Agility Training Classes

Agility Focus - "Teaching your Dog Self-Control on the Agility Course"

This class is designed to help dogs that tend to get over-aroused in stimulating or stressful situations.  Your dog will learn how to focus, relax and work towards reliable off-leash behaviors.  If you’ve read Leslie McDevitt’s book, “Control Unleashed,” we’ll be using some of the exercises from her book combined with self-control exercises, training exercises and some desensitization exercises.  Come help your dog learn to focus on you (instead of everything in the environment), learn how to bring their own arousal level down and learn how to relax in spite of exciting situations.  This class is a must for highly-aroused dogs so that your ongoing agility practice can become much more fun and successful.

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of Gentle Touch Elementary Clicker Class or instructor approval.

Agility Level 1 – “Agility FUNdations”

Come join us for a fast paced, fun introduction to the sport of agility. We will use clicker training and positive motivation to build your dog’s confidence and establish teamwork between handlers and their dogs. The basics of each type of obstacle will be covered as well as the fundamentals of handling.

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of Gentle Touch Elementary Clicker Class or instructor approval.

Agility Level 2- “Agility Obstacles”

This session provides an introduction to agility obstacles. You’ll be amazed by what your dog can do! We will work towards reliable obstacle performance supported by clear, consistent handling. Most clients take this class more than once!

*Prerequisite: Successful completion of Agility Level 1 or instructor approval.

Agility Level 3 – “Putting It All Together”

This session progresses from simple sequences to running full courses with skill and confidence. You’ll learn to read course maps and develop a personal team strategy, for competition or just for fun! Continuing students will focuses on coursework and handling skills for advanced teams. You’ll be provided with the opportunity to refine your handling and practice advanced level skills on some tricky courses.

*Prerequisite: Dog reliably performs all obstacles.

Private Instruction

A limited number of private sessions will be available on Tuesdays with Diane Baley or Thursdays with Mia Grant.

REQUIREMENTS FOR JOINING AGILITY CLASS

1. All dogs must have taken an Elementary Clicker Class to enroll in Introduction to Agility. The Elementary Clicker Class will teach you and your dog the basics of clicker training plus most of the basic groundwork you will need to teach agility obstacles. Agility obstacles are not taught in this class. Some of the material that will be covered includes: sit, down, stay, come, walk on a leash, leave-it, and touch hand. Students who feel they are able to bypass this class must schedule a private evaluation with the agility instructor who will run the handler and dog through the requirements.
   
   
2. In the Agility 1 class dogs will stay on leash. In all classes after Agility 1, dogs must come when called when off leash. Because agility is an off leash sport and for safety reasons, we would like dogs to come immediately when called. If you have problems with this behavior, please contact our office and we can provide either classroom or private instruction to fine-tune this behavior.
   
   
3. Dogs must not be aggressive toward people or dogs.
   
   
4. Dogs must be at least 6 months old.
   
   
5. Dogs must be physically able to perform obstacles. Older dogs (10 years and older) or overweight dogs may participate with a note from their veterinarian.
   
   
6. Dogs must be current on vaccinations or have satisfactory titers.
   
   
7. Handlers must be ready to have fun!

WHAT TO BRING TO THE FIRST CLASS

• Lots of small, soft treats that your dog loves and can eat quickly. (Do not bring crunchy treats.)
• Your dog’s favorite tug toy.
• A 6-foot leash (leather or nylon – not chain or extendable)
• Water and a bowl for your dog.

WHAT TO WEAR

• Comfortable clothing
• Closed toe shoes like tennis shoes
• Jacket if it’s cool.
• Water for yourself.

MAKE-UP POLICY

If you have to miss a class and there is an identical class (such as Level 1 on another day) you may attend the other class. For classes such as Level 2 that are only held once per week, makeup sessions will not be available.

WEATHER CANCELLATIONS

If classes cannot be held because of weather conditions, you will not be charged for that class and the 6-week session will continue an additional week. You may call our office at (805) 481-1490, Ext. 1 two hours prior to class to check on class cancellations.  

If you have questions or need further information, please call or write: