What we believe about teaching and learning

At DSNW we take dog training very seriously but that does not mean we don’t know how to have fun!  Quite the contrary; we believe the more serious you take your training the more fun it will be. 

Think back to the last time you were in a learning situation.  Was your teacher a good educator?  Were you motivated to learn?  Did you find joy and pleasure in the learning process?  Were you eager to spend time with your teacher, happily absorbing the lessons?  Or, were you less than excited about your lessons, finding them frustrating and confusing and wishing you could be anywhere else but where you were?

We believe the first level of motivation to learn lies in the commitment and dedication of the educator.  A great teacher knows how to be dynamic and interesting.  She knows how to keep the lessons fresh and how to build knowledge carefully by layering one level of information on top of another, always thoroughly developing FOUNDATION SKILLS before moving forward.  She is clear, concise, and fair and is willing to take responsibility for the success or failure of her students.  She loves teaching! 

What we want our students to know about our student expectations

Based on our beliefs regarding teaching and learning we have very high expectations of our students.  Please read what we would like to you to understand about our training expectations below to further help you decide if DSNW is the right choice for you and your dog. 

·       Understand that it is essential to have a clear understanding of the commitment it takes to train a dog to participate in the sport of agility.

·       Understand that it is necessary to make a commitment to their training and prioritize the time needed to accomplish said training.

·       Understand it is necessary to keep their dogs in good physical condition in order to meet the physical demands of the sport and to remain injury free.

·       Understand it is necessary to make every effort to be in good physical condition and understand that the term “agility” pertains to the handler as well as the dog.  This is a sport which requires moving!

·       Understand that it is important to attend class on a regular basis and if they are not able to do so to either supplement with private lessons or move to a more appropriate class level when they are able to attend.

·       Understand it is important to treat their instructors with respect and to know that their well being and the well being of their dogs is foremost in the instructor’s mind.

·       Understand it is essential to be prepared in class and in their private training with all of the necessary training items required.  Agility is a sport based on equipment and there are very specific minimum equipment requirements.

·       Understand it is essential to play with their dogs and praise profusely when training and to know their dogs are always giving the most they are able to give in relation to what they know.

·       Understand it is necessary to come to class on time and to help with equipment set-up and break-down.