Agility
Agility Foundations:
- In this class we will teach skills that are important in agility training for both the handler and the dog.
- Focus will be on working through 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.
- Equipments/Skills introduced:
- Jumps
- Tunnels
- Tire
- Table
- Learning to handle frequently used jumping patterns (180, pinwheel, serpentine, etc.)
- NO FULL HEIGHT obstacles will be used.
- Front, rear, blind, crosses are presented and the beginning discussion of motion cues and turning cues as time permits.
- This class is all about fun and to see if agility is for you and your dog.
- Dogs must have basic manners
- Course should be taken as a prerequisite to the beginner class.
Beginner Agility:
- This class combines foundational skills with beginner skills for a better understanding of basic agility.
- Class is taken after the foundations to agility class.
- Emphasis will be placed on learning the various agility equipment and small courses.
- Equipment/Skills introduced:
- Low A Frame
- Flat work
- Start lines
- Cues
- Contacts
- Tire
- Table
- Very low jumps
- 2 x 2 weave poles
- Sequencing of 4-5 obstacles
- Analyzing a course and deciding what handling technique would work best for your dog/handler team.
- Course should be take as a prerequisite to Intermediate/Advanced agility.
Intermediate Agility:
- This class continues to build upon the skills learned in Beginner agility.
- Equipment/Skills introduced:
- A Frame at full height
- Teeter at full height
- Weave poles
- Obstacle commitment
- Crosses
- Jumps at near full height
- Tire
- Obstacle sequences of up to 15 obstacles
- Contacts
- Must be able to weave 6 weaves and navigate teeter at full height.
Advanced: Teams in this class will begin to focus on handling obstacles at a distance, handling longer, more complex sequences (8-10 obstacles), and playing on full height contacts with emphasis on contact behaviors. Weave poles and teeter will continue to be worked at the level each team needs. Handlers will begin to learn how to read and utilize course maps.
Competition: This class is for teams who are ready or nearly ready to step into the trial ring. Teams in the class can confidently perform all contacts at full height and straight weaves. Sequences will continue to get longer and more complicated. Other topics that will be covered as needed will include: how to enter a trial, trial etiquette, and other rules pertaining to the trial atmosphere. (NOTE: teams do not need to have any aspirations to enter a trial to enjoy this class!)