Agility

What is Agility?

Agility is a sport that appeals to all dog lovers - from young people to senior citizens. It has great spectator appeal. Agility is designed to demonstrate a dog's willingness to work with its handler in a variety of situations. It is an athletic event that requires conditioning, concentration, training and teamwork. Dog and handlers negotiate an obstacle course racing against the clock. The’ Standard Class’ includes contact objects such as the dog walk, the A-frame, and seesaw. Each of the contact obstacles has a "safety zone" painted on the object and the dog must place at least one paw in that area to complete the obstacle. The ‘Jumpers with Weaves’ has only jumps, tunnels and weaves poles with no contact objects to slow the pace. Additionally, many venues offer games designed to test handler-and-dog teams' strategy skill, accuracy, speed and distance handling. Agility is available to purebreds and mixed breeds. From tiny Yorkshire Terriers to giant Irish Wolfhounds, the dogs run the same course with adjustments in the expected time and jump height. The classes are divided by jump heights in order to make the competition equal between the different sizes of dogs.

Basic requirements for participation in agility classes at TCKC are:

1. The dog should be in good health, at least one (1) year of age, and under the handler’s control in an off-lead situation.

2. The dog must not show signs of aggression towards other dogs or people.

3. The applicant must present proof of current immunizations (or titers) for their dog by the first class for each session in which they are enrolled.

4. The applicant must read, sign and date the TCKC registration form, read and sign TCKC’s liability waiver, read and initial the Refund Policy and include payment of class fees.

5. A slip lead is recommended; however, a six-foot leather or nylon lead is acceptable

Each handler will be responsible for bringing the proper equipment and training aids to class with them each week. Treats, toys, leads and crates will NOT be provided for class participants.

Here is a list of items to bring with you each week to class:

1. A buckle collar or quick release collar free of any tags. Choke collars and pinch collars are not allowed.

2. A 4” or 6” tab lead (optional).

3. A 6’ obedience lead or 6’ British slip lead.

4. Tennis shoes for the handler. (Sandals or flip-flops are NOT permitted.)

5. Lots of your dog’s favorite treats. String cheese, micro waved hotdogs, liver, etc., are especially good choices.

6. A toy motivator (tug toys are best). Balls or other rolling toys should not be used.

7. A hungry dog! It is recommended you delay your dog’s dinner until after class. Their motivation will be greater if they’re working for that treat on an empty stomach.

8. Dog crates (for Intermediate, Advanced and Competition classes).

Agility Video

Click on a class title for additional information.

Agility Fundamentals
1 & 2

The goal of the Fundamental Agility class is to teach the dog/handler team the proper identification and execution of each piece of American Kennel Club (AKC) agility equipment, with special emphasis placed on dog safety. These 2 classes are designed for dogs that are new to agility and should be taken consecutively. Coursework will not be covered in this class. Focus will be on learning the individual pieces of equipment and the proper handling techniques to get your dog to successfully perform each obstacle. Variety of 2-obstacle sequences are learned and completed.

Agility Fundamentals 3

The goal of the Agility Fundamentals 3 class is to develop skills to perform short sequences between the dog/handler team on American Kennel Club (AKC) agility equipment, with special emphasis placed on dog safety. All skills from previous classes are used as teams work exercises to increase the dog's confidence and ability. Beginning coursework will be covered in this class. Specific handling skills and common obstacle formations are introduced and multi-obstacle sequences are completed. Focus will be on rewarding the proper performance of all obstacles. Dogs perform most exercises off-lead.

Intermediate Agility

The goal of the Intermediate Agility class is to continue the progression of skills learned in Beginner Agility, with special emphasis placed on dog safety. Dog/handler teams should be able to perform short sequences on the American Kennel Club (AKC) agility equipment. Additional handling skills are introduced and then used in multi-obstacle sequences. Focus is on offset weave pole entries and common obstacle/jump formations and sequences. Flatwork and intermediate coursework will be covered in this class. Attention is given to rewarding the proper performance of all obstacles. Students are encouraged to begin course handling strategy.

Advanced Agility

Intermediate Agility class skills are used and the complexity-level of handling is increased by combining specific maneuvers into multi-obstacle sequences. Common competition jump patterns are introduced and a variety of handling options are presented and worked. Students continue to improve weave pole skills.

Agility Drills

Teams have the opportunity to work a specific handling skill in a brief, multi-obstacle drill, usually a jump sequence. This provides teams with the advantage of doing several repetitions of the same sequence. In addition, there is a "mini course" which contains obstacles, tunnels, weaves, etc. that students complete multiple times. The final exercise is to combine the two sections. Students must bring crates for their dogs.

Sequencing

Dogs must be able to successfully perform twelve straight-line weave poles. Each class will offer a specific handling skill which is contained in 3-4 separate multi-obstacle sequences. Teams will complete each sequence separately and then they will be combined into a full course for teams to run as the final exercise of each class. Teams should be competing in agility venues or complete previous agility classes. Crates are required.

Competition Agility

Dogs must be able to successfully perform twelve straight-line weave poles. In addition, enrollment in Competition requires that teams have competed in any agility venue. The class presents higher-level handling skills; ones that are commonly found on competition agility courses and are considered to be course "challenges" by agility judges. Distance handling is covered as to weave poles. Handler-focus and obstacle-focus are presented in several exercises.