Agility Classes

Beginning I Agility (6 week course) Cost: $125 See New Classes section for new class start dates.

Open to dogs six months on up. We recommend that everyone interested in Agility enroll their dogs in Puppy/Basic Obedience and the "Focus Class" prior to starting the Agility Class.

The first agility class is an introduction to the agility obstacles, and will be taught on low obstacles. Emphasis is on building focus, teamwork and attention. Handlers are encouraged to play with their dogs to help build drive and motivation.

Students will be introduced to clicker training.

Taught inside. Maximum class size 7.

Beginning Agility II (6 week course) Cost: $125 Currently taught on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. See New Class section for future start dates.

This class is open to dogs that have successfully completed Beginning class, or with instructor approval.

Builds on obstacle performance skills, increasing the obstacles to full height, sequencing, and handling skills.

We will also be expanding on concepts such as targeting, and honing your clicker training skills.

Taught inside. Maximum class size 7.

Intermediate I (inside) Cost $85 Held on Mondays at 7:00 p.m. and Sundays at 4 pm

Emphasis will be on developing jumping skills, fine-tuning contact performance, and course work. Students will develop their ability to smoothly change sides during courses (front and rear crosses). Beginning distance work will be introduced.

Intermediate II (monthly) Cost $50 Currently taught on Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.

Open to dogs that have been moved on by the instructor from Agility II. Dog's must exhibit good off-leash control in order to qualify for this class. The class will further emphasize handling techniques, side changes, and longer, more complex sequences. This prepares dogs for successful Novice/Open agility competition. Taught outside. Maximum class size 8

Competition (monthly) Cost $50

Currently taught on Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m. Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m., and Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.

For competitors who are either competing at Excellent/Masters/Elite level, or who are prepared for competition at that level. Handling strategies will be taught, as well as ongoing instruction to perfect skills to get maximum performance from you and your canine partner. Emphasis will be placed on complex side switches, distance handling, jumping skills, and proofing contacts and increasing speed/reliability.

Taught outside. Maximum class size 8.

Obedience for Agility Start date pending - we recommend people interested in this class attend the "Focus" class.

This class is designed to help dogs and handlers who don’t have a strong foundation in basic obedience and control work. Basic obedience skills taught will include sit, down, stay, come when called, and attention. Specific agility tools such as targeting, changing sides on command, and reliable contact performance will also be taught. Some agility obstacles will be used in this class. This is also a useful course for puppies.

Taught inside. Maximum class size 8.

New Class: Distance Training - starts Monday, January 2009 at 8:00 p.m.

Cost: $50/4 weeks*

• Discounted to $30 if you are currently enrolled in agility classes at Bellecreek

The Distance class is for dog/handler teams who are proficient on ALL the obstacles, and are currently competing, or are competition-ready. The class helps develop distance skills, so that it is no longer necessary for you to run directly by your dog in order for him to perform the obstacles.

This will enable you to excel in not only regular classes from ALL venues, but also for the AKC FAST class, USDAA Gamblers, and NADAC/CPE and other venue's distance challenges.

This will be of particular benefit for people who have physical restraints which prevents them from running fast, and always "being there" for their dog.

Taught outside. Maximum class size 10. Depending on class size - this class MAY run until 9:30 p.m.