AGILITY
Classes are open to both the general public and CKC members. All breeds and mixed breeds, big and little, beginner and advanced are welcome. Pre-registration is required for all Classes. Instruction covers both AKC and UKC equipment. Instructors train a wide variety of breeds and compete in many different venues. All instructors are actively competing and many have completed upper level titles in multiple venues. For class registration all dogs must show current rabies vaccination. As an added precaution, it is recommended to have your dog vaccinated for bordetello as well. For puppy classes, vaccinations are recommended as follows: less than 16 weeks of age dogs should have all puppy shots; over 16 weeks of age must also have a rabies vaccination. All class contain a maximum 6-7 dogs allowing ample time for teacher/student instruction. All classes are taught with positive reinforcement. Above all else, the most important thing you will learn is how to have fun with your dog. BEWARE....agility is habit forming!!!
CLASS DISCRIPTION:
Beginners Class (6 weeks)
Prerequisites: Good obedience base. Dogs in this class must respond well to the commands sit, down, come and stay. Prior obedience training classes are recommended. The dogs must be well-socialized and be able to work in a group environment. Agility is a physically demanding sport for both you and your dog. The demands of some obstacles, such as bending in the weave poles, leaping and landing full height jumps, landing the full-size teeter, and climbing a full height A-frame, may not be safe for young dogs. Therefore, all dogs entering this class must be 10 months of age or older. Dogs under 10 months of age are encouraged to attend Manners (Obedience) classes.
Objectives: Dogs and handlers will be introduced to all the agility equipment used in AKC and UKC agility trials. The focus will be on building the solid 'bottom' behavior, and confidence on moving on equipment that is necessary for reliable independent contact performance, using channel weaves to lay the foundation for independent weaving skills, and building the confidence and drive necessary for success in future classes. Emphasis will be placed on obstacle performance as well as on teaching the handlers the necessary training skills. At the end of the sixteen-week session, the dog should be able to complete the obstacles without fear or hesitation.
8 wks without first completing the first part)
Intermediate – 6 weeks
Prerequisites: Successful completion of the beginner’s class or approval of the Instructor. Dogs are expected to have a good working off-leash ability of the AKC and UKC obstacles and be able to complete each obstacle without fear or hesitation.
Objectives: Focus will be placed on starting competition, with training in walking courses, course strategy, and positioning your dog at start line. Instructions will be given on entering all agility venues, with assistance in registration, and explanation of premiums. Emphasis will be placed on improving both the dog’s and handler’s basic agility skills. This includes basic obstacle discrimination, front and backcrosses, and challenging weave pole entrances. There will be opportunity to do exercises designed to work on specific problem areas. Introduction to angles, approaches and entrances to obstacles, and handler’s posture and body & hand positions. Full high level courses will be presented for each class.
COMPETION CLASSES:
Advanced Intermediate (6 weeks)
Prerequisites: Successful completion of Intermediate class and a qualifying leg from any agility organization, or have approval of the Instructor. Dogs should be actively competing in agility events in any venue. Dogs should be able to perform the weave poles with little intervention from the handler. (AKC -novice, open, UKC AgI/AgII, NADAC - all novice reg agility and games event).
Objectives: This class will build on the basic skills learned in the intermediate class. There will be more emphasis on longer obstacle sequences, incorporating a mixture of the basic agility course designs. Handlers will be encouraged to try a variety of handling skills to determine what works best for their own dogs. Emphasis on blind, front, back crosses, obstacle discrimination, distances work, layering, contact structure. A mixture of UKC and AKC equipment will be used. Handlers will do mock AKC, UKC, NADAC trials. Full high level courses will be presented for each class
Advanced (6 weeks)
Prerequisites: Completion of Advanced/Intermediate class or approval of the Instructor. Dogs should be showing at the equivalent of the Open/Excellent level in any venue, (AKC, UKC AGIII, NADAC Outstanding, Superior in STD and/or games). Dogs must be able to perform the weave poles unassisted, with the handlers at a distance.
Objectives: This class is designed to improve teamwork. Full, multiple obstacle sequences will be presented with challenges that require the dog and hander to function smoothly as a team. The obstacle sequences in this class will be more challenging and of greater length than the sequences in the Advanced/Intermediate class. This class is fast-paced and requires a high degree of interest and motivation from both the dog and handler. Multiple venues, all equipment. Full advanced course in various venues will be used for training.
All classes require a minimum of 4 dogs.
