The Batchelor Battle Dome School of Online Dog Training or "The BBD" as we have loving come to call it, is the culmination of hours of self-study, hours spent both in and out of the agility ring and years of working with teams from all over the US.
Here at the BBDS we offer classes of all kinds geared towards helping you and your dog become a team both in and out of the ring. All classes are taught currently by none other than me, Erin Batchelor and my dogs Jinx, Yoshi, Knox, Vi and Ivar. Together we hold hundreds of titles in everything from agility to dock diving to barn hunt and more. But soon we will be taking the next step in bringing The BBD closer to what I have truly envisioned it being.
When it comes to training we believe that if you and your dog are not a team outside of the ring, you will never be one in the ring. So while at some point below you will see all of my dogs both past and present with ribbons and accomplishments galore, the more important thing that I would like to tell you about is the connection that I have with my dogs. They are my life and everything I do in training is for their happiness, their self-confidence, and their overall mental and physical health.
The Batchelor Battle Dome School of Online Dog Training also aims to create a negativity free, learning rich environment where handlers can feel safe, supported, and cared about. We commit to bringing dog sports to everyone in the comfort of their own homes while making it just as rewarding and challenging as it is in person. We are dedicated to teaching diverse teams, including dogs of all breeds and handlers of all racial and ethnic identity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disability, nationality, family income, body size, and other important characteristics. All participants in our classes--including the instructor and students--will strive to create an atmosphere that welcomes, encourages, and respects all members of the community. The BBD is a place of learning for all and aims to build a learning community with diverse representation. A key BBD goal is to ensure that students, both two and four legged, have fun. We firmly believe that people can be competitive in dog sports and still put their dog first, giving them kindness, support, and positive training. The BBD is dedicated to building strong teams that can perform in multiple sports to experience and learn “All The Things!”
So join us at The Battle Dome School of Online Dog Training, where we have worked to build a way to train that while competitive is based purely on being there for your dog regardless of the sport you play.
Jinx and I and the gang, hope to see you there!
Erin
Eyespy's little bird "Jinx"
Jinx is my 8-year-old Border Collie from Washington state. In her life she has taught me so much about being a teammate and the type of handler that puts her dog first in all things. All classes taught at the BBDS of Online Training teach methods that I used from the moment Jinx walked into my life to the present.
In her 8 years on this Earth this amazing heart dog has taken me to 5 NADAC championships. Jinx won 2nd place in her division in both 2017, 2021 and 2022. In 2019 she won 1st place in her Medium STD division. Most recently she won 1st place in her division again in 2023 becoming the Medium Vet Champion. She has over 27 NATCH's in NADAC, as well as multiple Speed Stars. She holds a Master title in Barn Hunt, an Ultimate Air title in Dock Diving, Master level titles in all classes of AKC, and numerous trick titles.
But the thing I am most proud of when it comes to this 18 inch little girl.... is that she chooses me to be her person.
"STELLA AND I HAVE ENJOYED EVERY CLASS THAT WE’VE TAKEN, AND LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING TO GROW AS A TEAM WITH ERIN’S EXCELLENT COACHING!
“Stella and I started taking classes with Erin with her Building Up Dog class, when we were at a low point in our agility efforts and I was struggling to motivate my dog to want to play the game. Erin helped us get our groove back, and we have continued to grow both in my skills as a handler and as a team together. Erin explains concepts in a way that is easy to understand, and carefully lays out each step in the process so there’s a clear path to learning each skill."
-Kara Downs
"Erin is an amazing teacher!
She goes above and beyond to insure you and your understand the exercises. She has a great eye for seeing the small things you can change that will improve your training and handling. I have a Russell Terrier, and she has improved our distance handling and helped us work on our connection. I highly recommend her classes whether you are just starting out or are an experienced handler who would like to improve or learn some new tricks to training!"
-Brenda Cronk
"She’s the best!!
I have taken online training from Erin for the last 2 years. Her courses are thorough, detailed and informative. Erin is very prompt with her feedback in replying to my submitted material. I have enjoyed getting to know Erin as an instructor and friend. She is supportive and her feedback is always positive with suggestions for improvement presented kindly. Erin has also been my agility coach for 5 months giving foundation training for my puppy. I know I wouldn’t be at the stage we are at without Erin’s coaching and suggestions.
I would recommend Erin (and have) to anyone who is interested in advancing their knowledge and training with their canine companion."
-Lynda Bowors
"You will not regret taking any of Erin's courses"
I was not sure what to expect when I adopted my pup, a nearly one year old Border Collie with adorable cinnamon eyes and that characteristic white blaze running nose to ear. It wasn’t long before I realized that although I was not sane enough to stay away from Border Collies, I was sane enough to realize both of us needed professional help, thank goodness we found Erin Batchelor at Batchelor Battle Dome School of Dog Training.
I highly recommend Erin Batchelor and the BBDS. Thanks to Erin I am a perfectly happy dog Mom with the perfect dog for me.
-Raven Angeles
Hi, I’m Erin and this was first agility partner Batchelor's "Lola" Marie.
I began in agility and other dog hobbies in 2011 with my first partner named Lola. Lola was an English shepherd mix who loved to play with me... But constantly asked me "What was in it for her?" Anything I ever did with Lola had to be done tailored to her and what she needed 100% in mind, or we didn't play at all according to her. The constant challenge of trying to figure out what I could do to help Lola enjoy a hobby with me inspired me to want to share what I learned with others who had similar dogs. To this day it's the "What's in it for me?" dogs that are nearest and dearest to my heart to work with.
In 2012 I began teaching obedience with Petsmart but quickly learned that I wanted to get deeper into the minds of the dogs and figure out how to help them and their owners learn and grow together.
In 2013 I began a degree in Biology with animal behavior at the forefront and began working with Terry Wright at Kinder-Pup inc. in Maryland. It was with her that I began to really dive into how dogs think and learn and how to get through to them. She taught me things that I will never forget.
In 2013 I also began working with Debi Hutchinson for Pawzazz agility with her as my mentor. The things I learned from Debi continue to inspire me all these years later. I began teaching for her in 2014.
In 2020 when COVID started and in person classes became too much of a risk for my family, as I have a now 3 year old son, I was offered an opportunity to work with Amanda Nelson of NADAC to learn about online training and all that went into it. Now after 2 years of her amazing tutelage it is time for me to take that step and invite you all to the Batchelor Battle Dome School of Online Dog Training.
Why is it called "The Batchelor Battle Dome"?
In 2020 when COVID brought our beloved dog sports to a screeching halt, my husband Clay, myself, and our super close family friend named Raimi decided to spend the weekend running NADAC VT runs in our front yard.
We missed the spirit and feel of competition, so we commissioned Go4Gold ribbons out of Virginia to make us a beautiful custom High in Trial ribbon for whichever of the five dogs finished with the most qualifying runs. To which our friend Raimi replied "Battling it out with the Batchelors" and before long, The Batchelor Battle Dome was born.
Want to join a group that focuses on bringing the fun and positivity back to dog training?
The world of dog sports can often be very political and hard to navigate. Accomplishments are measured against one another verses being celebrated at all levels. Don't let negativity steal your joy! Join our group today and enjoy a safe space where you and your dog can learn and share without the fear of judgement. With over 300 members worldwide we are growing everyday and would love to have you! Click the link below to join the party! After all, there is nothing better than a party at The Dome!
The Batchelor Battle Dome School of Online Dog Training | Facebook
