Agility Class Descriptions
Beginners
Description: Every new sport for fun or competition has a start - and for dog agility the Beginners Agility class is where it all begins! Here students will be introduced to some fundamental learning structures from focusing on instilling a desire to learn (every behavior is built upon another previously learned behavior) to the start of developing mechanical and handling skills for dog and handler. Along the way, learn about developing and using eye contact, discrimination games, static exercises, wing jump work (low or no bars), tunnels, body awareness, restrained recalls and targeting. Beginners Agility is the first important step in developing a lifelong love of dog sports.
Prerequisite: Family Manners or a basic pet or obedience training class.
Description: Every new sport for fun or competition has a start - and for dog agility the Beginners Agility class is where it all begins! Here students will be introduced to some fundamental learning structures from focusing on instilling a desire to learn (every behavior is built upon another previously learned behavior) to the start of developing mechanical and handling skills for dog and handler. Along the way, learn about developing and using eye contact, discrimination games, static exercises, wing jump work (low or no bars), tunnels, body awareness, restrained recalls and targeting. Beginners Agility is the first important step in developing a lifelong love of dog sports.
Prerequisite: Family Manners or a basic pet or obedience training class.
Foundations 1
Description: The Foundation 1 agility class introduces dogs and owners to spatial orientation, movement and body awareness to an introduction to actual agility equipment. This class also introduces dogs and owners to some of the theory behind obstacle performance using targeting, clicker work and positive reinforcement. In addition, teams will develop an understanding of shaping behavior plus experience training in a multi-dog environment. The teams will learn to broaden their ability to focus on basic, yet important tasks. For those just starting on their agility journey, this class provides some of the building blocks that will serve their strong agility foundation.
Prerequisite: Beginners or similar background. Dogs must be proficient with basic commands, work well with others, and demonstrate the ability to have self control. In addition they must be able to work reliably for brief periods of time off leash. Finally, a strong interest in toy and/or food rewards is a plus.
Foundations 2
Description: The Foundation 2 agility class explores many of the "tools" a team will come to rely upon as they advance in their agility journey. And while the old adage "A house is only as strong as its foundation" applies here, it's what's in the "tool box" that makes the foundation mighty. Therefore, this class builds upon the elements learned in F1 and advances team knowledge with more advanced equipment work and basic handling theory. The Foundation 2 class also reinforces good habits, explores practical techniques and helps guide teams safely and effectively forward to more complicated skills.
Prerequisite: Foundation 1 class or similar background. Teams should have the ability to focus on tasks within a distracting environment, demonstrate self-control and be able to work safely for periods of time off-leash. Dogs should be familiar with agility equipment though they may not be proficient. Teams should have an understanding of clicker work and positive reinforcement. Dogs and handlers must be prepared to practice some exercises at home.
Description: The Foundation 1 agility class introduces dogs and owners to spatial orientation, movement and body awareness to an introduction to actual agility equipment. This class also introduces dogs and owners to some of the theory behind obstacle performance using targeting, clicker work and positive reinforcement. In addition, teams will develop an understanding of shaping behavior plus experience training in a multi-dog environment. The teams will learn to broaden their ability to focus on basic, yet important tasks. For those just starting on their agility journey, this class provides some of the building blocks that will serve their strong agility foundation.
Prerequisite: Beginners or similar background. Dogs must be proficient with basic commands, work well with others, and demonstrate the ability to have self control. In addition they must be able to work reliably for brief periods of time off leash. Finally, a strong interest in toy and/or food rewards is a plus.
Foundations 2
Description: The Foundation 2 agility class explores many of the "tools" a team will come to rely upon as they advance in their agility journey. And while the old adage "A house is only as strong as its foundation" applies here, it's what's in the "tool box" that makes the foundation mighty. Therefore, this class builds upon the elements learned in F1 and advances team knowledge with more advanced equipment work and basic handling theory. The Foundation 2 class also reinforces good habits, explores practical techniques and helps guide teams safely and effectively forward to more complicated skills.
Prerequisite: Foundation 1 class or similar background. Teams should have the ability to focus on tasks within a distracting environment, demonstrate self-control and be able to work safely for periods of time off-leash. Dogs should be familiar with agility equipment though they may not be proficient. Teams should have an understanding of clicker work and positive reinforcement. Dogs and handlers must be prepared to practice some exercises at home.
Intermediate
Description: Using a team's solid grasp of skills and basic handling, the Intermediate agility class works to make teams more proficient on equipment and in handling sequences. Addressing start-line skills, refining front and rear crosses, exploring weave pole entry skills, using positional cues and expanding an understanding of motion as it relates to collection, extension and lateral distance, this class aims to improve a team's overall performance and confidence. Focusing on enthusiasm and fun, teams will advance through small sequences and learn to develop and execute course strategies.
Prerequisite: Completion of and proficiency in the Skills class or similar background. Dogs should demonstrate an understanding and competency of all agility obstacles though mastery of same is not a requirement. Handlers should understand and be familiar with basic handling practices and theory. Teams should have a positive attitude and be willing to practice some skills at home.
Description: Using a team's solid grasp of skills and basic handling, the Intermediate agility class works to make teams more proficient on equipment and in handling sequences. Addressing start-line skills, refining front and rear crosses, exploring weave pole entry skills, using positional cues and expanding an understanding of motion as it relates to collection, extension and lateral distance, this class aims to improve a team's overall performance and confidence. Focusing on enthusiasm and fun, teams will advance through small sequences and learn to develop and execute course strategies.
Prerequisite: Completion of and proficiency in the Skills class or similar background. Dogs should demonstrate an understanding and competency of all agility obstacles though mastery of same is not a requirement. Handlers should understand and be familiar with basic handling practices and theory. Teams should have a positive attitude and be willing to practice some skills at home.
Advanced
Description: While continuing to perfect obstacle performance and handling skills, the Advanced agility class explores course analysis using multiple handling strategy choices. The class will examine courses from the standpoint of employing such approaches as lead-out pushes/pulls, positional cueing, lateral motion, post turns, angles, wraps and blind crosses. The teams will gain a better understanding of how personal handling choices will impact their team's success. Due to the popularity of the daytime time slot, the daytime class will be structured to allow for Intermediate through Masters students.
Prerequisite: Intermediate class or similar background. Dogs must be proficient on all equipment and be able to work among distractions including other dogs working near them.
Description: While continuing to perfect obstacle performance and handling skills, the Advanced agility class explores course analysis using multiple handling strategy choices. The class will examine courses from the standpoint of employing such approaches as lead-out pushes/pulls, positional cueing, lateral motion, post turns, angles, wraps and blind crosses. The teams will gain a better understanding of how personal handling choices will impact their team's success. Due to the popularity of the daytime time slot, the daytime class will be structured to allow for Intermediate through Masters students.
Prerequisite: Intermediate class or similar background. Dogs must be proficient on all equipment and be able to work among distractions including other dogs working near them.
Masters & Beyond
Description: As the name implies, "Masters and Beyond" agility class focuses on the types of complex coursework often found in AKC Masters and Premier classes, USDAA Masters/Masters Challenge classes, and international coursework. Students will be faced with a variety of interesting challenges learning new skills designed to help them expand their agility horizons and be comfortable with these new course designs. While still centered (always centered) on fun, motivation and enthusiasm, this class provides great opportunities for those who enjoy diversity and new, fun challenges.
Prerequisite: AX, AXJ, AD or equivalent titles or background experience. Dogs must be proficient on all equipment and experienced on Excellent/Masters-type courses. Handlers should understand the concepts of a motion-based handling system
Description: As the name implies, "Masters and Beyond" agility class focuses on the types of complex coursework often found in AKC Masters and Premier classes, USDAA Masters/Masters Challenge classes, and international coursework. Students will be faced with a variety of interesting challenges learning new skills designed to help them expand their agility horizons and be comfortable with these new course designs. While still centered (always centered) on fun, motivation and enthusiasm, this class provides great opportunities for those who enjoy diversity and new, fun challenges.
Prerequisite: AX, AXJ, AD or equivalent titles or background experience. Dogs must be proficient on all equipment and experienced on Excellent/Masters-type courses. Handlers should understand the concepts of a motion-based handling system
Handling 101
Description: The skills agility class focuses on the basic skills required by all agility teams to successfully advance on to higher level classes, as it is these very skills that are graduall built upon as the team grows and matures in their knowledge, competency and confidence. Among the equipment covered are weave poles, teeter/ sesaw, dogwalk, A-fram, table, tunnels, jumps and a variety of introductory handling skills. Teams will work on reinforcing skill sets individually and within short sequences, broading their obstacle behaviors while honing their handling skills.
Prerequisite: Foundation 2 class or similiar background. Teams should have the ability to focus on tasks within a distracting enviroment, demonstrate self control and be able to work safely for periods of time off leash. Dogs should be familiar with contact obstacles and have developed the beginnings of contact behaviors. Teams should be practicing clicker work/ positive reinforcement. Dogs and handlers must be prepared to practice some exercises at home.
Description: The skills agility class focuses on the basic skills required by all agility teams to successfully advance on to higher level classes, as it is these very skills that are graduall built upon as the team grows and matures in their knowledge, competency and confidence. Among the equipment covered are weave poles, teeter/ sesaw, dogwalk, A-fram, table, tunnels, jumps and a variety of introductory handling skills. Teams will work on reinforcing skill sets individually and within short sequences, broading their obstacle behaviors while honing their handling skills.
Prerequisite: Foundation 2 class or similiar background. Teams should have the ability to focus on tasks within a distracting enviroment, demonstrate self control and be able to work safely for periods of time off leash. Dogs should be familiar with contact obstacles and have developed the beginnings of contact behaviors. Teams should be practicing clicker work/ positive reinforcement. Dogs and handlers must be prepared to practice some exercises at home.
Fancy Handling
Description: With international style courses gaining popularity across the United States and elements of the same being incorporated into the everyday coursework we see in many agility venues, developing "fancy handling" skillshas become an important element in the handler's toolbox. This class will focus a range od cue combinations based on the OneMindDog handling system to help further and braoden the handler's knowledge, Withe the focus of this class on handler maneuvers rather than running sequences, handlers should expect to be working much of the class on improving their understanding by using only one or two obstacles.
Prerequisite: As this class is focused on expanding handling techniques, a dog and handler team should be proficient at the Open/Advanced/Masters level.
Description: With international style courses gaining popularity across the United States and elements of the same being incorporated into the everyday coursework we see in many agility venues, developing "fancy handling" skillshas become an important element in the handler's toolbox. This class will focus a range od cue combinations based on the OneMindDog handling system to help further and braoden the handler's knowledge, Withe the focus of this class on handler maneuvers rather than running sequences, handlers should expect to be working much of the class on improving their understanding by using only one or two obstacles.
Prerequisite: As this class is focused on expanding handling techniques, a dog and handler team should be proficient at the Open/Advanced/Masters level.
Skills & Drills
Description: Obstacle performance Drills are worked on each week to increase the dog’s independent performance and confidence on each obstacle. This includes jumps, tunnels, table and tire in addition to the traditional contact obstacles and weave poles.
Short sequences are utilized. Emphasis will continue to focus on handlers learning proper rate and placement of reinforcement for the dog and the handler becoming more competent in recognizing and rewarding the dog’s correct choices in training.
Basic Skill drills are also done weekly to improve handler fluidity and the dogs understanding in the performance of Front Crosses, Rear Crosses, serpentines, threadles, backsides and various lead out positions.
Novice level Class:
Skills will be broken down and then worked on in progression with 3-5 obstacle sequences. Building connection in handling and Obstacle commitment is the overall goal. Dogs and Handlers at this level may be relatively new to agility and not yet have titled a dog or have titles up through Novice. Challenges will be at the Novice level. All equipment is at full height and the dog should be able to complete 12 weave poles with 75% consistency.
Advanced level Class:
Increasingly complex handling patterns will be run (5-12 obstacles) Challenges like discriminations, blending handling techniques and more difficult side changes will be included. Course challenges from Open/ Ex/Master level courses will be used. Dogs at this level should have a reliable contact performance and independent weave poles.
Prerequisite: Foundation classes, Skills classes and/or Training Chairperson OR Instructor approval.
Description: Obstacle performance Drills are worked on each week to increase the dog’s independent performance and confidence on each obstacle. This includes jumps, tunnels, table and tire in addition to the traditional contact obstacles and weave poles.
Short sequences are utilized. Emphasis will continue to focus on handlers learning proper rate and placement of reinforcement for the dog and the handler becoming more competent in recognizing and rewarding the dog’s correct choices in training.
Basic Skill drills are also done weekly to improve handler fluidity and the dogs understanding in the performance of Front Crosses, Rear Crosses, serpentines, threadles, backsides and various lead out positions.
Novice level Class:
Skills will be broken down and then worked on in progression with 3-5 obstacle sequences. Building connection in handling and Obstacle commitment is the overall goal. Dogs and Handlers at this level may be relatively new to agility and not yet have titled a dog or have titles up through Novice. Challenges will be at the Novice level. All equipment is at full height and the dog should be able to complete 12 weave poles with 75% consistency.
Advanced level Class:
Increasingly complex handling patterns will be run (5-12 obstacles) Challenges like discriminations, blending handling techniques and more difficult side changes will be included. Course challenges from Open/ Ex/Master level courses will be used. Dogs at this level should have a reliable contact performance and independent weave poles.
Prerequisite: Foundation classes, Skills classes and/or Training Chairperson OR Instructor approval.
From Weaves to Wow
Description:
In this class you'll work your way from entries to exits, distances and distractions all while focusing on confidence and understanding. Your dog will need to be able to weave 12 poles to be in this class, but here you'll be able to develop them further, starting on your journey to mastering this critical obstacle - and do it all with sound coaching, interesting techniques and fun.
Description:
In this class you'll work your way from entries to exits, distances and distractions all while focusing on confidence and understanding. Your dog will need to be able to weave 12 poles to be in this class, but here you'll be able to develop them further, starting on your journey to mastering this critical obstacle - and do it all with sound coaching, interesting techniques and fun.
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Drop in classes
Private Lessons
Class Sessions
Drop in classes
Private Lessons
Class Sessions