Beginner Agility Class

This class continues the elemental work from the Foundation class and builds on it towards full size equipment. The curriculum will progress with a focus on Distance, Distraction, and Duration of training behaviors that will be built in agility. These are the 3D’s of training a fluid performance in the future. In this class the A-frame will be going upwards towards a full height when dogs are confident as well as the dog walk. Teeter banging and climbing will be built towards performing a complete teeter. Jump work will continue with small skill sets building up towards sequencing. Participants in this class will be directed to add a jump towards weaves and a jump toward contacts and vice versa when teams are ready. Dogs will begin to perform angles towards obstacles and turns upon exits. Handlers will learn to train and perform common sequences to add confidence for the dogs towards doing coursework. Progress in weave-pole training with emphasis on this continuing at home to allow for a confident weaver will be ongoing. Note, it is difficult to train a dog to weave in a once-a-week class, so it is VERY important for teams to follow up at home or a rental time with this as homework. Handlers will continue with handling skills on an ongoing basis with importance on connection with the dog, cuing the obstacles, and support of those cues to help the dog with commitment. Obstacle discrimination will be introduced. The handler will learn how to change directions with a post turn, a front cross, a rear cross, and a blind cross is. The handler will begin to learn how and when to perform these handling moves.

Prerequisite: Previous foundation class and director/instructor approval.

For information about any of our Agility Classes contact the Director of Agility Training at