Agility Class Descriptions

Whether you are starting your agility journey or are an experienced handler, Kruisin' Kanines has a class offered for every skill level. 

If you have a new puppy or if this is your dog's first formal group training, we recommend starting with our Canine Manners class, then move to Beginner Agility next. If your dog has basic obedience training or has completed Canine Manners or Control Unleashed at Kruisin' Kanines, you may start with Beginner Agility, then you will continue to the Foundations Series of classes.
AGILITY: INTRODUCTION, BEGINNER, FOUNDATIONAL SKILLS CLASSES:
  • Beginner Agility / Intro to Agility
Every new sport, for fun or competition, has a start - and for dog agility, the Beginner Agility class is the exciting introduction to where it all begins! Here, canine and human students will learn the concepts of agility training and handling in a fun and rewarding environment. In the Beginner Agility class, dogs must work nearby other dog/handlers, and this requires that the dog has had basic obedience or manners training as a prerequisite. Dogs will learn how to shape and perform obstacles safely, with both the dog and handler learning to work together as a team. Dog/handler teams will increase connection and a dog’s confidence. Lessons may include crate training, body awareness, and targeting, and also introductory use of equipment: jumps (low or no bars), tunnels, plus contact equipment including the dog walk, and more. By the end of the Beginner Agility session, teams should have a sit/stay and consistent targeting behavior.

Registration in class is for only one human handler per dog. This class is not for aggressive or reactive dogs.

Prerequisite: Canine Manners or Control Unleashed class at Kruisin' Kanines or similar basic training, puppy class, or obedience background. Dogs should be proficient with basic commands. Teams must be able to work reliably and safely off-leash for brief periods of time. Teams should have a positive attitude and be prepared to practice some skills at home. 


  • Foundations 1    
Upon completion of Beginner/Intro Agility, this first level Foundation agility class introduces dogs and handlers to spatial orientation, driving forward, movement and body awareness, and further introduction to agility equipment. This class touches on the theory behind obstacle performance using targeting, clicker work, and positive reinforcement. Teams will develop an understanding of shaping behavior and experience training amid distractions. Teams will be working in a multi-dog environment nearby other dog/handlers, broadening their ability to focus on basic, yet important tasks. This class provides the building blocks that will serve in a strong agility foundation.

Prerequisite: Beginner/Intro agility class with a demonstration of a sit/stay and target behaviors. Dogs must be proficient with basic commands and demonstrate self-control. They must be able to work reliably and safely off-leash for brief periods of time. A strong interest in toy and/or food rewards is a plus.
Teams should have a positive attitude and be prepared to practice some skills at home. 

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  • Foundations 2 and Foundations 3
The next level Foundation agility classes explore the tools that a team will rely upon to advance in their agility journey. While the old adage "a house is only as strong as its foundation" applies here, the tools and skills learned in this series of classes makes the foundation mighty. The Foundations 2 and Foundations 3 classes advance the agility knowledge with more equipment work, and basic handling theory. Classes reinforce good habits and shaping tools, explore practical techniques, and help guide teams safely and effectively to more complicated skills, full height contacts, and exposure to all agility equipment. By the end of Foundations 3, and in order to continue to the handling/sequencing/coursework classes, teams should have reliable performance of agility contact obstacles at full height and basic weave skills.

Prerequisite: Foundations 1 class or similar background. Teams should be able to focus on tasks within a distracting environment, demonstrate self-control, and work safely off-leash. Dogs should be familiar with all agility equipment, though they may not be proficient. Teams should have an understanding of positive reinforcement techniques using toys/food/clickers. Teams should have a positive attitude and be prepared to practice some skills at home. 

  • Bridging the Skills
This class is for teams that have completed the Foundations series and want to bridge the skills needed for success in sequencing courses. Each week, a specific handling skill will be targeted so teams can enhance their knowledge and confidence on the course. 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 be able to grow their foundational agility skills and expand by stitching together short sequences with an emphasis on timing and placement of reinforcement, in a positive and fun environment.

Prerequisite: Passed Foundations series of classes. Dogs should have a basic understanding of all agility equipment at full height. Dogs should be familiar with contact obstacles and have developed the beginnings of contact/targeting behaviors. Teams should be practicing positive reinforcement techniques using toys/food/clickers. Teams should have a positive attitude and be prepared to practice some skills at home. 

  • Work on Weaves
In this specialty class focusing on the weaves obstacle, you'll work your way from entries to exits, distances, and distractions all while building confidence and understanding of the challenging weave poles. Dogs should know the basics of weaving, but here you'll be able to develop this skill further, starting on your journey to mastering this critical obstacle - and do it all with sound coaching, interesting techniques, and fun.

Prerequisite: Passed Foundations series. Dogs should have a basic understanding of weave poles. Teams should have a positive attitude and be prepared to practice some skills at home. 
AGILITY: SEQUENCING, HANDLING, COURSEWORK CLASSES:
  • Handling 101 and Handling 201
This skills class focuses on basic agility handling techniques to further the foundational education of dog and handler teams. These handling skills are gradually built upon as the agility team matures in their knowledge, competency, and confidence. All agility equipment and a variety of introductory handling will be used as the teams will work on reinforcing skill sets individually and within short sequences, broadening obstacle behaviors while honing their handling.

Prerequisite: Passed Foundations series of classes. All levels are welcome. Dogs should be confident on contact obstacles at full height and have developed the beginnings of contact/targeting behaviors. Dogs should demonstrate an understanding and general competency of all agility obstacles, but don't need to be proficient. Human handlers should understand basic handling practices and theory. Teams should have a positive attitude and regularly practice skills at home.

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  • ​​​Handling Skills
Building on the skills and basic handling knowledge a team has acquired, this class will work on short sequences to enhance the dog's understanding of small handling differences that make a big impact on course execution. Utilizing either/or training to benefit the handler and the dog, you will improve handling technique and focus your dog to execute based on precise communication - using different handling choices, lines, and obstacle discriminations to achieve success for both the human and the dog teammate. 
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Prerequisite: Passed Foundations series of classes. All levels are welcome. Dogs should be confident on contact obstacles at full height and have developed the beginnings of contact/targeting behaviors. Dogs should demonstrate an understanding and general competency of all agility obstacles, but don't need to be proficient. Human handlers should understand basic handling practices and theory. Teams should have a positive attitude and regularly practice skills at home.

  • Pre-Novice and Novice Handling
This fun class builds on foundational handling concepts to improve handling skills, building speed and accuracy, while linking short obstacle sequences using all of the handling techniques learned. Skills will be broken down and then worked on in progression with short obstacle sequences, building connection in handling course lines and confidence in the dog's obstacle commitment. Challenges will be at the Novice and Open levels. This class addresses start-line skills, refines front/rear/blind crosses, explores weave pole entry skills, and the use of positional cues. 

Prerequisite: Passed Foundations series of classes. Teams should be proficient in basic handling techniques, be comfortable with all agility obstacles at full-height, and weave 12 poles with 75% consistency. Human handlers should understand basic handling practices and theory. Teams should have a positive attitude and regularly practice skills at home.
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  • ​​Intermediate Coursework
Using a team's solid grasp of skills and basic handling, this class will work short sequences to enhance proficiency and confidence on equipment. This class will expand the team's understanding of the dog's line, different turns and crosses, as well as motion as it relates to collection, extension, and lateral distance. Teams will also learn to develop and execute course strategies. Dogs and handlers at this level may be trialing, but trial experience is not required. Courses from the Open and Excellent levels may be used. ​
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Prerequisite: Passed Foundations series of classes. Teams should be proficient in basic handling techniques, be comfortable with all agility obstacles at full-height, and weave 12 poles with 75% consistency. Human handlers should understand basic handling practices and theory. Teams should have a positive attitude and regularly practice skills at home.

  • Skills & Drills
Obstacle performance drills are reviewed each week in order to increase the dog’s independent performance and confidence on each obstacle. Jumps, tunnels, table, and tire, all full-height contact obstacles, and weave poles will be used. Short handling sequences are utilized. The emphasis will continue to be on handlers learning proper rate and placement of reinforcement for the dog, and the handler recognizing and rewarding the dog’s correct choices in training. This class will improve handler fluidity and the dog's understanding of front/rear/blind crosses, serpentines, threadles, backsides, and various lead-out positions.
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Prerequisite: Passed Foundations series of classes. Dogs should be confident on contact obstacles at full height and have developed the beginnings of contact/targeting behaviors. Teams should be practicing positive reinforcement techniques using toys/food/clickers. Teams should have a positive attitude and be prepared to practice some skills at home.

  • Course Strategy
This class dives into the details of building a strategic plan from reading a course to executing the plan in the run. Handlers will learn how to read and understand a course map, making a plan for walking the course, deciding on the handling plan, and then running the course. Not every team will run the course the same way - because each team is different and has different strengths - teams will learn to plan and execute to their strengths, creating stronger and more consistent execution each time.

​Prerequisite: Handling 101/201, Handling Skills, Skills & Drills, Pre-Novice/Novice classes, or similar background. All levels are welcome. Trial experience not required. Dogs should be confident on contact obstacles at full height and have developed the beginnings of contact/targeting behaviors. ​Dogs should demonstrate an understanding and general competency of all agility obstacles, but don't need to be proficient. Human handlers should understand basic handling practices and theory. Teams should have a positive attitude and regularly practice skills at home.
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  • Advanced Sequencing
While continuing to perfect obstacle performance and handling skills, the Advanced agility class explores course analysis using multiple handling strategy choices. Teams will be challenged in discriminations, blending handling techniques, crosses, and side changes. Skills will be broken down to work on challenges. Courses from AKC Open/Excellent/Master/ISC may be used. Dogs at this level should have reliable contact equipment performance and consistent weave poles. The teams will gain a better understanding of how personal handling choices will impact their team's success.
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​Prerequisite: Handling 101/201, Handling Skills, Skills & Drills, Pre-Novice/Novice classes, Intermediate Coursework, or similar background.  Dogs must be proficient on all equipment. Human handlers should understand basic handling practices and theory. Teams should have a positive attitude and regularly practice skills at home.

  • Masters & Beyond
This class focuses on the types of complex courses often found in AKC and UKI Masters/Premier levels, USDAA Masters/Masters Challenge classes, and international/ISC coursework. Teams will be faced with a variety of interesting challenges, learning new skills designed to help 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 diverse and fun challenges.
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​Prerequisite: AKC Excellent, UKI Novice, or equivalent level titles. Dogs must be proficient on all equipment and experienced with Excellent/Masters-type courses. Handlers should understand the concepts of a motion-based handling system.
  • Fancy Handling
With international-style courses gaining popularity and those elements being incorporated into everyday coursework seen in many agility venues, developing those skills and techniques has become an important part of an agility handler's toolbox. This class will focus on a range of cue combinations based on the OneMind Dogs handling program to 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 spend much of the class improving their understanding using only a few obstacles.
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Prerequisite: ISC or international course experience. AKC Excellent/Masters, UKI Novice/Senior, or equivalent level titles. 
Learn more about our other classes - nosework class descriptions, manners plus family dog and puppy class descriptions.
    If there is a class you are interested in that is NOT currently offered please submit this form to the training committee. Thank you for your interest in Kruisin' Kanines dog training classes!