogs have passed BA tests........ just that bit of ring exposure sure helps!

Sharon