Moving Up

Criteria to Move to the Next Class

Criteria for Class Advancement

Criteria for Registration in Beginners
  1. Complete the Class Registration form and submit payment.
  2. Submit questions to Laurie at registercontactzonies@gmail.com.
  3. Yay! Your on your way to fun!
Criteria for Registration in Novice
  1. Handler can identify and execute at least three Engagement or Focus exercises to obtain their dog’s attention.
  2. Dog is reasonably comfortable mounting at least three of the following contact obstacles: Dogwalk, A-frame, Teeter or Table.
  3. Dog will enthusiastically run ahead of handler to a target (toy or food).
  4. Dog will generally enter a tunnel and exit the other end.
  5. Handler is attentive to where their dog’s focus is directed and promptly takes appropriate measures to avoid potential undesirable interactions between dogs or other handlers. 
  6. Handler makes effort to assist with class activities such as equipment set-up or tear down.
  7. Team has completed Contact Zonies Beginners class or an equivalent foundation class.  Training Director approval is necessary for registration in Novice 1 if foundation requirement was not satisfied at Contact Zonies.
Criteria for Registration in Intermediate
  1. Dog demonstrates reasonable confidence and willingness to perform the following obstacles: dogwalk, A-frame, table, tunnel, chute, broad jump, tire, jumps in sequence.
  2. Dog demonstrates improvement in performing teeter and weave poles.  If dog has struggled with these obstacles, handler is taking additional steps to address the issues either through private sessions or additional guidance from instructors.
  3. Dog targets to a toy or food.
  4. Dog demonstrates some level of impulse control, i.e. waits at start line, in contact position or on table. 
  5. Handler demonstrates knowledge of how to engage their dog’s attention and focus between and during exercises.
  6. Handler is familiar with the concept of using positive reinforcement, either toy play or food, in order to reward desired behavior.
  7. Handler can direct the dog and the dog will respond to recall to a specific side of the handler.
  8. Handler has a general understanding of the following handling maneuvers: front cross, rear cross, blind cross.
  9. Handler respects other dogs, handlers and instructors, and is attentive to where their dog’s focus is directed and promptly takes appropriate measures to avoid potential undesirable interactions between other dogs or people. 
  10. Handler/dog team demonstrates evidence of additional practice or training beyond weekly class session.
  11. Handler makes effort to assist with class activities such as equipment set-up or tear down..
  12. Team has completed Contact Zonies’ Novice or Novice Plus class or has waiver from Training Director.

Criteria for Registration in Advanced
  1. Dog demonstrates reasonable competence at performing the following obstacles: dogwalk, A-frame, teeter, table, tunnel, chute, broad jump, tire, jumps in sequence, weaves.
  2. Dog demonstrates impulse control at start-line, contact position and on table.
  3. Dog will recall to either side as directed by handler.
  4. Handler can execute, and dog will respond to, a majority of the following handling maneuvers: front cross, rear cross, blind cross, wrap, 180, pinwheel, and serpentine.
  5. Handler actively engages dog’s attention between and during exercises.
  6. Handler appropriately uses food or toy reinforcement to reward desired behavior.
  7. Handler can direct the dog to, and dog will respond to, a recall to a specific side of the handler.
  8. Handler respects other dogs and students and is attentive to potential risks for undesirable interactions between dogs or handler’s dog and other handlers or instructors.
  9. Handler/dog team demonstrate evidence of additional practice or training beyond weekly class session.
  10. Handler makes effort to assist with class activities such as equipment set-up or tear down.
  11. Handler has completed Contact Zonies’ Intermediate Class or has waiver from Training Director.

Criteria for Registration in Handling or Competition Challenges
  1. Dog demonstrates reasonable competence at performing the following obstacles: dogwalk, A-frame, teeter, table, tunnel, chute, broad jump, tire, jumps in sequence, weaves.
  2. Dog demonstrates impulse control at start-line, contact position and on table. 
  3. Dog will recall to either side as directed by handler.
  4. Handler can execute, and dog will respond to, a majority of the following handling maneuvers: front cross, rear cross, blind cross, wrap, 180, pinwheel, and serpentine.
  5. Team need not be competing in agility, but would be considered ready for competition.
  6. Handler actively engages dog’s attention between and during exercises.
  7. Handler appropriately uses food or toy reinforcement to reward desired behavior.
  8. Handler can direct the dog to, and dog will respond to, a recall to a specific side of the handler.
  9. Handler respects other dogs and students and is attentive to potential risks for undesirable interactions between dogs or handler’s dog and other handlers or instructors. 
  10. Handler/dog team demonstrate evidence of additional practice or training beyond weekly class session.
  11. Handler makes effort to assist with class activities such as equipment set-up or tear down.

Questions about a class? Email Laurie at registercontactzonies@gmail.com.