About Shannen
Shannen Jorgensen is one of Canada’s most popular agility instructors, stressing solid handling fundamentals and positive training techniques. She teaches at the Superdog Spectrum Training Centre in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
In 2003, Shannen & her Papillon "Target" made history being selected for the first ever Canadian Agility Team to compete at the Agility World Championships. The team participated along with 37 other countries in Lieven, France in September 2003. Canada’s small dog team came in 14th place overall. A nice beginning to their participation for Canada at the World’s level.
At the 2003 Agility Association of Canadian National Championships, Shannen & Target placed 4th overall at their first Nationals competition.
Shannen & Target made the Canadian team again for 2004 being and were selected to represent Canada once again at the world’s level. This time over 39 countries and over 500 dogs were competing for Gold in Montachari, Italy. Shannen did Canada proud finishing 34 out of 86 dogs in the Jumpers with Weaves round and 49th in the Standard Round for a combined placement of 43rd. Target was by far the smallest dog competing, but the 14” tall jumps did not seem to stop him!
Shannen won first place in the 10” height division at the 2003, 2004 AND 2005 Agility Association of Canada Regional Qualifier. She also placed 2nd overall with her other one of her dogs in the same division in 2005. She was the only handler to have 2 dogs place first & second at the regional level.
In 2005 at the Agility National Championships, Shannen & “Target” placed 2nd overall with a score of over 563 points. Also in 2003, 2004 and 2005, Shannen & her dogs qualified for all 3 USDAA Nationals events (Grand Prix, Steeple Chase and Dog Agility Masters Team) all with prestigious first placements. 
Shannen has written a series of Agility Training articles which she uses as handouts in classes & seminars.
Shannen participates in several agility camps to keep updated and solid on training and handling dogs for agility. Some camps included Bud Houston’s Instructor’s Camp (certification granted for all 3 levels of agility) and Bud Houston’s Masters Handling Camp, as well as Power Paws and Clean Run Camps.
In 2004, Shannen participated in a four month long seminar series called “World Team Focus” where she learned from first hand instructor Elicia Calhoun what it takes to become a World Champion in agility. Elicia shared her experience on how to become a World Champion in agility. This series was learning from the best!
Shannen started Paws’N’Effect Agility which now hosts both USDAA and AAC trials a couple of times a year with great success.
Shannen teaches numerous seminars and classes throughout the year across North America.
More information about Shannen and her Papillons can be found on Shannen's website, www.freewebs.com/rightontarget.
Starters/Advanced Sessions
- Course Analysis
Most errors in the agility ring occur because the dog misunderstands what the handler is asking of it. In this session, we work with the handlers to further improve the ability to communicate with their dogs. Handlers learn the key role that their body language plays in agility. We also cover the many options involved in correctly applying some of the basic agility moves(front cross, rear cross, blind cross, RFP, etc.). Handling skills focus on teaching you to give clear signals to your dog while teaching your dog how to respond to your body language. Also covered will be the mechanics of training and what is involved. Obstacle skills (correct obstacle performance at speed) will be highlighted as well as crossing skills and drills. Problem solving and plenty of personal attention for teams who are serious about training and enjoying the sport of dog agility.
Masters Sessions
- Course Analysis
The handling moves are just part of what is needed to run a dog on an agility course. This session will focus on how and when to use specific handling techniques such as Front Cross, Rear Cross, Blind Cross, RFP, etc., when walking and anlayzing a course. What cross when? What is the best line for my dog? For the handler? Learn how to choose your cross when walking a course and planning your strategy. Timing of the handler's commands, and how and when to use body cues and voice commands will also be covered. This session is intended to build a wide range of movements and options for the handler, and to train and proof the dog in a vast array of sequencing challenges. Problem solving and plenty of personal attention for teams who are serious about training and enjoying agility. Dogs participating in this session MUST know all the equipment and MUST be competing regularly in agility trials/competitions.
Under constructionDistance Training
Whether you're trying to get your Velcro dog to move a few away from more these exercises for training distance work will help you. Distance work is a key element of success in any agility venue. While it is obviously significant for Gamblers classes, the fact is that you cannot run your dog in the higher levels in agility if you and your dog are joined at the hip. The contents in this distance session will help you to transform your dog from working close to you to a dog that can work reliably and comfortably with some space between you. In this 2 hour session, all exercises begin with your dog a close distance away from the handler. We will gradually add distance as the dog becomes comfortable and reliable at each stage. All dogs in this session MUST know the equipment. This is not a training session for dogs that are not comfortable already in the agility equipment.
The 4 F's (Foundation & Focus while Getting Fit with Fido)
You and your canine partner will begin the steps to developing a strong foundation for agility and other canine sports. The focus will be on teamwork and communication. During this session you will develop the groundwork necessary for jumping, contacts, solid waits, and will work with your partner on things like equipment focus vs. handler focus. Work on the flat, targeting, and some basic shadow handling will be done without any equipment. Learn how to keep the dog focused around other dogs and agility obstacles, how to motivate the dog, and teach a reliable "wait" command. This class is recommended for agility dogs of all ages as well as a remedial class for more advanced dogs who may lack focus or work ethic.
Agility Games
Now that you're hooked on agility - here comes the real fun! Have you ever wondered just how to play those games offered in agility trials? Well, Now is your chance to try them without the pressure of being at a trial. We will discuss strategies and rules for such games as Snooker, Gamblers, Jumpers, and Pairs, and, if time allows, some fun Tunnel Games to finish off.
The intent is to build that large repertoire of skills needed for both dog and handler to become confident in the strategies of the game classes. Handlers will work on further building clear communication with their dog through verbal and body language. Playing games will help improve handling skills such as distance work, changes of side, obstacle discrimination, angled entrances, control and directional commands. This course is an excellent practice forum to prepare for competition. For those who just want to have fun, this course will further strengthen your communication and bond with your dog.
