Agility Class
What Is Agility? In short, Agility is one of the most fun things you can do with your dog! In recreational form, it’s comparable to a visit to a doggy amusement park, providing a fun outlet for excessive energy.
Why Do Agility?
There are many reasons to try agility! Some people simply do it because it’s fun for both them and their dog. Agility provides quality time together while strengthening communication, trust, and teamwork.
For high energy dogs, especially working breeds, agility provides a healthy outlet for both their physical and mental energy. It also helps build confidence by teaching dogs that new textures, surfaces, obstacles, and heights are exciting challenges rather than something to fear.
Our Agility Classes:
1. Agility Foundations + Fun
Perfect for dogs that are new to agility! In this class, we focus on building confidence while teaching the foundation skills needed for agility. Dogs will learn basic obstacle work, body awareness, handler focus, and fun tricks that improve coordination and communication.
2. Advanced Agility
Designed for dogs that have completed Agility Foundations or have prior agility experience. This class focuses on more advanced handling skills, sequencing obstacles together, and introducing more challenging equipment such as the teeter and the chute. Teams will continue building speed, confidence, and precision while having fun.
What Age Is Best Suited?
There are many philosophies about the ideal age to begin agility. The best answer is when you feel your dog is ready. With proper instruction and safe techniques, accidents can be minimized, and we always have one or more spotters available.
For younger dogs, jumps will never be set higher than the dog’s shoulder height. Each dog will be measured to determine the safest and most appropriate jump height.
Requirements:
Agility requires a foundation of basic obedience and good manners from both the dog and the handler.
Your Dog Should:
• Stay with the handler on and off leash.
• Have a reliable recall.
• Hold a down stay for at least 5 seconds.
• Be friendly with other dogs and people.
• Be comfortable with both the owner and trainer handling them.
A Basic Obedience Group Class or at least one Private Lesson is highly recommended before enrolling in agility.
If a dog’s behavior becomes disruptive to the class, at least one Private Lesson will be required before continuing in the program to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
