Agility Classes
Puppy Agility |
Agility Beginners |
Agility Skills Training
Agility Sequence Training |
Agility Trialing Practice
All our Agility classes are restricted to 6 dogs per class. Our classes run one full hour (60 minutes), and we allow enough time in between for switch over and to change the equipment. The same handler per dog for all classes is recommended.
Control over the dog is crucial for safety in agility. The dogs will stand close together while waiting for their turns, and the instructor should be able to handle the dog. Obedience classes are highly recommended not only to improve control but also for social skills. Aggressiveness towards people or other dogs cannot be tolerated.
We use and train the dogs on the following obstacles in ALL our classes:
Single Jump, Double Jump, Triple Jump, Winged Jump, Broad Jump, Panel Jump,
Hoop, Tire, Tunnel, Chute,
Table, Teeter, Dog Walk, A-Frame, Weaves
 We train and recommend specific methods for some of the obstacles. The following explanations are for already more experienced handlers. Don’t worry if you don’t understand what it means, the explanation will be given at the class. If you prefer a specific method, we can adjust to that, even if it’s not mentioned below. If it would require any specialty equipment, just ask us if we can accommodate, or bring your own gadgets.
Dogwalk: 2on2off, 4off for Corgis, Dachshunds or other long-body breeds
A-Frame: running contact with stride regulators, hoops if needed at up or down ramp; modified 4off-down for some dogs
Teeter: 4on for all dogs
Weave poles: Weave-A-Matics, channel weaves and All-Ways-Weaves, trial weaves.
Health requirements for all classes:
- Current on Rabies and Parvo/Distemper vaccination, Bordetella vaccination
- Dewormed or negative fecal sample (the latter done at the veterinary clinic) any time within 3 months prior to start of class (if already shown for another class, the worm status is good for one year)
- Free of any health problems that would increase the risk of injuries to the dog while participating at the agility class (e.g. musculoskeletal or visual disease)
Available Classes:
Puppy Agility
Agility Beginners
Agility Skills Training
Agility Sequence Training
Agility Trialing Practice
Puppy Agility: For dogs 6-12mo of age
Class objective:
Introduction to the obstacles used in agility, at low heights of all obstacles. The weave poles will be wide for less bending of the dog’s body.
Focus on fun, footing, confidence and control.
The puppies will be in the same class with the beginners, and repeat that class until they’re old enough (one year or older) to join the next class level.
Requirements:
Proof of participation at a puppy class (certificate, letter)
Agility Beginners: For dogs 1 year and older
Class objective:
 Introduction to the obstacles used in agility, at low to medium heights depending on the obstacle and dog’s confidence level.
Focus on fun, footing, confidence and control.
Requirements:
Proof of participation at an obedience class (certificate, letter)
or evaluation by an instructor of The Better Companion (please make an appointment)
Agility Skill Training: For dogs 1 year and older.
Class objective:
Obstacle proofing, distance handling, discrimination, directional commands. Working at medium heights, up to full competition height where applicable.
 Focus on speed, distance, fun.
We’ll work on 3-5 different obstacles per class. This is more intense obstacle training than at the beginners class, and includes important handler skills for distance control. This class is especially important for dogs that are much faster than their handler, but can also help “ungluing” a clingy dog.
We offer three different curriculums for this class, so that repeaters get different challenges each time they take this class.
Requirements:
Participation at (at least) one agility beginners class prior to this level. The dog should be familiar with ALL the obstacles, not necessarily at full height yet. If you’re not sure if your dog meets these requirements, please contact us.
Agility Sequence Training: For dogs 1 year and older.
Class objective:
Training different sequences of 3-7 obstacles, side changes, lead outs and send to. Working at medium heights, up to full competition height where applicable.
 Focus on control, speed, fun.
This is a good follow-up class after the dog has learned to take the obstacles safely. Some dogs will benefit from repeating the Agility Beginners and/or Agility Skills Class, before they are ready for this level.
We offer three different curriculums for this class, so that repeaters get different challenges each time they take this class.
Requirements:
Participation at (at least) one agility beginners class prior to this level. The dog should have learned to take all obstacles safely, before entering sequence training. The Skills class can be helpful to increase the control over the dog before taking the Sequence class, but is NOT a requirement.
Photo by Sarah Elmore
Agility Trialing Practice: For dogs 1.5 years and older.
Practice objective:
Practicing full course runs as offered in an agility trial. Working at competition height. We practice runs as sanctioned by AKC, ASCA and NADAC. Obstacles used: different jumps, tunnel, chute, tire, hoop, table, dogwalk, A-frame, teeter, weave poles
This is follow-up after the dog has learned to take the obstacles safely and the handler has learned to navigate the dog over a shorter obstacle sequence. Some dogs will benefit from repeating the Agility Skills and/or Agility Sequence Training, before they are ready for this level.
Requirements:
Participation at (at least) one agility skills and one agility sequence training classes prior to this level.
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