Class Descriptions

 All classes will be taught with
Positive Reinforcement
in a Seven (7) week class session

Beginner I-Teaching handlers how to train their dog to perform basic agility obstacles. Introduce the basics of dog agility training  using positive reinforcement. Learning foundation skills which include control over the dog and getting the dog to quickly and reliably respond to basic commands. Developing a relationship between the dog and handler. Dogs must be at least 6 months old or have completed Puppy I, or have training coordinator approval.   1-3 obstacles. Dogs must be handled on leash. Jumps will be set at 8" or 12". Table will be set at 8". (Same handler must handle dog for entire 7 weeks.)

Beginner II-Working on handler skills, turns and body language. Develop teamwork between the dog and handler. May start off-leash training if dog is ready.   Increasing the height of some obstacles.  1-5 obstacles. (Same handler must handle dog for entire 7 weeks.)

Intermediate I-Introduce the teeter, and work up to full height on jumps and other contacts. Proofing contact performance and introducing full set of weaves. Also working on independent obstacle performance.  3-5 obstacles.

Intermediate II-Getting ready to compete at the Novice level. Introducing more advanced handling skills and obstacle discrimination.  4-12 obstacles

Advanced - Competitive handling techniques and sequences.  Each week themes are presented and students review skills needed to overcome challenges.  All obstacles are at full height.  Teams are expected to be capable of competing at the Intermediate to Advanced levels.

Novice Courses-Courses designed for dogs and handlers ready to compete at the Novice level. 

Advanced Agility Courses - Dogs must be able to perform all obstacles, including 12 weave poles and the teeter.  Teams will apply handling skills in course situations.  Teams will run 2-3 courses per class.  Teams are expected to be capable of competing at the Intermediate to Advanced levels.

Agility Courses (Just Courses)- Dogs must be able to perform all obstacles, including 12 weave poles and the teeter.  Will run 2-3 courses per class.

Agility Courses with Distance - Dogs must be able to perform all obstacles, including 12 weave poles and the teeter.  Will run 2-3 courses per class.

Agility Courses with Advanced Distance - Dogs must be proficient on all obstacles, including weave poles and teeter.  Courses will include an advanced distance challenge.  Will run 2-3 courses per class

Advanced Agility Courses Analysis-This class will look at handling options on open to excellent level courses that will include current trends in course design. Two courses will be run, with discussion regarding handling options. Time permitting, both courses will be run more than once allowing different handling options to be utilized.  Class requirements are the ability to do all obstacles, including 12 weave poles without wires.  Handlers should be familiar with basic handling techniques such as front and rear crosses and common course design elements such as a serpentine.

Agility Games-This class will be learning how to play some of the games from various venues of agility.  We will go over rules and discuss strategies and scoring.  Dogs should be able to perform all obstacles.

Beginning Distance and Weaves (Beginning Distance) -This class will teach you how to start performing distance exercises with your dog.  Dogs must be competent on all obstacles; must be able to perform six (6) weave poles without wires getting the entrance at least 50% of the time, be able to do the dog walk and a-frame independently, and be able to perform 4-5 obstacle sequences with dog under control.  The teeter will not be included in this class. 

Advanced Distance and Weave (Advanced Distance) - For dog already working on distance skills, weave pole speed and more difficult entrances.  Dogs must be competent on all obstacles including the teeter and twelve (12) weave poles without wires.

Contacts w/Weaves - In this class you will learn to bolster your dog's performance of the weave poles by increasing your dog's speed and accuracy of entry.  You will learn how to perform a variety of crosses for entering/exiting weaves.  Performance on contact obstacles will be a focus, teaching dogs how to perform safe running or stationary contacts.  Teeter assistance will be provided for those dogs that need it, at the end of class.  It will not be used in the sequences.

Jumps and Weaves - Dogs will work on jumping skills and weave pole entrances and improving weave pole speed.  Dogs should have completed Beginner II  Agility class or equivalent training before registering for this class. Turns, Turns, Turns - Dogs and Handlers will work smaller sets (with a course to run at the end of class if time permits) to improve their front cross, rear cross and blind cross skills. Dogs should have completed Intermediate II Agility class or equivalent training before registering for this class. Dogs must be able to do full height equipment and 12 weave poles.

Advanced Rally (Rally III) - Students will learn and perfect the more advanced exercises for APDT (level 2 & 3), and AKC (advanced & excellent) Rally.  This class will focus on mastering such exercises as Drop on Recall, Retrieve, and Directed Jumping. Proper execution of all rally exercises will be encouraged.  Both APDT and AKC courses will be run in class.

C-WAGS Rally -  Canine Work and Games is an intermediate cross over rally class.  All dogs should know basic obedience, heeling, sit, and down stays, and recalls.  Two types of courses will be utilized in this class.  Zoom courses are courses that have no sits and are done for time and heeling perfection.  Agility, Rally, and Freestyle are courses that incorporate rally exercises, jumps, tunnels, and a table, as well as a free style (tricks) section.

Open Rally - Students of all APDT and AKC levels may take this class from beginners to more advanced rally handlers.  Students will be encouraged to share successful strategies for teaching exercises to beginner dogs.  Courses will be nested with alternate exercises to accommodate the students' needs.  Both APDT and AKC exercises will be presented in this class.

Puppy I-Obedience/Agility-(12 Weeks old at least) Goal of Puppy 1 class is to teach handlers foundation exercises such as sit, stay, down, walking on a loose leash and come. These exercises will prepare you and your dog for successful competition in any venue. Basic obedience and good manners exercises as well as agility foundation skills will be taught. Agility obstacles that will not strain a puppy’s body will be introduced, including tire, tunnel, chute, plank walking, table, and weaves.

Puppy II-Obedience/Agility- Puppies should be at least 6 months old. Basic obedience and good manners exercises as well as agility foundation skills will be taught. Agility obstacles that will not strain a puppy’s body will be introduced, including tire, tunnel, chute, plank walking, table, and weaves.
 

Fundamental Behavior Training-Goal is to train dogs and puppies (12 Weeks old at least) to perform basic obedience exercises and handlers how to use the exercises in daily situation to better manage their dogs’ behavior. This combined beginner’s course in obedience training and behavioral management is based on current research about dog behavior, learning and motivation. Handlers will learn to teach dogs to be calmer, more reliable in obeying commands. Handlers will learn how to manage their dogs and to solve problems like jumping up, running off, destroying property, and pulling. This class will be taught by Annette Neff, a dog behaviorist.

Advanced Behavior Training -This course is designed for dogs that have had prior training in a beginning level course. The handlers and dogs should be able to perform basic obedience exercises on leash. It has been developed to help you to learn how to achieve off leash control over your dog’s behavior as is needed for agility, obedience and rally.

Basic Competition Obedience - This class is for teams interested in the American Kennel Club (AKC) Beginner Novice (BN) and/or the Companion Dog (CD) title. Class work will focus on teaching the BN and CD exercises; helping teams to understand obedience regulations, ring procedures and handling skills; and improving dogs' confidence and enjoyment in their work. This class is open to teams who have no previous experience in AKC obedience, as well as those currently working on BN and CD titles.

Advanced Competition Obedience - This class is for teams pursuing a Companion Dog Excellent (CDX) title or higher in AKC obedience. An AKC CD title (or completion of Basic Competition Obedience and instructor’s approval) is a prerequisite for the course. Class will cover exercises and skills required for both the Open and Utility classes.

Doggie Dancing - Freestyle dancing with your dog can be a fun activity for both you and your dog, especially if you like music.   You will learn the basic footwork for heeling to music.   Time will also be spent in matching music to your canine’s unique rhythm.   You will also learn moves for free-style obedience. 

Conformation-Goal is to prepare dogs and handlers for competition in the breed ring. Handlers will learn how to train their dogs to stand stay, free bait, hand stack, show expression and gait properly. Basic procedures and courtesies of handling conformation dogs are also taught.