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 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. We will also 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.

Intermediate: This class continues to build upon the skills learned in Beginner, including teeter and weave poles, while short sequences that build both dog and handler confidence. Begin to build obstacle commitment and finding/handling lines, as well as solid contact performances.

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!)