Agility Foundations 1 —Flatwork for agility – In this class we will teach skills that are important in agility training for both the handler and the dog. This is a no obstacle class—so suitable for most dogs. Focus will be on working thru distractions, come to heel and circle work, hand targeting, mat work, start line games, plank work , cone work. Also, emphasis will be placed on the importance of driving to a toy/food bowl ,the placement of reinforcement and using food and/or toys for rewards.

Agility Foundations 2 – In this class we will begin to work on contact training (not entire obstacle) and introduce jumps, tunnels, tire and table. We also will work on learning to handle frequently used jumping patterns ( 180, pinwheel, serpentine, etc.) and work on recall to heel over a series of jumps. NO FULL HEIGHT obstacles will be used. Also intro to front, rear, blind, crosses are presented. Begin discussion of motion cues and turning cues.

Beginner Agility – Here will will introduce agility contact obstacles at a low height, may progress to full height as class permits. See Saw games, intro to 2 x 2 weave poles and sequencing of 4-5 obstacles . Begin to analyze a course and decide what handling technique would work best for your dog/handler team. Continue to utilize turning cues/motion cues to direct dog to correct obstacle.

Each level adds more of a challenge as you increase your teams skills. Just another thing to apply fun to training while making your dog think and work and building trust within your dog and handler team!