Build the skills that create confident, connected agility teams. This class is designed for dogs and handlers who are new to agility and want to develop strong fundamentals before introducing sequences and equipment. We will focus on relationship and communication first, teaching dogs to work enthusiastically with their handler while developing clarity, value for cues, and commitment to tasks. Exercises will be done primarily on the flat with thoughtfully introduced equipment to ensure understanding, safety, and confidence. Puppies (12+ weeks of age with immunizations current to that age) less than one year are eligible for the class. However, they will not be using full-sized agility equipment, but rather building a foundation for agility or other training.

• Schedule: Please check back in March for an update on class schedule.

Dog and handler teams will learn how to help their dog focus, work on foundation exercises to build obstacle commitment, learn basic commands for negotiating agility obstacles, as well as be introduced to the obstacles themselves. All ages are welcome at this level and individual needs will be considered. Puppies (12+ weeks of age with immunizations current to that age) less than one year are eligible for the class. However, they will not be using full-sized agility equipment, but rather building a foundation for agility or other training.  Goal: Canine teams learn to work as a team and canine (1+ years of age) is able to negotiate most obstacles on their own.
Prerequisite - Must complete Intro to Agility Foundations before registering for this class or by approval of the instructor.

Schedule:

Mondays at 6:30 PM  

Starting: September 14th, 21st, 28th October 5th, 12th, 19th

Instructors: Donna Johnston & Lori Wassmer

 Location: 7405 Wassmer Rd Poseyville

Building power, confidence, and understanding on two of the most common obstacles-jumps and tunnels. This class is designed to develop safe jumping skills, strengthen your dog’s body awareness, and introduce foundational handling concepts through fun exercises. We will focus on proper jump forms to promote long-term soundness, commitment to obstacles, and thoughtful lines between sequences. Dogs and handlers will also begin putting skills together in short, flowing courses that reinforce teamwork and timing. Goal: Off-leash control and handlers use clear and consistent cues. Prerequisite- Must complete Intro to Obstacles before registering for this class or by approval from the instructor.

Schedule: Please check back in March for an update on schedule.

This class will focus on building safe, confident, and reliable contact performance. Teams will learn how to teach and maintain clear stopped contact behaviors while developing an understanding and independence on the dog walk and a-frame. This class will focus on teeter performance with an emphasis on confidence, proper stopped behavior, and noise/ movement desensitization to help create a strong, positive experience. Lastly, we will introduce weaves with a foundation that prioritizes correct entries, commitment and enthusiasm. Goal: Performing contacts with  safe and clear understanding. Prerequisite- Must complete Agility 1 before registering for this class or by approval from the instructor.

Schedule:

Please check back in March for an update on class schedule.

Teams will learn handling skills and begin running short sequences and learn to negotiate common challenges in courses. Handlers will learn how to read course maps, and navigate small sequences using different handling techniques. Goal: Off-leash control and handlers use clear and consistent cues. Prerequisite- Must complete Agility 1 and Agility 2 before registering for this class or by approval from the instructor.

Schedule:

Tuesdays at 6:30PM

Starting: September 29th, October 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, November 3rd

Instructors: Ann Powell & Victoria Wright

The focus of this class will be short sequences and different ways to handle opstacles using a variety of crosses and location side changes and discrimminations. Goal: Off-leash control and challenging the handler to understand how different crosses effect the dogs line. Prerequisite- Must complete Beginning Handling Strategy and Sequencing before registering for this class or by approval from the instructor.

Schedule: Please check back in March for an update on schedule.

The focus of this class will be to introduce the dog to the odors used in AKC scentwork and to build drive in the dog for searching. We will be using food (dog treats) which you will need to bring with you. In this class, you, the handler will learn how to prepare and handle odor. You will not need to purchase odor - sweet birch (Betula Lenta) will be supplied. Eventually, if you wish to continue with scentwork, you will want to purchase your own scentwork kits. The dog will be introduced to odor using a combination of ‘It’s your choice’ selection and games that build value for searching. Later on in this class, we will introduce the container element. Even if you believe your dog is working at a level above the scope of this class, it is always a good idea to go back to these foundation exercises every now and then. The meeting location will be announced ahead of each class and will vary depending on the goals for that class.

Schedule: Please check back in March for an update on schedule.

This class will be a continuation of Intro to Odor and will focus on developing the foundation for successful searching in the four elements of AKC Scent work: containers, interior, exterior, and buried. Prerequisite- Intro to Odor or equivalent experience.

Schedule: Please check back in March for an update on schedule.