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Fred Brattain is a nationally known and respected
dog agility competitior. His dog Kelsey, after only 18 months of
training and one year of competition, competed in the 2001 NADAC North
American Championships in September 2001. Fred has raised house pets,
working stock dogs, and agility dogs as well as helping others to get the
best out of their chosen dog.
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The seminar was called "The Art and Joy of Winning
at Gamblers". It was about learning the game of Gamblers AND how
to work with your dog at a distance. Fred started out with easy distances,
even letting us be closer than 10 feet and then by the afternoon we worked
up to harder things. We learned handling technique and strategies
to compensate for handling errors.
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Fred
and his attitude about agility was great! He LOVES this sport and it really
shows. I really liked how he treated everyone, he learned the dog's
names and how they performed fast, and was able to help each person individually.
However, it wasn't long enough! I think there is a lot more to learn,
and we could have spent a week and still just be touching the base!
--Susan Nelson and Pippi |
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Although the seminar was to
focus on Gamblers, it crossed into all aspects of dog/human partnerships.
From the basics of bonding, to the extravagance of distance work, this
seminar was worth the work! Fred captured the personality of each
dog/handler team and personalized the seminar to each, maximizing the individual
benefit. Fred clearly opened our minds to a new dimension of agility
and enhanced our relationships with our furry companions! A Resounding
Success!!! --Ronni Mull and Rocky |
Auditing the seminar was
a treasure trove of information. I was impressed enough with Fred
Brattain's teaching to purchase his workbook and the other book as
well. He has had about every experience one could have with his dogs
while running a Gamblers trial, and was able to pass his hard earned learnings
on in a pleasant, and very instructive manner. He was a patient soul
(and humorous), and did his best to give everyone an equal chance to benefit
from the information i.e things we all unconsciously do "wrong",
and how we can hopefully correct them. Body language means a lot,
and dogs are sure receptive to every move it seems. His instructions
on getting your dog to hit the "touch" zone good, and we'll be trying it.
His not using food bait a different concept for some of us and one I may
try. Using a toy (her beloved braided rope bone) seems to get as
good as or better results in my back yard stuff.
I give it "4 barks"!
Alanna J. and Precious
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The seminar was REALLY FUN
for everyone!, the dogs, the handlers, and those who audited it.
I learned that I'm probably causing my dog to miss her contacts because
I lean down to point to it which according to Fred means to jump to her.
He must be right because I've concetrated on that and she's improving in
that area. --Megan, Ken, Precious, Shadow, and
Chloe
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The seminar was wonderful
and very educational. However, I am now finding, did not start reading
it until yesterday, the book is even better! Hope all now have a copy or
our leaders are planning to utilize his knowledge within upcoming beginner
seminars and practices. ...Jo Ann E. and Jesse
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