Agility
Competition Class Descriptions
Competition Class Descriptions
Intro to Agility
Prerequisites: Beginner Obedience and Agility Exploration IV, or permission of instructor
For dogs new to agility. Dogs must be at least 8-10 months old, depending on breed/size. Dogs should have basic obedience training including sit, down, wait and recall. Dogs are expected to be able to work off-leash.
Topics covered include flatwork, target training, impulse control, and body awareness. Introduction to low contact equipment, tunnels, weave poles and beginning jump training, which will be age appropriate height. Expected that some practice will be done outside of class. This is normally two 8-week sessions.
Topics covered include flatwork, target training, impulse control, and body awareness. Introduction to low contact equipment, tunnels, weave poles and beginning jump training, which will be age appropriate height. Expected that some practice will be done outside of class. This is normally two 8-week sessions.
Emphasis on training, no handling techniques will be taught
Beginner I
Prerequisites: Intro to Agility or permission of instructor or Agility Director
Begin training for proficiency and independence on contact equipment. Flatwork expanded to simple sequences to introduce handlers to side-change handling methods including front, rear and blind crosses. Includes an emphasis on weave pole drills and jump training, including an introduction to the different types of jumps.
Emphasis on training, some handling techniques will be introduced.
Beginner II
Prerequisites: Beginner I or permission of instructor or Agility Director
Continuation of Beginner I, with emphasis on mastering contact equipment, weave poles, and jumping. More advanced drills and slightly longer sequences (four-six obstacles) will be used to work on handling techniques and strategies.
Emphasis on handling techniques, foundation training will be reinforced
Pre-Novice
Prerequisites: Beginner II or permission of instructor or Agility Director
Teams preparing for competition. Building proficiencies with weave poles and contact obstacles and using them in sequences. Emphasis on running Novice level sequences (nine/twelve obstacles) and building to a full Novice course. Preference will be given to teams preparing for competition that are continuing from Beginner II. Drills/exercises will continue to maintain criteria for contact, weaves and jump proficiency.
Novice
Prerequisites: Pre-Novice or permission of instructor or Agility Director.
Teams that have started competition. A variety of sequence lengths will be run. Handling skills learned in lower level classes will be used to negotiate through sequence challenges. Handlers will be given opportunity to identify and handle using different strategies. Drills/exercises will continue to maintain criteria for contact, weaves, and jump proficiency
Open and Excellent
Prerequisites: Novice title or teams training at Excellent.
Also by permission of instructor or Agility Director.
Also by permission of instructor or Agility Director.
For teams that are competing in Open and/or Excellent and want to continue to increase their skills for competition. Emphasis on course analysis, identifying sequences commonly seen on higher level courses (pinwheels/serpentines/back sides/discriminations), and breaking them down to train.
Masters
Prerequisites: Excellent title or teams training at Masters level.
Also by permission of instructor or Agility Director.
Also by permission of instructor or Agility Director.
For teams working at the AKC/USDAA/UKI masters level. Courses are typically challenging and handlers are encouraged to identify different ways to handle specific sequences. Focus is on setting the best line for every team. Handlers are encouraged to challenge their skills and knowledge. Distance work and international sequences may also be explored.