Agility Class Descriptions

This class works on basic components of agility through fun games, exercises, and play. Teams build confidence and understanding of obstacles such as the table, tunnels, planks, and A-frame, all at very low heights. Teams can work at their own level while exploring the sport of agility and deciding whether they want to continue training. Dogs must be at least 5–8 months old, depending on breed and size.

For dogs new to agility. Dogs must be at least 8 to 10 months old, depending on breed and size, and should have basic obedience skills including sit, down, wait, and recall. Dogs may be asked to work off-leash. Topics include flatwork, target training, impulse control, body awareness, and forward-focus training, along with an introduction to low contact equipment, tunnels, weave poles, and beginning jump training at an age-appropriate height. Some practice outside class is expected, and teams continue at this level until proficient in the skills taught. The emphasis is on training; handling techniques are not taught.

This class begins training for proficiency and independence on contact equipment. Flatwork expands into simple sequences that introduce side-change handling methods, including front and blind crosses. The class emphasizes weave-pole drills and jump training, including an introduction to different types of jumps. Students begin putting two to four obstacles into short sequences, and dogs are expected to work off-leash. Some practice outside class is expected, and teams continue at this level until proficient in the skills taught. The emphasis is on training, with some handling techniques introduced.

This class continues Beginner I with emphasis on mastering contact equipment, weave poles, and jumping. Teams use more advanced drills and slightly longer sequences of four to six obstacles to develop handling techniques and strategies and to understand front, blind, and rear crosses. Some practice outside class is expected, and teams continue at this level until proficient in the skills taught. Handling techniques are emphasized while foundation training is reinforced.

This class is for teams preparing for competition while revisiting foundation work. Teams build proficiency with weave poles and contact obstacles and use those skills in sequences. The emphasis is on running Novice-level sequences of approximately nine to twelve obstacles and building toward a full Novice course. Drills and exercises continue to maintain contact, weave, and jump criteria. Some practice outside class is expected, and teams continue at this level until proficient in the skills taught.