Welcome to our Philosophy page.

Here I hope to explain what kind of training methods are encouraged by the trainer and what we expect from our students.

The learning process is the same for all dogs in that they like to repeat behaviors that are beneficial to them. We can teach them to avoid punishment or corrections, but in doing so we get a very cautious animal - one that's afraid of making mistakes, so he takes the safe way out and moves slowly with care. I feel there are very few life lessons where correction is the best way to teach something to a dog. We use positive training methods (i.e. food luring, shaping, and high rate of rewards with praise, treats and toys), combined with motivational training and highly recommend clicker training. Half the fun is figuring out what 'gets his mojo going'. We don't just want your dog to 'get it done' because he has to, we want to engage with a dog that jumps in with enthusiasm.

We start the dogs by asking simple tasks and foundation training, and each week we expect a bit more from the dog, teaching the dog self-control and building confidence, and elevating the handlers to be a fair, firm and confident leader.

We allow handlers the freedom to train their dogs as they see fit , but students need to be open minded to suggestions - especially if what their doing isn't working or having counter-productive results to the dog. Only positive methods will be accepted to train under Renee Hughes for the sport of agility. Training dogs in drive, food luring, praise training, reward training, and clicker training is heavily encouraged.

Harsh techniques and demanding handlers are taught how to connect with their dog, soft handlers are taught to be firm but gentle. Aggressive dogs or handlers are encouraged to work their dogs in a more suitable environment elsewhere. Of course, abusive training is never tolerated. If a dog needs serious behavior training for issues such as aggression, then those dogs are asked to return to class after the dogs issues are resolved.

Handlers in the Beginner Agility class are given homework each week and encouraged to practice. Practicing the new skills during the week and working to hone basic skills such as loose leash walking, sits and downs with release, is giving the dogs a rehearsal for the next class and will surely help the dog meet the STAR potential he has.