-Indicates Class is Closed
  -Indicates Class is Full
  -Indicates Class is Canceled
Note: Application are still accepted when class is full. Students will be added to the wait list.

Agility Classes (Spring 2024)

Day

Time

Class

Instructor

Monday

Mar 25,Apr 1,8,15,22,29

11:00am-12:00pm

Advanced Agility outdoors (limit 6)

Susan Bankauf

Mar 25,Apr 1,8,15,22,29

12:30pm-1:30pm

Beginner Agility outdoors (limit 6)

Susan Bankauf, Laura Anne Welch, Christine Taylor

Mar 25,Apr 1,8,15,22,29

7:00pm-8:00pm

Agility Unleashed indoors (limit 6)

Baptist Knaven, Laurence Gesquiere

Tuesday

Mar 26, Apr 2,9,16,23,30

9:00am-10:00am

Introduction to Agility indoors (limit 6)

Betsy King, Kathleen Downs

Mar 26, Apr 2,9,16,23,30

6:00pm-7:00pm

Premier/ISC outdoors (limit 6)

Greg Fontaine

Wednesday

Mar 27,Apr 3,10,17,24,30

7:00pm-8:00pm

Team Foundation Skills indoors(limit 6)

Heidi Buck

Thursday

,Apr 4,11,18,25,May 2,9

12:00pm-1:00pm

Advanced Agility outdoors (limit 6)

Penny Leigh

Apr 4,11,25,May 2,9,16

6:00pm-7:00pm

Novice Agility outdoors(limit 6)

Susan Bankauf

Apr 4,11,25,May 2,9,16

6:00pm-7:00pm

Intermediat Agility outdoors(limit 6)

Laurence Gesquiere

VERY IMPORTANT – We understand that in the agility setting, dogs do get excited and may on occasion lunge at or chase other dogs that are running.  However, if any dog willfully attacks a human or another dog while in class, you will be asked to leave and may not return with that dog.

Classes fill very quickly and space is limited – please either submit your application online with payment, or return your application and a check made payable to DKC as soon as possible.  If you need

Note: Durham Kennel Club reserves the right to cancel class if a minimum of dogs is not reached a week before start of class.

 

DURHAM KENNEL CLUB AGILITY CLASS INFORMATION

 


Team Foundation Skills

Prerequisite:Dogs should be able to demonstrate basic obedience skills such as sit, stay and come. Dogs do not need to have any agility experience

This class is held indoors. This class utilizes games and exercises designed to increase engagement and your dog’s desire to work with you as a team. You will learn how to build your dog’s drive while increasing focus and self-control. Upon completion of this class you will have developed a better training relationship. Obedience exercises as well as introductions to some agility equipment will be utilized. This class is beneficial for all performance dogs.


Agility Unleashed

Prerequisite:Dogs should be able to demonstrate basic obedience skills such as sit, stay and come. Dogs do not need to have any agility experience.

This class is held indoors. This class will focus on you and your dog working without a leash. A good training relationship with your dog will reduce incidents of running off, sniffing or visiting other dogs. This class is a great foundation for any agility classes


Puppy Agility

Prerequisite:Puppies should know their names and respond to basic commands.

This class is held indoors and/or outdoors. It is appropriate for any puppy under 1 year old that you want to get started correctly. We will teach your pup the skills needed to excel at agility and other dog sports. These include tricks, communication, fitness, body awareness and focus. This reward-based training will be fun for you and your new puppy.


Introduction to Agility

Prerequisite:Dogs should have completed an obedience class, Team Foundation Skills and/or Agility Unleashed. They should be able to demonstrate basic obedience skills such as sit, stay and come.

This class is held indoors and introduces dogs to the basic skills needed for agility. This includes an introduction to agility cues, contact obstacle basics, beginning handling skills and start line behavior training. The goal of this class is that you and your dog will achieve a better understanding of the sport of agility and begin working as a cohesive team.

To move up to the Beginner Agility, the dog and handler must demonstrate a good working relationship. The team should be able to work together to attempt all obstacles in the Introduction to Agility class.


Beginner Agility

Prerequisite:Dogs should have completed Team Foundation Skills and/or Agility Unleashed and have taken Introduction to Agility. Dogs need to be able to work off-leash and be under control of their handler.

This class is held outdoors and builds on the skills taught in the Introduction to Agility Class. The class will progress teams (dog and handler) on the contact obstacles, weave poles, table, tunnel and the various jumps used on an agility course. Teams will also start with basic handling using short sequences.

To move up to the Novice Agility, the dog and handler must demonstrate a good working relationship and be able to do 3-4 obstacle sequences. They also must be able to navigate the tunnel, channel weaves, jumps and contact obstacles with an end behavior.


Novice Agility

Prerequisite: Prerequisite: Dogs should have completed Team Foundation Skills and/or Agility Unleashed and have taken Beginner Agility. They must be able to execute all the agility obstacles and work as a team.

This class is held outdoors. It builds on the skills learned in the Beginner Agility class. Teams will start running longer more challenging sequences and learn to perform more difficult handling skills. It will also continue to improve obstacle performance.

To move up to Intermediate Agility, the dog and handler must demonstrate a good working relationship and be able to do 10 obstacle sequences. They also must be able to do 6 channel weave poles almost closed, all contact obstacles with an end behavior and execute the different types of crosses.


Intermediate Agility

Prerequisite:: Dogs should have completed the Novice Agility Class and be proficient on the contact obstacles and weave poles

This class is held outdoors. It builds on the skills learned in the Novice Agility class. Teams will train towards novice/open level competition. Sequences will be longer leading to full courses. Handling challenges will be appropriate for open level competition.

To move up to Advanced Agility, teams must be able to run sequences of 16+ obstacles, have closed weave poles, and perform all obstacles and execute the different crosses.


Advanced Agility

Prerequisite:Dogs should have completed at least a novice title or have Instructor approval.

This class is held outdoors. It prepares teams for open/excellent competitions. Sequences will be longer, and the skills needed will be more advanced. Different handling options will be discussed and executed to help each team to be their best.


Masters Agility

Prerequisite:Dogs should have completed at least an open title or have Instructor approval.

This class is held outdoors. The courses presented will be harder, requiring more advanced handling skills. You will run full courses. Different handling options will be discussed and executed to discover what is the best option for your team and get the most efficient lines for your team.


Premier/ISC Agility

Prerequisite:Dogs should have completed at least an excellent title or have Instructor approval.

This class is held outdoors. It is geared for the agility team that wants to go further with their training. You will run more difficult courses containing backsides, threadless and other challenges found in Premier and International style courses.


Jumping and Weaves

Prerequisite:Dogs should have successfully completed Beginner Agility and have a good working relationship.

This class is held outdoors. This class is for the student who has been through both Intro to Agility and Beginners or their equivalent and more advanced students that wish to sharpen their skills. You will teach your dog to jump in extension, collection and execute turns. The proper handling cues will be taught for turning and common course patterns seen in courses. Dogs should have had a basic introduction to weave poles to continue the skills helping the dog find the entry and continue through the entire set leading to more independence in the weaves. It is recommended that the student have a set of weave poles at home for practice outside of class.