Class Types and Times
Set-up of equipment and courses commences at 6.30pm. All first session participants are required to assist with set-up. This ensures that classes can commence on time and also helps participants learn about equipment structure, safety and course design.
First session classes commence from 6.45pm and finish at 7.30pm. These classes include:
Puppy Agility Class - Foundation Skills training for puppies aged from 16
weeks to 12 months. Some puppies may be moved to the Advanced Puppies class once they reach 9 months of age.
Beginners Class - The Beginners (formerly Introductory) class is for new members' dogs at least 12 months of age, including Come 'n' Try participants with no previous Agility experience.
To teach all dogs the basic equipment (no See-Saw). Handlers to develop commands/signals and learn the correct set up of the equipment e.g. the uprights for the Broad Jump, different heights for Spread Hurdles and Tyre/Hoop.
Target training including use of a release word e.g. “Ok”
Basic weaving on lead and through the mesh (poles placed only slightly staggered)
Dog Walk and scramble (on low height)
Recalls and stays
Right and left side handling
Dogs learn changing sides by following food in changing lead hand e.g. figure 8 over one bar
Consistent use of commands e.g.
| Equipment |
Command |
| Dog Walk |
“Dog Walk” or “Walk” |
followed by “Touch” |
| Scramble |
"Scramble” or “Scramble Up” |
followed by “Touch” |
| Tyre/Hoop |
“Tyre Up” or “Hoop” |
| Tunnel |
“Tunnel” can add “Through” |
| Jumps |
“Over” |
| Weaving |
“Go Weave” or “Weave” |
Requirements for graduation:
Complete all equipment at low height and on lead
5 second Sit-Stay with handler being 1m away
3m Recall off lead
Second session classes run from 7.30pm - 8.30pm and participants are required to assist with set-up frpm 7.00pm. These classes include:
Intermediate Class - Introduction to the see-saw, serpentine formations, and simple sequence/course layouts. To start basic distance work and general change of direction (front & rear crosses etc.) Dogs are expected to be able to weave independently to graduate from this class.
Requirements for graduation:
Can weave competently off lead (right side weaving is desirable but not mandatory)
Can run small sequences (4-5 obstacles) with some degree of success
Advanced Class - all heights sharing sequences/courses in turn. Competent at handling more complex sequences introducing combination obstacles/discriminations/distance work. Add Reverse-flow pivot for threadle and obstacle discrimination. Fine tune body language and handling skills. Dog and handler working as a team. Walking the course with the handlers (Instructor to explain different handling scenarios)
Handler to understand and be familiar with the ANKC rules for Agility and understanding ring etiquette (don't criticise the course or the judge, place dog on lead prior to leaving the ring)
Requirements for graduation:
Handler and dog move into trialling class when they have achieved a qualification in AD or JD
8.30pm Announcements and Administration.
Third session (Trialling class) is held from 8.30pm - 9.30pm, followed by
pack-up of remaining equipment.
Trialling classes are for handlers and dogs which are trialling in competitions: all heights sharing the courses in turn. This class is aimed at constantly improving handling skills.
N.B: However well-trained and reliable your dog may be, it must be on lead always when not running a course or participating in class. You are required to help in setting up courses and packing away equipment, so you will need to be able to leave your dog in your car, or in a crate, or attached to a secure peg in the ground by a lead of no more than 1m in length. If this is not possible for any reason, you should bring a friend with you to mind your dog while you undertake these necessary chores. Your dog is to train in a flat/fixed collar (no slip chains) with no tags/attachments.
