Focus
Foundation
Learn the basic obedience and communicationskills needed to build a better relationship with your family dog or to start competitive dog sports such
as agility and rally. This class is the foundation for all future
training. It will increase communication and awareness between
your dog and you. Some of the skills we will cover include attention,
some off leash control, ability to work around other dogs as
well as people and distractions, drive and motivation, confidence
and basic obedience such as sit, down, stay and come. We will train or improve basic obedience skills such as sit, down, stay, loose leash walking, come and no jumping. Other
topics covered include: heel and side position, toy drive, and
motivation. The focus of the class is on improving manners, gaining skills, and increasing confidence to build a more enjoyable relationship and become an effective
team. This class is a prerequisite to Intro to Agility as well
as a great prelude to other obedience classes.
Intro to Agility
In this class dogs will be introduced to many of the obstacles
in agility in a safe and controlled manner. The skills needed
to successfully negotiate the obstacle and the handling skills
will be worked on weekly. Attention, focus and motivation will
be practiced as the team builds confidence in an atmosphere
that centers on having fun. By the end of this class the dogs
will have a good working knowledge of many of the obstacles
(the a-frame and the dogwalk will not be completed but we will
begin shaping correct contact
skills). (Prerequisite- Focus Foundation, or Puppy II, or Obedience
I)
Novice Agility (formerly called Agility Level I)
In this class handling skills and basic control will be improved.
Students learn to give timely commands, to provide consistent
and smooth body cues, and to develop teamwork with their dogs.
Handlers also develop the ability to switch smoothly from handling
their dogs off one side to handling off the other in the middle
of a sequence. The dog and handler teams will continue to improve
their skills and will become more proficient at simple combinations
of obstacles. Sequencing is performed off lead, therefore, your
dog also must be able to sit, stay, down, and come on command,
off lead. (Prerequisite- Intro to Agility)
Intermediate Agility (formerly called Agility Level II)
This class is designed to advance your skills and to prepare
you and your dog for competition, if desired. The dogs must
be reliable off leash and under good control. Handling skills
and combinations will be emphasized. Obstacle skills and team
communication will continue to be improved and strengthened.
(Prerequisite- Level I Agility)
Advanced Agility (formerly Level III)
This class is for those already competing at (or competition-ready
for) the novice or advanced level. Excellent handling skills
will be emphasized. Communication between handler and dog will
be developed further. Speed and control will both be worked
on. (Prerequisite- must be already competing or ready to compete)
Advanced Handling and Skills
The theme of these sessions will vary and teach a variety of
different skills and handling maneuvers. Some topics may include
distance work, perfecting weaves or contacts, improvement of
rear and front crosses, obstacle discrimination, etc.
Sequencing
This class is designed to improve specific handling skills each
session. Whether it is front or rear crosses, serpentines or
threadles, better contacts, 180 degree and 270 degree turns,
speed, distance, or any other skill, course sequences will be
set up to challenge and instruct. The ability to "read"
a given sequence and determine which handling techniques to
utilize to ensure the cleanest, most efficient path for the
dog, is the single biggest challenge for the handler. Practice
and guidance in working through sequences provide the handler
with exposure to the many varieties of obstacle combinations,
and experience in applying all the available handling techniques.
Agility Run Thrus (Fun Runs)
Each session a different course is set up so you can practice
your handling skills. Do the entire course or work on a section
at a time. This is a great opportunity to polish up your skills
in preparation for showing or to give you a new place to work
your dog. We will have a novice course nested with an excellent
course.
For information about the next scheduled Fun Run, please go to our Events page.
Skills
Reinforcement
Waiting for the next level class to begin but don't want to
lose the skills you have learned? One night a week you are welcome
to use the equipment to hone your skills and keep practicing.
An instructor will be on hand to offer suggestions and feedback.
Mostly appropriate for beginner and novice handlers.
Puppy Agility Fun!
Take advantage of your puppy's natural curiosity and abundant energy to introduce him or her to the fun sport of agility! This class will focus on some fundamentals of agility using puppy games that will utilize targeting, wobble boards, focus and basic obedience skills. Puppies will be introduced to sights, sounds, and techniques that are helpful toward building confidence without stress on baby joints. Clickers, treats and toys will be used for focus motivators. Class will help build your puppy's confidence and strengthen your bond and partnership. The goal is to create a dog that is engaged, focused and motivated as well as one that is confident, well socialized, and eager to offer behaviors and learn.
Some goals of the class include:
- Reliable & fast recalls, sit/down stays
- Building drive & focus
- Toy motivation
- Crate games
- Surface desensitization (things that move, make noise and are elevated; hind end awareness )
- Introduction to some agility equipment (focusing on familiarization and confidence building initially then shifting to obstacle performance)
This class is designed for puppies 5 months to 1 year of age. The class meets one day a week for approximately one hour. Classes are limited to 7 puppies. Dogs will need to have a crate, buckle collar or gentle leader, a 6 ft. leash (nylon or leather), and lots of tiny yummy treats (don't feed dinner before class)!
The class will focus on building a positive working relationship with your puppy using play, toys, and lots of treats.
Prerequisite: graduation from Ideal Puppy class (or similar in another school) or obedience class such as Focus Foundation; or approval from instructor or Training Director.
