Who is chosen if there are more applicants than spaces available?

A variety of information is gathered with the application form.   Decisions are made based on the best possible combination of dogs and handlers to enhance learning for all attending.   Frequently there are more applicants than spaces.   Handlers on the waiting list have first option for an observer slot.  If there is a handler cancellation, then those who have moved to observers will have first option of moving into a handler spot.

Individuals who do not make it into the first workshop they apply for are at a higher priority for a future workshop acceptance. Those that have been at a prior workshop as an observer have a higher priority to be accepted at a future workshop as a handler. However, these are not the only decision making criteria. 

There are sometimes cancellations.  People on the waiting list are frequently accepted at a later date.

Do not be discouraged if you are put on a waiting list.

Completely answering the questions on the application will help in the decision making. 

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Can I video or audio tape the Workshop?

Only audio taping of a handler's own interaction as Mike works with them will be allowed. No video taping can be done at any time by any person.  Still pictures of anything are fine. 

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Are the workshops just for field trial dogs?

Dogs and handlers with different final goals attend. Some have hunt test and others field trial objectives. We find that a mix of backgrounds, types of dogs, and levels of experience provide a rich selection of questions and information presented. Basic and Transition skills are same at the foundation level for gundogs, hunt test dogs, and field trial dogs. At the Advanced level, there is still a great deal of similarity in skills. The main Workshop emphasis is on increasing the skills of the handler. 

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When will I be notified of acceptance?

Please check the dates on the How to Apply page.

Notification will be made by email.

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Can I bring other dogs to train?

You are welcome to bring other dogs or pups with you.  We realize that often there are difficulties in finding someone to care for them.

However,  there will be little or no opportunity to train additional dogs during the day or  in evenings.  The training sites on Handjem  need to be saved for the Workshop participants use. Training sites off the main grounds are leased for limited hours from local land owners and are not available for general use. There will be plenty of opportunity to air additional dogs.

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Is the workshop just for advanced or experienced handlers?

There have been a variety of levels of people participating from those totally new to training to ones that have been very successful. People with all levels of experience are welcome to apply.

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What kinds of dogs come to the workshops? 

In the past conformation and field bred Labradors and Goldens, as well as Poodles, Tollers, Curly Coated Retrievers, Flat Coated Retrievers, and Chesapeake Bay Retrievers have participated. The main criteria are that the dog has desire to retrieve and is being trained based on Mike’s program. A mix of kinds and levels of of dogs in a Workshop makes it interesting and educational for all.

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How do I get information about future Workshops?  Will I be kept on the mailing list once I am on it?

Periodic email will be sent to all people on the mailing list.   To get your name placed on the mailing list write nfc96@athenet.net.  This email address site provides  an automatic response.  You will get a standard response and you will automatically be on future email distributions that will announce new information as well as scheduling of future Workshops as soon as dates are confirmed.

To be removed from the automated mailings, write the same address, nfc96@athenet.net,  and you will be taken off within a month of your request.

You will  be kept on the list for about three years unless you request to be removed.

If you know of anyone else that wants to be on the email distribution, have them write the automatic response email address above. They will be added to email notifications.

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What if I have other questions?

Write to nfc96@athenet.net and put 'question' in the subject area and include your question in the text.  Your question will be responded to but it might take several days if we are on the road at competitions.

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