Skyline Agility Class Descriptions

A dog that has never participated in agility will always start in a beginner class. For dogs that have had previous agility training, please contact the class registrar for advice on the appropriate class. If you are enrolled in a class at the incorrect level, the instructor reserves the right to move you to a more suitable class.

Beginner Foundations: will include: Introduction to all equipment. Fundamental dog and handler skills. Short, simple sequences. Obedience skills as needed. By the end of the 7 week session dogs should be confidently performing all the equipment at some level.

This class will introduce you to the foundation skills that will be needed for doing agility. Groundwork skills for the dog and handler will be taught as well as the basic agility obstacles. A refresher of basic obedience skills will be reviewed as needed. After completion of this class you will have the basic skills to move up to our Advanced Beginner class.

Advanced Beginner: – Dogs should have been introduced to all pieces of equipment and are comfortable with most of them, though not necessarily at full height. Seesaw may still need assistance and weave poles are still being taught. Dogs should be able to stay with the handler for short sequences off leash. This class will develop equipment fluency (dogs), handling and teamwork “building block” skills and work on longer sequences.

Dogs with overall confidence or motivation issues should stay in the Beginner class for another 8 week session.

The Advanced Beginner class will be repeated until the dog meets the standards required for the next level. No dog will be able to progress to the next level without a reliable recall.

Intermediate I: Dogs should be fluent on all equipment – they may still need work on weaves but the dog should be working in a channel or tilted poles. Dogs must to be able to work sequences completely off-leash. They should also have a reliable recall. This is a “pre competition” level class, regardless of whether or not the teams intend to compete. This class will continue to build teamwork and enable handlers to develop basic handling and course strategy skills.

Intermediate II: For dogs competing in Novice or able to successfully run a Novice-level course. There should be no major equipment issues at this level.

Advanced: For dogs competing in Open or able to successfully run an Open/Advanced level course.

Competition: For dogs competing in Excellent or able to successfully run an Excellent/Elite/Masters level course.

Beyond Novice Distance Handling :Open to those students who have a novice title (or equivalent) or higher. Does your dog know how to do independent sends to one obstacle but is unable to do more than a straight line with you nearby? This class will help you expand your distance training by teaching obstacle discrimination, directional changes and more advanced handling from a distance.

Turns, Turns, Turns – Get the very most out of your dog’s path: tighten up your turns, perfect rear crosses, accelerate out of turns, when to use a shoulder pull vs. counter rotation.

Agility Games : This class will teach you the different rules of many of the games that can be found in the different venues of agility ( NADAC, CPE, AKC etc) and you will be given the opportunity to practice them.

Perfecting the Weaves: This is not a class for dogs who are still learning to weave. It will cover running courses with a focus on weaves. Weaving from a distance, with distractions, difficult entrances, etc.

Hold the Line :- This class will cover finding the most efficient running path for your dog. We will work on precise placement of turns, crosses and handler path to insure your dog sticks to your plan. We will also practice well directed sends and clear and consistent signals to elimainate misunderstandings and off courses.

Contacts and Weaves: This class will place specific emphasis on obtaining better contacts and weave performance.

Boot Camp : Geared to the advanced students that want to spend more time running courses. Get the instructor's view on running the most efficient way. learn to cut seconds off your course time with these helpful hints. Dogs should have working knowledge of courses.

Obedience for Agility : A motivational and fun class geared to a stronger and more consistent connection with your dog, while in the agility ring. The class will focus on consistently responding on your first command! Your dog will immediately sit or down on the table and hold a stay! Dramatic improvement now that your dog reliably waits for you to lead out!