A Complete Dog Training Center
Agility Classes
Beginning: Handlers and dogs are introduced to all of the Agility equipment. Contact obstacles are started at Weave Poles in Intermediate Classa low height. The heights are raised as the dogs gain confidence on the equipment. Strong emphasis is placed on solid contacts and right- and left-hand weave poles. By the end of the eight-week session, dog and handler are able to successfully complete a 12-13 obstacle course.
Much of the class is conducted off-leash and handlers are expected to have control of their dogs. Dogs must be at least 12 months old and display the ability to do an off-leash recall and a sit and down stay. The instructor, Bonnie Simmons, reserves the right to excuse aggressive dogs.
Intermediate: Work begins on more difficult sequences: 90 degree turns, cross-behinds and cross-in-fronts at all contact obstacles; cross-behinds and cross-in-fronts at jumps. The learning guides are removed from the weave poles and they are approached from more difficult angles. Teams spend half the class working on one specific practice exercise to develop new technique. The other half is spent running a modified course. At the end of class, each team re-runs the course and receives individual instructor time and attention to work through any problems.
Advanced: Continues and improves on all skills learned in the Intermediate class. Concentration is now on the handler developing their timing with their dog. Students learn how to walk a course, spot potential traps, and deal with them. The class is structured the same as Intermediate: an intensive practice exercise and running a modified course. The courses include more difficult turns and approaches to jumps and contact obstacles. This class is for handlers and dogs competing or ready to compete in Agility trials.
© 2007, The Dogworks. Website by Beth Levine, based on a design by Andreas Viklund.