Workshops & AKC Testing

CGC & Trick TESTING available by appointment OR at the end of each sesssion.

(Trick Testing also accepted by Video appointment)

**NEW Your dog can earn AKC trick titles via video submissions to

AKC CGC Evaluator Melinda Moss!

Step 1: Email mel@msquareddogtraining.com for the Video Verification Form. Let us know how you want to pay for the Video evaluation - Venmo, Zelle or our online FONS.com payments accepted. Video submission testing is $20.

Step 2: send in 3 forms (see link listed below) and payment to mel@msquareddogtraining.com. Title application form, trick checklist form for the level you are doing (example novice, intermediate, etc.), and the form the evaluator emails you called the video verification form.

https://www.akc.org/sports/trick-dog/resources/trick-dog-applications/

**Your dog DOES NOT have to have pedigree and papers. You can buy a registration number so that your dog will have the titles added. It is $20 dollars. If you want to you can register under AKC PAL (purebred alternate listing) for dogs that are a specific breed but have no papers.

**Mixed breeds CAN participate. Again just go to online submission for Canine Partners so that you will get title added to their name/registration number. https://www.akc.org/register/information/canine-partners/ Dogs that are not purebred that have registration like PAL and Canine partners can compete in other events as well. (Lists available on website)

AGILITY WORKSHOPS:

A great way to brush up on your skills or gain some new ones!

Winter 2025-2026:

12/13/25- 1 pm to 4 pm; 3 credits or $95

Mastering Backside Directionals: 4 New Cues to Elevate Your Agility Game.

Unlock the secret to smoother runs and smarter handling!
Join us for an exclusive dog agility workshop focused on Backside Directional Cues—why they matter, how to use them effectively, and step-by-step methods to teach the 4 new backside cues that will give you the competitive edge.

Learn why backside cues are essential for modern agility courses
Discover how to apply them with confidence in real-time runs
Teach your dog the 4 new backside cues with clarity and consistency
Gain strategies to stay ahead of the course and improve teamwork

12/20/25: 1 to 3 pm ; 2 credits or $75; Master the override: when your dog listens, even as you mislead.

Does your dog truly understand your verbal cues—even when your body says otherwise?
Join Mel for a dynamic workshop designed to proof your dog’s agility skills under motion pressure, including opposing motion, lead changes and handler pressure.

Teach your dog to take a jump while you move in the opposite direction
Practice lead changes with handler pressure
Strengthen verbal cue clarity and reliability

This workshop is all about building confidence, precision, and teamwork—while having a blast with your dog!

1/3/26 Tunnel Skills Collection vs Extension Workshop. 1 pm to 4 pm- 3 credits or $95 Turn chaos into control—one tunnel at a time!

Does your dog blast out of the tunnel like a puppy cannon, leaving you scrambling to catch up?
Are tight turns, backsides, or discriminations out of tunnels a challenge when you’re behind?

Tunnel cues are the most overlooked skill in agility—but they’re the key to staying ahead on course.

Join us for this focused workshop where you’ll learn:

How to use collection vs. extension cues in tunnels
Strategies to get tight turns, backsides, and discriminations
Techniques to help handlers stay ahead and in control

Workshop Details:

Suitable for all levels
Jumps and tunnels only

Dogs should be able to do short sequences

1/17/26: “I Can’t Run… But My Dog Can!”

Master Distance Handling: Stay Behind, Stay in Control.

1 to 3 pm; 2 credits or $75

Do you ever feel like you can’t keep up with your dog on course? This workshop is designed to empower handlers with distance skills, teaching you how to guide your dog with confidence even when you’re behind.

Learn the timing of cues to keep lines smooth and efficient
Refine your body mechanics to support sequences without running stride-for-stride
Focus on jumps and tunnels only—perfect for Open through Advanced levels

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, want to conserve energy, or simply need to sharpen your handling toolbox, this workshop will help you turn “I can’t run” into “I can handle!”

Reserve your spots today and transform your handling!

1/3/26; 1-4 PM Tunnel skills! Collection vs extension cues with tunnels to help handlers get ahead on the course. Tunnel cues are the most often overlooked cue. Does your dog shoot out of the puppy cannon past an obstacle or blow past you? Can you get a tight turn out of a tunnel or a backside out of a tunnel or a discrimination while you are behind? If not then this workshop is for you! Suitable for any levels. Jumps and tunnels only, dogs should be able to do short sequences.

1/17/26; 1-3 “I can’t run”- Distance skills-How to handle when you are behind! Timing of cues and body mechanics to support lines in a sequence. Suitable for Open through advanced levels, jumps/tunnels only.

1/25/26 (SUNDAY): 1 -3 pm; Puppy Palooza! (and young dogs) Puppy/Young dog Essential Skills for Agility & other sports

Puppy/young dog Essential skills for agility 2 credits or $75, perfect for ages 4-12 months; Basic foundation training games every dog should know for agility or other sports including cone wrapping, drive lines, Start line foundations, focus forward, foot targeting, body awareness exercises, impulse control for agility and how to work through distractions and more!

If you have reserved a spot in a workshop and cancel or do not show up and or if you have not paid but have a spot reserved, you will still owe payment for that reservation. The only exception is for a workshop is IF we can fill your spot you may be refunded.

Additional WORKSHOPS COMING SOON Check back for updates

**Mel is also available to teach Seminars at other clubs, locations. She regularly teaches for CPDT in Silver Spring, MD as well as Skyline Agility, Middletown, NY