Agility Class Descriptions
Beginner Agility
Every new sport, for fun or competition, has a start - and for dog agility the Beginner Agility class is where it all begins! Here, canine and human students will learn major concepts of agility training and handling in a fun and rewarding environment - dogs will learn how to perform obstacles safely, and both will be working together as a team in this exciting introductory class. This class is great for people looking to explore agility with their dog and/or increase a dog’s confidence. Lessons may include jumps (low or no bars), tunnels, tires, body awareness, targeting, weave poles, teeter, and more.
Foundations 1
This first Foundation agility class introduces dogs and owners to spatial orientation, movement and body awareness, and further introduction to 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 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
The second level 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. Foundation agility 2 builds upon the elements learned in Foundations 1, 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 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.
Every new sport, for fun or competition, has a start - and for dog agility the Beginner Agility class is where it all begins! Here, canine and human students will learn major concepts of agility training and handling in a fun and rewarding environment - dogs will learn how to perform obstacles safely, and both will be working together as a team in this exciting introductory class. This class is great for people looking to explore agility with their dog and/or increase a dog’s confidence. Lessons may include jumps (low or no bars), tunnels, tires, body awareness, targeting, weave poles, teeter, and more.
Foundations 1
This first Foundation agility class introduces dogs and owners to spatial orientation, movement and body awareness, and further introduction to 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 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
The second level 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. Foundation agility 2 builds upon the elements learned in Foundations 1, 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 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.
Handling 101
This skills agility class focuses on the basic dog training skills required by all agility teams to successfully advance to higher level training classes. It is these very skills that are gradually built upon as the team grows and matures in their knowledge, competency, and confidence. Agility equipment covered in class may include: weave poles, teeter/seesaw, dog walk, a-frame, table, tunnels, jumps, and a variety of introductory handling skills. Teams will work on reinforcing skill sets individually and within short sequences, broadening their obstacle behaviors while honing their handling skills.
Prerequisite: Foundation 2 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 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.
Intermediate
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 Foundation Skills classes, or similar background. Dogs should demonstrate an understanding and competency of all agility obstacles, though mastery of same is not a requirement. Human 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.
This skills agility class focuses on the basic dog training skills required by all agility teams to successfully advance to higher level training classes. It is these very skills that are gradually built upon as the team grows and matures in their knowledge, competency, and confidence. Agility equipment covered in class may include: weave poles, teeter/seesaw, dog walk, a-frame, table, tunnels, jumps, and a variety of introductory handling skills. Teams will work on reinforcing skill sets individually and within short sequences, broadening their obstacle behaviors while honing their handling skills.
Prerequisite: Foundation 2 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 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.
Intermediate
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 Foundation Skills classes, or similar background. Dogs should demonstrate an understanding and competency of all agility obstacles, though mastery of same is not a requirement. Human 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
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.
Prerequisite: Intermediate agility class or similar background. Dogs must be proficient on all equipment and be able to work among distractions including other dogs working near them.
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.
Prerequisite: Intermediate agility 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
As the name implies, "Masters and Beyond" agility focuses on the types of complex coursework often found in AKC and UKI Masters and Premier levels, 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 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.
As the name implies, "Masters and Beyond" agility focuses on the types of complex coursework often found in AKC and UKI Masters and Premier levels, 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 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.
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" skills has become an important element in an agility handler's toolbox. This class will focus a range of cue combinations based on the OneMind Dog handling program to help further broaden the handler's knowledge. While the focus of this class is on handler maneuvers rather than running full sequences, handlers should expect to be working much of the class on improving their understanding by using only a few 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" skills has become an important element in an agility handler's toolbox. This class will focus a range of cue combinations based on the OneMind Dog handling program to help further broaden the handler's knowledge. While the focus of this class is on handler maneuvers rather than running full sequences, handlers should expect to be working much of the class on improving their understanding by using only a few 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 reviewed each week in order 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 and confident in recognizing and rewarding the dog’s correct choices in training. Basic skills and 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
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
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/Excellent/Master level courses will be used. Dogs at this level should have reliable contact equipment performance and independent weave poles.
Prerequisite: Foundation classes, Skills classes, and/or Training Director OR Instructor approval.
Description: Obstacle performance drills are reviewed each week in order 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 and confident in recognizing and rewarding the dog’s correct choices in training. Basic skills and 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
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
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/Excellent/Master level courses will be used. Dogs at this level should have reliable contact equipment performance and independent weave poles.
Prerequisite: Foundation classes, Skills classes, and/or Training Director OR Instructor approval.
From Weaves to Wow
In this class you'll work your way from entries to exits, distances, and distractions all while focusing on confidence and understanding of the challenging weave pole obstacle. 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.
In this class you'll work your way from entries to exits, distances, and distractions all while focusing on confidence and understanding of the challenging weave pole obstacle. 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.
Learn more about our other classes - nosework class descriptions, manners plus family dog and puppy class descriptions.