| Agility classes are available for members only. Due to safety
and space considerations, there are strict rules governing the number of dogs allowed
in class and their prior level of training. |
 |
| Members must pre-register for agility classes by signing up
(and self-addressing a postcard) in the notebook located in the conference room
of building B. If more people sign up than there are spots available in a class,
there is a lottery drawing at the club on the Monday before classes start. Postcards
are then mailed to all participants to notify them of the results of the lottery.
Members who are not selected for a particular class are guaranteed a spot in the
next class if they pre-register for the next session and note their name was not
drawn the previous session. The full rules and regulations are explained in the
club Handbook. |
|
| In order to take an agility class dogs must be at least 10
months old and have completed obedience classes through at least the beginning
novice level or it’s equivalent. Dogs entering Level 1 will have to pass
a basic control test on orientation night to insure they are ready to begin their
agility career. |
|
| The equipment needed for an agility class includes a buckle
or quick release collar (with no tags attached), a lead, a tab (of the appropriate
length and with no looped ends) and treats or toys for motivation. |
|
| The agility classes are broken down into level 1 through
5. A brief description of each class appears below and again, full descriptions
are available in the Handbook. In order to move up to the next class level, a
dog must demonstrate proficiency (to the instructor’s satisfaction) at
the previous level. |
|
| Class Descriptions |
| Class |
Description |
| Level I |
To introduce each of the agility obstacles
(except the teeter) at their lowest level and to teach the dog to safely and
confidently execute them one at a time. |
| Level II |
To teach the dog to work each obstacle with
minimum handler interference and to introduce short combinations of obstacles. |
| Level III |
To polish multiple combinations of obstacles
allowing the handler to work at a distance and contact control and to introduce
course strategies, the teeter and obstacle discrimination. |
| Level IV |
To polish jumping a variety of jumps at full
height and to continue work on directional control and obstacle discrimination. |
| Level V |
Proof hand signals, jumping and handling skills. |
| Level VI |
To work on advanced course strategies and further
develop both dog and handler skills. |
|
|
