Why a Lead Out?

  • Strategy

    Starting your run on a lead out means you will get to the first critical handling spot BEFORE your dog does.

  • Trust

    Because you can trust your dog's release you can gain a head start and position yourself further up the line to stay ahead.

  • Safety

    When a Blind Cross seems an unlikely reality...put your location ahead of your dog and leave the Blind Cross out entirely.

FAQ

  • When does this course start?

    This course launches July 1, 2026 and is open for registration at this time. It is available on a continuous enrolment cycle. Access to the course is 60 days. Limited Working spots only. Sorry, no auditing at this time.

  • Can I post video/ask Questions?

    Yes! Every lesson has a Discussion group where video of progress can be posted, along with Questions - all answered by me. Video can be posted 1x/day M-F. Videos are posted via YouTube links.

  • What equipment and space is needed?

    3 winged jumps, 1 tunnel any length

  • What is required to take this course?

    Ravishing Releases! is the mandatory prerequisite course. This 2nd course in the Start Line program begins with a review of the Rules of Release for your dog. So if things have slipped off the rails a little we will clean it up :)

  • How Long do I have access to the course?

    Part 2 Start Lines Start to Finish lessons are delivered over 45 days. You have access for 60 days. For injuries/illness during the course we can adjust your timeline.

  • I have a small space. Can I do the lessons?

    Yes! This course is designed for small spaces with minimal setup for maximum practice!

  • Can I pay with e-transfer?

    Yes - if you live in Canada email $280.00 to [email protected] and you will be enrolled at this end vs signing up online.

Why independent Forward Focus?

  • Dogs Go where they're looking

    When you are lateral or behind your dog odds are strong they will be looking at you in your new location. Because dogs always go where they are looking you need to direct their focus to the line/obstacle in front of them.

  • Forward Focus for many sports

    Taking a jump, Taking a Hoop, Jumping for a Bumper in water, redirecting focus for locating an object... just to name a few reasons Teaching Rules of release and forward focus can help your dog understand the line to the reward.

  • More options for you!

    When our dogs can lock on to the opening line it gives Handlers options for where to be instead of always running with their dog off the start.

Are you ready to finish what you Started?

Class starts July 1st!

Sign me up!

Instructor

Nicki Gurr. BSc, BEd

Nicki has been competing/teaching Agility for 22 years with 9 dogs: 7 Border Collies and 2 Shelties. She has over 20 1st place championships in National Standards and Jumpers events, and has also excelled in distance work (Gamblers) with multiple wins at the National level, with her Shelties and BCs. She has represented Canada 4x. Twice at FCI, twice at WAO. In 2020 she was Coach for Team Canada WAO. She has had success in multiple associations: AAC, CKC, FCI, USDAA, UKI, AKC. Nicki is a Masters Judge with the AAC and UKI and has worked with MANY students world wide online, in seminar and in weekly lessons, with an equally diverse range of dog breeds. Her strengths as an instructor are in her eye for detail and her ability to guide a handler to the BEST handling choices for their partner. Dogs respond the same way to direction, speed, location to the equipment, shoulders, head and feet. Nicki understands the relationship of how dogs interpret Handler motion to the finest of degrees. She can always enlighten a handler as to why it works and why it doesn’t. Her background is Science and Music. She believes Agility is a natural combination of the two: Moving in rhythm with another species, and training for repeatable behaviour. She has worked with Novice beginners to experienced World Team Members, and has helped many discover what their dogs already knew!