Agility classes at SCDTC run over
12-week “terms”. These terms can run for longer if we have to cancel training
because of bad weather because we need 12 weeks of training to teach each class.
Our classes form a structured program so
progression from one class to the next depends on performance and is at the
discretion of the instructors.
This all sounds very serious, and
agility is supposed to be fun! Well, it is fun, but we want to give you the best
training we can so that if you decide to take the sport more seriously, you’ll
be in a good position to do so. It is also important to remember that agility
makes big physical demands on our dogs, and that we have to be careful to teach
them well to keep them safe.
Relationship Class
This is a 3-week class designed to
strengthen the bond between dog and handler through play, mutual responsibility
and respect.
The class is based on the idea that if
your dog won’t play with you anywhere, anytime, it is unlikely to work with you
when you need it to in agility or obedience or anything else you might want to
get involved in. It is also designed to build focus on the handler and
excitement about toys and play that can be used in any kind of future training.
At the same time, you are asked to give
your dog simple responsibilities at home (like sitting before being allowed to
go through a door, or shaking hands before being given dinner) so that it comes
to understand that nothing in life is free (not anymore, anyway!).
Relationship Class runs twice in each
12-week term (beginning in Week 2 and Week 8), and each class is limited to 10
participants. Please email the Agility Secretary
for an
enrolment form if you would like to do this class.
You may do it more than once if numbers permit. You need to graduate from
the Relationship Class to be able to enrol in Class 1.
Class 1
Class 1 runs for 12 weeks.
The first
6 weeks is the Foundation Class devoted to teaching a set of foundation behaviours for agility, as well
as teaching handlers some very basic handling skills; in the second 6 weeks dogs
are introduced to most agility obstacles and begin their training on weavepoles.
This class is intense and progressive,
and involves daily HOMEWORK. It requires weekly attendance and a high degree of
commitment!
Numbers for Class 1 are limited.
Class 2
Class 2 runs for 12 weeks and
concentrates on jumping skills and simple obstacle sequencing while continuing
weavepole and contact obstacle training.
Dogs will not learn to weave if they
only train once a week, so this class also requires regular homework.
Class 3
Class 3 runs for 12 weeks and teaches
more advanced handling, while dogs learn to respond to their handlers’ body
language through gradually more complicated manoeuvres. Classes alternate
between teaching and applying skills and building dogs’ confidence in speed
work. Training on weavepoles and contact obstacles continues.
Class 4
Class 4 is for dog and handler teams who
are competing or ready to compete. Classes offer handling and training exercises
and occasional full courses.
|
