Our Instructors

Stephanie                   Carole
Jane

  • Obedience for Agility - This class is the introductory class here at Desert Sage and introduces the dogs’ and handlers
    to agility.  Prior obedience training is not required but a basic sit would be helpful.  The obedience that we teach at Desert
    Sage is a little different than formal obedience classes teach.  Foundation training for confident obstacle performance is the
    focus of this class.  Body language cues, verbal cues, attention work, distraction training, and very beginning obstacle work is
    covered in this class.  For Dogs 4 months of age and above.  Maximum number of dog/handler teams = 8.  Fee is $95 per dog.


  • Agility 101 - This is the next class after Obedience for Agility.  It covers more thorough obstacle introduction still at low
    height, clicker training, and more.  Maximum number of dog/handler teams = 8.  Fee is $95 per dog.


  • Agility 102 -  Agility 102 follows Agility 101 – Obstacles go to full height if the dogs are ready, handlers start to sequencing
    non complex obstacles, and dogs should be off-leash by now performing obstacles without needing to be lured or babysat in
    their positions.  Proofing of obstacles is really explored in this class. Also introduces more difficult skills such as the 270,
    serpentines, and independent obstacle performance.  Front cross and rear cross handling techniques will be covered.  A solid
    start line/ stay  will be advocated and tested in this class.  Maximum teams = 8.  Fee is $95.


  • Novice Level competition class - For dogs and handlers that are either competing in the Novice level or about to
    compete in the Novice level.  Weave poles (6 and 12) and teeter performance will be evaluated and worked on extensively in
    this class.  Class fee reduced to $80 once you have taken three sessions with Desert Sage.


  • Open/Intermediate Level Competition class - For dogs and handlers competing in the Open Level.  Distance
    skills as well as more difficult handling techniques will be focused on in this class.  Here at Desert Sage we train you to a level
    above what you are competing at with the goal that when you trial you look at the courses and say, “WOW, this is easy- Thank
    goodness we train harder than this!”


  • Masters/ Excellent Competition Class - A common description of my courses and class structure is “EVIL.”  This
    class allows competitors to challenge themselves and their dogs while keeping it positive and I believe “fun.”  


  • International Competition Class - for those who aspire to one day compete at an International or World Team Level.  
    Classes are very challenging and require distance handling skills.
Arena Rental

The arenas at Desert Sage are available to rent.  The rental fee is $5 per
dog.  Please make sure the facility is left as you found it with equipment
and cones put back to their original positions.  All arena rentals must be
coordinated through Stephanie.
Class Information

  • Obedience for Agility
  • Agility 101
  • Agility 102
  • Novice Level Competition Class
  • Open/Intermediate Level Competition Class
  • Masters/Excellent Competition Class
  • International Competition Class
  • Reactive Dog Training- private lesson format
  • Individual Training Programs & Behavioral Evaluations..... I come to you
  • Focus Groups
  • Seminars - Available upon request
Classes

Effective June 1, 2007 class fees will be $95 per six week session for all new students
to Desert Sage.  Once you have completed three consecutive classes your class fees will
be reduced to $80 per session. Current clients fees will go up to $80.

Students who miss class the 1st week of their session must mail payment in before the
next week in the session or be assessed a $20 late fee.  Hopefully, this will encourage
students to maintain consistency in their training and will give me a better idea of how
many I have in class and when to call people on the waiting lists.  

Students who have attended a private evaluation may attend on a drop in basis at $20 per
class and upon approval and availability.  

Private lessons have limited availability and are $40 per hour.

If classes are canceled for weather (
weather phone # 541-322-8726 updated daily) they
will not be deducted from your paid session.  If you miss more than 1 class in a session
there are some options available for you.
- - -  make-up in another class at your level or below-  If there is one and if there is room     
        in the class (must be pre-approved and done within the six week session.)
- - -  Use the practice field for free on your schedule

Desert Sage offers a $5 discount off classes for children taking lessons here (as of
10/16/06).
What to Bring to Classes...

6 foot leash, flat buckle collar, a
“Gentle Leader” for dogs who pull
on the leash (leash will be attached
to regular collar while performing
equipment), a hip pack or
something to put cookies in that is
easy to access and won’t drop
cookies when you bend over (Home
Depot sells tool aprons for $1),
doggie waste bags, toys that your
dog likes (no squeakies or balls
without a rope attached), shoes that
provide traction on a sandy dirt
surface), water for yourself, a variety
of very enticing cookies (must be
soft and easy to swallow for your
dog, no hard cookies that crumble)
All group
classes are
6 weeks in
length and
meet for
one hour
Description of Classes Offered at Desert Sage
Fees.....