Tracy Sklenar will be coming to The Field (Northridge) from January 27-29, 2017. The following are tentative subjects:
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Friday, January 27 AM - Novice Handling
Friday, January 27 PM - Max Pup
Saturday, January 28 - Mastering the Course
Sunday, January 29 - Maximize Your Mini
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Seminar descriptions are below. To register, or for more information, contact Kate Bernstein at dzy4dogs@icloud.com.
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Friday - Novice Handling (9am-12:30pm)
Getting your young dog ready for competition? Interested in improving your teamwork and foundation skills with an experienced dog? We will focus on driving lines, crosses, motivation, common course challenges, tight turns, timing, learning to stay connected with your canine partner and more! Dogs should be one year or older, and able to do jumps and tunnels.
Working Spots: 6
Working Cost: $100
Auditing Cost: $30 ($50 for full day to audit both Novice & MaxPup)
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Friday - MaxPup Handling Foundations for Puppies & Young Dogs (1:30pm-5:pm)
Give your pup the maximum foundation for an amazing future! These games and skills will help teach you and your pup all about commitment, connection, and handling skills! We will use flatwork games and jump wings to bring out the best in your teamwork with your pup! Dogs should be at least 12 weeks old.
Working Spots: 6
Working Cost: $100
Auditing Cost: $30 ($50 for full day to audit both Novice & MaxPup)
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Saturday - Master the Challenge: Raise Your Game to Get Ahead and Stay Ahead on Course (9am-5pm, with 1 hour lunch break)
Raise your game to the next level by learning the techniques that will help you get ahead and stay ahead on even the most difficult international challenges! You will learn to attack each course with your handling while also cuing terrific turns. This seminar focuses on the needs of each team and will expand your handling toolbox, improve your connection & timing, and fine tune your course analysis skills - while also improving your dog's commitment to obstacles and lines. Masters/international level coursework.
Working Spots: 9
Working Cost: $185
Auditing Cost: $50
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Sunday - Maximize Your Mini (9am-5pm, with 1 hour lunch break)
Finally, a seminar specifically for small (and medium) dogs in agility! Handling small dogs is NOT the same as handling large dogs! Are you slowing your small (or medium) dog down with your handling choices? Do you want to build more speed and drive on lines? Are you struggling to keep up with the tiny blur? This seminar explores the specific needs of small dog teams, in terms of: building connection, developing confidence and speed, timing, choosing the best line, choosing the fastest and clearest handling tools, and building commitment. Dogs should be 17" or shorter and at the Advanced/Masters level.
Working Spots: 9
Working Cost: $185
Auditing Cost: $50
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About Tracy
Tracy Sklenar has been training dogs and competing in dog agility for almost 20 years and is perhaps the only handler in the world who has gotten the podium & won medals in international Finals as a coach for her country, as a coach for a different country AND as a handler with her own dog in both team and individual events. She is on the faculty of Agility University (www.agility-u.com) and travels throughout North America to teach seminars and compete. 2016 has started with a bang, with Export winning 3 gold medals and 1 bronze medal at USDAA Regional events, and Voodoo and Nacho beginning their careers in the ring!
2015 was an exciting year, with Tracy and Export winning a Silver medal (Team) and Bronze medal (Individual Agility) for the USA at the IFCS World Agility Championships as well as winning multiple regionals and enjoying a very successful Nationals. 2014 was also a busy year, featuring wins in 5 different Regional Finals (in 2 different heights), a 4th place finish in the Steeplechase Finals at USDAA's Cynosport World Games as well as running in both the Team Finals and the Master Challenge Finals, selection to a spot on Team USA at European Open, winning a spot on Team USA for IFCS and earning a Finalist spot at the AKC National Championships.
Tracy has competed successfully in agility with a variety of dogs of all shapes, sizes and temperaments. Currently, she shares her life with 6 dogs: a Rat Terrier (retired 14 year old Rebound), 3 BC mixes (11 year old Export, 8 year old Matrix and 3 year old Voodoo), and a two Papillons (4 year old Crusher and 2 year old Macho Nacho). In the ring, their runs are noted for focus, accuracy, consistency and speed!
Tracy also has extensive coaching experience, ranging from local competitors to international teams. In 2012 and 2011, she was the Coach/Manager of Team USA at the World Agility Open in Belgium and the United Kingdom , and in both years was proud to see the US team bring home more medals than any other country both times! She served as the Manager/Coach for Team Canada at the IFCS World Agility Championships in 2008, 2010 and in 2012. These teams were very successful, ranking high in the Individual medal count and bringing home medals in the Team event.
Outside of international competitions, Tracy's local and national level students from line classes and online classes have achieved great success with a variety of breeds, including championship titles, national finals appearances, top five finishes in their breed, Invitational appearances, and more! Tracy uses positive reinforcement, games and shaping to build brilliant behaviors in the dogs while teaching the handlers to be consistent and positive in their handling and dog training. She is heavily influenced by various international styles of handling and emphasizes teamwork, connection, consistency, mental focus, play and fun for both the handler and the dog to build a clear system of communication for each team.