Agility

Agility is an athletic event that requires conditioning, concentration, training, and teamwork. Dogs and handlers must negotiate an obstacle course while racing against the clock. Agility is a great form of exercise for both dog and handler, and a fun way to bond. And you don’t have to compete to enjoy agility. Taking an agility class offers many other benefits. But many people start the sport just for fun, only to get bitten by the agility bug and become lifelong competitors!

All agility classes are taught outside on our regulation-sized agility field October – May. Summer classes starting mid-June are taught inside our air-conditioned building on mats.

PLEASE READ DESCRIPTIONS CAREFULLY – IF YOU ARE NOT SURE WHAT CLASS IS APPROPRIATE PLEASE USE THE CLUB CONTACT FORM TO ASK YOUR QUESTION.


Beginner Novice

Class NameDescriptionPrerequisites/Participant RequirementsWhat to Bring
AG Beginner Novice AgilityThis class will continue to teach you the sport of agility, and having fun with your dog to the fun sport of Agility and strengthen your partnership. Motivation to learn, confidence building, and dog games will help your dog develop basic foundation Agility skills. We will be working with the Dog walk, the A-Frame, the Teeter, and weaves, learning about side switches, and learning to know what presents challenges.This class is only for friendly, non-reactive dogs that have taken classes with Barbara previously, or with instructor approval.Flat buckle collar (no choke, slip, or martingale), 6 ft leash, favorite toy or two, lots and lots of soft training treats (cut into very small pieces), treat pouch or pocket for treats, water and water dish, handlers must wear tennis shoes or sneakers, Dogs MUST be on a leash, and must have crate to put dog in when not working. Bring a chair for yourself and water.
Class NameStart DateInstructorClick Button to Register
AG Beginner Novice Agility 350pm (7544)Wednesdays 2/28-4/3/24 4/10/24 at 3:50pm. Schedule and Instructor change.
No Class 3/6/24 (weather). Make-up 4/10/24.
Leslie Granville-SmithRegistration closed
AG Beginner Novice Agility 500pm (7545)Wednesdays 2/28-4/3/24 4/10/24 at 5:00 pm. Schedule and Instructor change.
No Class 3/6/24 (weather). Make-up 4/10/24.
Leslie Granville-SmithRegistration closed
Class Length: Class meets for 6 weeks in outdoor agility field. Cost: $139 (20% discount for members who worked 20 volunteers hours within the last 12 months)

Novice/Open Agility

Class Name and DescriptionPrerequisites and Participant RequirementsWhat to Bring
AG Novice/Open Agility
This class focuses on the skills necessary to enhance obstacle performance and handling skills needed for all levels of agility competition.  Whether you are preparing to compete in Novice, or lacking skills needed to advance, this class fine tunes your ability to connect with your dog and navigate courses with optimal accuracy and speed.  In addition to having obstacle skills, we will find the best ways to efficiently navigate agility courses.  We will discuss various ways to find the best path between obstacles, as well as which turning cue will work best.
Prerequisites:
Must be familiar with all obstacles, and fine tuning contacts and weaves.  Any issues with Contacts and weaves will be addressed.  Participants should have a fairly strong team relationship and able to sequence up to 10 obstacles.  We will address any “focus” issues as well.
Participant Requirements: This class is only for friendly, non-reactive dogs. Handlers in this class may have to help with the set up or break-down of equipment on the course.




Flat buckle collar (no choke, slip, or martingale), 6 ft leash, favorite toy or two, lots and lots of soft training treats (cut into very small pieces), treat pouch or pocket for treats, water and water dish, handlers must wear tennis shoes or sneakers, a crate for your dog is required and (optional) a chair and water for you. Dogs MUST be on a leash, and must have a crate to put the dog in when not working.






Class NameMeetsInstructorClick Button to Register
AG Novice/Open Agility (7746)Thursdays 3/21-4/25/24 at 5:00pm Date ChangeLeslie Granville-Smith
Class Length: Class meets for 6 weeks in outdoor agility field. Cost: $139 (20% discount for members who worked 20 volunteers hours within the last 12 months)


Contacts and Weaves

Class Name and DescriptionPrerequisites and Participant RequirementsWhat to Bring
Class Name:
AG Contacts and Weaves
This class focuses on Contact and Weave performance.  Sequences will be set up to work on Contact/Weave performance/criteria, accuracy, proofing, and independent execution.
Prerequisites:
Participants should be able to execute all obstacles and preparing to trial or already competing.  Suitable for all levels of agility competition.
Participant Requirements:
Students should bring any aids they are currently or previously used to train their contact/weave performance. Participants will be needed to help with any obstacle adjustments and assist with clearing field of most obstacles on specified days.  
All dogs should be crated when not participating in an exercise.
Please bring a crate for your dog, and a fan for warmer days.  Bring their favorite toys; preferably designed for training purposes: Tug toys, toss, or food pouches.  Soft treats preferred. Avoid treats that crumble.  Bring water (and bowl) for your dog and also for yourself to keep hydrated. Handlers should wear appropriate running shoes.  Chairs are not provided, so please bring one. Would recommend bringing the collar and leash you use in competition.

Class NameMeetsInstructorClick Button to Register
AG Contacts and Weaves (7747)Thursdays 3/21-4/25/24 at 6:30 pm Date ChangeLeslie Granville-Smith
Class Length: Class meets for 6 weeks in outdoor agility field. Cost: $139 (20% discount for members who worked 20 volunteers hours within the last 12 months)

Intermediate and Master

Class NameMeetsInstructorClick Button to Register
AG Intermediate and Master Agility 610pm (7550)Wednesdays 2/28-4/3/24 4/10/24 at 6:10 pm. Schedule and Instructor change.
No Class 3/6/24 (weather). Make-up 4/10/24.
Leslie Granville-SmithRegistration closed
AG Intermediate and Master Agility 720pm (7551)Wednesdays 2/28-4/3/24 4/10/24 at 7:20 pm, Schedule and Instructor change.
No Class 3/6/24 (weather). Make-up 4/10/24.
Leslie Granville-SmithRegistration closed
Class Length: Class meets for 6 weeks in outdoor agility field. Cost: $139 (20% discount for members who worked 20 volunteers hours within the last 12 months)
Class NameDescriptionPrerequisites/Participant RequirementsWhat to Bring
AG Intermediate and Master AgilityThis class will continue to develop teamwork, and skills needed to compete at the Excellent and Master Level. Full Standard or Jumpers courses are set up each week for teams to run whole courses. Teams interested in strengthening Agility skills and training partnership are also welcome in this class. The goal for this class will be on preparing teams for the demands of competition while continuing to improve and increase handling skills and the dog’s ability to navigate sequences. Smooth changes of direction, increasing speed, better lines for better accuracy, discriminations, jumping maneuvers, and added distance from the handler.This is for dogs trialing at AKC shows or other venues, or just to become better handlers having fun with their dogs.
This class is only for friendly, non-reactive dogs. Handlers in this class may have to help with the set up or break-down of equipment on the course
Flat buckle collar (no choke, slip, or martingale), 6 ft leash, favorite toy or two, lots and lots of soft training treats (cut into very small pieces), treat pouch or pocket for treats, water and water dish, handlers must wear tennis shoes or sneakers, a crate for your dog is required and (optional) a chair and water for you. Dogs MUST be on a leash, and must have crate to put dog in when not working.

Questions about Agility?