Agility Dog Training

This is a class designed for young puppies, ages 4 months to one year, which will introduce them to the world of agility. All equipment will be very low impact, and no stress will be placed on their little bodies. This is a chance for them to get used to the sights and sounds of the agility world, and to have fun at a young age.

Puppies will learn body language from their handlers, verbal commands which will be used on the agility course, and begin to see and touch all of the agility equipment… but at the puppy level. They will be in a smaller arena, in a safe and secure environment, where they can romp and play, and learn!

Please be aware that Intro to Agility and Puppy Agility requires some running and twisting of the handler. The handler needs to be in reasonably good health to participate in agility classes. Your dog and puppy will be running in all the agility classes. If you’re not sure you can participate please call the office and ask to speak to an agility trainer.

Intro to Agility is a wonderful activity for the high energy dog. This class is open to dogs 10 months and older. It gives the dog a “job” and many times reduces distractive behavior in the home. It’s also been proven to help build confidence in a shy dog and involves lots of positive reinforcement. It’s a great activity for both the dog and handler.

The focus of this class is for the dog and handler to learn each obstacle in a safe and positive manner. The key is to build confidence, which will later lead to speed and consistency from the dog. New dogs learn on lowered, adjustable equipment which will gradually increase to full height throughout training.

Lots of treats are used as well as toys to reward dogs and keep them motivated. Basic handling skills are learned as we begin short sequences. No pinch, choke or electronic collars are used, and no corrections are needed!!!

This may be an ONGOING CLASS and space may be limited to 6 dogs.

Beginner Agility is for all dogs that have completed our Intro to Agility course. Now that the dogs and handlers are familiar with all of the equipment, they’re ready to learn different crosses and handling skills. Handlers will learn front crosses, rear crosses, turns and switches in addition to blind crosses.

Dogs will still be learning to conquer the teeter and will still be working on mastering the weave poles using gates to guide them through.

This is an ON-GOING CLASS and is paid via punch card.

Intermediate Agility is suitable for dogs that know all the equipment and are comfortable on it at full height. There will also be additional challenging course work.

This is usually a closed, ON-GOING CLASS. Drop-ins are welcome with the trainer’s permission.

Advanced agility is for dogs that can perform 12 weave poles without any training aids or gates. All equipment is at full height. More complicated course will be set to challenge both dogs and handlers. This class is ideal for individuals who are thinking about competing or handlers already competing.