RACH Hi-Star Striving for Excellence – “Excel”

BN RM2 RAE2 NA NAJ OF DS TKI CGC CCA

Excel is the puppy that I kept from Strive’s litter. He is sweet, cuddly, and goofy, and I adore him.

He’s taught me how important life skills are for performance dogs, and much of his first couple of years was spent focused on being calm around other dogs, loose-leash walking, and being comfortable in his crate. Excel has also taught me the importance of clear criteria and reward markers and how that reduces frustration. He is exceptionally intelligent and consistently strives to excel in everything he does.

Excel earned the AKC Rally Championship, the Beginner Novice title, multiple agility titles, the Dock Dog Senior title, and the Canine Good Citizen Advanced title.

Excel has become particularly attached to my youngest daughter, and through 4-H, they have earned many Grand and Reserve Championships together in obedience, rally, agility, and showmanship.

Excel loves spending time with my daughter, especially cuddling and playing fetch. I’m grateful for their relationship and the many lessons he is teaching her. I look forward to watching where their journey takes them.

6 weeks

Heeling Foundations

Cost: $95

Class Description

🎯 Build Precision, Focus, and Partnership—One Step at a Time! 🎯

Heeling is one of the most rewarding skills you can teach your dog—and one of the most beautiful to watch when done well. Our Heeling Foundations class gives you the tools to develop heeling from the ground up, building the focus, communication, and connection needed for smooth, confident teamwork.

What You’ll Learn

We’ll start by helping your dog understand exactly where heel position is and how to maintain it with engagement and enthusiasm. Using positive reinforcement and clear training games, you’ll learn how to make heeling fun and rewarding for both you and your dog.

Each week builds on the last as you progress through key steps:

Teaching your dog to find and understand heel position using a pivot bowl
Developing rear-end awareness and body control for clean, precise movement
Moving from the bowl into smooth forward motion
Building engagement, focus, and duration while staying in position
Strengthening handler timing and communication for consistent teamwork
Introducing transitions, turns, and straight lines with clarity and confidence

We’ll break each skill down into easy, achievable pieces so you and your dog can progress at your own pace while keeping training upbeat and stress-free.

Why You’ll Love This Class

Strong Foundations: Learn the step-by-step process behind beautiful, precise heeling.
Positive & Clear: Reward-based training creates understanding without pressure.
Teamwork & Connection: Build focus, confidence, and communication between you and your dog.
Perfect for All Levels: Whether you’re new to heeling or polishing skills for competition, this class meets you where you are.
Personalized Coaching: Small class sizes ensure individualized guidance and feedback.

Who It’s For

This class is perfect for:

Handlers who want to develop or refine heeling for Rally or Obedience competition
Teams looking to build focus, engagement, and precision in movement
Dogs new to heeling who need to learn foundation skills from the start
Experienced teams who want to strengthen communication and accuracy
Anyone who loves the partnership and connection that comes from great heeling

Requirements

Completion of Advanced Manners or instructor approval
Current Rabies vaccination

Start Your Heeling Journey Today!

Beautiful heeling isn’t just about perfect steps—it’s about teamwork, trust, and joy. Join our Heeling Foundations class and discover how to make every step together feel effortless and connected.

See Available Dates & times + Register Now!