Village Green Farm
EARTHDOG CENTER
P.O. Box 215, Crosswicks, NJ 08515
(609) 298-3150
DigM2@aol.com
www.earthdog.info

Training classes October 11, 12, 13, 2008

Description of programs

Registration form

Class availability status

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8:30 - 9:15 

Introduction to Quarry (IQ) I for beginner dogs.  Quarry and short tunnel.

Max 7 dogs

9:30 – 10:15 

Introduction to Quarry (IQ) I for beginner dogs.  Quarry and short tunnel.

Max 7 dogs

10:30 - 11:15

IQ II for repeats

Max 7 dogs

11:30 - 12:15

Introduction to Quarry (IQ) II for earlier morning IQ I grads. 10 ft tunnel underground.

Max 14 dogs

LUNCH

 

 

1:00 – 1:45

Junior Earthdog practice and problem solving, 30 ft tunnel.

Max 7 dogs

2:00 – 2:45

Senior Earthdog practice and problem solving.

Max 5 dogs

3:00 – 3:45

Master Earthdog practice and problem solving.

Max 6 dogs

4:00 – 4:45

Search & Partnership for any level dog.

Max 8 dogs

 

 

 


 

Handlers should enroll only one dog per handler in the IQ I class.
New dogs should be enrolled in IQ I and IQ II on the same day.

Please sign up for the correct class.  See below for class descriptions.
Owners with pre-registered dogs may observe other classes without their dogs.
Motels that accept dogs: Red Roof, Lawrenceville, NJ (609-896-3388), or Exit 28 of the PA Turnpike, Bensalem, PA (1800-843-7663), Days Inn, Wrightstown, NJ (609-723-6900), Best Western, Mt. Holly (609-261-3800/800-528-1234)
Pre-pay $12 per class.
Handlers who register multiple dogs and pay for 5 or more classes in one check qualify for a reduced fee of $10 per class.


 

Some general guidelines for working your earthdog at VGF:

1.  Use a plain collar and web or leather leash.   No slip collars, show leads, harnesses, or flexi-leashes for classes.  Do not use flexi-leashes in parking or training area.
2.  Wear boots if the weather is wet. Classes are rain or shine.
3.  If your female comes in season, you may not bring her. (See # 5 below)
4.  If you register for IQ I and IQ II and your dog is not ready to graduate to IQ II, you will receive a credit to bring him for another IQ I class.  Do not pre-enter beginners in classes past IQ II or out of sequence.
5.  Please contact me at least 24 hours in advance if you cannot attend your class. There are often people waiting for an opening. If I fill your space, I will refund your fee. Otherwise, I will give you a credit for a future class.

Credits may be used for another dog or any appropriate class with openings

 

 

Description and Sequence of Classes

 

1.  Introduction to Quarry (IQ) I: This class is for beginners.  Your dog will meet the quarry, which will be a safely caged rat, and go through a tunnel on top of the ground.  Dogs progress at varying rates as they recognize their instincts.

 

2.  Introduction to Quarry II:  IQ I graduates are encouraged to enter a tunnel, which is buried below the ground, and find their quarry at the end.  Some dogs will need to repeat this class until their confidence increases.  For those dogs who need it, IQ II can be repeated on Sundays at IQ II.  Some dogs lack earthdog instincts and may not progress through this stage.

 

3.  Junior Earthdog (JE) for new IQ graduates:  Once a dog is confident in the short IQ tunnel, his next challenge is to go through a 30 foot long tunnel underground with turns.  It is dark in this long tunnel, and strong earthdog instincts are needed for success.  Your dog will be gradually introduced to this longer tunnel and good working behavior will be encouraged.  Once a dog has been through this tunnel, the next class is JE practice and he should not repeat this beginner class.

 

4.  Junior Earthdog practice: Several repetitions of the longer tunnel with reinforcement and help are usually necessary before a dog is ready for exhibition and titles.  This class offers the chance for positive experience and increased confidence and, if necessary, various approaches to problem solving.  It should be repeated until the dog is reliably entering, traveling through, and working the quarry well enough to pass at a trial.

 

Search and partnership (S&P): This class is open to any dog at any level, from pre-beginners to old pros.  ANY terrier breed, ratting breed, and dachshunds are invited to participate.  Dogs will search a natural area for quarry in a mock-hunting situation.  This experience will encourage your dog to seek quarry and will create a strong bond between you and your dog.   I encourage it even for dogs who have never tried earthdog.  Master level dogs will be encouraged to do this in pairs to prepare for the "hunt up" portion of the ME test.  Originally started at Village Green Farm, this exercise is getting known all over as "Ratting for Ratings" and will be suitable for competition as it develops.  Be among the first to try it! 

 

Senior Earthdog (SE) practice: Dogs that have earned titles in the 30-foot long tunnel can work out the details of the more complex tunnel system and the new challenges the Senior Earthdog class offers.   Your dog will develop successful performance through directed and assisted experience, and handling techniques will be discussed.

 

Master Earthdog (ME) practice: Dogs which have earned their Senior Earthdog title or who have successfully completed the Senior Earthdog classes will find even more challenges in the Master Earthdog class.  This class will introduce your dog to the complex tunnel, obstacles, and handling encountered in a Master Earthdog test.  This class is the most difficult and requires more practice for most dogs.  Handling techniques are very important, and you and your dog will work together to make a successful team.

 

 

 

 

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