Seminar Description

June 11, 2009, marks the beginning of three and one-half information packed days in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin when Jim Van Engen conducts his "hands-on" Handler's Clinic taking participants through the same step-by-step training protocol that has prepared over 82 young dogs to achieve FC/AFC titles. Each phase of Jim's program is covered, including: Basic Obedience, Pre-yard Work, Yard Work and Transition Training.

Principles of training exercises are discussed, drills are taught, and each handler has the opportunity to practice. This also provides a great opportunity for handlers to gain some insight into problem solving, how to avoid training roadblocks in the future and appreciate the importance of following a progressive training program. The major focus of this seminar is teaching handlers such that at the end of the seminar all participants become better trainers as-well-as better handlers.

Application and Enrollment

Enrollment in RSK seminars is limited to provide handlers with individual attention and to ensure that dogs at several levels of training are represented for the benefit of the entire group. Since the principles taught are based on a progressive program, participating dogs at different levels of training provides for teaching all levels of the RSK program.

Two levels of participating applications are available, "Handler" and "Observer". Handlers benefit most from this learning environment as they and their dog are evaluated by Jim during the first morning of the clinic. From thereon the handler/dog team is guided through various drills and marking scenarios commensurate with their skills. This affords the handler with an objective opinion of their progress and a personalized development plan. While individual handlers focus on their own priorities, other handlers gain insight into all phases of the training program as they listen and watch instructions given to each handler.

Observers also get the benefit of watching and listening to the guidence given to all the handlers without actually handling a dog themselves; they participate in all aspects of the program observing from a position right behind the line while all the handler/dog teams work.

To be eligible as a "handler/dog" team, your dog must be 9-months or older and finished with force fetch. The application provides space for the handler to descibe a basic outline of the progress they have made, any problems encountered along the way and a description of goals they would like to achieve so that a compatible group of participants can be selected.

Applications with a $100 deposit will be accepted by mail only and must be received no later than May 16, 2009. After that date, all applications will be reviewed and a selection of handler/dog teams will be made based on a variety of skill levels appropriate to teaching all aspects of the training program. To ensure an individualized experience, enrollment is limited to 12 handlers with dogs. Those who have applied for a handler postion, but are not selected are automatically given priority for observer slots, however they are not obligated to accept them. Selected participants will be notified by telephone shortly after May 16th. If you need to cancel, refunds will be made if your spot can be filled. Final payment is due no later than June 1, 2009.

Please open the application by clicking here, (a PDF file) or here, (a MS Word file), print it and mail it to:

Right Start Kennel
W3961 Hwy 28
Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin 53085

Fees

Handler Fee = $550.00 per dog
Observer Fee = $250.00 per person

Note, a $50.00 discount will be applied to all applications received on or before May 9, 2009.

A $100.00 deposit is required with your application. Those not selected to attend and decline the option to participate as an observer will have their deposit returned promptly after selections are made. If you need to cancel, refunds will be made if your spot can be filled.

Seminar Highlights

• The seminar begins each morning at 8:00 AM and ends at 5:00 PM each day except for Sunday which ends at 1:00 PM.
• Eveyone is encouraged to sit at the line to watch and hear all training instructions.
• Each day starts with yard work and drills in the morning and field set-ups in the afternoon. As many set-ups that we can get in by 5:00 PM.
• Coffee and rolls will be provided in the morning as we review the previous days progress and the agenda for the day.
• Friday evening is highlighted with a party hosted by Jim and Chris Van Engen.
• Bring your own lunches and drinks; eat while we are running dogs as no breaks are taken.
• Do not wear white clothing while sitting in the audience.
• Bring your own chair.
• Please smoke outisde of the group and do not throw butts on the ground.
• There will be a bathroom "metro" on the grounds.
• No audio or video taping, still pictures only please.
• Please help us keep the gounds clean and take all trash with you.

Accommodations

Closest Airport: General Mitchell Field, Milwaukee located approximately one hour away.

There are a number of motels in the area, below you will find a list of those motels within 8-miles. We encourage you to make reservations early as motel rooms tend to get filled quite early.

American Inn Plymouth, Wisconsin 920-893-6781	Super-8 Sheboygan, Wisconsin 920-458-8080
Baymont Inn Plymouth, Wisconsin 920-457-7724	Holiday Inn Express Sheboygan, Wisconsin 920-451-8700
Comfort Inn Sheboygan, Wisconsin 920-457-7724	Baymont Inn Sheboygan, Wisconsin 920-457-2321

Please contact Right Start Kennel at jim@rightstartkennel.com for any other detailed information you may desire.

  Email: jim@rightstartkennel.com