If you would like to participate at the next course with Gerard O'Shea in Riga - please contact me  - kristine@liberta.lv or here... 

 

Course will take place as the minim number of participants will be applied!

 

Gerard O'Shea is an international show judge, breeder, professional dog handler, charismatic person and awesome teacher. He has had dogs for 32 years and his handling courses are long booked out and held all over the world - USA, Australia, Canada, New Zeeland and Europe - so don't miss the great opportunity in Riga!

 

Each class has 2 lessons for 4 hours each day and there are much more than just handling – plenty of information and exercise on modern dog training techniques like shaping, clicker training, targeting etc. Lot’s of information on show rules and hints, how to use them to your advantage and the main reason for this course is how to develop your dog into a show dog that enjoys dog shows as much as you!

 

HANDLING COURSE

The introduction course in handling is normally held over 2 days, consisting of two classes, each class approximately 4 hours.
- Day 1, class 1: The first class starts off with an introduction and some classroom theory, where Gerard in an entertaining and humorous way, explains the layout of the course. This the first class focuses mainly on the philosophies and theories needed for modern dog training. All the techniques are initially explained and demonstrated by Gerard without dogs. He points out numerous of the variations in body signals that we all give out to our dogs without even recognising, giving an explanation to many occurring (miss) behaviours in the ring.
- “Feel good factor”: The feel good factor is something Gerard tries hard to establish within the group before starting any training. We spend some time breaking down the stress that may occur when you bring 20 dogs, unknown to each other, out for hard work and training. After we have established this feel good factor we start working on our communication skills. The lack of communication skills, combined with stress and lack of handling is probably the main reason as to why so many dogs and handlers have a tough time in the ring.
As day 1 and class 1 proceeds, Gerard slowly introduces more and more choreography. Making us look more like handlers, and the dogs more like the show dogs we want them to be.
- Day 2, class 2: On this the second day, Gerard and the class begin to concentrate on all the factors needed to make you and your dog more competitive in the ring. With Gerard’s extensive experience as an international judge and a professional handler, he explains and demonstrates effective methods as how to create a good first impression as well as teaching both dogs and owners how to move with good carriage and forward attitude. We are also taught techniques designed to make our handling more economical when in the ring and short of time. The class finishes off with more theory and a break down of home exercises for you and your dog, so that you can create a winning team.

Handling class
July 2007
Clicker lecture & Handling class
April 2008
Rottweiler specialty and Handling class
July 2008
Anatomy workshop Helsinki,
September 2008
Handling class
November 2008