DAWG offers agility training classes for  those who just want to have fun with their dogs and for those who are interested in formal agility competition.  Classes are taught by experienced club members and guest instructors.  We train using only positive reinforcement including treats, toys and lots of praise.  

All Classes are held at the Southpaw Training Center on Betsy Lane behind the Veterinary Clinic at the corner of Murphy/Hogge Rd and Betsy Lane. (Mapsco Grid 661Q)

Click here to contact the Training Coordinator
to inquire when new class sessions begin.

Agility Basics

Agility Basics is a six week class that focuses on obedience, clicker training, target training, handling techniques, and basic obstacles such as tunnel, table, and jumps. Dogs should also be introduced to teeter sounds and movement, though they should not complete the obstacle at full height. Dogs must complete or evaluate out of Agility Basics before being enrolled in Intro I.

Eligibility:
In order to enroll in Agility Basics, dogs must be at least six months old, have current shots, and be non-aggressive towards humans and other dogs. Class size is limited to eight dogs.

Requirements for Promotion:

• 1 minute sit-stay
• 1 minute down-stay
• Recall (off-leash)
• Follow the hand with front cross and back command
• Demonstrate understanding of target and touch command
• Willing to attempt tunnel, jump, and table
   

Introduction to Agility I

Intro I is a six week class in which dogs are introduced to obstacles, possibly excluding the teeter and weave poles depending on the ability level of the class. Obedience work is reviewed weekly. Handling techniques are also further developed. This class will be repeated by each dog/handler team until eligibility to move to the next level is met.

Eligibility:
In order to enroll in Intro I, dogs must have completed Agility Basics or have demonstrated proficiency in the skills covered in and meet eligibility requirements for Agility Basics.


Requirements for Promotion:

• 1 minute sit-stay
• 1 minute down-stay
• Recall (off-leash)
• Proficiency on all obstacles with the exception of the teeter and weave poles. Stationary contacts should be stressed and dogs should demonstrate understanding of obstacle performance (not dragged across the dog walk by handler, pushed into tunnels, etc.)
• Basic understanding of weave poles and teeter if covered
   

Introduction to Agility II

Intro II is a six week class in which dogs polish obstacles including the teeter and weave poles, improve handling techniques, and begin sequencing obstacles. Obedience work is reviewed periodically. This class will be repeated by each dog/handler team until eligibility to move to the next level is met.

Eligibility:
In order to enroll in Intro II, dogs must have completed Intro I or have demonstrated proficiency in the skills covered in and meet eligibility requirements for Intro I.

Requirements for Promotion:

• Proficiency on the teeter and closed weave poles
• Ability to front and back cross in situations with and without contact obstacles
• Ability to blind cross in front of tunnels (not as critical for extremely fast dogs)
• Ability to sequence a minimum of four obstacles

Beginners

Beginner is a six week class in which handler and dog teams begin to increase the number of obstacles in sequence and continue to develop handling techniques. This class will be repeated by each dog/handler team until eligibility to move to the next level is met.


Eligibility:
In order to enroll in Beginner, dogs must have completed Intro II or have demonstrated proficiency in the skills covered in and meet eligibility requirements for Intro II.


Requirements for Promotion:

• Dogs should be sequencing 10 or more obstacles and teams should have developed good timing. They should be ready to begin working Novice/Starter level courses.

Novice

At this level the development of teamwork between dog and handler is stressed.  dog and handler teams begin distance and directional work.. Handler timing and and body language skills will be further refined.  Basic courses and handling strategies are introduced as well as proper show etiquette and procedures.

Intermediate

Intermediate is a six week class that focuses on Novice and Advanced/Open level coursework and prepares dogs and handlers for competition. Students should be exposed to course diagrams, mapping dog/handler paths, and trial procedures and etiquette. This class will be repeated by each dog/handler team until eligibility to move to the next level is met.


Eligibility:
In order to enroll in Intermediate, dogs must have completed Beginner or have demonstrated proficiency in the skills covered in and meet eligibility requirements for Beginner.


Requirements for Promotion:

• Dogs should be able to successfully complete Novice/Starters and Open/Advanced level courses.
   

Advanced/Masters

The Advanced and Masters classes are designed for dogs competing and/or training in the Open/Advanced level or above.

Eligibility:
In order to enroll in Advanced or Masters, dogs must have completed Intermediate or have demonstrated proficiency in the skills covered in and meet eligibility requirements for Intermediate.
 

Junior Handlers I

Junior Handlers is a course designed for students under the age of 14. The course runs six weeks. Dogs are introduced to obstacles, possibly excluding the teeter and weave poles depending on the ability level of the class. Obedience work is reviewed weekly. Handling techniques are also further developed. This class will be repeated by each dog/handler team until eligibility to move to the next level is met.

Eligibility:
In order to enroll in Junior Handlers I, dogs must have completed Agility Basics or have demonstrated proficiency in the skills covered in and meet eligibility requirements for Agility Basics.


Requirements for Promotion:

• 1 minute sit-stay
• 1 minute down-stay
• Recall (off-leash)
• Proficiency on all obstacles with the exception of the teeter and weave poles. Stationary contacts should be stressed and dogs should demonstrate understanding of obstacle performance (not dragged across the dog walk by handler, pushed into tunnels, etc.)
• Basic understanding of weave poles and teeter if covered