MOJO and MISSION
RYP PSA’s mission is to develop a badass and supportive working dog group focused on competing in the sport of PSA.
Humility, eagerness to learn, team member support is the name of the game. PSA is not about competing with each other or other clubs…it is about each team (handler and dog) competing against the sport. The journey needs to be as fun as getting a title and it requires a dedicated tribe to do so.
Drama, bullshit general toxicity won’t be tolerated…individuals that create said issues may be used for live bite proofing…
MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS/DUES for ACTIVE MEMBERS
Quarterly payment of $250 made payable to ‘Run Your Pack’
Trained decoys aka senior decoys (capable of safely catching and training club dogs on their own) dues will be their own suit and continuing education (yearly). Junior decoys are still required to pay membership dues until gaining senior status but are also encouraged to invest in a fitted suit to later be applied to membership dues.
Would also like everyone to maintain active PSA memberships so we can be supporting the sport.
*Dues will be applied to maintaining/purchasing gear and club supplies. May also be applied towards seminars. Some seminars may require additional membership payment.
REQUIREMENTS FOR PROSPECTIVE MEMBERS
There is a limit to how many active members we can have VS trained decoys (3/4 per senior decoy) but club will be open to new members if they illustrate qualities and drive that will elevate the club as a whole.
Prospective members will be considered ONLY if handler has a solid understanding of operant conditioning and classical conditioning (markers, directional leash pressure/corrections, variable reward systems) and proper bite work handling techniques. Assuming that education is understood, new members will be allowed to attend club and work dog for 3 visits for free during a trial period. After trial period, club will take an anonymous vote to admit new members.
Individuals/public can audit and watch the team in action as long as they have signed waiver and understand safety protocol. Individuals attending are encouraged to take photos and publicly talk about how awesome the club’s dogs and handlers are.
RYP PSA will assist new clubs as much as we can to help grow the sport in the North West.
ATTENDANCE/INVOLVEMENT
Regular attendance is expected unless you have let training director know you cannot make it that week.
Private quarterly meetings (or calls) with training director are encouraged to go over training goals for the quarter.
The club will meet for group discussion and footage review quarterly/goal setting quarterly. Meeting times and location tbd but should most definitely include ability to bring or purchase beer and food.
ETTIQUETTE
Members should plan to arrive on time each week and stay to the end to help clean up gear.
While a team is working EVERYONE is required to be involved in some way. Roles per session can include being a distraction, camera operator/picture taker (I now have a dedicated cell for RYP) or just watching actively so you can learn and study what is going on. If a team or decoy is working everyone should be working/studying. Chatting and thumbing on phones is encouraged between sessions or after club.
Session goals should be discussed prior to club with training director so when it is your turn to go there is a clear goal.
Suggestions/feedback for the team should be reserved for when handler specifically asks for advice or quarterly group discussion. Want to avoid too much feedback being given in the moment while handler is working with dog.
As teams get closer to trials, I want to try and have as many club members go to that trial as possible. Show as much of a unified and supportive front as possible.
CLUB DAY SCHEDULE
*each day is subject to change but will general consist of
WARM UP ROUND: This is a group obedience time. Use this to get dog in a good rhythm with you - use gear and decoys as needed for distraction.
DEVELOPMENT ROUND: *bite dev czar may have plan for this session OR handlers are encouraged to use this time to improve grip development/mechanics/ working through new pressures on back tie/ drive channeling and control. This round is yours to use the assets of club for your team’s development.
SCENARIO ROUND: *Training director may have suggestion for this round or leave it up to the handler. For young dogs this round may be similar to the dev round. For older dogs this session should be used for trial scenarios or maybe just having some proofing bite work and control. This will be the primary round for filming teams in action for review/critique.
CLUB ROLES
TRAINING DIRECTOR : Chris Williams
ACCOUNTANT/SCHEDULING : Caitlin Williams
ASSISTANT TRAINING DIRECTOR : Matt Weaver
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR: Tommy Meredith
DECOYS:
(Senior) Chris Williams, Matt Weaver
(Junior) Terri Williamson, Tommy Meredith, Steve Weber, Caleaha Fugelseth
*All club members should be familiar with basic catch mechanics with a sleeve. For those interested in advancing skills please let training director know and we can make a plan to further education.